61 at 7

 Reluctant to come inside.  I was a little early anyway.  To see  my world come awake was nice.  I heard geese come in earlier and sure enough they were feeding and swimming very quietly.  I think they have learned some good manners.  I saw the night guard patrolling, how good.  I saw the pool man spraying his heart out with his BIG sprayer  That pool is ready.  I saw one walker. after all it is early. I was taken back in time when I first moved here.  I just loved to hear the geese come in.  That sound stayed with me.  That was before I could sit outside each morning.  When Truman was still with us  and looking everywhere for me each day.  When they finally lucked up on the idea that he could get around on his own in the wheel chair, he was everywhere.  Some places he should not go-he was looking for DOT.  Yes he knew me till the end.  He did not have the ability for much conversation, but he wanted me with him.  Do you think he must have wondered, just what is going on?  Knowing him, I am sure he had questions.  Forgive me, he is on mind this morning. Blame the Geese!!

BETTY BOOP

Ahhhh 55 degrees

 Breakfast was good. with oatmeal and stewed  apples, juice (for pills) whole orange, cheese garlic biscuit (very small) turkey bacon and coffee.  Kind of full, but satisfied. Saw clouds this morning and a story behind them.  0ne small cloud is the world  Another  large one is heaven.  Saw many clouds, I always read them.  Then there  were many small ones,  with what looked like small footprints coming from it-and walking toward a much larger cloud.  I can make a story, but it is obvious that  the small one is this world and foot prints lead to a better place?  O. K. enough of that.  We have something new to offer.  PING PONG.  Don't get to excited because I bet it will be like bowling on the big WEE TV.  That was very popular.  Any way it will keep us moving around.  They are expecting a crowd.  Two groups of 10. Two times a week!!  They know how to do things around here for sure.

BETTY BOOP

46??

46 sounds nice, but the fog has moved in and with it damp air.  Not to pleasant for Balcony.  My chair pads are damp anyway, so here I sit inside  again.  Switching to regular, everyday cups for coffee, does not upset me.  I can roll with changes with the best of them.  Some get upset over their favorite cup and fret about it-not me,  I have always been one to make the most of what I have and be happy with little surprises.  I pray a lot.  Don't need ritual and protocol.  Just a quiet moment and I am good and done.  That is where I am this morning.   Yesterday I finished taking down the decorations, even in the Hall table I keep going.  Winter scene with snow men and polar bears and white flowers.  Looks O. K.  Better next time.  I am running out of ideas and stuff.  Can't go to my favorite DOLLAR TREE and buy something new.  That is O. K. too.  People forget what I put out last year and we have new residents who have not seen my displays before.  I know I am rambling, but I have a lot on my plate this morning,  Better tomorrow, I always say.   BETTY BOOP

WOW!!!! 50 degrees ?

HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN  Shall I sing it?  50 is not bad-but so good.  The Balcony was calling, and I went.  The Lord  blessed us with many kinds of clouds,  mixed with the sun.  Mr.  Crow sat atop of the cross .  King of the air.  Enjoy it while you can, for it will not last.  We have to take the good with the not so good.  That is life.  I am drinking coffee from the last of the Christmas cups.  They are all in the dishwasher for the last time this year.  I will put them on the top shelf and bring out the old faithful everyday ones tomorrow.  Feels good to go back to the normal (as we know it now).  Some call it the NEW normal. At least I can dust the tables now.  Bitsy  says "thank you" to that.  Where does  all that dust come from?  Air tight as I am, I wonder.  The VIRUS is still marching on-it has touched us all.  I am thankful so far that it has not crept into Independent Living here.  

BETTY BOOP (better tomorrow) BOOP

CRAZY ?????

 I just could not stand it any longer, so I dressed as warm as I could, went on Balcony for a short while.  34 degrees and a beautiful morning.  I stayed till my last drop of coffee got cold.  That did not take long.  Yesterday I gathered the Christmas cards, I was happy to receive so many, and I will save them at least a year and go back from time to time.  First step to clearing out.  Then I took down the nativity in my room.  Cleared the tier table outside my door.  Today I will take the tree down and pack all those sweet old ornaments away.  The Hall table that I decorate will have to wait.  Can't come up with a new scene.  As I was working, I thought I am packing up something else this year.  Fear-worry-impatience--maybe bring out more trust, hope, and joy.  Sound like a good plan?  Well get to it and I will too.

BETTY BOOP

OOOO LA LA

French toast for breakfast.  This cold morning (27 here) I thought I would do it up right.  Of course not the real  French toast, but I have invented my diabetic version and am satisfied.  Add turkey bacon, a big fat Navel orange (for Christmas) and coffee--not bad at all.  They have a tray of fresh fruit on the food line as we pick our choices.  Apples, bananas, and very good oranges.  Take your pick.  I like any kind of fruit.  Christmas day passed quiet and unusual.  But I heard from all daughters and enjoyed them all.  I get restless after Christmas to take all this glorious clutter down.  Maybe I can just do a little at a time and make it last a while longer.  That urge came from having a live tree all the years we were married.  Truman would suggest a fake one sometime, but did not protest too much as we would go to the tree lot and pick out one together.  Can't remember taking a child with us.  I wonder why? No reason comes to mind.   They loved to decorate. We would get it so early that it started to shed early  

Just rambling this morning,

BETTY BOOP

  

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

My Christmas breakfast was a treat.  JIMMY DEAN and I shared  a sausage English muffin with egg white and cheese.  and a juicy Navel orange, juice & coffee.  What a beautiful sunrise, brought hope for the day and the future. Oranges used to be a treat at Christmas.  As I would empty my old knee sock, nothing fancy then, I would always find an orange in the toe.  Always hard Christmas candy, nuts I only saw at Christmas.  Oh we had pecans and peanuts all the time, but Christmas brought kinds we did not have the year around.  Always a small toy or socks or fancy panties to my delight.  Some years' I am sure now it was a struggle to provide a Christmas for me.  I was the only child for 12 years, but those were hard times during the 30's.  But provide they did. I can't really remember wanting for anything. (except a bike, never had one)  Today is so different.  To each it's own.  I am again inside looking out at the day opening.  28 is just too cold for the Balcony.     Hope you all have a good day and I wish for a good year for all. BETTY BOOP

37 NO, NO!

 Christmas Eve. In the "old days" I would be busy.  I am talking real old days.  When we would go to my Mother's for Christmas Eve.  Children small and brother and his family would come.  Mama's small house never seemed too  crowded.  She fried chicken for us and many sides.  Something for everyone.   How she worked for that perfect time.  She always said it was her Christmas and she could do it all.  We have tried to carry on the tradition though she is not with us except in spirit.  So is Truman, brother and his wife are also no longer with us.  And now we can't even get together.  Thanks for the sweet memories and for all who are still with us.  We will do it again next year.

SWEETLY BE

Betty Boop  

CHILLED

The weather people say 50 degrees, but It seems colder.  No sun and cloudy.  I think rain is predicted.  That is Mississippi weather as we are prone to declare.  Even with the usual three layers  I was cold.  Did not stay long, Bitsy was waiting at the sliding door.  She is looking for the sun too.  She gave it up for the light of a lamp.  Much warmth comes from them.  Wednesday is called "hump day" because it is in the middle.  Remember the funny commercial with the camel?  He walks through the office and declares it is hump day.?  I love the creativity of some of them.  One favorite this season,( they use it in some form every year) is the Hershey Kisses playing a tune and sort of dancing in place.  What is your favorite?  You can tell I have very little wisdom to share this morning.  So let's get on with the day and see what happens.

BETTY BOOP 

OFF WE GO

I watched 3 jets take off into the wild blue yonder.  Somebody is traveling.  My thoughts took off to the Army Air Force.  We used to sing on the 4th and Veterans Day all the songs of our Navy, Marines, Air Force and so on.  My did we love to do that.  Many veterans among us would get the thrill of remembering.  Days when they were young and brave and ready to take on the world.  What a thrill for our Choir to sing those songs.  Funny how the mind can take over and you are someplace else.  Good and not so good sometime.  A friend brought me a special treat.  Sausage Balls.  Love those things.  Good she only brought 4. for I would have eaten too many.  As it is--I only ate one and am saving  the rest for later. Now all I need is Cheese Straws.  Never satisfied.  Hey it is Christmas. I can wish.

BETTY BOOP 

37 cool but sun is shinning

Let's try this shade of green.  I wrapped up and went to the Balcony.  I saw ducks and watched them.  The leader seemed to give a signal and they all dove under.  A few seconds and up they popped.  Yeh!!  Breakfast of fresh fish or whatever is under there.  I think the leader was a scout and he located a find.  We do need leaders, or else we could flounder.  I wont get into politics.  Too depressing.  What would our forefathers think?  Of course no one could imagine all we are going through.  They had many problems too, and thank goodness for the foresight they had.  I just watched an amazing video of my great grandson's first year of life.  His mom and dad are amazing.  And so is he.  Hope to see him in person some day-till then, how wonderful it is to watch such an amazing show!!  Good start to my day.

BETTY (THANKFUL) BOOP 

49 ALRIGHT

Good to go-with long seersucker robe and  to top it off my long winter robe,  and gown of course,  tattered socks, and a smile on my face, with MY  cup-o-joe.  I can take it this morning.  I missed being out early every morning, before I start the day.  Before I mess up and do something wrong.  Although I have been know to mess up even before I set my feet on the floor.   The Lord graciously forgives  me even then.  Hey, oatmeal with my cooked apples, turkey bacon on a small garlic biscuit & the ever-loving coffee.  I heard Canada Geese, but could not spot them on the Lake.  I saw a mother duck leading her brood in a straight  line,. dad duck over to the side, protecting.  I hear the turtles are so large and are after small ducks.  Oh, my. Can't think of that.  I saw a couple come out to walk.  They turned and headed back inside. Not very brave.  Must go now.  BE BRAVE   BETTY BOOP 

37 no,no,no

 I was sure hoping for the 40's so I could go out at 7 this morning.  Not happening. Oh well, this tall cup with Santa dancing will taste good here at Computer Center.  New sightings of the Elf,  He was seen around the pool, with mermaid dolls!!!!  And he was smiling.  Next day he was propped up on a stool before the fireplace in the lobby.  Holding a long stick with a marsh mellow toward the fire.  Next, yesterday we had a display of ginger bread houses made by the people who decorated  them.   By the way they were truly works of art.  So pretty.  Anyway-there he was in the middle, sitting on a sign and reaching for a candy  from the roof of a house.  Naughty boy.!!  The sign said his name had been chosen by vote--- JINGLES is his name.  My vote, BUDDY, lost.  He is still Buddy to me.  I will look for him today,  this has been a fun thing. Go have some fun today.

BETTY (TRYING) BOOP

29 Oh No!!

Let's heat it up by writing in RED,  I miss a fireplace.. Standing, siting,  laying on the floor (with one you love)  is another beautiful memory.  I remember one time, when the electricity went off and the heat was off. we made a bed on the floor in front of the fire and kept each other warm.  Now that is one for the Memory Bank. Everyone surely has a few to remember.  Cherish them-for they will serve you well someday. I know.  I live a great part of my time checking out memories.   I saw the Star in the east this morning.  You have to get up early to see it.  Always a good start to look to the heavens first thing in the morning.  Hey, here comes the sun.  Let's go find the Elf-on-the shelf .  He was in the dinning room yesterday.  Had to have a little lunch I guess.

BETTY BOOP

    

36 and cold.

The Elf on the shelve has been seen is various places around the Halls of SCV!!! I saw him yesterday sitting in a chair by the Library, reading a book. He has been here a few days, delighting us.  There is a contest going on to give him a name.  The choices are: BUDDY, DASH, JINGLES or WINK.  I voted for BUDDY.  We will see.  I will be on the lookout for him today.  How childish and funny.  Those Activity people are doing such a great job of trying to keep us happy and satisfied.  So much effort and creativity!!  Something for everyone.  Most people are really trying to make the most of it.  Gifts of cards and little "happies" are appearing at our doors.  Thank goodness for friends. 

MAKE SOMEONE HAPPY TODAY-It will make you happy too.  BETTY  

WHAT ELSE IS NEW ?

HAVE YOU READ ANY OF NICHOLAS SPARKS books?  I found one I had not read and it was a thriller!!  THE GUARDIAN.  I have read several books by him and this one kept me on edge.  It  was different from his others.  I stayed up a little late to finish it.  It is a wonder I could sleep.  Turned out o. k. --almost.  Lost the dog, a great Dane,  that was a hero.  Sob, sob.  I think I will search the Library for another I have not read.  I thought I had read all we have.  This was donated recently. Pays to look on the old shelves and not always looking to the new shelf.  Could make a story about that.  LOOK TO THE OLD BECAUSE THE NEW IS NOT ALWAYS THE BEST.  Oh, my. This virus is getting old, yet it stays on line for new too.  Sometime we must stay in the middle, where it is safe.  I read in the Bible- not to worry. but Lord, it is sometime hard. Cheers!!!  BETTY BOOP

37 DEGREES SAY NOMORE?

I saw a very beautiful Christmas program on PBS  last night.  The Morman Tabernacle Choir in Utah.  I don't know when it was done, but I had not seen it before.  You  remember Richard Thomas of the WALTON'S  He did such a beautiful story and then the Christmas story from Luke.  My it was good.  The Choir was unbelievable as usual.  In our travels we went there and actually got to go in the 

I saw a beautiful Christmas program last night on PBS.  You remember Richard Thomas of the Waltons (JOHN BOY)?  He read a beautiful story and then the Christmas story from Luke. He did a perfect job of that.  And the choir sang many songs-I was moved to hear them.

In our travels, we went to Utah and visited the

tabernacle.   Only Mormans are allowed in the Temple, but visitors can go into the Tabernacle where the choir sings. {It was so beautiful and big.}  Our choir director  Shirly used to brag that we almost sounded as good as they did.  I do miss the Choir soooo  much.  I could not sing all that well, but I made a joyful noise!!  Music makes me happy.  I like so many kinds.    Hey, have you ever put raisins in your oatmeal?  Try it, you may like it.  I did.

BETTY BOOP

I GIVE UP

Too cold at 7.  Maybe later.  I love the Hallmark movies at Christmas.  So sweet and you know they will turn out o.k.  Our very thoughtful library lady unpacks the many Christmas books each year and along with a few new ones.  I have read them all.  I think we need for things to turn out good and right these days, when so  much seem oh so wrong.  

HEY how about a SCV biscuit toasted for breakfast, add an egg-over- light, turkey bacon, juice and of course 2 cups of coffee.  Now that had a happy ending.  I will go with that.

BETTY BOOP

44--O.K.DRAGGED

I dragged my chair quietly into a sunny spot and braved it.  With bright sun to warm these old bones, it was great.  The parade was only one thus far.  Maybe later they all seem to say.  I looked at my favorite Cyprus tree across the Lake and it is still holding on to it's needles, while most of them are shedding.  I thought-like most of my many friends here, we are  are still " hanging on."  What is the difference in people?  Pride?  attitude? love of life?  Or  just plain lucky.  I am  sure there is more to it than that.        I am getting "happies" at my door.  What fun and how very blessed I am.

BETTY (hanging on" BOOP

ANOTHER SIGHT TO SEE

What a  foggy morning.  Nice temps though.  I could not see the Lake and almost every ware   you looked was dense with fog.  The walkers have to wait this morning.  For some reason my Memory Bank came to mind.  It is full, but the fog has seeped in and covered some of my memories.  How sad, when I can only remember parts of each one.  For instance my first train trip, when I went to visit one of my favorite Aunts in  N. C.----  12 or 13 (can't remember the age), see what I mean.   I remember parts of that wonderful first experience -- but alas not all.  Kind of like fog.  The sun is out now and the fog it's self is going away.  I can again see the Lake, like my memory, it is still there, just hard to see.

BETTY BOOP 

OH THE WONDER OF IT ALL !!!!

 I was up early-- before sunrise.  I saw over the Chapel cross the star in the east.  Shinning so bright, I was excited to see it.  And you  have to wonder if it is the same star that shone so long ago?  I think so.  As the sun rose, the sky became full of every kind of cloud I could imagine.  No artist could capture the beautiful pink and blue. I could not enjoy a sight more striking.  I was  moved almost to tears.  As usual, I searched for little holes in the  clouds that I call windows to heaven.  I am sure Truman is peeking through and smiling at me.  Call me crazy, I am sure you do, but that is the thoughts I have.  O. K. enough preaching.  I tend to do that from time to time.   So have a good day and enjoy the blessings of the season.

BETTY BOOP

37 but too early for sun

Reason?  Too early.  I have a appointment at ten and need to get everything done.  My cat and my breakfast must be taken care of.  Yearly check up with Dermatologist.  As you grow,  things like to grow on you.  Why is that? It takes me much longer to get ready to go anywhere.   Why is that?  I could write a book about that, but who would read it?  It is not new and it happens to everyone if you are lucky enough to live so long.  I just opened a door to a cabinet to look up a word and I watched Bitsy as she thought about crawling in for a nap or to read a book?  Decided it was too much trouble I guess.  She runs to every drawer or door to check it out.  Sometime she gets closed in and I have a hide-and-seek game with her.  Silly cat.  But a lot of work and she is worth it.  Most things are worth it that are a lot of work. Like me-I am sure a lot of trouble to my girls.  I am glad there are two of them here to share the load. Sure hope I am worth it.  Amy is tagged today to take me for this little trip.  Highlight--We will pick up lunch maybe at our favorite and take it home with us. Some day and soon I hope, we can eat in the BUBBLE !!  Now wont that be fun?

BETTY BOOP

37 & sun--more like it!!!

 Yes, I can take it this morning.  Pulled a chair in the sun and enjoyed the beautiful morning.  MISS BIG HAT  came tripping by.  She has it right this morning.  With her beautiful white wooly jacket + hoodie attached.  She looked as if she was enjoying her walk.  The sky is blue peeking through the tall pines and Mr. Crow announced  he was king of the cross on top of the Chapel.  Arrogant guy.  Poor little sparrows are too small to protest.  There is a story in there, but I wont go there.  Our Activity committee is very active.  Every day something is new.  How creative can they get? Can't complain that there is nothing to do.  

SCV dinning kitchen makes garlic-cheese biscuits.  Small, but full of flavor.  I had one toasted this morning with breakfast.  So good. 

well this is National Wash Day for me.  I will wash clothes and  shampoo my hair, such a lot to do, I must go for now.

BETTY BOOP 

34 must bow out again

I know it will warm up, for here comes the sun.  Good old sun!!We sang a song in Choir-"THAT LUCKY OLD SUN, HAS NOTHING TO DO BUT ROME AROUND HEAVEN ALL DAY.  True.  But we humans don't have that option.  Or would we want it.  However it does sound like something I want someday.  I still have much to do.  Deliver the rest of my little "happy" gifts to some of my favorite SCV friends.  I think we are into the Christmas spirit. I have been gifted two "happies" already. Of course I had rather give than to get!!  A good old 3 minute egg was good this morning, along with turkey bacon, whole wheat toast, juice and coffee. I'LL TAKE THAT Must go-like the rabbit, I'm Late, I'm Late, I'm late. 

BETTY BOOP   

37 and sun--Wheeee

Kind of "nippy" but refreshing !!  Sparrows are tweeting.  What about?  They are on the cross on top of the Chapel. Enjoying it before the Crows spot them.  And the beat goes on.  Hey Josh Groban did a special on MPB last evening.  My he can sing.  Puts so much strength and passion into it.  Enjoyed it.  It seems a lot of entertainers are trying to entertain more.  I have already seen several specials.  Someone told me they like to read my breakfast choices every morning.  Well here goes this morning::Good old oatmeal with the perfect banana ,turkey bacon and half an English Muffin, juice and coffee (two cups).  One in house and second from a Christmas mug on the Balcony.  I gave my many collected mug away before I moved here-these have been collected from friends and closet sale.  This morning. a tall one with the man himself dancing.  How jolly can you get??  Let us try to  enjoy just one little "jolly" thing, just for today.  See what happens.

BETTY BOOP

34--HERE I AM ON BALCONY

LAUGH if you will, for this is funny.  I was determined to come out on Balcony this beautiful Sunday morning.  Warmly wrapped and hot coffee, it was wonderful for a short while.  Clouds are beautiful.  The sun now rises over the cross over the Chapel, except the sun is hidden by clouds.  I know it is there, and will be a sunny day.  I saw one lone duck making a V-shaped stream behind him as he swam up lake.  Where is everyone?  I am drinking coffee from a Christmas cup with Santa putting out toys under the Tree for Santa. I loved doing that.  The excitement was almost too much, to see little girls discover their wants and surprises too.  Something magical about it.  Hard to get them to eat nothing but treats from their stockings instead of breakfast.  I am sure we broke that rule.  I did not have a fancy stocking like kids have now when I was a little girl.  Mine was one of my ugly knee socks that I wore in the winter.  Never mind, IT looked good to me,  An orange in the toe, strange nuts we only saw at Christmas, hard candy and I forget what else.  Always magical to explore new things we only had at Christmas.  Oh, yes always raisins on their stems.  Ever seen those. Ahh memories, how they linger and fade at the same time.

BETTY BOOP

33 and frost * sun

From the desk of THE DOT SPOT:  No Balcony when it is in the 30's.  Even though  inviting and sun out, it is  just too cold.  Big frost.  Meadow looks like the Geese could slide in the snow.  Except I  don't see them this morning.  Cuddled  in the nest I hope.  But it does look pretty.  Seems the weekend coms around quick.  I  am busy.  I have to watch Bitsy with the tree.  She wants to chew the artificial needles.  That would never do.  If she does not stop, I will have to take it down.  Can't have an emergency with her.  I just checked on her and she is taking a sun /and body bath.  Good!! nothing like a sweet smelling kitty.  Seem to be rambling this morning.  Want to  hear what I had for breakfast?  SCV makes good biscuits.  I had one split with cheddar cheese toasted in broiler.  Sliced orange, turkey bacon, juice and coffee. All right!! I will call it for this morning.  Have a blessed day.!!!!!

Betty Boop

44 and damp

Not a good combo.  Nor even hot coffee could lure me this morning.  My day will be full and fun and will put me in past memories.  I will drag out the very little Christmas tree and decorate. My many .  treasured ornaments will come out with sweet memories. I just don't have the space to do as I used to.  Not sad, just glad to be here at SCV where they have been wonderful to decorate so beautifully.  

I had a wonderful  breakfast.  Best egg-in-hole I ever cooked.  Just perfect with turkey bacon, sliced orange, coffee and juice.  Make you hungry?  Have you been watching the Xmas specials on TV? NBC has had some good ones.  Hope to see JOSH  tonight.  Silly me, I have a crush on him and Michael Buble',  

BETTY BOOP 

45 did not sound too cold, but''''''''''''''

Yes, their sits that crazy old girl from 2313.  She sits there every day sipping coffee.  Indeed, I must be a sight.  Sitting in all kinds of weather in a tattered old robe and those old, old knee socks and sipping coffee from yet another Christmas coffee cup.  Looking to the clouds for some meaning for the day.  The clouds were strange this morning.  Many little pockets of white and lots of big dark ones.  Maybe rain today.  I  did get chilled and had to give it up.  My cleaning lady comes today--so I must clean up a bit.  I have bits of on going projects going on.  My tree ornaments are waiting for the tree to come out from my storage cage, my tissue flowers and cards are waiting to be assembled. Those things take up a bit of room and I must decorate the tree before I pack the boxes and get them back to the cage. Now don't tell me I have nothing to do.  So I will bid you a good day and go on with mine,

BETTY BOOP 

30 is still too cold on Balcony

 I found a way to be out there!!!  I saw the sun shinning through my sliding door and said AHA!!! I pulled a chair up close and surprised Bitsy by sitting on her side and looking out.  She still is wondering why.  I had a perfect view of the Lake and the whole nine yards.  Yes the frost was there, but the sun will take care of that soon.  I  was surprised to see MISS BIG HAT.  Although at 30 degrees, that girl has to walk. Good for her.  Well as the song goes, "it is getting to look a lot like Christmas here."  All the usual beautiful outdoor lights are on.  They outdid themselves  this year.  The tall tree in the lobby is being decorated again.  So pretty.  I saw one going up in the Activity room too.  Many, many doors to apartments are looking festive too.  Mine included.  I plan to put up my "little" tree this week too.  Soon I will deliver the Christmas card decorated with my signature flower in red this year.  In it I will put a package of hot apple cider.  Hope they like it.  Not as much as usual, but still with love for my friends here.  So HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS too.

BETTY (getting in the mood") BOOP

RED THIS MORNING TO KEEP YOU WARM

Red to keep you warm, at 27 degrees you will need more than that.  Sun looks great but it will fool you.  I went out briefly to uncover my plants and decided even I could not take it.  There was a light frost and the Meadow was covered.  Gone is the green grass for a while.  What will the Canada Geese eat now?    My Christmas coffee cup  is dancing with Santa's.  Bought it at the closet sale one year.  It is tall and slender for a coffee cup.  Looks elegant in shape and size, but playful with Santa dancing.  I am a little miffed with myself.  I was so excited yesterday to bring back a serving of fresh strawberries from the dinning room. Planning to add them to my oatmeal this morning.  Banana was not ripe enough so I looked forward to strawberries. Forgot them and had to improvised a new topping of chopped pecans and raisins.  When I opened the fridge to get milk--there were the strawberries.  O. K. they will be good later, maybe with sugar-free ice cream.  I created a  new topping for my oatmeal--I am very creative  in the morning.  Does that make me a morning person?  Not really !!!

By the way, Betsy is basking in the sun spots, don't blame her.

BETTY BOOP.

41 Shiver me timbers

I will have to look that old saying up.  But it is obvious what it means.  Stepped out to check and 41 and wind blowing a little, it was too much for my "timbers"   Weather man, David Hartman just can't wait to say that each winter  I had a LINDA breakfast ----3 minute egg in a bowl of grits.  No wash up.  

I had a wonderful surprise yesterday afternoon.  Each Christmas for a long time, my Boys (three of the best son-in-laws you could imagine always paid me a visit and brought very thoughtful gifts to me.   Best part is always a final hug and "I love you."  This year I had decided it could not happen this year when they surprised me with a Zoom visit with all three.  We enjoyed seeing each other and got caught up on their news.  It can be done if you really care and try.  Nothing could have pleased me more.  Oh, yes the present was always so well loved. This year they sent  Dolly Parton's  new Christmas album.  On it she sings duets with Michael Buble', Jimmy Fallon, Billy Ray Cyrus ,Willie Nelson, Randy Parton. All it lacked was Josh Groban. !!!!What more could I ask for.  They, the boys, are truly  one of many blessings.

Betty Boop     

SUNDAY--SUNDAY

NOT  exactly 

 

Not Balcony weather.  Wet and dreary.  But that is just the weather.  Owner and resident cat look out at the start of rain,  a lot so they they say.  I don't mind a rainy day, in fact I love it.  I had a good time looking at the Mexican manger people yesterday.  They are quite pretty.  Strange in some ways.  I hope everyone appreciates the differences as they look at my display.  As lights come on all around the Lake and many are putting up signs of the season, I am thankful for another Christmas and my family so sweet.  I love hearing from them even thought we can't give each other a hug just yet.  Maybe soon.  I hope so. Meanwhile   Breakfast of waffles and turkey sausage.  And 2 cups of coffee.

Betty Boop

55 and wind!!

All right!  Did not take long for me to drink that coffee on the Balcony.  Actually we are expecting freezing next week.  I am getting in the Xmas mood early.  Taking out old decorations will do that.  I do something funny ,  In the last years I take my Christmas cups out and drink coffee or tea through the Holidays from them.  I don't have as many as I used to, so I rotate them.  Only 5 are left. All different and all gifts.  I used one of the favorites with HO HO HO printed on it.  Like that one, my friend Betty R. gave it to me.  Sweet friend is living in assisted living now.  Amy is bring the Mexican manger figures for me to use.  I bought them in Mexico one year when we were there for the Winter.  That was a fun time,  Several years we spent January and most of Feb, there near the Mexican border. Near Brownsville.  Big RV park full of Winter Texan's ( as they were called).  Us and many Mexicans.  Over the border we went to shop.  It was a fun time.  I bet they don't let you cross over as easy as we used to.  Nor would we even want to.  Things change,  Sometime change is good.

BETTY BOOP

  

66 degrees ???

 Thanksgiving went by quietly.  I did get to talk to all 3 daughters.  I was thankful for that. I decided to take down the Thanksgiving decor'.  Gets kind of tiresome after a month.  It was good and bad to dig out the old tried and worn decorations  Some are getting very old.  Just like me.  I love them all.  I tend to want to show them all.  Nobody but me would appreciate that.  I have a large collection of Angels.  Gathered from many places over the years.  I arranged  them on my tier table outside the door.  Looks nice to me.  Had to stop because I don't know what to do on the Hall table.  Thinking for a while and it will come together (usually with Amy's help. )  So the Balcony was still and the birds were lined up on the roof across the way.  Looking for rain and colder weather for next week. A gaggle of Canada Geese flew low over the Lake, making their presence loudly heard.  My favorite Cyprus tree is so pretty as it turns it's needles from red to brown and then sheds them for the Winter.  And the world keeps turning.  Thank you Lord for seasons.

How about breakfast?  Ever tried adding chipped small pieces of cheddar cheese in as you cook your scrambled egg?  Yummy.

Betty Boop

44 DEGREES

The sun was not up when I went out.  It was very quiet.  The mist was just rising over the Lake and the reflection was breathtaking.  I thought of the song we sang so much in our SCV CHOIR.  WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD.  It is a wonderful world, even though a little uncertain and scary just now.  The sun came out  as I came in so it will warm up fast.  Weather people say colder next week.  They love to tell of change.  But that is Mississippi weather for you.  Hot today-cold tomorrow.  SO BE IT.

BETTY BOOP

RAIN OR SHINE

Call me "crazy" but yes I did make a brief appearance on the Balcony.  My chair pads were of course damp.  I pulled a chair without pad up close to the door and sat for a while.  It was not the best of times, but it was refreshing.  I drank the coffee and I began to feel damp  from the mist.  End of visit for this morning.  Hey I had waffles for breakfast.  With an orange and turkey sausage.  Got me thinking.  We had a double waffle iron in the past.  We had to mix batter for waffles then.  Mr. EGGO came later I guess.  At least we did not know about toaster waffles.  But pancakes were Truman's specialty .  He made them for the kids some Saturday's.  They wanted them made into animals.  The best he could do was a snake!  As well as I can remember Kids, what do you remember?

BETTY BOOP.   

42 AND NICE

Feeling pretty good this morning.  Wonder why? Don't ask, just be glad.  I braved the Balcony, and it was fine.  I saw a normal thing in the sky.  I know it was a jet stream, but I love to imagine.  It was a sky writer saying HELLO, where have you been so long.  He covered the width  of the sky, as far as I could see.  Later came back to write an X.  I am telling you the truth.  It was for me!!  Anyway it seemed-"back to normal."  A small thing, but what a thought!  

BETTY BOOP

44 degrees brrrr

November 23, 1946 was not as cool.  The bride was dressed for cooler weather.  In her beautiful outfit and all the clothes packed for the honeymoon were for the same.  But here she was walking in on the arm of her Daddy and very happy.  Her groom was wearing his first made-for-him outfit .  Looking shaky and happy at the same time.  Beautiful together, they were ready for any thing the world had to offer.  And though there have been ups and downs, as in any  life, they hade it and very successful and happy, with many blessings. Gosh, I remember!!  Thank you Lord for giving me the great blessing of a good man to share my life with.  I still love him, and always will.

Betty Boop  

FRENCH TOAST--YUMM

I have perfected French Toast my style!!  Had it for breakfast and enjoyed diabetic style.  I am used to that.  When the Lord gives you lemons make lemon aid?  The sky was full of every kind of cloud you could imagine.  Little blue peaking through in spots (you know my imagination on that one.)  Yes Truman is there.  

MISS BIG HAT was by this morning.  I thought of her head ware and remembered  in the 40's.  If you look at pictures of that time-we wore a scarf folded in a triangle, tied under the chin.  Everyone did..  Sometime we tied it up to cover our head and with the knot on top.  Those were Bad Hair Days, I guess.  I had lots of brown hair then and got permanents  to make it curl.  That ever-loving little bunch of curls for bangs.  Looked like everyone else.  Those were the days.  Glad I can still remember.  Don't get me wrong, I live in today too.  

BETTY BOOP

SATURDAY

SATURDAY  Lovely day so far.  Had a good afternoon yesterday.  Went to J"s and sat on the porch with A.  She brought one of the new adopted dogs with her.  So sweet as Shelter dogs and Cats are.  They are interviewing for a new home.  I remember my Bitsy getting in my lab and winning me over as I picked her.  Co Co as she is called, sat in my lap and almost went to sleep.  You might say she was "sleeping" around, trying to impress anyone.  So sweet.  Well I must go, as I have a little something to solve.  Tell you about it later as it unfolds.

BETTY BOOPS   

HELLO

52  degrees is just right.  Sun and no breeze.  Rye toast, turkey bacon and coffee on Balcony was  vey good.  Of course the first course oatmeal and banana & juice inside.  Perfect.  You can tell right off that I have zero to tell this morning.  I got up a little early.  5:30 in fact.  Hope that does not become a  habit.  But when one goes to bed at 9:30 you have plenty of sleep by 5:30.  SLEEP:  Is to dream.  And I can't always remember my dreams long enough to understand them.  Some can.  My memory and dream bank must be full by now.  Can't wait till NAP time.

BETTY BOOP  

MAKING GOOD THINGS BETTER

That is the title of a very important committee  here.  I used to belong to it.  They were out in force, working on Christmas decorating SCV yesterday. They do lots of things to make things better. Takes a while.  Lights were going up all over.  I used to belong to a lot of activity here.  Choir, plays and skits, exercise class, on staff for the Villager, and various other short time activities.  Loved it all.  Cut back a lot a short time ago.  Miss it, yet I can still write for the VILLAGER, and submit a poem each month  I write this silly little Blog-THE DOT SPOT just for my friends and family.. Activities that take too much energy are a thing in my past.  I made memories  for later .  One thing I still wish I could do is to draw and paint.  Still time--remember Grandmaw  Moses.  I love her paintings and she was well into her 80's when she painted.  Oh well I always told my children when they wanted something they could not have--"Everyone needs something to want."  How true.  How else can we live without HOPE?

BETTY BOOP

43 is chilly

 But beautiful day.  Tall pines with a blue background.  No clouds yet.  I sit this morning on the South end of Balcony.  The sun hits it first. I look at the tall, bare limbs of the Chinese Talo(sp)? Tree  Just a few a few days ago it was a beauty.  We planted one on Riverwood, I always loved it.  I wonder if it still lives.  T. also planted a Maple tree.  They  don't grow here as well as up North, but is was growing slow the last time I saw it.  Truman liked trees, he knew the names of many.  I think he loved hunting because of the woods.  Hunting as a boy and later as a man.  He would always bring some sort of a plant or tree to plant or for me to see  I think boys need to grow up in the country like he did, or at least spend some  time there. In many ways it made him the man he was.  We were married November 23, 1946.  How long ago was that?  A life time!!

Betty Boop

Betty Boop  

GOOD MORNING FROM SCV

Purple this morning, like my morning juice.  I just looked at my great grandson  on my computer.  His Mom is a wonderful Mother.  So creative and smart.  That little man is going far because of his upbringing.  No doubt about it.  I told her, I wanted to come live in her house-it looks like so much fun.  This computer is a life saver for me.  It keeps me connected with family and many other delightful past times.   Not very savvy, but I stumble through to find lots of diversion.  Another plus---ZOOM.  The three daughters and I will "see" each other this afternoon.  Sometime I wonder how long this is to go on and when will I be able to see everybody again.  I think abut the holidays coming up and how lucky I was to be in a family that loved to get together.  SO BE IT!!!

BETTY BOOP   

BREAKFAST WITH DOT

Tried a new added one.  Yogurt !! Oatmeal, stewed apples, and a couple spoons of plain  Yogurt. YOPLAIT of course.  Talk about a nice taste ,oh my it was good.  Round that out with a slice of Gouda cheese melted on whole wheat bread, juice, and coffee.  Fit for a Queen.  41 degrees was kind of nippy.  No wind and the sun made it the place to be.  MISS BIG HAT changed. her big hat to a stocking cap.  Now that was smart.  She and MISS STEP LIVLEY were both present this morning.  I am sure there will be more, because it is a perfect day.  Well, I must go and discover surprise for the day.  You never know what is coming   Pleasant or Not.

BETTY BOOP.

 

HERE COMES THE RAIN

Yes, here it comes.  MISS BIG HAT was right.  She strolled by with her umbrella up a few minutes ago.  I looked to the North at a large dark cloud approaching fast.  She was prepared.  I turned the chair pads up and came inside.  Sure enough-down it came.  Not heavy but enough to usher some cooler weather.  I expect a few walkers were not as ready as my friend BIG HAT.  

Let's change to blue for rain.  See I can  change too.  It was so nice going back to dinning room, even though we are still picking up and taking out.  We have been LOCKED down in my unit for 2 weeks with the threat of someone being exposed.  Turn out o. k. as nothing developed.  So we are a little free again.  You have more choices when you can pick what you want.  They do a good job.  I think I will  close--I am making a mess of this one.  HAVE A GOOD DAY.

BETTY BOOP

 Dr told me to sit quietly 10 minutes before I took the blood pressure.  I use that time to look over the sky and think about whatever pops into my mind.  Many thoughts come to mind in 10 minutes.  But my favorite is to watch the sky light up for the day.  Navy blue ones appeared and soon as the sun began to rise, light blue and shades of pink.  What a peaceful day to start.  So nice out there and I was reluctant to come in.  Saturday is here again.  My, my, how the weeks come and  go. 

I had a "Linda".  breakfast this morning.  When she was working, to save time she would fix instant grits and add a soft boiled egg to them.  No pans to clean and a power breakfast.  I do not have toast, grits is a sub.  But I had turkey bacon and that messed up the plan for me. One pan to wash!!

New poem for VILLAGER

BEHIND THE MASK

By Dot Ellis    2020

I know there is a smile.

Haven't seen it for a while

I trust that it is still there,

And that you still care.

Soon these memories will fade away

I am hoping for that Day.

When I see your smiling face once more.

And the MASK is not a chore!!!

BETTY  BOOP

52 again and beautiful

O what a beautiful morning.  O what a beautiful day.  I've got a beautiful feeling-everything's going my way!!  From Oklahoma. Want to hear me sing?  Not this morning.  On the Balcony I heard the birds sing.  One (Preacher) flew to the top and gave orders for the day.  They, the members of the Choir flew off to do their duty for the day.  I wish I could sing again and in our SCV choir.  We have been on hold, so to speak, for sometime.  I am sure the pause in practice has taken it's toll on most of us.  The stage productions too.  Oh well, I still have memories of that fun time.  

The clouds were beautiful this morning.  I watched in amazement at the many formations.  A sky full.  I heard a small plane, but could not see it for the clouds. among the blue and white.  Blue is my favorite color.  See plenty of blue today.  Today Blue means happy.

BETTY BOOP

52 IS CHILLY

Yes, nice on Balcony,    Little spiders have been at work.  Barbara sweeps them away and I do too, but they build so fast.  Busy little creatures.  I had a laugh on myself this morning  You know I fix Egg-in-Hole sometime.  Well this morning it was egg (out) of the hole.  Explain please.  Well instead of IN the hole, I missed the hole and half went in--half went out of hole.  I am not as quick as I used to be, but I tried to gather is up and put it back.  What a mess.  It came out alright I guess as it was more scrambled egg in and around the hole.  Now aren't you sure you have wasted your time reading this?  Sorry.  Just telling it like it is.  Maybe this will be better.  Something I wish I had written:

NAPS  

You worry and wonder how you are gonna get it done,

From the rising of the moon, 'till the setting sun.

Plenty to do when your rest is through.

Let him have the world for a turn or two.   SO I SAY --" JUST TAKE A NAP"  Sleep while HE works.

BETTY BOOP

CH 

MISS BIG HAT

Here she comes-quilted jacket, gloves, long pants, and that ever loving flower pot hat.  Hope she is warm at 70 degrees.  My how crazy is this weather? .  My oatmeal with stewed apples was eaten inside and then to the Balcony for my rye toast, turkey bacon and coffee.  Sound like a plan?  It was mine this morning.     Four large Canada Geese put on a show by flying right before my eye level -- made eye contact.  Ducks are back and all is well.  I saw two BIG crows atop the cross over the Chapel yesterday.  As if they were surveying their space.  And they were, they just have to share.  I am getting a little off center, although I have a couple projects going, I still feel a little scattered.  Do you feel that way too?  Tell me how you are coping?  

BETTY BOOP     

WHERE IS EVERYBODY?

Nobody in sight.  No ducks,no people, no wind to ripple the Lake. Kind of spooky. I enjoyed Zooming with girls yesterday.I think about them this morning. All so: smart,beautiful,sweet,generous thoughtful,and patient with me.  Sounds like their Dad. Maybe they take after him and not so much me.I really enjoyed breakfast too.  Stewed apples,scrambled egg,turkey sausage links,whole wheat toast, coffee and juice for the pills.  I love breakfast food.  You notice how so much is underlined?  It is my crazy lap-too.  Not me.

BETTY BOOP   

67, cloudy but o.k.

Monday, a new start.  Daughter  # 2 laughed at me for calling snaps on my robe, "grippers."  Is that old fashioned?  Maybe, it has the sound of "old."  I guess I do use some oldies sometime.  I noticed somewhere a list of the new words added to the new dictionary.  But no list of old ones discarded.  Another saying-"There is nothing new under the sun."  True also.  Gather all those facts and we have another new or old, depends who you are.---"I am still here".  Am I new or old? Either way, I am not ready to be discarded or   replaced.  "Boy 0h Boy", (another oldie) "I am on a roll."-- another. I once read a book of old sayings.  Need to find that one again.  "and sharpen up!!"  Maybe I am already sharp enough.!!!!

Betty Boop 

 

GRIPPERS OVER BUTTONS

I choose grippers.  Now grippers are easy or more doable to me.  This has been going on a long time now.  I am just now beginning to realize just how true it is.  SO BE IT.  If you live long enough, it is bound to happen, IN EVERYTHING  YOU DO.

The clouds were beautiful from my view on the Balcony.  They reminded me of sweet potato casserole with tiny marsh mellows on top.  Remember how pretty they looked?  Light browned and still a little crisp, but soft in the middle?  Hungry for Thanksgiving. !!  I really  was not a fan of it, but it was tradition.  For Linda, Cranberry Sauce.  She keeps it year around in the fridge!! 25 ducks this morning!!  They seem to have gotten together and are a BAND TO BEAT THE GEESE.  Nature, I love it.

I know I am rambling this morning, sorry.

BETTY BOOP

 

 

DUCKS AND SUCH

The ducks seem to be back.  Actually they did not leave.  Just seemed to be overshadowed buy Canada Geese,  who think they own SCV LAKE.  Not seeing as many geese as usual.  I counted 14 ducks in a group each day.  The leader goes way out front and seems to be the director. Imagination again.  Sometime I worry about me and my thoughts.  I call it creating.  Ha!!  That is a joke.  The "pine thicket" as Truman's Mother would have called it, in front of my Balcony is not only Pines, but a beautiful mixture of trees and plants.  Some of the trees are changing their color.  Of course the tall, tall, pines stay green.  I bet the colors up North are pretty.  One of our camping trips with Irene and Cecil was in the early fall and we got to see such beauty.  Have some pictures-must drag them out some day.  I wonder what will happen to all those beautiful memories in all  those pictures?  Where will they end up? No one wants to look at them.   They are still precious to me.

Betty Boop  

t 

57 still feels cool

8 is not too early, but the sun and just me were out.  No ducks, geese, or walkers.  I either missed the early and am too soon for the late.  Sort of in between. I feel that way sometime.  Could be a safe place to be. Friday already.  Seems time is  marching on and yet not much seems to  happen.  Maybe things are working out and I will have to wait.  Patience, and Fortitude .  That sounds down right smart.  Can you master that plan?  Let us try.

BETTY BOOP 

14 ducks

Count them-14 ducks swam to the middle of the Lake.  As if in a water aerobics class.  Then all broke up (social distancing) and stood, as still as could be.  Strange to see.  As I left them, they were still there.  Have you ever had  a morning when you wake and things, little things, go wrong, like you gripper up your robe, get to the bottom and have one left over?  You have to undo all the way up and start over.?  How annoying. I think if that is all that goes wrong I am lucky.  Not wanting anymore mishaps, I just did not want to cook a big breakfast.  That takes a clear brain and thought.  HELLO MR, JIMMY DEAN !!!  He does cook a good breakfast.  Egg, cheese, sausage, on an whole wheat English muffin.  So I cut up an orange, no problem there, made coffee, poured juice and microwaved the muffin.  Felt guilty for enjoying it so much.  I usually save this breakfast for when I need to hurry.  No hurry, just a little lazy.

BETTY BOOP 

BEAUTIFUL DAY

 How do you like purple?  It is the same color as my juice this morning.  I drink a sugar free drink to swallow my pills each morning.  Jan brought grape and it is the first time I have had this flavor.  It brought back childhood memories of Nehi (sp) grape soda.  Remember the bottle?  I do.  I loved the flavor and this taste just like I remembered.    To fish one out of the ice at a gas station while traveling was pretty special.  It seems I live in the past rather than the present.  It does seem safer.  Well the Election is over-or is it?  I have not turned the TV on to see the results.  Somehow I am afraid I wont like some of the results.  God help us all.  SO BE IT.

BETTY BOOP

39 degrees on boy!!!!

 The sun is shinning, but it is cold.  Too much for this old girl.  I will go out later, thank you.  Zoom was not as good as we wanted.  Had a few difficulties getting everyone on.  We will try it again next week.  Did get to see Joe  as he worked to get us all on.       I covered my beautiful one surviving Begonia plant last night.  Weather man said slight chance of frost. I can not see any this morning on the meadow behind the Lake.  But it needed a little cover anyway.  The pot it is in is too large and heavy to move, so it might not survive long. I will move the pot  where JJ and Phil  reside so happy together.  I will take it to the Bubble. 

Egg-over-light was dropped as I turned it over, in the pan of course-causing it to change from over- light to slightly broken. Oh well, it still was good with  turkey bacon and a SCV  biscuit!!   Always look for something good in everything.  Like coffee.  

BETTY BOOP 

42 does not sound too cold.  Yet even with the sun out and a slight wind, it was cold.  I seem to need to just get out a few minutes anyway.  Nobody out yet but me, slight ripple on the Lake.  So peaceful and calming.  I started making tissue flowers to attach to a very pretty Christmas card for friends out here.  I have been making small "happies" since I first came.  I have made some cute, pretty ones in the past.

  And many more than I am making this time.  So many of dear friends have passed and too I am not up to much anyway.  They will have to do this year.  I am happy with them.  We plan to ZOOM again.  L J& A.  & Me.  Maybe today or tomorrow.  Be fun to visit all together.  Bitsy is confused by the time change.  I can tell when she wants to be fed and put to bed on the old time.  She will adjust--like me.  I am getting more sleep with the change.  Good thing.  Well, I made a mess in the kitchen--cooked a rather large breakfast, now I have to clean it up.  I will be worth it.  I need something more  to do anyway.

Betty Boop

WHAT TIME IS IT, REALLY?

 What time is it?  I am totally confused.  I mean it.  I have never been in the dark bout the daylight saving time before, but, alas time has caught up with me.  "Old Girl"  is finally broken.  First a new lock down here and now "change your time."  Oh well, just go with the flow and hope for the best.  I am having too many dreams.  Last night I dreamed I told Jan that I  would never see my grandchildren again.  It was a sad dream and I hope it will not be true.  But the way things keep going, it could be coming true.  Then as I shivered  on the Balcony just now, words of an old hymn came to me.  "This is my Father's world, oh, let me ner  forget-that oh the strong seems oh so wrong, God is the ruler yet."  Something like that, I do not want to look it up,  I do have a Methodist Hymnal, and go to it from time to time.  Those words have such meanings. Here I go preaching again.  What is wrong with that, do I need permission ?

Betty Boop

BOO TO YOU

I was reminded of an old WW11 song GIVE ME FIVE MINUTES MORE.  In it the soldier is asking for 5 minutes more with his girl.  I told Bitsy I just needed 5 minutes in the Balcony.  43 and sun shinning was not too bad.  Of course I had on my long seersucker  robe plus my long winter one on top and high top footies too.  What a sight.  The walkers love the cool morning and they were merrily going round and round.     Are you jealous of my breakfast?  I have perfected the diabetic French toast, with whole wheat bread skim milk in egg beaten. Fry in non stick skillet. Served with sugar free syrup.  Turkey bacon and beautiful whole orange (very full of juice)  MMMM good.   

I am sad to tell you, for I have been thankful, but we have (1) case of the virus in Independent Living where I live.  We are back to "lock down" and back to having meals delivered as well as the mail.  No programs or get togethers.  Library closed as well as Exercise Room.  For the time being we are going to stop it in its tracks, pray for that.  We've been lucky so far keeping our area free.  We will overcome and do it again.

Betty Boop

48 DEGREES AT 7:30

I am no wimp but with wind a factor, it is just too much for me.  Here I sit again at the lap-top with that coffee.  Doesn't get too cool to write.  It is almost Halloween.  Yikes.  I have no trick or treat candy to give.  Guess I will have to take a trick.  I remember as a little girl, people did play tricks and some not so nice.  Like moving lawn furniture  to front porch or piling rocks on steps.  We had Halloween parties at kids homes.  Making a Haunted House there was scary.  Blinded, you were led through rooms where silly things like cold noodles were in bowl, representing the brains of the deceased.  Put your hands in that and see what you think.  Real liver for his liver.  Marbles for what I can't remember.  Other outlandish things were made up.  The most that happens here is candy in bowls at your door.  After all we may act like children, but we are not.  That does not keep some from grownups from parties.  But not as usual.  

O. K. what is for breakfast?  How about what I had.  Juice, oatmeal with stewed apples, turkey bacon. and a wonderful treat of SCV biscuit with honey and coffee.  Pretty good?  O. K. go cook it--you have the time.

Betty Boop

I DID IT

Now, I know 51 degrees does not sound very cold, but it was.  However, I dressed for it in an indoor robe and an winter robe, high top footies and quilted foot gear.  I was no  fashion plate, but I was warm.  Sun is out and the walkers came all bundled up.  Just something about seeing those faithful souls each morning that gives me hope.  Of course I was fortified with a "lumberjack"  breakfast.  I scramble an egg with a tablespoon or so of pimento  cheese cooked right in.  I also had these wonderful little tomatoes Jan has discovered.  Kroger has them, they are indoor grown-Campri on the vine.  Small but bigger than the little bite size ones.  So good and we like them, as you can get them year  around.  I also had turkey sausage  and rye toast and juice (to make the pills go down)  With coffee-that should hold me for a while.   Have a good day and a good breakfast!!!

betty boop