HO HO HO !!!

It is getting to look a lot like Christmas.  Not the weather.  We sat outside on P & S's after lunch yesterday.  They have such a nice back  back yard and outside living room(I call it.)  They brought the cat out on a leash and she enjoyed it too. Dinner was great.  We had all the favorites they remembered.  Green beans prepared 3 ways to satisfy all.  M. G.'s lamb was especially good. 
I received pictures from Jan of the Merkosky's putting up their Christmas tree.  My my they are making memories and living them today.  How wonderful. 

I had a rare treat.  I sat on the Balcony wrapped in winter robe and high sleep socks.  I have missed it lately because it has been too cold or rainy.  I feel a peace out there and enjoy the ducks and geese and the clouds. Our whole building outside is beautiful as it gets dark and the lights come on.  Beautiful sight and I am  glad so many enjoy putting all the decorations up.  My table is done as is my door.  I guess I will put the sad little fake tree up.  Only to see my treasured old ornaments.  I say old in a good way, because they are memories I love. 
SWEETLY BE  --  BETTY BOOP

DAY AFTER

May be the day after, so the calendar says, but the best is yet to come.  Lunch at the Wolf's welcoming home.  Always a treat.  M.G. informed me she is making Cornish hen for our day after celebration.  Wow!!  How elegant can we get?  I have to confess, although I am looking forward to that delicate little hen, I always feel sorry for them.  They are so small and cute.!! Forget that and just enjoy it all.  She is so thoughtful to plan such a treat. 

Yesterday was good in the dinning room.  The dressing actually tasted like mine.  I told the Chef and that pleased him.  However, my downfall was the pecan pie.  I know better than to push the sugar level.  I felt deprived when others were enjoying.  Oh it was just plain good!!  And did I pay for it? Yes--big time.  I had trouble getting the sugar down.  Still a little high this morning.  I usually say-never again, but I am weak. On a high note.  I cleaned out  the Thanksgiving décor and started my Christmas ones.  I have an impressive tier table outside my door, just full of my Angel collection.  They look so sweet and I hope people passing enjoy them.  Of course the manger figure  came out to stir up memories.  Amy made them when she was in College.  By the way--how about them MSU dogs at the egg bowl? 

Betty "chatty" Boop
P.S.  The tier table with it's Duncan  Phyfe legs  that is outside my door was part of the first furniture Truman and I bought.  Everyone had to have Duncan Phyfe!!!

GOBBLE, GOBBLE

Many things to be thankful for.  Can't begin to name them all.  Every day brings so many blessings.  I try and can't remember Thanksgiving as a child.   How sad because with the Mother I had, I am sure she made it special.  She was such a good cook and loved cooking for family.  I do remember when my children were small and they helped decorate everything in sight.  Napkins and plates were colored and things they made in school were used.  Excitement of the times we had Truman's parents and mine to dinner.  Later when we had TV, the parade and looking for St. Nick to ride in and wave.  I know my memories are scattered.  Today I eat at St. Catherine's.  But tomorrow we , the ones in town will be at Sophie and Paul's  house for a second dinner. Whatever the make up of people,  we will have a good time.  The thing is-just get with some family and friends and be thankful. 

Betty Boop
P. S. How much do you really like turkey? 

EARLY BIRD

Just call me "early bird".  Wonder where that phrase came from.? Mr. Google would know.  Maybe I will bother to look it up later.  I understand what it means.  Someone has to be early and first to sing.  It seems I have been trying for the title lately.  5:30 sometime ad I try to stay in bed till 6.  That gets hard to do. Some may find it hard to eat breakfast that early, but there I am eating scrambled egg, grits, whole wheat toast, O. J. and coffee by 6:30.  I like breakfast food. Could eat it at lunch and dinner. 

My we are anxious for Christmas.  The committee is like a bee hive.  I remember working on that one several years.  Let someone younger and full of energy do it now.  Just enjoy the Court Yard come alive as well as the lights outside.  Many have put up wreathes at their doors.  My, lets do Thanksgiving first.  I see why time seems to fly by-we are so anxious to get it done before it is too late.  Ha!!  My "happies" are ready and I am sitting on ready to deliver them on the first of December. I am working on the list.  Checking it twice.  It is a big thing for me.

Betty Boop

LOOKS LIKR RAIN

I am so disappointed in DANCING WITH THE STARS.  I hope it wont be coming back next season.  Completely rigged!!  Oh well. Of course it is.  Many think as I do, so it has lost it's appeal for me.  Still like THE GOOD DR. It is coming to a close next week.  Some of the shows are ending mid season and then pick up next season. Choir practice is at 2 today.  Getting ready for Christmas Concert.  Guess I have to close for now.  Nothing else is going on.

Betty Boop  

SUNRISE

If you were up at sunrise this morning you may have seen the sun rise.  I did and I was impressed (as always.) at the beauty of it all.  he pinks are so pretty as the sun turns the dark blue into a color no artist can imagine.  I am glad to see it each morning.  You have to get up early and be ready to look. 

Sunday was long.  Amy dropped me off after Church.  We had been together a lot that week and nobody else was coming for lunch, so she went home and I decided not to face the Sunday crowd in dinning room and had a very good TV dinner with a fruit salad I made.  Was pretty good for a change.  Bitsy was surprised at the change of events.  She is so into routine. I really give her a lot more credit than she is capable of.

I keep wanting to write a poem, but just can't do it.  Maybe desire to write is the first step.  We will see. 

Betty Boop

COLDAND SUNNY

I  know you like my weather report each morning I know you can look for yourself, it is just a good morning greeting.  Jan and Mr. T. came yesterday for lunch and Jan helped me with some mundane matters.  Gosh!  she is good.  I had a cheese, tomato, and bacon sandwich on whole wheat toast.   Heavy on the bacon.  So much bacon I took half of it out and home for breakfast this morning.  I had a soft boiled egg and a whole wheat waffle (sugar free syrup.)  The Cyber is generous  with that bacon.  But warmed in the oven it is good the next day.  Rainy cool day put me into the soup mood.  I made Navy Bean & Ham soup.  A big pot is plenty to share and put some in the freezer.  I also had some for supper.  So that was my day.  Pretty good  one.  Maybe today will be good too.  "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."  Off to Church with Amy.

Betty Boop

A DAY TO REMEMBER

On November 23, 1946 we were married in my parents living room, before family and friends. On North Jefferson Street.  I have a lot of memories of that day and how we got to it. You have heard most of them  so I wont share much.  It was a wonderful marriage.  Taken serious yet we did not know much either.  We learned a lot over those years about each other.  It takes a life time.  I really would not change a thing.  We both loved each other and that love grew as we lived  it.  I am very proud of us both. We were lucky that it worked like it did.  Could not ask for more.  Memories are so good to have.  I hope I keep mine and I hope you all make beautiful ones.

Betty Boop

LOVE A RAINY DAY?

If you do love a rainy day, you are happy.  Woke at 6 and started my day.  I have been looking for an order from Amazon that went a stray.  They replaced it and it arrived.  Barbara came to clean. Happy Bitsy.  I had a small breakfast early and went to the Cyber for the rest, while my apartment was being cleaned.  Met a resident coming in from the Court Yard where he had assembled his workers (residents) to start decorating for Christmas.  It had started to rain.  So his day was lost.  Maybe tomorrow he said.  We really do depend on volunteers to do so much.  I did my share of that in the past.  It helped me through my grief process a lot.  Bitsy is looking over my shoulder while standing on a close table.  She said "good morning."  Rain seems to upset her routine and she is looking for a place to hide.  She is quite a ballerina  in  jumping and climbing in spite of her little round "tummy."  Now she is sitting on my desk right beside me.  I will use her for an excuse for errors.  OOOps, she left.  Still looking for a hiding place. 

Betty Boop

UP & DOWN

How about this weather.  People on the weather team say "It's just Mississippi."  Could be so, but I kind of like it.  Gives me something to write  about.  People here keep asking me for a new poem.  I guess I am in a dry spell again.  One lady compared me to John Grissom ==  he is writing again she said.  I had not cared for his last novels.  But to put me in the same sentence as John Grissom was flattering.  It should have made me run up and grab the long yellow legal pad and start writing.  But it didn't.  So that proves that I do not belong in the writers group.  Oh well.  Maybe I will get some motivation soon.  I have been dealing with other issues that seem to have zapped my creativity. 

Beautiful through the window.  Betsy really enjoys the sunshine.  Her little world is small and she runs to the door every time the door opens, to see who is there.  She loves people.  I tell her all my troubles and joys and she just smiles and blinks her pretty gold eyes.  I think she understands. 

Betty Boop

BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Yes what a beautiful day.  I just sat on the Balcony and had a diet coke.  Later I will go down to lunch in dinning room.  I picked up chili from the Cyber for supper tonight.  They make good chili and I like to pick up a cup now and then.

The Cyprus trees are turning a pretty shade of rust.  There are about a dozen of them around the Lake.  Someone planned well.  They do their best around water.  There are Willow trees too.  All for today-so far.

Betty Boop

GONE ARE THE GREEN FIELDS

Sitting in the Bubble, I thought of that song.  Our meadow is not green anymore.  But the Canada Geese think it is great.  I saw a large gaggle of them feeding.  I am sure they had a swim first because they were sunning and then got up all together to graze.  Beautiful sight if you don't get in there way.  They can be mean and aggressive. I also saw swimming two kinds of ducks.  Some are new, just wintering here I guess.  I watered my plants there.  They are also wintering (in the Bubble.)  Like a greenhouse out there.  Very nice.

Amy came yesterday and almost finished the trees.  Also brought bags for gifting.  I will enjoy bagging them and organizing the list of the people I want to give them to. I am also so pleased with my gifts this year.  No more-next year!! I will not plan to make anything.  It is getting too hard for my hands and I end up letting Amy & Jan do most of the work.  That was not my intention-I always wanted it to be my gift, but my girls have gotten pleasure the last couple of years to help.  Thanks for  girls.  Mine are the best.

Betty Boop

MONDAY,MONDAY

Another new week.  Comes around pretty fast.  Aren't we lucky?  Church was good yesterday.  I was surprised to hear the Choir sing one we sing at our choir here at SCV.  I had never heard it before we sang it here.  Don't you wish I could remember the title? O well.

We had lunch at CHAR's yesterday.  It is doing a good business.  Very thoughtful Sophie girl made a reservation for us, so we walked right in and sat right down, while a line was waiting.  Nice.  Paul met us at the door and helped me in.  Nice again.  Music and food  was good and so was the company.  I am so spoiled.  (and I enjoy it.)

Have a good week.
Betty Boop

SUNDAY

I enjoyed Saturday with Jan.  We took care of a lot of things.  She brought for my  approval  2 flannel shirts from Old Navy.  Half price sale.  I liked them both.  Should feel good .  Price was right. I do like a bargain.  We had a few odds and ends to attend to.  Took off for lunch.  I like to go out and she takes me on a long way around to see what is new.  We ate at Ya Ya's.  Ever been there?  You must try it.  It is  a family owned Greek,  On 51.  It was a beautiful day in  more ways than one.

Betty " Going to Church" Boop

SATURDAY

Freezing this morning. Bitsy and I stand at the glass sliding door and gaze out.  I crack the door for her to take in the cold air.  Her little nose goes to work to smell the fresh air.  I close it quickly because the wind is going right through me.  She looks disappointed.  Just wonder what she smells that keeps that little nose working so fast? This little creature has cost me a small fortune in care, but  she is such a friend and confidant. She listens  to all my conversations.  We give to each other.  Guess she earns her "keep."

Closet sale was a great success. Last count we made over 7 thousand and they were still counting.  Great.!!  Wish I  could have helped more.  I only spent 25 cents.  Bought Bitsy a feeding dish.  Really a little saucer so I have two.  One clean and one in use.  Ho Ho Ho. 

Betty Boop

DAUGHTERS

Daughters  are blessings.  I have three.  They do so much for me.  Physically and emotionally.  Amy came yesterday and we worked on my Christmas "happies." I get myself into a corner and need help each year.  Maybe I will make this year the last.  I really am not up to doing it.  But to be together and work is priceless.  Jan helped last year along with Amy.  We may need her again.  I am so pleased with this year's gifts. I am limited now to how much I shop.  My family has gotten to big and it is impossible to  do what I used to do.  SO BE IT,  I always say.  Time does not stop and things do change.

Big closet sale downstairs.  We have it mainly for benefit of our employees.  We cannot "tip" so this is like a Christmas bonus to them and I am so glad to do it.  Plus everyone loves to look and buy each others "stuff. Just peeking in yesterday as they were setting up. it looked like a lot to buy.  Hope to get down and look.

Betty Boop

BACK

Finally, at 6:30 last evening the TV is back.  I was so glad that I did not face another night without it.  How self centered can I be? Others all over the world are suffering for many things and me upset about a TV night.  Anyway, it is back on and they did not install the update.  They said in about 2 weeks they would come back and do it.  I guess they still have a way to go before they know what to do next.  I do not pretend to understand.  SO BE IT. 

Let's talk about the weather instead.  Or do we want to do that either?   It is cold.  Really cold for this time of year for the South.  I will still take our weather over any other.  I am just glad to stand by Bitsy and stare out at the beauty around me and enjoy  being inside.  I feel I have earned the right to just stay put. 

Choir practice went well.  I can't believe Christmas is coming so fast.  I do love the beautiful music of Christmas.   We are doing some hard new ones, but we are getting there. When the time comes to perform, it will come together.  It always does.

Betty Boop
P.S.  This hot coffee is so good this morning.  I had a hot chocolate yesterday afternoon-another pleasure.

WINTER TIME

Cold and windy.  My mornings on the Balcony are few and far between. I am looking for snow and hoping I could see a few flakes.  It is possible.  C-SPIRE is driving us crazy.  In an effort to update our service they have caused a lot of trouble.  Computer works but not the TV.  I really missed it last night when DANCING WITH THE STARS was getting good.  Also THE GOOD DOCTOR is a favorite.  I had books to read but got tired of reading.  Went to bed before 9:30.  Up at 5:30.  This is getting crazy.  Hope to get it straight today.  Don't know what the problem is, but I hope they figure it out today.. 
History Club today and Mr. T. will come.  Good day ahead. 

Betty Boop

BETTER TODAY

Missed out on Sunday.  Little on the sick side.  Better today.  I get a flu shot today.  Finally  they brought SCV the shots.  I plan to be first in line at 9 this morning.  C-SPIRE is doing up dates.  What a job.  They have to go in every apartment to do it.  My time is this morning between 9 and 11.  Sounds like old days when we had to stay home for a delivery or to fix something.  They will come in if you are not here.  I put Bitsy in my bedroom with her facilities.  Water and all and told her I would be back.  She seems to know the words "be back." 

Expecting some real cold tonight.  They really should not mention the snow word in the forecast.  That is just silly-or is it? 

Betty Boop
VETRANS  DAY

SLOW DAY

If you call doing laundry exciting, I had an exciting morning.  With Jan out of pocket on Saturday, I was lost.  I picked up lunch from Cyber.  I ate in my Bubble.  A new resident has brought her outside plants to spend the winter in the Bubble.  It looks very nice to have new plants to look at.  I have 3 there and they look happy.   My Christmas cactus is blooming a little early.  My "boys" gave it to me years ago and it loves the Bubble. 

I had some very good tomato basil soup for lunch.  Looking out over the Lake with my thoughts and observations was very nice.  I am pretty good company sometime.  Real company is better.

Betty Boop

SATURDAY

Sun looks good, but it is cold.  Got down to 30 degrees for a short while.  Sun came up and it will be a beautiful day.  Can't complain, because this is what we asked for. Jan came yesterday to bring my groceries.  I seem to need so much.  We went to the little alterations lady to get my two new pants shortened .  Always the short one I am.  Even 6 petite is too long. So be it, I am not growing any more. Actually I  don't think I have grown in height since 4th grade.  I guess I am stretching that a little.  4' 11" is what I am now.  (And shrinking !)

I am reading one of a series of books by W. Bruce Cameron. It is called A DOG'S PROMISE. New one in -A DOG'S PURPOSE series.  I need to read the two in between.  Hope we have it in large print.  I get tired reading any other print.  Reading takes a good part of my time.  We have a very good library here and the Book Mobile come also.  SCV is the place to be.  Come on over-we still have a few spaces left.  Jan is busy today and wont be here as usual on Saturday.  Miss our lunch time together. 

Thanksgiving is coming soon and my Crazy Old Turkey is on display. Shaking his head, if you know to touch his hat.  Also, Truman's Navy picture is on display with other Vets in the case downstairs.  We cover it all here.

Chatty Betty Boop
P.S. Sophie, you will be glad I left the CRAZY OLD WITCH I used to have that hollowed so weird, you were a little afraid of her.  Remember?  I left her behind!!  MaMaw

BALCONY

First time on Balcony for coffee in a while.  Warmer and rain coming.  I see change in the Cypress trees around the edge of lake. We have Willow trees too.  Both do well around and in the edge of water.  My little tree in front of my Balcony is still standing out red with it's full coat.  Kind of pretty.  Just for me.  I call it mine. 

Jan took me to the mall yesterday for new black pants.  Ended up with black and loden green and a very pretty sweater top.   Had Chick-filet' for lunch.  Soooo good.  I really pushed myself and was really wiped out.  Jan is so patient and efficient  shopping with me.  I really do appreciate her help in so many ways.  Well I must go and get ready for the day.

Betty Boop
Sweetly Be Everyone.

LEAVES CHANGING

You have to see the changing of the leaves in the Fall up North.  Can't describe it.  We got to travel the best way in Motor home.  Earlier by travel  trailer and pop-up also.  It was a good way for kids and it was so much cheaper.  They loved it.  Seeing so much more for our money.  That was a big factor raising 3 girls in the early days.  Not a bad way to go-in fact the best. Outside my Balcony  among the tall pines  is a tree I do not know.  It is in it's full glory of red. A few trees have been planted down South that are not native but are thriving.  So you see some color. 

We are having a Birthday Party!!  For all who have turned 90 this year and before.  It is today.  Will tell all about it after the party.  Jan and Amy are coming.  The slide show of the 90's people are being honored with a slide show on the big screen.  We took photos of us in our travels.  It was hard for me to decide,  I have so many.  Lucky me.

Betty Boop

SUNRISE

I hope some of my readers saw the sky just before sunrise this morning.  I can not describe it.  Many, many small dark clouds filled the sky as the sun sent beautiful pink rays to cut through them.  I have seen skies look this way before but not so dramatic.  I am glad I was up early to see it. Yesterday it was All Saints Day.At Church  Amy arranged a beautiful altar display of candles for 6 we lost this past year.  It was a very touching service.  Beautiful women we lost, I knew well for a long time in the church. Keep wondering why I was not among them. I  guess the Lord has other plans for me.  While I love my life now  I sometime wonder why I am still here.  I have good new friends at SCV but most of my old friends that I shared raising children with are gone. Many in the Church were very good friends.

Did I tell you that Jan and I went shopping Saturday.  Bought one top, but my personal shopper, Jan, brought for me to try on a bag of tops from TJ Max.  She knows my taste well and I chose 5 out of 6.  Made me happy. 

Betty Boop

PROVERBS; 16-31

Long life is the reward of the righteous; grey hair is a glorious crown.  Proverbs: 16:31.  I like Proverbs.  Kind of like Chinese fortune cookies?  This one has always interested me.  I am in the process of letting my hair "go grey."  My Mother had beautiful  grey hair.  I hope mine turns out the same.  As for the proverb- a righteous reward would be nice as well and as a long life (already have that), a  glorious crown would look nice.  We will  just have to  wait and see.

Betty Boop

Brrrrrrr !!!!!

Yes, it is just plain cold. Halloween!!  All the doorways were decorated.  Well most of the children-at-heart were.  Bowls of candy.  We all need a little sugar.  My favorite all time candy is Snickers.  But most chocolate will do.  I have been rationing out a bite or two  Little moderation is good for your conscience.  And good to the lips too.  Now on to Thanksgiving décor.  I hauled out the old crazy turkey that I have had a few years.  It is hard to describe him.  He carries a sign that says "GIVE THANKS".  And I hope he does remind everyone who sees him to be  thankful for all our many blessings.  I like my job of decorating the table at my entrance to my hallway. Also a few dried corn ears and husk hanging on my door will appear.  I inspire my neighbors to do the same.  (I hope.)

Well, let me get myself together and start my day.  Hope yours is a good one too.

Betty Boop