76 and LITTLE HUMID

Maybe rain on way.  Need it.  The walkers were out this morning.  MISS BIG HAT, MR. RAM-ROD STRAIGHT, MISS WALKING  FAST. MR MAN IN BASEBALL HAT, AND MISS I STILL LOOK GOOD IN SHORTS TOO.  One lone goose. kind of a lost sound coming from it. I saw a large gaggle of geese earlier, maybe he was Johnny-come-late,  and lost his family.  Hope he finds them.  Should not be hard as he was in distress.    Big day tomorrow as we get our Booster shots.  Nothing is for sure and we may have to do this each year.  I just have decided to take it as it comes. what else can you do?  

BETTY (hang in there) BOOP

r

5 

GO WITH THE FLOW.

Learned to do that rather well.  This was the first morning we got to eat at tables in Cyber.  So I went for breakfast at 7:30.  The usual of two eggs over-light, sausage, rye toast, and coffee.  Only me showed up.  The dishwasher , Nick said, was prepared the day before so we could eat off china plates, but then refused to wash.  So we had to eat from take out plates.  But at least I did not cook or clean up this morning.  One small step forward.  Another day of small problems to solve.  Thank goodness for J & A.  Today may be full as well as tomorrow.  Booster shot on Thursday.  Great!!.  Need my Flu shot next. Oh, the things we do to keep us well and going.  Sometime I am sure it is too much, then I straighten myself and be thankful.

BETTY (confused) BOOP 

60 degrees!! WANTED TO STAY A WHILE.

It reminded me of a trip we once took in our motor home with Cecil & Irene.  Can't remember the exact time, but we planned it to see the beautiful Fall colors of the leaves turning.  We hit it right.  Words cannot describe what all we saw.  By car or motor home is the way to go.  All along the roads and near small towns there were people selling, apples, pumpkins, gourds, dried corn, nuts and can't remember what all.  Soo  pretty. I remember one farmer picked me up and swung me around in his arms.  Don't know why me, guess I was short and he was big and tall and fat.  My "fellow travelers"  got a bang out of that and demanded a picture. So he did it again  (which, by the way,) we have it in the album of that trip.  A cool morning calls for a hearty breakfast.  Please  try Eggo's new thick and fluffy waffles.  Like Belgium waffles.  I had homemade (by me) stewed apples on top.  Very good. and the Bird Family dinned on Ritz crackers.  All is well.

BETTY (traveling again) BOOP

PARADE

 I felt like I was watching a parade this morning from the Balcony.  First came MISS FLOWER POT HAT, then MAN WITH BASEBALL CAP, THEN MISS BLACK PANTS AND WHITE SHIRT(every time).MR. RAM-ROD STRIGHT,(MAKES ME SIT UP STRAIGHT). Then came a newbie.  I think it was a woman, but not sure.  I will call "it" CAPTAIN CAMOUFLAGE.  Dressed in, from head to boots, in a camouflage suit.  I am sure dark glasses, but of course I could have been wrong about that.  My how quick AND CORRECT SHE WALKED.  I got scared and decided my mind was working overtime and better call it a day on the Balcony.  Except as I came in I noticed two OLD CROWS on Chapel cross atop of the steeple. Maybe they are under investigation?  I plan to report them.  (JUST KIDDING.) About the crows. They were minding their own business for once.

BETTY(my she needs a day job)BOOP 

SPIDER LILIES

What a "sweet" surprise.  I had almost forgotten it was their time.  Amy brought me some from her yard.  You know they are a "pass along" plant.  Mine on Riverwood came from Leon, Dee's husband.  I don't know where he got his start. but he spread it all over.  They are such a surprise plant. My husband loved that they would spread and he helped them spread all over our property.  Front and back.  I dearly loved them. Brought back sweet memories of the wonderful life we had.  Thank you "baby girl" for remembering.  

I am always looking for MAN WITH BIG DOG.  He came by (the dog) pulling at his leash and rushing the MAN along.  Like they had much to do, around the corner.  And maybe they do.  I was late this morning getting started so the Bluble'  family were pacing the balcony.  Before I could get the "goods" out, Papa took them off to look somewhere else.  That is O. K., for I bet they wont find Honey Graham crackers anywhere else. 

BETTY(bloom where you are) BOOP

54 degrees on balcony

Seems warmer in the sun.  I hear an airplane overhead.  National Guard in practice I think.  So loud and breaks the silence of the morning. Does not stop my bird friends.  They love the whole wheat crackers and I added my toast crumbs to the mix.  Lucky Day for them.  The Lake is beautiful this morning.  So smooth and clear with only the Cyprus and Willow reflections .  Looks like a painting. So still.  I am reading an interesting novel  Amy brought.  THE AVIATOR'S WIFE.  Novel but based on truth of course.  Ann Morrow was interesting on her own.  I am enjoying it.  When I get into a good read, I have trouble putting it down.  Well you wont have that trouble with my little writings.  But do keep reading.

BETTY(begging for attention) BOOP

63 AND A FALL BREEZE

Seems cooler.  Walkers think so too.  MAN WITH BIG DOG is having trouble keeping up with his swiftly moving friend.  MISS BIG HAT has changed her hat to a hoodie.  MAN IN SHORTS, wishes he had checked before dressing.  He was almost running.  Good for them all.  This weather is good for a change, kind of perks us up.  I wonder what the old CEDAR CHESTS holds that I can still wear?  Maybe I will try to find out --later.  It is a job I like and also hate. But old friends (my clothes) are a comfort.  Changing the subject--I had a Cyber biscuit, no , a dinning room biscuit, that was so fluffy and big, that I shared one half with the Bluble' family.  What a treat for them (and me.)

BETTY (looking for something to write) BOOP 

SOOO DANCING WITH THE STARS. !!!!!

Go ahead, roll your eyes and laugh behind my back--I like DANCIN WITH THE STARS. Some like entertainment--some settle for less.  It has been around for several years. and always changing and still the same.  Brought back memories of my past dinners with friends several years ago when we could dine together at night in the dinning room.  Had a foursome that I remember fondly.  Two are passed now and one in Siena.  Here I still hang on and watch.  We would hurry on Monday's to watch and be teased by each other.  Some thought all those almost naked dancers were dressed (or not dressed)  risky --they are.  Anyway they are back and although I don't know all of the celebs. I think it will be a fun way to spend 2 hours on Monday nights.

SO  BE IT.

BETTY( to each his own) BOOP    

THICK AND FLUFFY

Guess what that is?  A fluffy kitten? no A snowball?  no new wooly socks? no. cotton balls in a glass? N0 give up?  It is the New and Improved Whole Grain Eggo  THICK AND FLUFFY  Waffles. How sweet that is?  Now I do not feel guilty if I eat 2 of the old flat ones, when one new improved THICK AND FLUFFY one will do the job.  With , juice, turkey bacon, sugar-free Log Cabin Maple syrup. a half perfect banana. and coffee.  Life is good.      Also yesterday was good, when my Grand daughter;  husband Tripp and Amy came to visit.  My we had fun catching up.  She loves old photos.  We had trouble tearing her away from all my albums.  She shows so much interest in our past.  I loved that she is so interested.  When I am gone, maybe she will see that they don't get thrown out.  We  do love to be remembered.

BETTY (nostalgic) BOOP

SUMMER LINGERS ON AND ON AND ON

The old rhyme came to mind.  MAN'S A FOOL--WHEN IT'S HOT, HE WANTS IT COOL.  WHEN IT'S COOL, HE WANTS IT HOT--ALWAYS WANTING--WHAT IS NOT.  Now isn't that true?  We once had a preacher who liked to quote that old saying.  Kind of stayed with me as one that was very true. Actually I am getting tired of ME.  I am really tired of  

these old summer outfits and want to see what I can wear later.  I know I should not worry what I will wear or eat either, but it is hard not to prepare.  Haven't been shopping in so long.  Ordering the things I need, I still like the thoughts of looking and trying on stuff before I buy.  Old habits are hard to forget.  I really need nothing, I am blessed with plenty.  SO BE IT.

BETTY (just dreaming, like the fellow in the rhyme) BOOP

 

76 IS NOT COOL

Come on Fall--we are ready.  MISS BIG FLOWER POT HAT just tripped by.  Also MAN WITH DOG. I got warm and gave it up.  Hope to see Ivy & Tripp today!!!.  Over for a visit.  Must pick up and perk up.  Sleep was scanty last night.  Could be the coffee I thought I needed at 3 yesterday afternoon.  Was I crazy ?  Yes  little bit.  I got up and read my book for an hour and finally got off till 5:30.  Oh well, off to an early start.

BETTY (still learning) BOOP  

 

72 & MISTY ON BALCONY

But warm and dry inside. My little "extra" Buble' sparrow was waiting at dawn.  He is the one that comes early and stays late  Doesn't seem to be a part of the flock.  Think he is a distant cousin (very distant.)  Let's name him "Cus".  For cousin.  I saw several walkers (walking swiftly)  ahead of more rain.  Off and on today, so they say.  Guess what?  I did nothing about chores yesterday. Can't really remember what I did do.  Just the usual and also as little as I could get away with.  

BETTY (lazy daisy) BOOP

71 AND RAIN

Well a start of rain.  Go on and get with it.  Rain or not.  Sound kind of testy this morning?  Just a little bored and wonder what the day will bring. We never know.  I have no plans for today so I should tackle some of the little odds and ends I put off.  Like reorganize my CD's  They are in a mess.  I have so many, since I like different artist and different taste.  Some are for happy times, some sad.  Some old and some new.  Kind of like memories. My Bank is over flowing there and not too organized, but I can pull one up any time.  Did you know that September 22 is NATIONAL ICE CREAM CONE DAY?  "Come on down, the notice said, and grab a sweet afternoon treat.  We will be giving the cones away from  3 till 4  outside the Activity Room."  You bet there will be a crowd.  If they have sugar-free, I might just try it.  SO BE IT.

BETTY(up for a hand out)  BOOP

CAFFEINE

Nowhere on the coffee can does it say caffeine.  The ingredient is simply  coffee.  All I know is it is  good when a second cup it drank on the Balcony.  Studies are now showing (they change) that it is o. k .SO BE IT.  The walkers are out, trying to beat the rain we are promised. You know the names of them as well as I do.  I was kept busy yesterday with a few errands and one I did that I regret.  We  picked up lunch at Arby's.  Jan kept asking me if I was sure I wanted to do that.  I know better.  The great big white bun  should be enough to scare me, not to mention the "tons" of beef.  A little goes a long way.  But no, full of myself, I ate the whole thing, plus curly fries.  O. K. 197 was the reading of Blood Sugar. that is high.  Will I ever learn?  I already know better. but I took a chance.  It really was not all that  good.  I will try to stay on track today.

BETTY (very naughty) BOOP 

COOL HAS LEFT US

 Sunday again.  Still must stay "put."  My hopes of the yesterdays are getting thin. Kind of tired of preaching to myself.  What do I know to preach about? I will look on TV for help.  Even sometime the sermons are pushed  aside and replaced by sports.  Even French toast could not perk me up this morning.  I watched my Bird Family as they scarfed up wheat crackers.  A mother was feeding a "baby" that was larger than her.  Soon it will be time for that fellow to travel on.  Mama is tired. I hear  big fellows and girls sometime have trouble moving on.  Many reasons for that I guess.  But sending a child out into the world on there own is scary to Moms and Dads too.  But that is the way it should be.  Hear I am preaching to you.  I am sure you have heard and lived that story yourself.

BETTY (should just be still) BOOP

62 AND FEELS GREAT

The CREATIVE JAZZ CONCERT with Tim Stanek was so great He is a creative jazz piano player from Memphis. This is the third time he has been with us,  Part of a group who do concerts at places like SCV.  He is such a great talented young man and what a joy to sit for an hour and enjoy music.  Amy brought a new CD player for me.  We are baffled with it.  It looks almost like the old one, so that is fine, but when Amy plugged in my old one into an outlet in my kitchen--ta da it came on.  We hurried to test the old outlet with the new player and it worked on it.  Now go figure that one out.  So we decided to bide our time and see if the new one keeps working in the old outlet where the old one does not.--following me?  We are lost. I have two now.  Stay tuned, we will work it out.

BETTY (baffled, as usual) BOOP

      

62? BLIZZARD COMING.

How wonderful to greet the morning with a little chill in the air.  Of course the weather people are quick to say, "don't get used to it".  We know, but how sweet it is.  Can't help to wonder what is  in the old cedar chest I will be able to wear. I know I should not worry about what I will eat and wear.  But it is still fun to wonder.  Speaking of what to eat?  Oatmeal was a comfort this cool morning.  Sprinkle it with blueberries and it is good-to-go anytime.  Blueberries have been good this season. as well as most of the fruit.  I like it all.  Good for me.  I am looking for new programs on TV.  I have the regular old network, so something new will be fun.  DANCING WITH THE STARS coming soon.  I must be getting old because so far I don't know any of the new dancers.  I say each year that it is a stupid show, but I get hooked on  it and look forward to it.  SO BE IT.  Nothing new at the old Ranch, so I will sign off.

BETTY BOOP

P. S. I do have a performance to go to at 2 this afternoon.  Will save that for tomorrow's Blog 

 

O HUMM

 Not much going on.  Well, I did get a haircut yesterday,  much needed.  My haircutting lady said my hair was growing down my back!!  Sooo  I got my money's worth and now, I sort of look like a little old grey man instead of a little old grey lady.  It will grow fast.  That is one thing my body does right.  Any way it feels better.  I woke up with a sort of stiffness in my lower back.  Oh, dear, what did I pull out of place this time.  It seems anything I do out of the ordinary sets me off kilter.  I took IBUPROFEN  just now,  Maybe that twill do it for me.  I told you , not much is going on. At least nothing you wanted to read.  Sorry.

BETTY(complaining)BOOP

P. S. My CD player gave up,  Must get a new one,  Anything else?

OFF WE GO

I saw a jet make it's stream as it took off into the blue yonder.  Wonder where they were going?  Off to important meetings and appointments.  Off to have a much needed visit with loved one?  Off --just off?  Not as much travel as many would love, but I remember still how exciting the  take off was to me.  No matter how many times I traveled by air, it was like the first time  Going overseas was by far the most fun.  Imagine traveling that far over open seas?  Disturbing but exciting also.    I also saw several "traveling" by foot this morning. I expect to see more as the days start off cooler.  Weather people are excited to report lower temps.  Want to hear about breakfast?  I had the usual fruit juice for pills.  TOTAL cereal with perfect banana.  One half Wheat English muffin with a pie shaped sliver of breakfast ham.  Coffee.  I buy a slice of ham from the Cyber from time to  time.  It is cut thick and I slice it in wedges and freeze small portions for breakfast sometime.  Heat it in my trusty little iron skillet.  Crafty?  Yes I am.  Got to be-must make the most of every thing.

BETTY (bragging again)  BOOP)

PUTTING ON THE RITZ

The birds dined on Ritz crackers, they were excited and too many others joined them, so they scarfed it up fast.  They do love THE RITZ morning.  Thought of Ginger Rodgers * 

The birds like Ritz Cracker.  They dined on them this morning.  I thought about Ginger Rogers & Fred Astaire of movie fame.  They danced to many favorite songs and one was PUTTING ON THE RITZ.  A song about the famous RITZ Cafe'  In London.  Supposed to be the finest of it's time.  Still there I think.  Made me remember a childhood friend named Joan. Do kids still dress up like we did?  Of course Movie stars were the thing then.  Now it is Disney.  Anyway she always got to be the beautiful and talented blonde.  Joan argued she was blonde and of course I wasn't.  So be it.  We would dress in old hand-me-downs. and dance .  Her=not me.  She would not let me dance.!!! 

BETTY (STILL WANNA-BE-GINGER) BOOP 

  

LABOR DAY

 Last day to wear white?  I would look it up, but you do it.  I did just see a LADY DRESSED ALL IN WHITE  walk by.  Then MISS I STILL  LOOK GOOD IN SHORTS jogged by.  Perfect for walking  this morning.  But you better hurry, a dark rain cloud is gathering closer from the North and we may get a little rain. I think that wearing white applied to shoes.  You see it is bugging me.  I will probably look it up. The BUBLE' family of birds dinned on a heal of bread this morning.  They made short work of that meal.  

What to do today?  No real plan yet.  Since the "shelter in place" is still heavy on us, there  is no celebration.  Don't remember celebrating that one anyway.  I'll find something, there is always a book to read.  

BETTY (just pondering) BOOP

BARNUM"S ANIMALS (crackers?)

 I still say they are cookies.  Amy brought me a surprise. . It appears the activist won this time.  The animals in the picture are roaming loose in the jungle and not behind circus bars  Oh well, they still taste the same.  I was delighted with the surprise.  And the Kerrygold, pure Irish butter TOO. O my it will spoil me.  It is so good.  Amy is full of surprise treats.

MISS BIG HAT floated by and so did MAN WITH DOG AND BASEBALL CAP.  Good time to walk.  I saw many, many Humming birds, fighting for food. My neighbors tell me they can't keep the feeders full. They are so amazing. Sunday again and still unable to go to Church.  Will I ever get to go back again?  I am beginning to think not.  But I do the best I can.  God is not only in a building-he is everywhere and I can worship him right here. I do miss going and seeing my friends.  SO BE IT.

BETTY BOOP

      

SEPTEMBR

I am an introvert.  There I said it.  You know the type-come late, leave early?  Hate big gatherings, unless it is my family.  I think that is why I welcome Fall.  A chance to draw in and hunker down.  Well, that is the "norm" now, I should be happy.  Really I like the Fall for the new beauty of the changing of leaves and the change of people.  A sort of a new beginning.  The world is preparing to "sleep" a while. and gaining new strength.  Kind of resting. There is a small breeze this morning on the Balcony.  Not hot yet. One swimmer in pool and one walking.  Otherwise, all is still.  Coffee cup is empty, so I have run out of reasons to stay longer.  I planned to have egg-in-hole this morning.  But you know what?  All of a sudden it turned into French Toast!!  Oh well, where is my brain this morning ?  Wandering through the Fall leaves I guess.

BETTY(get on the ball) BOOP 

I SPY

LOVED THAT GAME  (sometime) .  It required looking and searching.  I got spied this morning from the Balcony.  I guess it was because I was walking a across to  a flower pot and at the same time MISS I STILL LOOK GOOD IN SHORTS came by.  She looked up and waved to me.  I waved back of course.  I bet she knows i am there every time she goes by.  So I Spy!! Did I think I was hidden?  Reminded me of a story I told before about being spied in Church.  We had a small balcony that was very seldom used.  My friend and I decided to sit up there one Sunday during morning service.  We did not realize how plain in sight we were.  When the preacher pointed us out by saying, "WE ARE HAPPY TO HAVE OUR VISITORS IN THE BALCONY THIS MORNING.",  we were mortified!!  Not to mention how our Mothers felt.  I got a talking to for sure.  But really, as I look at it through today's eyes--what harm was that?  Gave everyone a laugh.  So why does it mind if MISS SHORTS   waved?  

BETTY (still wish she had not noticed me) BOOP

SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS

 Blessed is the child who grows up in the 30-40's going to an  old-- time Methodist Church, singing hymns that stick to there mind like mine.  The old ones come to my mind often.  I did indeed receive   SHOWERS  OF BLESSINGS YESTERDAY  Daughter # 3 came to visit. She  brought much fun ( and food).  And as she said she was the Produce Lady.  She brought lintel soup mix. veg. soup, baby butter beans with okra (already cook and something else in the freeze I forgot what. And from daughter # 2-- cantaloupe, peaches, two servings of her famous Taco soup. (had some for supper.)  I may have missed something, but I was  real excited with their thoughtfulness.  So showers of blessings I had.   She also brought from Jan pictures of our Beach Trip plus some sweet pictures of the last visits  I had from Leo and the Merkosky great- grands.  Oh what a lot of fun that was.  I think it was worth bending the rules a bit.

The Buble' family of birds were back,  bringing neighbors and friends.  Guess the rain kept them from eating yesterday, because they made quick work of the Ritz this morning.  

BETTY(feeling pretty good)  Boop 

ANIMAL CRACKERS

Why were they called crackers?  They were cookies to me.  Do they still come in the cute little circus train box?  With the darling little string for a handle?  I hope so.  There was a short campaign once to change the design of the box because animal activist complained that it was inhumane to put wild animals behind bars.  You see.  the pictures were wild animals behind circus bars.  O. K.  I hope that did not work out.  I remember as a child, going to the JITNEY JUNGLE  grocery  store,(was there another?) My Mother always told this story about how I would rush to the cookie shelf and grab a box of animal crackers, open it and sit on the floor, start to eat as fast as I could before she caught up with me.  Naughty girl.  I am sure she was mortified because the floors in those days were wooden and daily dusted with some kind of oil that kept the dust down , but were not made to sit on.  Me with my ( I am sure fancy white panties) would scrub the floor.  My she had a hard time with me I bet.  Anyway, I hope they still keep those wild animals behind bars because in a circus wagon, that is where they belonged.

BETTY BOOP