STORM YESTERDAY

 I am glad it was not today. because I have an eye appointment today. Yearly checkup. First one since Dr. Ford retired. I knew him from the time he started his started his practice. Will have a new one today. Dr. Ford was one of a kind. Nobody had his type of humor. I liked him a lot. although he could intimidate me, but I did trust him. I get nervous when even my Dr's retire. I hate to outlive them all. I am just glad I can see as well as I do. It is amazing and always fascinated Dr. Ford. So, wish me luck and hope I can still read and enjoy books. Currently I am reading Amor Towles's LINCOLN HIGHWAY. Just got into it and I am loving it so far. 

Changed my breakfast menu this morning to speed me up. Soft boil egg (no clean-up) Rye toast and a bowl of TOTAL CEREAL with banana. o. j. and coffee. Quick and easy. I know some people eat dry cereal every morning. Can't do that.

BETTY (to each his own) BOOP

p. s. I believe in having a choice. 

WOW 70 DEGREES AT 7:30

Buble' family came. All children have left to start a nest of their own. Only one remains. You know the type. Good looking, charming and a "looser." Or just slow to get with his life. There are many humans like that. Anyway, the Bluble' family has one. Mom and Dad come each morning. She is kind, sweet and calm. Dad is a little stronger. When son comes in with a flush and starts bragging. Dad runs him off. Tough Love. it is called. Mom has a more accepting attitude. It will work out soon. I was thinking about the real Buble' family when yesterday I saw the real Michel' on THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW. My he is a charming and talented singer. And he has a family started. So do like him, bird family son and get to it. 

Oh, my, where did that come from? I need to get on with it too. 

BETTY BOOP

,

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BLOCK

WRITERS BLOCK-SORRY. 

BETTY BOOP 

PERFECT WEATHER

No walkers this morning. But they were out yesterday afternoon. Sunday, stroll, I guess. Maybe it is too early. Go figure. Birds were even being busy else ware. Nothing to report from the Balcony. But yesterday at Church was good. Chuck started us off with an old, old favorite hymn. LOVE LIFTED ME. Remember that one? Hope he will include some more old ones later. Good to see friends and hear Lance preach in person. Getting back to some normal. Wish I had more to say--but I guess I need to get on with the day and find something new.

BETTY BOOP

HOWYOU ?

 Have you noticed how we in the South tend to butcher the English language? Meet someone in the Hall and they say Howyou? Meaning How are you? Make it a whole word? And we answer -- fine , howyou? My word speller is going crazy. Does not want to spell it wrong. I have heard the theory that the warm weather we live in makes us talk slow and wrong sometime. Maybe. But that is how it is. 

Hope to go to Church.  By the way--"Howz Mama-n-nem?"  

p. s. (Did I get you on that one?)

 

BIRDS-A-SINGING

 My what a sing- along this morning. One guy is really stating his case this morning. Pouring out his heart to somebody. Must be a Mocking bird, because every time he sings, she answers and then he changes his tune. He is having a hard time convincing her, so he keeps changing his tune. Or maybe she is just being stubborn? (silly me). Anyway, I prepared this beautiful pear I picked up in the dinning room a couple of days ago. It was ready to eat, so I put it chopped up in a sandwich bag and took it to Breakfast-In-Cyber. I ate it while Trish did her magic of preparing 2 eggs over light, sausage, and only she can split a biscuit and toast it on the grill. Coffee too is good. They are promoting a Spinach Salad for lunch. When I asked about it. she said it would have spinach. apples, pears, walnuts and more. Think I just heard LUNCH.  Must start my laundry, so here I go.

BETTY (always planning ahead for food) BOOP

43 on Balcony

Sure did not seem that cold, with the sun so bright. As I came inside, I looked over the rail to down under me. I saw a big patch of clover, blooming. I thought of making a clover chain as a little girl. I stopped looking for four leaf clovers for luck, a long time ago. But I remember making a beautiful chain many times. Which led me to remember my Brother Jack. His birthday would have been yesterday. Many memories I have of him. One-he could sing as a very little boy and I worried him all the time to sing. For me and to perform for my audiences. He tired of it. One song he sang was so cute. I'M LOOKING OVER A FOUR LEAF CLOVER" you may remember it?  Jan came yesterday and also talked to Amy. So was a good day when you top it off with a hair cut. 

BETTY (have a good day) BOOP     

A FEW LITTLE THINGS

DID IT AGAIN. YES, CYBER CALLED ME EARLY. IT SAID,"COME ON DOWN." WEAK AND SUGAR 86 I CAVED-IN. I TOOK BLUEBERRIES FROM MY FREEZER AND ADDED THEM TO MY 1 PANCAKE. MMMM PERFECT. ONE SCRAMBLED EGG AND BACON (the real deal" AND OF COURSE COFFEE. ONE CUP FOR THE ROAD AND THE BALCONY. SUCH A MAD CLATTER FROM NEXT TO ME AND THEN ON THE BALCONY. 4 BLUBLE' FAMILY MEMBERS WERE MAD AS COULD BE. CHASED A 5TH PARTY AWAY. THE BLUBLE' FAMILY ARE VERY EXCLUSIVE AND THEY WILL NOT TOLERATE AN INTREDER. SO A LITTLE DRAMA SO EARLY. SILLY ME. I DO TRUST THAT MY SPECIAL BREAKFAST WILL BE ACCEPTED-NOT LIKE THE BLUBLE' FAMILY SQUABBLE.

BETTY(on a roll this morning) BOOP

 

 

LOOK FOR THE BEAUTIFUL

OLD, OLD Hymn. I can't find it in the current Methodist Hymnal. Funny how the old ones stay with you. I was lucky to have parents who loved me enough to take me to Church as I grew up. Those days, people loved to sing at church. I remember song fest. maybe at the night service, when we just sang only. I guess they stayed with me, for, I remember so many words and tunes and they come out frequently. I am happy for the memories. I thought this morning of this one when I saw a Cardinal atop of the popcorn tree. He really stood out being such a beautiful red color. Also saw a couple exercising in the pool. Also beautiful, I bet she had to cook a big breakfast when they finished. He was very active. Mine was good. Have you ever put a big spoonful of pimiento cheese in egg as you scrambled it? Gooood!!!!

BETTY (have a scrambled egg day) BOOP

STORMY WEATHER

STORMY WEATHER. Brings up a song title. I wish I could sing it to you. Now say what you will (and you will) but those oldies, but Goodies, sure stay with me. I intertrain myself with remembering all the ones I grew up with through teenage and beyond. They told so many stories and take me back to such sweet and yes, bitter times. I say bitter--that is a strong word. I guess those were strong times in a person's life. Growing up, means different things to different people. The surroundings make a big difference. My life has seen many, many, changing times. Live this long and you will have many too.  I never know when I take my coffee and sit out on Balcony just what thoughts will come to mind. So, stormy weather, me and my gal ain't together, brought back one. For my memory only. 

BETTY (little sweet secret) BOOP

CHEER ! CHEER!. CHEER!!!!

Now that is a better song from the birds this morning. Yesterday was good. Went to Church with daughter # 3. After a trip down Riverwood to see the old homestead, we built there. The people who bought it are taking care of it and actually I got to see Jonquils blooming.  I am sure Truman's spirit still roams there, for he did love the place. as I did. Then we really got loose and bought Arby's to take home. For me, Amy and Ed. Very. very, nice. Rest of day was quiet and watched Halmark series WHEN CALLS THE HEART. I keep up with the sweet and romantic story. Had my homemade veg. soup and a banana salad with peanut butter dressing. We used to call it Jan salad, because she liked it. Real peanuts would have been good, crushed on top. But the peanut butter was good too. 

BETTEY (I know I am rambling) BOOP

DID I HEAR RIGHT ???

As I sat on Balcony this morning, I heard a bird's lament---JERK, JERK, JERK!!!. I am sure it was a female talking about her date last night. Think he had better change his plan? There is lots of coemption out there.  How beautiful the day begins. Birds singing and sun shinning. And I am sure the birds song was not what it sounds like. The Meadow is greening and flowers are blooming too. Guess Spring is here.

I think I will go with A. to Church. Maybe my energy will improve, and along with it-my attitude. 

BETTY(looking for something better) BOOP 

ANOTHER ONE

Another Spring Day is here. Perfect temp, sun is shining, no wind. What else can I want.? Well, how about plenty of big, fat. juicy blueberries on a thick and fluffy waffle? Maybe turkey bacon and coffee from a vintage coffee pot? Right here in my gown and robe at apartment 2313? Dot's door is welcoming and decorated with also vintage items. On the door, my little row of handmade rabbits, strung on twine and looking as old as they are. On the tier table are item from the past too. On the Hall table the ceramic rabbit, I once bought during Good Sam travel days. Along with more old much love items for Easter. There is a basket that was once my Brothers' filled with ancient green grass and plastic eggs. You really should see it. I can tell a story about each one. I do love decorating my Hall table. When I clear one display, I have a sign that says NEW DISPLAY COMMING SOON. I don't want anyone to take it over before I can redecorate it.  Little chance of that. Most people say they are out of that now. But for me, it is a release and a pleasure.

BETTY (vintage) BOOP

BEAUTIFUL DAY

Started it right. Breakfast in Cyber. Where else can you be first in line, have two lovely ladies to greet you, have a perfect breakfast, with two perfect eggs over light, sausage, Rye toast and gooood coffee, served with a smile and enjoy your thoughts of a good day ahead? All for $4:5o? SCV of course. I met a few friends going to Mass. My how dedicated they are. Since my Balcony was wet from night rain, I opted for the Balcony for reading my morning devotional and Bible and prayer. Well, I am set for today and open to it all. Even had a friend to stop and speak as she was walking. I am seeing the pollen build up and was glad for rain to wash some of it off. O my, I never had that problem before. Since I have become a "certain age" I have been dreading the pollen. So be It.

BETTY(grab a tissue) BOOP

p. s. Read Matthew 6:34

 

NOSTALAGIC

 Remember PRESTO PLANT, way out off North State St.? Not there anymore but it was booming in the 60'S  and 70's, maybe longer. can't remember. I looked it up and it is still a company. I had my first pressure cooker from there, coffee pot and many other appliances. Well I still have the hand mixer (it works), It was a salad shooter combined. And best of all, my 8 cup wonder, coffee pot. It came in handy when Mr. Coffee failed to show up. Amy helped me put it together yesterday. The top was a mystery to me because it had many parts.  I washed it and filled it and it took off perking like new. Coffee was good, and hot. That is one difference in the metal and the glass. And I sat on Balcony longer, because the coffee stayed hotter. Although it is a little trouble to wash, it has many parts, I don't mind, as I am after all retired and plenty of time on my hands. And I thought of all the appliances Truman brought home, as his Fondren Civitan Club kind of push them by selling some of their products. So DOWN MEMORY LANE  this morning.

BETTY (good road sometime) BOOP

p. s. good coffee too.

DON'T NEED THIS---THIS MORNING

Mr. 

Mr. COFFEE, You are trying me. Overflowing and making a mess.  I mean a real big one. I tried you two times and still you refuse to cooperate. I guess they know what they are doing when the warrantee goes out just before the date. Only made to last till just before it runs out.  How many have I had? I guess my trusty big old 8 cup Presto is still working after many years, so I will pull it out till I can get a smaller version.  Maybe I will switch brands. But then I think, that many of the world population are waking to no coffee, not even a coffee pot. My worries are small. Thank you Lord for even the mess I have to clean up. On that note: Hare a blessed day.

BETTY BOOP

coffee 

WEAK

 

When Blueberry Pancakes are posted for the Cyber--I could not resist. Especially when my Blood-Sugar said 86. That is low, but eating a pancake is not the solution. It does not exactly work that way. But I will do my part to help. Real bacon helps along with coffee too. I really know much more than I reveal. Sometimes you must ignore and act dumb and just enjoy. I think that you who are dealing with BS know what I mean. 

Well ===RAIN GO AWAY. I am told it will and a pretty day is on the way, hope so. 

BETTY (must go walk off the sugar) BOOP

P. S. and think about if the pancake was worth it or not.

MONDAY, MONDAY.

Fitful night, with a few issues to solve. I approached the kitchen not really thinking, and reached for the coffee pot, knocked the whole thing to the floor. of course, glass went everywhere. My first thought, no coffee. But I remembered I had saved the little glass server from the one before this one, when I had to replace the machine before this one. Follow me? I swept the broken. glass to the corner (can't deal with this now. I attempted to make a pot of coffee. I was a little rattled I guess and did not get the coffee filter on center and did not notice till it did not go through. Grounds were everywhere they should not be and no coffee went in pot. Now this is not a good time to deal with all that. I finally started over and got it going. Prepared the rest of my breakfast and finally was able to sit down to eat. Opened the drapes to a sunrise so beautiful that I gasped. No human artist has those pinks and blues in his pallet . Only God has the right color. I needed to go outside. The wooly robe and socks came out and after I ate, I took my second cup to the Balcony. Little chilly, but nice as I observed the pop corn tree and it's new buds all over and was faithful for Gods care and love. Everything will be O, K,

BETTY (thankful for blessings) BOOP 

OGDEN IN THE MORNING

Can't get enough of Nash!

SWEET DREAMS by OGDEN

 NASH (wish it was me)

I wonder as in bed I creep

What it feels like to fall asleep,

I've told myself stories, I've counted sheep,

But I'm always asleep when I fall asleep.

Tonight my eyes I will open keep,

And I will stay awake till I fall asleep,

Then I will know what it feels like to fall asleep.

Asleep

Asleeep

Asleeeep.....

How clever. 

BETTY (getting sleepy?) BOOP

p. s. moving clocks  forward has me mixed up.

 

MMMMmmmmmm 31? No

Even with sun shining, it is a little too nippy. Plus, I was counting on at least a dusting of snow. This crazy weather keeps you on your toes. Wonder where "on your toes" came from. I spend too much time wondering. Well, my veggie soup was a little disappointing. After all that to-do, I chopped and stirred and "smelled" it all morning. I got too creative. Should have let Trader Joes's take over. But no, I had to add a little too much salt, pepper, and garlic powder. I never did that before. Transformed it into a funny taste. Not the usual old fashioned one. Will I ever learn to let good things alone? I even put a can of tomato soup in. Now that made it taste sweet, I think. Oh, well, I did eat a bowl last night and decided I will move the rest around in the fridge a day or too and close my eyes and dump it. After all it was mostly made up of leftovers saved in the freezer. Not really good. So that is the story for today, maybe the next will be better.

BETTY (do you have disasters in the kitchen too?) BOOP

p. s. if you say no, I will not believe you.

GOOD DAY YESTERDAY

When Tim Stanek (creative jazz piano player comes, it is good. I enjoyed it for one hour that he played and relaxed to listen to songs I knew from long ago. When he played THE TENNESSEE WALTZ, I almost lost it. Brought back so many sweet memories. I am still happy that I can remember so much of my days with Truman. And music does take me back to those happy times. But hey, I am still here and good things are still happening. Like I woke to planning how I could make home made veggie soup. I planned it before I got out of bed. I still have a slow cooker and with a little bit of this and that in the freezer, I think I can pull it off today. What a good plan, I need to "make" soup. I have made many a pot of that good stuff in the past.  I will try again. Wish me luck as I substitute and create something. Hope it is successful. I will tell you about it if it turns out good or not so good. 

BETTY (going back in time) BOOP

P. S. southern cornbread would top it off.

FOUND SOMETHING FUN

 We have a bench in the main hall where you can put reading material for to borrow or keep. I found something I like. THE BEST OF OGDEN NASH, compiled by his daughter. Big thick book of many of his hilarious poems. I will not   bore you with much, but here are a couple.:

SONG OF THE OPEN ROAD

I think that I shall never see

A billboard lovely as a tree.

Indeed, unless the billboards fall

I'll never see a tree at all.

THE FLY

God in his wisdom made the fly

And then forgot to tell us why.

Of course, there is much more to his poems than those, but his use of words really fascinate me, I wish I could write better. But I will just read this book and really enjoy. 

BETTY (poet wannabe) BOOP

DREAMS

I need someone to analyze this one. The craziest ones come to me when I wake at 5 and attempt to go back to sleep. (5 is just too early) Then I dream the crazy ones. Case this morning. I do adore DAVID of NBC NEWS. Not our local weather man. Though I respect him too. But this NBC anchor has my heart. Well he up and visited me in a funny dream. Riverwood and Truman and Mary Grace were both in it. I can not begin to tell you in this Blog what all happened. I was so frustrated trying to fix a meal for him and nothing went right. Better than EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND when Debra looses it. Maybe I need to stop looking at the old reruns, I know the lines better than the actors. If the dream does not fade (hope it doesn't.)then I will tell it when I see you.

BETTY ('nuff said) BOOP 

SHORT STAY

I just marched out with coffee in one hand and graham crackers for birds in the other hand--marched right back as a 45 degree temp hit me with a strong wind. Could not take it,  I wanted to.      I talk about this every Spring. How hard it is to get here and to stay. But be patient, it is stirring for sure. I am looking forward to Thursday, because back by popular demand is Jazz piano player TIM STANEK, from Memphis. He plays so well and the type of music selections I like. Little Pocket of Fun, as A. calls them.

Some people here are being cautious to still wear the mask. It is what they suggest, but some feel so good maskless and I have joined them most of the time. Hope for the best.

WOMEN & MUGGS & MUFFINS is tomorrow. Wish they would have whole wheat toast instead or, in addition  to muffins. Then I would maybe go. Then again it is at 9:45, still too late for breakfast (for me.) Diabetes really can put a crimp in food get togethers. Guess I could just have coffee-I love that. Will have to think about it.

BETTY(decisions, decisions) BOOP

p. s. how heavy sometime.

BIRDS-A-SINGING

This one dude kept singing CHAR-CHAR-CHAR. Over and over, he sang. Wonder what that meant? I also saw among the cloudy sky, what I wanted to see. Just once in a while, a small white circle will break through, and I pretend it is Truman peeking down at me. Now, I am a BELIEVER but I do know God does work in strange ways sometime, but for me I love to imagine that what I see is for me and SO BE IT.

My oatmeal with banana was good, along with it a new addition to my menu -- a piece of Rye toast toasted on one side in the broiler-turned over and sprinkled with small cubes of cheddar cheese and then melted under the heat again, till the cheese melts. Called a DOT CHEDDAR MELT.  Need to submit that one to the Cyber or keep it a secret between you and me.

BETTY (always making up stuff) BOOP

P. S. try it, you might like it.

HELLO

Running late Actually I tried earlier. Painstakingly I sent a poem I copied; found in my mother's Bible and something went wrong, and It is out there in Cyber Land. Too much trouble to type again.  Maybe for another time. She was famous for "clipping". I sat on Balcony and saw a person all in RED. Running!!! I mean -- running for fun. Think it was one of us? I would not be surprised, as there are many out here who could do it. Not me--never did run. But I used to walk at a fast clip. Oh, yes I did.  am out of that league now. So why rush? Any way. here I go---

BETTY (come stroll with me) BOOP

SAW SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Green for Spring. I saw a squirl this morning, climbing the popcorn tree. I can't remember seeing one here before. Maybe they have just been good at hiding from my view. Also saw four walkers. MR. FLOWERPOT HAT. Running close behind him was MISS FUNNY TOBAGAN HAT. I don't think she really needed it-but she had it anyway. Two other ones with no name yet. So Spring is close. The birds were Twitterpated in the Pine trees. Happy as could be. Better hold on for a while, more lower temps may be in the forecast. We always get ready for Spring and then a little more cold comes. Don't plant yet, let us see what this day will bring.

BETTY BOOP  

JUST RUNNING!!!!!!

Got you there. I mean my nose is running, faster than I can. Old alegrias are setting ready with Miss Spring to come in. I never had this when I was young. But alas, with age comes new adventures. My Dr. was pleased with all my test results and exam!!  So, I must be doing something right. Can't attribute it all to oatmeal. I will take a little credit for being very diligent and following Dr.'s orders over the years. And to God's mercy also. SO, BE IT.

I celebrated with breakfast in Cyber. Orange juice with pills before I went down. First there and was greeted warmly. Eggs over light, sausage patty, and get this--a biscuit!! Coffee (the best) and I was set to go. I sat on Balcony with second cup and took in some pollen. Came in rushing for a tissue and here I am. What next? Must go find out.

BETTY (time on my hands) BOOP

P. S. I have things to do, but I have Spring Fever.

WELL.......HERE I GO AGAIN

Here I "toddle' off again. to my annual physical. My Dr. will be surprised to see me. I am sure she wonders why? I am surprised as she, to be 95 and still a-going. The worst part is having to "fast. "For you know how I love my breakfast.

Amy and I will have a nice breakfast after the fasting and before the visit to Dr. Looking forward to that. (THE BREAKFAST I MEAN.) 

BETTY (wish me luck) BOOP

AND SO IT BEGINS

 I am speaking of Spring. Maybe the calendrer does not show it yet, but it is standing in the wings, ready to come again. I see below my balcony Azalea's blooming. Good sign, I am sure the jonquils are blooming on Riverwood.. Actually the temp was perfect with the sun and no wind.  Time for change. Bring it on and hope for BETTER. Down comes Mardi Gras - in comes Lent. And my table will go to Ireland for St. Patrick Day. Just a short time for that. I love the green and the old Irish sayings. And Father Frank's BIG flag from Ireland. He lets me stand it by the table. Makes us smile. I enjoy doing the table so much. Something I have not been forced to give up yet. Mr. Buble' came and had breakfast. He flew away with a morsel in his beak. For Mrs. Buble'.  She likes to sleep-in. How thoughtful of him. She will soon be raising a new crop of babies---AH SPRING.

BETTY BOOP

P. S. When a young man's heart turns to love. Old  Birds. too.

MARDI GRAS BEGINS

We are having a great buffet to celebrate.  The food sounds very authentic and good, but alas I must not try it. It is a buffet and I just can't navigate the line and hold a plate and serve myself. So another thing I must skip. Oh well, I have been there and done that before. Something better will come along. I can still cook out of this cute little kitchen, just made for one to navigate. 

My it is a beautiful day in my part of the world. Though the World seems to be upside down, I am hoping it will right itself soon. I try not to listen too much of the news, so many people have opinions and it is confusing to know what is really happening. Just have to put it all in trusting God.

BETTY (trusting) BOOP