GLOOMY DAY

But that is just the weather.  Think I will stay inside this morning.  I was so happy to  hear of Ivy and Tripp's  renewed interest in Truman's book  ENGEBI. They are reading it out loud to each other.  How sweet.   He lives on through his grandchildren.  He loved them all.  I think he was a pretty good writer being his first book.  Of course he was driven to write it.  Sometime it is more easy to write than to talk about the war days.  So many books were written about WW2.  I might reread it myself.

My apartment is so dusty.  Maid's day is Friday, but I may not wait for her,  Get the old Pledge and rag out if I can get the energy up.  Takes a lot out of me--housework.  Spoiled and happy to be.

Betty Boop

BIG

My youngest is having a birthday.  I remember when she was born.  I have lost some memories for sure, but the birth of my girls, (3) of them, I remember well.  In those days Moms did not get to stay awake the whole process as they do now.  But I remember when I saw each one for the first time.  Another little girl and although I know Truman wanted a boy, he never showed that it really mattered if they were all girls.  He tried to make a boy of Amy by the many things they did together, but she grew into a beautiful and fine young woman.  I am proud of each one of my girls.  So different in many ways, yet alike also.  The older two were 7 & 9 when Amy was born.  She was like a doll to them.  Jan insisted I take her to show off at her class room and the teacher was so kind to let us. That was fun.  Jan's teacher asked to take Amy's booties off and show her little toes to the class. Did you mind that Amy? Of course not.  A babies toes were often looked  at as they were so sweet. Oh my, what a thing to remember.

BIG HAT & GLOVES just rushed by, and HANDS BEHIND HER BACK  swayed on by.  Now they have names. and now that  I have seen them I can get on with the day.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY Amy, I am glad you were born.

Betty Boop

TANK TOP

New walker wearing shorts, tank top, and a baseball cap.  Walking with a bounce to her step. She will get hot quick. Maybe she likes to sweat.  Some people think it does no good unless you work up a good sweat. To each his own.

I don't know why I thought of this game. Many thoughts come on the Balcony.  I loved playing Jacks.  You remember the little rubber ball and the silver jacks to go with it?  I think they come in colors now.  A game played indoors or outside.  Rain or shine,  alone to practice or for fun with a friend.  I loved the little red rubber ball.  So soft but hard enough to bounce just right.  Of course it got lost-maybe the cat got it.  I loved to play in the summer when you would look for a smooth part of the sidewalk, under shade and feel the cool concrete as you sat to play.  I bet the Dollar Tree still sells that fun little girl game.  I wish for a shopping trip to the Doller Store.  Lot of "bang for a buck."  But if I bought a set, I would have trouble getting down and up again, so I wont go shopping for that game of Jacks for myself.  How about you???

Betty Boop 

OOOO-Lla la

Made French toast for my breakfast.  We toured France many years ago.  If I could speak at least one other language besides "Southern" , it would be French--so romantic. Of course my info comes from reading romantic novels.  My three faithful lady walkers came by this now.  First is so young to live here I think, she is just too energetic!!  She never wears pants, always a long skirt. long sleeves. BIG  sun hat and gloves, yes gloves She is protecting her skin I guess from the sun even if it is very cloudy.  Walks with great purpose,  Admire her.  One walks with her hands behind her back??  One walks and seems to be taking in the whole world as she walks.  All good and different goals I guess.  I hear Madison has canceled the 4th of July fire works show.  I could see it from my Balcony.  I used to see many events from the Balcony. Nothing is the same anymore.  But maybe something better will come from this change we are having, we must be still and wait. The sun is covered with clouds although I see a glimmer of blue in a spot.  The air is full of dust from Africa (of all places)  we need something else to talk about.  It  will also soon pass.  Till then I am still------Betty Boop

Betty Boop

SAME OLD SAME OLD

Computer is going crazy this morning, or is it me?  Finally got it's attention.  Maybe I can hold it for a while.  I found blueberries in my freezer.  Left from last season.  So I had some in my oatmeal. Pretty good.  Took turkey bacon, English muffin & coffee to Balcony with coffee of course.  Not much going on between rain.  So I write about food.  I notice it is the subject with a lot of people.  Especially on TV.  How do they expect most people to get the things it takes to make most of what they show you?  Fun to look at and I guess it takes your time to watch.  I really like to read instead.  To each his own as the saying goes.

I really hope this blog goes through-then not much will be lost if it goes out in cyber-space.  Talk about Cyber-I sure do miss out Cyber Café.  Sure hope it can come back soon and I can be the first to order breakfast there!!  One server makes the perfect eggs-over-light.  I sometime break the yoke.  Ruins my day!!!!

Betty Boop

MUGGY MORNING

Not very pleasant on the Balcony this morning.  Kind of warm and a little muggy.  Saw a biker and a walker.  Not many geese.  The walker walked bravely through a bunch that were on the sidewalk.  They  flew and I was glad they did not run at her.  Maybe they are learning their manners.   I brought a biscuit from   dinning room yesterday.  I split it and toasted it with my turkey bacon for breakfast.  Along with a fresh orange cut up.  It was such a good orange.  Of course coffee on the Balcony was real good.  I noticed something I have not seen before.  I thought I knew the scene from my view very well. but a neighbor on lower level has a BOTTLE TREE.  I used to have one in our backyard.  Gave it to Sophia when I moved.  I can't see how this one is attached. A big bush is in the way.  Guess that is why I did not see it sooner.  O well, I may get a chance to ask later. 

So that is the news from SCV this morning.  As you can tell--not much. 

Betty Boop
P. S.  Remember Garrison Keeler of radio fame?  He always ended his stories from Lake Woebegone with " Well that is the news from Lake Woebegone, where all the women are strong, men good looking and the children are above average"  I miss his radio show, but I still have CD's of some of his stories.  Great story teller.  Dot

THE TABLE

Read a story about a lady and family who celebrated her and husband's 50th with 18 of family in a beach house in Mexico.  A week of fun, reminded me of our family with more people than her.  Been doing this in Alabama for  35 or more years.  This family had fun and when the week was over and they headed home, they talked about what they would remember most about this trip.  Words flowed: Pool, Sand castles, Surfing, Flea Markets, beach games and more. When it came her turn, she surprised herself with tears and said "the table"  How they put tables together to form a long one to fit all.  Reminded me of our family and how we always have dinner time together at long tables.  It takes two of them now, and we start by holding  hands in a big circle and take turns blessing the food. and the cooks, sometime a small one would bravely say a word or two.  (I think I am right about the little ones, maybe they tried) . This week would have been the week we would have gone (I think). How we are all so sad to miss it. No other family has as much fun, fellowship, and love for each other. No one believes how well we get along together.  Maybe next year? Hope so.  And  we can again gather around  the long tables.  Surprised myself with a tear or two.  Sorry.

Betty Boop

WANDERING THOUGHTS

Sometime I have trouble with a subject to write.  I love writing my Blog and the computer seems to draw me to  it till I  write a little (or a lot).  First, have you thought of the Beatles lately?  I mean the most famous singing group?  I got to hear it a lot when my girls were of the age to fall in love with them. (me too)  Jan let me borrow some of her CD collection from that era.  I liked the Beatles too.  They did some beautiful as well as teary and happy too.  Jan had quite a collection of many different artist popular during that time.  It is very still and nothing moving from my balcony view. So I will leave it for now.  Amy and Karen are getting with it with the fresh veggies.  One is squash.  They are doing the long time favorite version of fried.  Now it is best with the small young yellow  ones.  Don't remember who taught me that lovely favorite, but I used to make it a lot in the summer.  The trouble and mess it made, was worth the effort.  Reminds me I must make some cornbread as I am out and just like mine better than SCV'S.  Well I will lave you for now and see what I can find to do for today.

Betty Boop

NO SHOW

I am glad you did not show for lunch yesterday, for you would have been disappointed in the dumplings. Maybe not. A story behind it.  I pulled out my frozen homemade chicken broth from freezer.  Thawed it, stirred it, and behold-- that is just what it was--chicken broth minus the chicken I usually freeze in the broth.  What to do, I was ready for lunch and hungry for dumplings. I thought of Truman's  Mom and how she  was,  to me Dumpling Queen of the County.  With her unlimited barrel of flour, she made dumplings almost every day.  So good-she put everything with dumplings.  Any kind of fruit.  Apple, peaches, blackberries,  huckleberries, anything that they picked.  I remember she put ham in her dumplings.  Had that on hand all the time.  So I had thick ham portions froze.  Took out a slice and cut into small diced pieces and put them in with the tortillas.  Seasoned with pepper and they turned out as good as chicken .  . One thought leads to another and I thought of her and  what I would give for one of her biscuits right now.  She baked them on this cast iron "baker" she called it  Her biscuits were .brown and crisp on bottom and fluffy in middle. The bakers were  round and flat.  I  have one of hers now and I use it for grilled sandwiches. 
I scorched the broccoli  and ate it anyway.  Glad you did not come to lunch?

Betty Boop
P. S. I wonder if she cooked her boy's hunting bounty with dumplings.  Imagine rabbit and many other wild game they brought in!!

0N THE FAMOUS BALCONY

Active looking from my view on Balcony.  Had breakfast first with my friend Jimmy  Dean.  You know him of the breakfast sandwich fame? Coffee is on the Balcony where I saw several walkers.  Two ladies met going opposite directions and stopped to talk a while.  We are all so hungry for fellowship. The gaggle of geese were on the walk and let people pass  with no fanfare.  How smart of them. Can't believe how many we have now. 

I plan to cook my own lunch today so I can watch all  the sermons on TV.  My faith is tested when I realize how many versions of people's views.  But I am still Methodist. From birth-- that is what I was taught.  Everyone has a free will to chose. 
Hey, I will make chicken and dumplings---come on over.  I would be happy to see everybody.   "Soon-Soon."  That is my motto now.

Betty Boop
Amy's sweet blog--  a tribute to her Dad was something you should read.

DUCK DRAMA

Well, really geese. I saw so many  Canada geese this morning.  One Army of them honked loudly while floating down stream.  Must have been 35 of them.  From the other direction came another group as if charging to duel.  I noticed among the second group there was one small little goose.  I have seen that family before. As if they are guarding the small one.  All sorts of stories with that scene.  Will save them for later.  I do know this, they are growing in size and that does not fair well for them among the Powers That Be. If they get out of hand and cause  trouble --they will be asked to leave. 

I saw my neighbor fishing.  He does love it and is quite successful.  I saw a friend on her bike with the long flag pole attached  to the back---red flag for protection. Well enough of nature--geese and people, I will stop for now.  Can't believe it is Saturday again. Do you find yourself changing your habits from what they used to be?  Saturday used to be special and kind of stood out. Kind of a little pocket of fun. Now--it is the same as yesterday. Not a cheery note to end on----so go make yours special and stand out.

Betty Boop
 

NEW POEM

This funny little poem has been running around my brain and would not really  "jell."  Until the deadline came close. (TODAY.)  Here it is for what it's worth.  It was accepted by editor, so it is o. k. I hope.

WASH YOUR HANDS
by DOT ELLIS

Am I a child once more,
Learning rules of life?
Freedom out the door,
Enter strife!

Rules learned as a child,
Serve me once more.
Consequences will be mild,
 If you wear your mask,
Turn out the lights,
And close the door!!!!!

Wish it could be that simple.
Betty Boop





 

BICYCLE

I  just saw a person on a  bicycle.  (Had to look that word up, never was sure of it's spelling) It was swiftly rolling along.  I never had one of my own.  Friends would let me try to ride and I never got the "hang" of it.  Just as well.  It seems more boys had them than girls anyway. 

I had a little pocket of surprise yesterday.  Security delivered me a "care" package.  I might add, just when  I needed it.  Number 3 daughter is always creative.  A book I wanted to read, a copy of, THE UPPER ROOM in large print her friend sent to me,a box of instant butterscotch pudding mix, a breakfast bar. The book is one of MARTHA GRIMES.  I  just love her books.  Now wasn't that a thoughtful  gift  I think she gets a kick out of delivering to the gate and we see how fast they get here. Almost as fast a it takes her to call me that it is on it's way.  Those guys are really on  the ball.  Appreciate them so much.

What will happen today?

Betty (always looking for "pockets")  Boop

BEEN SHOPPING

Don't worry, it was through Amazon.  I do miss walking through stores and shopping, but this is amazing.  I have a personal shopper, she is a wizzz (Jan).. Yesterday we ordered sandals  from SAS, makeup from Belk, perfume from Dana through Amazon, I think.  I also have meds from Humana coning too.  It will be like Christmas or my birthday when the packages arrive.  Almost as good.  Thanks to my sweet daughter who patiently went through the snags of the internet.  It can be a challenge.

Still very pleasant  on the Balcony  Of course it is not even 8.  Everything is quiet except the crows who have a very nice condo in the Pine thicket in front of balcony.  They have the most heated conversations between themselves.  They can't help there scratchy voices when most other birds sound so soothing.  It almost like they fuss all the time.  Know any people like that? With them nothing is ever O. K. I try to go with the flow.  Takes less effort.  Maybe we could just call me lazy.

Betty (just kidding) Boop

RIGHT NOW

Cool on the Balcony.  Hope to have more like it.  My geese are grazing, 2 walkers, coffee and toast:  What more do I need. Jan, Amy, & Linda were busy yesterday.  Exploring new condos at Gulf Shores,  Since our reservations were smack in the middle of the lockdown, we had to cancel our annual Beach  trip.  Sad since we have been going 35 years. only 2 times we did not get to go and  of course we are missing it again.  Hi hopes for next June.  They found something to reserve that is even better.  We are a  large family and it takes a BIG place.  12 bedrooms-12 baths and much more  living space.  Sounds wonderful.  Lifted our spirits as everyone can go. I have lost count of how many.  Still  amazing how we do it.  Truman would have been so proud to know we are keeping the tradition that he loved  strong.

So keep on keeping on.  As  General   McArthur said and I quote:  "WE SHALL RETURN."

Betty Boop

ROLLAR COASTER

Monday is like a new beginning-so lets try to make it better,

Betty Boop

SUNDAY--SUNDAY

Rosie as this color. Beautiful.  I have trouble realizing it is Sunday anymore.  So different in many ways.  Do you get tired of following rules?  Wash your hands, wear the mask(as cute as they are), stay apart.  That is the hard one.  I even have trouble telling who someone is.  The mask makes you look like a stranger. 

Jan sent groceries and more yesterday by way of the Security Guards at the gate.  They have been my heroes through it all.  They are quick to respond and swift to deliver and all with the most pleasant smile.. Almost like they are playing a game.  My how nice.  One of the fruits I ordered was grapefruit.  My it was so good.  Mr. Jimmy Dean's sausage, egg, cheese, on a whole wheat English muffin was good too.  Coffee on the Balcony started the day right.  So I will take it from there and try to FOLLOW THE RULES.  I feel a poem coming on about  rules-stay with me.

Betty Boop

THOUGHTS WANDER ON

The cool of the Balcony led my thoughts to walking.  I do miss my old way of walking.  I thought of when we would go to South Texas near the Mexican border each Jan & Feb in our motor home.  We stayed in several different campgrounds over the years.  I remember one called Morningside.  Beautiful little village-like.  many were all season residents, so; they as people do, bonded 
 together in a sort of village.  Their small yards were full of flowers and treasures  from Mexico, (I call them.)  Many bird feeders and Mexican finds.   We loved walking each morning before it got too warm. How we loved going over the border into Mexico and shopping for stuff.  Other side trips were enjoyed.  Eating out and cooking local finds was a lot of fun in the small kitchen of the motor home.  Kind of like a little "play house."  Each morning from a good night's sleep on the best mattress I have ever had and looking over at my man and wondering what we would do today.  It was so good to get away from everyday life and just unwind.  Like no other form of travel and we did it all.  From the very fancy to the very ordinary. I am glad Truman was the traveling man he was.  I am glad I could go along for the ride.  It was wonderful.  Now I sit on the Balcony and remember.

Betty (down memory lane again) Boop

BREEZY & CHILLY on Balcony

At 7:42 it is cool out there.  Did not stay long.  Coffee got cold fast.  My Clematis vine is so pretty this morning.  It seems to be outdoing it's self.  The small purple blooms remind me of orchids.  Also I thought of Hawaii.  How do they live among so much beauty? I will never forget that trip we made.  Thanks for the memories.

The grass was cut and trimmed here yesterday.  The grounds are very well taken care of.  So green and lush.  My favorite gaggle of geese just flew in with a fanfare!!  My they want you to know they are here.  I also heard a small plane go over.  How can I look out to such beauty and normal surroundings and believe the world is in such a turmoil?  But then I guess it always is---just too close to home now.  My I want normal again.  Some say it will never be the same.  So-be-it.

Betty Boop

CHILLY

Took my coffee & toast with honey to the Balcony. At7 it was chilly.  Actually had chill bumps.  Beautiful to walk.  I saw two walkers.  One on my side and the other across the Lake.  They were walking briskly.  Canada Geese on the meadow were feeding.  Peaceful sight.  Amy sent pictures from her backyard.  They have many trees, beautiful.  Always when it rains there are many mushrooms.  I have never seen so may kinds.  Rain has gone for now and summer sun will be upon us.  I like the change of seasons.  Well let us get on with the day.  Something special may happen.  Hope so.

Betty Boop

WORDS

I read on an average, women speak 20,000 words a day--Men only 7,000.  I believe it.  Though we have been on hold, the rules have been somewhat lifted and women can converse through the mask and 6 feet apart, we are rushing to catch up. Big time!!  Now the men wearing mask and 6 feet apart are only offering a grunt of "hello" and a small lifting of the hand in a wave as if they will stir up germs.  Maybe they are just don't feel the need to talk as women do. 

My observation for today!!

Betty Boop

SCATTERED THOUGHTS

Not much on my mind so far.  Well I had strawberries with Total cereal and soft boiled egg, coffee just now.  Interested in that? I thought not.  I guess I am getting bored.  Thought about Christmas project but then remembered threats from daughters about how I can't do that anymore.  I have needed so much assistance the last two seasons, that it turned out more "them" than me.  Maybe a simple card will do this time.  Then my silly brain rushes to think about how to make a card "special" and here we go again.  Let it rest and see what the future brings.  I have a note to write and check to write  also. So I will go and not bore the readers, (?)  if I have any after this random blog.

Betty Boop

RAIN

As I look out today all I see is rain.  It took me back to a childhood memory, really my children too.  They had a book of Robert Louis Stevenson's poems.  I think I liked reading them as much as they loved hearing them.  Reading to them was a favorite memory.  This morning I had to look up the short poem I remembered. Wish I still had the book-Mr. Google has it.

                                                      RAIN

The rain is raining all around
It falls on field and sea.
It rains on umbrellas here,
And on the ships at sea.

Remember?  I can still see the illustrations of ships being rained on.  Of course Mr. Stevenson wrote many works that are remembered, but he captured the children books beautifully.

Betty Boop

Sunday

My steamed spinach was so good today.  I made it myself.  With lemon & butter.  When I was a kid, no spinach for me.  I hated most veggies in those days.  I guess you get wiser with age  and your taste changes.  I hope we don't have the bad rain predicted.  I brought my pots of plants inside.  My Clematis vine is going to take a beating and it is blooming so pretty.  It is surprisingly strong to look so delicate.  Hope this Blog goes through.  I am having trouble sending.

Betty Boop

OUT TO LUNCH

Tapes marked the carpet from  the Cyber entrance.  Big blue x's of tape, mark your spot --6 feet apart.  With clean hands and a mask on.  You wait your turn as the line snakes all the way around the hall to the other end of the dinning room.  You are welcomed by a cheerful hostess decked out with a mask and gloves. You go down the food line and pick your choices from many helpers also wearing mask with gloves.  As one moves to next choice you move up one space.  They bag it up and hand it to you as you advance out the door.  Spritz your hands and off you go.  Wonderful catfish yesterday. fried green tomatoes were excellent. Pick out as much as you want of everything, even milk.  No tea.  The food was extra good . Out you go back to your own apartment. It will be this way for a while.  Sitting at the tables with friends, talking, laughing, gossiping, will have to wait and something to look forward to. So I feel like I did go "out to lunch" --sort of.

Betty Boop

SUNSHINE

Sunshine kind of warm on Balcony.  When I came back inside, kind of warm, the  inside felt cool.  A flashback of how it felt to walk back into the condo at Gulf Shores.  My I am going to miss Beach Week!!  I then thought of sunshine and then to early teen years at Church.  I loved the night time on Sunday.  We had what we called it then, Epworth League. More relaxed from Sunday School.  I liked it best.  But Sunday School, I realize now taught me many Bible verses.  They come to me out of the blue sometime and I guess I was listening unaware.  Read Numbers 6: 25."  The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you." We were asked to remember one each week and recite it at Sunday School.  Sometime I failed to do so as others did too. but I did enough to remember many. So in a round about way, I felt the sun shine on me today.

Betty (preaching again) Boop

DOOM& GLOOM

  Well at first I felt that way and then the sun broke through-bright as could be.  Funny how the sun can affect your mood.  I had my coffee, toast, and bacon on the Balcony.  I noticed this little vine that came back from last year.  I have been talking to it.  It has been full of buds but only one opened early on.  I thought something was wrong when no more opened.  It has been weeks but nothing happened-- till this morning.  One is bravely open!!  If the others follow, it will be beautiful in a few days. Can never remember what it is called.  My little Jade plant (J.J.) is thriving too.  My garden is not as usual, but interesting still. 

I still have not gone to the walk through for lunch.  Today I will cook the rest of my bounty of fresh veggies Jan brought.  With my cornbread I will enjoy one more of my cooking.  Miss that gallon of tea they used to leave at my door every week.  I don't bother to make my own, so good old water will have to do. 

 Betty (feeling better)  Boop.  I mean from the gloom & doom.

DOUBLE LUCKY

Imagine my surprise as I was  getting ready to treat myself with a favorite breakfast, when I broke the egg to make French toast, when out slipped into the saucer TWO of the prettiest egg yolks!!  That they say is supposed to bring good luck.  Bring it on.  I laughed out loud.  Double yolks are rare to me.  Any way I enjoyed the French toast even it is made the diabetic way.  You get used to that after a number of years.  Luck was with Amy and I yesterday when she took me to my ear Dr.  My first trip "out."  It felt strange riding down the interstate.  Everything was the same but it seemed new in a way.  We were both tired  when it took so long, but everything went very smooth and everyone was doing a great job with all the rules.  Someone is getting rich at Chick-flay.  (I spell it different every time.)  The line was full and moving very smooth. She took hers home and I did too.  It was sooooo good.  So I called it a Lucky Day.

Betty Boop

EXCITING DAY

Did not know I could be excited about a Dr.'s appointment.  But you see, it means GETTING OUT OF HERE.  Just an appointment long over due to get hearing aids and ears checked.  Actually I need to get one checked because it has been on the blink(hearing aid I mean.)  Another reason too, I will finally get to see a family member.  Amy is taking me. 

Jan sent veggies from Freshway  yesterday.  I will have a home cooked feast tonight.  Squash, corn, okra, and a beautiful tomato. I sliced it last night for a sandwich.  It was amazingly good.  Also had a slice with my egg  this morning for breakfast that is the best!!

Well Amy is on her way and I must be ready.  We will pick up Chick Felet' (sp) and she will take hers home and so will I.  Maybe soon we will be able to  eat together.  I hope.,

Betty Boop

RED NECK SUPPER

Yes, red neck.  Our food service has been over the top to feed and entertain us at the same time.  Creative ways to keep us "oldies" happy.  They have done an amazing and tireless job.  Today is the last delivery to door thing.  Tomorrow we start walk through and pick up.  They have offered a complementary light meal for supper at night during this whole experience.  Good job.  One of the last "light" meals last night was just plain cute. They called it Red Neck Supper.  Summer sausage. cubes of  two kinds of cheese, salmon spread (pretty good), pimento cheese spread, grapes. and of course Moon Pie.  A memory from the past.  Crackers rounded off the meal.  My hats off to those who planned, prepared, and served it to the door with a friendly smile and hello.  It really helped and I for one will miss it.  But, we will forge on to the next  step of "coming out".  That will be progress.

Betty Boop













cheddar chees & Pepper Jack hot cheese, salmon spread, pretty good, pimento cheese spread. crackers, and what else? Moon pie .  Grapes too.  I enjoyed my red neck supper.  Actually it was a little fancy. except the Moon Pie.  That was a childhood memory.  I had to toss it because it was a lot of sugar.  My hats are off to those who planed the meals, the ones who prepared it, and those who served it at our door.  It really helped. Kind of got me spoiled.  But I am ready  to move on.

Betty Boop