SUMMER TO WINTER

That is the way it goes.  One day you are hot and tired of summer attire, then you must find something warmer to wear.  I must go shopping.  These tired old rags wont do.  Even jeans must be looked at close.  They can change too.  I guess I don't dress "classic"--instead try to follow fashion so as not to stand out too much.  I never learned how to dress.  Yet, I hold on to some old relics till they  scream-"Please set me loose."  Of course fit is factored in there too.  Enough of this ,I need to be more thankful  for what I have. 

Amy and I ate lunch at CRAZY KATS  yesterday. Noisy and cramped feeling.  Food was O. K. but I am more the Picadilly type.  It  had to do with adjusting my hearing aids just before lunch.  I must go back again,  as they are not right yet.  I had to take them out while we ate, it was so loud.  O my, just wait till 92 and see how many little things can go wrong.  I am sorry to complain, but life does get tedious sometime.

Betty Boop

RAIN

Table mates at lunch yesterday shared memories of playing in the rain as kids.  I still can't believe my Mother let me play in the rain.  She was so protective of my actions growing up.  I could not go barefooted because as she said I could cut my foot and then what would I do on Sunday when I could not wear a shoe to Sunday School.  But surprise, I could play in the rain barefooted..  What a joyous memory.  Especially when it was hot and even the rain felt warm.  I remember how much fun it was to stand and splash my feet and get wet all over and over again.  I guess it was not a storm when we played, or lighting.  Surely that was a  no-no.  Which brought back another water memory.  Making mud pies.  Do kids get to play in the good old mud anymore? I turned out many a pie and cake in my day.  To set up a kitchen outside and cook mud cakes and pies and decorate with grass or flowers was  fun.  Also rain brought a sort  of peaceful feeling then.  Kind of like slowing things up.  Oh. but I hated the raincoat though and those old rain boots were a pain to wear.  And my umbrella always seemed to be broken and hardly much protection.  Oh, well I have brought you down Memory Lane again.  Seems that is the place I am now.

Betty Boop

GOOD BREAKFAST

Do you like breakfast?  I do.  My favorite meal of the day.  I had oatmeal with cinnamon & banana.  Whole wheat toast with apple jelly, cranberry juice coffee and a few pills to get me going.  Little too nippy on the Balcony.   Must be getting to be a wimp. Maybe if the sun was out?  Oh, Oh, it is out now.  But I am settled with my second cup and visiting my readers.  I am  surprised when someone tells me they read my blog.  Flattered in fact!  Maybe it is so ordinary and not challenging to anyone.  My stuff seems so simple and the world is not.  I talked to a resident who also new Jackson when I grew up here.  Change has kept her from going back to look.  So much is different-then I guess it is everywhere.  I am not sure all I remember is true.  Just a trick of mind to remember the best part.  But I do think we as children had a better world then. 

SO BE IT
Betty Boop

COOL AND DREARY

But that is just the weather.  Here in my little corner of the world, time marches on.  It was a pleasure yesterday to see so many families meshing together.  On both sides there are interesting people.  My hearing aids are giving me trouble so I was at a loss to do much conversation, but I could tell very one was enjoying everything.  Food was as usual the best.  I remarked when I came home to the group on the elevator that I  had a wonderful brunch.  A man asked where?  I told him my daughter's house.  Oh he said, how nice.  We don't have to go "out" to get the best food in town.  Such good cooks among my family.  I walked the Halls to look at decorations for Halloween.  Candy too.  Brought home a small stash to dole out to myself later. We do our entrances so delightful.  I guess we miss those "Trick or Treat Days"  with  children.  I remember it was almost as much fun as Christmas.

Betty Boop

BABY SHOWER

Blue for Boy !!  How did that tradition  come about?  When I have time, I will ask Mr. Google.  But yesterday Ashley's best friend gave a lovely party for her.  It  was so nice.  The gifts were exciting to me.  Seeing new things for baby, yet some are the tried things.  I remember how much fun I had with new little things, clothes, blankets and many handmade items that I still have stored away in the cedar chest.  Truman's Aunts were the best at hand made items.  I still love to look at the things I saved from each baby and remember the dreaming about those sweet memories only a mother can have.  Ashley   was excited over each gift.  I bet Bryan will be too.  I am wishing for them the memories they have ahead and know they will be blessed.    Hey !  Brunch at Jan and Mr. T's this morning to see the out of town relatives off.  We all love a get-to-gather.  And make the most of it.

Betty Boop
P.S. this will make my 7th  great-grandchild!! 

HEARING IS IMPORTANT

Jan took me to ear Dr. yesterday.  Also for my hearing aid to be checked.  Dr. cleaned my ears and  then I got the volume upped on hearing aid.  I should be "good to go."  Over the time I have had my aids, my hearing has changed, as most people will tell you.  Time does not stand still and changes do happen.  I can hear better now  . Instead maybe I can carry on a better conversation .  Maybe I can hear and just not stare like I have no idea of what you said.  Jan was so glad.  She was a little tired of it. But always kind to me.  Can't expect everyone to be so forgiving.

My, the sun just broke out from the clouds.  Should warm up and then comes rain.  A lot is promised  I got to have lunch with my friends yesterday.  It felt good since I have missed ,being under the weather for a while.  Had a good laugh when one remarked on the good looking young Priest  who was having lunch with our resident Priest.  She said we could still look and admire.  She said he was so "cute." I agreed.  Better go on that note.

Betty Boop

STILL COOL

Bright, sunny, cool and beautiful. The weather of course.  Wish I could say that about me.  Dealing with small issues keeps me down. 

On the bright side--Choir is lifting me up and making me sunny, and cool,  but we will work on beautiful. Nothing I can do   about that.  I do love the Christmas music we are practicing.  Some hard stuff.  We have over 30 members and most are like me--just average.
But with Shirley's help we MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE!!  (pun intended.)  Better go as this is getting silly. And my coffee is getting cold. Can't drink and drive! or type either. Oh yes, it is time to say good bye.

Betty  Boop

AND WE ARE BACK

Wonderful week end.  Some think cabin camping sounds rough !!  Not the way we do it.   Only my girls and their spouses could go this trip.  We had a peaceful time, good food, good conservation, and plenty sleep.  We had beautiful blue skies, cool enough for a pit fire.  The fire ban was lifted in time.  Even the resident gator kept us watching for him to float by on the small lake we were on.  Few birds of various kinds were there also.  It is a small State park and not too busy in the North Delta. with beautiful scenery on the way.  I enjoyed the getaway.  No T. V. and no internet service. so no distractions.  Everyone enjoyed that.  It  forces you to interact with each other. That is what it is so good about it.  Once in a while-it is refreshing.  Now back to the real world.  But better for the weekend. 

Betty Boop

SPEECHLESS

Nothing much new.  So I wont try to say something of interest.  Just have a good day and I will too. This Blog is sort of like a journal or diary lately.

Betty Boop

RAIN

 Yes !!  Rain at last.  I love a rainy day.  When I can stay inside and look out, like Penny.  She started on some additional meds to help her with the scratching.  I hope it helps.  That is one expensive cat.  Is she worth the money I have paid out on her.  Of course she is.  She has given me much company and  devotion.You can't put on price for that. Best cat I"ve ever had and I have had many over the years.  


Betty Boop 

SUNDAY MORNING

Chilly out there!!  But I braved it.  I heated my hand on my coffee cup and then held it to my poor old neck.  I have never had a crick to last so long.  I have tried all the home remedies I know.  Nothing seems to help.  So be it.  So cool and cloudy and the change is great.  Jan came yesterday.  She helped me go through the old cedar chest and fish out old friends.  I can still use a lot of them  Speaking of the cedar chest, it is one of several made from a big cedar tree that stood in the yard of the old homestead out from Carthage.  I don't know who made them, but I think  Truman's Papa had them made.  Several of the children got one. Truman included.  I love that it is handmade from that old tree.  Of course I messed up and changed it's finish.  But it is still the same inside. 

We had a delightful lunch at Schlotzsky's.  I had not been anywhere in over a week and just thought I needed to get out.  Everything is good and nice here, but after a while the need for a change is great.    So let us go to Church--always good.

Betty Boop

PLAYFUL COUPLE

Remember the fun pool  couple I told you about?  Found out they are indeed a married couple, just in for her special exercise.  He is just there to give her support .  Things are not always what they seem.  They are there now and he is still thrashing about and she is calmly going about her regular exercise routine.  How sweet.  It is a little cool and windy on the Balcony so I will wait for sunshine and less wind to sit there.  Can't get it right.  Of course this crick-in-the-neck is a real pain-in-the-neck.  Can't get rid of it.  It colors my feelings and I am real tired of it.  Amy came yesterday to bring me groceries. She is still tired from the Disney trip.  It was so hot that I think they all were all worn out.  Amy is dealing with Bitsy and the Vet.  We are trying something new in addition to the shots and meds by mouth.  Lot to do for her, but she is worth it.  If we could just control her itching she would be so glad.  Maybe this new meds will help.  Hope so.        See you later.

Betty Boop

CHOIR

Good to be back at regular practice.  A trip cut our members a little short, but we are back.  Seems strange to start Christmas music, but we need a lot of practice.  I realize my voice is weak and scratchy, but I am there trying and enjoying it.  That is what the Choir is all about.  Enjoyment--everyone is welcome no matter how you sing.  That is why I can be a part too.

This crick will not go away.  I have tried everything.  I do hope it is not the old shoulder problem again.  I plow on because when I am weak-I am strong.  (so the Bible says...) 

Betty (looking for strong) Boop

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASK FOR

Yes it is cool on the Balcony.  It required my short winter robe and long socks.  Could have used my long robe.  Which reminds me, I need a new winter robe.  Mine is so old and I have pinned the hem up with safety pins.  I can't see to thread a needle .  Do not think it is worth repair. Need to go shopping at Dillards.  I first must see what the old cedar chest holds that I still want to wear.  Maybe I need something to buy and something to "toss."  Sounds like an adventure.  It is for me. 

History Club today.  I will call Mr. T. and see if he is interested.  He usually is.

Betty Boop

72 DEGREES ON BALCONY

My how nice to sit  on the Balcony and not get hot !!  Hope it holds and we have turned the corner to cooler weather.  Several residents are taking the chance to walk and one to ride her bike.  Nice to see things going on outside.  I woke with a crick in my neck.  Haven't had  one in a while.  I rubbed it with a rub for pain and feel better.  I hate to take pain meds.  Upset my system.  I will work it out.  Pardon the pun. 

Part of my family are home-  still some to get home--now another is away on a business trip.  Keeps my prayer list going.  I am content to play my part and stay home.

Betty Boop

SUNNY SUNDAY

I am making the most of my situation .  Even  though I don't see my kids every day, or even don't talk to them. Things will even out soon.

My it is sunny and a hint of cool weather to come.  What will I talk about then?  My little furry friend Bitsy is keeping me company.  My, I do depend on her.  We are both happy right now-she is snoozing in the sun and full of good food.  Me too.  Jimmy Dean sausage, egg white, cheese on an  English whole wheat muffin,  and O.J. and of course coffee.  That will hold me till lunch in the dinning room after "TV" church. Well let us get on with it.

Betty Boop

SLOW SATURDAY

I am at loose ends this morning.  Where to start?  Maybe laundry first.  I saw my skywriter this morning.  Too many clouds hindered him and he made a few lines only.  Not a good space to do much.  At least he is still having fun.  I say "he", but could be a "she." (Bet it is.)
h
Missing Jan.  She and Mr. T. went to visit Norwoods on the coast for her birthday. Be glad to have the whole crew home soon but I am glad they can travel and enjoy.  I know Truman and I enjoyed the many, many kinds of travel we did  over years.  Makes for good memories.  The MEMORY BANK is still open.

Betty Boop  

HINT OF FALL

It must have sprinkled early, for the sidewalks were wet.  It brought a small breeze and just a hint of  what is to come. Now that would be nice.  I  had to pull myself in from the  Balcony.  I saw a very small lizard on the rail.  Two inches long (including the tail.) We eyed each other up close.  He did not blink his and neither did I.   I told him to be carful about coming inside because a big old mean cat lived there and would run him down till she caught him. 

Jan did come yesterday and I watched as she cleaned my fridge.  I am so proud of it.  I keep going in and just looking inside to admire it's freshness.  Thank you again Jan, what a gift you gave me.

Betty Boop

CLOUDS

You all know of my attraction   to clouds.  This morning they were unusual.   In the grey sky, I saw a small cloud and that turned into heart shape.  As I watched it opened to blue.  I watched in wonder as it was the only cloud anywhere around.  It seemed to blink and then slowly  faded. O. K. call me crazy, but it is what I saw and felt.

Jan is coming this morning. She is (of all things) cleaning my fridge out.  It is had for me to do.  My what a chore to ask.  So many things are hard that I never thought  would be.  It is an adventure for sure.!!

Betty Boop

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAN

Happy birthday to my second born. I thought I knew  it all by then. I thought I had this "mom" thing figured out by then.  I did feel more sure of myself, but I still had much to learn.  I learned that every little person is different in lots of ways.  That is what makes it interesting and challenging also.  Makes you want another to see what else is in store.  Having two little girls 21 months apart was a lot of work in some ways.  In others it was a blessing.  Glad I had all three. All planned and wanted. Thank you Lord for Jan.

Betty Boop

LOOK AND SEE

You have to look to see the wonders from the Balcony.  A gaggle of geese flew over with their loud noise, saying "look at me." The maintenance man making a small sound as he sweeps the sidewalk around the lake. "Look at me."  A lone walker walked by swiftly as on wheels.  "Look at me."  My sweet cat sits on the inside of screen , "Look at me."  The sun comes up over my shade, "Look at me."  No I will have to go inside where it is cool.

Betty Boop