SOUTHERN KOMFORT BAND

The band has been a part of our start of Lent service for years. Even when Truman was with us. We both liked it a lot. Sunday they were a great part of our Sunday service. Had a pretty nice crowd. I got to sing "I'LL FLY AWAY." I can really get with that one. Anyway, they played, and we sang and waved the white flags as they marched up the isle and out to the front after the service, TO THE TUNE OF-- OH, WHEN THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN, they played a few more on the front steps with everyone clapping. My, my, what a different kind of worship, but good. The students from Milsaps seemed to really enjoy it. Maybe we should do more like that? Sing with Joy.

BETTY (Full of Joy) BOOP

LET US CELEBRATE

 One of the colors of the season is purple. so let us go with that. I am going to Church with Amy. She called and said, "got your dancing shoes on?" Sure have. I love the music we will hear today from the SOUTHERN COMFORT BAND. Makes me at least tap my toes, maybe sway a little and sing "I'LL FLY AWAY." Will tell you about it tomorrow. Meanwhile, I am waiting to be picked up by Amy. One of my faithful drivers of places to go. Get to visit with her and catch up. Of course, I hear and see on her blog about the dogs. What a good subject for her Blog. I have to dig sometime for a subject, as I am now. Will promise something of interest for tomorrow, so stay tuned.

BETTY BOOP

HIGH AS A KITE

 Do you remember my recent poem PANCAKES? Well it made me think about kites. I have vague memories of kites for our girls. Do you remember? Where would we fly one? I am sure I never could master that one. Maybe Truman? Do you remember, girls?  

I sat in Bubble to read and drink my second cup of coffee. Not much going on. Little too early and most folks consider Saturday as a day-off. 

THE SOUTHERN COMFORT BAND is coming as usual to Church tomorrow, as they do for Mardi Gras and beginning of Lent. I may go, I may not. We will see. 

BETTY(lot to decide) BOOP

P. S, Yes, I did have a pancake this morning. Hope I made a good decision there.

D0GGIE TALK

Day before yesterday I opened the door to a light knock. There peeping out of his "doggie sling" around his mamas' neck, peeped out a beautiful creature. Wary of me, but still curious. M. G. snuck him in, for a visit. He brought his Grand Mommie too, "Amy." He is a beautiful little blondie. So quick to cover the new territories. He scouted out every corner. He had trouble meeting me till I gave him a bit of cheddar cheese, then we were friends. I miss having an animal for sure. Thanks for stopping by, come again, for I did enjoy your visit.. Oh, yes, his name is Pippin. Nice addition to the other two furry folks who live with them. Nobody but M. G. could plan his visit. We got away with bring him in for a visit, nobody saw him but me. Kind of wished we had been spied by friends, they would have loved him too.

BETTY(got away with it) BOOP

P. S. Maybe I could get a fish? No, they are not very cuddly. dot

GOING BACK IN TIME

Actually the 1940's. A time when I remember well. I fell in   love with poetry. I bought a book that was very popular. I bought two volumes of a collection of poems gathered in books called TED MALONE'S SCRAPBOOK. Full of poems by I guess mostly unknown poets. I could see myself as one of them some day. I got it out yesterday and am enjoying it again. Here is one I did not know I would really relate to some day.   GROW OLD LOVELY, GROWING OLD : by Karle Wilson Baker

Let me grow old lovely, growing old.

So many fine things do.

Laces, and ivory, and gold.

And silks need not be new.

And there is healing in old trees;

Old streets a glamour hold;

Why may not I, as well as these,

Grow lovely, growing old?      

Wish I   had written this, because it fits me.

BETTY (always wishing) BOOP 

Brrrrrrrrr.

I did not think 47 degrees was all that cold. But factor in the wind, it was a little uncomfortable, so I stayed long enough for coffee to cool (not long) and raced in fast. Nothing going on anyway. No walkers or geese to honk. Just resident ducks floating around. They are always there. Do they ever sleep? Still I enjoyed a few minutes. Kind of woke me up. I have a few little business things to attend to today. My CPA gave me my orders yesterday and I must pay up. O, My, don't we all? Thank goodness for living in the USA, and it is a privilege to "pay up." 

Don't know why my first teen age boyfriend came to my mind. One of those War Time breakups. So sad. I remember writing him after he came home from the Navy. He wasn't the same. I sent his class ring back and wrote a poem: Not my writing, but fit the bill. 

                SLIGHTLEY SWELL

Knowing you, Darling,

Was slightly swell:

A little bit of Heaven,

A little Of Hell,

A parcel of Paradise

That wouldn't jell.

Goodbye, you lug

It was slightly swell.

The words "swell" meaning very good and "good bye you lug" not so good. Sign of the times I guess.  I was into poetry even then, just not writing my own.

BETTY (remembering) Boop

P. S. where did that memory come from?

OFF AND ON

I am talking weather now. Off the sun & then the clouds. They race by so fast; I can't keep up. Why do I try? What will be --- will be. I thought of the old Philosopher from the Bible Book of Ecclesiastes. You should read it once in a while. Depressing, but ends well. I am not depressed this morning, just thoughtful. I observed a new lady in the pool. At least I think she is new. Her approach was new. She was doing every kind of exercise you can do in the pool, (except swim). Waving her arms back and forth, jumping jacks for sure, walking and using pool toys like a child. Was she new or just getting her Dr's orders in place? Anyway, she was entertaining. Hope she did not see me looking. Another lady came in and first lady calmed down. I wondered if they eat breakfast before or after.  I bet it's both. Me? I cannot do without my great morning breakfast. And I don't need to tell you that oatmeal with all the trimmings is my way to start the day.  Come on, however you start your day, say," this is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."

BETTY (rejoicing) BOOP

BLUE SKIES SMILING AT ME ?

 No, more like GREY SKIES FROWNING AT ME. Since they are sending us a light rain. I write in the color grey. I sat out on Balcony a while anyway. My way of "going someplace." I sat with Jan out there yesterday as she showed me a video of my Merkosky kids, thanking me for the hand drawn (by me) Valentines I sent. They were so cute lined up and each telling me what they liked about each one. I was tickled with sweet little Emily, when she said she like the "yellow" hair I drew for her.They each did a good job of making me happy. Something about those great-grandchildren that is very special. I get to see what good parents the grandchildren are making. To live this long and get to see so much of my descendants is pretty special Well---Monday, Monday, let's see what is special about it.

BETTY (always looking) BOOP

34 degrees---sunny

This cuddly warm robe let me sit a while on Balcony. So peaceful out there. I think that is one thing I like about sitting a short while each morning that I can on the Balcony. I know some people here who never use their Balcony. At least like I do. Such a waste!!! To each his own, I guess. My mind is blank for something to write. so here is a poem for the board:         

PANCAKES

by DOT ELLIS

Oh, what a delight!

So yummy and light.

Makes my day so bright

As my sugar I fight.

I know it is not right.

I try with all my might,

To wipe them from my sight.

But my memory is tight.

Just taste, and feel the height,

As high as a kite!!

Yummy, Yummy, Yummy.

BETTY (SO BE IT) BOOP

PAMPERED

Yes, and what is wrong with that? My good friend, the best cook of the Cyber is so good to me. I had breakfast, first in line, with her. I asked her to split my biscuit and toast it on grill. She did, and It was so good, with my two eggs over light, sausage and coffee. Royal treatment for sure. Queen  Liz, never has it so good. Another perk, Linda turning me on to the sitcom CALL ME KAT, Fox network on Thursday, with Mayim Bialik. Poor you, if you can't appreciate good humor. I love some of the funny ones. I like that this one always ends with a hilarious scene you will love. Either everyone dancing and laughing and singing or last time, in the kitchen of the Coffee Shop (where it is usually the setting) throwing cup cakes at each other. Funny story behind that. Although I could hardly stop thinking," Someone  has to clean up their mess." That is my trouble these days, I can't completely let it go. But I try. 

BETTY (let their be laughter) BOOP

P. S. Just try.

WET AND COLD

Too early for Spring, though I look for it. Did you know, blueberries added to banana on your oatmeal, makes it special? Add wheat toast with turkey bacon and put on just a smidge of Canton Bee Farm's honey is like "gilding the lily? Just add coffee and you have a fine start to the day. Makes you skip down the Hallowed Hall of SCV--well almost skip. Let's just say "Step Lively."

BETTY (trying to figure what "lively means) BOOP 

 

MARDI GRAS REVISITED

Here I go ago again. There is something about Mardi Gras that has awaken this VILLAGE. As I walked to breakfast in the Cyber, I viewed several displays of decorations. One is particular stands out. It is at the entrance of a man who in his career owned a string of Ben Franklin Stores. Maybe he still has an interest in them. I imagine he saved some stuff from them. for he was decorated to the "hilt." I don't feel overdecorated now. It was pretty to me, and I hope to tell him. It is just fun for most and we are celebrating in style. Soooo, I did go to Cyber for breakfast. Sugar reading cooperated. And I sprung for a Cyber pancake. Enjoyed it and if there are consequences I will endure and work it out. I brought a second cup-o-joe to the Balcony and enjoyed it too. I thought of how much the little Pine "thicket" has grown in the years I have been here. They were swaying in the tops that are so heavy with pinecones. I guess they are giving me a signal that rain and a little threat for storms is on the way. Michel (Buble') daddy bird checked for crumbs; I must hurry to get some for his family of birds. Wish I could meet Michel Buble' in person. Probable could not even speak. Why are we always in awe of celebrities?

BETTY (hunker down) BOOP

 

 

BREEZY, SUNNY, & BEAUTIFUL

You really should see my Mardi Gras display. I went all out yesterday with decorating. Hall Table, my front door, my tier table at my entrance. All in traditional colors of green, gold, purple and breads, coins, and mask. My little French doll with a tear in his eye, sits with beads around his neck and a basket of beads by his side. Cheer up. little fellow and celebrate. Time for King Cake, and parties and parades. Never did I go to New Orleans for Mari Gras, nor did I even want to, but my kids did.  Don't want to know about that. Let It Be. Ah, youth, it is so overrated. Just wait and see. With energy low and desire is weak, I am satisfied if I can just maybe eat a crumb of King Cake and watch the parade on TV. 

BETTY (just remembering) BOOP

P.S.  SO BE IT

TREASURE HUNT

 You never know where you will find a treasure. For breakfast I decided to use up half a fruit cup I saved from dinner last night. First thought, of course the famous oatmeal. Bits of cantaloupe, honey dew melon, bit of strawberries', and just for fun, a few slices of banana, that needed to be in there too. I had what I thought of as a treasure hunt to see what the next bite would have hidden in it. See, I told you it was nothing of value, except it was good, and I value good. Like my Buble' family of birds and their friends, this morning they happily dined on Honey Grahams. I pick them up in dining room for them.  Too sweet for me, but they get excited and bring a crowd and "party." 

BETTY BOOP

P. S. Another silly one.

SUPER BOWL

First off, I watch the Super Bowl for the commercials. In the past, when Truman was with us, we gathered together, usually at our house, with his adult family and had a party. Food, drink, and betting. for fun. We did enjoy each other's company. No kids allowed. Last night, I did not see any commercials that I can even mention. And I looked in wonder at the halftime show. I could not understand a single word they sang  (sang?)  It eludes me for sure. But I did get caught up in the football game. Picking the Rams right away to win. It was an exciting game for sure, right to the end. I would have won my bet, if I made one. Truman would have been proud of me. He had given up on me learning much about rules of the game.  There was one player (don't even know his name), who was very proud of his Super Bowl ring he won. Wonder what they do with those rings? Do they eve wear them. sell them, or put them on the shelf?

BETTY (would make a good announcer for the game) BOOP

p.S. I would at least be entertaining.

 

27 degrees--inside I sit

Even I know better. Sun is pretty, but it will fool you out there. My Balcony is sans-plant life. Everything finally gave up. Hope this Spring I can do better. I guess I miss nurturing something. I have two philodendrons inside.  One should be named Jacobs Ladder. It has climbed up its (ladder) trellis and is coming down again.  Maybe Jerico is a more fitting name.  I also have a small one that has died and come back a number of times. It came from a plant my "boys" gave me over 10 years ago. I can name it Lazarus I guess. Now that I have given them names, I can feel free to talk to them. I seem to be getting daffy or just desperate for someone to listen. Most people here just want to talk to you, but not listen. Another sign of age.

BETTY  (I am one of them) BOOP 

P. S. Will listen to me?

 

40 DEGREES--WARM IN NEW ROBE

Sure makes a difference. Stylish too. The Canada Geese are a fussy lot this morning. Resident Ducks sighed a relief when they got their act together (whatever it was) and gaggle by gaggle, flew away. I love them, but a little of their company goes a long way. They will be back. Saw two walkers. Will Dubb  one MISS TAM-O-SHANTY. Because she wears a tam so jaunty. And too I have been reading books set in Ireland. and the brogue is coming naturally. Loved our trip to Ireland, Scotland. and Wales. Over the years, we traveled to many places we wanted to go, but Ireland is one I wish I could explore more fully. I will just check out books now. A good writer can draw many pictures in your mind.

I almost went to the Cyber for Saturday breakfast. but I woke so early that I could not wait till it opened at 7:30. I wish I could adjust my sleep clock and not wake so early. But RESTURANT 2313, (ME THE COOK) is sometime better. I made myself a waffle with strawberries. So there, I am happy. I just glanced out the window. Beautiful sunshine and it will be a good day in the neighborhood, I think.

BETTY (going to Ireland, she wishes) BOOP

p.s. Do you want to go with me?

TRIP TO DERMATOLOGIST

 Once a year, it is done. Why is it that as you age stuff loves to grow on you? I have decided it is because we get soft, mellow, and forgiving. In my case it is true, Once a year he examines my old body and finds new and interesting things. He even cut a couple off and sent them away to be explored. Am I that interesting? Seems I am a little under suspension anyway. We will see. So Be It. Needed to stir up a little interest, but I could do without this kind. Oh, well, all is well that ends well. 

I will close with this from Romans 11-verse 12: "Let your Hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times."

BETTY (prayerful) BOOP

HAWKING HIS WARES

 Honey color this morning. The Honey Man from Canton was selling this morning without his wife. I think she talks too much that he never gets a word in. This morning he was praising his products. He told me a whole list of ways to eat his good honey. Most I already knew, but when he suggested oatmeal, I tucked the thought in my mind. This morning, I spread my homemade stewed apples in the bottom of my oatmeal bowl. Then in went the oatmeal AND a swirl of honey instead of the usual sugar-sub. A little river of milk flowed around the mountain of goodness. And was it good?  Oh yeah. Try it, or maybe you have already discovered honey as a treat. It has to be a treat for me, but I tell myself, it is good for me. I have even -in the past been told it could cure what ails you. Would that be "sweet news?" Anyway, a little goes a long way with me and I kind of liked it on my oatmeal. 

BETTY (sweetly be) BOOP

FASHION ON THE BALCONY

 Call me pretty and warm. On the Balcony this morning (only 35 degrees) and sunny. And I am sporting my new and warm robe. A gift from a favorite niece. How thoughtful to be worried about my old now "retired" robe being seen by my walkers. And it is just right this morning. The Buble' Family of Birds were admiring my new look too. I saw an inscriptional sight this morning. You know I have a "bird side view of the Cross on top of the Cahpel. Around the base this morning were many small sparrows, as if in worship. My imagination is big, I know, but what a sweet sight. 

Have you ever eaten ripe little tomatoes with your egg of the morning? So good. Daughter # 2 buys them for me at Kroger. Little larger than cherry tomatoes, but still small, always have the real taste. I eat them all the time in lots of ways.----Change of subject--Have you watched the sitcom CALL ME KAT? On channel 40 Fox network. Thursdays at 8 I think. Funny and takes you away from your troubles. 

BETTY(my troubles are thankfully few) BOOP

28 is too cold for me

Even with a warm, cozy, fluffy, birthday robe, it is just too much for me. Maybe later when the sun comes out. When you are 95, you can use all kind of excuses and nobody questions it. The old age bit goes a long way of being accepted. Uncharted course for many. When I am asked my age, I get all  kind of comments and looks.I am not sure I like 95. Maybe I will consecrate on 96. Sounds kind of mellow and easy. Well, is rambling about nothing another 95 trait? Because if it is, I am right on track.

BETTY (let us "jump the track" BOOP

p. s. Here comes the sun, good. 

 

CHANGE IS GOOD

 Hooray!! Breakfast in Cyber (in person). Usual two eggs over light, sausage, rye toast and at last good coffee. Ordered and served on real plate with real silverware. with a smile. That makes me "happy." Still more----in the rush to get ready, I saved my morning devotional and prayer time till I came back. The sun is beautiful but still too cold for comfort on the Balcony. I took everything I needed to the Bubble and changed my routine. So early, no one was around. Perfect peace and quiet. New feeling to pray over the Lake with the ducks all swimming up close. Nice change, but I still prefer the Balcony. It is my personal space and I like it. But as it has been said, "Change is good." And it is true. 

I have tucked the old Valetines in with my Snow covered trees (belong to Amy) and they look so special. They are getting very fragile, and some have faded and cracked, but I remember with awe the old timey cards that Truman's Mother saved that were his. They are kind of corny but sweet. Glad I have them. So you see, I have started the day off to a good start--change can be good.

BETTY( willing to bend) BOOP

WHAT DOES IT MEAN ?

I am not a superstitious person-stick to the truth I know., but when I dropped a saltshaker on the tile kitchen floor this morning and it broke into and spilled salt everywhere, I wondered?  What did it mean? My mind took over, will it bring luck? or doom? Or did it only mean a mess to clean up. Probably, or another problem. I have over the years since I have lived in this tiny apartment with a small kitchen, I have gradually lightened the load of so many things I do not need, One group had to go. I did not need all those shakers any more. Never did need all I had. So I do not have a single one now. Only the pepper shaker stands lonely on the shelf. Guess I will have to pour out of the box. A new thing to learn how to do. Don't use much salt anyway, so on to something bigger to solve. I know something of interest will appear sooner or later. That's Life. 

BETTY (on my knees and not praying)

P. S. just cleaning up my mess!!!  

THIS IS THE DAY

I usually wake the morning with-"This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." I said it this morning, knowing it would really be good, because the stars were aliened (so to speak) and all looked good. Sugar numbers were good and I felt good too. Soooo, let us see if we can mess it up a bit. You guessed it-Cyber Pancake!! I did go and had a scrambled egg, bacon (real), one beautiful pancake with sugar-free syrup (that made it o. k.) and good Cyber Coffee. I had to bring it up today, but starting Monday, we can dine-in, in the Cyber. Progress and I am glad. I never had a better pancake. Trish is the best cook. Lord bless her. So my day is off to a good start, and I will come down to earth an do the laundry. 

BETTY (feel a little naughty) BOOP.

P. S. I also feel a little full. 

29 NO THANK YOU

Even with that new cuddly robe, it is just too cold. We are doing so well with the numbers. Cyber will open on Monday for dine-in and take out as well. Even real China dishes!! (just   on certain days) Dining room also will have different hours on different days. I am sure there will be a few confused old souls, like me. I understand that staff is the problem. Working on that issue as many businesses are too. Any way little by little, we are striving toward normal again. I can't remember what normal is. Maybe there was never such   a thing as "normal". After all things do change every day. But you know what I mean. I have no worry about food, after all I do have   a freezer with a few "goodies." I will have plenty to sustain me, if I mess up.

BETTY (just going with the flow) BOOP

P. S. Is there a better way?

 

66 HERE--CHANGE IS NEAR

Other parts country are not so lucky. I want to hear from Memphis. I guess we will get a brush with the cold later. Things for me have calmed a bit. Memories have been deposited in the MEMORY BANK, safe till I need them. I still am enjoying the two arrangements of flowers I received. The "sweets" had to go, too tempting, but not before I had a few nibbles. Back to a good breakfast of oatmeal with banana and strawberries. O.J., wheat toast with turkey bacon and a cup-o-joe, on the Balcony. Good start, hope to move it on in a timely way and see what today has for me.

BETTY (can always talk about food) BOOP

NO P. S. what????

GROUND HOG DAY

Let us go with the color brown today in honor of GROUNDHOG DAY. Do you be believe in tradition. Or is it superstition? Whatever, it is fun. Poor little groundhog gets rousted out of s deep sleep, his eyes blinking at the funny sight of the men in big black hats, grinning at him. No wonder he runs back, or will he? Speaking of the weather, it is not a good Balcony day, so here I sit, looking out again. Hope for a good day, since I am getting a hair cut. Really, Really, need it. 

BETTY (I like tradition, and hair cuts, how about you?} BOOP

WARM AS TOAST ON BALCONY

Warm if you are dressed in a warm and fluff robe. like the one I received from my Niece. How pretty and she said " Now you will not have to sit in a tattered old robe, the one you write about in your Blog." How thoughtful and sweet of her. I will enjoy it. I cannot get my Birthday off my mind. I received so many cards (love them) well wishes,

 through e-mail. telephone and in person. Gifts of "goodies" will be rationed out little by little. The highlight was my lunch brought by J.& A, from PANERIA. Soooo delish. They also brought flowers , special cookies and tea bags, Flowers from M. G. & R.

  I felt love in each, and every gesture offered. Now off to the races to see if I can make it to 96. Back "ON THE ROAD AGAIN" as old Willie sang and come down to earth again.

BETTY {on ROAD 96} BOOP

P. S. (isn't there always one?) Don't forget the balloon  on my front door, love baloons.