As expected--rain. No Balcony. I sit on the inside looking out. Love a rainy day? Oh!! I do, when I can look out and not have to go outside. Little tasks await. Nothing big, just small things to do. Just the "Merry" clean up. Be happy that the task are easy. Little at a time. No rush, as I was to put it all out. And I think I did "put it all out."
Breakfast was strange. First I forgot to put the grounds basket in place and just put a paper filter with the grounds in it. Good luck I said when I discovered it too late. I had a small piece of ham, that I cut up in the egg as I scrambled it. Had a yearning for grits. I did not have any in the stash, so yesterday, I bought a serving in the Cyber. Server looked surprised at grits in the early afternoon, but she needed a jolt! I reheated it this morning instead of toast. Had a little assorted melon from the fruit cup I also bought. Of course coffee. Resourceful I am!!
Forgive me, if you read, but when there is not much going on, I go to breakfast. Nice place to go.
BETTY(not looking for much) BOOP
p. s. out with the old, in with the new and fresh!!
Not all sun yet, but there it is-peeking through the clouds. Going to be a bright and beautiful day. Think I will take the decorations down-little by little. After all, that is how they went up. Putting Old Friends to bed. I want to add a bit to yesterdays blog about Leo. You know about his love affair with GEARS? Well he is in love with them. He knows all about them. He came in my door with a small blue one. He told me right off that it was a "cleaning gear." Alright! What will it clean? He showed me how it could clean my floor, my furniture, my wall and even "me". On and on it went. I was very impressed with his sale pitch. Finally it was all clean and on to something else we went.
Felt good to sit out this morning. Little too early for walkers, as I was there at sunrise.
Oh how my mind does jump. When I thought Sunrise, I thought of one of our trips to New York, where we got to see our first Broadway play. FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. We had almost front row seats. When the song was sung-SUNRISE-SUNSET-It stuck with me. And of course-WHEN I WAS A RICH MAN.I have seen many New Stage and other small plays. but to see that one in New York has really stayed with me. Sweet memories.
BETTY (live on them) BOOP
p. s. have you been to the BIG APPLE? I went this morning.
Opened the door to Sunshine for sure. How I enjoyed that little bundle of fun. He inspected everything. And fast. He really "picked me up." Talking about my great grand son!! Oh, yes, His Mom and Dad. Nana, & Mr. T. came with him. We all watched as his Mom read a new book from me. about the little Monkeys who jumped on the bed and fell off and bumped their heads? He had heard it before, but now he has his own from me. He loves books. I am glad, bet he will read soon. 3 years old and way ahead of his time. Loved every minute of the visit. Wish they lived closer. but that is the way it is now. Anyway, they made my day for sure.
I actually sat on Balcony for coffee. 33 degrees and wrapped up tight. Did not take too long. We had a light frost on the Meadow. I pretended it was snow. Oatmeal had fresh pineapple from J. Soo good. Anything is good on oatmeal.
BETTY(being thankful for it all)BOOP
p. s. march on!!
Whee!! Little great grand son is coming. Oh he will bring Mom, Dad and Nana with him. 'For a visit, He is in high demand, as we all want to have some one on one with him. Of course we will be happy to see his escorts too. His visit will be short and with so many people to see, I am glad he could fit me in. We will talk and I hope to read him a new book I have for him. Then a tiny toy to add to his collection. We will enjoy each other.
I still have to sit inside, maybe tomorrow will be warmer. I have observed some different visitors to the crumbs. One big old Mocking bird, he rules the "roost." Takes his tome and the rest can wait. Also one that I can not think the name of it. Bigger than a Sparrow, fat and blue with rose colored breast. I used to see them once in a while, Especially when it was extra cold. What is it? Glad to see them having a small feast this morning.
Well ONWARD as Robert St. John says.
BETTY (shinning) BOOP
Still looking through the Looking Glass. Maybe soon, I will go to Balcony again. Wow!! What a beautiful Christmas at J & Mr. T's house. I think I counted 14. From 3 year old to 95. Long table beautifully decorated with candles and berries and greenery. So beautifully done by A. Much talk and memories were shared and the best tenderloin done by Ryan and MG. Of course the wild rice casserole almost up staged it. All the wonderful sides and pies. We seem to like the pies over cakes or anything fancy. Coffee on top. and apple cider too. Mr. T. led us in reading the Christmas story from Luke. Each member standing in a circle, taking turns reading a verse. Love that tradition we have. I got tired of so much fun and was sorry to leave. Hope the party carried on for a while. Mr. T. made us laugh when he requested we count the silver before we left. Don't get to use the good stuff often. ---- But the "good " stuff does go on all year without the special china and sliver . Right?
BETTY (tired but happy")BOOP p. s. Linda brought sweet gifts and so did Amy for us girls. J and I brought ourselves!!!
I have created a new spot to "look". Too cold for Balcony just now. It is sitting on a cane- bottomed chair from my gate-leg table where I eat and do lots of things. I saw the sun rise and a new day. New one can't be better than yesterday. Three Wise Men came(son-in-laws.) Bearing gifts!! My how nice. They are three of the smartest, most generous, most loving, and indeed the best looking I have ever seen. How blessed I am. Today, I will celebrate with the whole lot of them!!I never can express my appreciation and love for them all. God is Good!!We celebrated at my smart Grand daughter's and her welcoming husband's home in Fondren. Traditional fried chicken. My Mother started that long ago and we keep it going. Of course Mr. Kroger makes it possible now. Thanks to #3 son-in-law, it was perfect. So was the many other dishes. Today will be a repeat of Christmas dinner with us together again. Miss the head of our family. my soulmate, but I like to picture him-smiling at us and saying "keep it up."
BETTY(we will try)BOOP
p. s. GOD IS GOOD
TELL ME WHY THE SUN DOTH SHINE?
Old nursery rhyme set to music.
Tell me why the stars do shine?
Tell me why the Ivy doth twine?
Tell me why the Sky's so Blue?
And then I"ll tell you why I love you.
Because God made the stars to shine,
Because God made the Ivy to twine,
Because God made the sky's so Blue,
Because God made you, that's why I love YOU.
BETTY(enough said) BOOP
Oh, let the sun shine. Wow, it did. Let a little inside, but keep the cold out. Where are my Cuddle-Duds?
Where are my Cuddle-Duds? Do you still have a pair? I still have the bottoms, but have lost the top. They work in this kind of weather. Don't have anything like this often. I had planned to eat in Cyber. But as usual, plans went off track. I woke at 5:30. Little to early. Turned over and got warm and went back to dreamland and was surprised when I woke at 6:30. Said, "heck!" Bad as I say. I did not feel like rushing, so I thought, "I make the best egg-in-hole in town" "Get up you lazy girl and take care of yourself." But maybe I will go tomorrow. You know, I love that little Cafe'. Kind of like Cheers on TV. Where everybody knows your name, and they are always glad you came.
BETTY(so be it) BOOP
do you have a
On the Balcony at about 7:30. The sun has been up a while, but clouds hide it. Not a thing is moving. Lake is smooth, birds are quiet, not a soul in sight, no ducks or geese, nor any kind of beast. It is like I am all alone. Just God and me. Just what I need. Christmas can be sad. when you think of the past and all loved ones who are not here, except in spirit. But yet, glad that I am still here and able to do what I do. Grateful for Blessings. I was moved by the President of Ukraine's message to America last night. He sounds like a real leader and I hope through his leadership there can come peace to to his people. They have suffered through so much. May peace come to them and all the world.
BETTY BOOP
p. s. I love the HALLMARK Christmas movies. Always end happy.
I know it is 43 degrees. But I went to Balcony with my hot coffee and dressed in long robe and warm footies. No wind and no people either. But the fresh air felt good. Just long enough to drink the coffee and in I hurried. So back inside I began to write my blog. Have you ever read a book by CATHY GOHLKE? Yes the spelling is right. I have read several and they keep me interested right to the end. She is an award winning Christian book writer, and I like her writing. Sometime hard to read because of the subjects she write about. True but a fiction story also. This one is a fictional story built around the Titanic. Now I have read several on that subject, I bet you have too. But this is a sweet story line and sad and good also. I am over half through it and I can't put it down.
Well, here I sit talking about reading and everyone else in my family is busy preparing for Christmas and our getting together. I do feel useless sometime about that. But I remind myself, I had my day (days), when I was busy beyond believe. I had it all and enjoyed the activities so much. So, now I will enjoy the less busy part also.
BETTY(just be still) BOOP
p.s. old age has it perks!!
I wonder what Old Man Winter looks like? Old, creepy, cold, icy, windy, and bare foot of all things. Now that would keep him hopping and on his way. Calls for hot chocolate, spiced cider, fire burning in the fireplace continually, heavy socks, sweaters, and the ever-loving cup of hot home made soup of your choice. Mine yesterday was of course veggie. And it smelled good as it simmered and tasted good too along with cornbread, Southern style, (no sugar.) You know what I miss? Our own fireplace. Truman loved it too. We have a "fake" one in the lobby seating area. Pretty to look and, but no warmth. They try to make it like home and I appreciate the effort. And they do a good job. One thing that has always impressed about SCV is that all the employees are urged to learn and speak out names. And it is a nice thing--YOUR NAME. Yes it is.!!
BETTY(not my name)BOOP
p. s.
I blame this habit of waking sooooo early on the much hated time change. I seem to still be having trouble waking so early. This morning, I got out of bed and wobbly on my feet, at 5:30. Stumbled to kitchen and woke Mr, Coffee. He gurgled to a slow start and made the coffee anyway. Oatmeal was my choice with banana. Other things followed. I was on a roll. Too dark and cold to go on Balcony. I (of all things) started a pot of veggie soup at 6:30. It was a chore to find the slow cooker and it's rightful cord. Anyway, I saved bits of this that and the other in the freezer to start it off. Opened canned tomatoes, and creamed corn and some left over turkey from Thanksgiving. It has two kinds of peas, some lima beans, French style green beans, little bit of rice. I plan to add some okra at the end. It will be ready by noon. Come on over. I may be taking a nap.
BETTY (asleep on the job) BOOP
When I say "kitties", I mean the stuffed kind. I have a row of stuffed cats to put across the floor in front of the big sliding balcony door. To keep the cold out. And 28 is cold. I just went out and gave my birds cracker crumbs. Did not tarry long. They say Christmas weather looks to be cold. Let's talk up a small snow!!
I do love my Sunday breakfast. I buy sausage biscuits from the Cyber. Put them in the freezer. Ready on Sunday morning with soft boiled egg, juice and coffee. Very little clean up. And also good. Going to Church. Don't call it a habit, but it kind of is.
BETTY (so be it) BOOP
Getting there. Winter weather, I mean. Sun is trying to peep out. Breakfast in Cyber is getting to be a little tiresome. Again a meeting of some sort had the tables and chairs all messed up. And I had to sit close to the Men of Saturday. They talk as loud as the ladies. I got there first but they still began to come in early too. Oh, well, another little secret has been smashed. You know, breakfast first and alone. But they can't invade my beloved Balcony. Just me and the birds. Second cup out there this morning. Had a talk with ME. Just enjoy yourself, as the song we sang in Choir. "It's Later than you think." The years go by, quicker than a wink." I loved that song.
Jan was here yesterday and we talked about my file and how full of excess stuff. I feel like the "old" lady just holding on to the past. We vowed to "clean house (files) after Christmas. And plans have been made for Christmas. Sounds wonderful. I am looking forward to them.
BETTY(love to plan)BOOP
p.s.---------no p.s.
Old English nursery rhyme from Lewis Carrol's book of rhymes THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS. Been around for a while. But I saw them this morning. My two first commers to the crumbs. They did not announce that there were crumbs from Rye cheese toast. Because they were greedy and you know, in the animal kingdom, it is "eat first and then announce what is left. They did just that. Has nothing to do with their new names I gave them, that just popped in my crazy head. Yes, I did sit out even though the long robe and wooly socks got thin. It woke me up and I decided I need to move on and get something done.
BETTY (crazy rhymes keep rushing through my lame brain.)BOOP
p. s. come, chase them out!!!
Did not mean to close out before I finished. But now that I am back, I guess I said all I needed to anyway. One more thing. I added a spoon full of pimiento cheese to my scrambled egg this morning, and a dash of milk as I cooked it. It is soft and delish!! Now that was worth passing on-try it!!
BETTY(kind of scrambles myself)BOOP
p.s. comes with the Season.
THE RAIN HAS GONE-nod to Ann Murry's long ago song. What a beautiful voice. And indeed it has gone and left us some colder temps. More like the season. Got "wimpy" and am sitting inside to drink my brew. That is O. K, because I will get out there later when I find a few spare minutes. I have been a little more busy than usual. Kind of like old times when I worked hard to fill every minute. Think that was due to missing Truman so much. I did enjoy keeping busy. Still working on the "happies." They are, to my delight, a big hit. Kind of different for me. I think about the many, many little crafts I made over the years. How did I do all that many useless things?
So they say? Well all I know is --the Balcony is wet. No can do this morning. Throws me off a little. but I can bend. Do it all the time. I think that is the secret of a long life-- "Bend A Little" Maybe not just a long life, but a good life. You see, I started off on the top this morning. I am pleased to report I delivered all on the 3rd floor (my floor) little "happies." My knees were tired and hurt till I had to take an Ibuprofen. So far, they were well received. Today the 2nd floor only has 4. Think I can do that. This afternoon if all goes well, I will do the 1st door with 7. More walking with it, but I can do it, I think. I have been getting happies myself. Some are too sweet for me. Most people don't know I am diabetic. I try not to focus on that too much. Who wants to hear your troubles? Most here have all they need. I just nibble a little and hope for the best.
I had the famous egg-in-hole for breakfast. No cookie cutter to make the hole, so, I went wild and cut out a square!! Pretty wild for an old girl (will be 96 in January)
BETTY(never been wild)BOOP
p. s. when I said I gave to all the 3rd floor, I did not mean every single person, just the most, I know many of my neighbors. BB
I took the chance to sit out on Balcony. We are warned of severe storms coming later. All is calm so far. I saw a pod of Canada Geese feeding on the Meadow, and some floating in the edge of Lake. Over a way a small group of visiting ducks. Resident Egret flew low over the edge, trying to find a calm spot to fish. Two ladies came swiftly by, with purpose. My Sparrows came to check out the cracker crumbs, and went to tell all to hurry before the rain washed them away. It is so refreshing at 66 degrees and I got "pleasantly" cool.
People around here are beginning to give small "happies" and I am getting ready to pass out mine. Wish you could see them. Hope they make someone happy.
BETTY (we all need a little "happy."
p. s. go find yours.
That is the title of the beautiful Advent and Christmas program at Broadmeadow yesterday. Wish you could have heard it. I can't even find the words to describe the beauty and blessing it brought. Combined with Wells Methodist Church's Choir, it was a full choir, no seats vacant, with added one even. They really did "make a joyful sound." I was truly moved and blessed. And my "joy" did not end with that, I was invited by one of Amy's friends to her beautiful home in Tidewater. How exciting to sit and listen to those sweet and beautiful "young" girls. Amy has the sweetest and most thoughtful friends. They treated me like "one of the girls." So rare in theses days. I think most of the young women these days are especially brave and smart and go for their dreams with gusto. Go girls go. So I pushed to the limit and I got tired and Any brought me tired but happy. So glad to have the energy to enjoy such a good day, Thank you Lord.
BETTY "nuff said" BOOP
p. s. Monday. Monday!!
Expecting a storm and rain. Hope we get to the Church before it starts. Because I do want to hear the Christmas Concert with our Choir combined with Wells Memorial Methodist Church. They did it together last Christmas or was it before COVID? Anyway it is a treat coming. This weather is crazy. Can't predict it. You know, it is funny I sang with my childhood church and then again here at SCV. but never at Broadmeadow. I did many things over the years, but I guess they were all mostly with children. Oh, well, I stayed busy in the life of my Church and am glad now I did. My little glass BALL jars are waiting, all ready to be filled with home made pimento cheese. My girls will help next week and we will deliver them. They look so ready and with the filling, I know they will make me proud.
BETTY(let's get in the spirit)BOOP
P. S. ONE WAY--COME TO CHURCH WITH ME.
ex-ecting
Well, not all. I decided to go to Cyber for breakfast. First to arrive-on the dot- as usual. Half the Cyber dinning room was set up for something. A meeting it looked like. Maybe from the afternoon before. I had to sit "out in the open" where everyone sits who want to talk early. Like this Men Breakfast Club. I was just too close to people, but what could I do? As they started to arrive, I was into the blueberry pancake I had been wanting all week. First came a neighbor who is a very nice man, but he talks way too much. He can't hear any better than I. So he sets up a "chat." O boy will the others please hurry. As they started to come, one by one, there were 4 and I knew more were on the way. All very nice gentleman, but too close so early in morning. I feel a little guilt for complaining, but just a little. I don't like company and chit chat in the morning. O. K. --
BETTY(I do like people)BOOP
p. s. not early in the morning!!
Four sparrows came as scouts this morning. Will change their name to 4 Wise Men I guess. Made me think about kids books that teach counting. Remember one that was so funny. 10 little monkeys were in a bed, one said "roll over", they all rolled over and one rolled out. Of course as you counted, they finally all landed on the floor. Funny, funny, funny!! And we laughed. Remember it? I think it was a library book. I checked out a lot of them and of course we owned some too. What a pleasant memory. I loved reading to my kids and grandkids too. I still enjoy reading. It takes you away to so many places. Especially now that I have the time. If I want to, I can get up in the middle of a sleepless night and read and take myself away. Have done that a few times, but not often. My friend who takes care of the Library here at SCV, laughs at how many cards my name is on check out. Just a thought. Many do love our Library.
BETTY (monkeys are funny)BOOP
p. s. A & J bring me books from other sources also.
I have named three sparrows that come first to Balcony each morning, before the crowd. The are THE THREE WISE MEN. Making the way for good news. They partake of a crumb or two and fly away to spread the good news. Alright!! In my early days there was a saying that was used for not so wise guys. A fellow who thought he knew it all and told it to anyone who would listen, was called a "wise Guy." And everyone thought very little of him. Wonder if the Kings of old were thought of that way? I expect there were those who did not trust them too. But these Wise Guys in the sparrow kingdom are heroes. They have their job. Just like the Wise Men of the Bible days. Maybe that is not such a good way to think of it, but I thought of it that way this morning.
BETTY (so be it) BOOP
p. s. just getting in the spirit.
The Christmas Concert for SCV Independent Living folks, where I live, went so well. I sang good and held out for an hour, as we brought the spirit of Christmas to all. It went very good, and I am so proud I could do it. Enough of that "pat on the back." Don't we all love praise? Especially when we work hard for it. But that is not the only reason, I am glad. Thankful and grateful for the chance to do it one more time. Who knows, it may not be the last yet.
Summer time is holding on. She likes it here I guess. I am ready for a change. How about you? It just does not seem right to pull out something summery to wear. No funny Christmas sweat shirts. Oh, yes. they are here, but , I ask--"Aren't you hot in that cute, but hot outfit?"I just bet, soon, we will be wishing for a little warmth. Have a good warm day.
BETTY (just glad to be here)BOOP
p. s. my dirty laundry is growing. get to work!!
THAT NIGHT TRAIN TO WAKE UP traveled to a stop at my station last night about 4 . Woke me and began to feed my brain with stuff I already know. Like what I have to do today and all the tomorrows and all the past things I have done and did not do and want to do. How is that for 4 am? But this time I did not stay awake long. Turned on my back, which I never do, and slipped right back to sleep. Woke at 6:30. I am running late!! But a big breakfast is always for me. To start me running again. After all, I have been traveling in my brain all night. The last of the raspberries perked up the oatmeal. I will start on my blackberries next.
The concert for IL (all the others) is today. Get to sing again. Director cut THE LITTLE DRUNNER BOY, my favorite!!! Do you know of a place I can sing that one? Maybe I will just have to hummmm it to myself.
Sun is out (now and then) that is a good feeling, I will go with that.!!
BETTY( birds are happy) BOOP
p. s. so I will be.
Not the best of Balcony weather. So here I sit in my little fake office. Drinking my second cup from a Christmas Mug with Holly Berries and greenery chasing around the edge. Beautiful mug from somebody's (don't remember who's) fine china. A gift. Very pretty, having done it's duty over the years. but retired to SCV now for another life. It has seen better days and is still pretty. Kind of like me. I have seen good days, but not very pretty anymore. Come to think of it, I was never called "pretty." But it is said, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. All right, I guess I am in.
Church yesterday. Decorated so pretty. Beautiful. My younger daughter had a lot to do with it. Now, she is what I call a Beauty--inside and out.!!!!!
Choir performance this morning. Wish me luck, that I will sit there and sing and enjoy.
BETTY (very "needy, I am)BOOP
p. s. Ho,Ho,Ho.!!!!
51 degrees and a little breezy & cloudy. But here I sit on the Balcony looking for something to write. It is my job, each morning to wake you up cheerful and smiling. Well I have discovered that most of you who read me, don't look at it for days sometime. Old news folks. Rush to the device of your choice and read me and say "hello." Seems everywhere I look, there are pretty decorations going up. The tall tree in the Lobby is amazing. Smaller version in the Activity Room. Entry doors of almost every apartment are fun to look at as I walk the Halls. Seems everyone is looking for special things to happen and trying again to put the last two years in the past, and move on to better days. I know I am. My Christmas coffee mugs are helping. This morning, mine says--HO-HO-H0. That can be the theme for the day.
BETTY(Ho-H0-Ho !!!! BOOP
p. s. train did not run last night???
When I heard of the President's attention to the railways. I thought surely he was talking about this WORRY WART EXPRESS that runs in my mind each night. Would he shut it down. But to my disappointment I learned it was spared too. It departed on time last night again. I don't so much mind the thoughts as I do at the time of night it runs. I do love my sleep and try to get as much as I can. Like slipping off to dreamland as I try to stay awake in the chair at night. Got it all mixed up. Oh well, I have so much to be thankful for. Like the beautiful breakfast this morning. Wholewheat waffle, with raspberries and banana. Turkey bacon, O. J. and coffee. Now you have to get up early and show up at Apt, 2313 for that one.
BETTY (please call first)BOOP
p. s. an old lady is scarry to look at in the morning !!!
Tear off November page and in comes December. And off the shelf come the Christmas mugs. I dare not use them till then. I saved a few to use for my morning coffee. Perks things up, as I remember where I got them. If I forget, I make it up. Who will know? Or even care. Something I have noticed among us "Oldies." We tell stories about our past and believe someone will care and is listening. but SO BE IT, who cares? The mugs are fun to use, once a year.
My restless nights continue. And the dreams are so crazy, yet funny. I need to see a Dream prober. Would be interesting to know why my dreams are sometime centered around or on a river with slippery banks. With people I do not know and seem to be lost like me. I think I will leave the meaning alone for now.
BETTY (do you dream often?) BOOP
p. s. think it is stress related?
Do I really want to know?
I am toying this spell check. iI have ost it on my fVORITES andcan nto get it back i am delibret making midtslrd snd syill vant get it to work help
32 degrees and here I sit. Just felt the need to get outside. Did not stay long. Coffee gets cold fast. I have had a ROUGH NIGHT. At 4:30, I woke, like yesterday. I got on the WORRY-WORT-TRAIN again. I started the journey at the first-when I moved here and we were taking care of so many things. Went over it all. Then next stop CHRISTMAS CONCERT, How did I manage to hop on this stop? How to fit all the other things I have on my mind. Where will the next stop the train take me? I even mixed the pimiento cheese and worried over filling the little jars and delivering them. In the next stop= it was filled with many little things I call it filled with little things. It was not a deep dream, because I felt almost awake. Finally I got up at about 5:30 and fixed a good breakfast. Jan brought plenty of fruit yesterday. I had raspberries in my oatmeal. I love any fruit you can name. Jan says that is good. So I finally got off the TRAIN OF HORRAS, and am back to reality, I hope. Ever fell like this.? Daylight does help and a little talk again with the Lord. My he must be tired of me.
BETTY(sun is shinning)BOOP
p. s. going to be all right.
