Basically Betty

Just finished watching a Hallmark Movie.  It was a Western.  I thought I would never watch another Western as long as I live.   For years that was all that was on TV.  I guess starting with The Lone Ranger.  There was Maverick, Gunsmoke and my favorite Bonanza.  This one tonight was the same story line but a welcome change from the shows we are getting these days.

Even though it was not Monday Joann did my laundry and I folded clothes.   I am either very clean or very dirty because I always have a hamper full of clothes to be washed.   She did wash my sheets.   The bottom sheet of course is fitted and I have always had trouble getting over corners.   The mattress is one of those extra thick ones.   Becky bought it for me  back in Florida and it is so comfortable.   I had a little extra strength this evening so I was able to get the fitted sheet on with no trouble.

I go tomorrow for a PT test and then I am going grocery shopping at one of the Super Markets, maybe the only Super Market in town.   It's a beautiful store.  A lot like Publix.   When I walk from end to end of this store I have had my exercise for the week.

Missed watching a Rays game today.  I think the season is about half over.  Don't know what I will do without a game to look forward to.   I tried watching the Yankees, and I like the Yankees except when they are playing the Rays, but could not get interested in the game.

Hope I will have something interesting to relate tomorrow.   Until then, Peace be with You. 

Love and prayers from here to there

You won't believe this we had another power outage today.  At least this one was during daylight.    Power off at 3:30 and back on at 6:45.   I guess it was not off as long as the other night because the reason was quite obvious.   During the storm we had a tree fall on the power lines. 

Of course, while the power was out there was nothing to do.   Joann sat at the double doors with her sketch pad drawing.   I was sitting at my computer staring at it annoyed that I could not use it.  

On the way into town this morning at 7:30AM (the middle of the night for me) we did not see an animal.  Guess it was too early for them to be up and about.  

Down off the mountain we pass one farm after another.   All I can see growing is corn.

There are sod farms  and probably other vegetable farms but from the road I have no idea what vegetable is growing there.

We had a good laugh before dinner.   I had the pasta, carrots,celery, and onion for Chicken Soup but not Broth.   I had cooked my lunch in my one and only small pan and had it soaking to clean when I would do my dishes.   Joann came to my rescue bringing down the Broth.  I was in my bedroom getting my watch to reset the clocks after the power failure and she said something I did not hear and then she took off up stairs.  When I came out to the kitchen I wondered where she put the Broth.   I thought she must have put it in the refrigerator.  So I got my pan and threw out the contents getting ready to wash it.   As I poured the last bit of liquid out I realized it was the Chicken Broth.   I called upstairs and asked "was that Chicken Broth in the pan"?Well, she made another trip down with more Broth.   It was delicious. 

The day ended nicely.   Heard from James about the earthquake in California and had a call from daughter Becky.

Up early this morning I must say goodnight before I fall asleep at the keyboard and break my neck.   Goodnight all.

Love and prayers from here to there

No cheers here tonight.  The Rays lost to Toronto 3-1.  I am afraid to check the standings in case they lost the first place spot.  I blamed the loss yesterday on the heat in Kansas but no chance doing that tonight because they said it was a perfect night for baseball in that part of Canada.

Went to the Doctors this morning.  A very lovely and pleasant Lady named Linda drew the blood and she did a super job.   When I saw the Doctor he wanted more blood and since I only have one Vein that will cooperate Linda had to take it  out of the same Vein.  She is really good at her job. 

We hurried home to see Y&R.  Friday was a Cliff Hanger so we knew we could not miss todays program.  

Had a phone call from dear friend Mary W.   We talked for at least half an hour and then she talked with Joann.  All this on my phone. 

Joann had to go back into town.  Had some errands to run.  As she went out the door she said to me "your battery is probably dead".    She meant in the phone because of the long conversation not in my Pacemaker.   We both laughed as she went on her merry way. 

Have to be up early tomorrow morning to be at the Hospital for more tests.   Going down the mountain so early maybe we will see the elusive Black Bear, or a least the Deer family. 

Happy rest of the day to all and to all good night.

Love and prayers from here to there

The reason you did not hear from me last night we had a power outage. It seems one of those little critters was so hungry he bit into a wire and knocked the power off for the whole area.  It went off at 6 PM and they promised it would be back on at 9:30, then 10:30 then they said they had no idea when it would be on because they could not find the source.  Well, it did come back on at 12:10 midnight. 

All this time I am missing the game - the Rays and the KC Royals.  No a/c, no phones, no lights, no computer.  We had all of my candles lit.  Joann checked with James on her Cell phone the score of the game (which we won by the way).   Imagine having to call California to find out the score of our game.  Oh yes, you can't use the water and please don't open the refrigerator. 

Joann and I sitting in the Living Room with candles glimmering shadows on the walls found ourselves deep in conversation.  It was a rare treat because she usually has a phone in each hand and they are both ringing.  So having her bring me up to date on things was well worth the loss of power. 

Now about this evening, the Rays won again.  During the game Dwayne Staats, one of the Announcers for the Rays, gave the standings of our Division.   The Rays are leading, next Boston, then I think the Yankees.  The Yankees are doing good right now and are moving up in the standings.  When I heard this I thought of a story my Husband used to tell me.

He used to go out to his Parents home in the country to mow the lawn and do the yard work.   He always followed the Yankees and his Mother would come out to tell him when the Yankees were up to bat.  In her deep Italian accent she would say "Freddie, the Yankees are coming up".  Here they are coming up again this time in the standings. 

That's about it for today.  Hope the last two days have been happy ones for you all.

Love and prayers from here to there

What a pleasant day today.  On the way into town the breeze was so fresh it just made you feel good to be alive.   The first stop was the Hospital for bood work.  I sat outside in the sunshine (gotta keep my tan) while Joann parked the car.  Several people walked by as I sat there and every last one of them said "hello".  People up here are so friendly. 

Once inside the Nurse that drew my blood called me Miss Betty.  I don't remember ever being called that before.  I kinda liked it.   Made me think of "Gone With The Wind".  I think my friend Dorothy will verify this. We got out of school to go see that movie when we were in High School.

The next stop was the Podiatrist's Office.  It is in a big old home.  Maybe it was a Plantation during the Civil War.  Anyway, there was a ramp up into the office.  It was in two sections, we went so far and then a sharp left turn and up the next ramp to the office.   After all that the sign on the door said closed on Thursday.  With that we saw some one pull into the parking lot and go into a door on the first level.  Seems my Doctor is on the first level and the one on the top floor is a Medical Doctor.  Well back down the two ramps we go.   I just considered it my workout for the day (week). 

Inside the Podiatrist's Office a lovely Receptionist was waiting for us.  We told her what we had done and why we were late.   She was very understanding and very gracious.   I don't think she was a southern lady because she did not call me "Miss Betty". 

Back home in time to see the Y & R.   Much later watched my Rays get beat. Don't like that.

Riding along with the breeze blowing my waxed hair I realized why anyone would come here for the summer.   It's just delightful.

Till next time.

Love and prayers from here to there

Not much excitement here today.  Oh, the Rays won that's exciting.  I watched the Y & R and that promises to get exciting this Friday. 

I am going to have to file my nails on my left hand they have grown so long.  Look great but not so good for typing.  The nails on the right hand grown at a snail's pace.  I think it has something to do with circulation but then what do I know.

Another thing I still have my Florida tan.  I used to go to the pool for exercise class when I lived in my apartment down there and I still have the tan I acquired.  We always had class in the morning but even then the sun was ready to burn you or tan you.   I used to burn when I lived up north I guess because I had to stay out so long to even know I had been in the sun.  Then at the end of the day I would be the color of a Lobster. 

Tomorrow I go for blood test and see the Podiatrist.  Maybe on the way into town I will see something interesting to tell you about next time.   Until then good night dear friends where ever you are.

Love and prayers from here to there

This has been some day.  It was going good until the Rays lost the game tonight 8-1.  Can you believe that?  I watched it and I can't believe it.

I spent the better part of the day reading some notes I found from way back in the 60s. Those of you that know me know that I have trouble getting into cars unless they are big as a bus. 

One time my Dad, Becky and Joann and I were back north on vacation and staying with a young man and his wife in Follansbee, W.Va.  The young man was going to drive us over to Steubenville to visit family and friends.  He pulled around the driveway up from the garage in a Volkswagon.  I could not believe my eyes.  My Dad sat up front with the young man.  The two girls and I in the back seat - me in the middle with my knees up under my chin.  Just getting into the back seat was bad enough. 

Our destination was maybe five miles across the bridge and onto the Main Street where we asked to please let us out.   The folks passing by stopped to watch us getting out one by one I know wondering how we all managed to get into this vehicle.

Those were the days.

News from the Home Front - had a call from daughter Becky (Rebecca).  She is coming for a visit some time next month.

Did you all know that Joann and Bill came up here to retire?  That did not last long. Bill is  studying to be a Deputy Sheriff and Joann is now officially a White Squirrel Spotter for the city of Brevard, N.C.  Who me?  I am retired.

Love and prayers from here to there

A peaceful quiet Sunday.  Call from my Granddaughter Veronica.  That's always nice.  She had just come from Home Depot.  My question:  What on earth were you doing at Home Depot? Seems she saw a Settee type piece of furniture in the alley back of her house that someone had discarded.   Took it in and is refinishing it  to look like new.  She must take after her Mom and her Aunt.   They both are clever in that way.

My friend Leslie sent me some more Rays Posters for my Rays' collection.  Joann put everything up on the Trophy Board with some new stick um stuff.   I wish you all could stop by and see the many treasures I have from the very first game up until the last series with the Red Sox. 

Oh yes, had a call from Jo-An (Bill's Mom) she wanted to know if we won the game with Toronto Jays today.  Of course, I had to give her the bad news.  We did not win. But two out of three that's not too bad.   We are still leading our division.

Looking forward to Tuesday.  Joann, Barbara and I are going to our favorite restaurant for lunch.   Barbara was my first neighbor when we moved to Florida in 1961.   She is living up here now and it is great to have someone from home close by.

I am going to close this with a joke to start the week off right:

    A Poodle and a Collie were walking down the street.  The Poodle turned to the Collie and complained," My life is a mess.  My owner is mean, my girl friend is having an affair with a German Shepherd, and I'm nervous as a Cat."  "Why don't you go see a Psychiatrist?" asked the Collie.  "I can't," replied the Poodle.   "I'm not allowed on the couch."

Love and prayers from here to there

The Rays are back.   They won tonight 2-1 playing the Toronto Blue Jays .  I told you all that doubted they could come back on the winning side not to worry.  When they go on the road again they go to Seattle.  My daughter Becky is going to the game and will call me from there hopefully to tell me the Rays are winning. 

Went into town today and was happy to see the new Calf was out in the Pasture with his Mom.   Joann got some really great pictures of him.  It is hard to believe he will grow to be as big as the others.   He and his Mom are kept separate from the other animals.  Must be a reason, but I being a City Girl do not know what it is.

In town today I noticed so many cars with Florida plates made me wonder if maybe I was back down there.   Speaking of Florida, I received an e-mail quoting me a price to have the St. Petersburg Times on my computer every day.   It said the whole paper would be printed and I am wondering how I could read the whole issue before the next one would appear.   It's not that I am a slow reader but the Times is a major paper that covers a lot of news.  Maybe they would just list the titles of the story and you could read just what interests you.

The local newspaper comes out twice a week.  Joann and Bill depend on me to let them know of anything I think might interest them.  They are both too busy to read the newspaper.  Retirement did not last very long.  I knew they were too young to slow down their pace.  Not me, I have a great life.   Go to bed when I want, get up when I want.  Eat when I am hungry.  Who could ask for anything more?

That's about it for tonight.  Hope all is well wherever you are.

Love and prayers from here to there

Another quiet, peaceful day.  No ball game so I thought it was going to be an uneventful evening.   I was wrong.  Joann received in the mail another of those Dean Martin Variety Show Tapes.  Actually she received two of them and we watched both of them this evening.  We really enjoyed them but they do leave me a little wispy eyed.

Those of you who know me know that Dean was from my home town.   He did mention Steubenville often on his show and he always sent gifts back at Christmas for the Children in the Hospitals.   I realize now that I did not appreciate his talent in the early days.   His Producer said Dean was a performer.  That he was. I am so thankful for the tapes and know we will watch them over and over. 

There is one skit in the first one we watched where Bob Newhart returns a Toupe and Dean is the Clerk in the Store.  I know I mentioned this before but it is really a riot.  I think the best of all the skits. 

So, tomorrow evening I hope to watch the game.   Also, hope the Rays win.   Hope to be able to touch base with you all tomorrow.   Hope the Rays touch First, Second, Third Base and Home several times.

Love and prayers from here to there

Not much happening on this mountain top.  Seems like I have been watching the All-Star Game all day.  It is in the 13th Inning the score tied.  Oh well, I did not have anything else to do but watch the game.

I had a call from friend Terry yesterday and from friend Adith today.   Both Church friends. We always have a lot to talk about.  Terry and I are the same age but Adith is a year younger.

I found in those news items on the computer some interesting facts.  For instance, they are saying writing checks to pay bills will soon be a thing of the past.   This reminds me many years ago, twenty at least, a neighbor was in and said one day we would be known by numbers.   I just laughed at her but here we are Account numbers, Zip Code numbers, etc.

Oh, there is one bit of news.   One of the Cows on the ranch at the bottom of the mountain had a Calf.  It is the cutest little thing following his Mama all around. 

Well, our Longoria just struck out and I think it is time for me to strike  out to bed.  Good night all, happy dreams.

Love and prayers from here to there

What a nice day I have had.  It started off with a very real dream but I will tell you about that after I tell you about the visitors we had today.  Bill's Mom and Gust came. It was Gust's birthday and the family helped him celebrate.   Jo-An is going to take some things back to the Church when she goes home for a week or two.   It's always a good time when they visit.   Not often enough or long enough. 

Now about the dream.  My friend Margaret who was my best friend all through grade and High School passed away in 2001.  She had her ticket bought to fly down to Florida to visit me when she took sick.  I miss her still.  I used to call her and ask about this one and that one and she had kept in touch with all our classmates.   I do have a friend from school days named Dorothy and she keeps all of us that are left up on the news.

The reason I say the dream was the beginning of a good day it was all about Margaret. She and I were going to a play and I had the tickets and was to meet her at the Library in Steubenville.  Well, I waited a long while and Margaret did not show up.  This was not like Margaret.  She was always 1/2 hour early for any appointment.  So, I started walking up the Main St. in our home town and I could see her rushing down about two blocks away.  I stopped and waited for her.  She came to me out of breathe and explaining that she just noticed on her watch that it was 7:30.  She had to get the bus in from where she lived.   With that I woke up and my thoughts were still with her  and this was all so real I was wanting to ask her a question but the really amazing part of this is I woke up at exactly 7:30.  I could not believe my eyes as I looked at my clock.  This has to mean something but what?

The Rays game was not on TV up here but that's OK because I heard they lost again. Don't worry about our team they are going to be good as new after the break.

Love and prayers from here to there

I won't even mention the Rays game this evening.  Suffice to say I hope for a win tomorrow.  Now on to the rest of the day.

The day started out on a happy note and just got better and better as the day went on.  I opened the drape about noon and there was a squirrel sitting on the back of the green bench on the patio.   It was as close as I have ever been to a squirrel.  He was looking in the window as much as to say it's time to eat.  I think the food put out for the squirrels was all gone and he was begging for his lunch. 

The way he was positioned on the back of the green bench I could only see his face and body not his tail.  I thought at first it was a plain ordinary rat.  He must have picked up on my thoughts because he flipped up his tail as much as to say "it's a Squirrel mam."  I was relieved because I can't stand rats. 

I have had two experiences in my lifetime with rats.   The first was when I worked at the local newspaper back home.  I worked in the Circulation Dept. and folks would come in and want a copy of an old edition of the paper and I would have to go to the basement to get it for them.   I would have to go through the room where they kept the huge rolls of paper used for printing.  Some how in shipping these rolls of paper there came rats, also white, as big as cats and they would be scurring around like it was a play ground down there.  I never got off the bottom  step.  I would ask one of the workmen to get the copy for me.  I only worked there about 6 months until I found a better job.  I liked the job as long as I was upstairs in the office but I could not stand those rats.

The next rat episode came when we moved out the road to a home my Husband built for us.  It was built on a hillside and next to a plot of land that was covered with trees and a wooded area.    You guessed it loaded with Field Mice.   Most of them found a way to get into our home.  We were all sitting around watching TV and I saw something run in front of the TV.  If you are like me you might think you did not really see anything.  But I did and not just one but five that evening.  We set a trap and since I did not have any cheese I used chocolate to trap them.  My Mom told me about the chocolate.  Can you believe even rats like chocolate?

No more rodent stories.  Hope I don't dream of any tonight. 

Love and prayers from here to there 

I have just finished watching the most unbelieveable Baseball game.   The Cleveland Indians beat the Rays 13-2.   The Indians had lost the last 15 games they have played. How am I supposed to get a good night's rest after watching the Indians scalp the Rays so badly.

The early afternoon was pleasant though.   My friend Barbara B. and her Son Al came for a visit.   As I have said before Barbara was my first friend upon arriving in Florida.   I hesitate to tell you how we first met.  Her husband was a Police Officer with the St. Petersburg Police Dept. and I had gotten a ticket the first week I drove in St. Pete.  My Husband knew her Husband was a Police Officer and he took the ticket over to their home and asked if he could do anything about it.  I think they call it fixing the ticket.  Well, of course he could not.  So Barbara kind of took me under her wing and taught me how to drive in a big city.  She also showed me the right places to shop for groceries or whatever I needed. 

She has two Sons and a Daughter and they all call me Aunt which makes me very happy.   And, of course, Al is my God Son. 

Barbara has a home here and will be staying for a while so she will be back again and we can do some more catching up. 

I will leave you with a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson:

       " A friend might well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature. "

Love and prayers from here to there

Had a phone call from a friend from my Steubenville days.  She and her husband rented an apartment next to ours and we became neighbors and friends.   This was a very interesting time of my life and I hope it was for her also.   She was just up from South Carolina.   She was eager to learn the ways of the northern folks and I was fascinated learning the ways of this southern Belle.   Oh by the way, her name is Sonja.

Sonja and Joann and Becky got along very well.   While I would be doing the laundry or cooking a meal the three of them would be dancing in the hallway.   She would be teaching the girls the Line Dance.  

Seems Sonja's daughter has a home in Hendersonville which is maybe an hour from here and she is going to be visiting there in two weeks.    She has promised to come over this way to visit.   I will be counting the days.   It will be great to see her again after all these years.   I think she visited one time in Florida.   But it has been a long time since last we saw one another.   

Tomorrow friends from Florida will be visiting.   Barbara and her Son Al.   Al is my God Son .    I am looking forward to their visit.   Barbara was one of my very first friends in Florida.   

Those darn Yankees beat my Rays both games but only by one run each game and it took them 10 innings to do it both games.   On to Cleveland.

Love and prayers from here to there