HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

 And I am happy this morning. How could I not be? I have been remembered!!! So much to be happy about. Just waking and sitting on side of bed, as each morning I do, and thanking the Lord for another day and asking for him to show me the way, just for today. Yes, sometime, in a squeaky voice, but the thanks is there. Going to lunch for birthday with A& J, my sweet daughters. to our usual place to go for birthdays. It really humbles me, the many sweet cards and treats, my friends here at SCV have given me. I really try to be nice to everyone and it pays for sure. I have made some really sweet friends. Enough of this. 

BETTY (even my Insurance agent remembered) BOOP

p. s. ops!! just good business, but I will take it from anybody.

BIG TIME

 Well, is there any other way? When Ryan was asked, what kind of party for the three of us? Clown that he is, said Tea Party. He remembered I was asked that on another occasion for my Birthday and I said a Hot Dog Bar and it was done in style. So good, we did it another time. So the Powers That Be set to work planning. An old Fashioned Tea  Garden  party was better. So pretty with tons of beautiful flowers, tea pots, dainty tea cups and lavish sandwiches, sweets to tempt a lady and gent. They enjoyed doing it and we all enjoyed feasting. Ryan likes hot tea in the winter and it hit the spot with many kinds of the wonderful brew. To top it all, my  niece and their children came too and bearing gifts. Funny Birthday Cards were read and the house, though big, was centered in a big circle and talk, talk. we did. Laughed a lot and vowed to do this more often. I can't remember a better one. Lets do it again.

BETTY (still feel special this morning) BOOP

7:11

 Why does 7:11 ring a bell?  Oh, I know---it is the name of an amazing little store. I actually remember the first one of it's kind opening in Jackson. called TOTE-SOME. You know tote some of what you need. Advertising was good even then. And we seemed to need some of all they sold. My mind tends to be muddled at time. but I still see the one on Triangle Drive in Jackson. You remember a lot at 96, a lot has happened in my life time. Most of it I call Progress. Good and not so good. 

Off I go today, rain or shine, to the big Birthday celebration. I feel very grateful and thankful to go.

BETTY(don't eat too much sugar)BOOP

p. s. don't tell.

MRS, DOOLITTLE

 Well, I do talk to the animals and they talk to me, sometime. There is one bird that speaks to me each morning. As I approach my chair, he says "Right here, Right here, Right here." Then I say "Thank You." This morning, as usual I check the clouds. A little pink and blue appeared. Not only in the sky, but in the reflection on the Lake.

It was new to me. I see new each morning, and I am renewed.

Big celebration is on the way. My we do "love a party." Celebrate the OLD & YOUNG. Twist the Girl Scout motto--One is Silver & The Other Gold." Which am I? Which are the young men we celebrate ?We all are pretty shinny. 

BETTY(what fun) BOOP

p. s. always "The Fun Loving Family) 

LOST A DEAR FRIEND

 I knew her from the GOOD SAM CLUB, back in the good old days of traveling by motor home. Used to go to south Texas for the winter months. Great people I met. She died this week from a fall when she struck her head. Don't know the details, don't need to know. That is the greatest fear all my friends have. I was delighted when she moved in a few years ago, Remembering good old days with her was fun. I will miss her so much. Time does not stand still and I feel it rush by when this happens to us all. 

Little too nippy this morning on Balcony, so I observed it behind the glass. Sun was beautiful as it rose with the colors of pink that no artist can get just right. But we get to see it in the sunrise . Oh, excuse me--some do. You have to get up early to see it. Worth it!!!!!. I had a nice thin slice of ham with my English muffin and oatmeal with the best strawberries. Back to a regular diet today.

BETTY(love the good breakfast)BOOP

p. s. ONWARD!!!! 

DRESSED FOR IT

 Double robe and wooly footies and a desire to get a little cool. Out I go, and it is beautiful this morning out there. I felt so bad yesterday, but today is better. A little . or should I say big upset "tummy." I kept thinking about that crawfish soup I ate the day before. I was fighting it all morning. Finally got through it and felt better. Taking the food easy today. I will be o, k. I think. Fresh air felt good. Enough of that. A little illness goes a long way when it is the other person telling it. If you pause in the halls to tell about yourself, you get a bigger story from the other person. So it is best to say, "I am fine". I did sleep a little later and am behind in my "things to do." So I will go catch up and wish you a good day.

BETTY (sparing you details) BOOP

44 degrees-feels like 37

 Oh, yes, that is right!! I sit on the inside, looking out. I saw this brave soul. as usual, walking with purpose, as you should. She must be used to this kind of weather. From the North Pole I bet. Even knows Santa Clause and on first name basis with Frosty the Snow man. More Power to You. I feel guilty just sitting inside looking out. So Be It. Got to have some kind of burden to deal with. Hey, I was raised in the South, Lady. Sweat is a must. Enough of that nonsense. I declare if I ever get to the finish of this Stephen King book, never another. It is so long. I am liking it, but I need to move on. Just like the the new remake of the sitcom NIGHT COURT. I always liked it early on, but my second viewing last night, gave me doubts. It may just be me and my hearing aids, but I have a lot of trouble understand all the words they say. I lost so much last night that I don't know if I will try again. A shame, because I need some "silly" now. 

BETTY(soup sounds good  for today)BOOP

p. s. still have two servings in freezer of my veggie soup.

OH NO !!!BOOP

 Yes. Dental appointment was going fine until she found a crack in a tooth. HE came in and said == a crown was needed. Otherwise I was good to go. Well not that good. I take such good care of all I still have. But teeth do get old too. I have it on tap for the near future. As soon as possible. So the rest of the day went well. Amy and I had lunch at SOULSHINE. (sp). Newly decorated and had the crawfish soup that I like. On home and to bed. Went through a trying morning. But all is well with me now. 

On the Balcony it was a little nippy, but I braved it. I guess you could say, It is something I have to do, to start the day. I see clouds in the sky that remind me of Truman and that is the way to start the day. Because I know where he is. 

BETTY (not so funny this morning)BOOP

p. s. will go to Methodist Church service here this afternoon. Will sing and give thanks.

41 sure feels cold

But, somebody must record the Balcony News. Not much to report this day so far. One brave walker, walking with purpose. Purpose being: Hurry, and get this walk done for today!! When the wind is stirring a little and it is 41, to a Southerner-that is cold. But that does not bother me for today. Other things are pressing on my mind. I am going to my Dentist at 10:30. I think of all the procedures I  and everyone else I bet, hate is the dentist. So say a prayer for me, and hope I come back with a good report and a little "give away kit", with new toothbrush and other little niceties. And a new 6 month appointment. And a smile that says." Look Mom, no cavities." Or in my Senior years-even worse stuff. 

When is you next appointment? Did I ruin your day?

BETTY (hope not) BOOP

  

WHAT COLOR IS RAIN ?

Which one would you like? Since rain has no color and you can pick, be my guest. I pick blue. Look in my clothes closet and you will see mostly blue. It is happy and easy to match==just a happy one. So I pick blue for today. The rain will soon go away, but I guess we need it. 

Breakfast was "happy". My usual Sunday one-to save time. Cyber sausage biscuit, 3 minute egg, O. J. and half grapefruit, and hello Mr. Coffee. I did sit a while on Balcony, even though a light rain was almost covering my space. Nobody but me out there. The birds announced my coming and I know they are always watching. I came in to look into my rain gear. I have an old raincoat that almost reaches the floor. O. K. it will do. So I will get ready for Church. "SEE YOU LATER ALIGATOR "

BETTY BOOP (my raincoat is green-a change from blue.) 

p.s. raincoat is from way back in the past-so green.

 

ANOTHER CLOUDY ONE

 Let us do purple for today. I can't remember liking purple much. Blue being my favorite.  I usually like a  rainy day, but I need a little sunshine. I have been singing. OH, LET THE SUNSHINE IN, FACE IT WITH A GRINN. OPEN UP YOUR HEART AND LET THE SUNSHINE IN. Picture this OLD GIRL, in her morning garb of a long old robe and footies, singing early (5:30) strolling her apartment and singing. Enough to smile and let the sunshine in. O. K., got you now? 

I had a wonderful half grapefruit for breakfast. What a treat. It was full of juice and lovely. So was the perfect scrambled egg and half English muffin. Good to go, and all in my tattered robe, after singing. Coffee was good too. When I sat my tray on the table, I bumped it and my pills went everywhere! On my knees (kind of) I think I found them all. After counting them I just put the smile back on and away they pills went, down the hatch, I think.

Now that I have started you off with a silly blog and a funny picture to put in your brain, can you sing now?

BETTY (I am turning into a comedy writer) B00P

p. s. I wish.

39 degrees in Madison

 Nice on Balcony when you dress warm enough. And a cup-o-joe. Sunrise beautiful as airplanes take off. Remember when we used to fly. Loved the take off. Really exciting, no matter how many times you fly, it is always like the first time. Glad we liked to travel. We had fun. MEMORIES!!  

Hey, Jan came yesterday and we had lunch in Cyber. First time in 2 years. We can have guest now and it was fun. She saw old friends and enjoyed it like I did. Her FRENCH DIP looked good, but my go-for is SHRIMP REMOULADE. Shrimp was perfect. Cyber has good help now and they do a good job. 

BETTY (trying to finish this Stephen King book. It may be the only one I ever read. Good but hard.)BOOP

0N TIME

 Computer is online this morning. Maybe the weather has something to do with it. Hey, I had a treat.  Well part of one. I opened my Trader Joe's coffee this morning. Two bags have been in the freezer since Christmas. A gift from my "Boys." Was tempted to throw out Mr. Kroger's breakfast blend. But being thrifty as I am (can't help that", I used it up and waited. Trader Joe's is very good and I was excited to get it. We do not have a single one of those stores in Mississippi. Anyway, I got a small taste of what is to come. You see, I had half Kroger and half Joe's. Could not even discard a tablespoon of the last of Kroger. But even that helped. So good on the Balcony. 

BETTY(end of the story for today)BOOP

p. s. some people have little to say, but make something out of nothing!!!  that is me. Some call it creative?

pps:  Did you watch the new NIGHT COURT? What did you think?

RUNNING LATE

 My computer jumped off line this morning and don't know why, but I had to get the computer man to get me back on track. So here I am. Much later than usual. Did get to drink coffee on balcony early. It was barely sunup, so being cloudy, it was a little dark. Nobody up but me. Well it seemed that way. Since I am such a creature of habit, I have trouble getting back to the routine. Can't think of anything much to write, so I will bid you farewell till maybe tomorrow.

BETTY BOOP

SURPRISE !!!

 I had breakfast in Cyber. The stars were in line I guess. Actually I have not been up to it in a couple of weeks. I woke in plenty of time and felt like it. First to order my eggs-over-light, bacon, whole-wheat toast and coffee. Very nice to have someone prepare it. Hey did you notice the price of eggs lately? Oh, my, I still will eat them. 

Have you heard of a bulb called--PERSIAN BUTTERCUPS? I planted a few and I have been meaning to look them up. Never heard of them, although Amy had. The picture looks like small roses. These are named in color RANUNCULUC SALMON. That alone makes you want them to bloom. We will see. Patience .  

Secrete to happiness: Always look for something new. 

BETTY (the wise old one has spoken)BOOP

p. s. just funning,(is that a word?)

EMBARRASED AND EXCITED !!!

Embarrassed because I slept till 6:30. Don't know why, even slept well last night. Do no try to figure it out- just take it. Quickly prepared a nice breakfast and on with the day. Excited because  with the help of Daughter #3, yesterday we planted my large pots on balcony with many bulbs. I say many because she wanted me to have a riot of color. We planted, every kind they had. We filled 4 large pots.  And now we wait. Not patiently.

Never planted them before in pots. We will look forward to a show. Will make pictures and have lectures later. How is that for confidence? Well, I must hurry and try to catch up. Lazy me, in bed so late.

BETTY (she needed the sleep)

p. s. always my excuse.

BETTY (she needed the sleep)

YOUNG SNOW

Old saying. Maybe made up by my folks. When we had a big Frost-it was called a Young Snow. Did you ever hear that saying, or can I claim it? Anyway, that is what we had. The Meadow was pretty with Young Snow. The sun is out and it will take care of the snow. 32 degrees is kind of cold to me. Sometime I think it is just the South that made the old sayings, but that is not so, I wonder why we avoid saying just what we mean and have to make something else out of it? I ponder. 

Hope to go to Church today. I will be able to sort of sing now and maybe get through it without the scarry cough I have been having. Good to be rid of that stuff. When you stay to yourself  a lot because of illness, you get crazy with memories and worries too. So, people who need people are the lucky. We are made that way. I chose wisely my friends and just be nice to the rest. 

BETTY(just me)BOOP

p. s. Sweetly Be

FRIDAY 13th

 Yesterday was Friday 13th. Superstition!! I am not taken in by that. I just think it is fun to read about. And the info is amazing. As I looked and read about it, I found out many facts about it. Read and enjoy. Just thought I would mention it. I do try to keep up. Just so they don't move me to the next facility down or even lower. 

I am getting to wear my warm and cute sweat shirts I got at Christmas from my "boys." Feel really dressed up and gives me a chance to brag about those amazing young men. To think they love their mother=in=law is great. So lucky am I.

FUN FACT: Yesterday, they had meatballs and spaghetti on lunch line. I ordered the meatballs without the pasta (not good for me) and today I will cook the whole wheat kind that I keep in my "little" pantry. Looking forward to that today.

BETTY (glad you read today?)BOOP

p. s. keep up

Oh, My It's cold.

 No way for Balcony. Oh yes there is. Inside looking out. One little slide of the door and I knew it was too cold and windy. I sit and look out. I thought about those big pots of mine that are ugly and empty. What can I do? I have never planted bulbs in pots. I looked it up and though I am a little late, I can still do it. Tulips? Or, daffodils? Maybe some of each. I will ask my personal shopper to find me a few and try them. Mr. Google tells me just how. Now I have a mission. Makes me happy and with a plan. 

I feel so much better today. Good old AMOX. Old drug and therefore cheaper too. But I do hate to take extra drugs. My list grows as I get older. No wonder I am still here and kicking. though not so high!!

BETTY(Enough of this nonsense) BOOP

p. s. fun and nonsense go hand in hand.

DRAMA IN SKY

I warn you -- you must get up early and be watching the skies, to see drama like I see this morning. Going to bed early, I wake up early. Just get up and start the day. Warnings of storms coming, I saw many clouds racing over. When the sun came up it was an errie sight. Hard to explain. You must be there. Like the good vs. evil. Oh, my, what a thought. If you think of stormy weather as evil. you got it. It will be in and out fast, so they say. Needless to say. no Balcony this morning. Wet will outdo the sun today. 

Get up early and look to the sky, amazing things will happen, I promise. Think I should go back to bed.

BETTY (no way) BOOP

p. s. I am a little sleepy.

CHINESE TALLOW TREE

Oh, No. I turn my back and don't watch everything from the Balcony, this happens. POPCORN  tree is putting out popcorn balls. It really is not mixed up. They can do it early, so MSU says on the website. Just a few balls down low, but I saw them. It can be a beautiful sight and I hope this does not mess it up too much. As you can tell, I did brave the Balcony with two robes on. I feel so much better. Thanks to good old fashioned meds. Just could not stay inside looking out, one more day. 

I ate a good breakfast of oatmeal with strawberries. I guess my taste is off a little. Berries did not taste as good as they should. I am not surprised when I think of what went on in my mouth and throat for a few days. Enough said about that sad journey, ONWARD we go.

Have a good day. and I will try also.

BETTY (as old Willie sings)--"On The Road Again" BOOP

COOL MORNINGS HOLDING ON.

 So sit at glass door, watching the birds. It is a special day. # 1's Birthday. Remember the day she was born. We did it!!  Such a beautiful little baby girl. She looked like a doll to me. She survived a young and inexperienced Mom and Dad. And grew up smart, independent. caring, talented, and a wonderful daughter to us. Happy Birthday special girl  !! I always say there is nothing like a daughter. I have 3 great ones. Lucky me. I would have totally messed up a son, so I have been blessed with 3 son-in-laws who someone else raised to be special for me.

I am better this morning. Don't think meds can kick in so quick, but the tried and true old ones seem to be helping me. I do believe a good connection to Dr. and Nurse helped. Thanks to all the "Angels" that are sent to the rescue. I will do as told and get well. 

BETTY (counting blessings this morning)BOOP

p. s. count yours too.

37 and cloudy

Let's paint it a happy blue anyway. Put the weather on the back burner and pretend we have sunshine. Little too cold for a recovering "sickie." Lord, I hope this is a good day. Good for me anyway. I know I have done a lot of complaining over the last few days. Forgive me for venting it on you. Birds skipped eating yesterday because of the rain. The Lookout Scout met me this morning as I put put the cracker crumbs. He was impatient with me. Don't blame him. Food is number one on their list. I wisely decided it was too cold for me. Even bundled up. you still breathe cold air in through the lungs and that is where the cough sets off. End of health report. Tune in later, because I will report to Dr. today (by e-mail)

Let's talk food. Good old Campbell's tomato soup. My all time favorite. I guess I was lucky, because last week, my shopper brought an assortment of canned soup. Tomato was among the lot. I remember it from long ago. Best of all they make. And they do have some good ones. Good for whatever is wrong. Happy, Sad, Sick or just in a hurry. I need some Stock in Campbell's. I may already have some. Who knows. 

BETTY (really reaching for something to write)BOOP

p. s. It is what is happening !!!!

 

STORMY NIGHT

 It was a dark and stormy night. How many tales start that way?  I usually sleep right through the storms, but that was some loud thunder and I guess I was sleeping light. But all is wet this morning. I was planning to stay home anyway, since I am still not up to par. How many ways can you speak in old sayings? I know what up to par means, but who said it first? Must look it up. Good to know these little known facts. As Truman used to say, "I know a lot of stuff, but it does not make me any money." Who cares, it is good to know. 

This CRUD is getting old. I am tired and want to see the light. I know I am short on patience. but Oh Lord give me "better.", please. My sausage biscuit did little to cheer me up. Am I asking too much?

BETTY(tell me how?) BOOP

p. s. just a little glimmer of hope. 

43 but beautiful

Braved it for a while. I write better with the Balcony to wake me. Here comes my faithful walker, From Tam to Tobogan. Is that what you call those popular, yet not new, sock caps? Anyway, she changed her hat style to something warmer. Faithful, she is. Away she goes!!   I got chilled, maybe not a good idea with this "crud" I have. But the outside calls me each morning, and I have to go. 

Many geese are feeding on the grass meadow. Frost nipped it yesterday, but maybe it is better when frozen--just like that wonderful frozen waffle I had this morning. Blueberries and Blackberries too. Still want food, even when sick. How different I am. Getting better. Hope to see improvement today. Soup helps. I have had, Taco soup, Chili, my veggie soup, celery, red pepper gouda, tomato of all kinds, cream of chicken, and I have more to try. Last night I had New England Clam Chowder. Truman and I used to love the Progresso brand. They should be ashamed of the cost now. I will eat the other half (his)  for lunch today. 

Well enough of food chatter, although what is better?

BETTY (Onward) BOOP

p. s. scattered. must be the meds.

33 degrees too cold for balcony

 Little nippy on Balcony. Frost on Meadow. Feels good inside looking out. As I finished breakfast, I noticed many little sparrows on the Bell Tower, huddled up and down and keeping warm. Decorated it nice. My little "personal" birds were feasting on Rye toast crumbs as I watched from inside glass door. They seemed surprised at the elegant fare this morning. But enjoyed the treat. Sun promises to warm up and we will have a beauty-of-a-day. Wish I felt better. but maybe as the day goes on, I will perk up. Amy brought an armload of books from the Library. I woke at one o'clock, could not go back to sleep. I got up and started a mystery among the books. Read 2 hours and went back to bed. How terrible, I am ashamed to tell you. But it is what it is!! I will survive. I am a survivor.  

BETTY(coffee is good this morning)BOOP

p. s. try to fine at least one good thing today-there are many!!

CANADA GEESE

Canada Geese have been a part of my early memories here at SCV. It still bothers  me when they are called CANADIAN and what they are is CANADA GEESE.  NOT CANADIAN. They are faithful to watch. A pod floated by and a signal was issued and away they flew. Everything they do is with such fanfare and show. Like some people. Me? I want to be unnoticed and "don't look at me!!" Hey the Sun just popped out, It will be a nice sunny day I hope. I am still dealing with this "thing" I have. Hope for improvement along with the weather. I want to feel good. 

I had coffee from a cup Linda gave me a long time ago. Has a "fat" cat on the side. She gives thoughtful gifts. And I keep and use them and think of her. 

BETTY (don't we all want to be remembered?)BOOP

p.s. remember me!!!!   

UNDER THE WEATHER

 Looked phrase up. I knew what it meant, but wondered where it came from. Turns out it is an old Sailor saying from early sailing days. When a sailor was not well, he was sent under deck to recover. hence, under the weather!!  Oh, well, I do not have a deck to get under, but I wish I could hide. I am tired of this mess I am in. Even took a COVID  test, and thankfully it was negative. Jan is good at this.  But today I decided I would get better. You know a positive attitude goes a long way, when nothing else helps. So, I sat on Balcony all covered and with coffee in hand. Watched walkers and worked on my attitude. Haven't got time for this laying around and feeling sorry for myself. Hey something else works. I still have a desire for good breakfast. So Mr. Kroger has taken on the task of frozen waffles. Eggo seemed to drop them. Kroger is a bit better. I had one with blackberries and strawberries. Was so good. All the usual trimmings went along. So here I sit, full and satisfied. How about you.? 

BETTY(wish everything could be solved with a waffle)BOOP

p.s. actually it can sometime!!

NEW POST (so it says)

But who needs "new" all the time. When you get near your 96th Birthday, the old is good enough. My thoughts would not find something new, so here is what came to mind. Old, Old, Old. In fact back to childhood. I can not ever remember my Daddy giving me any punishment. Always from my Mother, who needed to give me more. Because  I was not a Poster Child for following the rules. But my Dad was a WW1 vet. Terrible war. When I see the films of it, I don't know how he came through it. He lied about his age, as many did, to get to go. He was wounded and suffered with nightmares and troubles. He was a quiet man and I remember when he tried to correct me, he could not do it without a tiny smile that ruined the whole process. Funny I remember that, and what did it mean? I guess he was a "softie" to punishing me. Now on the other hand, my Mom did her correcting with words!! Now that hurt more than a switch!!

BETTY (looking for something to write)BOOP

p. s. maybe nothing would be better.

 

P. S.

 P. S. IT IS SPELLED AWE. 

MONDAY MONDAY

Thank you Lord for new starts. I think of Monday as a new start. Cloudy, but good on the Balcony. Birds are "sleeping in." Crackers await. One couple walked by and then another lone lady. Sidewalks are wet. Be careful. Church was good yesterday. Pastor gave me much to mull over. At communion, we could pick a card with one word on it. We are to think of it this week. And possibilities. Mine said "DREAMER". Already fits me. Amy's said "AUEW' We will see!! 

Oh! I am sorry the fresh pineapple is all gone. It was good in oatmeal with banana. 

Have a good week and dream and auew over everything. Don't know how to spell it. Just like me. 

BETTY ( HELP ME). BOOP

 

TWO-TER

Is two-fer a word? It is used all the time now. It means you get two for one. So it may appear in the new dictionary soon. They do add and update sometime. Well, I got two-fer yesterday. I was expecting one daughter and in walked two. So two for one visit. Now I was excited. They brought goodies in many forms. We arranged my Hall table, tended to a bill problem, hung a picture high up, talked and visited a good while. What a Joy!!. 2023 looks pretty good. 

I am planning on going to Church with Amy. We will start the year off right. I put all the decorations away. Felt good to do that little job. My table looks so pretty. Like a WINTER WONDERLAND. Amy's snow sprinkled trees look like a forest, the oval mirror Winnie gave Amy a long time ago, in the middle, looks like a lake. A snowman skates the make believe frozen Lake. My polar bears are hiding behind the trees waiting their turn at the Lake. It looks so good. Hope it is a pleasure to all who pass by. I know I enjoy doing it, with Amy. Her touch makes it look  right. 

Maybe we will manage a "little" snow this winter. Just a little goes a long way. Right?

BETTY (must hurry) BOOP

p. s. hurry is not in my dictionary.