Basically Betty

What is new and interesting?  Well, let's see.

Becky was watching the Yankees play the Mariners and the score was close going into the ninth inning.  I was in bed but not asleep and at 1:30 AM, she came in to tell me she had watched every pitch of the game until the 9th, when she fell asleep and missed the end of the game.  Jeter's home run that put the Yankees ahead in the top of the 9th was all she remembered. 

Becky at first thought she was going to have to wake Joann to find out how to access the scores on DirecTV, but then remembered the trusty Internet, where she found out the bad news.  Another loss for her home team, the Mariniers. 

With the Rays losing the last three games,I know just how she felt. 

Tune in tomorrow for news of our latest electronic device.

Love and Prayers from here to there

Another one of those days.  Becky is here with us.  We went to S.C. today to an Open Air Chapel.  It is actually on the YMCA Camp Grounds but open to the public.  The girls wanted to take me in a wheel chair and there is no ramp and twenty steps to get up and down.  Well, with Becky in front hoist me up in the wheel chair and Joann lifting the back of the chair over the steps they got me up.  I hated for them to do that but the alternative was to leave me there.  I think I could have made it with a walker but they would have none of that. 

The view is absolutely breathtaking.  There are mountains as far as you can see one after the other.  There was a gorgeous breeze.  We took pictures that will be a treasure. 

This was my first trip out in a while and I enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine.  Being with my girls and we met our friend Barbara B. up there so all in all a great day.

I am sure of a good nights rest tonight making the long trip up the mountains of S.C., seeing all the beauty in this world, and that fresh mountain air. 

Another plus today I had a Hot Dog with mustard and onions for dinner.  I am on a low sodium diet and we have decided I can stay within my limits if I have a Hot Dog once a month.  What a treat it was. 

Had a call from my dear friend Jean H. It is always a joy to hear from her.

Even losing the second game in a row to those Yankees can not dampen my spirits after such a wonderful day.

Hope your day was as good as mine.

Love and prayers from here to there      

The title above has nothing to do with this article but --

Joann and Bill purchased a lovely Daybed for my apartment and watching for the delivery of this bed Joann was up and down the steps so as not to miss them.  They had already gotten lost.  I told you we live in a very remote area. 

They finally arrived and brought the Daybed in and set it up.  It is very nice.  Not like the Daybeds of old.  It has four wooden posts and then the back of it is a Pewter design. 

Now Becky will have a nice, comfortable place to lay her head. And the rest of her too.

If you really want to see the bright spots in the day you can find them.  In addition to the new bed the Rays beat the Blue Jays tonight 3-2.  It was a good game.  We beat them two out of three with three of our best players on the DL. 

All and all it was a good day.  They all are for me.

Love and prayers from here to there

After yesterday today was quiet.  Had daily call from Becky.  Had a call from dear friend Barbara M.  She and I always have something to laugh about which is good.

Joann made me Chicken Soup for lunch and a Baked Chicken and baked Potato for dinner.  Delicious.

Then sit back and wait for the game to come on.  Well worth waiting for because the Rays won.  Pena got a Home Run.  Good ole Pena.  It looked like the Jays were going to tie the game when one of their players hit the ball like it was headed out of the Park but Ruggiana who was playing left field jumped up and caught the ball as it headed out.  Fantastic. 

All in all, a perfect day.

Love and prayers from here to there 

Today has been a day to remember.  Had two calls from Becky from Geneva, Switzerland.  The first one was to check on me. Then came the Ladies from Hospice.

The first one to come was a young woman named Denise.  She helped me with my shower.  I woke up with a neck that did not want to go where I wanted it to so she massaged it and Joann put a neck wrap that looks like an Alligator around my neck.  In no time my neck was moving normally. 

The next one to come was the Social Worker.  Her name is Maria.  She was very interesting to talk with.  She wanted to know my intersts and hobbies.  Well, everyone knows my interest in the computer but Joann had to remind me of my interest in the Rays.  She wanted to know where I learned to use the computer and I told her it all started when I did the newsletter for our Church.  Then my job with the School System was all Computer.  All in all it was an interesting interview made very pleasant when she told me I did not look 86 years old.

The next one to come was Doris.  Anyone wanting to draw my blood hates to see me come because I am so stingy with it.  This young woman they tell me is called the Vampire at her Office.    Well, she is just ready to draw the blood and Becky calls.  Seems she was out walking and there was a Street Dance and she wanted me to hear the music.  Doris had the blood out and I did not even feel it.  She could hear the music also.  I am hoping one day before Becky leaves Geneva she hears someone Yodeling and calls me to listen in. 

Early this morning I had a call from Daughter Becky from Geneva, Switzerland.  It sounded like she was next door.  She is there conducting a Work Shop for Teachers.  She plans to be here to visit over Labor Day.  Will be good to see her.

The get together was for birthdays and Bill's making Deputy Sheriff. Joann prepared a delicious meal and we had a full table of guests. Bill's Mom was here, his Step Father, Brother Randy, Aunt Charlotte, friends Susan and Ron.  and of course, the Guests of Honor, James, Veronica.  I was there too.  A good time was had by all.

Today was filled with goodbyes.  James off to California, Veronica back to St. Pete.  Before going James made my favorite dish, Macaroni and Cheese and Thin Steak.  He always makes it for me.  He made enough for tomorrow too.  Oh so good.

This evening I had Green Beans and Potato Salad.  Joann made the Potato Salad but the Green Beans were in a gift basket that neighbors Karen and Bill brought in.  It was the neatest gift.  It was a lovely wire basket with fresh vegetables in it right off the farm.  There was Corn, the most beautiful Tomatoes I have ever seen, Green Beans, a jar of Pepper Sauce. a Gourmet  Chocolate Bar, and to top it all off a loaf of French Bread.  Everything delicious. 

The French Bread brought back memories.  My Husband used to make Pasta Sauce at least once a week and he would always scoop out a bowl when it was almost done and dip French Bread into it.  He had to have Italian Bread on the table but French Bread for dipping. 

So, all in all, it has been a banner week end for me.  Hope yours was as pleasant.

Love and prayers from here to there 

A year ago this month I was in the hospital with my first ever Gall Bladder attack.  Tests showed Gall Stones.  Surgery was not an option due to my other problems.  I have been bothered ever since and finally got to the point the Dr. ordered a Cat Scan. 

On August 14, 2008 I had a Cat Scan and on the following Monday my Doctor called Joann with the results.  They found a blockage and a mass in my Gall Bladder and in my Liver.  Needless to say I was speechless.  I have experienced all the things I have heard are natural when receiving news like this.

First I cried and then I was angry that this could happen to me.  Then denial set in and I was sure the Cat Scan must have been misread, of course it had not been.  I still cry a lot when I am alone but I try to keep focused on the time I have, and only God knows how long I have, enjoy my family and friends. 

I see the Dr. on Monday and there is a procedure to open the blockage which will help and they would take a bit of tissue from the mass and test it to see if the Cancer is malignant. 

My two Daughters have been the rocks that have kept me going ever since their Father died.  I would never have made it this far without their love and devotion.

Tomorrow we celebrate Bill's being made a Deputy Sheriff and James, Veronica and my birthday.  I will let you know how that goes.

Love and prayers from here to there 

What a day!  Bill was sworn in as a Deputy Sheriff.  His Mom and his Brother were both here for the event.  There were 12 of us there.  Family and friends.  The youngest in attendance was litte Anna, who is 2.  She was so good.  And, of course,  I was the oldest as usual.  We are all so proud of Bill.

Remember recently I mentioned seeing a stalk of corn growing in a flower pot on a main street downtown?  Well, the mystery is solved as to how it got there.  We were stopped for a red light in front of the local Hard Ware store and there sat the pot with not only corn but tomatoes also growing out of it.  Seems the HW store has it out front to advertise the pot it is growing in.  It is a special pot to grow your vegetable in. 

I forgot to mention the induction was in the Court Room.  I felt like I was in Judge Judy's Court Room when the Bailiff shouted "all rise".  "Court in Session". 

Well, that is my day, hope yours was as great.

Love and prayers from here to there

The leaves are beginning to change to their fall colors even though it is still summer.   You know what that means Static Season.  Well I don't think that season ever went away and that is why I look like I have a Fright Wig on.  I found a product that will tame my hair down but when I lean against my recliner I come up looking like a turkey with the back of my hair fanned out.  And when I get up in the morning and look at my shadow on the wall of my bedroom that is when I look like I have a Fright Wig on.  It seems this wax that I use allows your hair to go where ever you put it.  So sleeping and turning my head every which way I could scare a burglar.  I think I must wash this stuff out of my hair but after combing it goes right back to looking great so off I go.  I am afraid to wash my hair for fear it will fall out from being waxed.  Never did this to my hair before.   First time for everything. 

Love and prayers from here to there

Very interesting day.  Went for a Cat Scan.  I have had a couple of such tests and can't say I enjoy them.  Today was different. Oh, I did not enjoy it but it was not as bad as I remember.  The two Technicians were just great.  They explained everything to me like what they were going to do.  When I checked it out on the Internet it said it would last about an hour.  This took maybe 15 minutes.  I thank Leslie and Stacey for their patience and for making things easier for me. 

I have not met an employee of our hospital yet that has not been pleasant and most helpful.

Oh yes, you are not going to believe this.  In the city on each corner there is some greenery growing in cement planters.  One had a stalk of corn growing in it.   Now I am sure they did not plant that corn.  Maybe a bird carried the seed and just happened to drop it into the planter.   Maybe some one thought it would be a novel idea to have corn growing in the center of town and planted the seed. 

Always something to see in our little town.

Love and prayers from here to there

Don't you love new things.  This is my first entry to my Web Site on my new computer.  The computer Becky bought me for my birthday.  It will take me months to learn to use it.  Joann had to show me how to get to this page.  What would I do without my two girls.

Working on the Church Newsletter was my first experience using the computer.  The young woman I was helping told me to work on a certain part of the letter.  I told her I did not know how to use the computer.  She said "you know how to type don't you".  Of course I did.  So I have been at it ever since. 

This is the very first computer that was bought just for me.  I always had Joann and Bill's old one when they upgraded.  They have served me well though. 

If you don't hear from me for a while you will know I am still trying to learn all about this new toy of mine.  It is quite nice what with a Monitor so big I think I could watch a ball game on it. 

I'll be in touch.

Love and prayers from here to there

End of an almost perfect day.  It would have been perfect if V and J had been here because they share a birthdate with Nana (me).  Their work would not allow them to make the trip up here.  They do plan to come later this month and we will celebrate then..  My Daughter Becky came just for the day and she Joann and Bill and I had a nice dinner finished off with Angel Food Cake.  Thanks Becky for making that trip from Seattle just for my birthday.

I received many beautiful cards and phone calls from friends.  Jean H. called and played "Happy Birthday" and "Girl of my Dreams" which my Husband used to play to me on his Accordion.  Phone calls from Marge and Elliott, Adith, Peg, Terry.  Also, many EMails like one from Cousin RJ.  and family up in Ohio. 

On the way into town for a Pacer Check I was admiring the scenery and one Corn Field caught my eye.  Remember I told you the Corn Fields especially on the Cattle Ranches all grow perfectly even.  Well, this one was a small plot in the side yard of a home that looked like maybe it was being raised for the folks living there.  Each stock was a different size.  Joann said "maybe they planted it at different times."  Just one of those mysteries of Nature.

So now it is time to say good night and get some rest so I will be up and ready to start the next year of my life.

Love and prayers from here to there

Into town today for still another PT test.  Interesting group in the Drs. Office.  Everyone smiles at each other as you go in the door but today there was no inter conversations in other words each group talked within their group. One man and woman were friends and talked about friends. A couple, couldnt decide if they were Husband and Wife or maybe just friends but they sure were chatty.  The trouble is I could not hear a word they were saying.  Then the one other person beside Joann and I was a young woman who looked like she wanted to say something but didn't.   Unlike a Lady in the office last week when I was there kept looking at me and smiling.  This was an older Lady and her Son.  I would smile back and when she went to leave she came over and took my hand and said something I could not make out.  Her Son told me she thought I was a friend of hers.  I envy the person she thought I was because she from what I could see would be a truly good friend.

On the way into town, as I have mentioned before, we pass Cattle Ranches, Horse farms and Corn fields.   It is great fun to watch the young Calves running after their Moms.  But today the most interesting sight was the height of the Corn.   It is a bed of corn silk and looks like you could lay on it and soak up the warm sunshine. 

The game is on late tonight because we are playing Seattle.  Last night my Daughter Becky was at the game and called me when they played the National Anthem and we sang it together.  Then at the 7th inning stretch she called again and Joann and I here and Becky  and John at the game we all sang "Take Me Out to the Ole Ball Game".  Then she called when the game was over and told me the score.  She was rooting for the Rays quietly though she did not want to get hit over the head with a beer bottle.  Oh, did I mention we lost 2/1? Can't win them all.

Till next time--

Love and prayers from here to there

This has been some day.  Joann came down about 1:30 and asked me why I did not have the Rays game on.  I thought it was to start at 6:30 this evening.  So thankful that she told me about the early start.  As it was I missed the first inning and a Home Run by Navarro.  It was by far the most exciting game I have ever seen.  We got 6 runs in the Ninth Inning to win the game 10-7.   I hope Pastor Bob hears about this game if he did not get to see it.   I actually had tears of happiness in my eyes for my Rays. 

Joann did not get to see the game because she was out on the hunt of a Wheel Chair for Bill.  He hurt his knee during the physical part of the testing to become a Deputy.  He has to have an x-ray tomorrow. 

Bill was upstairs watching the game and I was down stairs watching the game.  He can't get down the steps and I can't get up the steps.  He did call me when it was over and we both were excited with the ending.  Thank the Lord for phones.

Remember the folks from Florida come up here to get out of the heat well, the temp. was three digits in parts of N.C. around us yesterday and today.  

Hopefully I can tell you about my trip into town to have a PT test and my observation of the fields of Corn growing on the many farms on the way in.

Hope you were lucky enough to see that game this afternoon.  The Rays are headed to Seattle and my Daughter Becky and John are going to be at the game tomorrow night.  She is going to call me and we will sing the National Anthemn  and in the 7th Inning Take Me Out to The Ole Ball Game.  We have converted John into a Rays fan even though he is from Boston. 

Love and prayers from here to there

Most of you know my Grandson James and my Granddaughter Veronica and I share the same birthdate.  They both are so special to me and for them to be born on the same date as I was makes them all the more special.   This is the first year we have not been together on our day but they both have jobs that make them coming up here impossible. 

Veronica asked me what I wanted for my birthday and I told her to see her walk in my door carrying a bag of Jelly Bellys, Popcorn flavor.  I love those things.  They have Jelly Bellys at one of the Speciality Shops here in town but no Pop Corn flavored.  Guess I like them so much because I can't have pop corn any more (seeds).  I used to have a bowl of pop corn most every night while watching a ball game.  They actually do taste like the real thing. 

Had a phone call from Daughter Becky as she was walking home from work.  I knew when she was on a major street because with the traffic noise I was not able to hear her.  She has just come off a very successful Work Shop she conducted and was very tired but thought the walk home would restore her energy.   She will be coming for a visit soon but only for a matter of hours.  Would hope that it could be longer but I will be grateful for what time she has for us.

Hey, did you hear the score of the Rays game tonight?   Cleveland beat us 5 to 3.  I am not happy about that.  I know we can't win them all and we probably lost because two of our best players were out with injuries.   Maybe tomorrow we will be back in the win column.

Oh yes, I received another call from a dear friend.   She is living in Texas now but is still a Rays fan.  She also watches the Texas Rangers games .   I am glad they are in a different division than our Rays or she might have a problem explaining to her family why she is still a Rays fan.

Hope we can chat again tomorrow.

Love and prayers from here to there