TEARS OF JOY

Tears of joy. yes, as I looked at the wonderful pictures that have been sent to me via instgram.  .My very good looking, talented, humble, grandson received his Dr's degree from Harvard.  I am bursting with pride and so thankful for his humility.  How proud his Grandfather would have been.  He thought he would go far and he still has far to go. 

Down to earth, I saw a busy  mother mockingbird, leading her little one across the grass looking for bugs for breakfast.  She would fly away for a minute to catch one and the baby would wait patiently for her return.  Once she did not come right back and it got the courage to look on its own.  Finally flew into the safety of a shrub.  I lost them then.  I hope she was watching.  I know mothers and I am sure she knew what she was doing.  It was time to be on its own.    SO BE IT!!!

BettyBoop

ANOTHER STORY

Always see a story.  All made up in my mind. Geese are sunning on The  bank below me.  Fresh from a swim and sunning their feathers.  There is an odd number.  They go in pairs these days,  one old boy had his neck stretched and looking up Lake.  "Late again," he seems  to say.  He finally gave up and flew to hurry her up.  Now, I am not saying this is true, but don't you think that could happen?  These pairs are getting on my nerves.  Maybe it is still Spring and something happens even in the oldies. But we have been watching a few "friendships"  blossom lately. Oh I hate gossip, but something like "friendship" is interesting. For me, It has not happened.   Maybe I have not been interested.  I don't expect it to happen to me, but for those who find someone to be happy with, so be it.  I have enough memories to last a life time.  I am  lucky.  They come to me at times and I savor them and make them in my mind perfect.  Although I know no one is perfect.

Betty Boop  

SYMPHONY

Symphony from a my private Balcony. Yet, I can dress in my nighty  and flip pops and drink coffee, not fine wine and not even comb my hair.  I heard the most beautiful music you ever heard. There even seemed to be an elegant leader with his tucks and baton to direct them.  I am talking about my birds in the  pine trees.  O they were in tune this morning. I picture the mocking bird as the leader.  He knows all the songs and can sing them perfect. Another group is also preparing. Our Choir is preparing a concert for 4th of July.  We really love singing the songs for that.  I can't sing well anymore and most of us can't  do as we used to but some can and  they do a good job of caring us who want to enjoy.  Together --about 30 to 35 do good I think.  At least we enjoy it. 

Getting warm on the Balcony even early and I move my chair out of the sun.  Bitsy enjoys watching the sparrows eat bread crumbs.  They are glad when I come inside so they can continue the breakfast of whole wheat rye bread crumbs . Fancy birds!!

Betty Boop

BUSY DAY

It seems it does not take much for me to call it a busy day.   My energy is low. I did really enjoy lunch Memorial Day.  It was full of residents and guest.  They did, I think, an excellent job of having plenty of extra help.  Made it  very nice. I had BBQ   chicken, corn on cob, baked beans, cole  slaw, watermelon, and grilled peach melba  served in the best cookie cup.  I had lunch with three ladies I knew slightly and it was refreshing to hear new stories.   One was named Dot-that was fun.  They all loved to talk and although their stories were interesting, I was very tired when we lingered too long telling them. I really listen and keep most of my  stories to  myself.  I find that no one really wants to hear them anyway.  I fell in the bed and slept for an hour.  Kind of tired the rest of the day. Read my book of the moment and tried to recover.  Still have little energy this morning.  I wonder why?

Betty Boop

LIKE GLASS

At 7 this morning, as I stepped to the Balcony, the Lake was like glass.  Not a ripple could be seen.  The reflection of the trees in the water was like a still picture.  No wind at all. The Willow trees and the Cyprus, were a good choice when they were planted.   I get to enjoy the choice somebody  made years ago.  On the balcony next to me flew a pair of sparrows, just silently surveying the scene.  Away they flew in together.  It is  the time for "twos."  So much fun to watch the pairs as they go about their purpose.

My Jimmy Dean sausage, egg, and cheese on a whole wheat English muffin was so good this morning. (a Sunday morning treat)  Along with cranberry-mango juice and a big fat strawberry and coffee too was fit for a Queen and me too.  Church later and whatever happens.  I am ready. (I hope.)

Betty Boop  

VIEW FROM BALCONY

I think I saw a story acted out from my view on the Balcony.  A very brisk and fast little lady came rushing from the building at the outside Cyber entrance and spotted someone on the pier.  She marched swiftly and soon she came walking fast with him in tow.  They walked with her leading the way and him trying to keep up with her fast pace.  Off she and he went out of sight.  What could have happened?  Did he get an urgent message?  Or did he get off without her and she was mad?  The usually walk together.   Maybe nothing serious and it is not any of my business anyway.  That is what happens when you sit unobserved on the Balcony.  A curious mind helps too. 

Amy came by to visit yesterday afternoon.   Always with gifts.  She brought some very beautiful strawberries and a serving of her cabbage rolls.  Always the best.  They will be dinner tonight. Bless her Lord.  She and Jan are always bringing me such good gifts of food.  The food here is very good considering they make so much, but it too gets tiresome and someone else's cooking for a change is welcomed.

Betty Boop.   

PATRIOTIC WE ARE

Yes, the flags are going up.  A yearly tradition around this generation of oldies. I guess we have all felt it close up.   I mean war and how we protected our country,   You have to live through to fully understand what our country experienced.  I was 18 when it started and really did not fully understand.  But here at SCV we have many who do.  We put flags everywhere.  There is a new one this year that is huge.  They put it up yesterday between the golf course and croquet space.  It is stunning!!!!  More around the fence and I am sure they will  go up down the pier as usual.  From Memorial Day through 4th of July. we celebrate with these reminders.  Of  course our wonderful Sunshine Choir will perform on the 4th. (I am a proud member.)  Keeps me going.

Betty Boop

ANSWERS

I have always pondered my technique of praying.  As if it should be perfect each time.  I find that it can't be.  I  stumbled upon a verse from Romans 8:26-27 that seemed to speak to me.  I know God answers but not the way I want sometime and I feel he is not hearing me.  Do I know how to pray?  The verse in Romans spoke  to me.  God does hear and in spite of my asking for something and it is not what I should have and I think I just don't know how to ask-- he hears.  Sometime I just can't bring to words what I want.  My prayer sounds so small and self centered. Sometime you wait.  Then I just try to sit and be still-because I know he hears.    Forgive me, but I just need to "preach" sometime.

Betty Boop

BREEZY ON BALCONY

There was a warm but small wind blowing on Balcony.  A big old mean wasp chased me in.  He was so big that I thought at first he was a hummingbird. I do hate those wasp, they are mean and if they sting---it hurts for days.  So I gave it to him and came inside. 

I got some meds for my ear ache, I do hope it helps.  Jan went to much trouble to get me some relief.  So far, not there yet, but I will faithfully follow the Doctor's orders, because that is what I do.  But I find you must also be good at knowing your own body. Plus have a "Jan" to help.  What would I do without my girls? They are so wonderful to me and I try not to be too much trouble.           Tuesday is Choir practice  day.  We are working on a 4th of July celebration.   I love those old songs. 

Betty Boop

TWELVE TALL PINES

There are 12 tall (I mean tall) pines outside my Balcony.  They were alive with music this morning.  A regular chorus was happily singing.  All kinds of voices.   Happy I guess.   I know two little sparrows are.  Bitsy and I see to that with bread crumbs each morning.   I saw two Canada geese making wake on the Lake.  All married and getting ready for family.  One man walking with purpose.  I saw two workers on the job .They were spreading fresh pine straw around the trees and shrubs.  They do such a nice job of keeping our grounds nice and fresh.  

Lunch after Church was good. At Bonefish. Ever been there?  Amy, MG, (Ryan was not feeling well), Sophie & Paul, and me.  We enjoyed talking about many things.  I love to listen.  Usually not much to add, of interest to them,  so I just listen.  Hearing aids make it hard to keep up in a crowd like a restaurant.   So Be It.

Betty Boop

LITTLE RAIN

Well into each life a little rain must fall, so the saying goes.   I do hope not as much as the last weekend.  But we made the most of it as a we had out annual Spring campout.   You know campout brings horror to some I mention it to.   I usually don't spread that subject to some out here.  They think I am crazy.  But as one who has traveled all over the world by many modes of travel, camping is my favorite of all Truman and I did.  We gave that delight to all our children.  They have traveled a lot too but still love our get togethers.  Hey, maybe it is partly the fun we have just being together.  That is our goal. 

Bitsy and I love our little sparrows that I feed bread crumbs to every morning on the Balcony.  She hides (she thinks) in the edge of the drapes  and is as still as can be, and watches.  They carried crumbs away this morning, because I broke them up too  large.  So they could not stay to break them up.   I know they were afraid of the CAT.      Well away I go to prepare for Church. Come with us.  

Betty Boop

STAY ALL DAY

I could stay all day on the Balcony.  So peaceful, cool. and plenty to look at. I just saw a happy couple walking.  Her in the front and him keeping up from behind. Walking at a pretty good pace.  Good for them.  Truman was too fast for me.  At the YMCA he was dubbed as the fastest of all.  Then I saw another walker on the other side of Lake.   Soon the construction that has been going on a long time will be finished and the walk will open again so you can walk around the Lake again.

I saw Mr. Hawk trying to buzz my balcony. I think he saw the bread crumbs I put out for Bitsy's  sparrows.  She looks for them each morning.  Being as small and still as she can. My neighbor tosses Ritz crackers  over the balcony for the hawks and other birds join in.  He seems to get a kick out of that.  So whatever turns you on, I say.  (maybe a poem title in there)  I seem to need something to start me writing more.  Give me a title, someone.

Betty Boop

ANOTHER BEAUTY

I can't get enough of this perfect weather.  The Balcony was delightful at 7 A. M.  We have such a small window of this kind of weather--no humidity .  One lone duck on the wall below me.  Lonely Duck, I guess.  Small covey of Canada Geese were grazing on my meadow. Bluebirds fliting in the trees below my balcony.  Two houses have guest.  Many other birds I can not identify .  Because I can't see them well.  Bitsy is here near my feet smiling in  the ray  of sunshine.  Happy and full of turkey & giblet  dinner.  I  have to give her a little good stuff with her meds mashed in it to get it down her.  She loves it and begs  for more, but I keep it as a treat. 

Jan took me to ear Dr. yesterday.  He opened both of my ears.  I tend to fill up easy.  I need to go on a regular bases to keep it at bay.  It went well-no infection, but I must give it a little time to settle  down.  It still has a pain off and on.  I know I am no different from everyone else, but it seems I have a lot to maintain.  If you live to 92, a lot can go wrong, no matter how you take care. And I do my best to pay attention to my health and still not be obsessive and not overdo it.  O well, you are brought up to date on the health front.  Now get on with the best part.  And that is to "enjoy myself."  It's later than you think.    Did you watch the last BIG BANG THEORY"  last night?  It is one of my favorite shows.  I will miss it, although I am sure I can see it over and over in reruns.  I was satisfied with the ending.  Very clever writing, I think.

Betty Boop

Ahhhhh !!!!!!

The Balcony was nice.  Saw walkers, so the humidity is perfect.  Take advantage early for we will soon be complaining of the heat.  Ducks were making a v shape wake behind them as they float so silently along.  The sun is good to my plants and they are thriving  I think.  Been hard to get them going.  So much rain has not been good on them. 

I slept poorly last night.  I have an ear ache.  From what I do not know.  It has been annoying me a few days.  Finally has gotten me worried and am going to Dr.  tomorrow.  It is so stopped up that I can't hear out of it.  So frustrating.  We will see what is wrong.   Lordy, it is something all the time.  Body is wearing out.   O well---Better Tomorrow. 

Betty Boop

BEAUTIFUL

At 62 degrees and sun shinning, it was perfect with "footies" on my feet, and coffee in my cup.  From the Balcony,  I saw one fisherman. But all was quite all over.  

Tommy is coming for History Club and lunch.   I really like for him to come each month.  Our leader just got back from  a trip to Colonial Williamsburg.  I remember going there a long time ago so I remember little about it.   Should be good to hear him tell about it.

Betty Boop

GREAT WEEKEND

We  really did make the most of our weekend.  I did not think it could turn out so good. but it did.  Everyone was so positive we could go in the rain and enjoy it.  It was 12 of us and we talked of the missing ones and learned news of them.  We talked, ate fabulous  food, slept and watched for "gators" (saw one) made a fire in the fireplace, talked of past trips together.   We are an exceptional family.   We actually like each other. !! And it is so interesting to me how different  each one is, yet alike in many ways.   I just loved hearing everyone share themselves with each other. The Lake was so pretty with all the many beautiful trees and wild life.  I thoroughly enjoyed it and I think it was a success.  Not every family gets to do what we do. Getting together like this pulls us together. "Truman's Dream". I do miss him so on occasions like this.  But revel in the feeling that he approves and is giving us his blessing. And of course God's mercy of giving us safety and a wonderful weekend.  And when we gather together in a circle and hold hands for blessing said by different ones. it makes my heart soar.

Betty Boop

CALL US CRAZY

Annual Mother's Day
















This weekend is our annual Mother's Day/Spring campout.  We stay in cabins now.  Every fall and spring as many as can come.  I know it was almost called off because of the rain but we decided to try anyway.  It is hard to get everyone on board now.  But I think Beach Week, everyone is coming.  If we have to stay indoors and just sleep, eat, and talk--it will be worth it.  I am so happy my family likes to get together.  Truman would have been proud too.  We will miss him so much!!!.

Betty Boop

PLEASANT ON BALCONY

I really don't know what I would do without my Balcony. Of course that is a silly thing to say.  I would find another way to seek peace and a place to reflect.  But to be out there before the world around me begins to turn, is a true blessing.  It was a small breeze and cool temperature. Just right. My flowers are looking good, since Amy replaced a few that did not make it.  They looked happy this morning.  All pink, yellow and purple.  So pretty.  I had a few things to sort out and finally decided to just be still and wait for an  answer and try not to "fix" everything.  Hope for a better weather report for the weekend and our Mother's Day campout in cabins. Something we have a tradition of doing.  Gets harder as things get different every year.   Time does march on--so try to keep up.

Betty Boop

ANOTHER BEAUTY

Yes. the day looks good.  Bitsy starts her day, after her breakfast, by looking from the glass door to the Balcony.  We both just know the first little sparrow to check for bread crumbs is the same one.  Bitsy makes her little fat body as small as possible (she thinks.)  The bird doesn't seem to notice her so she must be doing a good job of hiding.  In plain sight, I must add. Still as can be.  So it starts her day.  I used to feed all kinds of birds on Riverwood.  It was my pleasure each morning too. 

We had a great day yesterday.  After Church, we went to MG and Ryan's  beautiful lake home. Paul  and Sophie picked up my favorite restaurant food, Mr. Chen's Chinese food.   Take out or eat in--either way it is the best.  We sat around their big round table. You can see the Lake well  from there.   I like a round table.  So cozy.  Ed, Amy, M.G., Ryan, Sophie  Paul, and me (odd man out.)They are so sweet to include me and make me feel needed. For what, I don't know.   But I will take it. 

Betty Boop

SATURDAY, all day

Yes, another Saturday without Jan, but I still have Amy.  She is a busy girl, but always finds time for me.   The Balcony was a little humid this morning after a light rain last night.  But always I find something to love about it.  I woke at 6 and decided to just get up.  I was looking forward to ham and eggs.  I saved from my generous portion of ham on my dinner plate and put it aside for breakfast.  Scrambled eggs with toast and orange juice and a bit of honey on my whole wheat toast was mighty fine.  My second cup-o-jo on the Balcony topped it off.  The world looked fresh from the rain and the "sanctuary choir" of birds were in rare form.  Such a happy sound.  Also a happy sound was the program we had yesterday of a sweet Korean Children's Choir who sang like Angels.  40 age 6-13 who were here before and still do concerts all over the world. They were a real treat.  Life is good here at SCV.

Betty Boop

Y'EHH HAIR CUT

I must be overdue for a hair cut.  I look like George Washington in his pointed hat.  And just as grey too.  I need to run--not walk,  to the beauty "place" and get fixed up again. You should see the line up to get cut and curled each day.  It is an important place.   One of these days I will "let it go."  But not just yet.  I overslept this morning and had too much sleep.  Bitsy was a little miffed with me.  Her breakfast was running a little late.   Mine too. My appointment is not till 1 and I will be o.k.

Betty Boop

WEDNESDAY

I have deleted  the last two blogs by mistake.  I was ready to give  up.   Must be me.  My eyes look the wrong way when I hit some buttons.  A hazard of old eyes.  I have been so lucky with my eyes.  They have been through numerous surgeries and I still manage to see almost O. K.   But there will come a time when that  will not be a fact.  My Dr. is amazed as it is.  So I will just be thankful for what I have. 
  
So I will be careful to push the right button today.  The clouds today looking from the Balcony, look like rain.   I hope not. Yesterday I had a visit while looking from the Balcony.  M. & Mrs. Mallard were looking for a nest sight I hope.  They stayed a while and discussed it.  I don't think they will stay even though I threw bread crumbs to them.  They ate so excited, but I may have dashed  thoughts of a nest.  Maybe not private enough.  Oh well, did the wrong thing again.

Betty Boop