ALMOST 2O2O

I like the sound of 2020.  Kind of neat.  Easy to remember.  New decade too. 

Bitsy sat on the arm of my chair this morning while I read Bible and devotional and prayed my day right.  She loves for me to read it to her.   I declare that is so--or maybe she just loves me and the heat of the floor lamp?   Whatever, I will accept it.  That is what you do with kitties.  She is full of breakfast of cat fo0d and warm with heat and love.  What more can she want or need?   When I think about it-that covers my needs and wants too. Not the cat food for me.  How about egg-in-hole.  Have you ever had your egg cooked in a hole of toast?  Good, good, good. 

I made that black bean soup yesterday.  Had a bowl for supper.  Turned out pretty good.  Will share some with a friend.  You too-if you like it.

Betty Boop

MONDAY

Sunday was good.  I enjoyed Church.  We had a Service of Lessons and Carols.  Scripture was read and we sang a carol to  match it. I  thought it was very good and I received a blessing from it.  P. and S. picked up lunch from NUKE'S. It was very good.  Amy and M. G. joined us on my famous Bubble and we all enjoyed talking and pursuing a lot of subjects.  It is fun to me to listen.  Their world of work and play is so different from mine and I am brought up on many subjects.  Ryan had a head ace and did not feel well.  We missed him.  My Bubble is getting popular.  I am happy to share it with my family. 

Betty Boop

RAIN FOR TODAY

Some use rain and other conditions to stay home from Church.  Now I know all the reasons people have.
they are welcome to their thinking, but for me, I need to go.  Hope I get to go today. 
I read my Bible and devotionals and pray most any time of the day.  When the urge  presents itself.  I live this way and guess I always will.  Here I go preaching again. 

Jan came yesterday.  She brought me a few groceries.  I seem to need a lot for one.  She brought me "happies" from her and Amy.  Lovely lotion from Amy (I need a lot.)  From her, goat milk soap.  I love both presents.  So thoughtful and needed.  I had my favorite hot dog in the Cyber for lunch, that we shared.  Surprised!  My blood sugar was normal that night.  I can never figure it out.  This morning it was below what the Dr.  wants it. You go figure it. I had my Navy bean soup for supper.  Jan brought me the makings of Black Bean soup.  I look forward to making up a recipe for it next week.   Soup time even if the weather says not.  Good anytime.

Betty Boop

LAZY

Yes, that is what it is.  I am just lazy.  Don't want to do anything.  My "get up and go"  has "got up and went."  And with out me.  Got to start off the new year better than that or I will be left behind.   How do I do this? Did it start with letting my hair go-grey?  Maybe I should color it again.  But then I am too lazy to consider that too. 

My "boys"  gave me a new CD for Christmas.  It is Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga, called CHEEK TO CHEEK.  It is so nice. Songs I know.  An unlikely couple, but surprisingly good.  Their voices blend so well and you can hear that they are  enjoying it.   I have played it several times.  Bitsy and I will enjoy it many more times I am sure.   Yes, she likes music too.   When I leave my apartment, I always put music on for her.

Betty Boop

TREES

While sitting in the Bubble this morning, drinking a second cup, I looked at the trees around the Lake.  The Cyprus trees are almost bare.  Like naked ladies shivering in the cold or is it  from embarrassment?   I think they are beautiful all stripped and sleeping till Spring when new needles will come again.  There is a Cyprus Tree forest on the Natchez Trace.  It is wondrous to see.  All those big trees with their roots in water.  They seem to be thriving around the Lake here.  Someone had the insight to plant
them as well as Willow trees.  I also saw  resident Egret, as white as snow.  And a blue heron. Two mallard ducks and some more smaller ducks.  It is their kind of weather for sure.  More rain on the way for  the weekend.  I am resting and planning when to take the decorations down.  What a job!!  Why did I think I had to put it all out?  Because I love all of my old stuff.  Do you?  Of course it just grows with the years, when you keep it all. 

Betty Boop

CHRISTMAS DAY

Another Christmas.  I have seen a lot of them.  Everyone different, yet the same.  New and old traditions. Thank you Lord for them all.  We had 13 around the table. No children that made it a little subdued, yet nice.  My seat was in the middle of the table.   You would think that is the best seat.  I picked it.  But to try to hear all  around you is a little difficult at times.  That is due to these hearing aids that tend to pick up all around you at once.  Oh well I could enjoy it anyway.  My that turkey and dressing was good.  I will have a rerun for lunch.  I was pleasantly surprised that my blood sugar reading was only 115, even with a little dessert.  That felt good.    Home felt good and restful,  with new memories to sort and store for later.  Brand new member to celebrate was just frosting on the cake !!!!

Betty Boop

MERRY CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS GIFT!!!  Old tradition in our family.  Don't believe it is original, but we used to have fun seeing who could say it first to each other.  Of course the answer was, "Give it to me."  followed by laughs.  Ahh tradition.  How sweet the memories.  We enjoyed the Brown side of my family last night.  That fried chicken was heavenly.  Thanks to mamma for that one. I have heard others tell of their family tradition for the food at the Christmas Eve dinner.  Some strange options.  Wonder how that got started?  Catching up with my family was good.   May that tradition continue.

Big dinner at daughter's home with the other side for today. Traditional  turkey and dressing.  We just can't get enough of cornbread dressing.  Southern style with gravy.  And why do we have cranberry sauce so seldom?  Especially when it now comes in cans.?  Oh! did you not know?  We used to make it from scratch. Some still do.   What a job!!  Just like a lot of foods now, it is so much less trouble.  I am for that.  But sometime it is good to remember.  You have to be my age to remember most changes.  Hooray for change or is it for memories?

Betty Boop,  Was Santa good to you??

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE

Annual " Eve" dinner tonight.  Started by my Mother after  Jack I had children, so we could be at our own home for Christmas day.  She always said it was her Christmas.  As some know she prepared all the food.  Always fried chicken.  We have that tradition till this day.  Jack's family join in as always.  I hear we are having 20 at S. &P's welcoming home.   Such a nice house for a crowd. THANK YOU!!  I used to fry chicken, but let Kroger do it now.  There will be great food from everyone.  Much catching up and laughter as we tell the old old story of Kathy and her urging  her parents to hurry and go home because the weather man on TV showed Santa approaching Jackson in his sleigh.  She will never live that  down.  Memories--old and new.  I thrive on them.

Betty Boop

BLUE FOR BOY

Blue for boy and we have been waiting for you little one.  Who will he look like?  What is his name?  Take your time, which is what you are doing, we can wait.  The weekend so far has been hard.  Just knowing you are on your way.  I think today is the day.

The big open house party here was very interesting.  Three apartments and one house decorated and welcomed us all to come look and see.  My, I found out how  the other half lives!! I thought I had the best, but I found out I did not.  The apartments were beautiful.  Plenty food and decorations to see.  So nice.  But you know what? When I came home, I decided that I still do  have the best.!! Thanks to all who open their homes for us to enjoy.  I did enjoy!!!  The next text I hope to tell you about my 10th great-grandson.

Betty Boop

SUNSHINE

Good to see sunshine.  Cold, but warming later with the sun shinning.  These "goodies" that I am getting at the door are killing me.  I had sausage balls for breakfast from one friend.  They were perfect with a scrambled egg. Even had Bitsy sniffing as they warmed up.  I guess she will never know what they taste like.  I never give her people food.  She wont eat anything that falls to the floor either.  And that is good. 

We had a pretty heavy frost.  Almost looks like snow.  That is close enough for me. Altho snow in the South is pretty, it can cause havoc with us.  Not being used to it and being unprepared, it can get hard to handle.  But it would be exciting.  Just a little.

Betty Boop 

SUNNY,COLD,SUNRISE

Better to get out today than yesterday.  Dr. Sotolongo   my foot Dr, is calling to trim my toe nails. I can't do it anymore for myself. So I just enjoy it.  So Be It!!  Enough of that.

I see a small covey of ducks each morning.  They swim in a group as if they a are a big family.   Can't tell what kind they are.  They are small compared to the usual Mallards I see.  I saw a man fishing on the dam yesterday.  I think he heard they bite in bad weather.  He did not stay long.       Yesterday we sang traditional Christmas carols in the Activity room.  Small crowd.  Many reasons I guess.  We started celebrating so early and many have just lost the excitement we need. My observation.  Could be wrong. 

Later Betty Boop

TERRIBLE STORMS

We were spared here in Madison, as far as I know.  Many over Mississippi and Louisiana   were affected.  So sorry for all who are having to clean up today.  Worse here at Christmas time.  The temp is not real low, but it feels cold with all the clouds. Maybe the sun will peep out soon.  Here at SCV the beat goes on.  My table outside my door has been full of surprises.  Fun for us all. The Choir is singing Christmas carols today with everybody joining in.  We will sing all the favorites. Hope everyone will be happy. 


Betty Boop

STORMS PREDICTED

Good day to stay inside if you can.  Stormy weather on the way, so they say.  Yesterday at Church, our Choir sang so beautifully.  We had the piano & organ playing.  My what a joyful noise.  The whole service was outstanding.   Very moving.  Little happy gifts keep appearing at my door.  My, I have many thoughtful friends. 

Amy and I had lunch at one of our favorite places.  PANERA BREADS.  The have such good soup.  I seem to be into soups lately.  Homemade and not so homemade.  All good.  I am looking forward to my side of the family and Christmas.  Bless Paul & Sophie for having such a crowd to their home for Christmas Eve.  My Mother's tradition lives on.  We still marvel at how she did all she did.  She made everyone's favorite.  Fried chicken was the centerpiece.  It still is!!  I bring it, but Kroger cooks it now.  In her day, she would have been offended to buy it already cooked.   I am not bothered by that at all.

Betty Boop

BEAUTIFUL DAY

Beautiful day with daughters.  They picked me and the rollator up and headed for the big beautiful city of Jackson.  My birthplace.  A longtime ago.  Never lived anywhere else till Madison and SCV.   My it has changed.  It is still growing.  It feels like a big city with all the newest tall building. We headed to Mississippi Museum of Art.  Was disappointed  at the few Christmas decorations we expected to see.  But the tour was good.  I saw many artist I knew represented.  Think I will take my one picture I painted of the Amish men, and present it to hang among some of the greats.  The gift shop is always interesting to look at but not to buy.  We went to the new and lovely hotel-The Westin, for lunch.. So good and nice.  It took me back to days when we went on conventions in the big cities.  Truman and I really lived it up.  County bumpkins at first, but we learned a lot. I digress.  The Westin had a beautiful display of Christmas trees in their lobby.  Each decorated by different businesses in Jackson.  They were so unique and beautiful.   We then took a tour of the Belhaven area.  Much is going on  there.  New business and many renovations of old houses. It really felt alive.  I have heard so much negative reports about the down town area.  Good to know that seeing is believing. I live in a small world of what I see on TV and  newspapers.  So seeing so much positive was really refreshing.  I was tired--but happy for the adventure, as we say.

BettyBoop

GO GREY ?

Well, the hair cut did improve my attitude, but boy o boy the grey is showing up.  When I decided to stop putting color on my hair, I did not really know what to expect. Would I like it? Would it be worth not having the hassle of doing it? I am still not sure after the short cut I got yesterday. So much grey shows up till I look like a different person.  Who is that old grey mare looking back at me from the mirror?  I am sure I have turned heads in the hall.  "Is she a new resident?", I am sure they are saying.  Oh well, at least they noticed.  I will try it for a while.  Who knows, maybe I will decide to go back to the little dark haired cutie.

Jan is coming today and maybe we will just "break out."  Go someplace  else.

Betty Boop
P.S.  Back to a plain white cup with a navy blue band around it for coffee.  Just shaking it up.

CUP-O-DAY

My coffee cup has a ring of holly and poinsettias around it.  Very festive.  The weather is dismal and dark.  Hope for sun later.  Everyone here is in the Christmas mood.  With decorations galore.  Many musical programs and changing of little happies and cards.  I have done my part.  Still mixed feelings.  Happy days of buying Sant Claus for the girls is just a memory now.  Days of preparing are done.  I always had a sad side to Christmas.  I think that is not unusual to many.  I must get over it.  And I will.  I miss my Mother, Daddy, brother and most of all my husband.  Hurry up, sun, come out and help me feel your warmth.

Betty Boop
P.S. I am getting a haircut today.   That should do it!!

SUNNY & COLD

Winter for sure.  31 degrees is cold to the South.  Will warm up with this beautiful sun   beaming in the balcony doors.  Full of sunshine and Bitsy.  She uses a lot of her time finding the warm spot. 

I am starting a new med to lower my blood sugar.   I have been fighting it for years and not successfully enough.  It is a new drug (kind of), You may have seen the happy guy dancing-in his office, on the street, in his garden cutting grass, walking his dog, everywhere happy and feeling good.  I hope I get to dance down the hall out here because I feel that good.  What would happen if I did that ?  They would quietly put me away.  It is called Jardance.  I read the folder that came with it  As with all drugs there are many side affects possible.  I am pretty tough and maybe I will tolerate it.  Hope so.  A little  hard on the pocket book, but insurance helps a lot.  Wish me luck.   Sure takes a lot for this old body to keep going.  But I am again thankful for good Dr's good meds and patience.

Betty Boop

RED LETTER DAY

I call it a red letter day because it was.  Before residents, friends. and my family I sat on the front row of the Choir and sang my heart out.  We did a good job, I thought.  Many said we did.  We wanted to send Christmas cheer and praise the season.  Some of the songs had such wonderful messages.  I felt the spirit as I tried to express it in with my choir friends and hope everyone felt it too.  O. k.  enough of bragging.  Except to M. G. for the beautiful white roses tinged in pink.  As pretty as I have ever seen.  Just like the pretty girl who brought them.  Thank you so much.  I love all my family and I am truly blessed.

Betty Boop

BIG DAY

We sing for you today. I hope my Choir does well today.  My voice is not what it used to be.  Not that it was ever that great, but used to be much better. The aging process is interesting to say the least.  It is the subject of most conversations around here.  It seems almost like a contest sometime--to see who has the most ailments. I am right up there with the winners.  Year 92 brings many chances to be #1,  Almost 93.  In January I will reach that number.  People say, "Oh  you don't look it!"  Flattering, but not very comforting. Many of the first people I met here are gone or moved on down the scale of care. I am still thankful I can live where I do and do as much on my own.  I could not do as much without my faithful family. 

O. K. my Christmas "cup-of-the-day" is another jolly Santa.  Well several of them.  The are happily dancing around the cup all dressed in red, green, or blue. Snow flakes are falling.  That makes them happy.  It is tall and such a pretty shape.  Makes me happy too.

Betty Boop

SUNDAY

The Church was so beautiful Sunday. Poinsettias were as pretty as any I have seen.  Given in honor or memory of someone.  Truman was my choice from his family. The music was great and the Choir was outstanding. Good experience. M.G. Ryan Amy, and I had lunch on the Bubble again.  They brought Greek this time.  So good.  One of my favorite. Of course Bitsy got her shot.  M. G. is so faithful to give it to her each week.  And she is good at giving it.  She understands Bitsy.

Yesterday my coffee cup had a jolly Santa and today it said Ho Ho Ho. What kind shall I have tomorrow? Read and know.

Betty (just too jolly)  Boop

CHICKEN & DUMPLINGS

 Have you ever had a craving for a certain food?  I did Saturday.  Can't always eat the original way of cooing, so I get creative and try to duplicate.  Chicken cooked and taken off the bone is something you can keep in freezer to do a lot of things.  Chicken salad, whole wheat spaghetti, just chicken sandwich, the list goes on.  I wanted dumplings !!  I made them with whole wheat tortillas.  I have done them before.  Just cut them in strips and dust with flour (important) and cook  in boiling broth you boiled  the chicken in.  I put onion and mixed spices with chicken to make a tasty broth.  Plenty to freeze for next time.  Now it was very good and I had a small feast with English peas and fruit for dessert.  Craving satisfied.!!!

Betty Boop

DEAR FRIENDS

I am blessed with not only the best family in the world, but dear friends.  I got a call last evening about 7 (good thing I had not decided to dress for bed) from a sweet lady who has been shut in for a while from a fall here.  She still lives in independent  living. Thanks to a very dedicated only daughter here in Madison, she gets plenty attention. Reesie and I were good friends when we did the exercise class early on.  She always was pleasant and laughter was her thing. So we just hit it off.  I have been amiss in visiting her since she has been shut in.  Her daughter called and said could  they come visit.  I was so surprised and glad.  Reesie was feeling better and wanted to get out and see people.  They came and Bitsy was a perfect hostess.  They loved her.  We had such a nice visit.  She said she loved the little happy I left for her and she still had  many of them from the past I made.  So the bottom line is BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE.  I am limited to all the things I do now but I have found small things I can still do.  Amy reminds me of the way I used to do things.  I usually ended up after Christmas sick with a cold and had to go to the Dr.  In those days, he would give me a shot--now it is different.  Everything is.  Time marches on.  So Be It!!

Betty Boop

MR. Mc B's Since 1982 (1983) ?

Jan took me to get my skin checked out.  He froze a few spots and declared me O. K. Good, Good,Good;   as Truman used to say.  Dr. Price is good and thorough in explaining everything.   Since I have not tried to get Pansies yet we decided to go to Moore's to buy a few.  Surprise, we should have known it was late to buy them,  they were closed!!  Not to be outdone, and we were in the neighborhood of the new Calloways  at Gluckstat.  My that place is booming.  We bought enough for my big blue pot on the balcony.  They are waiting to be planted.  Jan had been telling me about this quaint and rustic little gem of a restaurant.  Mr. McB's on Lake Harbor. It has been there a while and I have noticed it . But Arby's is close and I always like it too.  Picadilly--back off.  This place has you beat for veggies.  Oh and the chicken fried steak was to die for.  My it was good!!.  By then, I needed a nap.  Jan dropped me off and Bitsy and I fell in bed.

Oh, I found an answer to the "tear the tree down"  caper.  Amy said sprint her with water .  And I did.  Only took one time.  I am holding my  breath it will work.  She is a sharp cat, so I do not know what to expect.
Betty Boop 

DERMATOLOGY

They call it the Skin Care Clinic now.  And that is what it is.  Anyway, Jan and I are going this morning. I have not been in 5 years.  Time got away with me and I should have gone long ago.  Hope everything checks out o. k. Jan and T. have  been on a week trip to see both kids and grands.  She came  right back and jumped right in to taking care of her old Mom.  My that old girl is needy. Wish me luck.

Another Christmas cup for coffee.  This one has a decorated tree and is just the right size. I know it is part of someone's china, just forgot  who gave it to me.  It was filled with peppermint  sticks I bet.  (Little secret)  I do not like peppermint very much and end up discarding it after Christmas.   I know it is a part of Christmas, so I keep it around till after.  Give me chocolate please and Snickers at that.  All the "happies) are delivered and hope they are making someone happy.

Betty Boop

MOVING ALONG

What would I do without my Blog to talk to?  I really enjoy it for my own sake.  Like saying "good morning." Start the day with a little fun and nonsense.  Maybe a complaint or two.  That's life.  I got my small collection of Christmas mugs down from the shelf. (very carefully), I try not to take chances on falling.  I have these from many places.  People have given them to me mostly.  At Christmas with treats for a gift.  That will start soon around here.  It is sweet to have thoughtful friends who express themselves with small gifts.  Mine are half way delivered.  I must get it done soon.  

I will confess a funny.  I walked from the Livingroom to the kitchen through a tile floor.  The sun was so bright on it this morning.  It was early and I guess I was not seeing well yet.  A big spot of yellow was on the floor.  I sighed as I tried to figure it out.  Out came the paper towel and cleaner.  I wiped and wiped, only to bring up an empty towel.  Guess what--it was pure sunshine reflecting from the mirror on the wall.  I felt stupid and relieved to know what it was.
My coffee is good from a cup circled with holly berries and green leaves.
ROYAL NORFOLK-Someone cleaned their china closet!!!

Betty (on the job) Boop

FOSTY

Sun looks good, but cold.  The frost nipped the grass in front of me.  Like a mini snow.  We are not ready for the Choir Concert!! Everyone seems to be unsure.  I think we have not had enough practice.  New lady playing the piano.  Lady next to me said not to worry, we always come through and remember what Shirley taught us.  So be it.  I will try.

My next big thing is delivery of the rest of my happies.  So far they have been well received.  But I have a lot more to do.  Little at a time will get it done.  If I could just get better control of my blood sugar I would not feel so shaky and could walk better, I could do more.  Christmas is a while away, I will get it done.  Betsy is giving trouble with my tree.  I have it covered will a  large poster board so she can't see it.  Bad girl.  If  she chews the greenery it may make her sick.  I told her but she still wants to chew.  Still working on her!!!  
Do you watch THE GOOD DOCTOR on tv?  It ended for the season.  Kind of a cliff hanger, yet not quite.  Will be back in January, I was glad to hear.  I like it.

Betty Boop 

MONDAY -little nippy

Well now, it is  looking like Christmas.  Yesterday after church, M.G. & Ryan and Amy and I ate lunch in my Bubble.  They brought Fire House subs.  Never had them before.  Very good.  I left the "fire" out of mine.  It is fun to eat out there.  Afterwards we put up the tree Amy brought for me and decorated it with my old favorites.  So far I have only had to correct Bitsy two times to not chew on the fake branches.  She is a little bit interested but it is fake and she decided no need to chew. (I hope.)  She does not play like a kitten anymore anyway.   Maybe she will be good.  She is smart but still a cat. 
I delivered a few "happies" yesterday.  I am going slow.  It is a big job. 

Hey, the sun is out and it will warm up.  Today is our last practice for our Christmas program.  Looking forward to it.  The music was good at Church yesterday.  Our Choir is small, but well trained by our very dedicated leader. 

Betty Boop