A Nice Saturday

Brandon came over today about 1pm. He was going to cut the lawn but it was much too wet after two days of constant rain. He played a couple of games of Mario Base*ball with Grandpa and then we headed out to do a bit of shopping. Jordan couldn't come because he was off school yesterday with a high fever. I explained that Grandpa couldn't afford to get sick and that he needed to get better so he wouldn't miss Thanksgiving dinner at Great-Grandma's. He was really disappointed but then I told him that I would come and get him one morning early and we would go out to Tim Horton's for breakfast. He was okay with that.

There is a new game the boys have been wanting and Jordan sent his money with Brandon. We went out and picked up the games and then stopped to get some meat on the way home. A little place not far from me has the best meat in town. When we got there, Brandon couldn't believe his eyes. He said he's never seen meat in a glass counter before. I explained that you can pick out what you want and that there is a great choice than in the grocery store.

On the way into the store, we stopped to look at some kale and mums. Brandon is doing great in his horticulture tests. So far he's had five tests and he's received 100% on four of them. He won't get the 5th mark until next week. He's really into the horticulture and wishes he could take it all semester. I do believe he has that option next year.

We talked about a lot of things today; drugs, smoking, drinking and he seems to have his head on straight about all of these things. I asked him about peer pressure but he doesn't bow down to that. Brandon is his own person and once he's made his mind up, no one can change his mind. He has a very logical way of looking at life, which is just one of the great things about being high functioning autistic. He doesn't want anything on or in his body that shouldn't be there. He's been that way since he was small. He wouldn't even wear a name tag on his shirt when he started kindergarten and will never have his hand stamped at any type of event.

So, all in all, it was a good day. After we got home with the groceries, we went out into the garden and he showed me how to take cuttings off the coleus. He's very proud of all that he's learned in his horticulture class.

Then it was home and Jordan was waiting a bit impatiently for his game. I am glad that Brandon and I could have this one-on-one time. It's been a while since we spent time together alone. I will make sure to pick Jordan up early so we can talk about some things when we go for breakfast. Having grandson is terrific.

This is Thanksgiving weekend in Canada. We will be joining some of the family for Thanksgiving dinner at Mom's on Monday.

It is also Columbus Day in the US. Take care on the roads as they will be busy in both countries during this long weekend. Stay safe.

A Surprise in the Mail

On Thursday, I received a surprise in the mail. There was a package from Pea at Pea's Corner.

I didn't take a photo of the original package because it contained too much information. This is what I found inside...a beautifully wrapped birthday gift.

This is awesome. The gift of Friendship. She is beautiful.

And a lovely card came today, from Pea and Steve. Thank you, my friends. A little surprise should arrive at your door on Tuesday, Pea, just in time for your birthday.

Update: Some of you have asked when my birthday is. It's Monday...yes on Thanksgiving Day this year. It will be a milestone. I'm hitting the big 60!!!

Dakota... Determined to Succeed

There's one thing I have to say for Dakota. He is determined to succeed when he puts his mind to something.

The high winds today brought down a branch from the tree at the end of our driveway. It was on the other side of the van, which is parked in front of my car. Dakota got hold of one end with his teeth and dragged it around the stairs and into the yard, where he proceeded to fight with it.

Trying to pull it back up the terrace.

Determined to get it where he wanted it, he continued to pull and tug.

Ah! Sweet success. That branch is about 7 feet long and about 3 inches around at the larger end.

Dakota had a ball with it, growling and pulling it to where he wanted it to be.

Then he decided to chew on it for a while. He certainly enjoyed his time in the yard today.

Animals make us laugh and cry. They help us heal and are definitely good for the soul.

Counting our Blessings

We received a call from the pharmacy today. The expensive medication that hubby was put on when he left the hospital WILL be covered. That is terrific news because we couldn't afford to buy it and I'm not sure what we would have done.

Another reason to count our blessings is that hubby's vision wasn't affected by the stroke and he WILL be able to keep his driver's license.

There is so much stress and strife in the world and a silver lining is in every cloud. Though a mini stroke is a scary thing, it could have been so much worse. A half hour before the stroke, Brandon and Jordan were in the van with Grandpa, coming to do some yard work. If the stroke had taken place while he was driving, it could have spelled tragedy. I'm sure angels were watching over the three men in my life that day.

It isn't over yet. Hubby has been taking his medication, which is a bonus, but I have to keep reminding him. He has a doppler test on Friday, so would appreciate your thoughts and prayers.

Remember to always look for the good in life. It gives a much more positive attitude and helps us to bounce back from the things that make life difficult.