PLEASE ADD GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN TO LIST. THEY ARE THE ICYING ON THE CAKE.  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

I woke this morning at 3:30 and said, "Old girl, you are officially 95!" Been talking about it forever it seems. Could not go back to sleep right away. So my thoughts went to making a list.  THINGS THAT MAKE MY LIFE WHAT IT IS

1. Good caring parents.

2. Family

3.Best husband ever

4.Friends (many new and old.

5. Daughters (the best)

6. Good Sons-in-laws

7. Balcony--Bubble too

8. Cyber Cafe

9. St. CATHRINES VILLEGE

10. HOPE, TRUST, MERCY, FAITH, PROMISES, AND MOST OF ALL MY Day TO DAY WALK WITH GOD.

AMEN, BETTY BOOP

P. S. ADD GRANDCHILDREN AT THE TOP OF THE LIST. AND OATMEAL WITH FRUIT!!!!

 

41 DEGREES SUNNY

 I was finally able to sit on Balcony this morning. Little wind but not much. I saw lots of some kind of ducks. I do not have a bird book anymore, so I can't   look them up. Also, can't see them up close. But they are ducks!!No Geese or people walking yet. The day looks promising for walkers later. I am getting many Birthday cards and well wishes. Feel kind of special, since many are from my family. A very nice neighbor knocked on the door last evening bearing a slice of Apple Cake and a sweet card. I accepted it with a promise to myself that I would savor it slowly and enjoy it just one bite at a time. I had a small bite for breakfast---mmmmm it was delish!! If all goes well, I can enjoy it for several days. I now have several new pieces of clothing, thanks to my Personal Shopper (daughter # 2). I will feel dressed for anything that comes along. I do feel that way about the days to come. Like I am living in Bonus Land. 95 is not so bad, in fact it is good.!!

BETTY (count your blessings) BOOP

22 AND INSIDE LOOKING OUT

Missed writing yesterday. Computer gave me trouble. Called for HELP. Even though I tried on my own, sometime this thing has a mind of its own. I called three time before I gave up and called front desk to inquire why I had no answer from Maintenance. They are short of help due to Covid. Isn't that the case everywhere? Finally, my little Asian friend came and fixed it pronto! I like him, he knows computers and is so nice and friendly. Anyway, the day was not all bad. My PERSONAL SHOPPER (as she calls herself) came with an armload of clothes from my favorite place. DILLARDS PEITE DEPT. I was surprised and excited. I have wanted something new and could not go shopping as usual. After losing a few pounds, I my clothes do not fit too well, and I do love something new once in a while. After she left, I went wild with joy as I tried them on, just like in the dressing room at the store. I managed to find 3 tops I loved and fit. She will take the rest back. So I did have an eventful and good day after all.

BETTY(feel kind of spoiled) BOOP

BANGLADESH!!!!!

What? Bangladesh, Amy Schneider of Jeopardy Fame. Even I knew the answer to that   question. I am sorry for you, I have watched with interest at your amazing   run for the gold. Speaking of gold, lot of it in your winnings. It was not only that, but your performance amazed me. I met a lady in the Hall after the show. She is a well-known for stirring up trouble. But when she called Amy S. a HE-SHE, I almost wanted the "smack" her. But I didn't. I just said I wished they had made a rule to put a limit on how long a contestant can play, and I kept on walking. I'll get over it. 

Foot Dr. visit yesterday was tiering. But it has to be done about every two or three months. Time does march on and my feet seem to be feeling the march. Few changes are going on. THESE BOOTS WILL KEEP ON WALKING, as long as I can make them. 

BETTY (come walk with me) BOOP

BAD START-GOOD ENDING

 Bit of a small glitz to start, but I stuck with it and determined to "fix it." First, computer mouse said HELP!! I need a new battery. So I fed it one. I remembered I had one that was in doubt. It of course did not work. I opened a new package, with much effort. Had to get a knife, I am dangerous with one, sure enough I cut my thumb. Not bad, but bled a little. Wrapped in paper towel, I tackled the mouse again. It refused to move. I got out another battery and put it in. Nothing happened again. Frustrated and determined not to have to call for help. I pursued. It would come on and I used the little flat bar at the bottom to try to move the mouse. It finally got to a place where it said "sign in". Found my password and How could I sign in when I could not even make it move. I unplugged and started over. I finally got to a place where it let me in. Don't ask me how, I would not be able to tell you. All I know is--I am back. Please let me know -somebody- can you read me now?

BETTY (being strong today) BOOP

P.S. The "mouse" and I have never gotten along well.

WET THIS MORNING

Let's not talk about the weather this morning. Can't get a grip on the ups and downs. O. K.? I find myself sort of hooked on a T.V. show. JEOPARDY. Amy Schneider, the current star is very interesting. She does not seem real, the way she takes over the new people who go up against her. I find myself rooting for her as she lays them all low. The other contestants are so smart too, they must be baffled by her. I just wonder how long the powers that be, are going to let it go on and on? Surely something will change, yet I really want to see how far she will go-yet I would like to see her go out a winner too and not just stopped in her tracks. Rules can change and maybe they will let her top the Jennings guy and go out on top. O. K. that off my chest, let's move on.

BETTY (onward we go) BOOP

HOW OLD ARE YOU ?

When I am asked my age, people often say--"What is your secret?" I am thinking I should say, "OATMEAL-WITH ANY KIND OF FRUIT." Not to be rude. but could it be true? I was thinking that silly thought (I have a few) when I enjoyed my oatmeal with fresh blueberries and a touch of banana. My it was lovely. 

I got to sit on the Balcony and got chilled and fresh!  33 and sun shining was not too bad, and I did get to see one walker all covered and walking extra briskly. The Canada Geese were out, and honking, and regular ducks were swimming quietly, while a few white Gulls swam in circles. Pretty sight, with sun shining. Oh, I just thought about living long and happy. Maybe we all need to do the things that make us happy, as long as tt does not hurt anyone else. What a dream!!

BETTY (plan to make someone happy today) BOOP 

BEAUTIFUL-YET COLD

Can't talk about much but the weather. The world around me is so full of trouble, the weather is the safest thing to talk about. And, I have talked the breakfast thing enough. Although. you would think that I think of food all the time. Pretty much the case. I say it is my job to plan my strategy each day and try to stay on track. Did laundry yesterday. Whoopee!! Read in a good book. Novel set in Ireland and England. Love those settings. Ireland has a history of much violence and poverty -- hard to read some of it. How humans live through so much? Of course we still see people against all odds, still surviving. I love the beauty of the land and the old Castels. Reading can take you far and away and really use you time. Glad I have my SCV Library and Amy to get some from Madison Library from time to time. Helps me pass my time pleasantly.

BETTY (just rolling along, turning pages) BOOP 

 

SUN IS BRIGHT

Don't let the sun fool you. 22 is still cold. Inside looking outside again. But it is a beautiful day in God's Kingdom. He let's us live here for a while and then on to something better. Do you spend anytime wondering what Heaven will be like? Sometime I do and always realize it is not possible.

I got the decorating urge yesterday and removed my little pitcher collection from the tier table in the hall by my door. Good place to decorate. I love the little ones I have collected. I put red roses in a clear vase with white rocks to stand them in. Looks elegant!! Getting ready to put out Valentines later. Roses seem to go with Valentines and Love. I think a single rose is more beautiful than a dozen. But for decorating purposes, I put a whole bunch of red roses. Just something pleasant and fun to do.  Something else fun to do--make French Toast-Because it is Saturday. Mine was good this morning. Well on to the day. Have a good one.

BETTY (just an ordinary day) BOOP

P. S. No such thing as an ordinary day. They all can be extra-ordinary if we try.

 

MY LAP-TOP READS 26 DEGREES

O. K. I can handle that--inside. It was warm and toasty looking out, eating a sausage biscuit from the Cyber, along with Farm Fresh 3 minute egg plus O. J. and don't forget the coffee. Oh, yes a dab of honey from Canton Farm on my biscuit. My, mighty fine. Have you discovered in the bakery of Kroger, AUTHENTIC ITALIAN STYLE WAFFEL COOKIES? My neighbor Mary, has given me several times different flavors of them. She just gave me the plain vanilla kind. I looked the brand up on Mr. Google. It looks like they are made in Canada. but widely available in many stores. I have never noticed them before. They are perfect for me. Thin, less sugar and fills the bill, so to speak. If you can eat one, they are not too bad. They fool you because they are larger than average cookie and very,very,thin. Not for the average cookie "monster." But for me -- good.

BETTY (making something from nothing) BOOP

P. S. That is what I do best. B.B.

 

Brrrrr !!!!!

35 does not sound too cold for me, but add in clouds, drizzle, a little wind and wet chair, it is a little too much on Balcony. Can't think of what to write under those conditions. Much nicer here in warm room, seated before my lap-top-friend with coffee nearby.  O. K. -- now what? OH, a little progress. Beauty Shop is opening back up today. After s short closing for you know what, it is going to open under strict orders. Only two customers in room at time with two operators. No Gossip!! I'll take that. Next week I will get a trim and feel better. With Cyber open for takeout, it makes for a little variety for us. Things are better, but I have learned not to get too comfortable and go with the flow. Did you know I am having my 95th birthday on the 31st of January? I think I have told a few. Love it when people gasp and say "You sure don't look it," Now that is a little conceited   don't you think?

BETTY (take it where you can find it) BOOP

GREEN EGGS & TURKEY BACON

HOW EXCITING. ;LOCALLY- LAID-HAND GATHERED-FREE RANGE-ONE DOZEN. Yes and don't forget. "Laid with love by happy hens." How clever is that? Daughter # 2 visited friends from her church who live on a farm in Madison County. Among other animals, they have 55 laying hens !!Some gathering going on. They gave her a nice supply, and she shared with Amy and me. I am always delighted with the unusual and different. The eggs are all a different shade of color. The one I had this morning had a pale green shade and the yoke was a bright orange. Almost too pretty to eat. But I did. Nothing like fresh!!So my day started off very good. Sitting on my Balcony always starts me off right. Guess I am an outdoor girl-in a way. I just love to observe.

BETTY (outdoors-- on the balcony) BOOP

RUNNING LAT, LATE, LATE

First, I overslept. Hate that. Sat down to write the blog and all these warning signs flashed. I thought the FBI had caught up with my silly humor. Soon found out I had been hacked. Went through the drill and decided I needed HELP. Caled TV support here and a man said that number they said to call is a scam, I think. They probably want your money to turn you back on. Then head man Roger (who knows it all) came and confirmed the other man. Roger is the expert and got it back on. Said I had protection from virus and maybe I just hit something wrong or not. Anyway, here I am back and not compromised. Then housekeeping brought a single size sheet instead of a double size. Got that straight,  so I AM BACK ON TRACK. Thanks for the good help here.I am going to fix my own lunch.

BETTY (afraid to leave) BOOP

 

32 Nooooo !!!

No, can't do. Even wrapped up, I think it would not be a good experience. Need good experiences. I have to look for them these days. But they are there. I caught my sugar level low yesterday afternoon and I had been wanting to try this hot chocolate mix a friend gave for Christmas. Had a lot of sugar in the mix and did not sound like a good idea for me. But, when it soared to an almost danger level, I took a chance. Prepared it like the directions said--in a favorite cup, with the little spoon from a Hotel in London, that I claimed, and trotted off to the Famous Bubble. My the taste was just as I imagined, and I did enjoy. It was cold there for some reason. of course it was still cold from the threat of snow that morning, so I sipped it fast and hurried back to the warmth of my little nest. So good experience anyway. 

BETTY (look for the silver lining, it is there somewhere) BOOP

SNOW NO SHOW

35 Is not cold enough for snow, but close. May still happen. Rain looks cold and I am staying in, also due to Covid here, but not me yet. I used to be put-out with people when they used the weather for excuse to miss Church on Sunday, but now we have a bigger threat. We are asked to stay close at this time. Of course, emergencies are respected. Maybe soon we will have it under control, We have so many workers ill that it puts a burden on all. 

I really have enjoyed the raspberries. Tried them every way I could think of. This morning they sat beside a half of sliced banana on my THICK & Fluffy Eggo Waffle. Pretty good. I have one more serving of berries left. What to do with them, since they are ripe and ready to eat? Stay tuned. I love variety in my breakfast and other meals too. 

Well let us go see what other nonsense I can stir up.

BETTY (let it snow)BOOP

51 IS O. K.

51 Is bearable, except the wind began to blow a little. The clouds suddenly covered the beautiful sunrise. My you have to get up early to see the beauty I saw this morning. But a change is on the way. Get excited, because we may see flurries and maybe not. Well at least the power is back on. Last night around 7:30 I thought a bulb was burning out of a table lamp. It kept coming on then off. I changed the bulb, but I noticed other strange things coming on and off of other lamps and it dawned on me , we were having problems. Oh, no heat because it is controlled by electricity. I fumbled for candles, which I had stashed away. Big fat white ones that came here from my move from Riverwood, years ago. The wick was dry, but they lit!! I had a spooky apartment. But it was crazy how it would go off and then back on in a few minutes. I called Security. Help was on the way. Power Co. thinks we blew a fuse. Back on by 9. Whew!!! Made me thankful for all the good help we have. GOD IS GOOD.

BETTY BOOP

P. S. A little shake up puts you right back on track!!!

ALASKA

38 on Balcony and TWO robe event . This morning I thought of one of our trips. We avoided cruises because of too much food was tempting, but the best way to see Alaska, for us, was a Cruise. So off we went and it was one of the most breathtaking trips of all. We had seen many beautiful sights all over the world, but Alaska -top of the list. I hear the glaciers are changing and that is a shame. One of the delights was to see what we had only read about. So many things to do as we went from city to city. We would deboard and see the delightful things that tourist get to see and then back on to other things. One Truman discovered and enjoyed was the practice range for the golfers. and being an avid Golfer, he could not wait to try it and to have me take a picture to show his Buddies back home. They hung a large net at the end of one of the Decks to catch the balls and you could hit your ball toward the ocean. He enjoyed that a lot. Of course to sit in a hot tub amid the snow and ice was fun too. Got a picture of that also. Well, we are far away from as cold as Alaska now, but cold enough.

BETTY *retired, but happy, traveler) BOOP

   

YEH !! OUTSIDE

41 degrees and sun is shining. No excuse -- real or made up. Just go. Here I sat looking at least 6 flights of planes take off. Jet streams were beautiful.  

Here I sit on Balcony. No excuse. Sun is shining, 41 degrees and no wind. I watched as at least 6 planes take off, leaving beautiful jet streams. Somebody is going somewhere. I saw one walker, covered from head to toe and walking rather briskly. She will warm up fast at that speed. My Chinese Tallow tree is blooming from the bottom, strange to see. It is a little too early, but popcorn balls are really there, white and pretty. What will happen to it? I wonder if we are almost passing Winter this year. Not much here so far. 

I had a beautiful pink iced cupcake to appear at my door. No note. Later I got a call from Kitty (a neighbor) and she said, "I knocked, but no one answered, I was not prepared to leave a note." It had just been her birthday, and someone gave her a big batch of cupcakes. No way could she eat them all. So, I can't either, but I thanked her "sweetly", and did not say I had to watch my sugar, how nice to be thought of anyway. Solved the secret and put it in the fridge. It will linger a while, maybe I can take a bite and then feel that I can toss it. What a waste. SO, BE IT. Excuse me, I must go climate the temptation.

BETTY (very weak when a cupcake is sitting in fridge.)BOOP

 

VIEW FROM INSIDE SLIDING DOORS

I must be getting old (pun you think?) because the cold was too much to go outside. I pulled a chair close to the glass sliding door to Balcony and settled with my second cup-o-joe. I can see almost as much from here. Birds feasting on graham crackers, walkers, if any, part of Lake, and of course the sky. I saw jet streams, think our airport must be working. 

Also, turns out raspberries are good in oatmeal with a small amount of banana. The berries are ripe and need to be eaten soon, so I am having a feast. Alright with me. I can not think of a fruit I do not like. Lucky me. Speaking of airplanes, I thought about the times I have flown. Not as many as some but enough to count. Way to go sometime. I especially enjoyed over the ocean ones. Thought I would be afraid, but I wasn't. I was asleep most of the way. Airplane travel is so much a part of us today. Sorry they are having so much trouble, Must be hard to be tired and stranded. Wish I could see Ireland from the sky again, so green everywhere. 

BETTY(Tally -Ho !! everybody) Boop 

NEW TREAT

A. brought a small order of groceries yesterday, since she was going, I tagged a few items on her list. I did need a little fruit, can't run low on that. I have been enjoying (maybe you have too, strawberries. Been so good. I had three left and I added my new fruit raspberries !! Now a small bowl with breakfast really does make the day shine. Of course turkey bacon, egg over light, and another treat--toasted English muffin. Little variety makes the world go round!! What makes your world go around? 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FIRST BORN

How did you survive a young Nieve Mother like me.? I well remember the morning of the day you were morn. I actually moped the kitchen floor. A wave of energy often will cause a new Mom to do strange things. I was so proud of a new house with that kitchen with a red floor. Off we went to the hospital about noon. And you were born right after midnight. In those days they kept the Father waiting -- in waiting room--not much contact with Mother. But I had your Aunt, who was a RN, and all went slow but well. Women were almost put to sleep during delivery then, so I don't remember much till they brought you all wrapped in a blanket and I got to hold you for the first time. How could that tiny little being turn into a beautiful, talented, creative, person you have always been. I am proud of you and you are still a joy to me. Dear readers, forgive the personal Blog today. But the subject is what I thought of for today. 

BETTY(proud of all my girls)BOOP

P. S. I actually hold memories of looking for first time into all my babies eyes.) 

FIND FUN

Fun is hard to find around here, yet just look and listen. I have a very funny neighbor. He always spreads fun when he can. I see him digging in his cage as much as I do. Looking for something--anything. He hung something funny on his door and I teased him about it. Way ahead of time he had a sign that said: HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY. He said, "Always be prepared." Now that in it' self is not really funny, but it brought something funny to mind. ( bet he always forgot to buy his wife a Valentine.) My husband was not really good at surprises,  but he always remembered Valentine's day. I have a few old sweet valentines saved to prove it. Maybe my neighbor does too. This did not turn out that funny, but maybe just a little fun. 

BETTY(find a little fun today)BOOP

TOLD YOU-SPING AGAIN

So purple it is, so Springy. My Red Geranium is struggling to bloom again. Thought it was a lost cause. Little small blooms but no stem. Poor little thing is confused. Pansies have just given up-one at a time. I blame Covid. Only thing blooming is the BUBLE' family of birds. They still get crackers in the morning. While I know that is not all they find to eat, they really seem to look forward to the handout. 

Can't believe it is Saturday and the weekend is here. Not that it matters much anymore, but there was a time when I looked forward to it. Kind of exciting to have something different to do. Now I am even afraid to go to Church. Times have really changed. People are saying it will never be the same. Of course not. We forget that time is always changing and if we look back, we would realize that. All great minds know that. Of course we should look forward. But isn't it hard?

BETTY (one of the great minds) BOOP ha ha!!  

29 LOOKS BETTER FROM THE INSIDE

Yes for today anyway. Maybe tomorrow it will be Spring again.  Who knows? What a Rolla coaster. Oatmeal is good on a winter day. Any day in fact. Strawberries & a few stray grapes that said "eat me today or tomorrow may be too late.) Know what I mean?  There is a big Granny Smith apple that says "cook me today." I have resorted to talking with my fruit. Well at least I have that around all the time. I guess I am getting bored. Need a project, but what?

Not much of interest going on around here. Just wait for meal time, wait for the mail. wait for new Covid report each day (depressing). I could clean out some things, but don't want to. Fridge could really use a cleanout. I end up running to the laptop and to my books. Now that sounds a little lazy does it not? 

BETTY (must go and cook that Granny Smith) BOOP
 

CHILLY & SILLY 0N BALCONY

Sophisticated Lady cup, makes me feel that way. She sits just right and looks you coyly in the eye.  On my coffee cup of course. I think that came from early movies where the ladies were so glamorous in beautiful clothes and don't forget the dangling cigarette with the holder and handkerchiefs. My, were the early movies something. Not exactly a role model for little girls. But they made for dreams of what could be. But for me, this old tattered robe and coffee cup in hand, I am far from sophisticated.

The clouds are an artist dream this morning. Every kind you can think of. The dark ones on top are a warning of rain, but they stack down like blocks, from dark to light. The sun tries   to shine through at the bottom, giving the whole picture an eerie   feeling. Will the Sun win? Or will the rain. Maybe a little of both. 

BETTY (reflective & silly) BOOP

p. s. Amy said she sat in a lawn chair, like Brick on the TV show   THE MIDDLE. 

BETTY (ve

YEH!!! 41 DEGREES

Sounds nice? But yet it felt a little too cool. Not a movement out there. Where are you? No ducks on the water, nor Walkers. So I gave it up and here I sit at my computer in my little brown chair with the blue pillow I bought a while ago at a SCV closet sale. The little brown chair is almost an Anique. It is the last surviving one of a set of 4. It is from the first set of breakfast of small table and 4 chairs we bought for our first kitchen in our first house we built. Unpainted, as was the way to go then. The whole set survived our family over the years and has been painted so many colors. The rest of the set served us well and has been retired long ago. Somehow we still have this little chair from the set. If it could talk, it would paint a happy new housewife, and Mother, serving her crew over many years. Many memories come back. It is still a sturdy little chair. Wonder what happened to the other 3?

BETTY (down the memory lane again) BOOP

P. S.: I wonder where Amy sat when she got out of high chair?

 

FROSTY& 27 HERE

The Meadow is white with frost. Geese are out of green in their diet. Not good. What do they do in the winter for food. ?The Lord Will Provide. Just as he does for us. So much is about caution here, since we are fighting the virus again. Many of usual things are canceled. Seems like we are going backwards. I understand it, but it is hard to wear that tired old mask again. I really got tired of it the last time. Maybe it will all turn around soon. 

Hey, we can always talk about breakfast. Or are you tired of that subject too? Seem it is the highlight of my day. I fixed my version of French toast. Banana was just ripe, so on it went. Good combo. They are rerunning so many old sitcoms from the past. My we have come a long way there. I kind of like some of them and then some were just plain old poor acting. I felt sorry for some of them, but in the early days of TV we laughed and thought they were good. I guess it is the sign of the times and we march on.

BETTY (trying to march with it) BOOP

29 degrees Oh No !!

Well it finally changed. The weather I mean. Folks say that is Mississippi for you. It was exciting to see snow flurries. Of course nothing much came of it, but there is something about the silence of snow that I like. Maybe we will have more later. It really does cause Southerner's havoc. Not used to it or not prepared either. I seem to remember more snow when I was a child. Al Gore was right about the climate change. Remember him? 

Coffee taste good even on the inside-looking out. Wonder if any walkers will brave it? My tablescape continues to draw attention. With light snow on the trees, it is appropriate. Shampoo today. Some do that every day. Not me.

BETTY (I ran completely out of something to say, as you can see) BOOP

 

UP & DOWN WE GO.

Up and down we go. I braved the Balcony. It turns out 55 and windy was almost too much. I was surprised to see a walker. MR. FLOWER POT HAT misjudged the weather too, I think. We both finished our business fast and hurried on to the warmth of inside. Not much of interest going on here. We are fighting the virus and hope we have it under control. We will see. We are asked to wear mask, stay in unless necessary, and all the other stuff we did earlier. One of my favorite persons, Betty White has passed. I always thought of us as a little alike. We hang on. Also in the same company is Queen Elizabeth. Our birthdays are close together. O. K. "Lizzy" who of us goes first? Now after I have elevated my ego, I believe I will close for now.

BETTY (please don't stop reading"BOOP)

 

TRADITION OR TRUE?

Growing up in the South, it was a well known fact: EAT YOUR BLACKEYED PEAS SO YOU WILL BE PROSPERS IN THE NEW YEAR.  Well I have loved those peas all my life, but how prospers did it make  me? Also we were told to eat cabbage or some green for plenty of money.  It only made me more healthy. So what is wrong with that? Just a fun thing now. Hope there is the duo for lunch today. In the beginning, I always bought dried peas and soaked them over night, Then until I had a pressure cooker (great invention) I would cook slowly for hours with a ham bone or something like it. Then I graduated to canned peas, during my busy child raising years, New Year's Day meal would always include, cabbage, cornbread. and I loved pickled beets. Potato salad satisfied my group. How about good old homemade banana pudding to top it off. And a slice of ham would be good too. I am making you hungry, but not me. I had a traditional breakfast of oatmeal with banana sprinkled with cinnamon. So I am good to go till lunch time.

BETTY ( good luck to you) BOOP

P. S.  and read if you find the time, Mr. Google about blackeyed pea tradition, kind of interesting.

s