RED LETTER DAY & THE THREE Ps

Red for a day I have looked forward to. With much planning, pondering, and panic. The three P's we will call them. First: PLANNING It takes a lot. I am like a baby again because I have so to plan to take with me.  much PONDERING: do I go or not. Add PANIC:If I don't go, I would be alone. Everyone gone, but me. So I added another- P--patience!! And realizing I really need and want to go. So here I am, with my bags packed to the fullest and bulging at the seams. Did I forget anything? I don't see how. I find myself longing to look over the Beach to the sea. Something like calmness takes over. As you realize the endlessness of the ocean. Going in and coming out. The sound is like no other. We may get rain on the Beach, but that can be brief and refreshing. Even the sudden storms are so powerful to watch at sea. Well you can see why I did, PONDER, PLAN, and yes PANIC. All good emotions--- good in their own way and necessary to the whole experience. 

BETTY (here we go) BOOP

p. s. it is all worth it.

BETTY (

MORE THAN ONE GAGGLE

I had my eggs in Cyber this morning. When I got back the sun was too hot on Balcony, so I took my second cup to the Bubble. Looks different from that view. I saw several gaggles of Canada Geese. The Meadow is bright green in spite of lack of rain. They were feeding in groups. I am busy checking off the list. Oh, I am worse than a baby with the things I require. My daughters are so understanding and have devised many details to accommodate me. Surely their crowns will sparkle in heaven someday. I had a most wonderful gift yesterday. My 3 great grands from far away came to see me. We are all going to the Beach soon and I will get to see them some more. They are delightful. Smart, cute, full of fun and wanted to know about everything. I did enjoy their visit and look forward to the Beach with them and everyone else too. I am blessed with the best family in the world. Hands Down.

BETTY(lucky me)BOOP

p. s. come with us.

DINE IN OR TAKE OUT??

I observed the Sparrow family, better know as the Buble' Family. as I sat on Balcony from a better advantage view. Seem the same each morning. this # 1 comes and takes a crumb, eats fast and carries one away. For his "Sweetie "I like to think. Others come and eat next. But this first one always takes a crumb away. So --- dine-in & take-out. Which do you prefer? It changes for me. Mostly take out now. Sign of the times, we say. Memory took me back to our trip to Russia several years ago. We wanted to try their McDonalds. We did and were disappointed.  The bun was kind of like a biscuit. Meat was Questionable. But everyone seemed happy and it was full of people. I noticed lots of take-out. I saw in the news when they started the war, it was closed down for a while. but open again. Guess you can't run Mc's off easy. I have not had a burger in a while. I prefer a sausage biscuit. Truman was accused of owning stock in the company. when we traveled with our Camping Club. He always insisted on McDonalds for coffee stops. Oh, the places we go and the things we see!!!

BETTY(in traveling mood)BOOP

p. s. a-traveling we will go-- 

RYE TOST CRUMBS FOR EVERYONE

YES, A treat for all. I do like Rye bread. For toast at breakfast. with butter or honey. And a ham sandwich on rye is perfect. Never had it till recently. Then a lot of things have happened to me recently. Well before 2011 and we moved to St. Catherines for Truman. It made seance that we did move. Better care for Truman and turns out for me too. As I sat on Balcony this morning, I thought how much I do feel at home here. Great decision I made. As I mentioned, I now, in search of shade, sit at the opposite end of balcony. The view is different and am enjoying it. I viewed a man in swimming pool. He is having a great workout. I saw him when I opened the drape at 6 and when I finished breakfast, he was still going strong. I bet his breakfast was good and needed. Well. my coffee cup soon got empty, and I had no reason to stay. but it felt good out there.

BETTY(have a good day) BOOP

p. s. and I will try also. 

 

WHAT IS IN A NAME, she said that is a man name.

I went to breakfast in CYBER. Woke a little late and was rushed to go. I decided to seize the day and make the most of it. Met two of my "fans" of my writing. They make me feel good. I am always seeming to relish complements and approval. Not shy about that. We spoke about names and nick names in particular. I have had to explain my nick name of "DOT" to a lot of Dorothy's and Doris. One lady is Patsy for Patricia. And don't call her "Pat" , because that is a man name !! I could go on and on about nicknames. I am sure you can think of some too. Anyway--FRANKIE just walked by, bet she is named for her father. That happens too. So when I sit to write, you never know what will come up. I must go on my merry way and try to keep up.

BETTY (searching for topics) BOOP

P. S. none for today

 

O. K. ON BALCONY

I moved my sitting place to the upper end of Balcony to get out of early sunspot. Away from the bird feeding place too. They seem to like me a way away from where I feed them. I can stay a little longer before the sun covers the whole Balcony. And then it felt a little better from lower humility. That was a blessing. I am waffling between going or not going to Beach. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by it all. Don't like being so dependent, yet I am constantly assured I am not trouble. But I know better. A week of lots of fun and people (whom I love) is a lot for an "old girl." Have thought it out and talked to myself and most of all, prayed for help in deciding what is best for all. Right now, the list is made, and I am mentally checking things off. So, we will see what I should do.

BETTY (help) BOOP 

 

TULIPS

My computer flashed up a beautiful scene of tulips in Holland. We saw them on our first European tour. Did not think I would ever see something so beautiful again, but we later lucked up during tulip time in Holland, Michigan during the peak of season. Never again had I seen such beauty. Every yard and field were planted with them. We had books and plans every motor trip we went on, but sometimes we would find treasures not planned. Like the CORN PALACE in Iowa (I think) that was really something to see. Now my mind turns to the BEACH. It never changes. The tide still goes out and in. You can count on it. But the people do change. Grow up and some away, but the tide still comes in and out. By next Sunday, I will watch it and hope to tell you that it still is the same.  Want to come with us?

BETTY (already there in mind) BOOP

P. S. come with us.

THIS, THAT, AND THE OTHER

As I read my e-mails, and Instagram's, I realize how small my world has become. I used to know a lot about Jackson and it's going Ons. Was a smaller place and I was involved with much through my husband too. Now I read with awe all that is happening about the city. Some very good things and also some not so good. Many things and events that go on are awesome. Thanks in part to my Granddaughter and her very active husband (his job) I see lots of progress. The sad parts are a sign of the times. Don't we say that about all generations? I for one am proud of the progress and I am willing to turn it over to the younger, eager ones and let them have their day. 

My. My. Where did that come from?

BETTY (letting it go) BOOP

p. s. whew !! that felt good. 

76 ON BALCONY

Orange for the sun and orange juice. I had both so far this morning. One lone walker and two young Canada Geese down front of me. A golf cart started up on the edge of Meadow. What was he doing there? Maybe starting to fish and changed his mind? Always a story to tell or to imagine. Mr. Beautiful Bluebird came, looked, and turned his nose up at graham crackers. O. K. I thought you would like a treat like the BLUBLE' do. Our former and well-loved Activities Director has written a book about her time here. She had a book signing here yesterday and I got my copy from Amazon, and she signed it. Others did too. I really liked her when she was here and loved the book. She did a nice presentation, and it was so good to see her. 

Oh, yes in the mix of things, my garbage disposal got stuck and had to have it opened. Expected a mess, but this nice young man had it fixed before I knew it and he did not leave a mess as I expected. One other good day about yesterday.

BETTY (always expecting the worse) BOOP

p. s. not a good attitude  

HEAT INDEXT EXPECTED HERE 101

Stay indoors today. The advisory from SCV for today. Will do. The little, short errand trip yesterday was enough for me. I have never cared for NEWK's. but the NEWK'S FAVORITE SALAD really was good yesterday, enough for 3 people like me. I had it for supper too. I also bought a carton of Tomato Basil soup. Recommended by Jan as the best. She was right. I also had 3 servings, (my size.) So, I am set for a while. 

My Bluebird flew in and had time for several crumbs, before it got nervous and flew away. The other birds are too hot to bother. I sat a few minutes and started to get too hot, even though there was a slight breeze. Got to see two ladies walking but too hot for most. Well, here I go to the rest of the day. You all have a good one.

BETTY (taking it slow today) BOOP

p. s. And The Living Is Easy.

WHAT CAN I SAY ???

Since the little drama the night before, all is quiet. I woke early before 5 and got on the mental trail of GOING TO THE BEACH. I got tired and tried to exit, but to no avail. My mind seems to go where it will sometime. Sounds like a lot I have committed to do. But with help and patience, from me and those who help me, I guess I will be good to go. It would be a little scarry to stay here with everyone gone to the beach. So, I am planning and hope it does not require my waking up to do it. 

I treated myself by going to Cyber for breakfast. Was, hungry as I had been awake since 5 o'clock. Had scrambled egg, grits, bacon, biscuit & coffee. Lumberjack for sure. I am good to go, and J. is picking me up to go for a little shopping. See you later.

BETTY (A SHOPPING WE WILL GO".

p.s. bet I will nap today!!

 

80 DEGREES

 I am afraid I will run out of RED ink, so I opted for cool green. Feels better anyway. My brave little yellow Hibiscus has 5 yellow blooms that will open today. She is brave although loosing most of her leaves. It is safe to say, I won't put another one through this ordeal. Hibiscuses are off my list. Everything needs water even though I check them every day. The heat has been too much for them. I will say though, my Sweet Potato vine is loving it. You can almost see it growing. Little blue flowers are forming. Does that mean a big potato crop??? Sorry they are not good to eat. 

MURDER IN THE BATHROOM last night. At 10 o'clock I made my last bathroom run and was headed for bed but what to my amazed eyes did appear. Something I had never seen before in my apartment. The largest roach I have ever see. Never had I seen one as big anywhere, especially here. I guess the heat has sent them running for cool and water too. After a moment of shock,  I gathered my self and reached for the only thing I had to KILL. A can of Wasp spray!! I doused him good and watched in horror as he finally gave up. What a mess I made, so I just turned the light off and tottered to bed. Left him to his death alone. I was amazed this  morning when there he lay all curled up and dead-as-a-doornail. How dead is that? So a little drama, and I am still here.

BETTY (feel like a murderer) BOOP

p. s. reading too many mysteries' though this one is true!!

79 already

Red-- it is-hot. The day dawned hot. Birds still are eating, so all is well with them. I guess it is alright with me too. as I feasted on oatmeal with blueberries. Heat does not seem to take my appetite. So Be It. SCV issued a warning from the weather people. 100 degrees is expected.  Stay indoors if you can and stay hydrated.   Poor people who work outdoors. 

I am thinking about my display table in my Hall. Beach is the theme this time of the year. I will hold off a week or so, and then it will be close to our annual ELLIS BEACH WEEK. Established long time ago and still going. Much has changed but still the desire of the pull to the ocean and to be with much loved Family. That has always been out goal and still is

BETTY (plan to go) BOOP

p. s. will watch from the big porch.

. 

HOT ALREADY AT &;8

 Rosey Red this morning. Pretty color, but a little warm, like today. We, A. and I, are off to Church this morning. Hope to sing some old favorite hymns. I have a Methodist Cokesbury Hymnal here at home. I finish my daily devotional each morning, by reading a song that fits my readings. I pick them, read, but not sing. They are so inspirational and beautiful. To think people wrote them long ago, that had the same thoughts that I do. And of course, they Rhym and that makes me happy.

BETTY (happy is where you find it) BOOP

p. s. just LOOK ALL AROUND YOU. 

TOWN CRIER ??

There is this one sparrow who come first. He eats a crumb and then perches on the edge and chirps loudly. Picks up another crumb and away he goes. Then the packs begin to come. So I dubbed him "Town Crier." Does his job well. I woke early enough to go to breakfast in Cyber. An easy thing to do. Almost first to walk in but one guy has me beat. I asked him if he opened them up. He said "sure did." Rather smugly, I thought. Well I took sweet cantaloupe from daughter # 2, all cut up in a baggie. Had it with two eggs-over-light, sausage patty, Rye toast, and the ever loving coffee. Another perk for this morning. A. is coming to borrow a vase. Oh, here she is at the door now.!!  Let me run for now.

Betty (run?,  better not) BOOP

p. s. just say "come on in")s

HISTORY BUFF ??

I guess it was during the 50's that Howard Hughes was in the "movie land" news the most. Right in the era of my "girl factory" days. I was absorbed mainly with that stuff going on and did not pay much attention to what was going on in Tinsel Town." But as T. and I sat yesterday listening to our Resident Historian explaining Howard Huges, I thought he was as unreal as they get. His story you must read.   My he must have been a super genius and way mentally ill in a big way. What a story. I am glad Mr. T. enjoys coming and sharing the time with me. I enjoy the fact that my son-in-law is like a son to me.

I saw MISS LADY WITH HER TWO COCKERS go by. I have a mental story about them, even though I do not even know them. I think the Cockers are mother and daughter. Living out their lives in lap of love and enjoy this beautiful Lake walk. Oh yes, Mr. Bluebird came a stole a crumb, Ha Ha!!

BETTY (making up stories again) BOOP

p. s. do you know of a better pastime?  

BLUEBIRD OF HAPPINESS

As I sat on the very cool Balcony just now, a Bluebird tried to steal a cracker and was successful as a rude Buble' scared it off. Need to hold a lesson in being polite to them. Anyway, I thought about what the meaning of the phrase Bluebird of Happiness meant and its origin.  As usual I am surprised at how smart Mr. Google is. The subject keeps going back to. Arkansas. But even way back to all kind of stories. Too much to tell. But they all use, happiness, as a part of what it means. They are beautiful birds, and I am glad we have them. Linda sees them in her yard too. Anyway, read about them when you have nothing else to do. My fellow SVU walkers are out this morning. Leading the pack was the couple I like to see. They were holding hands as they walk in tandem. with Mr. Bluebird of Happiness on their shoulder. My I am borrowing from all sources this morning. ZIPPY DO DAH.

BETTY (love that song) BOOP

p. s. just a little silliness-find your happiness today. 

 

 

BEEN OFF A WHILE

I sat to write and my computer flew away- into Cyber Land where it stopped. I had a light to burn out in bathroom and one in the kitchen. I was tied up in getting that fixed. So I have just now got the computer back on. Seems the fix it people have their own special thing to do, and I had to get two on the jobs. So I am back and that is all I have to say for now. Light in kitchen is requiring a while and it is lunch time. Guess my nap will be disturbed too. Woe is me, I do get into some trouble sometime. Lucky I have help.

BETTY(fix it day) BOOP

 

77 degrees at 7

 Let's cool it off with a cool green. I saw the gaggle of Canada Geese on the Meadow. Feasting on cool green. I was also glad to see the LADY WITH TWO COCKERS avoid the other side of Lake. The Geese would not welcome the two Cockers' barking, I am sure. I forgot the Buble' family this morning and I had to listen as they expressed disappointment in me. I was hot anyway, so I left early and brought out a mix of graham and regular crackers to say I was sorry. Satisfaction for them and me too. 

You know, where there is a will--there is a way. I craved French Toast this morning. Diabetic style is not bad. Especially when you add plump blueberries on top. No sugar. I am glad #2 daughter and husband are home safe from a week of taking care of the special grand kids. Always loved it when I could do the same for mine. 

BETTY(life is good)BOOP

p. s. savor the moment.

ANOTHER RED HOT ONE

YEP, Another hot one. Got warm on Balcony. Birds did not sing, only one couple strolled by. Lake is so calm it looks like glass. No Canada Geese or ducks. Just looking at my Hibiscus. Last one I am going to try. Bugs have gotten to it and even the buds, and there are many, try to open, fail and fall off before opening. Alas, tried and true Begonias seem to be my thing. They are pretty and come on so many colors.

Breakfast is a safe subject. My favorite oatmeal. jazzed up with best strawberries. O. J. (many pills) Rye toast, turkey bacon and good old Trader Joe's coffee. Running low on coffee and will soon switch to KROGER"s BREAKFAST brand. Not bad at all. Especially in one of my 3 favorite cups. The cup is important. Did you know that?

BETTY (well known fact) BOOP

p. s. that is why you read me--for information--yea!?

SUNDAY, SUNDAY AND OFF WE GO TO CHURCH

If A. gets to go, so do I. It is beautiful day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Every one was asked to wear RED to celebrate Pentecost. I Hope to get a fresh meaning of it from our preacher today. I study a lot but there is so much I do not understand. SO BE IT. I was reminded 0f the old, old, hymn-BY AND BY, where it says, we'll understand it all by and by. My Daddy liked that one. It  is so 0ld, most do not know it. When I was a little girl, we had Church service even on Sunday evening. Sometime we would have Sing-Alongs. That is where I got to learn and love the oldies. Some are still sung today. They are timeless. 

BETTY(just reflecting today) BOOP

p. s. sometime the safe place.

  

RED FOR HOT

 Red for hot. !! Yes 76 already on Balcony. I just finished my Cyber coffee and came on inside. Where it is cool, another perk!! Jasmine cooked for me this morning. Nobody cooks eggs-over-light as she does. I can't thank her enough for her service. Met a resident going home and told him about my breakfast (he asked) and he said he wished he had not already had breakfast or he would go get the same. He was headed for the  Activity Room where men and I understand a few ladies gather each morning for coffee. Can't take all that talking early. To each his own. I like to sit alone and enjoy my breakfast with just my thoughts. No visiting for me early.

O. K. that said, what is up for this day? Water my plants, shampoo my hair and then what?

BETTY(surely something good will happen)BOOP

p. s. but what?

  

DREARY DAY

 That is just the weather.Tim Stanek lived up to my approval yesterday. He seemed to really enjoy us too. Several couples "jived" to his beat and he was delighted, as he stomped his feet to the beat too. I had a hour of fun. This morning my oatmeal carried over to 

creativity. It had pieces of left over fresh fruit cup. Cantaloupe, Honeydew, Pineapple.one little grape, and a dollop of French Vanilla yogurt. What a combo!! Something different. Oatmeal seemed to say," where am I?" Not in SCV. Bet nobody has as much fun and variety with breakfast as I do. But as Truman used to say and I quote, "But it doesn't make me any money." He used to tell me that when I complemented him on his knowledge of trioval things. 

BETTY (surprised you read this stuff?)BOOP

p. s. me too.

73 EA4LY

How does orange show up. ? Orange used to be one Granddaughter's favorite color. Is it still? It took me a moment to figure what was different outside this morning. No birds were singing. I guess it is too hot for them, I saw something funny (to me) from the Balcony. A threesome. Man and lady with a lady walking behind them. Just strange and a first. Also the grand Canada Goose Couple came floating by in a row. Mama leading her 4 goslings and proud. protective papa bring up the rear. The little ones are not little anymore. but still not grown and smart enough to be on their own. Sounds like some human families? I often see the relation between human and animal kingdom. 

I am excited to find out TIM STANEK. Creative Jazz piano player, from Memphis,  is performing again today. He is very popular with us and comes often. He plays all the oldies and very jazzy. My interpretation of him does not really describe him well. He is just brilliant and creative and does not define Jazz as I usually think of it. Great performance is waiting  for my afternoon.

BETTY,(catch you later) BOOP

IT'S A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Dear Mr. Rodgers. Remember him? Days gone by. So much has changed in children's programs. Seems some innocence has been lost. I sound like the "old" people I used to scoff at. Of course, things change. That is a given. My parents thought the same. They blamed it on the BIG WAR. What will this generation be blamed for? My I started out on a beautiful day and here I am looking for someone to blame. Enough of that. Sorry. Must get on with the day and "bloom where I am." 

BETTY (blooming) BOOP