THOUGHTS CREATE EMOTIONS

What a good day yesterday!! Always good when family get together. Love mine. As we sat on M. G. & R's beautiful, screened porch, thoughts really did come and with them emotions. Oh, there was a new tradition started, I hope. A. bought an ice cream freezer and made amazing ice cream to top the luscious peach cobbler she also made. No cake. However, I did see a cake in the kitchen all by itself. Everything else was great too. R. cooked perfect hamburgers and he can cook. He made the baked beans too. Others added the rest. Here I sit, like a Queen on her throne, and did nothing but enjoy it all. I told myself that my time is now. Little emotional, but I am determined to enjoy where I am now. 

I continued my JOY this morning, when I asked Jasmine to put blueberries in my one pancake in the Cyber. She is so kind and sweet to me. I need to eat more, as my appetite seems to wane sometime. I know I am having trouble keeping my weight up. But you don't need to hear all that stuff. All is well and time marches on.

BETTY (let down this morning) BOOP)

p. s. not used to so much fun.

RED WHITE & BLUE

 I like blue best. but for today  red, white blue for Memorial Day. Did you watch PBS last night for the annual Memorial Day special at our nation's capitol? Always special, but even so last night. So many have given lives to keep us safe. Yet we still have to fight for freedom each day. This day is going to be good. We are celebrating S's birthday. at the welcoming home of her sister and her sweet husband. Her Mother and Aunt have planned a great meal, just as she ordered with homemade ice cream & peach cobbler, instead of cake. Hooray. what a treat in store. I was just on the Balcony and everything looks good this morning. Birds did not come, however. I heard the whole Buble' family went to Gulf Shore's Ala. Them and a lot of others. People are tired of being careful and are getting on with their lives. SO BE IT. Might as well, what will be-will be. That sounds irresponsible? No, not really. Maybe it is the way to go. My I am full of wisdom this day. Take what you want and leave the rest to me. 

BETTY(just silly this morning)BOOP

p. s. I think it is the good Trader Joe"s coffee. thanks' to my Joe. 

SUNDAY & SUNNY

You know what, I just sat down and do not have a thing to say on the Blog. So "Have A Good Day" and maybe I will find something tomorrow worth saying. 

BETTY (just being honest) BOOP

FELT GOOD ON BALCONY

With my two banner flags waving in the breeze, I thought of the many times I have heard the anthem sung. People (stars) kind of ruin it sometime putting their own spin on it. Does that bother you? It does me. It is not about the singer, though they sometime seem to think it does. Takes away from the meaning. Or am I just being judgmental? I am guilty of that sometime. People here must be sleeping-in this Saturday. I saw only the birds this morning.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY  to a certain granddaughter  today Have a good one today and I hope to see you later to celebrate. Glad you were chosen to be a part of my bouquet of beautiful children. 

BETTY (love flowers of children ) BOOP

p. s. lucky again

 

BIG CELEBRATION

We celebrate big here. Memorial Day means so much to many. Flags and Banners are waving everywhere. Rose Garden, Terrace, Balcony's and on table decorations. My tier table at my door holds a flag and a picture of my Sailor Man. Bless the day he came home from war and found me. We are having a Memorial Day lunch on Monday. All are invited to a full buffet, with all the usual trimmings. Dine on terrace or take it out. Sounds great to me. I met many going to Mass as I left Cyber after having my eggs over light. "Happy". as I call her passed me with a promise to pray for me, even before I asked. Now what a blessing. My day started right.

BETTY (preaching again)

p. s. sorry 

GEVI ACTED UP

GEVI, you remember is my cute little almost new coffee maker. We meet and greet each morning. She has seen me happy or grumpy each morning and strives to do her part to start the day right. This morning was an exception. Now at 6:30 in the morning, it means a lot for her to perform without a hitch. Right? I guess it was partly my fault when I placed the basket that holds the grounds not right on the spot just right and of course It did not work. Water and grounds' from the basket went over the edge and everywhere, not  where they should. What a mess. I can hardly see that early, much less clean up a mess. I grabbed myself and laughed. Now that changed my attitude. Cleaned up, the best I could and started over. Little GEVI laughed and gurgled. at me and we got on with the oatmeal and fruit preparations. And she perked happily ever after. End  of that story, such as it was. I did finally sit on Balcony. The rain did a number on the Hibiscus, but it survived and is still blooming this morning. MR. MAN WITH CAP AND SHORTS came along. Did I mention he has his "elderly" dog along? Yes what a pair. MISS I CAN STILL WALK came too. Bless her, she is better than me. Here I sit and she is still going. I used to walk that way.

BETTY(don't feel sorry for me) BOOP

p. s. I had my day !!

RAIN O. K.

We will take the rain . I was awaken by a loud boom during the night. I thought my new mattress had exploded I am still in wonder of how they come packed. All in a roll. Only takes a breaking of the seal and out it comes!! Well, if it can do that, maybe it still had a little more expanding to do. But as I settled back, I realized it was thunder that woke me. I had a bit trouble going back to sleep, but glad for the rain

Off to CYBER. Jasamine was alone, she is good too. So blueberry pancakes for Dot. Had a feast. Another will come at Lunch in my apartment. Cooked by an old Chef (me). J. brought to me, corn, yellow squash, okra, tomato and I will have another feast today.  And, yesterday was both sweet and funny, as A. and I had lunch with Chris W. I like him a lot. Such a good looking young man, talented and such a gentleman. I wish for him great things in his future and much success. He has all the ingredients to make it big. Make your Mama Proud!!

BETTY BOOP 

FRUITY THIS MORNING

Blackberries. raspberries, strawberries, all in my oatmeal this morning. I have blueberries, but my bowl was full. Save them for pancakes someday. Also in my fruit bowl are apples, oranges, & banana. Come on over and I will treat you with fruit. I feel rich indeed. Oh, and while you visit, you can see my Balcony Garden The Hibiscus is so happy this morning. It has 5 yellow blooms open. Bugs seem to be at bay for now. The pink Geranium is about to burst with blooms. My red & white Begonia's seem to be thriving too. Purple Petunias are happy also, although the white Verbena seems to be taking a break. Now you must see the Cally Lilly (sp) it sits all by it's self in beauty. So mysterious and removed from the rest. It sits by itself at one end of Balcony. Sort of King of the Garden. My don't you want to see it all? Wish many times that I could paint a real picture, but maybe I was meant to paint with words. Even then I come up short.

BETTY (in a happy place)

p. s. come sit with me!!

 

68 DEGREES & MISTY

I braved the Balcony for a few minutes, till the mist was about to turn to light rain and blowing my way. I tried.  Actually, I like this kind of weather. I don't have to go out today. Oatmeal kind of morning. In it I had a perfect banana for a change. Paired with Madrinan oranges, it tasted good.

Mr. & Mrs. Buble" showed up for breakfast.  No babies. Think the babes have finally left the nest, but this beautiful young Bluebird tried again. He or she grabbed a toast crumb and to the ugly scolding by the Mr. Buble', he grabbed it and flew to next door Balcony . Eating in peace. I was embarrassed by his rudeness. Oh, well as I always say it is a jungle out there. Sort of like the real world and real people. I hate rudeness and I used to see a lot out there. Not here at SCV. Nicest place I have ever lived.  

and BETTY (nature lesson) BOOP

p. s. love it !!

 

FIRST NIGHT

First night of new mattress saga. Now we know it is not altogether the mattress that gives a good night. Better, but the almost hourly get-up is still my portion to bear I guess, but the mattress is great, it is just me. I am happy to have it.     You know what? I could not wait any longer to try the little miniature peach the man gave me. It was very sweet and good. Although I had to eat around a small spot. Wish I could see the tree it came from and also see the man again. Think he lives in the houses section.     I thought when I woke, I would not go to Church, but I have gotten up a small energy level and if A. is going, I will too. No rain so far. 

BETTY BOOP

  

MAYBE SOMETHING NEW

New mattress is supposed to be delivered today. Hope it comes. Never know about deliveries. So here I wait. Yesterday as I was coming in from picking up mail, a man (new to me) came excited down the hall toward me carrying a huge bowl of miniature peaches. All ripe and pretty. He was so excited to tell me they grew here on the campus of SCV. I did not know we had such a thing as a peach tree. but he waved in a large direction to where they were. Still don't know for sure. But this I do know--he was excited to be passing out samples. I got two as he told me exactly what to do with them. I think they need to ripen a bit. So, they look pretty in my fruit bowl for now. Later, I will report on the taste. But the fact that he was so pleased with them was nice. Everyone who passed was handed a peach.!!So that is it so far for today. A & J will come and assist me with the mattress delivery and set up. I need them both. Lucky me.

BETTY (can't wait) BOOP

p. s. but I must be patient. 

DID A LOT

Full day yesterday. First with J, A. & MG looking on and offering advice (I need and welcomed it) we finally settled on one I think I liked. My it is overwhelming!! And they cost so much these days. I am talking about my beautiful new mattress that will be delivered Saturday. Looking forward to a restful and good sleep. That said, it does not sound so bad written down. Of course it is all sweetened by a nice lunch at 463 restaurant. We dined on the outdoor patio with professionals, doing business and several groups of ladies & Gents just seeming to be enjoying themselves. Nice place and good too. Thanks to   MG, who arranged it all. I felt like a Queen with all the help I received. But to burst the bubble, I had an appointment (follow up) at my Dermatologists. Have been plagued by a mystery rash around my lips and mouth. Trying something more in meds. Hope to get relief soon. Why do I have these things to solve? Not good in the patience dept. I want it fixed on the spot. Will work on that. But on a happy note, breakfast in Cyber with my favorite cook, being so nice to take my blueberries and cook them in a lovely pancake!!  For a while, that set the world turning again.

BETTY (doesn't take much to put me in a happy mood)BOOP

p. s. if only that is all it takes!

WALK IN MY GARDEN

Well, I have built too big a garden to take care of. Everyone wanted water this morning.  So, I cut my time short to just sit and think and gave them all a nice big drink. The heat is taking a toll on them, I guess.  So that takes a while to do, since I can only carry a small amount at a time. But everything said, "Thank You."

Today another "biggie." My girls have been urging me to buy a new mattress. Much needed but a chore to do. Finally, a small group have persuaded me to go shop. Now the word "shop" brings dread to me. Especially if it is not something to wear. Know what I mean? So, I am trying to gather myself together and ask the Lord for energy to survive. I will be happy in the end anyway. 

BETTY (give me strength) BOOP

P. S. For A Happy Ending.

SURVIVED THE BOOSTER

It was almost like a party at the Booster Clinic yesterday. So many opted to get the last booster. The room was a mixture of laughter and fun. Glad to see some I had not seen lately. The program went like clockwork. Check in went quick and smooth. Plenty of helpers and all were pleasant and helpful. The wait was short and sitting in a group 15 minutes to be sure you had no reaction to the shot, went happy. Everyone talking and laughing like a cocktail party. (been to many of those) I almost had a good time. Mine went smooth and I was happy to be doing something to keep me safe. SCV and St Dominic's know how to get it done. I praise them everyday and thankful I can live in such a wonderful place. I saw several walkers, I must dream up names for them. Mr, BIG FLOWER POT HAT just walked by. Don't see MISS FLOWERPOT  HAT anymore. Wonder what happened to her? On the Balcony I put wheat toast crumbs. Surprise!! A beautiful young Bluebird came and was rudely asked to leave. He refused to leave but got such an unwelcome that he gave up. Naughty little Sparrows. Spoiled too. Well let us get on with whatever is out there for today. You never know what is waiting.

BETTY (peeking casually  ) BOOP

p. s. could be something good.

 

WARM OUT THERE

Did not stay long on Balcony because I slept later than usual, and I have to get my newest booster shot. Not sure I need it, but here I go with the rest of us just trying to stay safe as possible. I do hate to hurry; it rattles my brain and I start to make mistakes. Not good when you are late already. So, with that said, I will bid you a farewell in a hurry and tell it all tomorrow. O. K. ?

BETTY (sorry) BOOP

  

67 degrees

 Back home to SCV, from a most wonderful weekend at Leroy Percy State Park in the Delta. Arrived in the rain, but that soon stopped, and the rest of week was glorious weather. Lake was calm and peaceful, and we watched for alligators and Egrets. And the birds made you feel like you were at a beautiful concert on the Lake. We sat on the screened porch and just talked and listened to each other. No TV or phone service. Kind of a shock, but nice. And the food was as usual-fantastic. Now. as some people think, snacks and nick-nacks for us. NO- Just well-planned meals and plenty of it. We are old pros at this and really do it up right. Highlight for me, when Chef T. makes his signature pancakes. Oh, my, they are out of this world. Can't describe all the dishes our super cooks displayed, and you would think that was all we did. But we just enjoyed everyone and their memories of campouts before and being brought up on our lives in general. I am so glad my family deeply love each other and care about what is happening in each life. 

My birds missed me here and I saw a beautiful Bluebird come to my cracker crumbs this morning.  The beautiful Calla Lily, daughter # 3 brought me is right at home on balcony. I got some new presents from # 1 So thoughtful. Must stop. there is much more to say. but need to come back down to earth, (not a bad thing) but day to day life is calling.

BETTY (laundry does not do itself) BOOP 

p.s. last night we had a campfire outside, and it was great -- no somemores? That is o. k. did not need them anyway!!

L[IKE THE RABBIT-IAM SCATTERED AND LATE

But I write in my happy color--blue. Off to a weekend away from TV, greeting people (even if you don't feel like it, doing your little mundane duties, and generally just trying to get through another day. Weekend of sweet and thoughtful, family, good food, conversations, catching up, and being in the great outdoors of Gods Kingdom. The reasons I have always liked traveling. Getting away from the usual. Not that the usual is bad--it is so constant. That said, let's get to the LIST and merrily check it off. I have done something crazy with the computer. Hope this comes through.

BETTY BOOP

  

JUMP START FOR MORNING

Balcony and Birds are silent. But along came MR FLOWERPOT HAT in shorts!! Now I remember when that was not the usual. I really remember my husband's first shorts. He and his brother called them simply short pants. They dared each other to wear them first. Their younger brother never wore them that I can remember. Thought it was an old man's thing, I guess. Funny men's fashions change too. Think about our own country's colonial days and the tight pants and wigs they wore. Anyway MR. FLOWERPOT HAT is comfortable this morning. When I first moved to SCV, I did not see shorts on women. Oh, no, I had always worn them-young and older, but now I see a few and I have even ventured out in shorts (to my knees) of course. Well, it is getting "shorts" weather, let us see who gets brave. Ha!!

BETTY (bring on the BUILD=A=TAN) BOOP

HOT ON BALCONY YET EARLY

I did not stay long. I have a ton to do. I woke at 2 A. M. and realized I haven't even made a list. When you travel, no matter how far and long, you need a list. Always. My life is so "needy" now and I require a long list of "must have." So I began to plan in my head. Not a good way to have a good night's rest. But here I am with ideas scattered in my mind. I must sit down and write them out. I always said planning is the most fun part. Now, well I don't know if it is that much fun since I am always in danger of forgetting something important. So, here I go making a list, checking it twice or more and also I have a haircut appointment this afternoon right in the middle of my nap time. What was I thinking? Oh, well I can sleep tonight with all those little problems taken care of? Nice to be able to go down stairs and get my haircut here.

BETTY (really good to have something to do) BOOP 

p.s. now where is my long yellow legal pad?

Ahhh SUN IS OUT.

Good for the flowers and me too. Always good when I start the day with Breakfast at the Cyber. My good cook friend is the best at egg over light. A toasted biscuit was good with it. A small sausage patty & coffee rounded it out just fine. Met friends going to Mass. Faithful for sure. The Bluble' family of sparrows were knocking at my door early. I guess I could let them go eat the many insects around, but I believe the crackers will not completely sustain them and they are here for an appetizer and to say hello. I met a Hall friend going to mass. Children were here Mother's Day from Chicago, and she does not get to see them often. I celebrated with her. I am so blessed to see mine more often.  

BETTY (shrimp dish for lunch) BOOP

p. s. find your blessings today  

DAY &MOTHER'S & MORE

Since the official Mother's Day for my family will be next weekend, I thought little of yesterday's. But to my surprise, 

daughter # 2 and spouse came in the afternoon bearing a large sack of potting soil and begonias to plant. The ones I planted had given up. So, they decided to empty the pot and plant new soil and flowers in it. I was overjoyed and thankful. As they worked quietly and very efficiently together, I thought of my own spouse. We used to work just that way on small projects. Way to do it for sure. They emptied another huge pot that had always given me trouble. Everything I planted, gave up. Ugly old pot anyway. I will ask the maintenance men to cart it off. What a gift to have someone take care of replanting and it looks so good. Little things to them-big things to me. Thank you so much. 

Sun is hiding this morning but maybe it will peek out soon. Birds are very quiet this morning and geese are not teaching their little one to swim, but MR. BIG FLOWERPOT HAT, just walked by and behind him one NO NAME YET LADY came swiftly by. When the sun comes out. it will be a beauty of a day. 

BETTY (hey the sun just peeked out) BOOP

p. s. seek and ye shall find, knock and it will open.

59 degrees

Did not really think it could turn so cool. but as they say, THAT IS MISSISSIPPI FOR YOU. Felt kind of nice. And HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all you Mothers out there. I consider it a privilege to be among the rank. It is really my career.  Never had any other dream, but to be a good wife and mother. I am thankful I was able to stay home and do just that. Three beautiful and successful daughters is just icing on the cake-and with a cherry on top. Being a good mother is a hard but fulfilling job. One I am proud of. Enough of that sweet stuff. I guess you know this is not the official Mother's Day celebration for our family. With Amy having to be out of town, we put our Annual Mother's Day camping trip off till next weekend. Something to look forward to. Cabin Camping is one of the good family things we do. Good food. much talking, and relaxing in one of our beautiful state parks. So that is next weekend. Looking forward to that. If it is one thing my family loves to do is create good food and we have the same (almost) wonderful menu every time. I will tell it later. So two Mother's Day celebrations for me. 

BETTY (enjoying the days)BOOP

p. s. enjoy

SENOIR SENOIR SENIOR YOU'RE YO'R LATE YOU'RE LATE MOCKING BIRD TRILLED

When I finally arrived on the Balcony, it was a tad late. My Bird Family were milling around and wondering. The Mockingbird was fussing at me too. I had breakfast in the Cyber. First one there at 7:30 (as they opened) and before I finished there were many more dinners. Oh, yes, it is for Mother's Day. Many visitors were darting around, helping the resident they were visiting, not realizing how independent we are. So, we let them do things for us that we always do for ourselves. Ha! Got you! I saw one of my favorite Hall friends with her handsome son and was she proud! She has a bunch of kids and to her each one is the best. Such a friendly lady-loves for me to tell her what my Blog subject for the day is going to be. When she asked this morning, I said YOU!!delighted her. So I wish she could read it, but I dare not share my blog with everyone. So a good start for today

BETTY(wish this allergy  would let up. Pollen will soon be all done, I hope) BOOP

p. s. never had allergies till I got old. SO BE IT.

66 DEGREES--NO WA;KERS !!!!

Why are you missing this perfect morning??? Wish I could do it. My walks these days do not resemble the "old days." My, I must talk to myself this morning. Why do I think about the old days so much?  Because these days are not always the way I want them to be? But in many ways, they are the best. So many blessings come my way each day. I need to start a list and just write them down. "Just get off your Pity Pot Nancy" and get on with it. I know what, I need to get a haircut. That always perks me up. 

I sure am enjoying my new smaller clothes. Pants and tops make me feel like a Fashion Model. Well almost. I would not want to live the life of a Model. I am reading a new DANIEL STEEL book called BEAUTIFUL. About a very successful   model who lost her beautiful face to a tragic accident and must give it all up. Some very good lessons she writes about. Not too hard to read. Actually, I am enjoying the outcome of such a terrible time she is going through and what she is learning is important. I wonder what motivated her to write such a story.

BETTY (the sun looks good) BOOP

p. s. let us dwell on that!!

CINCO De MAYO

Never heard of it till I was grown up. I don't think we have always celebrated it. We spent a couple of months each year (January & February). after Truman retired on the border of Mexico and Texas. Toured part of Mexico and all the little Texas towns around. Good times and I saw nothing but Mexicans. Beautiful children. Care-Free days they were. Newly retired and we did much travel. Well, today at SCV we celebrate with an afternoon snack of Chips & Salsa & Margarits!!  But, alas, I have an appointment to see my dermatologist. Can't get rid of this redness and dryness around my mouth with over-the-counter meds. Must be something I can't treat. Maybe I will get back in time to at least pick up an afternoon treat?  Doesn't matter, I have missed things like that before.

BETTY (dreaming again) BOOP 

p. s. I loved that big old motor home and the times I spent with the love-of-my life. 

MORN' Y'ALL

Purple this morning. In honor of my   beautiful Verbena and Petunia plants. Outstanding, so far. They both are old plants from my childhood. Remember them as just the usual plants ladies had. I am sure over the years they have been perfected and grown into many colors and variates. But just a reminder of the past. My Mother had the greenest thumb you could imagine. Always grew something wherever we lived. Daddy always had a garden too. My thumb is not so green. I have trouble with some of my plants. I guess I look at them too much. Maybe they are afraid of me. My Begonia's are not doing well at all. Another beauty from the past. Oh, well, I keep trying.

O. K. --- what for this day?  Oh, I know--- laundry. How exciting

BETTY (must be done)

p. s. try to get out of that one.

 

O. K A LITTLE SILLY

I use Yardley bath soap. I think I have written their history before. I like it because it smells good. and does not melt like Ivory. Plus Dollar Tree has it for one dollar. Jan brought an assortment for me recently. I just love the names they create for each bar. I got one that said it was an LIMITED ADDITION!! FROSTED CRANBERRY with orange & grapefruit oils. First I was surprised to read oils in orange & grapefruit. So, I can not say I have a good sense of smell of cranberries either. Have you ever smelled  cranberries? So I had to laugh and think they have someone new at thinking up descriptions and believe it will be a Limited Addition. What do you think? Or do you have time for this nonsense?  Oh well, nothing changes about two egg over light, sausage, Rye toast and coffee in the Cyber. Still good. And does not change.

BETTY keeping you informed) BOOP

p. s. frosted cranberries indeed!! just smelled good.

BECAUSE HE LIVES

 Our Choir sang BECAUSE HE LIVES yesterday at Church. Did you know Bill Gaither & his wife wrote it? And did you know it made it into the Methodist Methodist hymnal? Beautiful lyrics', and the tune is made to really sing out. Enjoyed our Choir. We are small but good.     We stopped and bought lunch on way home. Will not go back to PANERIA'S  I guess. They have changed so much. They dropped the 10 Bean soup that I loved. That is why I liked to go there. Oh well, so much has changed in the last 2 years, I guess I am not too disappointed. I have learned to be happy where I am.     Only one walker this morning as I sat on my Balcony. If we had a contest, MY balcony would win for the most beautiful Flowers make me happy. Glad there are no such contest. That would be so wrong and would spoil it all. 

BETTY (what kind of mood am I in today?)

p. s. do we always have to have a reason for everything? NO!

SUNDAY - SUNDAY

And, I go to Church when I can. Things are changing in the Methodist Church. Don't know what will happen. but I know what I believe and I am content with it. Beautiful day. And here I go. I started out getting things done in a timely manner. Planned well. but the best laid plans can go wrong!! I picked up a sausage biscuit to add along with my soft boiled egg. I split the biscuit and warm it with sausage  under the broiler. Went about with preparing strawberries and coffee. Then I smelled my toast burning. Oh No!! The wholewheat toast was a sub for the much wanted biscuit. Oh well, toast was best for me. Put a little honey on it and it is good to go. My I do have a lot of problems?

BETTY(just small ones)BOOP

P. S. handle, it. handle it, handle it!!!