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

'LOVE A RAINY DAY

70 degrees and rain.  How about let's stay inside and watch it rain?  Good plan for the day.  Do a load of laundry just because I don't have to hang it outside.  Before I had a dryer and did still have small children, it was a problem .But to hang clothes on a line  when the sun shinned was a treat.  I got to go outside. The neighborhood Laundry Mat helped when I got desperate.  I was excited when I finally got a dryer.  I learned to appreciate the wonders of progress as they came.  I have seen a lot of change in my lifetime. Still seeing a lot.  

I have switched my reading from Civil War and such to modern day.  I have started a new one.  WHY NOT TONIGHT.  written by Susan MALLERY.  One of those feel good love stories.  I do not like her sometime language but many books contain it.  But you know it will come out good in the end.  I read all the Amish books I can get.  I think I would have made a good Amish wife, then again they really worked hard.  I really like to read about the good food they cooked.  Back to food always.   My plain old oatmeal with a perfect banana was comfort food this morning.

Betty Boop

63 and foggy

I can  barely see the cross above the chapel.  Little unpleasant to sit out this morning.  So here I sit inside before my lap-top with the second cup before me and thinking of something to write.  I had crazy dreams last night.  Need the two Amy's to tell me the meaning.  There were three life size dolls sitting on a couch.  Victorian dressed.  I could not see the faces, so I don't know who they looked like.  Maybe my three daughters?  That is all I remember about that dream.  All the other ones have faded too. The mind works even through sleep. I have been reading a lot of Civil War novels and Undergrown Railroad novels too.  How those ladies survived wearing those big old skirts I don't know.

I do remember my good breakfast.  Old favorite. Egg-in-hole.  Turkey bacon and an orange and coffee rounded it out perfect.  

BETTY BOOP  P.S.  ANSWER ME SOMEONE, I WANT TO KNOW IF YOU ARE STILL THERE.!! 

BRAVED IT

58 was not too bad till a little breeze took over.  Finished my rye toast and turkey bacon fast and hurried inside.  I also had oatmeal with stewed Gala apples.  Very good.  Made the apples myself.  I don't mind cooking my breakfast and sometime other times too, but I sure make a mess to clean up.  So easy to go pick-up in dinning room.  Some day soon, I hope, we will be able to gather at tables for four chatting with friends.  

November is coming soon.  I will take the Halloween deco down and put up Thanksgiving. My crazy old turkey is gobbling as I pass the cage where she lives.  She loves her time to come out and be a part of my hall table decorations.  Leaves and pine cones, and other dried stuff that I have saved over the years.  Doing this for friends to see, gives me purpose and fun to do. I am all for a little fun!!!

BETTY BOOP 

54 WARMER INSIDE

Brrrrrur , getting soft, I guess.  The heat feels good this morning.  Will go to the LOOKING POINT  later.  Two "happies" in two days.  I am going to be spoiled.  Daughter #1 sent a sweet note and a precious Cat calendar for next year.  So cute and I will love each month's cat picture.  Next day I got another thoughtful letter from my #1 grandson (only one) who sent me a cute picture of him and Leo, his #1 son.  Lot of #1's.  I am thankful they love me and think about me.  

O. K.  today is Sunday-go to church if I could.  That has been a part of my life always.  Glad my parents taught me to  find my way through life by seeking.  One of the important ways was to go to Church.  I do miss the organized part of being in a Church. I know that is not the only way to worship God, but my it feels good to me.

BETTY BOOP

55 IS COLD !!!!!

What a change. With the wind blowing ever so gently , it was still  nippy. Stayed just long enough to drink my coffee and that did not take long.  Miss Big Hat did run by. Her new head gear is perfect for winter weather.  I did get my hair cut yesterday. Good thing I don't have to go outside, because My head would get cold. Judy gave me a cute little"pixie"  cut.  Kind of like I used to get for Amy before she was old  enough  to protest.  I like  to say I got my money's  worth. I am reading a good book:  THE MAPMAKER'S DAUGHTER. by Sarah McCoy.  I do love historical novels. Learn a little history while enjoying a novel too.  I was awake at 2 reading. I could not sleep.  Maye it was the left over cup of coffee I drank at 2 in the afternoon.  That is not like me to drink coffee that late in the day.  But I was bored and that cup was left over from breakfast.  It was not even good!!  That will "larn you pa"

BETTY BOOP

66 degrees.

What a beautiful start of the day.  Don't mess up.  I watched a worker spread pine straw around the building under my Balcony and all around the building this morning.   I saw the bales of straw yesterday and expected him, but not so early.  He worked fast-a lot of ground to cover.  It looks nice.  Excuse the change in text-computer is acting crazy-or is it me. I think I am loosing my touch.  

I am getting a hair cut at 10 this morning.  That always helps any situation.  I just tried to make this computer go back to the text size and the same print, but it said NO. So I am going to treat it like a bad child and ignore it.

BETTY BOOP see what it is doing?

65 IS FINE

Everybody is alive and walking!! Saw most of my favorites this morning.  MAN WITH TWO DOGS is who I like to see now.  They really keep him moving.  I saw them late yesterday and then early this morning.  I guess they have to go out often.  I bet they live in one of the houses.  Two dogs would be too much for an apartment.  I saw a man mowing grass on the Meadow across the Lake. The big, big mower must be out of order, because he was on a riding mower and that looks like an all day job!!  Glad it is cool.  He started early before it gets too hot.  Speaking of hot-my Summer is having a hard time giving up.  I packed the summer duds too early.  Can't get anything right anymore.

BETTY BOOP

CLOUDS

 CLOUDS ARE FUN TO WATCH.  THIS MORNING I OPENED THE DRAPES AND  THE SLIDING DOORS WERE FILLED WITH ONE HUGE CLOUD.  I AM NOT KIDDING--IT LOOKED LIKE A BIG FISH.  FROM ITS NOSE TO IT'S TAIL --IT FILLED THE SKY.  EVEN HAD AN EYE AND THE SUN UNDERNEITH  IT'S  BELLY WARMED TO A BAUTIFUL PINK COLOR.  MY WHAT A SIGHT.!!

BACK UP TO BREAKFAST-HAVE YOU TRIED PEANUT BUTTER IN YOUR OATMEAL YET?  TRY IT SOMETIME FOR A LITTL PROTEIN  I ALSO HAD STEWED APPLES, MADE MY WAY, JUICE, RYE TOAST AND COFFEE.  CHANGE IT UP, KEEP IT INTERESTING.  I AM ALWAYS READY FOR BREAKFAST.  THAT HAS CHANGED SINCE BEING DIABETIC.  MUST KEEP IT LEVEL.  

BETTY BOOP

LATE LATE

 Like THE RABBIT--I'M LATE, I'M LATE FOR A VERY IMPORTANT DATE.  MY BLOG AWAITS ME EVERY MORNING.  I DON'T KNOW WHY BUT I SLEPT AN HOUR BEYOND MY USUAL.  MAYBE IT WAS BECAUSE I JUST HAD TO READ A LITTLE LATE BEFORE BEDTIME.  ANYWAY, IT THROWS US ALL OFF A LITTLE.  THE BALCONY WAS PLELANT AT 66 DEGREES.  ONE LONE DUCK AND ONE WALKER. I NOTICED THE CYPRUS TREES ARE BEGINING TO TURN. ONE WAS ALL RUSTY BROWN AND SOON OTHERS WILL FOLLOW.  THEY LOOSE THEIR NEEDLES AND BECOME BARE.  THEN START ALL OVER IN THE SPRING.  WE HAVE THEM AROUND THE LAKE, WITH WILLOW TREES.  BOTH LIKE THE WATER.  SO THEY THRIVE HAPPILY.  CAN YOU DO THE SAME.  HARD ISN'T IT, ESPECIALLY NOW WHEN SO MUCH PATIENCE IS REQUIRED.  MAKE THE BEST OF IT. 

BETTY BOOP

HOST TO FOUR

 II put out crumbs for my bird friends from my Rye toast when I drank coffee this morning on Balcony.  First one came and pecked and watched for friends or family.  Finally three more came and they enjoyed the bread.  Guess they like Rye.  Do you?  I like it for toast especially. I  had oatmeal with strawberries also.  Nothing better.  62 degrees to start is perfect.  I saw a lot of walkers at one time. One walked off sidewalk to stand under a near by tree.  I watched to see why. She just gazed out over the lake for a while. like me meditating.  Then off she swiftly went.  It was a beautiful sight!!  The water was calm and smooth.  To see someone pause  to reflect was just what we need more.  Well I must go "reflect"  what is up for today.

BETTY BOOP

56 degrees not bad

  The clouds were unique this morning.  Some of everything.  God is an artist of the best.  Sunday again and no going to Church as usual. I do miss going  in person.  With winter robe and hot coffee, 56 is not too bad. So I will be thankful for what I have. 

I am planning a few chores for the day and try to stay busy.  Weekends are hard for me.  Especially when I don't get to see family and friends outside of here.  Can't sit around and think too much or I have a "pity party."  Never good.  As Robert St John says '"ONWARD."  

BETTY BOOP

49 degrees!!NO BALCONY AT 7:30

And that confuses Bitsy.  She like to know what is next too.  Also she likes to sit at screen door when I am out on Balcony.  She does not know what is wrong.  It is just too much for me.  Maybe later when the sun warms us a little more. Amy brought groceries to me yesterday.  Thanks to her.  She surprises me with things she thinks I will like.  I had sausage links with waffles for breakfast. I did ask for them, though she brought a can of chicken a la king like we used to buy a lot.  It will be good over rice or biscuit?  Other little things that made me happy.  She is creative and good at taking care of others. She has a "host" of friends.  Hey there comes the sun to warm our day.  A second cup-o-joe will be good later.

BETTY  BOOP

BETTY BLOWING 55 TOO COLD

It was just not pleasant, so I will try with my second cup later.  The weather goes up and down. Don't know what to put on this old body.  Of course I stay inside mostly . But you can tell the difference.  You know, without going outside each morning. I get very little ideas to write. so I will write my latest poem.

 AROUND AND AROUND 

AROUND AND AROUND THE  LAKE THEY GO

SOME GO FAST-SOME GO SLOW.

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO WALK,

PLEASE DON'T STOP TO TALK!!

THE FAITHFUL WALK EACH DAY,

START THE RIGHT WAY

WISH I COULD WALK FAST WITH YOU,

THESE DAY, THE HALLS WILL HAVE TO DO!!

THAT'S O. K. TOO.  

BY DOT ELLIS 2020

WENT ANYWAY

 Actually it felt nice. Sun and no wind.  Saw a beautiful sight at 6:15 when I got up.  A sliver of moon and a bright star above.  Have to get up early to see that.  All wrapped up-I had coffee on Balcony. MISS TALL AND ELEGANT went by.  Looked like Christmas with her green pants, red sweat shirt, and her beautiful white hair.  MISS BIG HAT CAME CLOSE BEHIND all dressed in white.  LARGE MAN WITH SMALL DOG came too.  Kind of busy as he chased resident Egret from the shore.  My heart and prayer is for my sweet ones on the road.  Safe trip to you.

BETTY BOOP

50 dergees

It felt good!!  With winter robe and long socks, and a hot cup-o-joe!! Tandem Couple and BIG HAT. swiftly passed each other-no time to chat.  Watched balcony birds find the cornbread crumbs I put out.  Listened as a few birds greeted each other, watched a jet leave a stream, and marveled at the way the world goes on.  Thank you Lord for your plan-not mine, and help me to be still and know you are God. 

I must get on with this poem that has been bugging me and just refuses to get on paper.  I have an idea, but the words wont "jell."  Help me!!!

Betty Boop 

  

LATE

Late because I had to get my Flu shot.  Nice to get it here, but  a mix up (not SCV fault) ,made them 30 minutes late getting started.  Oh my, the line was long, except I had arrived early and was the first in line.  Even though I waited about an hour,   everyone behind me.  It went very fast and smooth once help arrived.  So the best of plans can go wrong.  I felt so sorry for all involved. But it is done and done and I will be protected from the  Flu.  Some don't agree with flu shots.  I think they may be sorry.  SO  BE IT.

Betty Boop 

  

WALKING IN TANDEM

 I saw this morning a couple walking in tandem.  Perfect steps together.  I thought, how wonderful  if the world wide could walk more that way.  My it was nice out there. Roll with it!!   I wish you could have shared my breakfast.  So perfect.  Jan has discovered tomato from Kroger that are very good.  They come in clusters, still on stem.  I have been enjoying them so much.  Getting close to eating them all.  I had an omelet with egg, dash of milk,  Gouda cheese, and finely cut tomato.  Now, The Pioneer Woman could turn out one more pretty, mine tasted as good, I bet.  I have one of her skillets, and still can't cook like her.  Any way, whole wheat toast, juice and coffee was fit for a Queen.  Made me think of our first trip to Europe.  Though it was about 3 weeks long, all those countries were hard to cover.  France and Italy had such good food.  

Hey the sun is out, It will dry my cushions on the balcony and I will sit in comfort  tomorrow.  

Betty Boop

BRAVED IT

The Balcony lures me each morning.  Rain or shine-hot or cool-I am ready to go.  Like getting "out."  Whole different world from inside. I had oatmeal with banana this morning at breakfast.  Have you ever toasted whole wheat bread under the broiler with a slice of Gouda cheese melted on top? Delish!!  Love Gouda,  I found a dry spot on the Balcony and enjoyed my own company.  Ever thought of these times when we spend more time alone, when you have time to think? It can be good to examine yourself and get to know that you can be pretty good company.  Of course too much can go a long way and people who need people are the lucky ones.  Some get along better alone. So we are all different.  I like being alone sometime.  How about you? 

BETTY BOOP

P.S.  Bitsy loves to be with me,  Follows me when she is awake and watches every move I make.  Bothered me when I first brought her to live with me.  Not anymore. Bitsy watches through the screen and wants to go out too. Wish I felt at ease to let her go on Balcony, but I don't.

70 degrees and very windy

The wind is so strong that I did not sit on Balcony.  I have moved chairs and pots to the wall so they will not blow away.  Doubt if there is much to see of interest. Have to search someplace else to find anything to say.  Saturday is kind of "blue."  When a child.  No school and plenty of play time.  I liked paper dolls.  I could play alone or with other girls.  I liked to play alone the best.  Imagination is sometime, something that was best kept to yourself.  I had "store" bought books of dolls.  Cutting dresses for them was kind of like going shopping. Or going to the movies where we would admire those stars of the day.  Some of the paper doll were movie stars.  I liked the special paper babies, with their buggies and beds and bath tubs.  With slits cut so you could actually put the dolls in.  Now that was almost real.. Do little girls still play with paper dolls.  Do they even make them anymore. I remember Shirly Temple dolls any many more.

BETTY BOOP

do 

T 

68 degrees

I am turning into the weather girl, giving you the report.  It is one thing I have to know so I can decide to go to the Balcony.  Was surprise that it was not raining.  It has a little, but some more will come.  I took the chance to sit for a while before it rains again.  So no one else took the chance to walk.  It really was refreshing at 68.  A gaggle of geese flew over and lake ducks were swimming.  Coffee good and hot.  I kept thinking it was Saturday.  My the days run together.  It is Friday.  Shall I have my catfish baked or fried?  I ponder.  SCV kitchen makes the best fried!!  But oh, it is not worth the discomfort it sometimes causes me.  I need to write a poem for the VILLAGER.  Have a couple of  ideas-they just wont come together.  I may have to think some more.  It is surprising how it finally comes out.  Do REAL poets do this or is it the want-to-be poets, like me ,who have this  problem?  

BETTY BOOP (I wish I had named my cat Betty Boop. 

71 degrees

 71 degrees is Summer time.  Crazy weather.  Storm a-brewing.  We sure have had a lot of drama there. Not a soul in sight.  Wonder at that.  I enjoyed it anyway. Coffee was good and hot. I had oatmeal with cooked apple and toast with honey and turkey bacon.  Just so you would like to know.

My neighbor said he is taking care of one little hummer that was left behind.  We can't figure why, although he has decided that this one was smaller than the rest and was not on the same wave with the others.  Kind of a little Johnny-Come-Late.  I do hope when it leaves it will find some more to fly with. Anyway, he said he would stay with her and feed her till she gets ready to leave. Why do we assume it is a female? 

Betty Boop

BACK OUT THERE

 Can't stay away.  I guess you could say, I am hooked on my Balcony.  Not just because of being  asked to not going out unless  I must, but I already had an  urge to sit out there every morning and think and ponder the problems of the world and my blessings.   It  sort of grounds me to meditate.  I have decided that is what I am doing. MEDITATE.  To meditate is an old, old practice.  Modern people think they invented it.  No it goes back to before time was recorded.  Just made popular by today's standard.  Just think, nothing is new,  just newly discovered--over and over again.  As I start my day, I meditate on what I am to do today and ask for things to do and strength to do them.  -------My, I am deep this morning.

Betty Boop 

SKIPPED IT

53 degrees is not worth the time on Balcony.  I decided to wait till later and enjoy a second cup there.  Maybe I will see new walkers?  I have a poem chasing around my brain about my walkers.  It will come out soon.  Bitsy is always confused if I change our regular way of doing things.  That is  O. K.    She will survive, I hope.

Yesterday was so nice, as we celebrated Jan and her birthday.  A couple of days late, but Amy and I always celebrate her.  Tommy showed up, as the electricity went out at his office.  A tree fell on lines somewhere in the neighborhood.  So I got to see his face at last.  All in all the food and visit was good.

I have to find something for today.  Hey, just being here is good.

Betty Boop  

LITTLE TOO CHILLY

Little too much this  morning.  I braved it as long as my coffee was warm and at 52 degrees and a light wind, it did not take long.  Saw one walker. MISS BIG HAT has changed her attire.  Her head gear is something I have seen in catalogs.  Scarf and head covering all in one.  She had long pants and jacket for sure.  It will warm up with the sun, but not a lot.  I am excited to be celebrating Jan's birthday a little late.  For the last few years we have gone to Ameriagos .  Truman went a few times too. Amy  will call in our order, pick it up, and pick me up and go to Jan's screened porch to enjoy.  What fun for us. 

I will be glad to talk about something besides our President and his battle with  the virus.  My the news folks have a lot on their plate.  How do they stand to think of nothing else except the many problems we are going through?  I could not do that job.  Don't have too, thank goodness.

Betty Boop

THIS IS MY FATHERS WORLD

 I remember this song well. Sang it in Sunday School and Church service too.  Sometime these old songs come to mind and bring back memories.  One verse came to my mind as I looked over the Balcony at the peaceful sight.  THIS IS MY FATHERS WORLD, O LET ME NE'ER FORGET THAT THOUGH THE WRONG SEEMS SO STRONG, GOD IS THE RULER YET.  THIS IS MY FATHER'S WORLD: WHY SHOULD MY HEART BE SAD? THE LORD IS KING; LET THE HEAVENS RING! GOD REIGNS; LET THE EARTH BE GLAD. Seems it was taught to children though is has a powerful message to all.  

Just have to preach sometime. Try to remember this day,  Who is in charge?  

Betty Boop

    

Brrrrr !!

59 degrees?  On the Balcony it was cold.  Even with "high top footies" and winter robe, it got a little too much,  Now if I were walking, like a few I saw, I would be O. K.  My they are faithful people.  I had too much breakfast.  I will need to walk extra too.  One orange, egg over light, 2 turkey bacon, a SCV biscuit ,fruit juice and coffee.  "Lumber Jack"? Another saying I will look up where it comes from. I use a lot of old sayings without hesitation.  Sign of having lived a longtime.  Some have interesting stories. 

Must go on and start the day, running a little late. It is Saturday.  I am looking forward to a Cyber Burger for lunch.  It is one of the entrees  for today.  Why not?

Betty Boop

COOL ON BALCONY

Cool but beautiful.  The sky is blue, as October goes on it gets even bluer. I remember this day because it was the day the Lord gave us Jan.  What a blessing!!  Happy Birthday my second born.  I love you. !!

The SCV natives who love and have missed the game outside of Croquet were made happy yesterday when a large group gathered to start the games again.  It did my heart good to see them happy and laughing again.  Every little thing added is great.  We are slowly adding back activities and it just shows you how much the many things we have taken for granted.  Hopefully we will not take a step backward and just keep going forward.   We have been very dedicated to doing our best.  It looks like from where I can see that the Golf green here is in need of repair from rain I think.  Saw them inspecting it and I bet it will be repaired soon.  Some repairs to the outside has been on hold, but plans to start refreshing the place are being planned.  So, some normal will return.  And so will we in some ways.

Betty Boop

 

WHAT CAN I SAY??

I can't think of anything new for you or me.  Oh, yes, I put out Halloween decor ' yesterday.  That is always fun and a highlight of the day.  Turned out so cute and childish, but that is where I am now.  Well not "cute" but sort of childish.  My big witch -pumpkin doll Amy gave me, sits in the Mystery Chair.  Perfect.  She sits, smiling goofy and not scary at all, holding a small pumpkin.  Next month, I have the goofy turkey to put out.  Maybe by December I will get it right, and not so childish.  Seems strange and I am sorry, I am not working on little "happies" this year for Christmas.  Can't do it anymore.  My hands and eyes have caught up with my age.  I made something for 9 years  and struggled with help for two of those years.  My girls said don't do that anymore.   They had to rescue me for two years and it was asking too much of them.  A  nice card will have to do.  But I do miss creating  and giving something.  Well as I always say SO BE IT.  I can't stop time, or would I even want to.

Betty Boop