OFF TO SEE EYE DR.

Just a routine check up.  Hope it works out good.  I am trying to hold my own.  That is the best I can do now. Amy is picking me up shortly.  Early appointment is good for me.  And her  too.  

BETTY BOOP 

BEAUTIFUL FLYING WEATHER.

And I know someone this morning who is happy to be flying.  Safe trip!!!  My it is beautiful,  The Canada Geese are in the Spring mood.  Pairing off--two by two.  No in some cases 3. I saw one fellow stalking a pair and nobody was happy.  I believe there is someone for everyone, so seek young man and you will find your own true love.  Oh, my, how silly am I? I am sure it will work out.

How basic can breakfast be?  I will tell you:  Oatmeal and bananas, with juice, half biscuit with honey, turkey bacon and coffee.   Basic for me.  Coffee on Balcony is pretty basic too, but my little fluffy friend was not sitting with me on the inside of Balcony screen.  Oh my, will I ever get on the other side?  I should know that I will and just have sweet memories without the pain. 

BETTY BOOP




 

STILL LOOKING

I am still looking for Bitsy.  Every time I go in and out the door, looking where I step so I wont step on her,  looking for her to jump in my lap as I sit.  MY, I miss her.    The morning is beautiful .  So crisp and sunny.  Could use a lot of this kind of mornings.  Breakfast was great.  My favorite meal of the day.  With egg over light, turkey bacon, whole  wheat  toast with honey a small tomato on the side (good with eggs), an orange and of course coffee.  Sounds like a lot when I write it down. That is what I like about writing--it really tells you what it is.  So I write-for me. J & A came yesterday.  My, we got a lot done.  Well they did, I just directed. Now my closets have been been swept clean of items for the Good Will, winter packed away and out with the Spring and summer.  Jan organized my many, many, meds and I feel comfortable with them  again.  My sweet MG and R.  delivered one of the most beautiful arrangement of roses, lilies, and other flowers.  I got to see them outside and could not touch them.  How good they looked and I have really missed seeing my grandchildren.  My apartment looks good with the flowers to remind me of them and their thoughtfulness.  How can I not be thankful.  Thank you Lord for blessings.

BETTY(without Bitsy) BOOP

B

THOUGHTS ON BITSY

I guess it is part of the prosses--thoughts.  I wondered if there is a Cat Heaven?  Surely something is there.  I know if there is "something:"  Bitsy is there.  Her little soft pads never touched the ground as long as she lived with me, so if she is running and playing in green grass, she has to get used to it.  My imagination is running wild.  She never did seem to mind being a indoor cat.  Although she had a lot of interest in what was in the hall.  Sometime, maybe 3 or 4, she did escape and walk down the hall=== just to see the Bubble.  Once she was out all night, and I had everyone looking for her, even the Security Guard.  A good neighbor found her next morning in

 the trash room, of all places.  She gave us all a scare.  I guess my thoughts have been triggered about all the fun and not so fun things she did in her short stay with me.  I am glad to remember. 

Betty Boop 

FEELING USELESS

I have always had something or someone to take care of and be responsible for, but now nobody needs me to do anything for them.  I am limited to the actual "doing something" for someone and so it is a hard spot.  Miss my Bitsy and her dependence on me.  I need someone to talk to and tell my feelings to.  So I find myself talking to "me."  Did I do everything to help her get well?  Yes I think so.  That is little comfort.  I think only time will dim my fresh and hurtful thoughts. Meanwhile, I looked to the heavens this morning and studied the clouds.  They were racing and seemed unsettled.  Rain is on the way.  I say this every Spring, that it is having a hard time coming.  But that is the way Spring is.  Meanwhile, the Azaleas are blooming  down below the Balcony.  So faithful each year to bring cheer.  Bring it on. I could use a healthy dose of it.  

BETTY  BOOP

BREAKFEST FOR ONE

Each morning I would fix Bitsy's breakfast plate first-Then mine.  But before I did mine, I would let her out of her "bedroom", pick her up and pet her and ask about her night.  She would squirm down and off to the kitchen where she knew her breakfast awaited. How I miss that each morning.  She would sit with me while I ate mine, knowing I would then go on the Balcony for coffee. ===== You have to get up early to see the beautiful sunrise   that I saw this morning.  The geese were chatting  kind of loud.  Lot to talk about.  Birds of other kinds were flying about with  purpose, Spring gets them going.  Plenty to do.  I must find something to do also.  I did not realize that so much of my time involved Bitsy.  Happy  times for sure, so now there is a void.

BETTY BOOP

GRIEF

Can't avoid it.  Everywhere I look--Bitsy.  It is softly raining. but I found a spot near the screen door on the Balcony and drank coffee.  Bitsy would have been on the other side enjoying the view with me.  You see, she was always there, seemly enjoying everything I did.  Those things don't go away.  I guess I have always cherished "memories".  And now I have new ones.  

I had strawberries at breakfast.  Not local yet, but pretty good.  Nice addition to egg over light, turkey -not  bacon, half biscuit, coffee and fruit juice.  I ate because I need to-- not because I am hungry.  I have been through grief before, and I will get to a better place soon.

BETTY BOOP

SAD

Don't know how to write this, but with a heavy heart --I lost Bitsy yesterday.  Although she was sick and had suffered so long with her other problems--  it was a shock,  Vet thinks it was  her heart.  It happened so sudden. I still can't believe she is gone.  She died almost in my arms, I had just held her and put her in bed.  She came to live with me when I needed her.  She helped fill a hole in my heart.  Bitsy loved people and most of all me.  My constant companion and confident.  I am still looking for her, so I wont step on her tail.  Which I did a lot, because she was always with me.  She forgave me and loved me anyway.  I was good to her and she gave back love to me.  I will always remember her beautiful golden eyes and her calico coat.  Her teaching me patience and strength.  Rest in Peace  Bitsy Boo, You deserve it. 

Betty Boop 

OH NO SUN, YET

Oh I do not like daylight saving time.  Also miss the sun this morning.  Cool and a little windy on the Balcony.  Yet here I sat looking and listening to the world wake up.  Really something I like.  Ducks and geese are up and the birds are yet to "peep".  Sleeping in I hope.  There is much I can't see or hear, but I know the world is full of creatures.  Like to think about that.  Many bulbs and other plants are still sleeping, but they are there ready to spring forth.  The world is still alive and though it is not too well, it is still here and I am too.   My, My,  where do these thoughts come from?  Jan came yesterday with tax forms to sign.  Thanks to my Mr. T.  She also brought groceries.  Thanks to her too.  I have strawberries, chicken to cook for later.  I like to put cooked chicken in freezer to satisfy my fancy-some day as I want to cook.  You can do a lot with chicken.  She also brought celery--whee!!  I had some with my supper last night.  Some with my homemade pimento cheese and some with peanut butter.  What would we do without peanut butter?  Must search Mr. Google and read about it.  I know some facts but something to do in my spare time is to search.  Thanks to wanting to know small things.  SO BE IT.

BETTY BOOP

SUNSHINE AND 48 DEGREES

I had a restless night but "Joy comes in the morning."   And what a beautiful one.  I saw "MISS BIG HAT."  She traded her flower pot hat for her hoodie, but I know her walk.  It is with such purpose.  I like it.  Also the couple I see who walk with purpose too.  Now that is the way to go.  Perfect for walking.  If I stayed longer, I bet I would see  more walkers  for today.  No wind, just perfect temp. Truman and I walked some in the evening.  Charlie, our poodle (left to us from Amy), knew the signs that we were getting ready to walk.  When I got out his leash, he would go "nuts",  Truman wanted to smack him for all the jumping and dancing and howls.  But he did not lay a  hand on him and neither did I, he was a spoiled little poodle.  We had more cats than dogs over the years.  You know mine now?  Bitsy is the best one yet.

BETTY & BITSY BOOP

BACK ON TRACK

Yes, and it was nice on the Balcony.  I was rewarded with watching Mr. & Mrs. Goose looking for an apartment.  She was leading, and he was looking bored, wandering behind.  They  quietly were strolling and looking under the shrubbery in my view.  She would go under and look and come out and wander some more, then under again.  Nothing seemed quiet right.  Out again and he finally started going under too.  He led her to another shrub and she just stood there saying, no.  I finally had to come inside.  Maybe they knew I was watching--don't want to hold them up, so I came in.  I just hope they decide  to stay and I can watch for the wonder of new babies.  Ahhh,  SPRING!! 

betty boop 

BEAUTIFUL BUT COLD.

Must be getting to be a "softy", because the cold is getting to me.  So I sit inside for the second cup-o-joe.  Beautiful sunrise.  I still think of Cecil, Truman's brother.  When he taught Sunday School at Broadmeadow.  He always started his lesson with-"This is the day the Lord hath made-let us rejoice and be glad in lt."  That always stuck in my  mind and I remember him with love.   Our first apartment was across the street from their house in Fondren.  Irene was like a big sister to me and taught me many things. As a young bride, I had a lot to learn.   Loved her too.  We traveled together in later years.  Our RV's covered a lot of the U. S.  Oh those brothers got along so well.  Many pleasant memories are stored in the Memory Bank.  I check them out from time to time and carefully check them back for later. If I were an artist,  I could paint or draw a  picture of that Bank-I see it in my minds eyes so clearly.  But here I go, living in the past again.  When you reach my age, there are many, many,  good and not so good memories.  That is life.  Oh, I love my new Hall display.  Many saved Easter decorations are displayed.  More memories.

BETTY BOOP

BACKED OFF AGAIN

 I think I have been out on Balcony at 7 in the morning  at    47 degrees before, but it felt too much this morning.  So here I sit with Bitsy Boop looking out.  Friday and almost another week is done.  What do I have to show for it? My thoughts this week have often drifted toward the Beach. I had thought during some times this year that I could not possibly go again this summer.  But as slow and weak as I am, I have been trying to think, maybe I can.  Will I be up to so much fun in a whole week?  But then how can I miss it?  What a tradition and what a chance to keep bonding?  We have had so many beautiful moments together.  What a family we have.  Not many can say how remarkable we are.  Just seeing how everyone has grown and prospered and are living a good life, is almost unreal to other families that I know of.  We are truly blessed.  We just plain love each other.  SO BE IT.

BETTY BOOP

WINTER STILL

I stepped outside and then right back in--had to go put the winter robe one over the long seersucker summer  one .  Old man winter is not done yet.  It was breezy and cool on the Balcony.  Still dark at 7, since the clouds were covering the  sun coming up.  But I love to start the day there. Although I got chilled, it woke me up.  Nobody but me and the ducks.  I always feel God's presence and sometime I just need that calmness  and reassurance to start another day.  O boy, what a storm yesterday. The Weather people were really on it.  Even Ginger Zee from ABC was here. They really were expecting it to be worse.  Glad it was not, but Spring can be reluctant to come.  Before you know it, we will complain about the heat.  We do have a bit of all kinds of weather here in the South.  Kind of like that. Speaking of the South, grits was on the plate this morning.  Have been neglecting that southern dish.  With an egg scrambled it (they) were (was) good.  Which is right?  were or was? Must edit my blog.

Betty Boop

 

CLOUDS

I saw daybreak this morning on Balcony.  It was so cloudy that the sun had trouble rising from them.  HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY and "top of the morning."  I am part Irish this morning. How about you?  We will celebrate with a party this after noon.  I hope there is Irish coffee.  I loved our trip to Ireland long ago.  Would have loved to visit it again and stayed longer.  Such a beautiful place.  I had a wonderful time yesterday when J. & A. got to come make a visit in person.  We talked and talked.  They helped me with a few things and brought me "happies."  Sat on Balcony and got all up to date.  My it feels good to do some normal  things again.  Well, I must pull out the green and wear it and be IRISH for today.

I FORGOT TO WRITE IN GREEN

BETTY BOOP

CLOUDY

Must have clouds before the sun.  Well in this case I think it is rain.  The sky was all grey and a white opening burst out.  Just a little white.  I called it a window to Heaven.  Always giving everything a name.  I don't know why I look to the sky so much.  It  is as if I need the reassurance they bring.  I needed it yesterday when I had a wet spot appear in a closet.  I traced it to kitchen.  Under it was very wet.  Called for help and he came  fast and found my garbage disposal was the trouble.  I  now have a  new one and a mess to clean up.  Left doors open and let it dry overnight.  Maybe today I can put it all back.  I should just throw away some of this junk.  Oh well, thanks to happy Maintenance Men.  They seem to enjoy the work.  

BETTY (better today)  BOOP

MOVING IN

 Looks like a rainy day.  I did get a time on Balcony before a gentle rain started.  Getting dark and cloud in the North promises rain.  I am sure affected by the time change.  I am not usually bothered, but I can't get it right yet.  How about you?  Tell me?  As I sat for a few minutes out there.  I thought I need new decor" in my chairs  Some day soon I hope to pick new pillows for the iron chairs.  Mine are pretty shabby in color. Not much to worry about, but something bright would help.  I also cleaned my few flower pots to get ready for some bright flowers.  Something colorful. Any suggestions? I have such wonderful morning sun.  Many things do well there.  Lots to think about.  

WITH LOVE TO ALL----BETTY BOOP 

I'M LATE- I'M LATE-I'M LATE

Just like the rabbit.  I tried to outwit the Day light saving time, but alas, I woke at 7-new time- and not 6.  So with the vast majority of people, I messed up.  Did you?  So, I will be out of order all day.  Well who cares.  I have no where to go and not a lot to do.  I did observe a lonely Canada Goose this morning who seemed confused too.  He  swam to the middle in a wide circle and announced something in a loud quack.  No other in sight.  It is mating season and I think he was looking for companion ship.  And he forgot to set his clock ahead and the other geese had already left and he got left behind.  Now what?

BETTY BOOP

I LOVE YOU !!

That is a song I sang to Bitsy this morning. I LOVE YOU A BUSCHEL AND A PECK--BET YOUR PRETTY NECK I DO!!  No wonder there is little room left for important things, it is full of silly stuff like songs and titles.  By the way, she was not impressed.  Oh well, SO BE IT.  Beautiful start on Balcony.  I see many Canada Geese on the now turning green Meadow.  Feeding on young grass sprouting.  Hope they behave and don't get chased away.  Many other ducks of different kinds are floating too.

What to do today?  Laundry for one thing.  I feel like a hot dog for lunch (thank you Karen),  I also have a serving of chili to top it off.  Mmmmm. Always thinking of the next meal.  Again--SO BE IT.

BETTY BOOP   

SUNNY SIDE OF STREET

SUNNY SIDE OF STREET

'"Grab your coat, and get your hat, leave  your worries on the door step.  Just direct your feet, to the, SUNNY  side of the street."   Old, old song, but I speak in song sometime.  I am loving the Spring this year.  Of course the pollen is coming and poor Bitsy is suffering.  With eyes looking weak and red and not a kitty tissue for the nose, and feeling just plain miserable.  I try to comfort her, but it is a hard time for her.  Hey it is Friday already.  Things are opening up here.  Very slowly and carefully.  I appreciate that.  If only the Cyber would open and I am wondering how different it will be.  I just want to go down early and have  a Cyber breakfast.  Egg over light, sausage, Rye toast and their very GOOD  coffee.  I promise I will go early and eat alone.  Don't want to bring it back up here, just want to eat by myself at a table in Cyber.  Not a lot to ask?  And I am not very spoiled?  Oh, yes I am,

BETTY AND BITSY BOOP

g 

HAIR CUT

Wow !!!  What a difference a hair cut makes.  Of course I look like a grey haired little skinny boy.  What a picture.  But I believe  in getting my money's worth.  And I think I did.  I like it, even if some may not.  I used to cut J &L's hair cut when they were kids.  Made a mess of that too.  A.  got a "pixie" cut.  That was cute. Memories. I had oatmeal this morning.  I cut a small half of banana in it and stirred a teaspoon of peanut butter in.  Yummy.   Try it, you may like it.  Of course I cook the old fashioned oatmeal.  Now I bet that is rare.  Like it better and nothing added.  I will soon be digging in the cedar chest to find some old summer friends.  Maybe they will look new to me.  Who wants this old family treasure of a cedar chest when I am gone?  Of course I may have ruined it when I painted it..  A terrible thing to do.  It can be stripped and restored.  May be worth it.  It was made long ago from an old cedar tree that fell in the yard of Trumann's old family home in the country.  They made several for family.  I wish I had not done that--but I did.  And Truman let me.

BETTY BOOP

THE HILLS ARE ALIVE

Where is Julie Andrews?  My hill is not as high as in the SOUND OF MUSIC, but they are alive!!  The Meadow across the Lake is turning green.  I am always amazed each Spring how fast things move once it starts.  Before I know it, those guys with the big mowing machine will be roaming again.  I like to think they love the job as they go round and around in a pattern only they know.  I hope I never see the day when greedy souls will build out that beautiful  sight I see each morning.  There was once talk of just that happening in the future.  Lord, let that idea die.  But I digress. I don't think that will happen for a while.-------The popcorn tree is hiding the only bluebird house that is occupied.  I actually saw a bird sitting on another.  Maybe they don't like me spying on them.  I must be more careful and hide when I am looking at them.  54 degrees was as pleasant as it gets and I was reluctant to come in.  Keep thinking about these  empty flower pots.  Be still a little while longer.  After Easter and I will bloom again.

BETTY & BITSY BOOP

PINE THICKET

 44 was great on Balcony.  Down before me is what I call the "PINE THICKET".  Old country saying.  It is planted with 12 tall pines.  They have grown taller than SCV's roof since I have been living at SCV 1O years.  Truman's cousin Winnie P. lived here when it first opened and we would visit her.  Her apartment was on my floor and across the way, facing the Lake.  I told Truman many time I would love to live here some day, never did I dream I would and enjoy the view so much.  I like to think she had a hand in planting the pines.  Maybe she did.  There are old fashioned cedar trees (two). a holly tree, popcorn tree,  and a Bradford pear.  an old bird bath, many small shrubs, Azalea. bulbs of some kind.  I know some of this has been planted since she lived here, but she would have approved.  They from time to time place new pine straw all around and with the 3 bluebird  houses there, it peaks my imagination every time I observe it.  Thank you Winnie for loving SCV too. BETTY BOOP

33 and sun

 I did not know it was 33 degrees till I looked at computer (my source for temps),  It felt good outside on Balcony!!   No wind made it perfect.  But my coffee did get cold fast.  So very still on the Lake.  The willow trees reflected in water around the edge.  What a pretty sight.  Also a Bluebird family is twittering over one of the houses.  Bluebird lady was by yesterday checking.  Glad for her. I am wanting to   plant my balcony pots.  Too soon for them to thrive   yet.  I am always  too anxious, but I can plan.  That is fun too..    This is the start of a new week.  Wonder what news, fun, pleasures and more it will bring?  Will have to live it--hour by hour-day by day-- to find out.  Be HAPPY & HOPEFUL.

BETTY BOOP

CHINESE TALLOW TREE (popcorn) tree.

I did research and I think what I have is a popcorn tree.  Whatever it is , it is in full bloom and so beautiful.  It has always been there but for some reason, I did not think much about it till this year.  They are everywhere along the roads.  I saw them when we went out to Dr. this week.  Everything seems to be popping out.  Sophia has a beautiful yard with lots of bulbs and plants surprising them each year.  I remember trillium coming up and violets and johnny  jump ups, many other wild plants.  Our back yard was divided in two, one tame and one wild and natural and then of course the Lake.  Leaving a part natural had two purposes:  upkeep and natural beauty.  Loved it all.  

I had the other half of grapefruit. Sure enjoyed it.  Also nothing like a perfect scrambled egg.  Do you know how to make it perfect??  I put a dash of milk as I whip it up.  Turkey bacon is good, fried very crisp, and of course half a SCV biscuit with honey, every loving coffee too, goes without saying.  So; LET THE SUN SHINE IN-FACE IT WITH A GRIN-OPEN UP YOUR HEART, AND LET THE SHINE IN.

BETTY BOOP 

BBB Brave Betty Boop

 I did not think 44 was cold, especially with the sun shinning.  So off I go to the Balcony with cup-in-hand, and I really got chilled.  I love it out there so much, that I stayed till I was really cold.  Coffee too.  Bitsy said, "are you crazy?", as she stayed away from the door to balcony.  Smart cat. Of course. On a happy note:  I had a most wonderful grapefruit for breakfast.  Tommy's sister brought some to them.  Right off the tree in their backyard.  Now that is fresh and picked when it was ripe.  So good.  I will have the other half tomorrow.  Egg-in-hole went good with it, turkey bacon and of course coffee.  I do love breakfast.  Wake up planning what to have.  Always something different.  Some like the same thing every morning.  How uncreative.  Maybe I just have plenty of time to think and plan than some do.  Yes that is what it is.  A time in life to do what I want.  Well to a certain degree.

BETTY BOOP

BLUEBIRDS OVER SCV

 No I have not gotten any in the feeder below me yet. but I am still hoping.  I saw THE BLUEBIRD LADY checking the houses yesterday.  One of them had it's door open and she was closing it.  I don't know her but she looked very official and doing her job.  I liked her attitude of tripping from house to house with such glee.  I am glad someone is on the job.  I thought of our neighbor on Riverwood.  He was an expert on Bluebirds.  I have a book he wrote on the subject.  He had a trail of houses along a Madison road when there were few people living there then.  Truman rode with him sometime to check the houses.  This SCV lady looked just as interested in the houses here and around the Lake.  Hope we attract lots of them--they ae so pretty. I would like to know her and talk about the houses.--------- Cold and sunny and it will warm up some today.  Spring !!!! Ahhh.

BETTY BOOP 

BEAUTIFUL SUN 36

 I had a fight with my pillow last night.  It refused to let me get comfortable.  I changed to another one and did not go well, then to another and still could not get there.  Finally went back to the original and drifted off kind of late.  So that made me sleep a little late.  I thought about that MY PILLOW man on TV.  Should I get him on board?  No I think he has something on his plate right now, I will let him alone.  Sleep, Sleep. Perhaps to dream.  I did that too.  I don't often dream about Truman.  Wish I could do more--but I did last night.  The dream has left me already.  Can't remember it clearly.  How sad. I wish I could remember.  Running a little late, I met up with Mr. Jimmy Dean and his sausage, egg white, cheese, on a whole wheat English muffin. IN MY FREEZER,   He said "Good Morning.", so I invited him and my navel orange and coffee to breakfast. Not very creative, but good.

BETTY BOOP    

42 and wet.

Not nice weather, but a good day out there.  I prefer to  look out with Bitsy this morning. Coffee not the same here at the Computer.  Read with interest when my niece wrote about the Pix theater in Fondren.  I remember it well.  It took me down memory lane when my kids went there in the 50's and beyond.  And skipped on to my movie days as a young girl going to movies on Capitol street.  There were 5 or 6 just on one street.  I went often and loved the way it transformed me every time I went.  The darkness and the smells and the way movies just took you away.  Truman had one of our first date in a movie.  Wish I could remember the title.  Of course I was focused on him and not so much the movie.  I also remember another date--my first love--  He held my hand and from time to time switched hands, where he held his handkerchief to wipe the sweat -- he was nervous I think.  16 or 17 years old was different in those days.  Now with Truman he was a man fresh from the Navy and thought he knew it all.  I spent the time removing his hands from my knee and other places.  He did not  know how innocent I was. But the Movies bring lots of memories.  

BETTY  BOOP

59 & RAIN

Not very pleasant weather for Balcony  sitting. Well Bitsy and I will hang out inside.  Of course she always has to just look out.  Don't feel sorry for her--she has a good life.  A pleasant mistress to wake her with breakfast all ready, a nice rub down and she opens the glass door each morning so she can look through the screen and take in the smells of the fresh morning. rain or shine. Now she follows me around while I fix my breakfast, sits while I eat and watches me threw the screen while I sit on the balcony or not.  Off we go to write the Blog. Right by me as I read my devotional and Bible.  Sometime I read it out loud to her and say a prayer for her. So you see, what a constant companion she is to me.  What a sweet personality she has and she has taught me to be patient too. Thank you Lord for Bitsy. I did not mean to  get "drippy" on you.  Just was observing her this morning.

BETTY AND BITSY BOOP