TAM--O--SHANTER

Know what that is? I just saw a Walker go by wearing one. They were popular in the 30's. And still are. I had one as a girl when I was about 7 or 8. Have a picture of me wearing it I think. They were worn by Scottish military, still are, I think. Anyway, they are kind of cute and you can buy them on Amazon. This walker had it right this morning. Pulled down to cover her ears. I will try and find my picture maybe.

SASSY STEPPERS were indeed sassy. All above 65 in age. Just as cute as could be. I enjoyed them and their routine was very good. Just staying young and "sassy." Take their hint and stay active. I am having lunch with my friend Judy to stay active.

BETTY (I do walk) BOOP

p. s. and exercise for balance,

51 -- feels like 45 !!!

Yes, the wind from Florida is freezing us. So sorry for the bad weather there. I sat on my Balcony just long enough for the big cup-o-joe to cool. That was not long. Lovely sunshine is working hard this morning. Birds are reluctant to fly in. Did not see Simon (he has a name now) hope he is o. k. My Rye toast crumbs are being snapped up fast. O. K. don't laugh, but I plan to attend the performance of the SASSY STEPPERS this morning at 10. A tap-dancing team of I think of my generation, or maybe a little younger. Have to be to tap-dance. Should be fun to see. Also, I must get the rest of my winter wardrobe washed and dried. I think Winter is coming. I do get ahead of myself. Southern weather keeps you maintaining all kind of clothing. 

BETTY (why do your read this stuff?) BOOP.

p. s. looked out and there was Simon, Hooray!!

51 degrees time to fly.

 This is what I told a Hummer this morning. I thought they were gone, but one showed up on my Balcony seeking nectar. My beautiful full blooming bright pink Geranium was his choice. I don't know how much he could drink from those blooms, but he was testing each one. I loved seeing him up close. Another peak of nature this morning. My little "bullied" sparrow with the drooping wing and ruffled feathers, flew to the edge very close to me. He just sat all through my visit. I was very still and quiet. He was there when I had to come inside. A peak through the window and he was gone. So, I guess he was just keeping me company. I must give him a name. Any suggestions? For today, we are having a Resident Piano Showcase. Several residents will play for us. I am looking forward to that, as I know some of them. I always said that the residents here keep us going.

BETTY (things are moving on) BOOP

p. s. glad to have some "normal"

BEAUTIFUL MORNING 51 DEGREES

Yes, I did not want to leave the Balcony. I saw LADY IN SHORTS (show-off) Coming right behind her was MAN IN FLOWERPOT HAT. He had on a flannel shirt, (smart.) My big thing for today is a flu shot. Anytime between 1O:00 - 11:30. Not a lot of time allotted. Wonder why that is? Our Covid booster shots are scheduled Oct. 4. Whatever!!  Pays to not ask sometime. 

Hey, I found blackberries in freezer. A bag with 6 large ones. I plopped them into my oatmeal with bananas. Good!!I stay very "fruity", since I always have o. j. too. You should see the size of the oatmeal box I buy. Reminds me of how I used to make doll cradles from empty oatmeal boxes. The big one would have made a nice size one. Always had small size. I need a little girl now to make one from the large size. Little girls now would not "get" a cradle made from oatmeal box. I guess my time was a "use what you have" time? 

BETTY (to each his own time) BOOP

P. S. my time is now.

MORE LIKE IT ?

Like this weather? I saw my little bird with the droopy ruffled wing, He is slow and is abused by the others. He eats slow and is in danger of having his crumbs snatched right out from under him. I am sorry for him. He is not afraid of me and stays till the others are full and eats alone. Thanks for the company. Number three came to visit yesterday. Enjoyed her so much. We talked about many subjects. Among them were my descriptions of my breakfast's. I had a small amount of chopped ham from a chef salad, so I put it and a spoonful of pimento cheese in my scrambled egg this morning. What to call it? Felt very good to use little bits of leftovers. Perked it up with Rye toast and three plump, ripe, strawberries. Of course, Old Trader Joe's coffee, and O. J. also. I hate to see September go. because I have a month coming up next that is full of Dr. appointments, flu shot and latest Covid booster. What was I thinking when I filled my Month with so many visits to Dr.? And I did not list all the others.

BETTY (glad to be able to have such good care)

p. s. be glad to have it over.

PERFECT SATURDAY

 Daughter  # 2 picked me up Saturday morning. We went to a favorite spot. McAllister's outdoor patio, among the trees, with slight breeze and not many people. Had their famous Half & Half. I had a half of some wonderful soup and an avocado, bacon, tomato sandwich. Took half sandwich home for supper. I put fresh tomato on it and toasted it under the broiler (needed a Munster). But it was better than the first time. The visit and good talk lingered too. Guess that was better than anything. Need to get out more, but it gets harder each time. Thank you again and again for sweet daughters. Everyone needs a few.

BETTY (am lucky) BOOP

TRILLUM

 Birds singing reminded me of the second and last house we built. Oh, it was grand. Room for everything and everybody. Most of all the Lake and the little patch of woods with many trees. I was in a Bird Sanctuary. I did love our many years there. Next door, wonderful neighbors who were enthusiastic about nature. She taught me much about the many little wildflowers that grew in my woods. To her there were no weeds, just wildflowers. One I remember most was Trilium. A surprising little plant that popped up in many places every year. Also. Johnny-Jump-ups. And many others I cannot remember the names. She was a wonder to me. We carried on the tradition and planted anything Truman brought back from his hunting trips. Anyway, I remember the birds singing there and have such wonderful memories of that place.

BETTY (Truman was a country boy)

p. s. the best kind!!

MAINTENANCE, HAD TO BOTHER THEM AGAIN

Thank goodness for those very smart and nice men who keep us going. My silly laptop said I was offline this morning. How I hate for my routine to be interrupted. Feels funny writing so late. But here I am and have nothing to say, except I love the computer. It is like a friend to me. Someone to talk to and to listen to also. You might say I am hooked on it.How about this Fall weather?  Made me want oatmeal. I had some with banana & strawberries. Added o. j. and a piece of rye toast with melted cheddar cheese plus turkey bacon. I opened my second package of Trader Joe's Coffee from the other Joe. (Voda.) So, I am back on track. 

BETTY (have a good fall day)

p. s. it might not last long.   

P. S TO BEFORE BLOG

Nice Maintenance man came. Turned out, something in tank had slipped and caused it to keep filling and not going out. Problem fixed fast and maid will come this morning. She will clean up the mess it made. Thank goodness for HELP. BETTY 

BETTY (thankful again) BOOP

 

OH MY, WHAT NEXT?

Have you ever got up early and do not turn on light, sit down on toilet, and feel water where you are sitting? Oh! No!! Something is not right. Turned on light and saw water on floor. and toilet full. Without thinking, I flushed again, and you guessed it--more water overflowed to the floor. What to do? Maintenance is not here this early, the water stopped, and I turned out light and went back to bed. Dropped into a light sleep and dreamed bad dreams. So starts the day. I called and am waiting. Meanwhile I calmly fixed me breakfast. Here I sit, waiting. 

BETTY (will keep you posted) BOOP

p. s. don't you love cliff hangers?

WE CELEBRATE EVERYTHING.

Did you know that tomorrow is National ICE CREAM CONE DAY? Last year they had sugar-free!! Must check that out. Also, this is one you will never guess. On the 30th, we celebrated NATIONAL BISCUIT MONTH. A month for that event and one day for ice cream. Also the 28th is NATIONAL PIANO MONTH. Two residents will perform for us. So hard to keep up if you do it all. There is more, I will not bore you with the rest. Just go ahead and get on the waiting list to move in. You will be glad someday.

BETTY (keeps me going) BOOP

p. s. also "on my toes" 

 

MELODY IN SONG

The birds are singing and joining in are the Cicadas. They are celebrating Spring again. My it is more like Summer!! But this too will pass. I had a good breakfast in Cyber. After, I delivered a Birthday card with my signature tissue flower on top to a dear and old friend. She is a staunch admirer of my poems that I used to be faithful to write for the Bulletin Board for the Villager and Library too. I am disappointed in the fact that my creativity has disappeared. I have tried to write some lately, but it just won't come. I have written many over the years. It was fun while it lasted. What for today? There is nothing on the Calendar that I am interested in. 

BETTY (well my bathmats need a wash) Boop

p. s. how exciting is that?

ANOTHER HOT ONE FOR TODAY

Told you Fall wouldn't last. But wasn't it nice? I went to Church with daughter # 3 yesterday. Good, but rest of day was dull. I need a day job. Today I will do laundry. Does that count as a job? Are you watching the ROYALS OF LONDON? How can you not? I heled myself back this morning as I heard the funeral was coming on early for us. It will be recorded over and over later. My what respect and devotion the Queen received from many. Amy and I paid our respects to her dad yesterday, as we changed the flowers at his resting place. We try to keep the flowers in season. She has such a touch and I always feel we did our best. We loved him so much and miss him every day. So be it. Change of subject: I am really enjoying LOUISE PENNY's novels. Her writing is superb. Try her CHIEF INSPECTOR GAMACHE MYSTERY NOVELS. She writes one a year and I have read many of them. Learning a lot about Canada. I usually don't care much for mysteries, but hers are different and move fast and keep you interested right to the end and wanting more. and learning while you read. I guess being able to have access to good books has been a blessing to me.

BETTY (LOTS OF BLESSINGS) BOOP

p. s. a little T.V. helps too.

 

DOWNTOWN MADISON 77 DEGREES

Summer is back. just teasing a little. Keeps us wishing for a cool breeze. Did you know that birds have "personalities?  My BUBLE' family does. There is one I watch that has very little fear of me. Now, He is the one (think it is he), who hangs around it's Mother begging her to feed him, even though he is bigger than her. He has a ruffled set of feathers and a big chest; He comes first usually and just sits starring out over the lawn. as if he is surprised to be here. Others eat as he stares. Finally, he hops over and slowly pecks away at the crumbs. Almost missed his breakfast. The others seem to tolerate him in pity. Sometimes she gives him a crumb. Hey, how did you like my spin on that story.  I have to go now-hope to go to Church with A. Haven't heard yet. 

BETTY(always looking at the birds) BOOP

p. s. I would give him a crumb too.

NOTHING TO DO ???

"COUNTING FLOWERS ON THE WALL." Line from an old, I think, Country song. I used to love the Statler Brothers and their singing. Told you I like all kind of music. Some of this today's I take with a crumb, but to each his own. Anyway, that is how I feel about country music. The Statler's were not exactly true country, but mostly Gospel, That I chose carefully too. Anyway, a line from Flowers On The Wall, were good, with. "So, tell me I don't have nothing to do." That is how I feel this morning. Some tired old souls would be happy to have nothing to do. But I think you know what I mean. "Can't find something I WANT TO DO. Is that called being bored? Well, maybe, but I was not bored at breakfast in the Cyber, traditional Saturday with blueberry pancakes. I could be sorry later, but pancakes are worth it. Better than being bored. 

BETTY (are you bored with this Blog today?)

p. s. so am I.

MY CUP RUNNITH OVER

 My first thought this morning, as I took a seat on the famous SCV Balcony. I was given this apartment in the beginning and did not know then how much it added to my life and my adjusting to living alone. But what a blessing it is. As I watched the LADY WITH COCKERS, I saw mother and daughter dogs (I think) trotting so happy on the sidewalk. I saw multiple gaggles of Canada Geese, getting together and planning their next move, I saw two other familiar sets of walkers. I heard the birds singing. I watched the Bluble' family welcome new commers, as they dined on the surprise of toast crumbs from my cheese toast and not plain old crackers. also saw hummers reluctant to leave (who blames them.) My beautiful pink Geranium loving the sun. Plus, the coolness of the 66 degrees. Yes, my cup is full.

BETTY (satisfied) BOOP

p. s. bloom in your spot.

B[IRDS ARE REALLY SINGING

 I was amazed at the many kinds of bird voices I heard from the Balcony this morning. The weather people call it False Fall that we just had. I guess the birds are confused and think we are back to Spring. That is how they sound. The cooler temps were nice for a few days. I do like Fall better.  I am gradually washing my winter wardrobe. I will be ready when the cool does come to stay. 

Yesterday, I saw a stately Blue Heron slowly walking the edge of lake on my side. He was a beauty. The water is too deep on my side for him to troll the edge, as they do on the other side. I named him Mr. Patience, for that is what he is. 

BETTY (patience is not my name) BOOP

p. s. we all need more

LOVE BUGS

They have many nick names. I looked them up. My favorite was "HONEYMOON." They seem to be kissing all the time. And that too can be annoying. And they certainly are that!! Lord, I know there is a reason for everything, but I can't seem to find one for them. I was sitting on Balcony early evening after supper. I had a cup of wonderful ambrosia from the Dining room. I had eaten half and dipped for another bite and yes, you guessed it. There were two love bugs, happily making out!!  Well at least they died happy. End of ambrosia. I am still here this morning and feeling o. k. so I guess, as Truman would say, "Little meat in your food? couldn't hurt."  Darn Him!! Anyway, they led me to read about them. And they will be leaving soon. Good riddance. Have you had the pleasure of being annoyed by them?

BETTY (lesson in nature) BOOP

p. s. Hummers are still hanging around-go go - big trip ahead!

I'LL TAKE IT

Hint of Fall, I like it. The ham & eggs were good. I forgot to order the biscuit and when I went back to get one, Jasmine gave it to me free, on the house. Now wasn't that a nice thing to do? Good start all around. Now let's see what I can do to mess it up!! Daughter # 3 came to visit yesterday. So good to see and talk to her. She is a "rock." So steady and solid and always there. Kind of bittersweet today as I remember my "soulmate's birthday. He always told the story about how the number 13 came into his life a lot. He considered it lucky for him. My how I miss him. I think of him every day and how much I loved him.

I finished unpacking my cedar chest. where I keep off season clothes. I decided I don't need any more clothes. Jan and I picked a few things last fall. And added to a few "old friends" I should be ready for a new season.

BETTY (make new friends but keep the old). BOOP

p. s. one is sliver, the other gold.

 

SUNRISE --- SUNSET

Order. Don't you love the "order of things?" From the time you are born, you are put on a schedule. Time to sleep, time to eat, time to play? When we slip and don't follow, there is sometime Casos !! Right. Things do go better when you know what to expect and adhere. Now you may think I have a story to tell about the order of things? No not really. Who wants to hear that? I just thought this morning about how I expect to see the dark sky turn to light as the sun rises. and then to feel the night coming on each day. What comes in between can sometime seem "out of order". But they really are not, just on and on it goes. Let's see--what is next?

BETTY(time to say goodbye for now)BOOP

p. s. just the order of things.

SUNSHINE ON MY SHOULDER

Shades of John Denver? Lost him so young. I think I will bring out my CD of his best hits. Not many, but good ones. On another subject, LOOK OUT FOR THE BIG GUY, THEY CAN HURT. As I sat on Balcony with Trader Joe this morning, I saw the most amazing clouds. The sky before me was filled with alligators. YES, a huge one with its mouth wide open, about to consume the little guy swimming frantically with his mouth open in fright. Oh!! too much drama so early. Now I know alligators don't eat each other. But human man can in their own way can eat each other. So be aware of the alligators in your path.

Something better and closer to home. My Hall table display has my sweet little racoons eating acorns. Fall leaves and pinecones finish the scene. Now they eat acorns, not each other. Also, daughter #2 came with lunch, we dined on TRACEWAY GRILLS of our choice. So good. especially the company. 

BETTY (finish on a good note) BOOP

p. s. travelers are back home safe  

 

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

No, not "WILLIE", but certain parties of my family are headed North again. Will you look to the back corner and see an Angel traveling with you. I call her TRAVEL ANGEL. I have requested her many times.  Safe traveling.

No walkers this morning, as I sit full of Blueberry Pancakes from the Cyber. I guess the dark cloud over the north, is scaring them this morning. Does look like someone is getting rain this morning. Daughter #2 is coming with lunch. Wow, we will sit in Bubble and catch up. So, what a day. Thank you, Lord, for this day.

BETTY BOOP

 

B. D. DAYS

 Today, B. D. stands for Before Dishwasher. As I flipped the switch this morning ==off it purred and took me to the days before dishwashers.  Remember? We always had Sunday dinner after Church at home when the kids were growing up. Hense, dirty dishes. I had already prepared a big dinner. So, when two older girls got big enough, they took over the cleanup. Truman and I would head for a nap. Our bedroom was next to the kitchen. Hense, noise from the kitchen, enhanced by fun and sometime arguing from the girls. Daughter #3 was considered the privileged one, coming along after we had a dishwasher. So "memories" this morning.

66 degrees on Balcony. My, My, how nice. MISS LADY IN SHORTS, raced by, having undermasted the coolness of the morning walk, or maybe it is just right for her. I think we can all appreciate a little hint of Fall. My favorite season. Enjoy your day.

BETTY (I will enjoy the sound of my dishwasher) BOOP

p. s. and check the memory back in the Memory Bank

KING TO PAUPER

As I ate the oatmeal with bananas and cinnamon. I wondered how long it has been around. Forever in some form. Feeding babies to the elderly (me). And all in between. What a thought. O. K. something funny. This has been around a while too. THE MUNSEY OVEN.(sp) The small countertop oven of the 50's and beyond. It was my Mothers go to for a microwave of this day. How she loved her little munste oven. Her grandchildren would laugh (behind her back) every time she said:" I'll run it under the Munsey.) They could predict when she said it. O, my, I was embarrassed and also thought it was funny. 

BETTY (someone tell me how to spell it.)BOOP

P. S. DON'T THINK IT IS IN THE DICTORARY.

TINY MUSTARD SEED

Yesterday at Methodist service in the Chapel, The Minster from Galloway used the much-heard story of the mustard seed. You know the story. She pointed out how small it is. Yet it matters. She told a story that I related to. About a little girl who was always the smallest wherever she went and felt insecure. Sounds like me. I grew up thinking I did not matter much because of my size. It took me a long while to realize that size does not matter and maybe I was made for "small things". That is what I try to do every day. Small things. Turns out--they do matter. 

BETTY *little Dot" BOOP

p. s. so sweetly be!!!!!

 

AS THE WORLD TURNS

In a young Mother's Day, in my time, when it was nap time for the kids, the mother often opted to leave reality for a while and turn on soap operas. Remember, my favorite AS THE WORLD TURNS? I would escape from reality to never land and see what those beautiful "vixens" were up to that day. No good as usual. Don't waste my time with them now-I just take a nap instead. I saw a cute sight while drinking my second cup this morning. THE LADY WITH THE TWO COCKERS, was joined by another lady and her little something or other doggie. The two Cockers were in the lead, being old pros at this game, while the little newbie trotted by her mistress on tippy toes. So cute. They all paused for a potty break and only one Cocker took advantage while ALL looked on. Including me. Maybe you don't want to hear the whole story. but there it is. 

BETTY (observer ordinaire) BOOP

p. s. come observe with me. 

p. p. s. maybe we could look at AS THE WORLD TURNS. 

OPPS!!  that is history, I think.

LOBOR DAY 2022

Labor Day was first celebrated on Sept. 5, 1882, to celebrate Labor. From there it has a long history. Read for yourself if you please. Here we just celebrate with a special lunch. I am going, wearing red, white, and blue (as requested) and will join my friend Judy and whoever wants to sit with us. MENU sounds good. Think I will try the BBQ Brisket. Although the GRILLED LEMON BASIL CHICKEN BREAST, or the APRICOT GINGER SALMON? Chef got carried away with his descriptions, I think. But, there is watermelon. Dessert instead of Peach Pie or Black Forest Cake. Oh, well, the sugar is not worth what it cost me. 

Cloudy and chance of rain. Balcony was perfect, as a gaggle of geese flew over, hummingbirds still fighting. and one lone walker. What oh what would I do without my beloved balcony? Nothing to write about, and nothing to mull over in such a beautiful place. No work for me anymore. So Happy Labor Day to all you workers, I will just work my brain and write about it.

BETTY (retired) BOOP

p. s. lucky me !!!!

 

HORTON HATCHES THE EGG

Remember Dr. Suess? The only book we owned of his was Horton. Many others were checked out of Library, thank goodness for it. Old Horton strived to teach a lesson. Another one came to mind. Not sure if this is the correct title. OH, THE THINGS YOU WILL SEE. Any way the things I see from my Balcony are interesting too. Like MR. RAMROD STRAIGHT. Haven't seen him of late. Kaki shorts, navy shirt, some kind of a cap. But what is interesting is his steady gait. straight back and purpose to his walk. Military, I am sure. Then came a "newbie". Lady carrying a stick or rod, or cane? Holding it across her chest. As if it were her lifeline. Maybe it is a new mode for balance? I need to get my cane out and try that. Did not know what I would write this morning, but here it is. Like it or not. I need to get out more. Or read Mr. Suess.

BETTY (to get out is hard) BOOP

p. s. rain will keep me in today.

 

OH MY, FORGIVE ME

Yes. this was the morning i promised me a treat. I had blueberry pancakes in the Cyber. Hope it does not do too much damage. As I sipped my second cup on Balcony, I heard a symphony of Cicadas, trying to outdo each other. I saw the Hummers fighting a war with each other for food, My neighbor said he refills his feeder 3 time a day. Everything seems to be speeding up for change. SO BE IT. I am ready. I had a silly thought about change. I have always heard you do not wear white after Labour Day. I, as a child took it seriously.  I saw a segment about it on GOOD MORNING AMERICA. Imagine using good viewing time with that subject. They assured me it was not a tight rule, and indeed showed many outfits and shoes of white, pushing the Fashion world like there was nothing else to push. So guess what, I am wearing my WHITE cropped pants this morning. I guess you could say I am following the fashions.

BETTY (right on it) BOOP

p. s. what else is new?  

I REMEMBERED.

P. S TO THE BLOG BEFORE": LORETTA LYNN. It took me a while, but I still had it hidden there behind something.  BETTY (getting slow) 

WHAT NEXT??

Wish I knew? Maybe it is just as well that we do not know "what's next?" One Day At A Time." Remember Crystal Gale the singer with her hair to the floor. Also famous as sister of the country singer--what was her name? The famous COAL MINERS DAUGHTER. Seems I know everything but her name. It will come to me later. after I finish writing this Blog. Anyway, one day at a time is the way to go. After all, what else can you do? Time is going to go at it's own pace no matter how you try to push ahead or back. My, I am rambling this morning. I did finish my table for this month in the Hall. All about school. Yes, I know school starts earlier now, but in my day, it was always the day after Labor Day. Why was that? Because it was after crops were gathered and cotton picked. Was it too hot. No air conditioning. Imagine that? Anyway, I have a large painting of a school room where the kids are playing a game I remember well. It was called BUTTON, BUTTON, WHOE'S GOT THE BUTTON Remember? I have other pictures of me and Truman too in our school pictures. Remember? Also, other items about an old-fashioned school room. And of course, Fall leaves. Kind of interesting to look at. (I hope.) 

BETTY (long blog) BOOP

p. s. Chatty Cathy this morning.

UP TOWN MADISON

I had breakfast at a hidden place. Top floor 5-star restaurant that is very secret. Only the elite go there. It is Number 2313 in THE MADISON, in the Madison Building in SCV (my sweet little apartment.) So exclusive and private. You can dine in your "nightie," if you wish. I had a beautiful soft scrambled egg with added pimiento cheese, and little ripe Campari' tomatoes on the side, toasted biscuit and the most wonderful coffee. I had my second cup in my robe, sitting on the lovely balcony overlooking a beautiful lake. Canada Geese swam peacefully and there was a hint of a breeze. Oh, my, am I lucky. By the way, I heard from the kitchen that Miss Giva and Trader Joes coffee were getting along well. As he wrapped his coffee infused arms around her, she sighed and performed perfectly. SO BE IT.

BETTY (I have been reading too many romantic 1800"s novels!!) BOOP

p. s. do you know something better to do?