GREENING UP !!

 How pleasant on the Balcony. I noticed the Meadow (as I call it) across the Lake, is turning green fast. I hope that means frost is over. However, we usually have a little around Easter. Easter is April 8th. Little girls have to shiver in the beautiful Easter frocks, that mean more to Mama than daughter. (maybe). Easter is a happy time. The real meaning is special too. I have so many "old" decorations. 

Can't wait to look at them again. Memories? Yes I seem to thrive on them. 

I hung my little bird nest basket yesterday. I am just hoping a family builds a nest. Would that be nice to watch? New experience. Maybe a Hummer or a Wren. 

BETTY (much to watch)

p. s. happy exploring.

69 & CLOUDY

 Nice on Balcony. Must remember to bring in seat pillows because it may rain. I saw a "newbie". There is something about a Dog & His man. A very sturdy man came briskly by following his dog. Yes he was on a leash (the dog) but he was leading the man. Beautiful black and white Collie. My he was happy. Maybe a little rain coming made them hurry to get the walk in for the day. 

On a funny note: I know I have told you about a long time friend here whom I call "Happy." She is a hoot and I don't know what we would do without her funny comments. Such a delight to me. Others are not so kind, but I find her refreshing. Anyway she met me in the hall. She was coming back and I was going to dinning room. She said she was happy because they had prunes on the food line. Everybody laughed. Prunes will do that to you. Sure enough they had luscious prunes and everybody was getting them, (me too.) I put a couple in my oatmeal along with banana this morning. A first for the dinning room and fun for everyone. 

BETTY(good start for Monday)

p. s. find your own fun!! 

SUNDAY

 This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. I say or think that every morning. Sometime I think He is tired of me when I sometime ask,  But Why? The world is such a mess, seems no way out. But then I think: there has always, since the beginning of time as we know it, strife, hate, fear and trouble. The world with all it's beauty is complex and hard to understand. But we thank you Lord for the beauty and pleasures we have. 

The Canada Geese are hard to understand. They seem to be in this beginning of Spring, paring off as usual with one difference. I see 3 in a pod and not 2 as the mating season goes on. Who is that third party. Imagination takes over. A jealous lover?, an attached mother-in-law? A child who is reluctant to leave the nest? Maybe a new kind of family with a built- in Nanny? The list goes on. Another thing I will just have to wonder about.

BETTY(crazy me)BOOP

p. s. let us go to Church

ENJOY THE WEATHER?

If you live in Mississippi, you know how fast it can change. And change it did. I have to look at the calendar to see what month it is. Actually the day and time it is. And what is my name anyway? But sitting on Balcony I thought about Saturday's in the past. Childhood is funny. What you remember is amazing. I remember windows open, breezy yet warm, radio blaring ball games, Mama cooking, ironing dresses for Church the next day, in the Fall leaves blowing, the coolness of the sidewalk as I sat with my dolls, Mama planning pot roast for Sunday dinner, how good it smelled, hope to have lemon icebox pie (remember the taste of that?, getting to see special friends you only see at Sunday School. My, I could go on and remembering the past. Now what day  is it now?

BETTY(from the past)BOOP

p. s. come with me 

 

HAM & EGGS

 No. not in Carolina, but right here sitting in my cane bottom chair at the little antique gate-leg-table looking out at clouds, and threat of some rain. 66 is good for walking and I did see several walkers. Wish I could walk the ring around the Lake. But I am thankful to be able to walk these "hallowed" Halls of St. Catherine. I meet so many old souls like me. Safe and happy. Enough of that. I do not want to give that impression. We are just like anybody else. Happy when we are well and strong when we have troubles. Stop it!! How did I get to preaching? Easy to slip. As I always say, the secret is "attitude." New things help too. I have something new. A Library card from Madison Library. Urged on by Lucy and Mary, I visited the Book Mobile that comes here. My what a nice young lady who runs it. I was interested in books on audio. They are on CD's and many of them. I checked out an author I have know for a long time. MAEVE BINCHY. I know you who read know her. She is deceased now, but wrote many books. I am delighted for another avenue to check out books. And so nice to know about it. Although J & A keep me supplied with good reads, this is just a "little pocket of fun", as "we" say.

BETTY (read for fun" BOOP

p. s. will pass the time well.

UP AND AT "EM

 Well, I am back on track with waking up at 6 o'clock. More like it. Dreamed again. What crazy stuff. A strange voice woke me once saying MAMAW. It scared me. Is everyone O. K. this morning? I had  a beautiful whole wheat waffle this morning. Strawberries and blueberries and sugar-free maple syrup, turkey bacon. O. J. and coffee. Treated myself. What is for today. Maid comes for one thing. What a nice thing. After I had knee replacement long ago, I did have a   maid to clean our house on Riverwood. That was easy to get used to. But now, I do look forward to it much more. I am glad it goes with the package here. 

How about this Summer weather. Just skipped Spring. Yet it still wants to come. Do you ever remember seeing "Spring" in you books as a child? Wasn't she pretty? All flowing gown and hair flying ,and flowers flowing from her hair and in her path.? I can see her now. She is waiting her turn. Of course I see in the Pine trees in front of my Balcony--thar dreaded yellow pollen., forming their beautiful color and just waiting in the wings to tackle many, many of us who suffer the plague. 

BETTY(on a sour note)BOOP

p. s. bring out the nose spray and tissues.

BEAUTIFUL MORNING

 I almost missed it. Pulled the same "stunt" again. Woke at 5:30, turned over and woke at 7 again. My the day is half over, I am like the bunny who is always late. Not like me. Get away rabbit, go bother someone else. I am caught up now, so let me back to old rising time. Oh, I forgot, daylight saving time is near, and I will have to reset  again. Good thing time means little anymore, except I do try to keep up with some of the things going on around here. So many activities every day. No one should complain. It is amazing how hard the Activity people work to keep us up to date and running. Anything you can think of--we have it all. Sooooo,

BETTY (GET OUT OF BED LAZY GIRL)

p. s. and smell the roses.

EMBSRRASED

 I woke at 5:30 and said it was just too early to get out of bed. Turned over and the next thing I knew it was 7:30. Oh my, what a shock. The sun is up and well on the way for another day, and here I lay in bed like a poor little rich girl. As my Mamma would say,"Well, I guess she needed the sleep." Wise old saying .Made up by her. I guess I take after her in that department. I had many dreams last night. Saw people I have forgotten about. I need a dream expert. They would have fun with my dreams I bet. Well, what's for today. Let me see what the rest of the day will bring. I do love routine and Law & Order. Could be better this way. We will see.

BETTY (not worth reading today) BOOP

p. s. better tomorrow I hope 

 

CELEBRATE SPRING

 Seven eager, hungry souls gathered Sunday after Church around a beautifully set table with antique milk glass vases filled with fresh from flower garden, beautiful jonquils. My what a lovely sight. She does set a beautiful table. I know helpful husband helped make the Jambalaya, Red Beans & Rice and her (S"s) French bread toasted with olives and cheese and I don't know the whole bit, just it is famous for the Beach Week. Not a secret, but don't ask. Oh, yes, two King Cakes for dessert. From two different places here in our area. A bite of each was both good. Everyone seems to be making them now. Anyway, we sat and talked and talked and ate and ate. till we could do no more. I was warmed with stories of travel they all have been taking and talk of future trips too. So happy they all seem to enjoy the thing my husband and I did enjoy too.  Enjoy now and later in memories .Tired but happy to come home and fall in bed at 2 o'clock and take a little nap.

You should see my bulbs. My they are growing. And new little tips of them are appearing every day. Life is exciting, the bulbs I mean.

BETTY (my life too) BOOP

P. S. may look dull to some.

SUN SHINNING 38 NOT BAD

 Let us do Blue. Can mean what you want it to mean. Today Blue is good. I am going to have a good day. Going to Church with A. Mardi Gras celebration with the usual music I love. Going to S & P's lovely home in Fondren for lunch after Church. Will see some of my kids. We will talk about the rest. Good things for sure. Special food will be there. Will tell it all later. So let the celebration begin and "THROW ME SOME BEADS MAN." And a few coins will help too. 

BETTY(never went to N. O. for Mardi Gras. )BOOP

p. s. did you?

28 degrees NO WAY

 It has been crazy weather. Up and down. I got to wear one of my new sweatshirts I received from the "boys." Thought I was going to have to put them up for Spring and out came Winter again. I do love the one with the little Foxes on it. People do notice it. Oh, How cute they say. Felt good and warm too. So another cold morning, I think it is supposed to warm up a lot today. Never a dull moment where the weather is concerned. I guess I am a real bore when all I can talk about is either the weather, what I eat or wear and the only place I go to is Doctor appointments. 

BETTY (get a life)BOOP

p. s. thankful for any life.

UNSETTLED

 The clouds are racing overhead. As if there is a bus to catch. Two walkers race by too. The Canada Geese are fussing at each other and trying to outfly each other. I felt motion everywhere. Weather report calls for thunder storms late this afternoon. I guess it disturbs man and beast. I drank coffee and thought about what to write. Am a little disturbed myself. Till I get a biopsy report today and know what I will have to do, I am a little unsettled too. It is hard to "be still and wait." 

 I gave NIGHT COURT another chance. Still can't make out all they say. I wonder if it is just me? Maybe I need an upgrade of my hearing aid? Have not got time to see about that. So why do I hear EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND so clear? Maybe I have the script memorized? Yes, that is it. Well, at least my memory is still in place!!! Or is it?

BETTY(enough nonsense)BOOP

p. s. it is all I know today.

LOT GOING ON

 First, a lovely breakfast. I must say, I am good at it. Fixing it I mean. Planning, actually doing it all, and enjoying it. One pleasure I still hold on to. O. J. starts it right, and a handful of pills to keep me going. Kroger has a sugar - free wholewheat waffle now. And I have sugar-free maple syrup. Well, just a real butter. I still insist on that, and I have turkey bacon and good old Trader Joe's coffee to top it off. And I got to sit on Balcony. How lucky can an Old Girl get? I do hope my luck holds as I hear from Dermatology biopsy report, as of yesterday. Was not surprised, when he questioned one  spot on my forehead. Sent it off and will hear in a couple of days. May have to go to plastic surgeon to take it all out. O. K. Thank you Lord for a plan to take care of it. He, as usual zapped many other spots. He asked if my parents made me work outside in the garden  a lot.   

SORRY PLEASE SCROLL DOWN.

. Of course not, but like all who did not know, at the time, how bad the sun could treat you, stayed outside in the sun a lot. Actually thought it was good for kids. Made everybody happy. So Be It. And we also hated veggies and loved candy.

On a Happy note, I will soon be out in my Hallway, doing Mardi Gras display. I have some pretty bright colors to have fun with. 

BETTY (have fun where you find it)

p. s. and bloom where you are planted, EVEN IN THE SUN !!!!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY !!!

 Of course in RED. You are lucky if you have someone to LOVE. In my heart and mind, I still do. Even though he has passed, I still hold memories in my heart. It was so funny how he liked Valentines. I think they could say what he had trouble putting into words  and his feelings. I saved a few over the years and I will later get them out and reenjoy them. Some things are worth saving. I seem to think a lot is worth it, since I do keep a lot of extra stuff. 

What a beautiful sunny, cool day. I did sit out on Balcony and saw miss tam-0-shanty go by. I like her name. So fit and faithful, to walk. After today, I will pack up the sweet old valentines my mother in law saved from Truman's school days. People have enjoyed them on my display. Especially when they know what they mean to me. Coming down tomorrow and surprise. All the gaudy beads and celebrated  parades start to come out. Fun for all. Then comes St, Patrick's Day. Then marches in Easter. My favorite to decorate. Time does march on. If I have them out of order, no worry, will get them right when the time comes. Come join the parade. If you can keep up. 

BETTY (limping along)BOOP

p. s. I hear some people do not have a beautiful paper calendar anymore. Just depend on the "device".Since I gave up on a "device" long ago, I still have pretty paper calendars. So be it!!

SUPER BOWL

 Maybe I am not the best judge of games, especially football, since I know zero about it. But the game seemed like a give and take thing to me. You take one and I will get the next one. Right to the end. Also, I was very disappointed in the commercials. Usual they are worth watching the game, to see them. But they fell short in my opinion. And the half time show was just plain silly. So all in all, wish I had just read my books. Just think of the millions of money spent. Oh well. nobody asked me. I am not very reliable when it comes to the world of TV. (Give me Hallmark Movies  or EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND reruns. Always funny!!!!!      Hey the sun just broke through the clouds and I bet I could have sat on Balcony. but here I am--as usual==looking out. 

My many little bulbs are starting to wake and look for sunshine. Something to look at each day. Thanks daughter #3. You did a good deed the day you planted them. I am looking at them every day and enjoying that part too.

BETTY(always looking around)BOOP

p. s. oh! the things you will see. 

SUPER B0WL POTLUCK PARTY

 Doors open at 5:00. Kick off at 5:30. Party ends at halftime.????? , Activity Room at SCV.  Join us for the big game on the big screen. This will be a potluck style party so feel free to bring your game day dishes and snacks to share.  BYOB.

This is a tradition here at SCV. I never go, but it is popular with the residents. I am not a real fan of football. I really don't know who is playing in the Bowl today. Hope everyone stays safe and is enjoyed.

I have strange little bulbs coming up in three pots. One pot is yet to come. I am excited to watch them. Thanks to  my master planter who planned it all. Sun is out, but still cold. Never know what to expect. Not to grumble, it will be fine. 

BETTY(all is well)BOOP

MEET "PHIL"

 I have ben meaning to introduce you to Phil. I  met him a while ago. He is tall and sturdy and very healthy. As he sits atop an old kitchen stool in the corner of my living room. Silent and beautiful and only requires a small amount of attention. Therefore I am prone to forget to even speak to him. But he starts to droop from time to time to get a glass of water. Because he is growing by leaps and bounds, I hesitate to even feed him. It scares me the way he grows. I must tell you, I was a little scared when I discovered he had grown a long branch and had taken roots in the carpet!!! I gently pulled him loose and apologized for the neglect. He just looked so sad and said, "Just don't let it happen again, or I will make you sorry." Now he came from a humble place Home Depot (or that other plant place) but he made it clear that he is still KING PHILODENDREN and don't forget it. He added sweetly, "But you can call me PHIL."

BETTY (silly this morning) BOOP

p. s. all my "sheep" are back in the fold.

GOOD MORNING. FROM SCV

 From the Balcony, though a little cool, I am warm as toast, with my fluffy warm robe. My thoughts of niece K. as I feel the warmth of my robe, as well as her hugs. She gave it to me for my birthday over a year ago. So thoughtful, as she knew I could use it. She always liked my Blog and especially about the Bluble' Family of sparrows that I wrote about and yes indeed made up a lot about them. I do miss her so much. She was always so good to me. And she did so much for others. 

My youngest and her husband have been flitting about San Francisco this week and having a great time. But all good things must end now-back home to tell us all about it. Plans are brewing for Summer Beach Week. From the response of the others, it looks like we all would miss it if it did not happen. Here's to Beach Week. Maybe good things don't always end.?

BETTY (hope not) BOOP

SUNNY AND CHILLY

 In other words-"just Right." I am enjoying e-mail from A,&E from their trip. San Francisco. I always said it is an exciting city. So full of treasures. 

It feels so good to survey the work J. did yesterday. To have so much clutter wiped away and a little order restored to my crazy jumble of paper, is amazing. We still have a way to go and will get at it soon.(I hope.)

History Club and my favorite escort will come and enjoy it with me. Lucky me.

BETTY (count your blessings) BOOP

p. s. it may take a while.

ANOTHER DREARY DAY

 But hey, that is just the weather. Jan is coming, so it will not be dreary at all. We will spend the morning going through old papers and stuff to discard. I am a child of another time when I am afraid to throw ay anything paper  I must get used to the present time when anything you can think of or need is buried in Cyber Land--you just need the brains to know where to look. I get upset when I think about how much about me is floating around out there. I have read too many old books about documents found in old trunks and safe places in the walls and cellars .Things that "change everything." I am a sucker for keeping every scrap of evidence and then wonder where I got it. I have a small card given to me by my beloved, it is old and turning brown. Don't want to tell you what it said--but it said it all and just what I needed to know.

BETTY (secrets I will keep)BOOP

p. s it said" I Love You" written in Latin. Except through the years the Latin translation has crumbled away, but I remember it so well. As we stood in his Teller /Cage in old Commercial Bank in 1946.Ah, memories. Can't keep a secret.

MANY CLOUDS

Just wonder what they mean?  I know those who study that sort of thing, know just what to say. But they are still a  mystery to me. So I make up meaning. More fun that way. But this morning, they baffle me. So many kinds and fast changing. I was cheered to see small patches of blue. Many poems and songs have been written about blue skies. I am among them. Seems poems will not come to the front of my mind anymore. I guess I am done. I wish I knew how many I have written. Daughter #3 has my big fat book of poems. 

 

Guess I will wonder around and see what I can bring about for today. 

BETTY(not writing I guess.)BOOP

p. s. Have A Good Day.

PEACEFUL OUT THERE

Let us go with Spring Green this morning. I may be a little early, but I can dream. The Geese are trying out their skills this morning. Landing smooth in groups. Now that does take skill. So pretty to watch. They need to also practice their voices too, I think. At least they are heard. My pots of bulbs are showing their tips-o-green!!  I am going to intimidate them if I don't be careful.  

Oatmeal to start the week right. strawberries and blackberries to decorate it. Running short on fresh fruit. I always have apples and they are good when I cook them a little soft and add no sugar, but cinnamon is good to add. A. gave me a jar of strawberry jam with no sugar added. It was good on wholewheat toast too. And still Trader Joes coffee. I went to Church yesterday. It was good to go and see friends. Spent most of Sunday afternoon reading.   A. has brought me a new author (to me) Nancy Atherton and her AUNT DEMITY books. A very delightful read. Start with AUNT DEMITY" DEATH or you will  be confused. All good reading and nothing bad. A change from what I have just been reading. Glad I can still read and comprehend. (I think.)

BETTY(let's get it started) BOOP

p. s. I am talking about the day.

HUMMING BIRD NESTING BASKET

 One of my Birthday presents was a hanging basket for Humming Bird nest. Never thought of a basket for nest, since I am always focused on feeding them. Beautiful!! I have been researching and really am going to be creative with finding a sight for it. I think I have it figured out. I will try a post on the Balcony and face it outward slightly, so I can see it and they can fly in easy. Hope to attract a family. Now I will study when they are expected to arrive. The weather is so unsettled and I am sure they will know just to arrive, but I don't. So be it, I am looking forward to trying. Maybe a little Wren will see it. They love doors with hanging things on them. Maybe a basket hung on the Balcony rail will do? We will see. Must read when to hang it. S0 those are my thoughts this morning. Nothing like sunshine to start thinking about Spring?

BETTY(Oh let the sun shine in)BOOP

p. s. hope to go to Church today.

OLD MAN WINTER.

 I wonder who decided to call Winter "old" Man? I picture him with an icy robe, long hair with ice dripping from his nose, and a snow shovel in hand. But could "he" be a "she"? With also flowing robe and an evil grin? Oh, well, maybe not. She is still in bed!! The sun really perked us up out here. The Halls were a alive with laughter and greetings. Really helped the MOOD. Most people wore red for National Heart Month. That looked pretty also. Even some men found a little red to wear.  Kind of made us look good and happy. I like to think of my Heart as the center of my being. And try to keep it happy.

BETTY (put on a happy face today.)BOOP

p. s. I saw a bulb peeking out!!

WELL HELLO THERE !!!

 Not you dear readers, I mean Mr. Sun. Weak but shinning behind a very thin cloud. Promise of more today. Hooray. I braved the Balcony. I know it is still 32 degrees but no wind. I stayed for a long time---  about 5 minutes. The double layers were not enough.  I saw the sparrows clinging to the cross on bell tower. I wonder if it it heated? Surely not, but there they were, clinging to the cross. Story there.

We are asked to wear RED for Heart month today. I will see how much attention is paid to request. I think it is a good thing and I will pull out the old red sweater that some how has survived the GOOD WILL BAG for some time. I don't seem to wear red much. One sparrow came and asked for bread. I felt bad for him. I can't feed them anymore because of the ants. They do mot understand. Hope they find the big bird feeder in the Rose Garden. Always provisions there. 

BETTY (always look around)BOOP

p. s. and find something good. I just looked and saw the FULL SUN !!

RANDOM STUFF

 How about the weather first. Will have to take it-at least it is not too bad here !!  Enough said about the weather. I am still basking in the limelight over my 96th Birthday doings. Flowers from gran daughter from Tenn. topped it all. So beautiful. The pictures she sent were the best. A neighbor, who does not know I avoid sugar, gave me this beautiful cinnamon roll. What a shame to discard that beauty. I scraped as much sugar as I could off the top. Heated it in oven for my breakfast. I had an egg and strawberries with it. I could not eat but half 0f roll. It was still a little sweet. My taste is almost gone for sweets and it just did not do the job it used to. So that is good I guess. I never crave sweets anymore. Good or not-so-be it.

So for today-as my title says "Random Stuff"

BETTY (nothing is random) BOOP

p. s. SO BE IT

WELL CELEBRATED

 Yes, well done!!  Must come on down from the clouds, although it  is nice up here. Lunch with my girls was perfect. M. G came too. So happy to have her too. Amerigo's treated me like a Queen. The manager gave me dessert on the house and could not get enough of my age.  Of course we shared a big slice of Tiramisu. Nobody does it like they do. And my shrimp bisque' was the best along with Cesar salad and I must confess the bread was good too. I have had too much to-do and need to turn the spotlight off  me and on to somebody else. I  found out that Jesus, Loves even me. 

How about this weather. The cold ice is coming too close to home. It is much worse than just snow. Hope it stays away from us. We don't do ice and snow well. I am going to put out the Old, Old Valentines among the snow covered trees and snow men and white Seals on the Hall Table. My chore for today. The word "chore" brings the word "work." But it is a happy chore and no work at all. 

BETTY (Happy Work) BOOP

p. s sooooo get to work.