She's Back April 30. 2008
Has anyone noticed "Basically Betty" has been quiet for three days?  It's really hard to believe that she could be quiet that long. I happen to know her very well and will write for her until she tells me to stop.Â
"Stop" she said. "I am back and I can write my own posting for "Basically Betty".
I feel as though I have been in a heavy fog for these three days and am just now able to see past the end of my nose.   We had a blast of cold air move through so I did not even open the drape those three days. When I opened it today what a surprise there were actually leaves on most of the trees. Those leaves were all rolled up into buds last week. The plants had buds just about to burst open into colorful blooms. That's on the wild plants that grow. The two flower boxes on the patio are filled with Petunias and Pansies all of which are so beautiful in colors pink and purple.Â
Hope to get into town tomorrow to see the "snow".  The blooms off the flowering trees fall and the folks say it's snowing. Of course, some of that snow is pink and some is purple but then this is North Carolina.  This is the "Tar Heel State" maybe that is why the Ladies wear those rubber shoes and men wear things like hiking boots.
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Love and prayers from here to thereÂ
Every cloud has a silver lining April 27. 2008
The Bead Show was today after Church Service and Joann was pleased about the turn out. So that no money changed hands in the Church, Joann took orders. She worked so hard for weeks on this project. I am sure she will be busy filling orders for quite a while.
Also, another bright spot in the day was a call from my friend Barbara.  We talk endlessly about days past. For instance, one day after a meeting at Church she asked me to her home for lunch. I was happy to accept, she knew my dietary restrictions and abided by them.
We were not in the house five minutes when her Dog (which she still has) came over to greet me.  All the while I am screaming for Barbara to come get this dog because he is about to attack me. With that he whipped his tail, that could be a whip, around one of my legs. With that Barbara put the leash on this dog and he proceeded to break loose and run back of the Coffee Table and as true as I am telling you this, his leash lifted the Lenox China on the table and back down as he went through between the table and the sofa. We all held our breath. That Lenox must be well made because not a bit was broken or even cracked.Â
My Rays swept Boston. It rained here most of the day, but my team made it bright and sunny for me.
Hope your day was as pleasant as mine.
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Love and prayers from here to there.
A Sweep Would Be Nice April 26. 2008
Two down and one to go. From the score last night and the one tonight you can tell the Rays and Red Socks are very closely matched. I might mention The Red Socks are the World Champions. They won the World Series last Fall.Â
I spoke with a gentlemen from Boston and he said "I told you The Rays were going to be good this year". I have been saying that for 9 years. Win or lose The Rays are my team.
Joann and Bill are busy getting everything ready for tomorrow. The Bead Show you know. It will be after Church service at a Baptist Church. They have to be there at 8 AM in the morning.
Have no idea when they will be home. I have the game to watch and you know I will be hoping for another win.
Remember the Tulips that the Squirrels ate, well Bill has replaced them with Dahlias. It will be interesting to see if the animals that come to visit like the new flowers. Hope not.Â
Had an e-mail from Veronica and a phone call from James. I know I will hear from Becky when she gets a minute.  This is another kind of sweep. Â
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Love and prayers from here to there
Nostalgia is the name of the Day April 25. 2008
At 6 PM this evening I took my dinner plate to the Living Room to watch TV until the game came on at 7 PM. I was eating light this evening - just a grilled cheese sandwich and fruit. Instead of watching reruns of Reba I turned on the radio part of the TV. I don't quite understand it but it has something to do with having the Dish. Anyway, the first music I heard was Nat King Cole singing "Fascination". That has always been one of my favorite songs. My Husband and I would watch Nat's show every evening. Our favorite singer was Perry Como even though Dean Martin came from our home town.Â
The next thing that brought back memories was the Pitcher for Boston playing the Rays this evening. He throws a knuckle ball and we used to watch the Braves and they had a Pitcher, Phil Niekro, who threw a knuckle ball.Â
So for today I say "thanks for the memories". For all my friends out there may your memories give you the pleasure mine give me.
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Love and prayers from here to there
This Day goes into the Plus Column April 25. 2008
Daughter Becky is back home after a month long business trip to London, Geneva, and Florence, Italy. Joann and Bill are both feeling better. If I could only sleep the whole night through I would feel great. Maybe tonight.
Had an e-mail from my Cousin. She has been ailing and I have not heard from her on a regular basis like usual. Happy to hear she is feeling some better.
I received a card signed by friends at my Church in Florida. That's certainly a plus. It is so good to be remembered. I miss them all.
I had a phone call from a dear friend. We always have so much to talk about. She is ailing but her spirits are uplifted by the end of our conversation. Mine too.Â
Seeing that I needed a few things at the Grocery Joann and I made a trip into town. It was so pleasant, almost warm, I wore the heavier of my two Florida Jackets and was comfortable.
The ride in was a plus because of the many blooming flowers and trees. The trees on the Mountains are like the colors on the Artist's Palette. The leaves are less vivid than in Autumn but just as colorful. Wish you all could come see the beauty of nature that surrounds us here in the Forest.
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Love and prayers from here to there
Siesta at Peaceful Place April 23. 2008
I had just fixed myself a snack of sliced banana and pineapple chunks in pineapple juice when Joann called and asked "are you up for sitting out on the Patio?" "Always" was my answer. So out we go.  The snack in the Refrigerator for later.
We were out there maybe five minutes when we both decided we needed something to buffer the wind. It was 70 degrees and the sun was shining but the wind was whistling through the trees. Joann came in got a Throw for her and an Afghan for me. We were covered from head to toe. Joann sitting on the Green Bench. Does anyone remember the Green Benches in St. Petersburg? I do.Â
Oh, a Humming Bird came by stopping at his Feeder for a snack. Joann pointed him out to me. He was just a little thing with a red neck which I mentioned to Joann and she said "that's because he is a Ruby Throated Humming Bird, Mom". This reminded me of the time Becky told me the bird bothering me at the clothes line with Red Wings and Black Body was a Red Winged Black Bird. Guess my Daughters are more interested in Nature then I ever was. Until now that is, how can I help not be interested in Nature with so much of it right in our back yard.
When it came time to come in we were walking to the door with the cover ups on our heads and I said "hope no one sees us they will think we are members of that Cult that they discovered this past week."
The end of a perfect day - watching the Rays play ball. Hope they win.
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Love and prayers from here to there
Learn to Laugh April 21. 2008
A dear friend, Sandy L., subscribes to the magazine "Positive Thinking" for me as a Christmas gift. The last two copies I have received have a story in about Laughing being good therapy for us.  That must be why when I receive a call from my friends and we always find something to laugh about in our conversation I feel so much better when I hang up than when I first answered the phone.
I must admit it takes a lot to make me laugh but I can watch a sad movie on TV and cry like a baby.Â
I have had a call from one friend from my Church in Florida last week and we chatted on for ever so long. We laugh about things we said to each other the first time we met. She will take a second out to talk to one or both of her two dogs. They may want a treat or maybe to go out she just tells them to leave her alone she is busy right now.Â
So, I am thankful for the magazine that has such interesting information and for friends that help me put that information to good use.
I will leave you with a good laugh. My phone rang just a few minutes ago and I had no idea where it was. I looked at my chair side table in the Living Room, not there, on the Island in the kitchen, not there, on my way to the bathroom as a last resort and I realized it was in the pocket of my robe. Now there was a time when that would have upset me no end but not tonight.  I just laughed out loud and hope you do too.
That call was from another friend from Church, Terry, who is visiting family in New Jersey.
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Love and prayers from here to there
Was It Big Foot? April 20. 2008
J & B both have colds and for that reason we did not go to Church this morning. Last Sunday it was I that did not feel well so we stayed home.Â
When I opened the drape this morning the sun was shining brightly on the Hammock upside down hung up in one of the young trees in the back yard. So I wonder did the wind do that or did one of the animals that frequent the property knock it over trying to get into it for a good night's rest. Bill said it was the wind.Â
The wind was so strong yesterday the Tulips were shivering and the Pansies were all huddled together trying not to blow away. So I guess Bill is right it had to be the wind.Â
Joann's Jewelry Show is this next week end - hope she is better and the show does well.
I will be a happy Mom when I hear Becky has landed in the U.S.
After winning their game yesterday in grand fashion the Rays did not do so good today. They are off tomorrow and that day of rest is just what they need. They are going to Disney to play three games with the Jays. Wish I could be there to watch them win.
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Love and prayers from here to there
One Perfect Day April 19. 2008
What a beautiful day this has been weather wise and otherwise except for the outcome of the ball game tonight.Â
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After dinner Joann knocked on my door and asked me if I wanted to sit out on the Patio for a while. I checked the Thermometer and it was 75 degrees so I said "sure".  She had put the porch furniture out so I had a comfortable chair to sit on.  Well, I was out there about five minutes and decided it was not warm enough for me. I started back in and Joann said "let me get the Afghan for you so you can stay out a while". That sounded good to me. There is one neighbor that might be able to see the back Patio I am not sure but if she can she must think there is a strange person living over yonder.Â
Bill was resting in the Hammock and Joann was out just in her stay at home clothes and that did not include even a sweater. Oh well, that is what it is to be young.Â
Joann had the dog out with her and I told her he was shivering and needed an Afghan but she assured me he was sniffing. I guess that is how he determines if there are any wild animals in the area.Â
We heard a Helicopter go over but could not find it among the trees. Speaking of trees the leaves are on the very tops of the trees. I guess the sap will work it's way down and then the limbs will all have leaves. I think that is how it works.
Hope your day has been as pleasant as mine. Now let's pray for a restful night of sleep .
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Love and prayers from here to there
Thanks Mr. Bell April 17. 2008
Just finished watching my Rays win over the Twins 7-3. What a perfect way to bring the day to a close. It has been a really great day because I received three phone calls today from two good friends and my Daughter Becky. So winning the game tonight was like icing on the cake.
The first call was from my friend Peg who lives in Brooksville. She is the Lady I met on a plane going to Pittsburgh in 2000. I was going up to Steubenville for my H.S. Class Reunion. Our seats were assigned and how pleased I am that I was in the Aisle Seat and she was in the Window Seat. We have been friends ever since. It was a happy day because I heard from her.
The second call was from Becky. She called from Florence, Italy. She had conducted a Work Shop in Geneva, Switzerland and was in Italy for a few days rest before heading home to Seattle. She will be sending me the Italian version of Jelly Bellys. She knows I love them and it will be interesting to see how these Italian ones compare to the U.S. ones.Â
The third call came this evening from my friend Barbara. It was more like a visit than a phone call. We had so much to talk about (we always do).  She is the friend that can pick you up when you are feeling down. Â
Hearing from my Daughter and two of my dear friends and the Rays winning the game has made my day. I am so blessed.Â
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Love and prayers from here to there
My Favorite Room April 16. 2008
One of my friends from Church in Florida told me the subject for their Writing Class was "My Favorite Room". So my mind started going back in time to all the rooms in the nine different homes I have lived in. I came up with the Florida Room in our home on 23rd St. South.Â
When the girls grew up and left the nest Fred and I decided we needed a smaller home. He found an adorable little house on this side street. It was a 2 and 2 with a nice size Living Room and Dining Room. A tiny little kitchen (that's OK I don't spend any more time in the kitchen than absolutely necessary). And a Florida Room. This was my favorite room. It was small in size, 11 x 14. It's charm made it seem much larger. One wall was window from ceiling to floor which gave us a beautiful view of the back yard full of fruit trees and flowering shrubs. There was room for a sofa. We had one that opened up into recliners on either end. Fred's recliner and a table to hold a cup of coffee or glass of iced tea.  Also, the TV was out there. Every evening after we ate our dinner we would hurry to get the dishes done and get out there to see "Jeopardy". Or after the cable came through we would watch the Atlanta Braves. The Braves were my team until the Rays came into being.Â
Another thing makes this room so special to me. When James was maybe 4 years old, Joann and Bill lived down the street coming into 23rd and James would walk down, his Mom watching from in front of their house and me standing at the end of their street waiting for him. We would play ball in the back yard or maybe I would chase him around with the hose. We would get him cleaned up a bit and share an apple while we sat in my favorite room.
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Love and prayers from here to there
Check your Battery Lady? April 15. 2008
Early this morning (9:20) we left for the Hospital to have my Pace Maker checked. I tried to get out of the house with the outer layer of the Pink Jacket but Joann nixed that. She went to the closet and got the two layers that I had removed thinking it was Spring. Put it all back together.  All the while I am fuming and fussing. Just about to go out the door and I hear her say "wait a minute you will need the hood". Well, I thought I had hidden the hood and she would never find it, so maybe I would be going hoodless. No such luck she found it, attached it to the jacket. In putting it all back together she remarked how well made this article of clothing is, especially the clever way the HOOD is attached.
By the way, the Technician said the battery on the Pace Maker is slowing down and he would check it in a month. Never thought I would be running on a battery.
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Love and prayers from here to there
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Continue reading " Check your Battery Lady?"
Report on my health, Rays won, Sightings in Back Yard April 13. 2008
I just finished dinner. A bowl of Chicken Soup. Does that tell you anything? I am eating light today because about 10:30 last night a Virus or Flu Bug hit me and I felt like I ran into a brick wall going 60 MPH. Today I feel 75% better. It's unbelievable how fast those things come on.
Winning the game today has helped put the bug in the past and go on.Â
Between the second and third Inning I realized it was pill time. Filling my glass with water from the tank (which is by the window) I, as usual, looked out the window hoping maybe to see a Bird in the Bird Feeder. No Bird but five Deer, a Mama and 4 young ones. I still get excited when I see any of the animals up this way so I shouted to Joann who was in the Living Room "there's an Animal in the back yard".  With that five pair of eyes focused on the window. They obviously heard me. Joann ran and got her camera and got some really good shots of these beautiful animals. One was in the Creek and the others were chewing on the leaves of the flowers.  Our excitement for the day.
Pleasant way to start out a new week.
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Love and prayers from here to there
Come Tlp Toe through the Tulips with me April 12. 2008
You know when a woman says "I don't have much to say" look out. But really I don't have much to say. I slept until 2:30 PM today. I guess I was making up for the sleepless night the night before.Â
Anyway, I ate my breakfast and lunch at the same time to catch up. Dinner was at 7 today.Â
And then, I find out the game is not on TV tonight. Up here that is. This really made my day. I have been checking on the computer and can keep up with the scoring but it is not the same as watching the game.
The Tulips out on the patio have saved the day for me. They are all so beautiful, yellow, red, and purple. Can you believe Bill picked the colors?  My family knows of my love for Tulips.
Becky was in Hawaii several years ago and sent me 50 Tulips, all red. I had to borrow vases from Joann because all mine were full and I still had many to put up. My Apartment was a Tulip garden for sure. What a beautiful sight to enjoy for days.
That's all I have to say except if you have Tulips in your garden I hope they are as beautiful as the ones on the Patio here. Oh yes, and I hope the Rays win tonight.
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Love and prayers from here to there
Friendship April 11. 2008
It is by chance we met, by choice we became friends
                          Anonymous
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By chance I met Jo-An when my Daughter Joann started dating Jo-An's Son Bill. After a courtship of six years Joann and Bill married.  Â
For many years we might see each other at Christmas only because Jo-An moved to Crystal River.  We did see more of each other after James and Veronica were born.Â
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We became friends when she moved back to St. Petersburg.
We all went to the same Church. When I moved from the south side over to Five Towns to be closer to Joann and Bill , Jo-An was there to help unpack the moving and had the kitchen all in order when I moved in.Â
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When I needed a ride to Church she would come pick me up even though I lived clear across town from her.
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I found this Quote on the computer and thought immediately of my friendship with Jo-An.  Had Bill and Joann not married I might never have met her. In addition to being a really good friend, she is a loving and thoughtful Mother-in-Law and Grandmother.Â
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Love and prayers from here to there
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