BUSY

I haven't had time to blog lately.  I can imagine many of my readers would say  "How can you be busy? "  Well the stuff I tell you about may sound tame to you, but it is  big to me.  First, I do not move as fast as I used to.  A little bit goes a long way now.  Then I really don't have to do it all anymore.  I am learning that fast now.  I enjoyed Linda, Joe and Parker staying with me.  A lot was planned for the short time everyone was here.  In addition to them, Lindsay, Loralie Jacob, Whitney, Cameron, Karis, Andrew. Liam from out of town and then most of the "locals" too,.  M. G. and Ryan were perfect host.  I think it was 19 or 20.  Perfect weather inside and out.  Kids enjoyed games and other things outside.  Dinner at Ed and Amy's was a hit the night before.  Ending with lunch at Jan and Tommy's Saturday  Too much to tell it all.  But most of you were there and so you know.

I put my little tree up last night.  It is small but loaded with many ornaments that are very, very, old.  Memories again.  Can't live without them/  The whole village here is decorated so pretty.  I bowed out this year with that committee.  I am letting some things go.  I need to slow up. 

Betty Boop

PLEASE CLOSE THE DOOR.

If you have been reading my blog for a day or two, you know I have been in the memory mode.  Anniversary and all, you know.  Well one more outstanding one and I will close the door.  If you remember, on Riverwood, our bedroom was at one end of the house and the laundry room was at the other end.  When I would load clothes I would often strip and put add my clothes to the mix.  One morning that is what I was doing when the doorbell rang.  I heard Truman open the front door, blocking me from a fast get away.  He greeted "someone" with great gusto.  There I was in my birthday suit and trapped as he invited "someone" in.  He let me suffer a short while before he told me not to worry, he was just teasing me.  There was no one there, just him playing a joke.  Ha Ha.  O. K., I will close the door to the Memory Bank.......but very gently.

Betty Boop

NOVEMBER 23, 1946

A day to remember.  Let's go to the Memory Bank this morning and check out an outstanding memory.  The reason you are all here.  Think of that.  It was a cool sunny day and she was nervous.  19 years old and little or no experience of the world.  Yet so in love that it did not matter.  She did not even think of it that way.  He was handsome  and full of life and anxious to get his Civilian life back on track.  A world traveler forced from a new life in the big city of Jackson,  But he traveled to defend his country.  Back at work and this little dark haired cutie captured him and off they went down the path of life together.  What a life it was.  Three children, new house, many ups and downs, as is very normal.  Thankfully more ups.  What a full life we had together, from a start in my parents living room with family there on North Jefferson Street.  On to New Orleans to get our married life started.  I remember the day as it were yesterday.  He will always be my only love.  I still have my sweet memories as the not so sweet ones have faded .  I ramble on so don't feel bad for me.  I had the "cream of the crop" of a life with him, and I am thankful.

So there they stand on trembling legs, Afraid, yet brave.  She in her beautiful sky blue suit with pink silk blouse and an outrageous Hat with an a pink feather and him in a custom made suit (a first for that)  promising to love, honor till death do  them part.  And they kept that vow,  Oh yes.  And for me even after death parted us.  So be it.

Betty Boop

THIS THAT AND THE OTHER

B rrrrrr, it is cold at last.  I kind of like it.  A chance to wear winter clothes, snuggle in with a book and hot chocolate in the Bubble.  Yes I do all those things.  I guess they think we "old folks" get cold easy. some do.  The Halls are kept too hot for me.  We will be having a lot of activities here for December. Even a concert by Guy Hovis!!  You young may not even know him.  Choir concert is December 14 at 3:00.  We are working hard.  I love being a part of that.  Many other things that I will mention as they draw near. 

With Jan out of town on Saturday, I had to fill the day with something.  That laundry I put off had to be done. and a few other little things that are so mundane I wont even list them.  But I managed without her and I am sure she was having a great time in New Orleans.  Great place.  We spent our honeymoon there.  Four days (all he could afford) and then to Carthage where we spent our first Thanksgiving together.  Me in my high heels and honeymoon outfits.  I must have looked out of place to them in the country.  My I was a pretty dumb little 19 year old.  I remember Truman's mother being so sweet and accepting to me. We had baked chicken and dressing. We made a big to do about our "turkey".  She was a great lady and I did learn a lot from her about family.  She loved hers too.

Betty Boop

FRIDAY AGAIN?

Well, it looks like I could say something about Friday.  Well here goes.  After Exercise class and feeding my crew pumpkin bread, I headed up to plan the rest of  my day.  There is laundry to do.  Not very exciting.  The phone rang and Amy said , "You have been wanting to go to the Mall.  Lets have lunch and go."  I was ready in no time.  Laundry will  wait.  We had one of our favorites  Chick Filet.  Sandwich on whole wheat bun and  slaw. They make the best slaw.  Feeling satisfied, up to my favorite store. Dillard's has the best petite department.  I must say, I went a little wild.  So many cute clothes and my old ones are so outdated.  I felt like adding a little life to my wardrobe.  Amy is good at shopping and it really helped for someone to find the size and color and bring it to  the dressing room.  I bought several things and lightened my wallet a bit.  Thank you Truman, you provided for me well.  I know he would be proud that I do take care of my resources that he so carefully left me. 

Now a word about my daughter, Amy.  It is rare to have a daughter to love. One who is still a daughter and also a friend.  Rare to have both at the same time.  I enjoy her company and she helps me in more ways than she can know.  I see her in the same relationship with her daughters.  How nice. 

Betty Boop

DARK AND STORMY NIGHT

That is the way most ghost stories start.  We really had a stormy night last night.  With the sirens going off and thunder and lighting rain and threats of tornados it really was a dark and stormy night.  Sun shining and it is cool and crisp today. 

I had a hot dog for lunch in the Cyber.  I put chili on it.  So good.  Sweet potato fries made it perfect. 

I am reading a real thriller.  A novel called THE HISTORIAN.  About a man doing research and got caught up in researching Dracula and Transylvania .  Was he real?  Is he still alive?  So many stories can be made up around folklore and some truth.  It is over 600 pages so I am set for a while before I find any answers,  (If I do)  Fun and interesting to read.       Guess I will go read a while.

BETTY BOOP

HAM & EGGS

What a way to start a dreary looking day.  A little bit of sunshine in the Cyber.  It was a good breakfast.  Ordered  it from a smiling face and "good morning Mrs. Ellis."  Don't you love to go where everybody  knows your name?  On the walk down I met a very few people because of the early hour.  I actually was the first customer.  I usually am at 7:30.  But they drifted in before I finished.  More "good mornings." 

You know, I still am amazed at the good choice I made to live here.  Nowhere, without Truman, could I be better off.  I have so many good friends and caring people to call on for company.  Always someone asking for me to join them for dinner. Activities to join,  Believe me I have tried most of them.  Now settling down to the ones I like.  No questions asked, just join. 

This morning, it hit me again as I walked back to my apartment, When people smile and say a greeting, as the song goes --  They are really saying, "I love you," from our theme song in the Choir--WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD.  If you haven't heard us sing it, you have missed something special.  We are working on Christmas music now.  One of my favorites and new for us to sing is YOU LIFT ME UP.  Move over Josh Groban!!

Betty Boop