GOOD BYE JULY

I have an appointment at 9 for haircut. I myself will make it dark again.  I am still able to do this although it is an ordeal.  Yesterday we had the annual Ice Cream Sundae event.  My it was nice and many, many came.  It is a very popular event.  Tables were decorated pretty and even sugar-free ice cream!!  Of course the added toppings made them very sinful and good.  Our Activity Committee made up of very active residents, do so many events for us.  Thanks to them, we have many things to do.  Take your pick.

Must get a move on and get ready for my day.  Thank you Lord for much to do-give me strength to do it.

Betty Boop

OOPS!!!!!

What would we do without coffee filters?  You would have coffee grounds in your cup.  Found that out this morning.  Never did that before.   In the olden days, we had the perk kind of coffee pots.  Grounds did come through the medal kind  of filter that was built in. I think I remember that right. Anyway--why did my coffee have grounds?  Early in the morning, can't do much thinking.  But I realized the error.  Drank it anyway.  A little hard to not swallow a few coffee grounds. Cut my time on the Balcony short  so I could tell you that sad little story.  Not  an especially good way  to start the day.  I may just go back to hot tea.  Yet, hot tea goes with cold weather.  Doesn't coffee also?  No!! Coffee is a ritual and I guess I am hooked on it.
SO BE IT !!!

Betty Boop
P. S.  It took my second cup to realize my error.  How sleepy can I be?














1111

SUNDAY WAS GOOD

What could be better?  Church is always good.  Music, worship and friends.  Lunch with favorite family members is high on the list.  And my favorite Chinese eatery,  Mr. Chens's. I have talked about it before.  Am surprised not many I speak to about it, seem not to have heard of it.  It is unusual with it's Chinese grocery store.  Strange veggies I have never seen.  All kinds of products from China.  It's little section of china tea pots and other fun stuff makes me think of Chinatown in New York. Yesterday it was full of local Chinese with families.  The children are so cute. 
Balcony time was quiet and warm.  I submitted a small poem to the Library girls who make the poster for the board in the hall.     It 's title is what else but:          HOT
August is very hot!
Frisky, I'm not.
But I tell you what.
I read books a lot.    Short but fits the Library Board.  They make my little poem look good.

Betty Boop


  

AND THE BEAT GOES ON

I opened my mail box to a surprise!!  A message said "You have been chosen to be a character in the new Comedy play!!"   I thought I was through with this.  I contacted Shirley to make sure I could handle it.  She said my part was File Clerk and I could sit mostly.  I guess I can handle that.  I do so enjoy the fun we have.  Nobody is exactly a pro. but some are good.  It is a chance to dress up and act silly.  I am amazed at myself.  I am normally shy and don't like spotlight, but among this group, I become a "star". Hope I hold out and get at least one more hurrah. It will be sometime in September so anything could happen.

Betty Boop

GOOD NIGHT"S REST

Nothing like sleep.  Even if you have to get up a few times, it is nice to sleep 8 hours and wake up rested.  That did happen to me last night.  Hooray.  It goes a long way to adjust your attitude.  I got a notice in my mail box yesterday that I had a part in the up and coming SCV play.  I have to talk to Shirley to see if I will be able to navigate the part.   I like the plays as much as the Musicals we put on.   I have had parts in several . It is fun and good for me.  We will see.  

Balcony was pleasant and I heard it was the last of our "cold front".  Too bad, it has been nice.  The vast Meadow was mowed yesterday.  Bet the man who drives the giant tractor mower hopes it is getting close to the last time.  I think not, but soon. 

Betty Boop

Mmmmmmm Good

Jan gave me permission to have a pancake now and then.  Since I caught my blood sugar very normal this morning, I decided it was time for a treat.  Pancakes are something I usually avoid, although I do like them very much.  I had "one" in the Cyber this morning.  With light butter and sugar-free syrup, it was soooo good!!  Sausage and coffee was too.   Brought my second cup to the Bubble and enjoyed my time there.  Met my neighbor coming back to my apartment.  He noticed my Bible.  He said he had taught a course at Milsaps in Bible. There are so many versions, he said.  The one I use is GOOD NEWS . I like it.  He said he told students, when they discussed versions.  They tend to argue about the best.  He tells them to just read your Bible.  He prefers The Standard, but there are many to chose from.  Chose one you can understand.

What else for today?  I think I will do a little on my Poem-Scrapbook. Have to be in the mood for it.

Betty Boop


Betty Boop 

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

It is the last day on my meal card.  I have a nice amount left.  Can't spend it all but I went to breakfast at the Cyber to spend a little.  Two eggs scrambled, and real bacon..  I brought my second cup-o-joe to the bubble.  Read devotional, Bible and talked to the Lord.  What a place for all of that.  So nice today weather wise.  I saw two bikers on the trail around the Lake.  One three wheeler.  My geese family were grazing.  The big three, I call them.  Two very close together and the third on the sidewalk.  Kind of outcast looking.  That second wife has it kind of sad.  I have decided they are a family since reading that a second mate often joins a couple. 

I talked to my maid and a maintenance man on the elevator.  Faithful employees for a long time.  I told then I was going to talk to the Lord-what could I tell him for them.  They laughed as I told them I would mention their names.  I did this that!!  They are such good people and I appreciate them. 

Betty Boop

RAIN TODAY

No Balcony this morning.  It is wet and light rain.  Looks like a day to just look out.  Betsy is doing that.  I expect her to nap all day.  Not a bad idea if you could.  But we all have things to do. My, My, my oatmeal was good with blueberries and banana.  Whole wheat English muffin, O.J. and coffee hit the spot this morning.

Have you ever wasted time on the computer?  I get tempted when a subject of interest pulls me in   and lures me to watch.  Now it is not fair when they print a few lines, advertise a lot and then give you a few more information on the subject you really want to see.  You can waste 30 minutes getting to the end.  I say very time I do this that I will not do it again.  The subject story was of all things--Rebar McIntyre. Found out nothing I did not already know.  Stupid me. Don't need to know her secrets.  They are mostly made up anyway. 

Betty Boop

WRONG SIDE OF BED

Is there a right side?  First off, I overslept.  (I guess I needed it?)  I had to insert new batteries in Blood Pressure machine.  That was a fiasco in itself.  Little high after that activity.  Made coffee and that went well. Took Blood sugar and it was high.  My scrambled egg went well as did the toast.  A small piece of ham-- though most of it fit between my teeth. I  finished my breakfast. The sun was over the Balcony by that time.  I pulled my chair in front of the post and then I had no view.  But the sun was getting too warm too, so I drank the coffee and came in. I know that this sounds like someone who has no problems, but a rocky start sometimes sets the tone of the day.  Hope not--so here I go.

Betty Boop

SUNDAY

Let us go to Church today.  No excuse. I did miss last Sunday and I love to go.  So I had my usual Sunday breakfast--Jimmy Dean's egg white, sausage, cheese on a whole wheat English muffin, orange juice coffee-makes a quick, no fuss. or clean up. Perfect when you need to keep moving.  Of course I find time to sit and ponder on my Balcony.  Nice there right now, but I know it will turn hot later. 

I can't seem to stay on my scrapbook Book project.  I also have the first of the Beach photos and need to start them in my photo album.  They are good so far and really take you back to the famous Beach Week. I guess  I am a little lazy.  That tooth pulling  is hanging over my head  and I wish it could be done sooner  than August 6. Lot of tooth pulling going on here!!

BETTY BOOP

STILL ON THE BALCONY

On the Balcony early it is so still. Not a peep from the birds.  No ducks or geese either. Not even people.  I think rain is coming and that is why it is so cloudy.  Although usually the clouds race by when it is about to rain. The weather report is for rain and I guess it will rain. Weather Man knows more than I do.  So be it.  

I made an egg-in- hole for my breakfast.  Makes me think of old fashioned cooking.  Do you ever make this delightful method ?  It is tricky and for some reason my no-stick pan--stuck.!! Yolk broke!  I hate that.  I saved it and ate it anyway.  It was still good.  Bitsy had tuna and chicken from her   many choices of canned food.  I give it to her in the morning with her meds mashed up in it.  She does not seem to notice the pills, she is so excited to get a small ration of the good stuff.

My scrap book--poem collection is going slow.  But just a little every day and I hope to finish it.  It needs a title. Shall I call it THE DOT SPOT.?  No, something else. What? 

Betty Boop  

NO CAVITYS

There are things worse than that!! Cavitys I mean.  I have an infection in a cracked root of a tooth.  After another opinion --I will loose the tooth.  Not great news.  I did not expect it.  But like everything else I have experienced, I will be brave and go through it.  An oral surgeon will remove it August 6.First time it can be done.  Boy these Doctors are really busy.  Wish it could be sooner.  This is a new one for me.  Never lost a tooth before. 
I sat on my Bubble while getting my apartment cleaned. 
I saw 4 geese together.
 

I like to think they are the 3 I have been seeing and they have welcomed an addition to their group.  I wish I could stop thinking about those geese.  I saw a large white Egret and a smaller one with it.  Could be a mate or maybe it's child?   Oh well, I must have something to work on. 


Betty Boop

SKY WRITER

I don't know if you call him (her) a sky writer or just a cloud maker, but the writer in the sky was out this morning.  Long lines of clouds billowed from this small plane.  Over and over it drew lines, that turned into long clouds.  I need to investigate more closely and find out.  Just who is this "happy" soul? Must be  having fun up there. Bet he (she) would like to know some one is watching. 

I said I was done with the geese, but one lonely  goose was floating around.  Did they shun it? I keep wondering.  Who am I to understand nature?  I will just watch and wonder. Lot to see in the small space I call mine.

Betty Boop

NO CAVATIES BUT TROUBLE

I seem to have something going on all the time.  I have a trouble spot that must be addressed.  Jan and I saw not only my regular dentist but a another one --an endodontics. I need a tooth pulled and bridge made.  An infection has set in and must be done to this tooth that is cracked in the root of the tooth.  Surprise to me.  No pain, but So Be It.   What can you do?  It must be taken care of as soon as possible. I try to think of the bible verse.  "For when I am weak-I am strong.  So I am trying to be strong.
I had breakfast down in Cyber.  I thought I needed something good to happen.  It did.  I have told you about the cook who makes the best over light eggs in town?  I had two, sausage and rye toast and of course coffee.  My it was fine.  Took my second cup to the Balcony.  Had my devotional and regular Bible reading and prayer time.   What a wonderful spot to enjoy.  I will try today to be positive as we make future plans. 

Betty Boop

DENTIST

Off we go to the dentist for regular check up.  Who likes to go?  Nobody I know.  Wish me luck.  I try to take good care of my teeth. So far I still have all my own. Some have been repaired, but  still mine.  Jan is taking me.  Sweet one.  So dependable and willing.  She will have diamonds in her crown some day.  

My two favorite geese are still appearing together.  I believe one is a son or daughter, just not quite grown. Now that is about enough on that subject.  I am glad to see the sun.

Betty Boop

WIPEOUT SHOPPING

Just get an urge to see what Wal-Mart looks like.  Don't get to go much anymore.  It is wonderful to have girls to help me all the time, but sometime you just want to go "see" again.  I needed a few things like a new toaster.  My trusty and flashy red one just gave up.  I shopped and ended up with an exact one, red and beautiful.  That last red one gave me pleasure so I just got  another one.  I needed new bath mat rugs so we got those.  I have an idea to organize my poems in a new binder.   Gave upon publishing them in a book form.  Although some of my early ones have merit (I think.)  But many books of poems are published.  And mine are mostly personal. But then again poems are personal.  Your thoughts put on paper are sometime very personal.  Maybe my family will enjoy them some day.  Any way with new sheets and a pretty binder, I will began to organize and put them in order.  Give me a job.  Anyway we (Jan) and I were wiped out and hungry.  I had been thinking about how I used to like Wendy's Taco Salad.   Believe it or not, they stayed the same.  Plenty of salsa and sour cream.  The young lady who took our order was so sweet and Jan and I both declared we should thank her and we went back and praised her service and sweet attitude. Should do that more often --praise good service.   

Betty Boop
P.S. My little hummer visitor was back, drinking from my Clamaitis vine.

RARE SIGHT

Many who have humming bird feeders have said they have seen few hummers this season.  I have a large pot of a mixture of blooming plants. The Colous   (sp) has decided to take over.  Beautiful tall spikes are blooming..  I was sitting there very still and quiet when a hummer fluttered by me and straight to the plant.  It worked the many tiny flowers over.  And over. Trying to get  drinks of nectar. I do hope it got its fill.  I did enjoy being so close to watch.  Oh yes, you need to know the big three Canada geese were together still. Just waiting for the storms they predict.  I hope they are not as bad as expected.

Betty Boop 

GREEN GRASS

You know the saying that the grass is greener somewhere else?  Or something like that?  Eight Canada geese decided it was so.  They are grazing on my side of the Lake this morning.  They usually stay on the other.  Something is very tasty this morning over here  I do see my favorite  three are still grazing on the other side next to the Lake's edge.  I bet a swim is next.  Wonder what is so tasty this morning.  Some unsuspecting bug flew in I bet.  Who can figure Nature?   I do try.  How wrong I am.  I imagine too much.  I want things to be perfect in my eye, so I make up stories.

It was pleasant on the Balcony, but we are being warned of storms and much rain to come.  Sorry for New Orleans.  They have had their fill of flooding.

Betty Boop

TRIO SAGA

The same three geese (I think) keep showing up early before the rest of the group.  Now why 3?  My imagination kicked in.  What if this is an old couple who thought they were free of children and this one (girl or boy) just wont leave the nest and go on its own?  It happens a lot in humans.  The three are very much grown in size so I believe that is the case.  Does anyone who knows more than I do, knows why three would stay together?  What a subject to ponder.  It beats some of the other thing that are going on around us. 

The air is warm but a little breeze makes it possible  to stay long enough to drink my cup and think on a few things.  Like today is a free day in things to do.  What will I find to fill my day.  Amy is a wiz at filling her day.  Who can have a dental appointment ,then to a meeting, then to grocery store for me and her. check on a sick friend, go home to fix supper and I don't know what else is fitted in between.? She uses her time well.  She said she always wants to be busy.  Well she is that alright.  I guess I used to do all that too, but for the life of me-I have forgotten how to be that busy.  I don't think I had that energy.  So Be It.

Betty Boop (Dot)

THIS-THAT-&-THE OTHER

Used to be a little restaurant in Morton with that title. We would eat there while camping with Good Sam friends.  It was really good home cooking. Best dumplings with chicken, turkey and dressing, wonderful veggies, corn bread and the pie was to die for. That has been a number of years ago and I would expect it to be long gone. ( but not forgotten.)   So are all those wonderful friends we camped with.  We camped once a month at a campground all over the state and we knew good places to eat. Twice a year all Good Sam Clubs would have a convention somewhere in the state. Once a year a National. Went one time to the biggie.  An experience too.  Now that was a sight to see and fun to get to go.  One time we took Penny our cat.  She did not like it very much.  On the way home we discovered she was not in the motor home. We went back and searched, thinking she slipped out and we did not see her. I cried all the way home.  Finally as we arrived home and she appeared from where we never discovered, but she stayed home next time.  O.K. that's it for today.  A memory I wish I could just throw away instead of keep in the Memory Bank.

Betty Boop

TWO MEN & A DUCK

Did not see much from the Balcony.  Just two men and one duck.  Was the duck male too?  Too hot for the ladies.  Kind of warm out there so that is the reason for not much activity.  My flower garden is flourishing.  My purple Clamatis has decided to bloom again.  So pretty.  I guess it needed a rest to regain strength to go again.  My prayer each day is for strength to go again.  Maybe today?  History Club and I love Mr. T. to come.   He seems to enjoy coming and we have lunch in the Cyber. 

I am having strange and sometime bad dreams lately.  I wish that would stop.  I have two photos on my desk of Truman. One is reading the paper when on a camping trip.   No matter where we were, even traveling, he managed a newspaper.  I wonder what he would think of today's main way of keeping in touch?   Not the newspaper!!I love looking at the pictures as it brings back my favorite memories. The other is us on Gulf Shores beach a while ago.  He even had some black hair sprinkled with grey.   He had the most hansom head of hair--right to the end.  A thoughtful nurse saved a nice lock of it when he had surgery while he was first in the hospital.  I did not ask for it-but she knew I would treasure  it some day.  And I do.

I guess I had better get off Memory Lane and back on the main hyway.   It is so easy to take a detour. 

Betty Boop

GREAT ON BALCONY

After a rain, we almost missed, the temp did cool down somewhat.   It felt good early on the Balcony.  I did not want to come in.   I believe I am just getting lazy.  I saw geese grazing on the newly mowed "meadow."  That is what I call the space on other side of the Lake.   I had lunch after church yesterday at MG & Ryan's lake home.  They are lucky to live on the water. I should  know.  MG can really cook  !!  She made the best roasted chicken and no one can cook fresh veggies from the farmers market like her.  Green beans, mushrooms, tomato, onion, garlic, squash sautéed and okra too.  My it was a great meal...  Just a couple of bites of Home Goods apple pie brought by Paul and  Sophie was a great finish. And the fellowship was so nice.  Even after spending a week with my family at the Beach--I still love to be with them.  Now that is what counts.

Betty Boop

NEED RAIN

I write in green today because the grass could use some rain.  I have a vast meadow to look at across the Lake and it is looking kind of dry in spots.  In Spring when we had so much rain, I did not think we would ever need some more.  Jan and Tommy both came to lunch yesterday.  We all had hamburgers in the Cyber. For some reason (this is rare) they were not their best.  Out of sweet potato  fries!!!.  Oh well, we enjoyed the visit anyway.  I am catching up from vacation and am enjoying being back in routine.  That is not a bad place to be here at SCV.  New things are always coming up.  I will just go with the flow and enjoy the things I want. I have learned I can not and do not want  to do it all like I did at first. 

Church this day and am concerned about our future.  We are getting smaller each Sunday.  My,  I have been there since the beginning and it is my Church home.  It makes me sad to see it this way.  Don't know it's future.  Even the Methodist as a whole are getting smaller.  I do believe in Methodist, my family and Truman's family go way back.  See no reach to change.  Maybe I will find a place somewhere.

Betty Boop

SATURDAY (already?)

How time goes by fast.  We were just leaving the Beach last Saturday. Memories are checked in the Memory Bank. Have you wondered what the memory bank looks like?   I once drew a picture of it.  I am not an artist and wish I could draw or paint.  Too old now.  Not a Grandmaw  Moses.    Guess  I  draw in words.  I saw the biker early.  She has an old fashioned bike with bigger than average wheels.  Smooth as you can imagine as she glides by.  Can't come up with a reason for these 5 ducks I see each morning.  My theory is:  He, the leader, is quite a "stud"  and he has four females following him.  Works for him.  And me too.

I chipped cheese up and put it in my grits.  Very good with scrambled eggs.  One half biscuit with honey and O,J, and coffee.  What a feast.   I seem to be into the "cooking my own" lately.   Must stop watching Rachel Ray so much!!!!

Betty Boop

GREAT DAY--THE 4th

Yes, it was a good day.  The Choir sang our best.  I really enjoyed it. I like to read   Proverb's in the Bible from time to time.  I underline  ones I like.  Proverbs :16-31. " Long life is the reward of the righteous; grey hair is a glorious crown." Though my grey hair is hidden under the brown, it is a glorious crown.  Righteous?  Maybe.  I try.  Yesterday was so great as 6 of my "children" walked in to hear this old Grannie sing.  My heart overflowed  with JOY.  How much it meant to me.  At 92 I have been given a long life and that is my reward. 

The red roses made me happy. Something about roses and red ones are the best. I will enjoy them for days as I take care of them.  Today I will start to take the decorations down, but will remember this day and deposit it into the Memory Bank  and check it out for later.  Again I pressed the wrong button I guess and will end this in regular color. 

Betty Boop

BIG DAY 4th of JULY

Big day for me and all.  Our SUNSHINE CHOIR sings our hearts out for our country.  Many are my age and really are patriotic.  We sing because we love to sing.  We have worked hard to please everyone and I do enjoy singing with my friends.  Amy found me a sailor cap to wear.  Got it at   Party City.  Wouldn't Truman be pleased with me? We plan to wear hats of the armed forces as we wing their song.  We have a full Choir now and I think we sound good.  Nothing like bragging on one's  self?

Saw two walkers, one biker and a bevy of ducks and the birds were singing. Nice little breeze,  what more can I ask?

Betty Boop

CATCHING UP

One thing I have been catching up on is sleep.  I did not think I had been deprived .   I did sleep at the Beach, but I  guess it wasn't the same as at home.  I have been sleeping 8-9 hours at night since coming home.  Not complaining, but on the contrary, it is  a good thing.  Sleep is good and important. 

 I saw one dozen ducks swimming together like a little village this morning.  Like St. Catherine's,  we swim like a village.  We were sadden to see 3 notices of deaths on posted on the  Board down stairs.  I knew only one of them and she was a member of our Choir till she could not do it any more.  She was a fine and sweet lady.  Time does not stand still as we live out our days that are given us.  I have had a lot of days given me and  I am grateful.

Betty Boop

BITSY

Amy brought Bitsy home from her boarding place. As she unzipped her carrier, she shot out like a bullet.  Amy said she fussed all the way home.  That is not like her.   She is usually very still and quiet in the carrier.  I guess she picked up a bad habit from the clinic.  They said she was a very sweet girl there.  She had an ear infection while there and they treated her and I am still putting drops in her ears.   Otherwise, she looks good.  She has been my shadow since coming home, and has really picked up where she left off.  She is an amazing little kitty and looks beautiful to me.  I am glad she is home and I think she is too. 

Warm on the Balcony, but it also looks good to me.  I had a great vacation and the change was good for me.  Good to go and good to come home.  My "bevy" of amazing and talented cooks were at there best.  No one believes me when I tell of the many things about my trip--so I have stopped trying to tell it.  Every body wants to tell their own story, thinking theirs  is best.  They just don't know what I know, so be it.    I am still enjoying peaches and so are my friends.  Enough of the trip. lets get on to the 4th of July when my Choir sings.

Betty Boop

O.K. ON BALCONY

A little warm on the Balcony but nice.  I saw a couple walking kind of fast. One of the "younger set I guess.  All of the oldies are fading as time marches on.  Guess that is good.  I also saw baby Bluebirds fliting in the pine thicket below my balcony.  There are three houses  now, but the one I used to see was moved from my view.  Who did that?  And why? I see the babies flying in the branches, getting strong to leave their mamas.  That is life.  They never know their moms again, I guess, but make babies all their own.  I am glad humans are not that way.  Or else we would not have Beach Week.  Now I am really thinking deep this morning.  Beach Week is still playing through my  mind.  How about you?  Does it give you plenty to ponder?  Maybe I have more time on my hands.  Maybe it is my time to reflect?  And maybe you made Memories that will come from your Memory Bank some day and I hope they will be good ones.  as you have time to reflect.  After all it is a good place to be.

Betty Boop
P.S.  Bitsy is coming home today!!  I will have her to talk to.  Wish she could tell me about her vacation.