Love Winter-Awaiting Spring

I LOVE WINTER!  I have always lived in Minnesota and therefore embrace all the beauty that the winter season brings.

A few weeks ago we had a swift change in our temperatures.  The feelings of spring were felt with temps in the mid 50's.  We lost about one half of our snow over the week.  After fighting it for a few days, I gave in.  I began to look at plans for the yearly Shimek vegetable garden, plan a new patio and landscaping project, the designs for a outdoor adobe wood pizza oven, new solar lighting for the trees in the back yard.  I even began to plan for dinner parties that we would again host for our fabulous friends & family.  I love to plan dinner parties!  I love to look at new linens, tableware, the latest in gadgets, study menus and the new cocktail of the season. 

I took some time to browse at some new flower ideas and shrubs for a landscaping project that will be done this spring and summer.  I am never impulsive and must think every possible idea to death.  I am still trying to decide on paint for the walls and carpet in the master bedroom.  I looked at samples until I could no longer say my full name and had to hang it up for a later date.  The plan was to freshen the master bedroom, install closet systems and do the same in Mike's bedroom this winter.  My husband Jim did his part.  He got everything ready to go and volunteered to do the painting before the carpet guys installed the new carpeting.  My job was one paint color and carpet for two bedrooms.  My part could take awhile.  I will pick my usual, a tone of beige/brown for both.  What can I say.....there are hundreds of tones for beige and brown.  Give me three choices and I can manage, more then that and I see spots.  It took me three months last year to pick new appliances for the kitchen, we did stainless so color was not a decision.  There are at least twenty brands with hundreds of options.

I was excited to put the inside projects on the back burner and embrace the outside ideas.  Just when I wrapped my head around an early spring, we got 15 inches of snow.  Oh, no.....back to paint and carpet.  The people at Home Depot see me walk in the door and quickly huddle playing paper, rock and scissor to see who is stuck with me.  As I compose this, it is once again snowing.  I think another 5-10 inches over the next few days.

Back to the garden.  I am no fan of gardens I wish to say.  We have a garden because Mike is autistic.

Mike, like so many autistics has real food issues.  He takes being a fussy eater to an entire new level. He does have a few dishes that he loves and are staple parts of his food intake.  The main one is spaghetti pasta.  He would eat it for every meal if I allowed.  I do not, however he eats it several times a week.  After much research on autistic diets, the consensus was that organic is the only way to go.  I would hit the local farmers market during the summer and cook organic when I could get it.  After going organic, then going jar/can the rest of the year we could see and taste the difference.  I took the time to really research what was on the labels of the food I was feeding Mike.  That is all that it took.

We live on a beautiful piece of property.  Just shy of 4 acres of waterfront property.  We had ample space.  It was time to plan and plant a garden.  If you want the best, then grown the best. 

Jim was the real force behind the project.  I would gladly water the garden and deal with it when it was harvest time. Otherwise, Jim was in charge of the garden.  He was nervous when I got near it and heavens for bid, I stepped in it and touched something.

Jim did the planting.  Carrots, onions, green beans, cucumbers, many variates of lettuce, kale, spinach, peppers and tomatoes.  We had 24 tomato plants the first year, even more the second.  I would soon learn the art of making "sauce" for Mike and freezing it.

As we began to harvest the garden, I looked into the best way to preserve our vegetables.  Freezing was the best.  We had a large chest deep freezer.  There was no way that would hold all of the food.  Off to Home Depot to purchase a upright freezer    ( again... paper, rock , scissor ).  I managed to pick one and have it delivered to the house.  I thought it was maybe a bit of over kill.  I was wrong.  Even with all of this, I was still calling friends to come rescue me from all of these veggies.  We enjoyed the fruits of the garden, fresh all summer long.  I then took to preserving the bulk of the harvest.  On to sauce making.

Twenty four tomato plants sounded nuts to me when Jim started planting.  I can tell you I was up to my waist in tomatoes for several weeks.  All I did was make sauce each day for weeks.  I made a "special" sauce for my "special" guy.

It took fresh tomatoes, finely grated carrots, green peppers, onion, kale and spinach to made my sauce.  I went to a butcher and got fresh beef and had them grind it for me.  I made the sauce, about 5 gallons a day I could manage.  I let it cool, the packaged it in freezer bags marked for Mike. I lay them flat each night on a large tray in the upright freezer.  In the morning, I retrieved the tray, stacked the frozen bags and started another batch of sauce. 

Making this much sauce each day, day after day was exhausting and messy.  I had tomato sauce on the walls, the floor and the ceiling.  I cleaned and scrubbed, just to make a mess the following day. 

To Mike, this is just pasta sauce.  He has no clue all the hidden vegetables that are in the "sauce".  He would  never eat carrots, peppers, onion, kale and spinach.  Because we control what goes into his food he gets only the best.  We use no chemicals what so ever.  Good soil, sun and water.  I grow my own herbs to add flavor and this year, we are going to try growing garlic.  Unsure if it will leaves or bulbs. 

We use our sauce for pasta, chili, soups, casseroles.  You name it, we use it from our garden.

It is unbelievable to me how much work it entails.  I cooked my hind end off the past two years making sauce and freezing veggies.  Every minute of it was worth it. 

Twenty six tomato plants were done last year.  I am unsure what Jim plans for this year.  It keeps getting bigger and bigger with new veggies added to the planting list each year.  I am excited to see what he comes up with and how I will incorporate it into my sauce for Mike. 

I have managed to make sauce to last Mike the fall, winter and spring.  Not an easy task.  I have about 30 gallons left in the freezer.  It should be just enough to get him to the first pick of this summers season. 

I encourage parents of autistic children to try if possible to grow your own food for your child.  If someone would have told me a few years ago, that I would be cooking for almost a month strait making organic, home grown food for Mike, I would not have believed you.  But I do, and he loves it.

1 days picking - this went on for about a month (24 plants )

In closing we have also taken to purchasing organic farm chickens from a local farmer.  We get on average 12 at a time. There is a HUGE difference in the chicken.  First of all they are about 2x the size and no hormones or antibiotics in the bird.  They taste fabulous.  We are slowly moving away from what is offered to us and seeking out what we want to have.  This year, organic beef will be added. 

I think I need a 3rd freezer............

Until the next time, I offer you all my best.
Julie

Where Did I Go?

Interesting title for my Blog today.  The question is where did I go for so long?  The answer is... no where.  I have been here plugging away writing, even blogging.  In my draft file of my Blogger I have 13 drafts- well written, just never posted.  I am not generally a impulsive blogger.  I have many thoughts, even taking the time to write them, just not always one to post them.  I may read them again and see if they still hold merit to publish here. 

I continue to write.  Politics and Special Education seem to take precedence over everything else that I write.  We can give a shout out that politics have been sparky enough to write about and the economic situation in our country has more then had an impact on Special Education. 

I am almost finished with my third book on Autism- still yet untitled-it manages to find it's own title as it nears the end.  A novel that I am working on (19) chapters in, has also taken much of my time. 

In the interim, I sent my oldest off to college, my youngest off to the 4th grade, buried a beloved pet and fell in love with a new one.  Still married to my man Jim ( saying it that way makes it sound as I may have been on the fence about that ).  He remains as adorable and patient as ever. 

I am off to read my drafts and see what I think is still relevent to today.  Life is good, Mike is great and life continues on.  I will make an appearence here more often and see what touble I can get into.  I reamain ever the spark, carrying my spoon to stir the pot.

Peace`  JJJS

H1N1 No More At Our House

Today was Mike's first day back at school after contracting the H1N1 influenza virus.
It was a long and bumpy road lasting a total of 12 ill days. We kept him home an extra two days from school as it was almost the end of the week and continued at home for the remainder of the weekend for safe measures.

As I have said in a past post - this is a bugger of a virus -. I have spoken to Dr.'s and nurse's, school personal & school medical staff. The one thing that I continued to hear from them is " keep your child at home even after the symptoms begin to improve for a MINIMAL of 7-10 days".

This was reiterated to me constantly along with the instructions, that if parents would keep their children home and follow the guidelines this would not be spreading as it is.

Please keep in mind that if you have other children that are exposed to H1N1 in your home and even if they are not symptomatic at this time, you need to keep them home with your ill child and follow the guidelines. I was told that by doing this we could significantly cut the risks to other students.

I know, I know....I say this with a understanding that as a freelance writer I do not report to an office everyday. I have the ability to remain at home and not have it effect my job. With that said- find a way.

I missed several board meetings, a newspaper interview, some book promos, and a concert that I was to attend with my oldest son. I purchased the tickets over 6 months ago. Let alone social engagements, and pampering appointments. Boy, do I need a manicure :)

Yes, I work from home- most often. Not always and furthermore, let me tell you that while Mike was home, I was getting zero work done. My attention was on him and his needs and trying to keep my home as germ free as possible. I have scrubbed and washed everything I could during his illness. That along with little sleep for a total of 16 days I was not getting my "writing work" done.

I realize that it is a sacrifice, but it is what you need to do. I was here in the house for twelve days before I felt that it was OK for me to go out into public to do a bit of shopping. I wore my gloves ( it is cold here in MN ), used the cleaner at the store to clean the cart handle, talked with no one and did my best to have no contact with others. My kind and generous Mother came several times to my home and dropped off supplies during the first twelve days. I soon ran low on Tylenol, bottled H2o ( all that Mike could keep down ) basic groceries, more cleaning supplies. With our her I would have been in a real snag. Granted, more friends stepped up and offered anything to help. Thankfully, we did not need to call on them because of my Mother. We did use good sense and she brought supplies to the door and left them. It may be a bit much to some but hey, who wants to catch this let alone be the one to give it to someone? One person sick can start the trail for hundreds or thousands. It has to begin somewhere.

I am glad to report that neither Jim nor I got ill. I received the original "swine flu" vaccination in the late 70's. I was told by my Dr. that the current H1N1 virus is not the same to the "T" but has many of the same components and may offer just enough of a resistance to cover me from getting the H1N1 virus and getting ill. Thus far it has done just that for me. We still do not know if Jim got the immunization in the 70's that I did. What I do know is I got it in school, when I was in the 2nd grade. The entire school got it. I remember this only as it was the first time I got a shot at school and they used a gun type of shot. It is the first and only time I ever had that or saw one. To be gross I also remember several kids
who wore short sleeve shirts that day with blood running down their arm before a cotton ball and band aid was applied. It is strange the things that one remembers from their youth. I recall bringing a small slip of paper to the library for the shot with my name and my mom's signature on it. My parent's also got the shot. They went to the public library in our town and got it too. My mother has remained well also so far.

I should run here, Mike will be home in about ten minutes from his first day back. I am anxious to read how it went and how the day was. I have LOVED the day alone for a few hours. I was in much need for some quiet today and the opportunity to read and write a few things, this being one of them.

Stay healthy !!

J.

H1N1

Mike has the flu and it is believed to be H1N1.

We had a wonderful Sunday afternoon last week. The Viking's were winning on the TV and we had guest over for dinner. After a great meal and chat time with friends, I started to gear up for the week. At about 6:30 P.M. I got Mike dressed in his P.J.'s and noticed that all of a sudden he looked pale and felt warm. It was a fever. A bit of Tylenol hidden in some juice and he went off to sleep. About 11 P.M. I heard him up and went in to check on him. I asked him if he needed to go to the bathroom, he did- and then he vomited. A temp of 102.7 and again more Tylenol. The problem was, with in a few minutes of juice with Tylenol, he was vomiting again. This went on all night.

By morning he looked even worse. Asking Mike about his symptoms gives no results. They say the H1N1 often starts with a sore throat. Asking that question gives no answer. Asking Mike about his stomach is the same. I could only go by what I could personally see. He had a fever and was vomiting.

Monday and Tuesday were rough. His fever was hard to control and getting meds in him impossible. I called the ER at 11 P.M. Tuesday night as his fever had come down and now again spiked to 103 and we could get no meds in him to stay down. He looked just awful. The ER and the clinic did not want to see him unless he had a fever of 105 ( I know I was shocked too ) and/or he was turning blue when he tried to breath. They told me to give him a cool bath and try rubbing alcohol to bring the fever down. The cool bath helped but he was miserable. His breathing was fine this entire time, however he had bouts with hard coughing.

It is now Sunday and he ate for the first time besides a few bites of jello. He only wants water to drink and is scared to eat anything.

Mike was exposed to the H1N1 virus at school. His symptoms were those of the virus. It was a hard virus to deal with and parents should be cautioned. Not panic, just be cautious.

It is Sunday again - 1 week from the onset. I am exhausted. No one else in the house has symptoms of the virus. I have slept so little and could just sleep for days I think given the chance. I plan to keep Mike home again from school tomorrow. He is still coughing a bit and rests in the afternoon this past week. This has taken all of the vinegar out of him. He just wants to lay in bed and watch movies and rest. He did fire up his PC and did a bit of drawing today he has left his bed open and crawls in often to just rest. He is willing to drink water but food is slow going. When I think he is well rested, able to make a full day of it and is back to eating well I will send him. We are only on week 6 of school and he has missed over 2 full weeks so far this year.

My mom was a lifesaver and brought us fresh supplies this week as we have stayed home to keep from passing this on to others.

A bit of FYI- the H1N1 shot comes in 2 forms. The shot DOES have mercury in it. The nasal one DOES NOT. We will still have Mike immunized with the nasal when it is available.

If you have concerns talk with your Dr.

I should go and check on him and offer him more ice water.

Stay healthy!!

Back to School For Mike

Mike is a 3rd grader! We are excited to embrace the school year and hope for the very best. We believe the key to Mike's potential is in his education. We have had many bumps in our road with Mike's education. We continue to be positive and hope for the best. It is our goal that given a bit of time Mike and his teacher's will find their groove.

Here is a photo of Mike the 1st day of school 2009-

President Obama's Speech to US Students

The ideology of members of the Republican Party and furthermore the Right side news media to encourage parents to keep their children home from school today is preposterous, again another shock to the absurd thinking they continue to entertain me with. The President of the United States delivered a speech to US students this morning.

A brief reflection of history here-

President Reagan also delivered a speech to US students in the 80's. He focused his speech to school age students on governments need to cut taxes.
The 1st President Bush also delivered a speech to US students in 1991. He asked for the countries students to help him achieve his goals as President.
As we know both of these Presidents were Republican. The news media nor the opposing party made issue with the President of the county addressing students.

Now in the year 2009 the President of the US delivers a thoughtful speech to students: discussing respect for their teachers, encouraging students to take their academics seriously, to stay in school, graduate, to study and consider their public education as a opportunity for their future.

This is what the Right side finds worthy of attack? This is what all of the frenzied was about? The fear antics that socialism will be spread to our children if they listen to the President of the US?
Give me a break-


I recall President Reagan's speech as I was still in school. I was not a student at the time of President Bush's speech but did view it today on the internet.
I have listened to President Obama's to students today.

Student's today are facing a barrage of obstacles today that I never did as a student. Our county is at war, we are in a economic crisis as a nation. Many of these students are witness and living the with the true understanding of what war does to a family as their parents are far away fighting that war. Many students are living in situations where the family is facing the real impact of the finical crisis or have lost their home or parents are unemployed. Drug use by students is at an all time high. The high school drop out rate is also at a all time high. Many students are living in single parent homes. Do we really need to scare them anymore?


Today's address to US students by a President is not a first nor I hope not the last that a President will give.

Do we need people to put fear in these students that holds no merit? I think not.

Six Days and Counting

We are on the count down for school to begin! I never know just how Mike will embrace the start of the school session. He has had the world by the tail here for three months. We have spent our summer break very relaxed with most everything revolving around Mike: just as he likes it to be ( wouldn't all of us! ).

We will shop for our school supplies and some new cloths later this week. I was not ready to shop until now as I was unsure if Mike would be excited for this or dreading this. Mike does not have the understanding for me to shop and tell him that this is for school in a few weeks. For Mike if something is purchased now - then you use it now. Later is not something Mike does real well at.

Mike has enjoyed his summer playing in his play yard, jumping on the trampoline, 4-wheeling, watching movies, drawing, and honing his laptop skills and running the printer. He loves a routine that is just his own with little to no interruption's. We have a shopping day one day each week. He loves to shop but assumes that shopping is just for him and what he wants to have and then we should be done and get back to home.

I have tried to get Mike back into a early bed time routine before school starts. That has not gone very well. The only person who appears to be ready for bed at an earlier time is me. Jim has been gone much of this summer working so Mike and I have been running solo here. He misses his dad and I sure miss someone to tag team with even if for just a brief bit of time in the evening.

In 6 days that bus will be in our driveway and Mike will have a big surprise. I will ease him into it again and will mention school starting this weekend. I have brought it up a few weeks ago and he was unhappy. He yelled a bit and ran to his room. He loves it here at home with his mom. He loves every ounce of my attention to be only for him. Hey, who wouldn't like that? It is however not a reality. I have enjoyed my one on one time with Mike around the clock for the past 3 months. I am however exhausted! I look forward to both Mike and I finding our "public" legs again. He needs to get back in the routine of learning and relating with other people besides his mother. I need to get back to "playing" with grown ups for the day. Both of us find our groove when we are summer bound at home. It is always a concern when it is time to shift once again.

I will enter Mike's new school year with the highest expectations for all involved-Mike included. Mike has a voice and has found some words. I believe with proper attention and time with his fantastic speech teacher he may find more of his voice and a clear understanding of the power of his speech to be the key that unlocks many doors in his life for him.
Mike and I believe his teachers last year saw a marked improvement in Mike and their ability to reason with Mike when a few words came. I continue to hope ( and pray real hard ) that they find the time and staff to invest more in his speech work as without good communication between them they are often at odds. The time to investment in him is now. Meeting Mike's educational needs in my focus for his school year.

I know many families are in the same situation as we are with school starting. There is a bit sweet and sour that comes with this time of year. Just know that you are not alone. I will be awake the night before school begins and will pace the floor when he leaves and wonder how it going? I will like many have days when Mike is upset at leaving to go to school. I wish I could stop time and keep Mike young and innocent and be there for him always. I know that is not realistic so we must find the tools to move forward and do the best we can for our autistic kids and prepare for a time when we are no longer here.

With that said- here is to another school year!!

Peace`
JJJS