Profil de DeborahCOURAGE DOESN'T ALWAYS R...PhotosBlogListesPlus  |  Outils Aide |
|
29 avril Heat Wave in April : o )The last few days have felt like it's already summer here in Upstate New York. Just like we skipped Spring. The temps have been in the high 80's and humid also. Although yesterday afternoon brought a cooling breeze and the hint of a thunderstorm, that never materialized here. Today will be warm but not as warm... Ok - weather report done.
Let's see, what new? Kevin leaves for his bowling trip bright and early tomorrow morning. He will return mid-afternoon Sunday, so I have the next few days to myself. I still have no clue what I will do with myself, but I'm sure I'll figure it out. His birthday is Saturday, so when he returns on Sunday we have planned a little BBQ in the yard to celebrate. Although it doesn't look like the weather will be cooperating for that little adventure. 61 and breezy is being reported right now. I can see the napkins, plates and such all over the place. Oh well, if the sun is out, that'll work.
Today will be a bit busy. I have some banking to do and a bit of shopping after work. We also need to get the propane tank changed out for Sunday and Kevin needs to finish up his packing and a little bit of yard work.
My dad has closed on the new house in Newcomb and they are renovating it a bit. His house in Bleeker is up for sale still. I have to check with him and see if he's had any offers yet. He's going throug his chemo well, and the Doctor has decided to start his radiation treatments for the spot in his back. I guess he's had a bit of back pain, and the doctor doesn't want to wait to try to shrink the spot.
I guess I do have to say I'm feeling very far away and removed from the events with my dad right now. He's spending time in Newcomb when he can, and is very close with my sister and her family and friends. He has so much more in common with them. Hunting, fishing, alot of outdoors sports. I am glad though that he's keeping busy and is doing well.
That's about it for now -- not much else new. So how is everyone else doing? It's been quiet as usual here, so I'm assuming everyone is busy with the nicer weather. It does feel good to be more active and out and about more often. I guess I'll head for the shower and start my day. Take care everyone!
23 avril Learning about AutismThere doesn't a day go buy that I don't google a question, read a blog or story about, or learn something new about Autism. I keep meaning to remind everyone that this month is Autism Awareness Month. I guess it may be that because to me, every day is Autism Awareness. Neverthess, awhile back I joined the Autism Society of America's website. I get wonderful emails from them, with stories of hope, events, activities and fund raisers held around the country.
It is sometimes difficult to take our Eric places because of his sensory issues and his inability to understand certain things yet -- (such as, "it's time to leave or go home, Eric" or sit still honey" when he can't) Here's the article that came in today's email:
Taking a Chance on Families Living With Autism by Marianne Ross
The sensory friendly movie idea started in the summer of 2007, when my daughter, Meaghan, who was 7 at the time, was thoroughly enjoying Hairspray but was asked to leave a movie theatre because she exhibited self-stimulating behaviors, such as hand flapping and jumping up and down. This negative experience prompted me to find a way for Meaghan and other special needs children to enjoy a movie regardless of their physical or behavioral differences.
Dan Harris, manager at our local AMC Columbia 14 Theatre, didn't hesitate for a second when I called to ask if he would consider allowing the Howard County Maryland Autism Society of America to host a movie for special needs children.
I explained the challenges that our children face, specifically sensory issues with lights, volume and self-stimulating behaviors. Dan, rather than being dissuaded, embraced these issues with his positive attitude. He envisioned a monthly program that featured current movies with essential accommodations to ensure a successful outing for all families with special needs children.
I arranged to advertise the movies through the Howard County-ASA and the Howard County school system in order to reach each family with school-aged children in the county. Meanwhile, Dan networked with the AMC Theatre's corporate office to create a national program and an official partnership between AMC and the Autism Society of America.
The first movie was a huge success in November 2007, and the program went national this April in 68 theatres in 36 AMC markets. They are also going to start employing people with autism in the theatres, with support from ASA! _____________________________________
Isn't this a great story? For any of you want to learn more about "Living With Autism" --click here for the link! 21 avril Just a little hello ---Ewww, another rainy day -- however I guess it's good for the flowers. Looking in the paper this morning though, I noticed that we will have "soaring" temps this coming weekend. 71 for Friday, 75 for Saturday and 74 for Sunday. Lookin good........
Nothing much is new....I enjoyed the weekend, did alot of Spring cleaning, and while Saturday wasn't all that great weatherwise, I did get to get outside for a little while on Sunday. Nikki took Eric outside on his new swingset on Friday.
She and Jamie took all the kids to the park on Sunday, where they had a blast.
Our local news said that Angelina Jolie is going to be filming her movie "Salt" in Albany. It mentions how the road will be blocked off. Click here for the link for it if you're interested. Me? I'm just wondering if I may see Brad Pitt stolling around the mall if I decide to go. What do you think the chances are? 18 avril Weird Dreams and CommitmentsThat sounds like a song title for some reason. Is it? Anyone know?
Bright and early as usual, and on a Saturday too. It would be nice to be able to sleep late one of these days. I kept having the weirdest dreams last night. Honestly, if I could write stories about them and put them in a book, I would be the female equivelant of Stephen King. Talking snakelike creatures? Where did I get that from?
 I happened to notice last night that in a few weeks it will be May and also 4 years since I have started this blog. Wow, who knew I could make a committment like that and stick to it. So many things have changed. The Spaces format has changed a few times over the years, and the people as well.
I made some nice friends in the beginning and I think there are maybe only one or two left from that time. Since then I've made many more and even met one personally, all the way in Florida. I am so happy she is still around. We've been blogging buddies for a long time. (Waving to Melissa here!). And my friend Gail and I met through another friend "Hearts" who is no longer on Spaces. But Gail and I became grandma's together here and also share our tremendous love for our "special" little ones. And I remember the time Caroldee featured me on her Sidewalk Spaces a few years back. The picture she chose portrayed me so perfectly. She has great instints about people. I was so honored. So many memories were made here. I'm mourning over my friend Cindi who I don't see on here anymore. I could go on and on about my other friends here, but you get the picture. They are a part of my life. One that I won't leave behind.
Yes, I do have a MySpace and a Facebook. The Myspace I opened when my kids did. I use it to keep up with their activities, their interests and even their moods. It is more of a touch base type of thing. I don't blog on it, but for example, if I don't hear from my son Jaime in California for a few days and check his Myspace, I can see that he is still alive and well, and just busy. He doesn't use it for much else than to keep in touch withhis NYC friends. It has served me well. My Facebook has a similiar purpose. Would you belive my Dad has a Facebook? It's fun to keep up with him through that, and through his friends. I don't blog on that either, just a few comments here and there. I have also touched base with a few old school friends. For both sites, it only takes a minute or two to touch base and make a few comments.
Now Spaces, that's a much different thing for me. Spaces is much more involved and personal, and I think for that reason, my kids aren't interested and neither is my sister, as you can see that she hasn't updated her Space for months.
 It started out as a nice way to put my thoughts and feelings into words. It became a journal of sorts. I started making friends from all around the country. Getting to know others. Not only people that I have something in common with, but people who showed me new things, new thoughts, new idea's. When I had hard times they smpathized and comforted. We all made friends in common and sometimes it's like a little group. (Melissa and I made big "HELLO SKIP" signs on the beach in Florida and took pictures that we posted for him). Skip is a very long time friend of mine and Melissa's. I'm sure that some of you who have been around a long time share the same type of friendships. It's something that evolves, not something that comes quickly through a few comments.Yes, it's become a committment to me -- one I enjoy. And yes, I feel badly when I am away for a few days, or I don't get to visit my friends for a day or two. Sometimes I'm busy, or sometimes I get bogged down in a mood that is difficult to explain or share right away. But I won't give up my Space. Facebook and MySpace are tools of communication. Spaces is about my life.
Wow - where did all that come from? I guess it's because I've been feeling badly lately that I haven't been here much. Oh well - a blog's a blog right? Looks like I wrote a book. LOL!
On that note - I'm heading for the shower. Lots to do today and I'd like to get started early so I can enjoy the afternoon if the weather holds up. No events to attend this weekend. It's a free and clear weekend and I just love those. Have a great one everyone! Talk to you later!
16 avril Too bad I have to work on such a nice day!I just got back from picking of lunch and making the bank deposit for work. It's so nice to see people out walking, moms with babies in their strollers and even a few convertibles driving around with the top down. The "dog walking club" we have in our neighborhood was out last night, you could hear the dogs from blocks away - all excited to be with their friends again.
It was a great Easter Sunday and I had a super nice birthday. Below is the present I received from my little man Eric. I love it! We went shopping, had lunch - the kids came by later with presents.
If you can't read the inscription, click on the picture and I think it will enlarge. As soon as I finish here, I will download a few pictures from Easter. All in all, it's been a nice 2 weeks. Still a bit lonley at the house at times, but I'm getting used to it. Now to devote some time to visiting, that's after I head outside for a quick break in this beautiful sunshine!
9 avril Leaving Winter behind.....even though it did snow for 10 minutes yesterday.
The days are sure going by quickly. We are almost halfway into April and here it is Easter weekend. It will be a busy one here.
Nikki is settled into her apartment, still needing a few things, but they will come in time. She really has done a wonderful job of putting things together and Eric loves his new room. We can hardly wait till the weather gets nice enough for him to enjoy his new backyard. It has a wooden swingset with a slide and canvas swings, and Nikki had picked up a fun looking inflatable pool for him during the summer clearance sales. She will be taking our patio table and chairs, as we "inherited" one from a friend. It's a nice set, high backed chairs that swivel. I do want to have the seats redone. That will be cheaper than buying a whole new set. Now to find someone who knows what they are doing, and get it done. They are canvas sling type seats. It looks to be a simple procedure. We'll see..... I sure hope I don't have to tackle it myself, as I'm not sure what I'm doing.
Work has slowed down considerably, and I find myself caught with my work up by noontime. I'm reduced to cleaning out files and all just to keep busy. Boss is talking about re-carpeting this summer (yay - about time!) and believe me that will be a job in itself. If you saw my workspace in the previous entry, how much stuff is just in that picture, then magnify it to the whole upstairs and downstairs offices you get the picture. My area is the smallest and least crowded believe it or not.
Nikki wants Kevin and I to join them going out to breakfast at IHop on Easter morning. I love IHop! It will be a chore to get Kevin out of bed though -- he loves to sleep in on weekends. Before we leave though, I will hide some plastic eggs with little toys around the yard for Eric. I really do hope it is nice out. I'm making a ham dinner for later in the afternoon. So what is everyone else planning?
Tuesday is my birthday so I am taking 1/2 a day and Nikki and I will take Eric (who has no school this week) to lunch, as is the tradition. I just love those lunches.
I hope Saturday is nice enough to kick hubby out into the yard to do some work, while I get to doing some more inside cleaning. There's so much to be done and I want it done before the summer weather so I can enjoy it, rather than spend it doing cleaning inside. Kevin wants to build a small deck onto the pool to make it easier to get in and out. That's a job that really needs thinking about, as we have to be careful with the kids running about in the summer. Some kind of gate will have to be added so they don't get up there and into the pool. There is always an adult outside with them but they are quick little things.
Tonight is Kevin's last bowling night and I'm going to see if I can take Eric for just a little bit to watch PopPop bowl. He loves it and gets so excited watching the pins go down. When Kevin watches it on Sunday mornings he stands and watches the ball go down the lane, being really quiet and then when it hits the pins jumps up and down squeeling and spinning......
Well folks, it's time to head for the shower and get myself in gear. I think with the downtime at work today, I'll do a bit of "redecorating" my page. Need something springy. Is springy a word?
2 avril One workspace --The weather here is absolutely beautiful today - sunny and due to hit 65. Not the kind of weather I want to sit at my desk and enjoy. Bummer....
This is my turbo charged computer sapce at work. If I can remember, I will take a picture of the "takes forever to get there"
 area I have at home and post it up tomorrow. Yep, below is where I spend most of my day -- I am facing a huge window from which I can see the weather and all the cars that come and go. A very nice set up for such a nosy person as I am.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well, I knew I would miss my little guy, I really didn't realize just how much. The house is quiet, no little footsteps or squeals from upstairs. No more running through the kitchen an dining room to get to Me-Ma. Yesterday was the first day I have went a whole day without seeing him. Everybody says that now I can do the things I always wanted to do, now that the kids have moved out. Funny thing is - I was doing what I wanted to do before. Enjoying my kids and grandkids. Ah - but life goes on.....
Ok - just wanted to get that out - and on that note, I will close up and do some visiting before I head outside to enjoy the sunshine. Feeling a whole lot blue so I prefer not to let that carry over too much here - I've always tried to keep this blog on a positive note. My happy place, so to speak...
Take care everyone -- I hope your weather is as nice as it is here.  |
|
|
