ANOTHER BEAUTY

Could not be more perfect.  Sun is coming out and a gentle breeze is blowing.  

Could not be more perfect.  Sun is out and a gentle breeze is keeping me comfortable.  The green is coming out on the Meadow and soon the geese will be feeding.  They are ready. I guess they will be nesting soon too.  We have one or two to build nest in shrubby sometime.  I see Bluebirds fliting about, but can't see if they are building nest yet.  We seem to be waking up around nature this morning.  SPRING is in the air and welcomed. I had pimento cheese in my scrambled egg this morning. Good-try it. I eat a balanced diet and hope it goes a long way to good health, but no matter how hard I try, I still have trouble controlling some part of my health.  But old man age must be worked in.  Can't stop the aging process. 

SO BE IT   BETTY BOOP

 

LITTLE OVERCAST FOR NOW 66

But here comes the sun.  Should be a nice weather day.  I had my version of French toast for breakfast.  Good coffee has run out.  But anything is good on the Balcony.  At 7 --where are the walkers?  Had to give up on them and get the day rolling.  Yesterday I did 2 loads of clothes.  Paid bills, went to library for new books, picked up lunch, walked the halls  some, napped, talked to Jan as she so well navigates my appointments:  so went the day. How about you?  Saturday again, how will I fill it well? Just go with the flow and hope for the best.  HAVE A GOOD DAY.  I remember when that phrase became popular and it has stood the time.  I still get it often. So you have a good one!!

BETTY BOOP

WHEE BACK ON BALCONY

 How good it feels outside this morning.  Thank you Lord for good blessings.  I am blessed.  After a very grueling and long morning going back and forth between buildings for test, Jan and I were very tired.  Things so far  turned out very good and still  a couple of more test to do, but we had such a busy morning, that we are doing those a little later.  But hungry and tired we called it a day.  AND- Arby's roast beef sandwich and curly fries(a no no) were soooo good.  Paid for it in my sugar reading last night, but I got that under control before bedtime.  Slept well and I count that a blessing.  COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS, NAME THEM ONE BY ONE.  COUNT YOUR MANY BLESSINGS, AND SEE WHAT THE LORD HATH DONE.  What would I do without those good old hymns I learned in Church growing up?  I did not know then how lucky I was to be in  a Church- going family. I love all kinds of music, but as I get older (94) I seem to remember so many messages in the old songs.  Anyway, today must be laundry day.

BETTY BOOP

BLUEBIRD ON HOUSE UNDER MY BALCONY!!!

I am thrilled.  Hope they like the new house.  We will see.  Up early to get blood test for appointment tomorrow.  Jan picked me up and took me and it went well.  Hope everything is good for tomorrow.  Getting up early is no problem--but no breakfast till later is hard.  I got a treat when we went by Chick-Filet' for a wonderful English muffin, egg, sausage, and cheese and  double coffee.  Took it home and ate on Balcony.  Whee!!!  and as I drank the second cup, I noticed a Blue Bird checking out the new house under my balcony.  Sure hope it suits them and I can see them build a nest and raise babies up close.  I was excited to be "out".  Things change so fast and I hardly knew where I was.  But time goes on.  Remember the song? AS TIME GOES BY?  You must remember this; a kiss is still a kiss, a sigh is still a sigh, the fundamental  things of love, AS TIME GOES BY.

BETTY BOOP

LITTLE TOO NIPPY YET

Maybe tomorrow I will venture out on Balcony.  My chair pillows are still a little damp and sort of messy.  But today looks good.  I buy pimento cheese  from the dinning room. Not  homemade but will  do.  Especially if you add  a little HELLMANN's mayo and this time a   few chopped olives-stuffed ones. So have you ever added a tablespoon or more of the mix  as you  scramble your egg?  MMMMMM   Great.    Add turkey bacon and Rye toast with strawberry preserves (sugar free) and you have a proper breakfast.  I am a firm believer of a good breakfast.  Sad to say my Birthday coffee is running out==so back to the old Kroger Breakfast blend  soon.  It was good while it lasted but most good things don't last forever.  Right? Or can they?

BETTY & BITSY BOOP 

BETTER WEATHER

Glad for Monday.  Sunday was a long day to me.  I think I must be slowing up a bit.  Be glad to go for my annual this week.  Maybe I can "dump" on my doctor.  Then like me, I will probably just perk up and act like nothing is wrong.  My I get timid at my visits. Sometime I think my troubles are all in my head, and I am just looking for reasons to feel bad.  Does that make sense to anyone?  I usually feel so much better after going.  Maybe I really need a shrink.  Boy they would have a field day with me.  I am flattering myself. There is nothing "special" about me.  On another subject:  The temp is 54 and sun shinning.  I could go on Balcony.  My chair pillows are wet and in need of being replaced.  Hope for that soon.  Hope a better weather trend is in store.  So does Bitsy Boop.

BETTY BOOP

FROM 3 1 to 32

As I watched, the temp went from 31 to 32.  Moving on up.  Sun made a lot of difference in attitudes yesterday.  Everyone I met was excited about the sun.  Me too.  I guess we humans need a little sunshine?  Really helps.  But I have to admit, I feel a dip coming on in my feelings.  Just get stuck in "will it ever end" or "not in my lifetime".  Feelings get into the way, good or bad.  I am trying hard to cope and live in hope, but my a lot has been put in our paths.  Then I think, I am not the only one.   The whole world is affected.  Now that is a lot to understand.  But hey, the sun is still shinning and help is on the way.  Look for that silver lining or something.  Many songs have been written about this subject.  So the world goes on and on, and so will I.

BETTY BOOP

BEHIND THE CLOUDS--SUN

Lets go green today.  When the sun shines and clears up the messy wet snow, it will dry up the mess and get on with Spring and then you know how fast the "green" pops out.  Spring was my Mother's favorite season.  My how she could  "dig the dirt".  Daddy laughed that the weeds would hide their heads when she came by.  His thing was the veg garden and for her the flowers.  That little house of theirs would really bloom and grow.  They worked hard and were happy doing it. Many would benefit from their flowers and veggies.  I remember Truman's first garden.  At our first apartment on Northview  Drive.  He worked to did that hard dirt.  Even planted corn.  Our garden on Meadow Ridge Drive was more of a success.  We canned tomatoes, green beans, lima beans and had much to eat from it.  On Riverwood, we just had flowers-too many trees for a proper veg garden.  Gardening of any kind is good for the soul!!  Why not plant some peppers and tomatoes in pots-that works.

BETTY BOOP

OH LET THE SUNSHINE IN

 Oh, yes the sun is always welcome.  Dry that slush and run it away.  Let's get on to helping others recover.  My it has been bad.  I have been throwing bread crumbs to the birds.  Watching them try to eat the frozen bread is sad.  One large piece of bread landed in a flower pot and away from the wet.  One little fellow found it and is being quiet about it.  He keeps returning but does not bring any one with him.  I told him to share.  The sun is so welcome and will do a lot to help.  I am afraid my Jade plant is history.  I failed to get it inside and it looks so sad.  Well I will start over from scratch come Spring.  And it is coming.  Count on it.  ONWARD!!!

BETTY & BITSY BOOP   

LOOKS MESSY

 

R

Rather messy after this stuff starts to melt.  But what an experience.  So many are without power.  What could be worse.  Lack of water pressure?  Oh my, what we take for granted!!  So far I have been sheltered from these things and am GRATEFUL.  I heard ice slide off the roof late last evening.  What a sound.  At first I did not know what it was, I think that was what that loud sound was that seemed to hit the outside wall.    Meanwhile life goes on.  Things happen and we have to face them.  Many sad things have been happening but my solution for them is to be still and know that there is God and let him be.

BETTY AND BITSY BOOP

r

R

21 sun for now.

Another day in the in the Igloo.  How did those people live in an igloo?  Did not know any thing else.  I can't imagine.  Must look that up and be better informed.  Silly this morning.  Always something new to experience.  Lucky old me.  L wonder what the dinning room will offer today.  With so many of the workers unable to come to work, it has been a challenge to feed this group.  We did have soup yesterday and sandwiches and salad and milk.  What a job for them.  And they always step up and do a fine job.  We will not go hungry or be cold (I hope).  The sun looks good this morning, but more unsettling  weather is predicted.  Not boring anyway.  I seem to be rambling --so I will ramble on. Don't want to bore you.

BETTY AND BITSY BOOP

12 to 15 as I watched

The sun came out and gave it a boost.  That is still very cold.  Ice thick on Balcony.  I saw one little bird hopping on the ice below.  Searching for breakfast.  I was tempted (for a moment) to toss bread out, but knew not to even step out for fear of  slipping, now I know better than that.  I had blueberries in my oatmeal.  Thought of one of my favorite children's books, BLUEBERRIES FOR SAL.  Remember?  Loved all those Sal books.  The drawings were so good.  Wish I could draw like that.    My drawings are beyond childlike. I am always wishing for something else.  I must work on that.  Right now I wish for a day filled with good surprises and lot of sunshine.

BETTY BOOP

SHOW, SLEET, FREEZING RAIN

My print is "rosie" for today. Everything white outside.  Well it does look pretty through the window.  Valentine lunch was good yesterday.  Enjoyed shrimp cocktail, grilled fillet' steak.  and other goodies.  Had to pass on the beautiful desserts.  Kind of spent the day looking at the weather getting worse.  Tomorrow does not promise much better. At least had to cancel Dr. appointment. Everything is shut down for now.  The weather people are have a field day.  No mention of Trump or Covid. Maybe in passing.  They really have to change direction to keep us up.  Snow is rare here and we go crazy if we get just a little. Well what for today? Don't know yet.

BETTY BOOP  

28!!!!!!! O BOY.

Well Happy Valentine's Day.  Kiss your "sweetie" if you have one.  Looks cold and dreary out the window.  Cuddle down and stay warm.  I will cuddle with my Bitsy Boop.  I usually close her into the guest bath with her bed and "stuff" but I decided it might be a little chilly last night.  don't know  why I figured that.  I let her sleep free last night.  When I went to bed, she was on a blanket on the couch.  During the night I felt something warm against my back.  Sweet Bitsy was sleeping with me and it felt good.  She was still as could be and did not disturb me at all.  She left me sometime during the night and was waiting patiently when I got up this morning saying when will you please get my breakfast.  So I did. Then I fixed mine.  Waffle, bacon, orange and coffee of course.  We will have a very nice Valentine lunch today.  Looking forward to it.

BETTY BOOP  

28? Shivver-me-timbers !!!!!!

Winter has finally come for us.  Stay inside and enjoy what you can.  No walkers this morning. French toast ,my style was in order for this morning.  Good!!    Valentines Day is near.  Truman really did shine for that day.  We always agreed, no candy or flowers, just a beautiful card.  He could do that.  I have a small collection of ones he gave me and some I gave him.  I treasure them, because he picked them out and I am sure the message they brought, was how he really felt and could not always express what he wanted to.  Some are romantic -- some are funny  but all say I LOVE YOU.  Students from Madison Middle 6th graders made beautiful ones for our mail boxes.  So sweet and thoughtful.  Treats of beautifully decorated cup cakes were passed out to us in the lobby.  Of course I did not plan to eat mine-full of sugar you know- but I got as far as my apartment with mine on a pretty pink paper plate and into the door before it slid off onto the carpet and rolled the pretty topping off.  Oh, well, it was beautiful and I enjoyed cleaning it up. 

SO BE IT  BETTY BOOP

BLUEBERRIES AND BANANAS

 I was delighted to find blueberries in my freezer.  Two years old but still good.  I put them with my banana in oatmeal this morning.  Good combo!!  Along with Rye toast with strawberry preserves (sugar-free) and turkey bacon& good coffee.  When I use all the gift coffee, back to Kroger Breakfast Blend--not bad either.  The Queen has dined again.!!!  Glad to be inside looking out this morning.  Not fit for man nor beast.  But I understand it gets worse over the weekend.  Gather around the fire (if you have one) and drink your hot brew whatever it is and enjoy.  Got the big  "V" yesterday.  So far so good.  Arm not even very sore yet.  I usually do well with shots.  I got my string of stuffed cats that stand at the foot of my Balcony door, to keep cold from seeping in.  Did Bitsy Boop notice?  Not at all.  One of the cats looks just like her.  Either she is a little "slow" or very smart. Which?  She may think I am just being silly!!  Why not?

BETTY & BITSY BOOP

LITTE RAIN LAST NIGHT

I love the book of Proverbs.  Kind of reminds me of Chinese fortune cookies.  Here is one of my favorites:  Proverbs: 16--31, LONG LIFE IS THE REWARD OF THE RICHTEOUS;  GREY HAIR Is A  GLOURIOUS CROWN,.  and 16: 9--YOU MAY MAKE YOUR PLANS, BUT GOD DIRECTS YOUR ACTIONS. ONE MORE; 12;15--STUPID PEOPLE ALWAYS THINK THEY ARE RIGHT.  WISE PEOPLE LISTEN TO ADVISE. O. K. ---end of sermon for today. I do read more than the Proverbs.

BETTY BOOP

P. S. I have decided to rename Bitsy  to BITSY BOOP  She never comes to a call unless food is involved anyway.   

48==not too bad

Actually, can't see much yet anyway.  The fog is covering the Lake and Meadow.  I see small birds in the trees below my balcony,  this is where the Bluebird houses are.  Can't tell what color they are.  Maybe bluebirds??  Hope so.  I've had a morning full so far.  Bitsy refused her food where the new med is hidden (I thought).  Smart cat.   She then threw up while I was half way into my oatmeal with strawberries!!  I am not bothered by cleaning up and going on.  I was a mother of small kids once upon a time.  Don't know what to do about her.  She needs the new and the old meds.  Time will work it out.  Meanwhile, the fog is lifting and the sun is shinning.  LUCKY OLD SUN HAS NOTHING  TO DO BUT ROLL AROUND HEAVEN ALL DAY+++  SO BE IT.

betty boop

BALCONY WEATHER

My kind or weather.  49, sun shinning, no wind.  Don't get used to it.  Weather people are predicting more cold this week.  Spring is having a hard time coming.  This is usual for us.  I did see MISS BIG HAT with her big hat and waking with purpose.  I like that.  I am sure more will join her today, for it is a beauty on the way. I had grits and soft boiled egg (as Linda taught me) and a beautiful Navel orange.  Coffee of course.  Just turn the egg into the grits and stir.  Simple but easy clean up.  Linda has turned into a bird watcher.  She gets to  see so many up close on their new "outdoor" add on.  Glad for them.  Almost like being outside, but better.  Right Linda? A bird flew to the next door balcony and sang to me this morning.  Don't know what he was, but he had a pretty song.  All is well!!

BETTY BOOP 

34 and sun is shinning.

Here I sit--getting cold to the bone.  Just had to get out.  The clouds look as if someone scattered them like snow flakes.  Small ones all over the sky.  And as usual I am amazed.  My affair with the clouds goes on.  Never the same, but always amazing.  I don't really need to know what they are or how they are formed, because that would take away from the wonder and delight I have in them.  Did you watch the Super Bowl?  I did just because I need to say I did.  Don't pretend to understand all of it, but I got the jest!!  I at least know who won.  Although I know some were not happy.  The half time show was the worst I have ever seen.  Don't understand this kind of music and dancing.  Some of the commercials were good.  Oh well. to each his own. 

BETTY BOOP  

  

41 STILL FEELS COLDER

Getting soft I guess, but could not take the  cold this morning.  Going out later is not the same as early. Not a good morning start anyway.  Cat refused to eat.  New meds I guess.  New smell to food, I don't know why.  She has never refused food before.  Also I forgot to put the filter basket in coffee maker.  I just put the paper cup by itself and though it worked, in a way, I still have grounds to clean out. Good to see JIMMY DEAN this morning.  Just had to microwave.  I managed to cut up an orange without hurting anyone.  So goes the day so far.  At least my BP & BS were normal.  Thankful for that.  I can always find blessings if I try.   Hey, are you having a big or small or nothing at all, Super Bowl party?  In the "old days"  we loved having Truman's brothers and cousins and wives for one.  We ad a "jolly" time eating and toasting our team and making quarter bets on the winner.  I had no idea who would win and really did not care---just fun to be together.  Those were good  days.  So are these days too.  Sometime you have to look back to see them.  Right?

BETTY BOOP

41--SEEMS COLDER

Weather is always changing.  Especially toward Spring.  Guess I am looking for it too much.  Saturday and I think I will declare it HOT DOG DAY.  Since my sweet niece brought me the makings of a great one, I will enjoy as long as they last.  Rationing 

them out.  I like them with plenty of mustard.     Geese flew in and resident ducks give them plenty room.  No walkers yet,  too cold this early.  Yesterday being WHEAR RED DAY, we were very festive.  Almost everyone wore red.  Even some men.  I can't imagine Truman wearing red.  He was kind of "down play"  about what he wore.  I remember him laughing at his brother Cecil when he was the first to wear shorts.  Yes there was a time when that was a daring thing to do.  Grown men wearing shorts was a first for them.  Only brothers could tease the way they did.  Ha!!another funny memory.

BETTY BOOP

we 

CLOUDS--GOTTA GET UP EARLY

Clouds interest me.  I "read" them every morning.  Early, I  saw light blue --to navy blue.  Giant footsteps across the sky.  And  tinges of pink where the sun was peeping up.  Two jets made an X in the sky as they took  off in different directions.  I saw a lot didn't I?  I also thought no person could paint such a picture.  I also thought how many times I am reminded to look to the sky and know  without a doubt that there is a God.  

O. K. What else is new? Today is NATIONAL WEAR RED WEEK. We wear red to show support for the fight against heart disease and AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION.  So I will wear red today;

BETT BOOP

I AM BACK ON BALCONY

Glad to be here on Balcony.  With double robe and high top slippers and a good cup of coffee.  COUPLE WALKING WITH PURPOSE . came briskly by.  Like them.  Two crows were fussing at each other.  I saw at least 30 Canada Geese up close. and a small group of "other" ducks on the other side.  No getting together for them. I expect to see much more activity among the birds soon.  Looking for the Bluebirds. Goldfinch are something to watch in the Rose Garden. Much pleasure to all.  Still enjoying flowers.  Having fun decorating for Valentine's Day.  I have a monkey hanging on my door with a valentine on his chest.  Got out the old valentines Truman's mother saved from his school days and added a few to my hall table. I hope someone will take them someday and appreciate them.  So sweet and all about the times they were given.  O.K.  onward to the day.  I am getting my toenails taken care of today.  Just like Bitsy.

BETTY BOOP

27 Brrrrrrr

Frost on the Meadow.  Our version of snow.  My reflections will be from the window. No brave walkers yet  Bitsy's visit to her Vet went well.  Just some joint problem.  Due to taking  Prednisolone for her itching from allergy.  One thing bothers the other-just like humans.  I am gradually bringing her off it.  You don't just stop it suddenly.  A new med for her joints. It seems as we (and cats) get older we have problems.  We will fix her up soon.     ,She is lucky to have such good love and care.  She gives it all back.  Good Cat--my Bitsy.  Still wish I had named her BETTY BOOP.  I have been wearing my new Betty Boop socks === what fun.

BETTY BOOP  P. S. Bitsy also got her claws clipped.  She loves that and I do too.

30 degrees and groundhog day.

No snow here, but my family in Indiana have a lot this morning. Will the Ground hog see his shadow here.?  I think he will and he will hurry back in his den for more winter.       I am still glowing from my birthday.  What a party.  I believe God is an artist.  You have to look out early to see such beauty.  Every set of clouds are different each time I see them. It was unusually beautiful at 6:30.  Now the sun it out and clouds are gone.  

I wonder what to do when I run out of strawberries.?  They make everything taste good--especially the lowly oatmeal.  Buy more, as you can get them most every month of year and they are usually good.  Rye toast and good old turkey bacon add a lot as well as a "good" cup of coffee.

That is my day so far.  Amy is taking Bitsy to Vet for a check up.  Not feeling up to par.  We will see.  I have not brought her carrier out yet, so she does not know where she is going.  Shhhhhh! Don't tell her.

BETTY BOOP

OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!!

I had a day yesterday like I have never all had before. 29 of my family on zoom and I talked to many of either relatives or friends.  My if that wont get the heart happy, nothing will.  And I do have a thankful, happy heart this morning.  I do  love words, as they can sort of tell you how I feel.  Thanks everyone who did so much to arrange it  Hey, I had a good breakfast.  Along with egg over light, turkey bacon, rye toast and gift strawberries and strawberry jam (another gift) and I had forgotten that there was good coffee outside of Kroger Morning Blend, when I made a wonderful gift coffee from my daughter.  And those daughters out did themselves with everything I could imagine.  I noticed several things I had mentioned I would like, plus much, much more.  Can't thank everyone enough.  I I will be "playing" and trying out new ones of my gifts a long time.

SO BETTY BOOP-WITH FLOWERS INSIDE AND OUT SIDE MY APARTMENT,  AND BALOONS ON HER DOOR, AND WERING BETTY BOOP SOCKS. I bid you a good day too!!