THURSDAY

Thursday has a good sound.  Hump day over and still a few till weekend.  Now that does not  mean what it used to.  Thursday now means ICE CREAM DAY !!!!.  They make a big production of it.  Coming down the hall singing,  and dancing, making noise and delivering ice cream to all who dare to come out.  What fun, even if I can't eat much of it, I accept it with smiles.  I can't say enough good about this team of people who have been working so hard to keep us "sane."  So what, some of it is just silly but fun.  I heard there was dancing one hall last Thursday when ice cream parade came. 

Betty Boop

TEASING TITLES

LEMONGRASS & BASIL, FRESH WATER, PEONY & PLUM, COCONUT MILK. I could go on and on, really.  These are the names of the liquid hand soap I use.  There are more and I just wonder at the person who thought them up.  No sense of smell I bet.!! When you have run out  of something interesting to do--read labels.  I just read my instruction book for my MR. COFFEE  machine.  It needs a cleaning, as the coffee taste funny.  The business of writing is interesting.  Newspapers,  books, poster signs, all kind of notices, Instagram, blogs, warning labels on meds, Oh, my, I could go on and on and I do. 

Am I finally going daffy?  No, just extremely silly.  Well it is almost TV at SCV . Must get ready for the big show and then for the day.  I will promise to find something to write next time.

Betty Boop

MAKING MY DAY

Sometime you just have to take it in your own hands. Right?  I just slipped a Mississippi sweet potato (is there another kind?) in the oven wrapped in foil the old fashioned way.  I am today preparing my own lunch.  Actually you can call this dinner at lunch time.  Jan found  a very small cabbage, at my request, at Kroger.  I will cook it the old fashioned way too.   Boil it with a small amount of ham chipped up.  No hambone as I usually like.  I make chicken and dumplings with whole  wheat tortillas.  Cooked the chicken thighs a few days ago and took off bone and froze the meat in their own broth, which I will use to cook dumplings in.  My own cornbread (without sugar.)  My it will all be good, so I invite you over.  Or make some for yourself.  Also I put old Willie Nelson  on singing with his friend Merle Haggard.  What a pair!!  I just picked up clean linen at my door.  Did SCV TV program and ended it with daily stretching exercise and our resident couple who play for our Choir and other things. They played WISPERING HOPE.  So pretty and takes me back a way. So you see, I am making my day.  Glad I can do that.

Betty (CROCKER) Boop

MOMDAY-MONDAY

Another day-another dollar.  My I am full of useless old sayings.  Actually another day-and closer to the end.  Don't need to explain what end.  Yesterday was another "happy day."   I am getting to love this zoom thing  Used it yesterday to talk to Sophia and Paul and oh yes their resident cat.  It was so much fun and especially good to see their faces and hear them talk.  We even put our respective cats up to see each other on the screen.  Mine was not at all impressed. I actually woke her to look and she was a little frightened .  But maybe next time. 

I am up and running (?)  Had breakfast of ham & eggs.  Good start.  Did my exercise from the SCV TV program for the day.  I tuned in ABC to hear My idol, Josh Groban sing.  WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD.  He was is rare form and enjoyed him.  So I brushed the cat. she loves to be brushed.  With her long hair, she needs all the help she can get.  Really loves it too much.  Now I will take a walk and then second cup and figure out the rest of the day.  Maybe just let what comes my way be what I will do.  No need to plan-SO BE IT.

Betty Boop

THIS IS THE DAY:

 :that the Lord hath made.  And what a beautiful sun that shines. I just got an e-mail from Bryan sending me Leo and his first "bite." They gave him his spoon with food and he put it to his mouth and after a try or two-in it went and he needed another bite.  How wonderful-he was all smiles. This virus  is getting tiresome. Church is going to be good today and I have the Madison Journal & Northside Sun my good friend left me at my door.  Lunch delivered and of course I have Bitsy.  I will be alright.

Betty Boop  

P.S.

Egg drop soup was very good. Truman would have liked it--especially as he mixed the two soup they normally serve.  orange chicken balls over rice, Italian green beans. egg roll, fortune cookie said "you will soon get an offer you can't refuse."  Well we will see about that. Betty Boop

OH HAPPY DAY.

O HAPPY DAY is a old hymn and that is not what  I mean today.  Thanks to Bryan, Ashley, and Jan, I got to see and talk to Jan, Tommy, Ashley. Bryan, and of course the center of it all--Leo.  My great grandson.  Through the electronics of this wonderful day, ZOOM. I like that word, zoon.  It was fantastic and I loved it.  Just to see Leo smile and "talk" to me was worth a million,   I am even proud of myself to be able to follow instructions and help it happen.  Good and Happy day.  I hope I did not scare them with my fading looks.  I fell so old as I look in the mirror. 

I am writing and waiting for my lunch to come.  Another "happie."  Can't remember what I  ordered, so it will be a surprise.  Jan made my mouth water when she said Mr. T. picked up their last night's dinner from AMERIGOS.  Oh, well, their will be a day coming and I can feel good about eating out again.  Meanwhile, let us be  thankful.  lunch is here!!  Chinese for today.  Egg Drop soup to begin. even egg roll and among other things  a fortune cookie/  I  will tell you my fortune tomorrow

Betty Boop 

MY OWN PARADE

I have my own balcony seat for the parade.  It is a beautiful day at SCV.  Sun is shinning, all is well.  I can observe what passes by in comfort.  Coffee and cheese and TRISKET in hand, I sit down. Bitsy watches from other side of screen door.  I see under my balcony on the sidewalk that family of Canada Geese.  A lady strides by, confident she is safe.  Papa goose raises his long neck in defense.  She strides on not giving him a chance to act.  Then came another lady with her camera in hand.  Stops and papa goose gives her a stare and thought it over, and poses for picture with his neck extended.  Sign of danger-better hurry the photo.  Then along came a lady riding a three wheel bike.  He decides it is o.k., since it is bigger than him.  One of the siblings flew off.  He struts and feels secure again.  The sun got so hot for me that I gave up watching.  Since Balcony watching is not new to me, I will keep it up.  I see a lot this  way.

Betty (Your friendly reporter) Boop

CHEERS!!!!

Cheers because the sun just peeped out.  It tried earlier and quickly dash back.  We need a little sunshine, don't you think? Always makes thinks look better.  I have rediscovered Garrison Keeler.  I think he is a great story teller with the voice to match.  He came to Jackson several years age and I got to go to his live program .  I loved it.  Linda and Joe were here and Truman and I went to see him.  My old tapes from long ago just melted with age and I threw them away when I moved.  Jan gave me a collection of them on CD's and I had not played them for a while.  Sorting out "stuff" I found them again.  Bitsy likes his voice too.  LAKE WOEBEGON sounds like the ideal place to be now.

We are sadden to report 15 positive cases in isolation here.  We are advised to be diligent and don't let up on social distancing as well as all other precautions.  I am very careful and doing as recommended.  Well, I need that second cup-o=joe. 

BETTY BOOP

DREAMING AGAIN

On the Balcony this morning, the clouds were interesting to make up stories about.  I have always pretended to see Truman in the little white ones with a center.  This morning he had the whole family who have passed, to wink at me.  Just like him to want a lot of family around.  Just when I needed hope and assurance, I felt them all looking down.  They seemed to say:  "Don't be worried, all is well." Now that is hard to believe when the whole world seems to crumble.  But their is hope and we just have to be still and know all is well.  Enough of gloomy thoughts.  I just saw two people walking.  Yesterday I saw a man fishing and watched while he caught one.  Pretty good size, but he threw it back.  Let it grow some more, he seemed to think. It was such a beautiful day and many were out and about.  Better make "hay while the sun shines", for the rain is predicted again.  April showers bring May flowers, so the saying goes.  Reminds me:  Did you ever make construction paper baskets and fill with flowers or pretty wild flowers and put them at someone's door?  I remember doing that.  I guess the flowers will be (already are) going to me in abundance this year.  Sophia is enjoying the fruits of the former owner of their house and with their attention, they are beautiful.  Wish I could see them  for real. 

Betty Boop

AREN'T

Just had to comment on this.  It is a little something to make you laugh.  We have really taken to the masks.  Several places have donated handmade mask for us.  The variety of them is fun.  Made from so many kinds of fabric, we look like a fashion show.  Mine is just what I like.  Small blue and white checked gingham.  Hand made by Jan.  What I do to stand out and make me different is this.  It has ties for the closure.  I tie the top strings in a bow on top of my head and wrap the bottom strings around my neck in a  jaunty little tie.(I hope)  So there, I am in fashion. My lunch just came--must go. 

Better Tomorrow
BETTY BOOP

MOVING ALONG

Yes, moving for sure, but not fast, but along.  My these halls are deserted.  Apparently, we are adapting very well.  Finding long neglected task to do.  I am looking forward to the conversations many will have when we "all get together"  again.  Some will be funny-some sad- some new, and will be adopted. Something new to write about. Maybe new poems. ?  Yesterday was full of church.  Enjoyed it all. My church had a good one, even got to hear Chuck sing.  My he has a strong voice and I like to  hear him sing out even to empty pews.  Highlight of the day--"What did I order for lunch?"  Can't remember.  Will be exciting to hear the knock on my door, open to find it all packed and hot and a surprise.  I am getting to where I don't really want to cook  as much as I usually do.  Then I do make a tasty breakfast, don't I?

Betty Boop
P.S.  I cheated this morning and had breakfast with JIMMY DEAN, and his sausage, egg, and cheese on an English Muffin.  O dear, it was good.
"

RUNNING LATE

Had to get ready for Church.  Missed the Catholic Mass, but Betsy and I were front row for  1st Pres.  She told me she really likes David Strain.  Maybe she is of Scottish ancestry ?  I like him too and not because of his voice.  He is a fine preacher.  Went straight to the Methodist.  Like their pastor very much, but the violin was a little too much.  Sorry, I love music many ways, but not the violin please.  Lunch was late and the "natives" got restless.  All our doors opened to check, every few minutes.  But it was good.  Beef tips over wild rice and baby carrots.  Started with lovely salad.  I saved the chicken rice soup for supper along with a b.l.t salad with bacon.  Looks good.  Gave my white roll to the birds and flushed the apple pie  down the drain.  I  will also save the fresh apple for later.  Maybe with peanut butter, Truman style.  So that is all to tell so far.  Looking at the weather.  Hope it is not like last week's tornados, which were so bad, especially on top of other problems. 

Stay Safe
Betty Boop  

SWEET THING

Well, not what you think.  I am always thinking of something sweet to eat.  My downfall I guess.  This morning for breakfast I wanted French Toast.  Can have  it "my" way of making it.  Egg of course beaten with skim milk.  Soak whole wheat bread slice till mixture is soaked on both sides.  Fry  in pan sprayed with light cooking olive oil spray.  Flip to cook both sides till golden brown.  Topped with sugar-free maple syrup. Sad no powdered sugar sprinkled on top.  A side of turkey bacon, juice and coffee.  Fit for a Queen {ME}  Still thinking about that pecan pie, Ivy, that I threw out last night, but this morning helped a lot. 

More rain and threats of storms for Sunday.  Just as well because we must stay in anyway.  Must wash clothes.  I, for some reason like to wash when it rains.  Can't do that because I am short on quarters.  Can't have them delivered from the front desk because the mail is not sent to us on Saturday. Every thing is different now, you know.  Oh, well isn't it traditional to "wash on Monday".  Remember that little rhyme?  Of course you do.

Betty Boop

GOOD THING

Good to check off an item on the to=do=list!!  It took two days, but a through dusting of this apartment was long overdue.  Of course in the process I found other things I needed to do.  New list is filling up fast.  I seem to never catch up.  Does this happen to you?  I guess life goes on no matter what is happening.  If I ever did get ahead, where would I go?  Think about  that!!! 

Hey, it is Friday and that means fried catfish day.  I will get the Pepo out and just enjoy the lunch.  I may just flush the pecan pie down the disposal.  My what a waste, but it really does a number on my blood sugar.  Really not worth the trouble it causes me.  I am sure you don't want to hear these little details.  But I can't think or anything to write.  Thanks for reading, I like to think some enjoy it.

Betty (fishing for praise)  Boop

DUST BOWL

 I got in a dust frenzy  yesterday.  I gave two rooms a thorough dusting.  I still have one to go.  The kitchen and bathrooms don't count since they get cleaned often. I don't know what took hold of me--I was a demon-on-the-dust.  It is lightly dusted by maid, but she has instructions from Housekeeping not to move anything for fear of breaking something.  So the duster just barely skims over.  So thereby hangs the tail.  Or tale- however you look at it.  I thought I must get rid of these many little memos. Jan said don't. because they might be important one day to my survivors.  Can't imagine some of these things being important even to my loved ones. But they are my memories. Anyway, I plan to finish the job sometime today. After all, I still have the MEMORY BANK where memories are stored for safe keeping (mine of course.) 

Hey!! Today is ice cream day.  Don't need it, but I will accept it.  I have been wanting a good old fashioned HOT DOG.  I wrote a suggestion on my meal order sheet.  I have the chili in my freezer.  And a whole wheat bun too.  Maybe you know of my love for the hot dog? If that is all I want, I am lucky.

Betty Boop

O.K.

Just finished with SCVTV program.  30 minutes by our local people plus some residents.  Things of interest are read for the day.  Prayer and devotional,   and fun things to hear from residents.  Really different   every day.  This morning Jane showed how to make a home made face mask from most any material you have.  Plus rubber bands to hold it.  I am lucky to have two Jan made for me.  Very professional.  I use them every time I go out of my apartment.  A pain to fool with, but if they help--so be it.  I stayed busy yesterday with mundane things.  I hear that from you too.  Today so far I am slow to get started, but I do have a couple of things in mind to do.  So as  Robert St. John ends his column   ONWARD!!

Betty Boop

SOMETHING GOOD

I told Amy last night, I was having a wrap for dinner and would tell her what kind today because I had not "un- wrapped" it yet.  It was a chicken Caesar with I guess ranch dressing. Lots of Caesar greens. and a little onion.  It was very good.  Of course I messed the meal up with the dessert.  Which was a cute little moon pie, about as big as a half dollar.  Do they still make half dollars?  Haven't seen one lately.  Any way it did not raise the sugar.  Hoo Ray.  Well must run for now (run) SCV TV will be coming on soon.

Betty Boop

MONDAY ---

I am writing a little late.  Everything gets out of order when you sleep a little late.  7 am for me.  Very unusual.  I am finally getting back on track.  Bitsy was confused.  She is a creature of habit.  Really she just knows when her meals are not on time.  A few things got done in the wake of change,  change can be good.  Right now, I am waiting for lunch to arrive-all hot and ready--with a smile.  Doesn't get any better than that!  Unless it is always a surprise what I get, because I forget from day to day what I ordered the day before.  So that is good too. 

SO BE IT
Betty Boop

EASTER SUNDAY

This Easter dawns cloudy with threats of bad weather to come later.  No Easter Egg hunts.  I don't think many were planned anyway this year.  When I was a very small girl, I only understood pretty dresses and white shoes and baskets filled with goodies.  Of course I grew to understand the real meaning as I was taught to know it is a glorious day to celebrate. Maybe some will still have egg hunts for their kids when this time comes to an end.  I remember one "Easter" outfit I had as a child.  It was white taffeta with lovely little sprigs of pink flowers and the very popular sash to tie in the back in a big bow.  Oh it was so pretty and would shish when I spun around
And it was "bought-in-store."  Rare for me then.  I also remember the fun and pleasure I had dressing my little girls in pretty dresses.  Some of them I sewed myself and some bought at McRae's or the popular SUDIE's in Fondren.   Ah!! Memories again.

HAPPY EASTER
Betty Boop

IN STYLE

I have always been one to admire those who follow the "fashion."  Weather I can afford or understand what it means to be stylish or not, I like the idea.  I am now right on the cutting edge of fashion!!  My sweet and helpful daughter Jan, made  for me two adorable  and official mask.  She has been making them for a project and made me two.  SCV recommended that we wear them when we go out of our apartment.  Mine are so pretty.  They are blue & white tiny checks.  I immediately tried  one on and took a walk down the hall to try them out.  I felt very confident that I was doing one more layer of protection.  I met one guy and he had one on too.  Not as stylish as mine but just as effective (we hope.)  With all the precautions I am taking, I am doing my best.  With the help of many, I might add.  Saturday is the day that Jan usually  comes and we catch up on many little things and have lunch together.  We will do it again soon. I just thought of a old WW11 song.  WHITE CLIFFS OF DOVER.  Truman and I  saw those white cliffs when we went to Europe.  The words are full of hope and just as fitting as they were when the world had to recover from another horrible time as now. " Tomorrow-just you wait and see"--so goes the lyrics. And so we will.

Betty Boop

HAM & EGGS

 Now that is a classic!  I saved ham from last night's dinner and had it with my also classic egg over light.  Breakfast was a feast as I also had a current scone.  Yes that is classy!  Small but lightly sweet and so good.  Of course OJ. and Mr. Coffee.  Feeling good right now.  Our live SCV channel on TV is coming on at 9 so I must be front and center as I get brought up to date on SCV news, devotional, exercise and a little fun things.  The "crew" are new at this and are trying to be pros!!  Bless them and I do appreciate their efforts.  Could I do better?  Not in a million years.  So thanks to them.  I do look forward to a little routine.  Makes the days better. 

Betty Boop

YOU SHOULD SEE ME NOW

I am the picture of optimism.  I am writing in my shorts and BEACH T shirt from a few years ago when it was our 30th year for the beach week.  Just hope we get to go this year.  But then another reason is I am headed to my Balcony Garden to plant some beautiful flowers that Amy left at the gate for me.  I thought my garden would be very late this year, but she was so thoughtful to bring me some to put in my pots.  I do love to have them to look at and care for.  I also love my Amy for bringing them to me.  I am overwhelmed with love from my family.  The sun is shinning and it will feel good to "dig in the dirt."

Betty "happy" Boop

DISINFECTED

Trying not to overkill the word, but more and more, I am aware.  My maid just got through  !!  I appreciate her efforts.  We are every day adding precautions.  I am thankful for the SCV  family for their many, many things they have thought of to prevent us from getting sick.

I sat in the Bubble while maid cleaned.  I wiped down all surfaces I would touch and hoped for the best.    

I am apparently  "host" to a pair of blackbirds.  They run the sparrows away while they feast on SCV cornbread.  They like it-I don't, so they get lucky.  I watched several people walking around the Lake. Two on bikes.  I never had a bike as a child.  I guess I believed they were for the rich and we were not exactly rich.  Not poor. but I did not have one anyway.  I never learned to ride one.  Well later-much later- I had a state-of-the -art  exercise  bike, but that is not the same.  We made sure our kids had bikes.  Funny how I remember that I did not have one.  I had plenty of toys-dolls I loved.  Oh well , I am rambling.

Betty Boop

HERE WE ARE

Going no where.  Except maybe down the hall when no one is there.  To the mail box at no-peak- hours.  On the Balcony, very carefully to the laundry, out the door for delivered meals.  My how I do get around,  New NORM.  I have been thinking to write a poem for the TV program.  I may make it about my hair.  On everyone's mind.  Could be funny and light.  I  will think about it.  I wrote about it in my Blog a while ago-and it continues to GROW.  Kind of scary.  I guess I need to get a mask and maybe I wont be me.  O, my, I do need something to do.

Betty Boop

SUNDAY

HOPE, TRUST, FAITH & LOVE.  These words are written on hearts of red construction paper, given to us all.  They are on doors. windows, halls, everywhere you look.  I listened first to  the Catholic Mass on our own channel  18, then the Ist Pres., then Galloway Methodist  on TV, went for a walk and then listened to my pastor, Lance on Broadmeadow's web sight.  By then I was full of hope, trust, faith and love.  I  ate a very good lunch and took a nap.  What to do with the afternoon?  Went for a hall walk.  Read  the Madison Journal and Northside Sun,   Took a while.  Time for  everything.  So I finished the day with HOPE, TRUST, FAITH, & LOVE. 

BETTY BOOP

FOR THE BEAUTY OF THE EARTH

Yes it is beautiful.  If you could see our Court Yard.!!!  It is blooming with all colors of lilies. Not the Easter lilies though they will be blooming soon.  They are another story, to tell later as they bloom.  But for now there are red, white, yellow, mixed up colors and each stalk is supporting several blooms.  All the rain seems to have made them so full.  Among them are the roses.  So many kinds and they are blooming their best.  My friend Joe, who is a resident, lovingly cares for the garden.  Thanks to him, for he is faithful.  There seems to be something pretty  to see as we walk by it everyday.  You pass it as you go to almost any place you are headed.  Yes the clouds are nice this morning.  As I sat on my Balcony just now, I  thought all is well and soon will get even better.  Hang  in there and as we inter this Holy week of Easter, let's feel more than usual--HOPE.

Betty Boop

JUST WONT HAPPEN

It just can't do it.  I mean the cute and smart little 4 cup MR. COFFEE maker.  It can not do it's magic without coffee grounds!!  I made a very good breakfast with oatmeal, juice, toast with turkey bacon, tried to pour my coffee and very hot water came out.  O no!  Please don't let it be that I don't have coffee.   My mind quickly went to the big old 10 cup monster of a percolator that I had pushed to the back.  Then on close inspection of Mr. Coffee, I found I had failed to feed it with Mr. Kroger Mild Breakfast Blend. I felt pretty dumb.  Then I forgave myself and blamed the virus.  So much can I blame it.!!  It has not even come close to me (I HOPE).  Coffee was late but I still took to the Balcony.  Pretty good coffee if I do say so myself.  So I hope your day starts with no worse problem than only hot water in your coffee pot.!!!!

Betty Boop

WHAT DAY IS IT??

Friday, of course.  That is what the computer says.  Also fried catfish day here.  Always on Friday.  I usually get it baked--but only one way now.  Pepto here I come.  They do a good job of fried, light batter.  Ice cream did not show up as planned.  Nothing is the same.   Maybe they ran out--of ice cream or steam!!  We will see.  So far we are virus-free here.  Pray that will last.  Meanwhile, crows are cawing.  Seem to be more this year.  They are funny to listen to.  They seem to be carring on conversation with each other.  I like to think they are talking  about me.  I must wash clothes today.  Now that is a chore?  Not  really.  Something to do.  I have set a time limit on reading.  I hope not  to run out of something to read.  I have a thick mystery to read.  Should hold me for a while.  My Library lady will help me I am sure, if needed.

Well I must go to 18 on our TV for our daily program.  It has exercise among many other subjects daily.  Good.

Betty Boop

GREEN EVERYWHERE

Nothing prettier than fresh new grass.  The world goes on in spite of the changes we are going through.  Sat on my famous Balcony with coffee just now.  Yes a little late but it was my second cup.. Do you remember as a child singing this hymn?  For some reason it comes through as a child's
song. We always sang it at Bible School

THIS IS MY FATHERS WORLD Last verse seems to fit just now.
This is my Fathers world, O let me ne'er forget.  That though the wrong seems oft so strong,  God is the ruler yet.  This is my Father's world, the battle is not done,  Jesus who died shall be satisfied, And earth and heav'n 
be one. 
I saw lady walking,  big sun hat shaded her face.  My she was walking with much purpose.  The next two weeks, they say, are important to stay inside.  Glad I can do that.  Remember, this is our Father's world, lest we forget.
Let's walk with purpose!!

BETTY BOOP
P.S.  I  am famous for P.S.'s  We get ice cream if we put out the flyer this Thursday.  Hoo Ray for the little perks!!!

SIGHT

It is how you look at it, if it were delightful or annoying.  I secretly think it is delightful.  I say this because it is not popular around here to like the Canada geese.  For good reason, since they are not exactly popular around here.  They are aggressive and messy and sometime to be afraid of.  Some have been chased and frightened by them.  Well saying that:  I saw a mama and a papa leading six very noisy and  healthy babies down the sidewalk as if they owned it!!!!  It really tickled me to think how proud they were of their new family.  They were honking very loud. I wonder where they had a nest?  And I have heard they stay where they are born.  If all those "couples"  I have seen, have a family. heaven help us. !!!

Guess that was one highlight for the day.  What was yours?

Betty Boop