Gee – started to write a post this morning and it was starting to sound all too familiar. As I was about to post it, I realized that I had already posted the information! I don’t even remember coming on here yesterday and typing about my day! (Talk about a brain gap…)
I got the bar area cleaned up last night, emptied both of the dishwashers, and finished the laundry. I even finished one book and started on another. I’m amazed at how quiet the house is though. Even though the boys spend their time downstairs in their TV room, they do still come out to chat, grab a snack, that sort of thing. It’s just a bit odd having no one but the cats to talk to. (And they don’t really have much to say during their ‘awake’ time!)
On Sunday before they left, the A-man came in and told us that there had been a raccoon by the hen house. We thought it odd that a raccoon would be out during the daylight hours, so Hubby and the A-man went out and put the chickens and pheasants back into the coop to ensure their safety. Now I’m afraid to leave the chickens out in the run when I go to work! It is supposed to rain for most of the day today, so I didn’t even bother opening it up for them this morning. Since I had been in the veggie garden yesterday, I wasn’t as concerned, though. I will probably let them out for a wee bit when I get home after work, though – if it’s not raining, that is.
On Thursday I took S to see the orthopedic surgeon for a follow up on his knee injury. The doctor was amazed at the laxity of S’s ligaments. He now has another smaller brace that he has to wear for at least a month any time he isn’t in the actual house. He also has to undergo some physio-therapy to help strengthen the upper thigh muscles, thereby helping with the ligaments. The doctor indicated that both of S’s knees are really lax, but the left knee was unbelievably so. He indicated that if S is good to do his therapy follow up, he shouldn’t have any problems. But, he could. If the knee popping out becomes a ‘norm’, S would have to have some surgery to correct it. Nice.
S has been really good about putting the brace on, but I know he doesn’t like it. I guess he didn’t like the pain of the injury more, though. Poor guy.
Talked to Hubby last night and he said it was incredible how quickly the kids came around to the cottage once they arrived. It is so nice that the kids have so many friends up there. Sometimes I feel really guilty that we moved them out to the country with no neighbouring children to play with, but given the boy’s history, I am not always 100% certain that would have been a good thing, either. Plus, with no one else around, our son’s have an incredible closeness that I’m not certain most brother’s share. When S and I got back from Ottawa, it was really heartwarming to see how happy the A-man was to see his brother. I got a small hug – S was embraced in a bear hug and swung around the driveway!
But, anytime the boys have wanted to get together with friends, I have always been more than willing to either drive them to their friend’s house, or even pick up the friend to bring them to ours; simply put, they don’t make plans with their friends. I think they both prefer to just hang out at home together.
Tonight I am going to go to an open mic night with Sammy and Hubby. It’s open to anyone that wants to get up and sing, and apparently it is quite a fun night, so I’m looking forward to it. Tonight just so happens that it is held at the restaurant where my assistant has a second job – and she will be working there. I’ll get to terrorize her for an entire day and night, lol. Nah, not really – she and I get along really well and I am going to miss her when she is gone.
Then, tomorrow night I will be going over to a friend’s for coffee. Having a pretty social time this week!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Wedding and weeding
We had SUCH a good time at the wedding this weekend. It was an outdoor event - son of S's Godparents - and I had gone over Saturday morning to help with the final set up. It's incredible how much a tent can go from looking like a tent to looking like a place for a wedding once you put out the linens and place the centre pieces.
Hubby and I were invited for a barbeque before the wedding reception - it was an intimate family-only dinner after the wedding - and we had a great time with our friends before hand. The evening was perfect for an outdoor event. We had been worried that it would be too cool, but all the sides of the tent were left open, and most people actually mingled outside of the tent. It got too warm inside the tent because of all the dancing! I was the dd that night, but I still managed to rock the dance floor, and the AC/DC song I love has given me a kink in my neck that I know the chiropractor will love me for...
Hubby and the boys left yesterday afternoon for the cottage. I had talked about having a nap, but never actually did that. I did, however, get rid of all the cobwebs at the front entrance of the house. I also cleaned the boy's bathroom, and the kitchen, and made two types of flavoured vinegars; chive vinegar and tarragon vinegar. These herbs infused into the vinegar will make the vinegar very mild, and I will use it for salad dressing and hostess gifts. (This also used up some of my garden bounty!)
I took today off in lieu of Wednesday's Canada Day. Originally I had planned to go up to the cottage, too, but then I decided I could use the quiet time at home. This morning I got the veggie garden all weeded, then got to work on the moonlight garden by the hot tub. Got that cleaned up, and the chive garden, too! Then it started to rain. The rain put a ky-bosh on my afternoon golf lesson, too.
I'm going to work on indoor cleaning now, though. I figure I will be able to run the vacuum around the basement tonight, and depending on my stamina after that, I may even move to the upstairs, too. Both boys rooms have been tidied, and once I tackle the foyer, I will be pleased with the entire house again.
OH! Some good news! We have new neighbours - and they have a son the same age as the A-man! They also have a daughter that is a couple of years older, I think. This is the first time in 10 years that we have had neighbours with children the same age as ours. Now, at 16, it's hard to say if they will actually get along, but here's hoping...
Hubby and I were invited for a barbeque before the wedding reception - it was an intimate family-only dinner after the wedding - and we had a great time with our friends before hand. The evening was perfect for an outdoor event. We had been worried that it would be too cool, but all the sides of the tent were left open, and most people actually mingled outside of the tent. It got too warm inside the tent because of all the dancing! I was the dd that night, but I still managed to rock the dance floor, and the AC/DC song I love has given me a kink in my neck that I know the chiropractor will love me for...
Hubby and the boys left yesterday afternoon for the cottage. I had talked about having a nap, but never actually did that. I did, however, get rid of all the cobwebs at the front entrance of the house. I also cleaned the boy's bathroom, and the kitchen, and made two types of flavoured vinegars; chive vinegar and tarragon vinegar. These herbs infused into the vinegar will make the vinegar very mild, and I will use it for salad dressing and hostess gifts. (This also used up some of my garden bounty!)
I took today off in lieu of Wednesday's Canada Day. Originally I had planned to go up to the cottage, too, but then I decided I could use the quiet time at home. This morning I got the veggie garden all weeded, then got to work on the moonlight garden by the hot tub. Got that cleaned up, and the chive garden, too! Then it started to rain. The rain put a ky-bosh on my afternoon golf lesson, too.
I'm going to work on indoor cleaning now, though. I figure I will be able to run the vacuum around the basement tonight, and depending on my stamina after that, I may even move to the upstairs, too. Both boys rooms have been tidied, and once I tackle the foyer, I will be pleased with the entire house again.
OH! Some good news! We have new neighbours - and they have a son the same age as the A-man! They also have a daughter that is a couple of years older, I think. This is the first time in 10 years that we have had neighbours with children the same age as ours. Now, at 16, it's hard to say if they will actually get along, but here's hoping...
Friday, June 26, 2009
Summer 2009
Today is the first official summer holiday for both boys. Although S didn't go to school this past week until Thursday, he wasn't officially finished until I picked him up for his doctor's appointment.
His EA even made me go in to the office to sign him out of school. Because, at 2.45 on the last day of school, when the entire school population is outside, it's really going to matter if you follow protocol.
Whatever.
(In a rebellious state, I didn't date or time the sign out sheet, not did I complete his full name - just used his first!!)
I will admit, I felt tears of joy and relief as I pulled away from that school for the very last time. S and I gave each other a big ole "high five" as we left, too.
The only person I felt the need to say good bye to was S's SERT. I wrote a very long - and somewhat rambling - letter letting her know how much we appreciated all that she did for S. She thanked me for the letter as I was pulling out of the parking lot.
We are going over to see Jazzy's family tonight, and then tomorrow we have another wedding to attend. Hubby and the boys will be heading to the cottage on Sunday for some holidays. They will be coming back on Thursday so that Hubby can attend a meeting and complete a computer job, then as a family we will be heading up to the cottage for another week. I am really looking forward to this holiday.
Oh, and did I mention that my assistant gave her notice this week? Next Friday will be her last day with us as she will be moving to Australia the following week to continue her education. I'm really happy for her, but really not looking forward to the work that will be on my desk when I return from my week off!
I don't want to start the search for another assistant...
His EA even made me go in to the office to sign him out of school. Because, at 2.45 on the last day of school, when the entire school population is outside, it's really going to matter if you follow protocol.
Whatever.
(In a rebellious state, I didn't date or time the sign out sheet, not did I complete his full name - just used his first!!)
I will admit, I felt tears of joy and relief as I pulled away from that school for the very last time. S and I gave each other a big ole "high five" as we left, too.
The only person I felt the need to say good bye to was S's SERT. I wrote a very long - and somewhat rambling - letter letting her know how much we appreciated all that she did for S. She thanked me for the letter as I was pulling out of the parking lot.
We are going over to see Jazzy's family tonight, and then tomorrow we have another wedding to attend. Hubby and the boys will be heading to the cottage on Sunday for some holidays. They will be coming back on Thursday so that Hubby can attend a meeting and complete a computer job, then as a family we will be heading up to the cottage for another week. I am really looking forward to this holiday.
Oh, and did I mention that my assistant gave her notice this week? Next Friday will be her last day with us as she will be moving to Australia the following week to continue her education. I'm really happy for her, but really not looking forward to the work that will be on my desk when I return from my week off!
I don't want to start the search for another assistant...
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
DONE!
We are done, done, done at the elementary school level!!
Last night was S's 'graduation' ceremonies and other than going to school on Thursday for the final day - he won't be going the rest of the week - we are completely and totally finished with that school.
I think I am still in denial about it. Probably won't believe it until he begins life at the new high school with his brother again. Maybe not even then.
I'm going to write a thank you letter to the SERT that has worked with me - and advocated on our behalf - for S to take in to the school on Thursday. I am also going to prepare a note for the Principal to let her know how nice I thought the ceremony was last night.
I will have to pick S up from school early on Thursday, though - he has a follow up appointment for his knee at 3pm. That's okay - at least he will get to participate in the last day of school. I doubt many - if any - of the Grade 8s will be there this week.
Summer time is here!
Last night was S's 'graduation' ceremonies and other than going to school on Thursday for the final day - he won't be going the rest of the week - we are completely and totally finished with that school.
I think I am still in denial about it. Probably won't believe it until he begins life at the new high school with his brother again. Maybe not even then.
I'm going to write a thank you letter to the SERT that has worked with me - and advocated on our behalf - for S to take in to the school on Thursday. I am also going to prepare a note for the Principal to let her know how nice I thought the ceremony was last night.
I will have to pick S up from school early on Thursday, though - he has a follow up appointment for his knee at 3pm. That's okay - at least he will get to participate in the last day of school. I doubt many - if any - of the Grade 8s will be there this week.
Summer time is here!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Back to reality
Well, I managed to survive Ottawa.
This three day trip to our nation's capital also gave me a wonderful opportunity to watch our teachers in action.
These ladies do not have a clue.
They are all very kind women, but they just seemed oblivious to what was going on most of the time. I realize they had 40 kids to be concerned with, whereas I had only one that was my primary concern, but it just amazed me at the number of things that I picked up on - and often dealt with - before the teachers ever became aware of a possible situation.
But, the girls that were dressed inappropriately for the dance were well noticed - and discussed at great length - for the trip.
Sigh.
No matter - we are almost done. Tonight is graduation for S.
I convinced him to stay home today - there really was no point in going to school because the only thing that will be happening will be the decorating for the event. The girls will all be off getting their hair and stuff done (at 13/14 I know that never would have happened for me) and the few boys that will be at the school will be required to help get the gym ready.
He will stay home for Tuesday and Wednesday - because let's face it, they have already 'graduated' - and Thursday he will go to say his final good byes, get his report card, and clean out his desk.
WE HAVE MADE IT!
Personally, I don't think I will have a big sigh of relief until we pull away from that school on Thursday afternoon.
The A-man writes his math exam today, then religion tomorrow and he is then finished for the year, too.
Looks like summer has arrived for my sons!
This three day trip to our nation's capital also gave me a wonderful opportunity to watch our teachers in action.
These ladies do not have a clue.
They are all very kind women, but they just seemed oblivious to what was going on most of the time. I realize they had 40 kids to be concerned with, whereas I had only one that was my primary concern, but it just amazed me at the number of things that I picked up on - and often dealt with - before the teachers ever became aware of a possible situation.
But, the girls that were dressed inappropriately for the dance were well noticed - and discussed at great length - for the trip.
Sigh.
No matter - we are almost done. Tonight is graduation for S.
I convinced him to stay home today - there really was no point in going to school because the only thing that will be happening will be the decorating for the event. The girls will all be off getting their hair and stuff done (at 13/14 I know that never would have happened for me) and the few boys that will be at the school will be required to help get the gym ready.
He will stay home for Tuesday and Wednesday - because let's face it, they have already 'graduated' - and Thursday he will go to say his final good byes, get his report card, and clean out his desk.
WE HAVE MADE IT!
Personally, I don't think I will have a big sigh of relief until we pull away from that school on Thursday afternoon.
The A-man writes his math exam today, then religion tomorrow and he is then finished for the year, too.
Looks like summer has arrived for my sons!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Past year's garden pictures
These pictures were taken a little while ago - maybe 3 summers now? The garden was still quite new and not fully developed. I think it was probably back when I had time to keep on top of the weeds in the pathways!
This first one was taken from standing at the front of the garden and
This first one was taken from standing at the front of the garden and
looking into the side yard. We no longer have the wooden swing you can see in the background. The wood started to rot, and when we cut down that tree last fall, the swing went with the stump!
My rose garden area isn't large, but the blooms from the roses are amazing. David Austin roses just look and smell heavenly!
One of my ultimate favourite flowers - the star gazer lily. The chipmunks have raided my lily garden over the years, but it still looks and smells wonderful when the flowers are in bloom.
This is a centred shot of a disco mix hibiscus. The flower is about 10 inches in diameter, and almost completely flat. It is all white, with it's bright vibrant centre. It usually blooms toward the end of July and then all through August. It's a real show stopper.
I really like the look and feel of English gardens. This delphinium didn't come up last year, though.
My sweet double daisies. They just make a person smile when they look at this plant!
I have an abundance of cone flowers in my garden. Native to our region, I never water them, but they are more than happy to take the abuse, and continue to thrive.
Monday, June 15, 2009
What a weekend!
S is adjusting well to his leg brace/splint thing. Hopefully it's not too hot under the shorts...
On Friday, I went and picked up my niece so that my Mom could take her and the boys up to the cottage. It was a really full car, I tell ya! After they got away, I got to work in the veggie garden.
I'd bought a new net jacket that comes right over the head and zips up so that the flying pests can't get to your eyes, ears or neck. It works really well, but it does make seeing things a bit more difficult. The only part of my upper body that was sort of exposed was my hands, but at least I could see the pests and swat them before they bit into me.
Anyway - got the veggie garden weeded around the onions, lettuces, spinach and radishes. A couple of weekends ago I'd put in kohl rabi and swiss chard, so these little plantings aren't quite as established - this is where my visual impairment from the netting became a concern... I was able to get through it, though and get those rows cleaned up.
Next, I got to planting the things I'd picked up from the nursery. Yes, I know that is 'cheating' a wee bit, but I just didn't have the time to get everything in to ground early enough in the season! In went: one and a half rows of carrots, a row of peppers; green and yellow, cucumber plants - one English cuke and one 'regular' cuke, a zucchini plant and six tomato plants; two are beef steaks, one is a golden tomato, one is an heirloom variety, and then there are two of the grape-type tomatoes, too.
After I got the tomatoes planted and put the stakes in place, I got some herbs into the ground. These consisted of: two types of basil - regular and Thai, rosemary, parsley, and cilantro. I actually didn't use up all of the space I normally use for the veggie garden, but that is okay. We won't have fresh peas or beans this year, but it is what it is!
After playing in the dirt, I came in and showered and dressed for the pre-tournament cocktail party. I was almost an hour behind the time I'd planned on leaving, but I knew that I had to get the veggie garden completed while I was there. Strike while the iron's hot, and all that.
Saturday morning, I had to be at the golf course by 8am. Ugh - that is early. I had a really good time in the tournament. I can see how my game is improving, but I can also see how much more I have to improve! After the game ended, I came home to meet up with Hubby's sister. We sat on the deck and had a glass of wine and chatted. She's been going through "stuff" and needed an ear. We went off to the dinner that was associated with the tournament, and I ended up winning a season's ski pass that is worth about $800! Sweet.
Yesterday I went in to work for about an hour, then picked up groceries. When I got home, I cleaned up the kitchen and made myself a wonderful lunch of scallops and mushrooms on a salad. Then, I washed the windows in the kitchen, dinning room, living room and front foyer! The kitchen one was TERRIBLE! I think we will need some sort of protection from all the UV rays that are now able to get through the glass!
After this, I tackled the bar area and the TV room. MUCH better now, I must say. Nothing like having the place to yourself and being able to get so much done. Hubby got home around 6 and the boys around 8.30.
I love weekends....
On Friday, I went and picked up my niece so that my Mom could take her and the boys up to the cottage. It was a really full car, I tell ya! After they got away, I got to work in the veggie garden.
I'd bought a new net jacket that comes right over the head and zips up so that the flying pests can't get to your eyes, ears or neck. It works really well, but it does make seeing things a bit more difficult. The only part of my upper body that was sort of exposed was my hands, but at least I could see the pests and swat them before they bit into me.
Anyway - got the veggie garden weeded around the onions, lettuces, spinach and radishes. A couple of weekends ago I'd put in kohl rabi and swiss chard, so these little plantings aren't quite as established - this is where my visual impairment from the netting became a concern... I was able to get through it, though and get those rows cleaned up.
Next, I got to planting the things I'd picked up from the nursery. Yes, I know that is 'cheating' a wee bit, but I just didn't have the time to get everything in to ground early enough in the season! In went: one and a half rows of carrots, a row of peppers; green and yellow, cucumber plants - one English cuke and one 'regular' cuke, a zucchini plant and six tomato plants; two are beef steaks, one is a golden tomato, one is an heirloom variety, and then there are two of the grape-type tomatoes, too.
After I got the tomatoes planted and put the stakes in place, I got some herbs into the ground. These consisted of: two types of basil - regular and Thai, rosemary, parsley, and cilantro. I actually didn't use up all of the space I normally use for the veggie garden, but that is okay. We won't have fresh peas or beans this year, but it is what it is!
After playing in the dirt, I came in and showered and dressed for the pre-tournament cocktail party. I was almost an hour behind the time I'd planned on leaving, but I knew that I had to get the veggie garden completed while I was there. Strike while the iron's hot, and all that.
Saturday morning, I had to be at the golf course by 8am. Ugh - that is early. I had a really good time in the tournament. I can see how my game is improving, but I can also see how much more I have to improve! After the game ended, I came home to meet up with Hubby's sister. We sat on the deck and had a glass of wine and chatted. She's been going through "stuff" and needed an ear. We went off to the dinner that was associated with the tournament, and I ended up winning a season's ski pass that is worth about $800! Sweet.
Yesterday I went in to work for about an hour, then picked up groceries. When I got home, I cleaned up the kitchen and made myself a wonderful lunch of scallops and mushrooms on a salad. Then, I washed the windows in the kitchen, dinning room, living room and front foyer! The kitchen one was TERRIBLE! I think we will need some sort of protection from all the UV rays that are now able to get through the glass!
After this, I tackled the bar area and the TV room. MUCH better now, I must say. Nothing like having the place to yourself and being able to get so much done. Hubby got home around 6 and the boys around 8.30.
I love weekends....
Friday, June 12, 2009
Here, there and everywhere
Okay.... the past week.
First and foremost, I suppose, would be the injury S received the other day. Wednesday night I was cooking dinner; it was Thai inspired and I was really looking forward to it. Anyway, I digress...
I was just finishing the final steps to dinner, and suddenly I could hear S outside screaming. He'd been happily roller blading up and down the driveway for the better part of an hour. The A-man had gone outside about 10 minutes earlier, so I was thinking that S was screaming because his brother was doing something to bug him. (He does that every now and then.)
I looked out the dining room window and saw S on the ground on the driveway. The A-man was reaching down and pulling him off the driveway and on to the grass. To me it looked like he was really tormenting his brother, but I wasn't 100% sure.
The A-man can running in to the house and told me S was hurt. From the screaming going on out there, you would have thought S was being tortured rather than just injured. (He can be quite the drama queen...)
When I got out there, S told me that he was just blading when suddenly his left knee cap just shifted over to the side, and that is what caused him to fall. He was wailing pretty good, and I did my best to calm him down and get him to stop the screaming a bit. We got the roller blades off and brought him in to the house. After dinner, I looked at the two knees, but it was hard to tell if there was swelling. I had the A-man pull the crutches out from the crawlspace, and told S he could use those until the knee was feeling better.
Last night I decided that I should take S to the hospital to rule out any major injury. I had my doubts that they would be able to do much for an injured knee, but its always better to be safe with this type of thing. The down side to this is the 2 plus hours we have to sit in emerg...
Anyway, the doctor didn't seem to doubt that S's kneecap had shifted to the left. Apparently this can (and does) happen. Off he went for an x-ray to rule out any bone damage/injury. The x-ray didn't show any problems there, but the emerg doctor told S that he would need to wear a brace that would keep his leg straight (a position that causes S a great deal of pain) in order to allow the ligiments a chance to heal properly. Good thing I took him; I was going to allow him to keep it bent and stay off it, which is the worst thing you can do for an injured ligament.
I was given a business card for an orthepedic surgeon and told to give him a call and have a follow up appointment. Of course S doesn't require surgery, but it is this type of doctor that needs to do the necessary follow up for the type of injury S received.
We sat around for about another half hour, and then a lady came by with the splint thing that S needs to wear. She fit the device onto his leg - $75 for the thing - and gave me another business card for the doctor. It hurt S to straighten the leg initally, but once the splint was on, he was asked to try walking. He was very nervous about doing so; he doesn't have a very high pain tolerance threshold. But, with this metal bars in this thing, and the tightness around his leg, it provides just enough support that he is able to stand on his leg with little to no pain.
S, did however, ask me if he would be able to use the crutches for one more day at school. I remember the 'thrill' of using crutches for the first time, so I told him that he could take them.
So, that is what is happening with my wee man. Poor guy... but, I will admit, once the splint was on, his face did show some sign of relief, so at least he isn't in pain anymore. Well, he is still hurting, but at least it's a 'healing' hurt.
~~~
Last weekend the A-man was sick. I am SO glad this boy doesn't fall ill very often; what a grouch!
From the way he was acting, you would think he was the only person in the WORLD to have ever experienced a sinus cold.
On Monday, I could tell that he still wasn't feeling well, so I told him to just stay in bed and take it easy for the day. He had commented on Sunday evening that he had a test in Religion class, so when I called the school about his absence, I also requested that the Religion teacher give me a acll so that I could explain the A-man being away.
The teacher didn't call me back until Wednesday, and when I explained why I had been calling, he told me that he didn't doubt the A-man's absence. He then proceeded to tell me that he couldn't believe that the A-man was the same student he had last year. He went on to tell me that the A-man is sitting with a 98% in the class and he is amazed at what one year did to my boy. (Proud Mommy moment here...)
Thankfully whatever illness that had befalled the grouch is now all but gone, and my happy, sunny dispositioned son has returned.
Hubby will be working this evening - first full week all year - and the boys are off to the cottage with my mom tonight. Hubby and my Dad will be taking their motorcycles to the cottage in the morning to give Hubs a bit more drive-time practise, and I will be participating in a charity golf tournament. Hubby's sister will be coming to visit in the afternoon, then will be coming to the dinner/dance afterward. Should be a nice day, and will be very odd for me to have the entire house to myself for the weekend. (Sort of looking forward to it, I will admit.)
Next week will be a busy one. S and I will be off to Ottawa for three days, and when I get home, Cuz and friends will be in the area! My cousin - Cuz's husband - has just been released from the hospital from his stem cell transplant, so hopefully he will be feeling pretty good. If he's not, he will push himself for that weekend, so we are keeping our fingers crossed that he really is feeling okay.
So, that is my most recent update!
First and foremost, I suppose, would be the injury S received the other day. Wednesday night I was cooking dinner; it was Thai inspired and I was really looking forward to it. Anyway, I digress...
I was just finishing the final steps to dinner, and suddenly I could hear S outside screaming. He'd been happily roller blading up and down the driveway for the better part of an hour. The A-man had gone outside about 10 minutes earlier, so I was thinking that S was screaming because his brother was doing something to bug him. (He does that every now and then.)
I looked out the dining room window and saw S on the ground on the driveway. The A-man was reaching down and pulling him off the driveway and on to the grass. To me it looked like he was really tormenting his brother, but I wasn't 100% sure.
The A-man can running in to the house and told me S was hurt. From the screaming going on out there, you would have thought S was being tortured rather than just injured. (He can be quite the drama queen...)
When I got out there, S told me that he was just blading when suddenly his left knee cap just shifted over to the side, and that is what caused him to fall. He was wailing pretty good, and I did my best to calm him down and get him to stop the screaming a bit. We got the roller blades off and brought him in to the house. After dinner, I looked at the two knees, but it was hard to tell if there was swelling. I had the A-man pull the crutches out from the crawlspace, and told S he could use those until the knee was feeling better.
Last night I decided that I should take S to the hospital to rule out any major injury. I had my doubts that they would be able to do much for an injured knee, but its always better to be safe with this type of thing. The down side to this is the 2 plus hours we have to sit in emerg...
Anyway, the doctor didn't seem to doubt that S's kneecap had shifted to the left. Apparently this can (and does) happen. Off he went for an x-ray to rule out any bone damage/injury. The x-ray didn't show any problems there, but the emerg doctor told S that he would need to wear a brace that would keep his leg straight (a position that causes S a great deal of pain) in order to allow the ligiments a chance to heal properly. Good thing I took him; I was going to allow him to keep it bent and stay off it, which is the worst thing you can do for an injured ligament.
I was given a business card for an orthepedic surgeon and told to give him a call and have a follow up appointment. Of course S doesn't require surgery, but it is this type of doctor that needs to do the necessary follow up for the type of injury S received.
We sat around for about another half hour, and then a lady came by with the splint thing that S needs to wear. She fit the device onto his leg - $75 for the thing - and gave me another business card for the doctor. It hurt S to straighten the leg initally, but once the splint was on, he was asked to try walking. He was very nervous about doing so; he doesn't have a very high pain tolerance threshold. But, with this metal bars in this thing, and the tightness around his leg, it provides just enough support that he is able to stand on his leg with little to no pain.
S, did however, ask me if he would be able to use the crutches for one more day at school. I remember the 'thrill' of using crutches for the first time, so I told him that he could take them.
So, that is what is happening with my wee man. Poor guy... but, I will admit, once the splint was on, his face did show some sign of relief, so at least he isn't in pain anymore. Well, he is still hurting, but at least it's a 'healing' hurt.
~~~
Last weekend the A-man was sick. I am SO glad this boy doesn't fall ill very often; what a grouch!
From the way he was acting, you would think he was the only person in the WORLD to have ever experienced a sinus cold.
On Monday, I could tell that he still wasn't feeling well, so I told him to just stay in bed and take it easy for the day. He had commented on Sunday evening that he had a test in Religion class, so when I called the school about his absence, I also requested that the Religion teacher give me a acll so that I could explain the A-man being away.
The teacher didn't call me back until Wednesday, and when I explained why I had been calling, he told me that he didn't doubt the A-man's absence. He then proceeded to tell me that he couldn't believe that the A-man was the same student he had last year. He went on to tell me that the A-man is sitting with a 98% in the class and he is amazed at what one year did to my boy. (Proud Mommy moment here...)
Thankfully whatever illness that had befalled the grouch is now all but gone, and my happy, sunny dispositioned son has returned.
Hubby will be working this evening - first full week all year - and the boys are off to the cottage with my mom tonight. Hubby and my Dad will be taking their motorcycles to the cottage in the morning to give Hubs a bit more drive-time practise, and I will be participating in a charity golf tournament. Hubby's sister will be coming to visit in the afternoon, then will be coming to the dinner/dance afterward. Should be a nice day, and will be very odd for me to have the entire house to myself for the weekend. (Sort of looking forward to it, I will admit.)
Next week will be a busy one. S and I will be off to Ottawa for three days, and when I get home, Cuz and friends will be in the area! My cousin - Cuz's husband - has just been released from the hospital from his stem cell transplant, so hopefully he will be feeling pretty good. If he's not, he will push himself for that weekend, so we are keeping our fingers crossed that he really is feeling okay.
So, that is my most recent update!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Live webcam
Here is a link to a website that will take you to a live web-cam of an eagle's nest. Looks like the baby (not sure if there is more than one!) just hatched yesterday or very early this morning. If the camera doesn't show on this link, just scroll a little futher down and there is another option to watch the live feed.
Ya just don't get to see things like this in nature. I'm even more facinated about this since we have our own birds now.
Will have to get some photos posted soon, I suppose...
Ya just don't get to see things like this in nature. I'm even more facinated about this since we have our own birds now.
Will have to get some photos posted soon, I suppose...
Friday, June 5, 2009
Huh!
Last night was a first for me!
S had to finish a project up - it was due today. He'd tried to tell me that he was going to 'finish' the project during lunch recess today, but I didn't think that was going to fly. We stopped at the dollar store to get a sheet of bristol board - which was one reason he claimed it couldn't be completed at home last night.
Hubby and I had a meeting with the Fish/Game Club we belong to, so when we got home from the Y, I asked S to make sure he printed out the his information, then explained that when I got home from the meeting, I would help him put it on the bristol board.
When we got home from the meeting - the project information was printed out. I was a tad surprised, I will admit. The kitchen was cleaned up too; all the dirty stuff was even in the dishwasher!
S pulled out my 'fancy cut' scissors, and I got to work trimming up the construction paper he wanted to use on the project. He trimmed the information pages, and then glued them onto the construction paper. He had wanted to start gluing right on to the bristol board, but I suggested he wait until all of the information was ready before he did that. Surprisingly, he heard my suggestion.
After S had placed all of the information on the background paper, he just sort of looked at me as if to say, "What now?" I asked him if he had any ideas of how he wanted the information to look on the bristol board. He didn't seem to know what I meant, so I placed all the various sheets in a haphazard way, and asked if we should just start gluing.
Suddenly this look of dawning crossed S's face. He said that the layout wasn't really what he had in mind, and then he started moving the pieces around. After a few minutes of this, he changed the bistol board from short to long position, and started relaying the information. He took this quite seriously, and I could tell his mind was just click-click-clicking away as he laid each page.
After a good 10 minutes of shuffling and rearranging, S deemed the layout complete. He then gave a really big yawn and asked if it would be cheating if I glued the pages in place because he wanted to go to bed. I assured him that since he had actually written the work, and determined the layout, it wouldn't be cheating if I secured the information with glue.
He went and brushed his teeth - without prompting!! - and went to bed.
S finished an entire project, ON TIME, without shedding one single tear, or giving me grief about having to work on it!
The sky is beginning to open..... do you hear the angels singing?? Okay, well, maybe not quite THAT joyous an occasion, but let me tell you, it was really nice to just see what needed to be done and have it completed without a fight!
S had to finish a project up - it was due today. He'd tried to tell me that he was going to 'finish' the project during lunch recess today, but I didn't think that was going to fly. We stopped at the dollar store to get a sheet of bristol board - which was one reason he claimed it couldn't be completed at home last night.
Hubby and I had a meeting with the Fish/Game Club we belong to, so when we got home from the Y, I asked S to make sure he printed out the his information, then explained that when I got home from the meeting, I would help him put it on the bristol board.
When we got home from the meeting - the project information was printed out. I was a tad surprised, I will admit. The kitchen was cleaned up too; all the dirty stuff was even in the dishwasher!
S pulled out my 'fancy cut' scissors, and I got to work trimming up the construction paper he wanted to use on the project. He trimmed the information pages, and then glued them onto the construction paper. He had wanted to start gluing right on to the bristol board, but I suggested he wait until all of the information was ready before he did that. Surprisingly, he heard my suggestion.
After S had placed all of the information on the background paper, he just sort of looked at me as if to say, "What now?" I asked him if he had any ideas of how he wanted the information to look on the bristol board. He didn't seem to know what I meant, so I placed all the various sheets in a haphazard way, and asked if we should just start gluing.
Suddenly this look of dawning crossed S's face. He said that the layout wasn't really what he had in mind, and then he started moving the pieces around. After a few minutes of this, he changed the bistol board from short to long position, and started relaying the information. He took this quite seriously, and I could tell his mind was just click-click-clicking away as he laid each page.
After a good 10 minutes of shuffling and rearranging, S deemed the layout complete. He then gave a really big yawn and asked if it would be cheating if I glued the pages in place because he wanted to go to bed. I assured him that since he had actually written the work, and determined the layout, it wouldn't be cheating if I secured the information with glue.
He went and brushed his teeth - without prompting!! - and went to bed.
S finished an entire project, ON TIME, without shedding one single tear, or giving me grief about having to work on it!
The sky is beginning to open..... do you hear the angels singing?? Okay, well, maybe not quite THAT joyous an occasion, but let me tell you, it was really nice to just see what needed to be done and have it completed without a fight!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Surviving
Well, S managed his time in the office with the Principal quite well. On Thursday - the day he was required to stay home - he actually came outside as I was getting ready to leave for work to ask me about his list of chores for the day. He'd noticed that I hadn't left him any and thought he'd better check on that.
I don't believe he would have actually done any chores that I'd noted, but it's nice that he asked.
Friday was a 'retreat' day for the Grade 8. Sounds like he had a good day there.
We went to the cottage on Friday evening. Saturday morning S went off to find his friends. He knocked and knocked on the door, but it appeared no one was home. When S came back to the cottage, I suggested he complete the homework that he'd brought with him and told him that by the time he was done, maybe his friends would be home and able to play.
We had a bit of a disagreement about the homework completion - apparently I "never shut up about homework" when it's brought to the cottage. I took exception to this rude comment, for obvious reasons. After a bit more 'discussion,' S got to work and did what he could on the project. (I will never understand why he feels the need to argue.... guess that's just part of his strangely wired brain...)
After the incident last week, the bottom line has been established - if there is another incident at school between now and the Ottawa trip on June 17, we will not be going. Period. I will get my money back for both payments, I will not have to take 3 days off work, and that will be the end of it. Hubby and I have made S very aware that he needs to take full and complete responsibility for his actions and behaviour. If he can't take the time to make a logical decision, he needs to at least recognize that he needs to distance himself and allow himself the time to think about what he should do. He has his safe plan in place for a reason, and will never be punished for taking the time to go to his thinking spot.
I've called the doctor about getting another appointment, and have been advised that S was 'discharged' because he hasn't had an appointment in the past 6 months. I was not advised that he would be discharged, nor was I ever notified of this discharge. Now, apparently, we have to go through the entire referral process again. I think I am going to ask our GP to refer us to the pediatrictan that knows/understands Aspergers rather than this other doctor. Seems like the original doctor is all about the money and not what is best for the child. (At least, when he tried to charge me $11 for a prescription refill is when I got that impression...) So, for now we don't have the chance to have S see a specialist, but at least we just need to get through the next few weeks and we can say good bye forever to that part of our lives.
I won't be sad to say good bye, I can tell you that.
I don't believe he would have actually done any chores that I'd noted, but it's nice that he asked.
Friday was a 'retreat' day for the Grade 8. Sounds like he had a good day there.
We went to the cottage on Friday evening. Saturday morning S went off to find his friends. He knocked and knocked on the door, but it appeared no one was home. When S came back to the cottage, I suggested he complete the homework that he'd brought with him and told him that by the time he was done, maybe his friends would be home and able to play.
We had a bit of a disagreement about the homework completion - apparently I "never shut up about homework" when it's brought to the cottage. I took exception to this rude comment, for obvious reasons. After a bit more 'discussion,' S got to work and did what he could on the project. (I will never understand why he feels the need to argue.... guess that's just part of his strangely wired brain...)
After the incident last week, the bottom line has been established - if there is another incident at school between now and the Ottawa trip on June 17, we will not be going. Period. I will get my money back for both payments, I will not have to take 3 days off work, and that will be the end of it. Hubby and I have made S very aware that he needs to take full and complete responsibility for his actions and behaviour. If he can't take the time to make a logical decision, he needs to at least recognize that he needs to distance himself and allow himself the time to think about what he should do. He has his safe plan in place for a reason, and will never be punished for taking the time to go to his thinking spot.
I've called the doctor about getting another appointment, and have been advised that S was 'discharged' because he hasn't had an appointment in the past 6 months. I was not advised that he would be discharged, nor was I ever notified of this discharge. Now, apparently, we have to go through the entire referral process again. I think I am going to ask our GP to refer us to the pediatrictan that knows/understands Aspergers rather than this other doctor. Seems like the original doctor is all about the money and not what is best for the child. (At least, when he tried to charge me $11 for a prescription refill is when I got that impression...) So, for now we don't have the chance to have S see a specialist, but at least we just need to get through the next few weeks and we can say good bye forever to that part of our lives.
I won't be sad to say good bye, I can tell you that.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
