LAST TIME, OLD FRIEND

 I mean my last post on this lap-top.  A. & M.G. are coming this morning to deliver and install my new one.  MERRY CHRISTMAS  to me.  Will be happy to have a new one.  Even though I have to relearn a few things,  I hope with two good expert teachers I can quickly be ON THE ROAD AGAIN, as old Willie would sing.  I had a treat this morning, I had beakfast in Cyber.   Always  good and no clean up or cooking.  I never mind a little light cooking and just sing while I clean up.  Just grateful for all the blessings.  I was able to meet several friends on the way to Mass.  We have so many faithful Catholics here. They have it easy to attend.  Of course I have my own Methodist devotional here in my apartment every morning.  I guess you can call me faithful too.

BETTY BOOP  

AND WE ARE BACK (I HOPE)

I figured out, on my own, how to get my Blog back.  It is still the old computer.  My new one is waiting for this old one to travel to Ed,   for him to transfer it and then A and M. G. will finish it up with the data I want on it. Takes a Village, as they say.  Be glad, as I missed writing my thoughts every day.  Things like what's for breakfast?  Inquiring minds want to know that I had oatmeal with blueberries, turkey bacon, raisin toast and coffee.  Also,  it was 34 degrees as I sat on the Balcony.  Only me would do that.  Sun is out and as Truman used to pray, Thank you Lord for another day in your Kingdom.  Always the way he started a prayer.  Did you watch MPB last night?  Adrea" (what"s his name) gave a performance in Central Park.  It was so beautiful.  My Angel's are almost finished.  They all lack their halos.  Will miss them as I give each away at Christmas for "happies. "Well, must go and see what else is new.

BETTY BOOP

IS THIS IT?

 I seem to have found a new way to get to my log.  Can't be sure if it is going through.  Wish I could find a way to know. 

BETTY BOOP

VERY MIXED UP

Getting a new computer. This one has had it.  I am not sure this goes through.  Maybe it will.  It has been doing all sorts of weird things.  So let me know what happens if you can.  

BETTY BOOP

g

SLOW DAY

 

ONLY AFOOL

55 & no sun & wind blowing and who sits on her Balcony?  Only a fool.  But it did not take long to survey the area and decide everything is going to start off without me.  The Canada Geese are fussing.  Because a great number of other smaller ducks are invading their space (so they think).  Don't know what kind they are, can't see them too well.  I have seen them visiting before.  They pay the Geese no mind and are finally left alone.  Geese are mad.  Just like people, do not like to share and get along.  So Be It.  I left it to them.  I have other things to do.  My little Angels are singing and calling to me.  I must pace myself because they are not hard to do, but a little tiring on my eyes and hands.  I put a CD tape on of Lake Woebegone with Garrison Keeler telling stories. as I worked .  Something to listen to as I worked yesterday afternoon. I love his voice and stories. Breakfast? Ah, you would like to share it with  me, wish you could.   Half grapefruit, oatmeal with banana and dried apricots, fruit drink (for the pills), Rye toast, with turkey bacon and coffee.  Satisfying and good for me.  So let's get this day rolling--have a good one.

BETTY (always about food) BOOP  

53 AND THAT LUCKY OLD SUN

IN the water? The resident Egret is strolling the bank.  In he goes for a short while and then out he climbs and strolls the bank.  I guess he knows what he is doing.  Looking for breakfast is his only thing this morning.  Just like people--in and out of the water of life.  Every day it is something new.  Joys or problems.  One outweighs the other in both ways.  DO I sound as if I have problems?  Nothing I can't handle at the moment.  I am always glad to see MR. BIG FLOWER POT HAT.  He is so dependable.  Just plodding along.  He seems like one who "stays out of the water, and on the banks.  

BETTY (so be it) BOOP)

37 at 7:30 Ha!!

 Play on words? Always trying to amuse you. MR. HOW WHITE CAN I KEEP MY SHOES? and MR. BIG FLOWER POT HAT came by..  Ladies are sleeping in, after all it is Saturday.  Different kind of day.  I almost made it to the Cyber for breakfast.  I seem to be waking up too early to wait till they open. So I got "Frenchie" and made Diabetic version of French toast.  I wondered if the French make it?  I must look it up sometime.  I am too busy just now.  I am all afloat in Angels.  Made from coffee filters.  I am pleased with them.  Hope they make the people I give them to at Christmas happy.  I met an old-- time first friend in the Hall yesterday.  She is in failing health just now.  I felt so sorry for her-, she seemed so depressed.  She will get an Angel from me.  She has always been a blessing to every one.  This ageing process is going around and I am on the track. I talk to myself  often and try not to get too deep into feeling sorry for myself.  I am truly blessed.  #2 daughter came by and brought me a sack of boiled peanuts. and a freezer bag of shelled pecans.  I am rich!!!!

BETTY (just counting my blessings) BOOP

Please read: Ecclesiastes -3: 1-15 & Numbers  6:24-26

34 MMMM

Well I did try to brave it, but got the best of me. Even though the sun was out-- the coffee was getting cold.  Good excuse to leave it to the birds.  They were happy to feast on cracker crumbs.  I did see a light frost on meadow.  Did you see the moon last night?  Full and beautiful.  Bet the show was something early this morning.  I will be content to see it on pictures in the news. May not happen again soon. (The solar eclipse you know.) 

I am  excited to be starting my Christmas gift project.  List is shorter this year.  I have thought about it a lot and have streamlined it till I think my old stiff hands and failing eyesight will hold out.  I am , I hope, starting early enough to allow for enough time to do it in my slow time.  I do love art projects and decorating ones too, makes me happy Keeps me "Out of the Halls" so to speak.  Have a good sunny one.

BETTY (stay on the sunny side) happier people there. BOOP

  

BIRTHDAY GIRL

Have you ever been to a Birthday Party at 7:30 A. M. ?  I opened my computer to a slide show and a party in progress. .  Saw my sweet "Emily" great grand- daughter with her siblings singing on her 3rd birthday.  I enjoyed it so much.  The cake was so pretty and she opened presents with delight.  (with big brother & sister )  looking on.  Thanks to Jan for the special treat.  How many birthdays have I looked in on?  Many, but the one you are watching is always exciting and special.  

Hey it is raining!!  Not much but every little bit helps.  It moves the season on and we march with it.   I wish I had birthday cake for breakfast, but I had a good one.  My special way of scrambled eggs (soft) with a little cheddar cheese. turkey bacon, rye toast, (crumbs for birds) o. j., coffee and 6 (count them) plumb grapes  Perfect way to prepare to go shopping  Now I mean the great and famous Closet Sale here.  I need zero stuff, but shopping and looking is what we old girls do. 

BETTY (have a good one) BOOP

MANY LITTLE THINGS

First, MR RED VEST AND CAP TO MATCH, MR. CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, THEN MR. I HAVE TIME, WHY RUSH--?  All with their own purpose.  Clouds were pretty this morning.  I saw Truman peeping through one.  Guess it is my time to cry a little.  It hits me at odd times, and thankfully not to often anymore.  Actually it is a release and feels good after.  Daughter # 2 is a blessing, as all my girls are.  She picks the best fruit.  She brought a few groceries that I needed yesterday.  The fruit is so fresh and good.  Best strawberries, already blueberries from a few days ago, grapes, a pear, grapefruit, and tangerines.  I am really in business now.  But I do love fresh fruit.  She also brought something that brought on memories (I guess the tears).  As a new bride, I was clueless to cooking and making a meal.  Oh I could make candy and cookies.  Can't live on that.  I was willing to learn and we did shopping for food together.  I discovered frozen peaches.  Wonderful with real whipped cream.  Jan found some and brought me a package.  Can't wait to see if they are as good as I remembered.  You know those real sweet memories get  bigger with age. We will see.  Maybe those memories are best "left in the Memory Bank."  Because learning to cook in our first little apartment, which we shared with the owner) was a challenge but fun too.

BETTY (down that lane and back) BOOP 

56 NOT BAD AT ALL

Like a Fall day should be.  SO BE IT.  Balcony Birds seem happy with wheat crackers, and one old crow (I think) sings in the Pine tree.  His song sounds like "SENIOR, SENIOR, SENIOR.Is he part of the "seniors of SCV? And is it his job to wake us up?  Silly already.  I almost made it to the Cyber for breakfast.  But I changed my mind for some reason.  I should have asked myself "Why not?"  But I had no answer.  Funny about the phrase "Why Not?"  Can be a good thing or get you in trouble.  Not much way to get in trouble here.  I went into my guest bathroom and spied the beautiful candle a great-niece gave me.  What am I saving it for?  So I asked "why not?"  and just lit it up!!!  Smells good and I will enjoy it.  So what else can I ask this question of?  Let's go through the day and ask that question.  It may be later than you think or just a way of enjoying what you have.

BETTY (never know what this Blog will be about) BOOP

42 -- NOT BAD WITH SUN

 Miss CATCH ME IF YOU CAN just raced by.  Go-Girl-go, will catch you later--much later.  Never could run, but I used to walk pretty fast.  Gone are those days. Yesterday I had a treat, besides going to Church with # 3 (always special.)  I have a long time friend here.  We go way back to the exercise class when I first moved here. Almost 11 years ago.  She is one of the sweet ones for sure.  So funny and friendly.  A true friend.  She is still hanging on to Independent Living as I am.  Her daughter (only child) sees to her every need. They invited me to come visit in her Bubble, visit and have fun helping her make Christmas Cards.  Very talented daughter who had tons of supplies.  I helped cut and paste and create her Christmas cards.  I fumbled through and so did she, amid much laughter and memories of the past.  Did me a world of good.  Bless you  both thoughtful people to include me.

BETTY (feel blessed with friends) BOOP  

34 degrees ?NO WAY

 Well, I did step out and got a lung full of cold air. Turns out a little goes a long way.  Sun is bright and it is Sunday-Go-To-Church Day.  Maybe I will wear my "new coat"  It was new a year ago and we had such a mild winter that I got to sport it only once.  You know I don't get out much.  So here we go, my # 3 daughter and me.  Yesterday was a lot of fun.  Middle daughter came with lunch from MR. CHEN'S, MY Favorite place to eat. Never had such large and good shrimp.  They know how to cook the veggies and are the best.  We sat on Bubble and enjoyed the view including Resident Egret.  She brought me new makeup from Clinique.  I have been going sans makeup with the mask.  Now since we do not wear them in the halls, I must step up a notch. I looked like a  ZOMBIE without just a touch of color.  So talked to daughter # 1 also.  She is planning a big Thanksgiving visit from all her kids. I remember big events in my life like that and I am happy for her.  Had a full day and was thankful.  So here comes another-am thankful for that too.

BETTY(in THANKSGIVING MOOD) BOOP 

39 AND I GOT COLD

But I braved it.  The bird in the top of the Pine tree was happy, the Canada Geese seemed  unsettled.  One early walker went swiftly by.  Will call her MISS ALL DECKED OUT.  She was not cold. I remembered my stuffed Cats for the drafty Balcony door.  I have had them a while.  Actually Linda  found them on line and I happily got them by mail.  They stand across the bottom of the sliding door and guard the cold out.  It is a Mama cat and her brood.  They really look real.  So much that I speak to them from time to time.  Oh boy--am I going crazy?  No, just silly.  Talk about my breakfast and be safe.  I have mentioned Eggo's thick and fluffy whole wheat waffles.  One with the last of the plump blueberries, turkey bacon, juice, sugar-free maple syrup and coffee .  Just a good start for the day.  Must put some more waffles on my grocery list.  Hope for some more of the blueberries too.  O.K. That is it for the day.  I will go to my storage and bring the Kitty Family out and dust them off. And say "hello."  

BETTY(please , I think I need somebody to talk  to me)  BOOP

45 brrrrrr ON BALCONY

But the sun is finally coming out.  Crows on steeple look content.  The fog is rising over the Meadow, very pretty.  Don't think I see Frost, but I am looking for it soon and the Meadow will be brown again.  Time marches on. I rationed my blueberries to make them last by adding a little banana to the mix.  Made breakfast  perfect by salvaging a slice of ham to make 2 meals and one breakfast.  That little bit of ham made the split and toasted biscuit special.  Coffee of course.  Hey I am a "child of the depression."  Blame a lot on that.  Even though I remember very little about it.  Children were kept in the dark from major problems when I was growing up.  At least I was.  Can't remember many things about it, but one memory stands out.  Someone stole the bottled milk from our front porch. Milk was delivered door to door then. You put out your glass bottle with a note as to how much you needed.  Could not know then why anyone would do that.  Hunger is to blame for much, even in this day.  I digress of course.  Amy and I are on hot pursuit to make Xmas gifts for my friends here.  Kind of exciting as I went through my craft supplies to see what I would need,  I noted 4 glue guns.  Three were encrusted with glue and an  almost new one.  Why would I keep the old ones?  There you go--"use it up"  as in the Great Depression.  Tired of that?  You young ones? 

BETTY (wont let you forget) BOOP

P. S,  I am going to march down to my Cage Storage unit and throw away those useless glue guns !! 

RAIN--MUCH NEEDED

Breakfast in Cyber--such a treat.  Me and a couple I do not know.  Early in the morning I "let that hare stand", as the Irish say.  I only said good morning to them.  I don't like visiting over breakfast.  Too early.  Trish (the cook) toasted me a split biscuit with my scrambled eggs, bacon and coffee.  Another treat.  Way to start the day.  I sat in the BUBBLE, as the rain was getting the Balcony wet.  Took my second cup and Bible & devotional reading out there. Nice and different. What a view of this beautiful world.  Anyway, My girls are going to be "put out" with me as I thought about Christmas.  Maybe one more time I can create  a little happy for my friends.  My list gets shorter each year, as situations change and some are not here anymore.  I have thought of something I can make, I think.  If they will bring the supplies, I promise not to cause them any grief.  Can do it myself (I hope) We will see.

BETTY (just can't let that hare stand)  BOOP

 

TEA OF WINE-M'LADY??

 A first for this Hall. One of our newer Ladies invited all 6 of us to her Apartment yesterday at 4 o'clock for refreshments, wine or tea, and "talk."  There are 6 ladies on my hall and 2 men.  Men were not included, thank goodness.  Or we could not have had as much "girl" fun as we did.  Her apartment was pretty with old beautiful "things."  For a better word.  Kind of Delta?  Yes she is from Greenwood. So sweet and nice.    Used to entertaining.  We were offered wine.  All passed  up the wine except this one lady who said in a very lady-like way--"Heck, I'll take the wine."  Her Hostess joined her.  Also had tiny sandwiches and a thing she made up.  Dried figs stuffed with goat cheese, honey, and toasted pecans. Very good.  We laughed and talked for almost two hours, and did not  miss the wine. .   I guess we have been missing company of this sort but I had trouble sleeping,  kept going over the  shared conversations.   I usually stay clear of "hen parties"  but I did enjoy my friends, old and 2  new  ones.

BOOP (need to get out more). BOOP

45 & rising

 OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MORNING!!!  No I am not in Oklahoma--I am in Madison, on the famous (to me) Balcony.  The original Buble" family are dinning on wheat crackers and I just slipped a few Rye toast crumbs closer to my seat.  Will they come closer?  YES!!  One did come and did not tell the others.  Crafty? I just saw MR. BIG HAT go by. He walks with purpose-with a slow gait.  He will make it, I am sure.  MISS BIG HAT CAME ALSO  (not together).  So they don't know each other, just shop at same BIG HAT STORE? Here comes MR. RAM ROD STRAIGHT. He will make it too,  as well as the other faithful favorites I have.  Gives me material to write.  Have a good day to match this beautiful one.

BETTY(I plan to enjoy it)  BOOP 

JUST MEN

Just men so far.  MR.VERY WHITE SHOES, MR.MAN WITH HIS COLLIE WALKING HIM, MR. FLOWER POT HAT.  Where are the Ladies of Morning? Amy and I were remembering ONE special  Man yesterday.  Her Dad and my "one and only." He had a quirky sense of humor.  She was his last shot at having a boy.(he always said it took a man to have daughters).  Not that he was ever disappointed to have 3 girls. For he loved them all so much.  But this last one came along after he began to feel success in his job and relaxed enough to enjoy life more.  He played with her more and treated her like "his little boy"  at times.  She remembered so many of his lame jokes and old fashioned sayings. Good memories to bring out and enjoy.  I tell you again-store sweet memories for later for they will sustain you and give you good feelings.  Many of the not so good will fade.  I promise.

BETTY (and she keeps her promises) BOOP  

39 degrees & clear

Beautiful on Balcony, and I do mean Balcony.  Got it right this time.  Could it be the extra hour's sleep?  I went to bed at regular time and set the clocks back, which did give me an extra hour.  My, I have a lot of clocks.  Oven to stove,  microwave, clock on wall of kitchen (silent because it needs batteries),  clock by bed, clock by reading chair and windup old clock, which has M. G."s name written  on the back.  T. V. and computer are smart and do their own thing.  I was not sure I did it right and worried a little till morning and everything checked out.  Here I am after a breakfast with  Mr. Jimmy Dean and his famous English muffin with sausage & egg- white, with cheese.  With a fresh orange and coffee, I am good-to-go,  To Church with A.  You do the same. (not with her, she is mine).

BETTY (get me there on time) BOOP

DID IT AGAIN

The before writing took place on BUBBLE not BALCONY.  Crazy me.  BETTY (loosing it) BOOP

45AND FOG

Ate breakfast in CYBER CAFE.  First one as always.  Good as usual and cheery good morning from cook.  She is so nice.  Knows how to cook eggs for sure. Came back with second cup-o-joe, planning to drink on Balcony.  Changed to Balcony to see what I could see.  Fog is still heavy and I could see nothing. Really could hear nothing either.  I just imagined the Geese would have to play MARCO-POLO, just to be heard.  But nothing but silence.  Kind of spooky.  So I just meditated about what I would write.  Amy came yesterday afternoon.  Brought me some new books from Madison Library.  It seem I have about read all the ones here that I like. Also brought me bread,  Whole wheat and Rye, which I needed  them both. Also pudding mix that is sugar-free and instant too.  Like it.  But the visit was the best.  I am glad I can talk to my daughters as grown ups.  Some Mothers don't get that far with their daughters.  Another Blessing.

BETTY (just counting my blessings) BOOP

46 DEGREES & LITTLE WINDY

I braved it anyway.  Only saw a gaggle of Canada Geese.  How many are in a gaggle? I  must look it up, because it seems to be different every time I see a "group."  Anyway, they were having a meeting below my balcony.  I got up to look and count them, and they went into a frenzy.  All chattering at once.  I sat back down and they got still, so I know those remarkable eyes saw me.  They ended the conversation with a flurry and took off fussing at me.  (I do imagine a lot.) Anyway, I observed the clouds, and there were many little pockets of light in the grey sky.  I call them "Windows to Heaven." I imagine that Truman and other loved ones are looking (smiling) down on me.  Many times they say, "Will you hurry on up, for it is wonderful up here."  Oh, yes I am a little  crazy, but what a thought.!!!!

BETTY (not exactly ready to leave yet.)  BOOP

P. S TO THE ONE BEFORE THIS

P. S. To the one before this one.  Just to keep the record straight, I had my second cup of coffee in the BUBBLE--Not on the BALCONY--in case anyone cares!!! BETTY (not perfect) BOOP

 

50 AND CLOUDY

Not the best balcony weather.  Since I had breakfast in Cyber, I took my second cup-o-joe to the Balcony.  A different view and just as good-minus the cold. I still love the Balcony the best.  But it does not hurt to shake it up a bit.  I decided that breakfast in Cyber is such a pleasure, that I will enjoy it when I can.  Jasmine , long time worker, cooked it for me.  I had soft scrambled eggs, ham, Rye toast and coffee.  Different but the ham was extra good.  Brought a small bit back for a snack when I need a little extra boost.  I saw Resident Egret perched in a Cyprus tree across the Lake.  I wonder if he slept there, or is he an early riser and claimed his spot early?  My flu shot went well yesterday.  Hardly felt it at all.  Arm a little tender but nothing major to worry about.  I met a lady going for her shot as I was coming back after mine.  She said in a fearful voice-"Did it hurt?" Some people never get over fear of shots.  

BETTY(I am not afraid) BOOP  

 

FLUZONE HIGH DOSE QUADRIVALENT

 A mouthful?  Only means a flu shot to me.  I am, along with this " ageing heard," getting more protection.  I have always gotten this one and here it comes again.  We do try.  Beautiful on Balcony.  Little nippy at 46 degrees, but the sky is so pretty.  Blues and Pinks of God's color brush.  No artist can achieve.  Makes it special to think about.

   TWO STRONG LADIES hurried by and along came MR. FLOWER POT HAT.  Funny to see.  Well let us get on with this day and be grateful for the fun and  and  sights we see. 

BETTY (keep eyes open to fun & new sights.) BOOP

BACK FROM DR'S APPOINTMENT

Very early start as I had to fast for Lab work.  That done, we waited to see Dr.  My numbers were surprisingly good.  Learned a little about how to manage better.  I guess I worry too much.  I will try to do better.  These numbers for blood  pressure and blood sugar always upset me.  I want them perfect and they just not are going to be.  Getting "old" gracefully is hard.  I just don't want to face it.  Jan and my Dr. are very patient and kind, so why can't I be that way too?   I really am in good shape for 94.  I will try harder, maybe I should not try harder, but let it be what it is.  Take my own advice,  SO BE IT

BETTY (turning a new leaf)  BOOP 

P. S. Late breakfast at Primos Cafe.  Good start.