SUNNY SKIES

I thought of Ireland this morning. My Florida granddaughter and family recently came home from a trip there. Oh, how green everything is and dotted with sheep, sheep, sheep. My first impression as we flew in over green fields was," Is heaven like this?"  I really think it is one place I would like to see again. We traveled a lot over our years for two "country bumpkins." I will get the photo album out and go there again. I hope they made good "memories." Speaking of the Memory Bank, I came across a picture that I attempted to draw one time. It was of the Memory Bank that lives in my head. I will show it to you sometime. Always wanted to paint or draw. I have a framed picture I painted of my version of Amish Men. I was taken in by going through Amish country at one point. I was impressed by the plain clothing they wore. I dressed my men in the picture with colorful overalls and patterned shirts. They look happy. What name shall I put on the back. You know who wants it? Not yet!!!

BETTY (I am not ready to "go" yet) BOOP)

p. s. are you?

NO DRAMA, I HOPE, FOR TODAY

Well, the day is just begun. Who knows what wonders the Lord will perform today? I had a nice Cyber breakfast. Saw a resident with guest and two resident ladies enjoying their time together. Can't take that early in morning. It takes all kinds.  On the Balcony, I heard songs of Fall, locus trilling, Mockingbird on board, just a feeling of change. I met my Catholic friends being faithful to go to Mass. What a blessing for them to have it so easy to do. My Methodist service is today at 4. I plan to go. SHOWERS of BLESSINGS without rain today. That is a blessing for many here. So many are suffering from the rise of flood water. 

BETTY (just counting) BOOP

p. s. my blessings I mean.

SOPHISTICATED LADY ????

No way for a Lady to act. But my little GEVIA is no lady this morning. I am speaking about my little cute coffee maker. She actually growled at me this morning, yes growled. I filled her with TRADER JOE's coffee for the first time. (My thoughtful son-in-law brought me two bags of the wonderful brew." I have kept it in the freezer till I used up my KROGER BREAKFAST BLEND. Out it came to start the week right. I guess in another life, Miss GEVIA met the "TRADER" overseas, while he was on a mission to find good coffee beans... And apparently, had a short little "fling" that went nowhere. But she remembered the smell and wonder of HIM and bristled her anger and disappointment at the bittersweet memory--           right on my kitchen counter. Refused to make a whole pot of coffee. I was a little mad at her, as we got it going. I said "get used to it. babe, I have another pound in the freezer. One way to start Monday!!!!!

BETTY (COFFEE WAS THE BEST) BOOP

P. S. those foreign guys sure have a "flare"

          

THIS - THAT- AND- THE OTHER

Met a neighbor in hall. He was excited. He feeds the hummers, and they are packing their bags and preparing to leave us soon. He has been kept busy filling the feeder. I have been watching them also. They have been buzzing even me, although I do not have a feeder. Amazing little creatures. My time is spent watching people from the Balcony and Bubble. The little LADY PICKING UP THINGS has my full attention. Yesterday morning, she was there and then later in afternoon-back again. I have not been able to observe her when she comes or goes, is she camping out under the trees? Mystery to us all. I have several people watching with me. Soon we will get to the bottom of her story. Then what can I snoop in? Well with # 3 off on a mission, I will stay home and watch Galloway on TV. Alway good. Read my good books and rest today. 

BETTY (BOOKS MAKE FOR GOOD COMPANY)

p. s. I do read a lot.

 

GYROS & BALCONY

What does this picture lack? My middle daughter of course. She came bringing gifts of watermelon, cantaloupe, and lunch!! I do like gyros, and they were soooo good. One of my favorites to have. Balcony was full of talk and wonder at my little LADY PICKING UP SPMETHING. You know who I mean. Good day all around. 

This morning. I fed the birds stale cheese PeanutButter crackers. Scared them. They ate the white crackers and left the cheese. O well, so much for a treat. How can they be so choosy? Well, that does it for today. 

BETTY (glad I am not choosy)

p. s., are you?

MARY FRANCIS TEAROOM OR IS IT TEA SHOP?

When I worked my first real job during the early 40's, out of High School, I was on top of the world. Old Commercial Bank- later was bought by Deposit Guaranty. My first job was there. finally, Regions of today. We girls at the Bank would go to a place across the street called MARY FRANCES TEAROOM. They later moved to North State Street near the Old Capitol. I wish I could remember the famous pie they served, but it has slipped my mind. What fun we had. As well as shrimp cocktails at the still famous Mayflower Cafe on Capitol Street. As my mind serves me right, they were 50 cents. Just the thing for struggling girls Why did I think of these very distant memories? Minds are a strange and wonderful thing. It led me down Memory Lane this morning. So come with me and I will tell you about the Mrs. Engles boarding house near the Robert E. Lee hotel, which fed many a young man too. We as a couple went there to eat lunch a lot. Her meals were family style and also 50 cents.  Trust me and my memories as I am sure some are getting a little "faded."

BETTY (loved those days)

PARDON ME BOYS----

Is that the Chattanooga Choo Choo? No, just me having my ham and eggs in the Cyber, not on the train. Wish I could be on a train. One mode of travel I am not real familiar with. The Cyprus trees around the Lake are happy. They love the wet between their roots. Have you ever seen the Cyprus trees on the Natchez Trace.? A lovely sight. Well, the rain has slowed the LADY PULLING UP SOMETHING around the Lake. Hope her absence will not slow her work too much. It seems to be an ongoing job for her. Well, today is cleaning day for my apartment. I saw my maid in hall, and she said she would be here this afternoon. Life's little "perks " keep me going. 

BETTY (Chattanooga Choo Choo bring me home.)

p. s. silly me.

PLEASE BUILD AN ARK

I am serious. I have a poem floating around in my head. For a couple of days, it is trying to gel. Maybe today I will write some of it. About a scene across the Lake of residents starting to build an Ark. Sounds funny? Well, it is getting to be not so funny for many all over the U.S. I sat on Balcony, after oatmeal and bananas with cinnamon. I actually saw a walker. MISS SHORTS, with her umbrella overhead. Saw Ducks swimming (duck weather), Geese fussing overhead, and heard a lone bird singing or was he complaining? My Bluble' birds kept eyeing me. I did not put crackers out because it was wet. But I finally retrieved a packet and put them up against the wall. Sure enough-here they came. Can't fish for insects today. 

BETTY (lets go fishing) BOOP

p. s. never had patience to fish!!

SYMPHONY OF SOUNDS

Breakfast in Cyber-always a treat, so I save it for a "rainy day". Well, we have one. and off I went to two beautifully cooked eggs-over-light, sausage patty, Rye toast and goooood coffee. Coming back, I thought I would not get to sit on Balcony. But the rain was gentle and not all way on Balcony. I went for it. I was treated to a Symphony. The clashing of cymbals from the rain from the gutters, the steady beat of the raindrops to the ground, the mummer, that sounded like people humming, the fresh wind, like the sound of people clapping. Oh that was me.

BETTY(feeling satisfied) BOOP

p. s. enjoy the rain.

PECKING ORDER

YES, it is real. In the animal kingdom, as well as human one too. I saw a big Blackbird atop the Church stipel, dominating the coveted spot. Room to spare, I might add. Below him or her, were the lowly sparrows, many of them crowded in rows. Maybe that is the way it is supposed to be. It is called-- THE ORDER OF THINGS. So maybe we should get on with the game? Or maybe fight a little for space on top. Where it can get very lonely. SO BE IT. 

The GREAT PHILOSOPHER has spoken.)

BETTY (remember her?) BOOP

p. s you forgot her? it is the order of things!!!

74 WHEE!!!!!!

Wonderful on Balcony. What would I do without it. I know some here, that don't appreciate theirs as I do. Frankley, I would be unhappy without it. I just heard neighbors and friends are moving to Marion. She is having trouble and needs more care. They a have a beautiful Balcony and never use it. I don't like to think what it would do to me to lose my Balcony time. But if and when that happens, I would adapt. I am open to change, and I have seen a little. A comfort to know I will have help as I need it.

My family of Bluble"s are loving the crackers this morning. Even tame enough to come close to my chair and grab a bite. I guess if I was not feeding them, they would adapt to change. 

BETTY (no subject this morning---yet) BOOP

p. s that can change--fast too. 

 

CAN'T LOOK

 Had breakfast in Cyber and too warm on Balcony when I got back, so to the Bubble I went. Yes, the PICKER-UPPER was there. I got to thinking, maybe it is a HE and not a SHE. After all we look pretty much the same from across the Lake. We both wear pants and caps, and shuffle and toddle pretty much the same. Anyway, he or she kept getting very close to the edge for me to look. Someday there will be a headline bulletin saying, "RESIDENT TOOK A DRINK IN LAKE, WHILE PICKING UP SOMETHING." Could not watch any longer. But I still wonder who it is and what kind of treasure the Lake has buried in the grass?

How about this little taste of Fall? really just a little sip but promise of things to come. A favorite time of year. O. K. what is for today. Let us go and seek.

BETTY (knock and it will open) BOOP

p. s. the door of course.

72 degrees must stay a while.

Even the weather people are amazed. Good wake up for them. I'll take it-anyway we get it. Need no long explaining from them. I had company though. The nice morning brought a couple across from me to their, Balcony with coffee cups and her still in her robe. However, he did have his shorts on. I did say "Good Morning" as I came in. So nice to have good neighbors. 

Little patches of blue peeked through the clouds. We will have more rain sometime today for sure. But for now--enjoy what we have. Daughter # 2 came yesterday with a few groceries. It was good to hug and talk for a while as I picked groceries up from her van. The workmen were blowing the sidewalk and they made so much noise as they worked around us, we had to cut it short. O. J., milk, bread. seem to be my staples. Just a few other small things too. So nice to have a delivery at your door. Little cart with the steaky   wheel has served me well. Must get the oil can out, but I don't mind the friendly noise. 

BETTY (just lazy too) BOOP

p. s. chore for today.

LITTLE COOL ON BALCONY

I gave up on people this morning, guess they are dodging the rain. I came inside and turned to books to write this morning. A book of poems came to mind. In my late teens, I discovered poetry. Through Ted Malone. He had a radio program, where he read poems. Poems of unknows at the time. I thought I could do that too, and in my late years I have written a small number of them. Wish I had written this one. by one who was unknown, still is, I guess. I like it:

                                         A WISE OLD OWL

A WISE OLD OWL LIVED IN AN OAK;

THE MORE HE SAW THE LESS HE SPOKE;

THE LESS HE SPOKE THE MORE HE HEARD;

WHY CAN'T WE ALL BE LIKE THAT BIRD?

BETTY (will leave you with that thought) BOOP

p. s. back to my book!!

 

75 and nice

 Nice and calming? Last night I saw a black wasp, on the drapes and looking mean and ready to fight. Lucky, I keep a can of spray by the door. I aimed and he went down kicking and I am sure screaming. As I watched, he curled up and still tried to move. Just a mean, ugly, one. He kicked for a while, and I gave him another dose. That finally ended his time. And then this morning as I went into my kitchen, a small but fast-moving little spider raced and hopped so fast I could not catch him. I also saw his brother yesterday around my computer. Is that enough to call the pest control? I also attract birds, as you know. That is good, but do they bring other critters? Lot to take in as you go to bed and first thing in morning too.

BETTY (keeps me going). BOOP

p. s. what keeps you going?

STILL LIFE PAINTING

Had breakfast in Cyber. Too hot on Balcony when I returned, so off to the BUBBLE. I need to check on LITTLE PICKER UPPER.  No show this morning, saw her yesterday when it was so hot. Maybe the powers- to-be have pulled her in for a while? Anyway, I saw a beautiful sight. The Lake seemed like a still life painting. No Geese, ducks, or Egrets, just an almost still gentle movement of waves. Pretty sight.

I long for a day like that. 

BETTY (be still) BOOP

p. s. do not mind me!! 

FOUND IT'S FOREVER HOME

 Had a visitor yesterday. Bringing me smiles and stories new and old. She brought my favorite thing to receive, except food. Potted flowers. I just love the orange miniature rose bush. And a bonus plant that is purple, can't remember the name, but is beautiful. My youngest granddaughter, from Louisianan. We talked and remembered past days. She remembered a little ceramic lady, that was a gift from her mother, my daughter. Little fat woman holding a ball of kitchen string, with pink scissors for her hair bow. You all remember it? It read "I HATE HOUSEWORK". She was surprised when I told her to take my kitchen stool and reach her from the top shelf, where I have been keeping her for someone who would give her a home. So, there she goes to another land with someone to enjoy her again. What a thrill to make them both happy.  And what a fun visit.

BETTY (glad someone likes my old relics) BOOP

p. s. holding on to the past again.

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS

 No, I have not jumped ahead yet. All my big coffee mugs are in dishwasher, so I reached to second shelf and pulled down a Christmas mug, they are always so big. It was one a sweet friend gave me when I first moved here. She became a favorite friend. Don't get to see her anymore as she has moved on down the line, so to speak. She had a big tote bag she took to dining room, full of small containers. She discreetly filled with leftovers. She was famous for making veggie soup. Bragged that she simmered it for hours and hours. She gave me some in that mug one Christmas. I did not tell her, but I had to dispose of it, because I was not sure it was alright to eat. But I bragged on it and thanked her for her gift. It was full of love. So, I celebrate her and all the friends here.

BETTY (Christmas is-a-coming) BOOP

p. s. so be it 

74 ON BALCONY!!! NICE

You do not have to go far to find entertainment out here. Observed MAN AND HIS LADY in pool early, just working up an appetite for a great Saturday Breakfast. Her trolling back and forth across the pool and him doing jumping jacks in the corner of pool. My they need the whole pool. Nobody there this early except them. I saw two walkers so far. Hurry and catch this wonderful feeling this morning. Will get hot later.  My Diabetic French toast with blueberries was so good. Getting low on Blueberries. I can buy them frozen in grocery store. The resident sparrows ate cracker crumbs and then all lined up in a row and I thought they would break out in song, but no, just resting and planning their day.

BETTY (me too) BOOP

p.s. including trying out our new washers and dryers!! Need a very smart 3-year-old to explain how to operate them. Wish me luck.

 

YOU ASK ME WHY ???

Why do I write each morning?  Well, it has gotten to be a part of my morning routine. Just as everything else I do. Mainely, because my mornings are full. Full of the things I must do to survive. That sounds a little drastic. Believe me I have been tempted to shake it up and skip something and see what will happen, then I go "chicken" and draw back to routine, blood sugar check, check blood pressure.  I dare not rock the boat. The Blog is one of the things I do enjoy. Seems I am talking to myself sometime, and I guess a Blog is just that. I went down to breakfast at Cyber. I needed to get myself going. It gets harder each day to push myself to just get up and move. Goes with the territory. I just don't feel right to skip anything. I took two beautiful strawberries and 6 luscious grapes to add to my plate and they fixed me right up.

BETTY (not worth reading me today)

p. s. talking with God is a main part of routine. 

 

WHILE DIGGING IN MY STORAGE CAGE

While looking for something else (can't remember what) I came to a big box that I had not dug in for some time. It was full of old framed pictures wrapped in newspapers. I begin to unwrap a few and was having fun. I came across one of me-- was a sort of new bride-- and my sweet sister-in-law Irene. We had our first apartment across the street from them on Northview Drive in Fondren. Lucky to have a one room with kitchen privileges and shared bathroom with landlady and another couple. Right after the war, anything was welcomed. We were young and in love. In those days, an outing on Sunday afternoon was a trip to Vicksburg and tour of park and maybe an   ice cream cone. No car of our own yet, but willing brother & sister-in-law, we rode with them. This picture was of me and her dressed in our Easter finery, high heels and leaning on the car which was a typical pose. I was taken back to the first Nieve Days when I thought I knew it all. 

BETTY (those were the DAYS) BOOP

p. s. can still go back in memories.

p.p.s. I forgot to tell you; it was typical to wear a corsage from you Signiant Other on Easter. And we did.

SWIMMERS IN POOL

I watched a man, and his wife (I think) exercised this morning. From my Balcony, I discretely, (I hope) watch. Don't have a clue who they are. Does not matter. They are a fine example of dedication to their health. I would say they have been there an hour already. Whew!!  What a breakfast they must require. Good for them. My daughters just dare me to go near the pool. Can't swim and they need not be concerned. Haven't even owned a bathing suit for decades. Even then, it was just for looks. Oh, there are many things you can do to stay fit. I must have found a few, because I am still here-just not kicking very high. 

BETTY (official spy for SCV) BOOP

p. s. watch out, for I am looking.!!

p.p.s. Imagine a 95-year-old in a bathing suit--no don't do that.!!

REMEMBERING AGAIN

As I sat on Balcony my gaze turned to the four foot or so, heavy statue of the little girl holding her skirt up and barefooted. We bought her on one of our Road trips one year a long time ago. We were headed through TN. on the way to see DOLLYWOOD and points around. They were selling all kinds of yard stuff along the roadside. I fell in love with her-first sight. But it is heavy and, in the way, -HE complained, but she found her a spot on the floor of the Motor Home and rode there for many miles, till she found her home on our patio for several years. I could not part with her and the memory of when we bought her. I brought her to live on my Balcony where she still stands, holding her skirt, in bare feet and smiling at me. We have been through a lot together. Hope, when I am gone, someone will give her another good home. 

BETTY (bear with me) BOOP)

p. s. got to see Dolly in person on that trip. 

SPREAD THOSE WINGS

 I sat for a while on Balcony yesterday late in afternoon. I saw my old enemies the big black crows. Haven't seen them for a while, after I won the battle of the crumbs. One was dominating the Church stipel over the Chapel. He was king of the top point. I have seen the wingspan and it makes them look very large. This fellow spread his wings and held them there for at least a minute open to the heavens. I kept watching to see what would happen. Finally, he pulled them in and still just sat." BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD" I started thinking (of course) as He seemed to be thinking too. I guess, he was just cooling off. But to hold that pose so long, looked like he was praying to God. "Please send the heat away."  Makes sense?  I should stand on my Balcony and spread my "wings" and send the same prayer up to Heaven. 

BETTY (Help) BOOP

p. s. spread your wings, makes sense to me.

LITTLE BIT ABOUT A LOT OF THINGS

 I declare, three fourths of my brain is made up of Song Titles. During the 30's 40's and yes 50's my time must have been spent glued to the radio and learning songs of the days. I stored them in my feeble brain, and they come out all the time. Especially when I sit to write the Blog. They seem to say a lot. Just a little bit, so A LITTLE BIT ABOUT A LOT OF THINGS was one that teased a lot in my brain. For instance, I love to watch the Canada Geese. I don't know enough about them to even write much, but the little bit I know is enough to make me try to keep up with them. I saw TWELVE (12) in a perfect row, following the Leader as he smoothly guided them across the Lake. Now was that a gaggle or just dummies that could follow the leader. And how did he get to be Leader? See, I know a little bit, but not enough, as the old song goes. 

BETTY (how silly can I be?)

p. s. read and you will learn a little bit, I promise.

HABIT FORMING

I mean breakfast in Cyber. So easy and nice. I had a cup of cantaloupe first and it was very good. Brought the second cup of coffee to the BUBBLE to check on the LADY PULLING WEEDS. She did not disappoint.  There she is doing her "job." This time I noticed she was carrying a white garbage bag and filling it with something. As I pondered, two ladies came by walking in the hall. I pointed them to my little friend picking up something. Asked if they knew anything about our picker upper. Told them I was concerned about her. They knew nothing about her but would ask someone who might know something. I may solve the mystery soon. Stay tuned. They did say they counted 69 Canada Geese yesterday and that was their concern. To each his own. There is always something of "interest" about SCV. 

BETTY (don't you wish you lived here?) BOOP

p. s. come on down, room for you, 

75 degrees O. K.

Feels great on Balcony. Saw the MAN & LADY WITH DOGS. Hey, wait, not two but 3. They are so cute. Sime kind of Terriers, I think. But today a 3rd one trotted with them. A smaller version. But not a puppy. Could it be a half-grown child of the older two? Cannot tell for sure. but the MAN AND LADY sure had their hands full. Will watch for them again. There are many more Canada Geese lately. They are feeding on the Meadow this morning. Feels like a change in season is coming. School starting and hope for the future. My thoughts turn in a different direction. I had a very pleasant dream last night. I was, in my dreams, trying to get someone to dance with me. No one would, so I danced on my own to the tune of ON BLUEBERRY HILL. I also had blueberries in my oatmeal this morning. Funny dream but turned out better than some I have been having lately. Go figure. I have tried to figure my dreams out but can't. My what a crazy Blog. You can see that I am scattered this morning.

BETTY (do you dream) BOOP

p. s. of course you do.

STRANGE SIGHTS

Got too late to sit on Balcony, too hot. Went to Bubble with second CUP - O'-JOE.  Had a fabulous, scrambled egg in Cyber. The Bubble windows were wet with fog, but I could see LADY PULLING HER WEEDS or her whatever. l don't know why. But she is diligent and determined. The big mower came near her, and she kept own moving, bending, and pulling. He was baffled, I am sure. What to do? He did what I would have done. He wheeled around and went the other way to another spot to mow. I left before anything happened. Just don't know what to do.  Not my concern, I guess. Will he report the incident? Kind of hope he does, because it is not right. I will put her on my prayer list. 

Resident's meeting this morning at 10, I need to go and hear the latest from our leader. So off we go!!!!

BETTY (do my best)

p. s. at least I will see a lot of people.

75 AND A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN MY WORLD

Yes. beautiful from my Balcony. Not so good in some parts of the U.S. Have mercy Lord on the unfortunate. My vacationing family look from pictures that they are having a good time. Good.!!!! It was blueberries and blackberries both for my humble oatmeal this morning. It was decorated nicely. Being stingy with both berries as they are running low. Oh. well. there is always banana. 

We have started the Methodist Services back since COVID. Local ministers come once a week. Very good turnout. More Methodist than I thought live here. Yesterday, Galloways pastor came. Cary Stockett. I had viewed him on the Sunday service many times. It was nice to meet him. He is an excellent speaker and very good to listen to. I enjoyed it so much. 

BETTY (what for today?) BOOP

p. s. something will turn up.

LOVE A RAINY DAY

 As I sit on Balcony between rains, I hear in the distance thunder. More to come. Better get inside and just look out. Part of my family are on a wonderful vacation. Love the pictures they send. People seem to be just getting on with their lives even though there is still much threat of COVID.  Monster that is disturbing our lives. We here are experiencing a small outbreak, but I am still safe. 

I had a Cyber breakfast. I observed two men enjoying time together. They were there when I came, and I left them there -- still talking. Don't know if wives were sleeping in or if they were without wives. I did not know either one of them, how could they have so much to talk about so early in the morning.?  To each his own.  I brought a sliced fresh tomato to enjoy with my eggs over light. Was good. Daughter # 3 brought me three beauties. Along with a visit that we enjoyed so much. Well, out of words and thoughts, so I will see you next time.

BETTY (keep reading) BOOP

p. s.  need the attention.

FAMILIAR THINGS

Another weird thought as I sit on Balcony. Things that are familiar. My bed, my routine, my old clock, my sweet little apartment, voices of my girls, old Favorite clothes, coffee in the morning.  My Grandma Moses print, Truman's photo of The Eifel Tower at night in Paris. The list goes on and on. These are different from "memories." They stay in the Memory Bank and need to be checked out to remember.  Right now, is important and I am glad for familiar and memory too. 

I rearranged my hall table yesterday. Nothing new just familiar old stuff. Sunflowers, I always think about.  We saw them by the fields on a motor home trip once in Iowa, I think. They raise them for the seeds. Beautiful sight. I have old figures of little Dutch people from the past. They seem to go together. FAMILAR again. Can't get away from it. SO, BE IT.

BETTY (same old, same old.)

p. s. nothing bad about that. all good.