tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29176414066255100122024-03-13T23:38:58.866-07:00Our Adventures with Riley Menopausal mom to 2 adult sons (one with ASD, ADHD, tic/seizure disorders and the other who finally flew the coop).
@dkotuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395598913393994830noreply@blogger.comBlogger393125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917641406625510012.post-87892581626485383892020-12-31T13:18:00.000-08:002020-12-31T13:18:32.869-08:00SOOOOOO close...<p>Woke
up to find this… </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GNYKJ9u1epk/X-4_OmlDLlI/AAAAAAAAFbA/kJFwNKpSD0IW-7k9oKG9SvsUEqKLcG7MgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/IMG_7055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GNYKJ9u1epk/X-4_OmlDLlI/AAAAAAAAFbA/kJFwNKpSD0IW-7k9oKG9SvsUEqKLcG7MgCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_7055.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8QjNipkeybc/X-4_ay3JuAI/AAAAAAAAFbE/Qjrj-LOB-JsHrJfXr9o_rCRCPHv6Ptw5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1927/decorations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1252" data-original-width="1927" height="260" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8QjNipkeybc/X-4_ay3JuAI/AAAAAAAAFbE/Qjrj-LOB-JsHrJfXr9o_rCRCPHv6Ptw5QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h260/decorations.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">You’re
surprised, I know.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes; text-align: left;"> </span></div></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">8
hours earlier…<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">G and
I were heading to bed. It was just after midnight…a little later than usual. Riley
was already downstairs on the couch. I went to tuck him in.</span><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif"> </span> </p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">I wasn’t
in bed but 5 minutes when I heard what sounded like a crash. I waited. I
listened. Nothing.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">A few
minutes passed but my curiosity got the better of me so I went to investigate.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">Riley
was still tucked in on the couch but immediately said when I came down “What
are you doing down here?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All seemed to
be okay so I headed back to bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">This
morning…</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">As
soon as I came downstairs, I noticed the tree. How could you not?!?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well…actually…G did not notice.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">We
were sooooooooo close!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">I
called Riley making sure my voice was calm and steady.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">He
came down and was visibly upset.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">I did
not have to say a word. He immediately started repeating “It crashed! It broke!!
I BROKED IT!!” Then he started slapping his head.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">At
times like this, he will let me hug him. It is hard to see him so distraught.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">As
much as we try…HE tries…there are times when he just can not help himself. And
so we let it go. It’s just an ornament and the tree has to be undecorated at
some point. My only concern is that he may hurt/cut himself trying to clean up
the broken shards of glass. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">*Lightbulb
moment*</span></i></b><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">Perhaps
next year I will suggest we do it together during day light. Really…I’m not new
here. But what confuses me the most…why the heck has nobody thought to do this
before either?!?!?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">From our family
to yours…</span></i></b><b><i><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Stay safe and
may we be able to get closer than 6’ to our loved ones in 2021!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>@dkotuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395598913393994830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917641406625510012.post-36001155139543897282020-08-14T15:11:00.000-07:002020-08-14T15:11:18.786-07:00If it still sells...don't change it!<p> <span face="" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">My latest meme…</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face="" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xe4kar_liOI/XzbtICixUrI/AAAAAAAAFZk/wyDxjcGSXucgdAsp0NqBN7bN_kG7yq3KwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/New%2BRecipe.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1702" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xe4kar_liOI/XzbtICixUrI/AAAAAAAAFZk/wyDxjcGSXucgdAsp0NqBN7bN_kG7yq3KwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/New%2BRecipe.jpg" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face="" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">And if you think this “NEW” recipe has the SAME GREAT
TASTE…you would BE WRONG!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face="" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You often read about children with autism being <i>“picky”</i>
eaters. Picky sounds so negative so I prefer to think of Riley as a <i>“particular”</i>
eater.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face="" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Picky is defined as <i>“extremely fussy”</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face="" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Fussy is defined as </span><i style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“hard to satisfy or please;
a fussy eater”</i><span face="" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">.</span><span face="" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face="" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Particular is defined as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“exceptionally selective, attentive or exacting; to be particular about
one’s food”.</i> OK so this definition is number 7 on the list but it actually
does refer to food in the description.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span face="" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“Exceptionally selective”</span></i><span face="" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">...Yup, that is definitely an accurate description of Riley’s eating habits.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face="" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Have
you ever heard of a <i>“supertaster”</i>?? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
had not until about 5 years ago even though it was a term coined in the early
1990’s.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face="" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“A supertaster
is a person who experiences the sense of taste with far greater intensity than
average, with some studies showing an increased sensitivity to bitter tastes.
It may be a cause of selective eating.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>~Wikipedia</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face="" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">As with <i>“supertasters”</i>, individuals with autism may
have sensory issues towards certain foods that are hard to pinpoint especially in
cases where communication is a challenge.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face="" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">When Riley was little, the minutest change in taste/appearance
(even the packaging) of a preferred food could trigger a meltdown for him and a need for copious amounts of alcohol for me. With an already limited diet, decreasing by even one food item was stressful.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face="" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I posted this meme on Facebook and was touched by the number of
offers to help track down boxes of the “original recipe” Lipton’s Chicken
Noodle Soup. Trust me…10 years ago I would’ve jumped on your kind offers.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face="" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">While I still gasp and my heart may miss a beat (due
to PTAD aka post traumatic autism disorder) when I notice <i>“something different”</i>, I don't immediately go into full blown panic mode anymore. Why?? Maybe it's age and maturity on my part. Hmmmm...I doubt that. Perhaps it's because I have figured out the secret to Riley World. Definitely not. Probably more like I am old and tired. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I believe the real reason is that Riley has aged and matured and is now able to cope/manage c</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">hanges without the tears and screams of
frustration from his younger years. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face="" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Sure, there is still a lot of gagging/dry-heaving
but hey…one thing at a time right???<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face="" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face="" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>@dkotuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395598913393994830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917641406625510012.post-60573815431937370222020-07-11T11:07:00.001-07:002020-07-11T19:42:44.149-07:00Face Masks<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
posted this pic of Riley on Facebook because he had earned enough money to go
buy a DVD and wore a mask like the Rock Star that he is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ik753LIgQLU/Xwn8GSx5PeI/AAAAAAAAFYg/uS5ILI5756gpFLY3qhjvtRt6z5ZhQPaswCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_6545%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1552" data-original-width="1274" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ik753LIgQLU/Xwn8GSx5PeI/AAAAAAAAFYg/uS5ILI5756gpFLY3qhjvtRt6z5ZhQPaswCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6545%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="327" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Now
I will admit that I have not always worn a mask. In the beginning, it was because
I never left the house, social distancing was possible when I did and, unless
you made one, disposable masks were nowhere to be found.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://ouradventureswithriley.blogspot.com/2020/04/s-is-for-sewing.html" target="_blank">Sewing is definitely not a strength of mine
but I did manage to make this “No Sew” face mask. </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7hZTlqcYkAs/Xwn8QXOM8kI/AAAAAAAAFYk/ly2BDDiE_28WYwQM7AFe0d9J6thdfivmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_6261%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="870" data-original-width="835" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7hZTlqcYkAs/Xwn8QXOM8kI/AAAAAAAAFYk/ly2BDDiE_28WYwQM7AFe0d9J6thdfivmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6261%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Now
that we are entering into Phase 3, there are more and more people out there so
social distancing has become a lot harder. So yes, I wear a mask whenever I
need to go out in public. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Disposable
masks are readily available at the moment and I find them more comfortable than
my “No Sew” version. If you are like me and have wondered if there is a proper
way to wear these disposable masks (because the instructions on the box don’t
mention a right or wrong “side”)…..there is. Thanks to our niece (who is a Co-Associate Director of a Nursing Undergrad Program back east...so she knows what she is talking about) mentioned “<i>you
want your mask to vent down”. </i>I was smart enough to realize the edge with a
“wire” (so you can pinch around your nose) was the top. Go me. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">So,
if you have the disposable masks that have white on one side and blue on the
other…the blue side should face out. Like so…</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-210j3aeBjCQ/Xwn8a07spdI/AAAAAAAAFYs/_dE1fy8_Cjg_dcaY5-gTHpy8vSrAd9DbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_6547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1158" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-210j3aeBjCQ/Xwn8a07spdI/AAAAAAAAFYs/_dE1fy8_Cjg_dcaY5-gTHpy8vSrAd9DbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6547.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">If
the mask is the same colour on both sides, the “vents” (pleats) should face
down. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Do
NOT be the person who wears their mask like this…you look like a loser.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vmAns6kTj5Y/Xwn8ma2_ofI/AAAAAAAAFY0/FFg8UodzPeQUysZCGa0sQcR52ngec_SvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_6548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1158" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vmAns6kTj5Y/Xwn8ma2_ofI/AAAAAAAAFY0/FFg8UodzPeQUysZCGa0sQcR52ngec_SvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6548.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">However,
the ultimate loser…..looks like this…</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-utEEKUTsUw8/Xwn8rJTOfJI/AAAAAAAAFY4/AwL-nrNAA9YgWxOtCpoqktG7Y10_8_0UACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_6549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="1149" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-utEEKUTsUw8/Xwn8rJTOfJI/AAAAAAAAFY4/AwL-nrNAA9YgWxOtCpoqktG7Y10_8_0UACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6549.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Here’s
a good video by Bill Nye on Why We Should be Wearing Masks in Public:</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0SatuI9UYLU" width="560"></iframe></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt;">
As our wonderful Dr. Bonnie Henry would say: <i> "Be Kind; Be Calm; Be Safe."</i></span></div>
<i></i><br />
<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>@dkotuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395598913393994830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917641406625510012.post-836073243944178062020-07-09T18:18:00.000-07:002020-07-18T12:37:13.817-07:00THE Best Mushroom Rollups<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Not
everyone who reads my blog follows me on Facebook so you may be wondering why I
would suddenly decide to post a recipe. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Well…my
niece, who has been living abroad for almost 2 years, is coming home tomorrow.
Due to the pandemic, she will be in quarantine/self-isolation for 14 days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mentioned on Facebook that because I am THE
best aunt EVER…I was making her a batch of her favourite Mushroom Rollups. Also,
I am desperate for content for this Challenge…so a blog post it is.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
originally got this recipe from a friend back in the 80’s. It has been tweaked over
the years and while a little finicky…always a hit. Enjoy!</span><br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">MUSHROOM
ROLL-UPS</span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">1 Large Onion
(chopped)</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">2 lbs Mushrooms
(roughly chopped)</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">¼ c Butter</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">8 oz Cream
Cheese</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">1 tsp
Worcestershire Sauce</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">1 tsp Garlic
Powder</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Salt &
Pepper to taste.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Melt
butter in large frying pan. Add onion and saute until soft. Add mushrooms and
cook until tender and most of the liquid has evaporated.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DQq8LGhELzU/Xwe9ZdTFd7I/AAAAAAAAFXM/EVYsKuk1jYQSIbgMpQ6NpAoo3Er71wFEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_6538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DQq8LGhELzU/Xwe9ZdTFd7I/AAAAAAAAFXM/EVYsKuk1jYQSIbgMpQ6NpAoo3Er71wFEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6538.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Cut
cream cheese into chunks. Add cream cheese and rest of the ingredients. Stir
until the cheese melts. Let stand until cool.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-USaV3fJB0bc/Xwe9fXce0aI/AAAAAAAAFXQ/fk46YBHM8rQIhajyyJzVP531ghI8WkiXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/58619781280__1A7B44E9-7259-4A9E-B4E5-D3296A6C2BD5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1458" data-original-width="1093" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-USaV3fJB0bc/Xwe9fXce0aI/AAAAAAAAFXQ/fk46YBHM8rQIhajyyJzVP531ghI8WkiXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/58619781280__1A7B44E9-7259-4A9E-B4E5-D3296A6C2BD5.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Once
cool, using a food processor or blender, puree the mixture in batches.
Consistency should be just smooth enough to spread or as “chunky” as you like. </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Here’s where the finicky part comes
in. In the past, I have had to pre-order the bread as I like it to be cut
horizontally so you have long strips of bread. You also need to trim off the
crusts.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A few years, I discovered this crustless,
pre-sliced bread made by President’s Choice. BEST. THING. EVER!!!! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iS-h4GDWrgU/Xwe9n-RybsI/AAAAAAAAFXU/zYpX4M5HQAEJGEFHx9iL1D6EABhEAQ7sQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iS-h4GDWrgU/Xwe9n-RybsI/AAAAAAAAFXU/zYpX4M5HQAEJGEFHx9iL1D6EABhEAQ7sQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Bread.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Remove
crusts from bread (if you can not get crustless). Roll each strip of bread with a rolling pin to slightly
flatten. Spread mixture to the edges and roll up like a jelly roll (from the
shorter end). Wrap in saran wrap and freeze.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vjcg-Iflkbo/Xwe9v0dlD-I/AAAAAAAAFXg/ocNy5GEqkEkSVatlDBraVvdLhWz9JEeEACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_6542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vjcg-Iflkbo/Xwe9v0dlD-I/AAAAAAAAFXg/ocNy5GEqkEkSVatlDBraVvdLhWz9JEeEACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6542.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">When
ready to cook, cut into slices (~1/4” wide). Brush each side with melted
garlic butter and bake at 400F for 10-15 minutes (flip halfway through) or
until desired crispness. Serve hot.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Voila!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xzLGxDGOOUw/XxNPU4qiPpI/AAAAAAAAFZM/GDJJPZ-ClqMx9DoNFjAlCtAfZp1YEk3oQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Mushroom%2BRollups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xzLGxDGOOUw/XxNPU4qiPpI/AAAAAAAAFZM/GDJJPZ-ClqMx9DoNFjAlCtAfZp1YEk3oQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Mushroom%2BRollups.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>@dkotuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395598913393994830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917641406625510012.post-75060055259174817222020-07-08T14:08:00.001-07:002020-07-08T14:08:29.634-07:00"Pulling His Own Weight"<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">For
the past year and a half, as part of our program, Riley and his friend “Bob”
had been doing volunteer/work experience twice a week. One morning was spent volunteering
at a Senior’s Centre where one of the jobs was helping out in the kitchen (unloading the dishwasher and putting the dishes away). It took me a while before
I finally had a <i>*lightbulb moment”…</i>THIS could be something Riley could
do at home. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">As
you can imagine, he was thrilled when I mentioned it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">One of the ways Riley
copes is by <i>“scripting”</i>. A LOT! In the past, it hadn’t always been clear
what he was talking about. This dialogue is from Cheaper by the Dozen. In the
movie they are talking about chores/rules of the household so the <i>"script"</i> is quite appropriate.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='480' height='400' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyC3tIooYnmBShmJ3_ffouGzBsq1clcYop7Lf5TTITCc95M0CFbfbRLm5oAsV0UbVhMZ1Q4abZzyifBc3cpHQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">For the first time, I
only had him unload the bottom rack (plates and utensils). Watching him barely
clear the countertop edge as he took the dishes out made me question my
decision to have him do this. But then I decided this may be my chance for a
new set of dishes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">To
our surprise, on the second attempt, Riley unloaded both racks by himself. We showered
him with praise. From that moment, I knew he would start <i>“pulling his
own weight”</i> around here. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was most
proud of himself. He was keen. SO keen that the following night he unloaded the
dirty dishes while we were sleeping. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
had not anticipated he would take to this so whole-heartedly. So I quickly
printed out a sign to put on the dishwasher. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y44PVM77830/XwYnFPM3N_I/AAAAAAAAFW4/P2sf9Zm_lnYPPlJb2t7tjynak3vlkO7NQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Dirty%2BClean%2BSign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1600" height="198" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y44PVM77830/XwYnFPM3N_I/AAAAAAAAFW4/P2sf9Zm_lnYPPlJb2t7tjynak3vlkO7NQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Dirty%2BClean%2BSign.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">It
worked. Well…at least until the other night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You
see, it's been 8 months since he started <i>"pulling his own weight"</i> around here. Riley knows the routine. Pretty much every other night we run the
dishwasher. He talks about <i>pulling his own weight</i> all…day…long. Sometimes, G forgets to switch the sign but Riley knows <i>if he wants to live here…he has to
pull his own weight </i>and unloads the dishes regardless of what the sign shows. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">But
then…there are times when G forgets (because I would never) to start the
dishwasher. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">The other morning I saw this and was most confused.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BedcvUXTvlM/XwYnO6WS9EI/AAAAAAAAFW8/QvntWpitBeYtVd7VLlfUdnbQml_pEEjUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_6535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BedcvUXTvlM/XwYnO6WS9EI/AAAAAAAAFW8/QvntWpitBeYtVd7VLlfUdnbQml_pEEjUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6535.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">After
some investigation, I discovered G (again) had indeed forgot to run the dishwasher. I figured out that Riley had emptied the dishwasher but had apparently noticed
the dishes were NOT clean. He had attempted to wash the dishes BY HAND and dry
them before putting them away. I was shocked and so impressed he
would problem solve on his own. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">So,
if you are here soon and notice your glass/plate/utensils are ummmm…not exactly
clean. It is G’s fault.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>@dkotuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395598913393994830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917641406625510012.post-71950560340228404272020-07-05T19:42:00.000-07:002020-07-05T19:45:40.015-07:00Hangover Prevention<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">This
is gonna be short and sweet. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">It
has nothing to do with the fact I am a little ummmm…”tired”. Last night we had a social distancing get-together with my sister/BIL (who are in our “bubble”) and one other couple. FYI…we were home and in bed by 11:30…just a
party animal these days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">OK…so
other than the obvious “<i>perhaps you shouldn’t have drunk so much”…</i> REALLY
“helpful” comment you might hear…seriously?!?!?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">While
I most certainly do NOT want to jinx myself, as I have “matured” …THE key to
not having to spend the next day talking to the big white telephone is….wait
for it….WATER!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plain and simple. Agua. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1EaTohDim2g/XwKOWBRq2NI/AAAAAAAAFWs/JDdOytyaz1M5EjWnL594zE5FYPCZIeIPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1EaTohDim2g/XwKOWBRq2NI/AAAAAAAAFWs/JDdOytyaz1M5EjWnL594zE5FYPCZIeIPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Water.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Lots
and LOTS of water. Most definitely during (alternate between water and adult
beverage) or drink at least 18 gallons before you go to bed. No…you won’t have
to get up and pee in the night. Alcohol is a diuretic. And if you do have to
get up…hopefully it will be just to relieve yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">You’re
welcome. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Tomorrow…a
glimpse into Riley World.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>@dkotuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395598913393994830noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917641406625510012.post-30782750011428526282020-07-04T11:49:00.000-07:002020-07-04T11:49:43.291-07:00Shake IT UP!!! <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Let’s
get this Challenge started with something fun…since it IS the weekend!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">J2’s
friend Monika, who is like a daughter to me, suggested I pick my top 3
cocktails. Not an easy task but a challenge I was willing to accept.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
thought it would take me a LOT longer than it did to pick just 3!! So I decided to narrow it down by seasons and not overthink it (thanks Diane Mc) so
as not to burn up too many more brain cells.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">So…without
further ado…</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>Number
1:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NEWLY discovered…it’s called a <a href="http://www.theprofessionaldiva.com/2012/09/martini-thursdaythe-peach-cosmotini.html" target="_blank">Pear
Cosmotini.</a> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
recently fell upon this blog <a href="http://www.theprofessionaldiva.com/2012/09/martini-thursdaythe-peach-cosmotini.html" target="_blank">“The Martini Chronicles”</a>…not sure what took me so
long but it’s a match made in heaven. She even has a tab called <a href="http://www.theprofessionaldiva.com/2012/09/martini-thursdaythe-peach-cosmotini.html" target="_blank">“Martini
Thursdays”.</a> Be still my heart. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-60og_45unlA/Xv_sGs-zBQI/AAAAAAAAFWM/eTejSVY5Xqs1zyCr1OXjKwRqiGd4swICACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Pear%2BCosmotini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="753" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-60og_45unlA/Xv_sGs-zBQI/AAAAAAAAFWM/eTejSVY5Xqs1zyCr1OXjKwRqiGd4swICACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Pear%2BCosmotini.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">2
oz. Vodka</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">1
oz. St. Germaine</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">½
oz Triple Sec</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">¼
oz Rose’s Lime Cordial</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">1
oz. Cranberry Juice</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Where
does the “Pear” come from you ask???<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well…I
think it is the combination of the St. Germaine’s and Lime Cordial. When I
first tried it, I didn’t have Rose’s so I substituted fresh squeezed lime
juice. It was tasty but the Rose’s definitely makes a difference. It’s “refreshing”
and goes down a little tooooo easily. I also like to top it with a splash of sparking
wine. Because doesn’t everything taste better with some sparking
wine???<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>Number
2:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Summer Season…a drink with No Name.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">My
Facebook friend “CS” tagged me on this one with a comment <i>"Our new official summer drink.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What can I say???<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I HAD to try it. What kind of a friend would I be if I didn’t?!?!? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I describe this as a Sangria-ish beverage only waaaaay simpler. </span>Even though I think of red wine as more
of a winter “sport” and prefer white sangria for the summer, THIS…definitely
will be my go to Sangria for the summer. I’m sure you’ll be able to figure out
the proportions from watching the video. Ole!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe align="center" allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="476" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F440778039703382%2Fvideos%2F1422503061261908%2F&show_text=0&width=269" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="269"></iframe></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Oh…the
stuff in the pink bottle is called Pink Whitney. You can find it in the vodka
section of the liquor store. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>Number
3:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Winter Season…Let it snow, let it
snow, let it snow…flake!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jDMVSXVjK_8/Xv_t2effCgI/AAAAAAAAFWg/Z-SWtZKXJbMKJ6sSDfmT1k_0JaIv5YEMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/White%2BChocolate%2BSnowflake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1144" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jDMVSXVjK_8/Xv_t2effCgI/AAAAAAAAFWg/Z-SWtZKXJbMKJ6sSDfmT1k_0JaIv5YEMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/White%2BChocolate%2BSnowflake.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">2
oz. Vanilla Vodka</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">2 oz. Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">1 oz. White Crème de Cacao</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">1 oz. Half & Half</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Lemon Wedge & Sanding Sugar for Rimming</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">For
the Christmas season…nothing like a <a href="https://www.lulus.com/blog/general/white-chocolate-snowflake-martini/" target="_blank">White Chocolate Snowflake Martini</a> to get you
into the holiday spirit. May sound sweet but alas…tis just right to give you
the warm and fuzzies. Just be careful and be sure to call Operation Red Nose
for a ride home. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Be sure to come back tomorrow for some of my Hangover tips. I kid. Maybe. </span></div>
<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>@dkotuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395598913393994830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917641406625510012.post-57348555362974885302020-07-03T10:50:00.000-07:002020-07-03T10:52:09.970-07:00Another Blog Challenge... "The Results"<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">WOW…such
an overwhelming response for me to do this challenge. THANK YOU
ALL!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://giphy.com/embed/VGoSD9slx2cNfQFIGJ" width="384"></iframe><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/HiSmileTeeth-white-hismile-haley-VGoSD9slx2cNfQFIGJ">via GIPHY</a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I
couldn’t wait to see all the ideas you would come up with. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I anxiously waited
for notifications from Facebook that you had responded. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I waited and waited and
waited some more. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">While
I was waiting, I even figured out what to make for dinner. THAT is how
long I waited. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I
don’t mean to sound ungrateful for the support you’ve shown me but….let’s just
say the number of ideas/topics you responded with was ummmm...rather dismal. I guess
I should be thankful that nobody used the words <i>“natural consequences”</i> as their
suggestion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">So,
I guess this means that, for the most part, I am on my own to come up with ways
to enlighten you all. I shall take responsibility for my actions. It is good to
know where I stand with my friends/supporters. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Like
if we were short 1 PFD (Personal Floatation Device) on the dragon boat, I would
know I was the chosen one to go down with the boat. Typically, it would be the
Captain but If you have a clear conscience to relinquish the life of THE
primary caregiver to a young adult with disabilities…so be it.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The
way I see it, the topics are going to revolve around a couple of subjects I am
most familiar with…Riley World or Food & Beverages. As I have another 20
some odd posts to write…I am going to leave you with this teaser/cliff hanger.
I only have so much wisdom to share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>@dkotuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395598913393994830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917641406625510012.post-55258404987845026492020-07-02T12:27:00.000-07:002020-07-02T19:55:55.491-07:00Another Blog Challenge<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
put out a call on Facebook to see whether or not I should participate in another
Blog Challenge. I had a number in my head and if I got that number of positive
responses…I would do it. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
did this <b>BEFORE </b>looking into what this Ultimate Blog Challenge was all
about. At almost 60…I still have a tendency to leap before I look. This
challenge appears to be a little too serious for me. It’s all about ways to get
more traffic, increase exposure and grow your blog. While worthwhile for many,
I am not that motivated.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">One
of the hardest things for me, other than what to make for dinner EVERY. SINGLE.
DAY, is coming up with a subject to write about. I definitely need some help
here. So here is where you people who responded (either by commenting or
liking) come in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please reply on your
comment with a subject/topic you would like my deep thoughts on. Remember this
is a PG site. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Oh….the
number I had in my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">It
was one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">At
almost 60, I’ve learned not to aim high. I'll know better next time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9CfiN5a52xI/Xv40JLPpqZI/AAAAAAAAFV4/BdZjLj4binoBToNOanEgIx-OOmh7xhd2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_6242%2B%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="962" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9CfiN5a52xI/Xv40JLPpqZI/AAAAAAAAFV4/BdZjLj4binoBToNOanEgIx-OOmh7xhd2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6242%2B%25283%2529.jpg" width="321" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>@dkotuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395598913393994830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917641406625510012.post-50490486783304381492020-06-26T14:28:00.005-07:002020-06-26T14:33:19.514-07:00Torn and Worn Out<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">For
as long as I can remember, I have thought “If only I could get inside Riley’s
brain for 5 minutes to see how he thinks.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That maybe somehow, it would help me to understand all the “whys and
whats” of Riley World. <i>What is he thinking/feeling? Why does he do that? What makes him do that?</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">As
the years have gone on, I now think “If only I could get inside Riley’s brain
for at least 5 HOURS to see how he thinks.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because yes, often times I am still left perplexed and confused as to what
makes Riley World tick. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This
morning I woke to find this…</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qj3o_VAY-VQ/XvZgrc59CdI/AAAAAAAAFVA/R5OwbeZHJIsUNp-_ZsXLnC1X9WKVkvNVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_6509.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qj3o_VAY-VQ/XvZgrc59CdI/AAAAAAAAFVA/R5OwbeZHJIsUNp-_ZsXLnC1X9WKVkvNVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6509.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Yup,
this was the t-shirt that Riley had been obsessing about getting for his
birthday. A shirt that was not expensive but not readily available. As in
Sherlock Holmes would have been proud of me for actually finding one. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">It
stayed intact for 4 days, 7 hours and 23 minutes. The hours and minutes are a
guess on my part. But some time in the wee hours of June 26<sup>th</sup>, the
Jamaica Fun in the Sun shirt that Riley was SO excited about receiving on his
birthday met its demise. Oh and there were the 3 remaining cans of Sprite emptied
into the sink downstairs as well. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">As
much as I try to maintain a neutral demeanour, I am sure Riley could sense my
frustration when I tried to ask him about it this morning. Things started to
escalate rather quickly. He got quite agitated, started to yell and I could see
his body tensing. I decided to cut my losses because there is really no point
in ruining the entire day over 3 cans of pop and a $10 t-shirt. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">You
may be asking yourself, “Why do you keep buying him pop if he just dumps it
down the sink? Why do you keep buying him the same DVDs?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why does he keep ripping/shredding his
shirts?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been asking myself those
same questions for a number of years now. And I got nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Well,
that’s not entirely true. As far as the DVDs and pop are concerned, at 26 years
old, Riley’s wants are not anywhere near what a typical twenty-something would
want. Quite frankly, his wants are not what any typical teenager would want
either. His wants are more in line with the 7-9 year old age group (his
cognitive age)…if that. So why wouldn’t I keep buying cases of pop for under
$5/case or keep buying the same DVD’s over and over and over again when that is
what makes him happy. It sure beats the latest technology of Apple products or vehicles
that your typical twenty-somethings want. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">When I relate our stories, I am not looking for pity or accolades for that matter. If you can take
away some awareness and a little understanding for a world that is different
from your own, that is what would make sharing Riley World worthwhile to me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br /><div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">And
because I like to leave things on a positive note…Thank GOD it's Friday and 5 o’clock somewhere! I'm going to be starting early tonight. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d6XyW_DZSTU/XvZpX3WU5ZI/AAAAAAAAFVU/Vd9OLQx21ZMMY95Pd1lJPERNVRkbXVtOQCK4BGAsYHg/s2016/IMG_5541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d6XyW_DZSTU/XvZpX3WU5ZI/AAAAAAAAFVU/Vd9OLQx21ZMMY95Pd1lJPERNVRkbXVtOQCK4BGAsYHg/w240-h320/IMG_5541.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>@dkotuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395598913393994830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917641406625510012.post-20725350964921552412020-06-22T20:23:00.000-07:002020-06-22T20:23:20.233-07:00A Pandemic Birthday Celebration<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Yesterday
we celebrated not one but two events. Well, to be clear, Riley was only
interested in one…HIS birthday. Father’s Day was just a slight blip on his radar
and only after some rather blatant helpful hints did he acknowledge it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">With
the pandemic, we were not able to go out for Riley’s usual birthday Udon. But
we were able to have my sister’s family over for take-out. They are part of our
extended family bubble. It’s the first time we have gotten together and
thankfully the weather cooperated so we were able to be outside. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KNpYYqppt48/XvFrYH7XhaI/AAAAAAAAFUA/UNpGeY7A760JFH3Y5oTBSfswPmj4aMzhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_6478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KNpYYqppt48/XvFrYH7XhaI/AAAAAAAAFUA/UNpGeY7A760JFH3Y5oTBSfswPmj4aMzhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6478.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">2 Bowls of Plain Udon - that face says it all!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tpg6sgRj0Gw/XvFrpiZ-9UI/AAAAAAAAFUQ/gBYxUNiPAS4hTh-ArxmISd1SYjlboDpOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_6476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tpg6sgRj0Gw/XvFrpiZ-9UI/AAAAAAAAFUQ/gBYxUNiPAS4hTh-ArxmISd1SYjlboDpOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6476.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">My sister's family - they sat together at their own table. </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">This
year Riley’s list had only 4 items on it. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">The number one desire was a t-shirt. A
particular t-shirt. A t-shirt like the one we got in Jamaica when we were on a
cruise 3 years ago. Seriously???<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He usually
starts his birthday list as soon as Christmas is over so it gives me a LOT of
time to do the research. Long painful story short…I found one. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2aC8LAYiD8Y/XvFsKzcyb9I/AAAAAAAAFUc/-0q5A_v3xGQIzqbl4pPEMT3CmXpy-WOIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_6498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2aC8LAYiD8Y/XvFsKzcyb9I/AAAAAAAAFUc/-0q5A_v3xGQIzqbl4pPEMT3CmXpy-WOIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6498.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Riley hasn't quite caught on that I wrap presents in different boxes. He was slightly confused as to why he would be getting slippers. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='480' height='400' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwrMBdGSgxyQhrLPhRYCHUqOi-YEUYmJg9NHf4sk71tWbBfstdy7euzTPr6E_SuRiWgC2h3dSCn56fcsuDErA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />His new "home" shirt! He came down wearing it while we were still eating dessert. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s5NDnVO3Zqs/XvFxXPB8rOI/AAAAAAAAFUo/VC9xjeuwkewX6BkaOMepwI5oj03XV7nzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_6489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s5NDnVO3Zqs/XvFxXPB8rOI/AAAAAAAAFUo/VC9xjeuwkewX6BkaOMepwI5oj03XV7nzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6489.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Oh...and because we can't have more than one "home" shirt at a time...found this in our hamper this morning...</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pG5TePvZbQ0/XvF0r9W0voI/AAAAAAAAFU0/QPrE2B3-PSI4vEojsl6T60T9AfmTkrIAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_6490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1429" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pG5TePvZbQ0/XvF0r9W0voI/AAAAAAAAFU0/QPrE2B3-PSI4vEojsl6T60T9AfmTkrIAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6490.JPG" width="356" /></a></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span>@dkotuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395598913393994830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917641406625510012.post-40457244860395942842020-05-23T13:13:00.000-07:002020-05-23T13:13:46.060-07:00Painted Rocks<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Has
anybody else noticed people posting on Instagram or Facebook pictures of painted
rocks they have come across on their walks/hikes. Here’s an example of what I’m
talking about. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JgFQE_bFZio/Xsl-JzKCUYI/AAAAAAAAFTI/UpvSJn0hMuYUAZjniZ6rM05mmRyEG-oWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Painted%2BRocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JgFQE_bFZio/Xsl-JzKCUYI/AAAAAAAAFTI/UpvSJn0hMuYUAZjniZ6rM05mmRyEG-oWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Painted%2BRocks.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/kindnessmattters/photos/a.127379654480642.1073741828.126998551185419/128874424331165/?type=3&theater" target="_blank">Photo Credit: Kindness Rocks of SW Florida via Facebook</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Aren’t
they lovely? I am sure they are even lovelier to discover if you are out
walking in the trails around here. I have yet to discover any. Mainly because I
have yet to go out walking in the trails around here. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">This
past week, Riley’s group decided to paint rocks (via Zoom). Riley is not a huge
fan of painting or anything artsy for that matter (although he has gotten a lot
better at tolerating art projects over the past couple of years). </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">They
were instructed to go out and collect 2-3 rocks. They also had the choice to
use paper. Luckily, we have lots of rocks in our yard so didn’t have to venture
too far to get some. They could use either paints or sharpies. Sharpies it is. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">They
were sent a template of face features to help with the rock monsters they were
going to create. How fun!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bW1vdPGQQCc/Xsl-Jw9GW0I/AAAAAAAAFTQ/z8BQ9TAcuQIc-euCp95im8fTlO0TzcwPgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Painted%2BRocks%2BFaces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1449" data-original-width="1430" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bW1vdPGQQCc/Xsl-Jw9GW0I/AAAAAAAAFTQ/z8BQ9TAcuQIc-euCp95im8fTlO0TzcwPgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/Painted%2BRocks%2BFaces.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
set Riley up with his 6 rocks, new set of sharpies and face template. He was
ready.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3-DlgN-Cs-k/Xsl-U24CIPI/AAAAAAAAFTM/WyKdFI2iT1soX6lbtRLOZ5BfpWhkp5wRwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_6358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3-DlgN-Cs-k/Xsl-U24CIPI/AAAAAAAAFTM/WyKdFI2iT1soX6lbtRLOZ5BfpWhkp5wRwCPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_6358.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">They
started with the eyes…</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzH3Gk2XGG4j3rOH_iGIsAVMUP6k6-CKmc6YLRRoWNuC4ui91wOxND_biwKnaiTT3cQu1l1S6VkOHj_VhqaSg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">They
continued on for about 15 more minutes. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">They
shared their creations with each other. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ImixiQLhSHA/Xsl-J6f0R5I/AAAAAAAAFTU/AAj9t0lFgNEpjSe8c5vBhI6DK1o8zaoZQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_7576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="757" height="319" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ImixiQLhSHA/Xsl-J6f0R5I/AAAAAAAAFTU/AAj9t0lFgNEpjSe8c5vBhI6DK1o8zaoZQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_7576.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Some
love to do art and are very creative. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Some did more than one rock. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">This is Riley's rock…</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KvD1kT5h9SU/Xsl-_V6gBTI/AAAAAAAAFTc/0_KPjVjdo4s1UJR_rjVlR82ffsPDTKS6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_6362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1149" data-original-width="1600" height="228" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KvD1kT5h9SU/Xsl-_V6gBTI/AAAAAAAAFTc/0_KPjVjdo4s1UJR_rjVlR82ffsPDTKS6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6362.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Sure glad I collected all those rocks and bought that new set of Sharpies for him.</span></div>
<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>@dkotuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395598913393994830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917641406625510012.post-61106135457648890022020-05-05T14:41:00.000-07:002020-05-05T15:20:45.080-07:00Mother's Day is Coming <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Ever
since Easter was considered “finished” in Riley World, R has been repeating his
annual Mother’s Day dialogue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>“Next is
Mother’s Day. I will make you a card for Mother’s Day. Will I make you a card??”</i>
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Today
at lunch it sounded like this…</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='400' height='300' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dygb26PHEm4EPuH7gpEy9Bs1JMp_h8QZBF9W4k1FS8BnhaQ_O2Nu9tuZ6XJmbfVBM27oBJspblJTCXheOFcTw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
never get the card he keeps insisting he will make me unless I remind him on Mother’s Day, in which case he scrambles to make one and it looks something like this... </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">2016</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zpPbbh2lr8s/XrHUvwm88HI/AAAAAAAAFRQ/9mBKtaYsGcYBuQl3x33Wf9_opAwTR_CqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Mothers%2BDay%2BCard%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zpPbbh2lr8s/XrHUvwm88HI/AAAAAAAAFRQ/9mBKtaYsGcYBuQl3x33Wf9_opAwTR_CqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Mothers%2BDay%2BCard%2B2016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">
2017 - If I'm lucky, they make something in his group. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTlgx-8nma4/XrHWKSCemjI/AAAAAAAAFR0/z2uD2QMGK1006gG1sgSa23_6yEzC5ENAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Mothers%2BDay%2BCard%2B2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTlgx-8nma4/XrHWKSCemjI/AAAAAAAAFR0/z2uD2QMGK1006gG1sgSa23_6yEzC5ENAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Mothers%2BDay%2BCard%2B2017.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">
2018 - Back to last minute the morning of Mother's Day. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XPXD80jeKl0/XrHUv66X7jI/AAAAAAAAFRY/b02s863WMiEidS5hfRAqlgEyjbu33vo7ACEwYBhgL/s1600/Mothers%2BDay%2BCard%2B2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XPXD80jeKl0/XrHUv66X7jI/AAAAAAAAFRY/b02s863WMiEidS5hfRAqlgEyjbu33vo7ACEwYBhgL/s400/Mothers%2BDay%2BCard%2B2018.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">2019 - Cards made in their group.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RboLEJRk1UM/XrHZxgHKEQI/AAAAAAAAFSQ/KR6kZcJT5NE-Q6ZE9WjF8k4b3_WYevLWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Mothers%2BDay%2BCard%2B2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="947" data-original-width="1407" height="268" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RboLEJRk1UM/XrHZxgHKEQI/AAAAAAAAFSQ/KR6kZcJT5NE-Q6ZE9WjF8k4b3_WYevLWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Mothers%2BDay%2BCard%2B2019.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">
Don't get me wrong. I LOVE the hand made cards Riley makes me. I especially love how he signs them...you know, just I case I don't know who Riley is. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">My
friend posted this on Facebook the other day. It made me laugh. I decided a friendly reminder to J2 might be
in order. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AbIG06xX8hg/XrHUwvdHfxI/AAAAAAAAFRs/7UpE59YJ764yAcF9dSGgJJ8m4vZhoD63ACEwYBhgL/s1600/Mothers%2BDay%2BSigns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="711" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AbIG06xX8hg/XrHUwvdHfxI/AAAAAAAAFRs/7UpE59YJ764yAcF9dSGgJJ8m4vZhoD63ACEwYBhgL/s320/Mothers%2BDay%2BSigns.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">This is how he responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J0E8tlYvpT4/XrHUwT6-vUI/AAAAAAAAFRs/FXVsGhhhRmEFglVnX5BJJJLOJmcMHVHTACEwYBhgL/s1600/Mothers%2BDay%2BSigns%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1467" data-original-width="625" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J0E8tlYvpT4/XrHUwT6-vUI/AAAAAAAAFRs/FXVsGhhhRmEFglVnX5BJJJLOJmcMHVHTACEwYBhgL/s640/Mothers%2BDay%2BSigns%2B2.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Guess
I’m not getting anything from him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
@dkotuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395598913393994830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917641406625510012.post-56226638056416545452020-04-30T15:45:00.000-07:002020-04-30T17:41:55.467-07:00Z is for Zooming<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Who
remembers when there was one phone in the house and it was attached to the wall?
Does the word “Party line” mean anything to you?? If you answered “yes” to
either of these questions, roll your walker on over and come sit near me. Whoooaa…back
it up there. You’re closer than 6 feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Todays
technology can be mind-boggling. Or maybe the older I get, it just seems that way. I stopped trying to keep up when J2 was having to explain the TV remote to
me. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Skype,
one of the first affordable video-conferencing services, was introduced in
2003. The initial release of FaceTime was in 2010. I used Skype a handful of
times and only started using FaceTime last year. And that was by accident. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Zoom
was founded in 2011; launched its software in 2013; and first became profitable
in 2019. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoom_Video_Communications" target="_blank"><i>“Zoom’s software increased due to the quarantine measures adopted
in response to the 2019-2020 coronavirus pandemic.” </i></a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Had
it not been for this pandemic, I probably would have stayed away from FaceTime and
Zoom. It’s bad enough seeing myself in the mirror let alone on a phone/screen
with bad lighting and through a fisheye lens. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">But…Zooming
we are. Even Riley World is zooming. He wasn’t exactly happy about it the first time...</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YJSXGObGmaU/XqtS8bMJwYI/AAAAAAAAFQk/uPoJ01KCtdQDiHyqa4ZiMJfYsL5nDL2cgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_6200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YJSXGObGmaU/XqtS8bMJwYI/AAAAAAAAFQk/uPoJ01KCtdQDiHyqa4ZiMJfYsL5nDL2cgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6200.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">but now gets quite excited to see and chat with his group. They have even been working on some social interaction skills like making telephone calls. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='400' height='300' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyZJ2F_V-Zyy4ZlCvtrnLGBIb23gcdMb35HoAWeHcMT5ZPrBQhcwmswJ7OWUazUHlXLchNxrTtK1oKBbuFjSw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">My
first Zoom experience was with my book club. We have another meeting tonight and
even have a guest author joining us. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jq9ZxVq0pE4/XqtS8C6MarI/AAAAAAAAFQg/FLhAeex-JyUCF-u-3ENaAOOMZaqKfChtQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_3456.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1087" data-original-width="1600" height="217" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jq9ZxVq0pE4/XqtS8C6MarI/AAAAAAAAFQg/FLhAeex-JyUCF-u-3ENaAOOMZaqKfChtQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3456.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">We’ve
even had a couple of social zoom parties playing games. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xKxD_5SgNRI/XqtS8wnOR6I/AAAAAAAAFQs/2Ng5I_mcwbolxmMcS3iV6BModVBg8lT5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_6278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xKxD_5SgNRI/XqtS8wnOR6I/AAAAAAAAFQs/2Ng5I_mcwbolxmMcS3iV6BModVBg8lT5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6278.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">It seems being out of
touch with people has affected me more than I thought because I get quite excited when we are
zooming. I may have even been put on “mute” a couple of times by the host. That’s
ok. I got my own zoom account now. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>@dkotuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395598913393994830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917641406625510012.post-67840044363181717012020-04-29T18:31:00.000-07:002020-04-29T19:51:02.477-07:00Y is for Yardwork<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><u>Prologue:</u></span></b><br />
<u></u><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
realize it’s not #TBT (Throwback Thursday) or #FBF (Flashback Friday) but I found
this old post and it is perfect for my “Y” subject. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
originally wrote this back in March of 2014. Can you believe that was 6 years
ago! I figure most of you reading now never followed me before sooooo...it's like new material, right?? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Some
times, it is good for me to look back and see how far Riley has come. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Some times, I can’t believe we are STILL working on the exact. same. things…<a href="https://ouradventureswithriley.blogspot.com/2013/09/why-operation-ifo-let-me-explain.html" target="_blank">Operation
IFO comes to mind</a>. We started that back in September of 2013. <i>*sobs softly
to myself*</i> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">You’ll
also get a glimpse of our old backyard. No wonder I never spent much time out
there. I’ll post pics of our new and improved backyard at the end.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><u>Before:</u></span></b><br />
<u></u><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Now I am sure you have heard
the old saying <i>“one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”</i>? Well
my friend Lori had one of those branch clippers on a stick that she bought on a
whim and used only a couple of times. She gave it to G when she was moving.
During the last snow G was in heaven. The branches on the trees around our yard
were weighed down with snow so he was able to clip away to his heart’s content
without the use of a ladder. </span><br />
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">It was a sunny day today so
G decided to go out and clean up the tree carnage. <b>“I” </b>decided R should
help him. Not sure who was least impressed…G or R?!? So at 10:45 <s>I
shoved R out the door</s> R headed outside.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">G started R off with a corn
broom then switched him over to a push broom. Did you know a corn broom does
not <i>push</i> well?? Conversely a push broom does not <i>sweep</i> well. Just
an observation. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='400' height='300' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwL3V7iQYgkgOpt_mPOHmof7HUyX9dFYkPOaz3mxv8EsnoYKlZ4gCV-vYePeerK1jyhLROorC1sKJnQA_A04g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Betcha didn’t know that the operation
of a push broom required a demonstration. Welcome to Riley World! </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Now even though I was still in my PJ’s,
I decided audio was required so you could enjoy the full experience. My
pleasure. Two more observations before this last clip:</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Did you know the words <i>raking</i> and <i>sweeping</i> are
interchangeable???</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">When sweeping does not work…kicking will do.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='400' height='300' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwcr4CjXYeozpK7_1ccmV-gepH3ImFux9JD0fW26FuKThGmXcexdo4leSOdPSiyxn1uJdXqomqDgbIqBBlq4w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Riley </span><s><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">held
the bag</span></s><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> helped G bag the branches and was outside
for 1 hour!!!</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><u>After:</u></span></b><br />
<u></u><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">This only happened because the District needed to
replace a bridge below our house. Even though it took 18 months, we are
thrilled with how it turned out. I actually spend time out there now.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AelhHtQMyWU/XqojvcSTEeI/AAAAAAAAFQQ/dsOpHymie6QZK725YkLvgOxELm0NWFEhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_2916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AelhHtQMyWU/XqojvcSTEeI/AAAAAAAAFQQ/dsOpHymie6QZK725YkLvgOxELm0NWFEhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_2916.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CEGXPBBJMCA/XqojvXQyLrI/AAAAAAAAFQM/YUAYbdjccI0YBXTizn0Gsz3pSRBLUDQ0ACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CEGXPBBJMCA/XqojvXQyLrI/AAAAAAAAFQM/YUAYbdjccI0YBXTizn0Gsz3pSRBLUDQ0ACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_2914.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Tomorrow is the last day of this challenge. I
promise it will be an original. </span></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>@dkotuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395598913393994830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917641406625510012.post-1867859441264012122020-04-28T19:57:00.002-07:002020-04-28T20:18:40.493-07:00X is for Xylophone<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I’m
losing steam. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">And it's "X".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Here…look
at how cute J2 was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">He was 15 months
old. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--D91ta-QSbE/Xqjs-lzQupI/AAAAAAAAFQA/Vr3u_J2UFT4pN0HjfWyRUA6AsHljDhpXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Jon%2B15%2Bmonths.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="1041" height="464" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--D91ta-QSbE/Xqjs-lzQupI/AAAAAAAAFQA/Vr3u_J2UFT4pN0HjfWyRUA6AsHljDhpXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Jon%2B15%2Bmonths.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Only 2 more to go.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
@dkotuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395598913393994830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917641406625510012.post-66865361517841761092020-04-28T19:42:00.000-07:002020-04-28T20:13:39.944-07:00W is for Wallpaper<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Have
you ever wallpapered?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Growing up my
parents never did. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I think there is/was a time and place for wallpaper. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I think there are good reasons to wallpaper. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I went through a phase where I liked to wallpaper. It started with the boys’
rooms. Before J2 was born, I painted the top half, wallpapered the bottom and
put a border right through the middle. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">When
Riley was born and we moved J2 into the other room, I painted the bottom half,
wallpapered the top and put a border right through the middle. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">When
I was updating our powder room, I wallpapered two different patterns and put a piece
of wood moulding right through the middle. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
had a theme going on. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">And
let’s not forget ceiling borders. Popular back in the 90’s. And still
around today in homes where the owners are too lazy to take it down because
they never painted to the top of the moulding because it was easier not to and
now they can’t take it down because that would mean having to paint the entire room
which they probably should but are now too old and hoping ceiling borders will
make a comeback. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Another
good reason to wallpaper is when the DIY “handyman” of the house decides it can’t
be all that hard to drywall, tape and mud a downstairs bedroom. Textured wallpaper
comes in particularly handy in this case as it can hide any <i>“flaws”</i>. Sort of.
Maybe. Not really. But it was a downstairs bedroom and any walls were better
than 2x4’s. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">This
downstairs bedroom was used as a guest room and as a bedroom by both J1 and J2
before they moved out for good. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">It
has since become Riley’s space. We set up his laptop in there so we can see him
run by, between his bedroom and downstairs, every so often throughout the day. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Apparently,
Riley is more in tune with home decorating than we are and decided a change was
needed. As you know he is more an “actions speak louder than words” kinda
guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
wish I could blame this on self-isolation but this was taken just before
Christmas.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1w-HI-rNmIw/XqjkoOuYD_I/AAAAAAAAFPc/KUBENWZ2Aw0tythPem-AlFtuoLdow4z-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_5798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1w-HI-rNmIw/XqjkoOuYD_I/AAAAAAAAFPc/KUBENWZ2Aw0tythPem-AlFtuoLdow4z-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_5798.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">There
was obviously a "loose" seam. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">These
were taken around the time that we started social distancing. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IJXqxKsBRkw/Xqjko3hDUSI/AAAAAAAAFPg/pq_K28fxUdEhqxUI0O7-_M1fTEXf3cY5gCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IJXqxKsBRkw/Xqjko3hDUSI/AAAAAAAAFPg/pq_K28fxUdEhqxUI0O7-_M1fTEXf3cY5gCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_6149.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Same wall as above only obviously there were more "loose" seams. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AEVnKeug-7Y/XqjkoAN5t-I/AAAAAAAAFPU/Cls-z8fRsBMBhdIbLh4gwXZ0NawdJIBuQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AEVnKeug-7Y/XqjkoAN5t-I/AAAAAAAAFPU/Cls-z8fRsBMBhdIbLh4gwXZ0NawdJIBuQCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_6147.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh...and the other wall. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_OOtryQX8t8/XqjkoNGKZPI/AAAAAAAAFPY/fCYtX6QZ0AoLko5U84ZybaRORqI7PDxOQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_OOtryQX8t8/XqjkoNGKZPI/AAAAAAAAFPY/fCYtX6QZ0AoLko5U84ZybaRORqI7PDxOQCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_6148.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Harder to pick at the seams when you have to balance on top of the hide-a-bed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2fMPaz4E8B4/XqjnDVYHycI/AAAAAAAAFP0/PcwenaPROsAYH-QTQ0dFitfToOymvaa0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_6150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1020" data-original-width="1600" height="253" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2fMPaz4E8B4/XqjnDVYHycI/AAAAAAAAFP0/PcwenaPROsAYH-QTQ0dFitfToOymvaa0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6150.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">He tried to "hide" some of the evidence in his computer desk. </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Just to be clear, Riley is more than happy to be
home. As much as I’d like to blame this on COVID-19…that would be a lie. Am
I upset??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>15 years ago…I would have been. Today,
can’t say I blame him, I’m sick of that wallpaper too.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
@dkotuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395598913393994830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917641406625510012.post-86222581417388630322020-04-27T19:40:00.000-07:002020-04-27T19:43:20.773-07:00V is for Vodka<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
hope I did not traumatize you too much with my last two posts. I promise this
one will be fun!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
always try and do a little research to make sure what I am writing about is accurate.
That is what led me to my <a href="https://ouradventureswithriley.blogspot.com/2020/04/t-is-for-toilet-paper.html" target="_blank">“T is for Toilet Paper” post</a>. I'm sorry about that. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
was also thinking ahead to the highly anticipated and upcoming letters…X, Y and
Z!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">And
let’s not forget “V”. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">V…so
many options. Or are there?!?!?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Well,
apparently there are. <a href="https://www.thefreedictionary.com/words-that-start-with-v" target="_blank">You can click here to see the endless
possibilities.</a> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Some
of the ones that came up…</span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Viscoelasticity
– ummmmm….whaaaaaat?!?!?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Ventriloquism
– I can barely speak coherently MOVING my lips soooooo…</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Vaccinations
– two words…Riley World, don’t get me started. </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">So…that
leaves me with one, YES ONE, fun possible category.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vodka.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Who
knew Vodka was as sophisticated as wine these days?!?!?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many countries produce vodka, so many options/price
ranges of vodka and so many flavours of vodka. I could go on and on and ON! But
I won’t. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">For
me, it is all about marketing. Well…to a degree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are adding say coke or another “mix”…it
really doesn’t matter what kind of vodka you choose. In my humble opinion that
is. While I do appreciate a good spirit, I also go with the look of the bottle.
Like a book and its cover. I am shallow. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Case
in point, this bottle…isn't it pretty? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gdxSAeeVMo8/XqeWzynEtHI/AAAAAAAAFPI/8gEmc6vPoCAyX62kW3Eyv7hQ-OOsjv2BgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_5940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1081" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gdxSAeeVMo8/XqeWzynEtHI/AAAAAAAAFPI/8gEmc6vPoCAyX62kW3Eyv7hQ-OOsjv2BgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_5940.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://nutrlvodka.com/products/nutrl-vodka/" target="_blank">Nutrl Vodka</a></div>
<br />@dkotuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395598913393994830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917641406625510012.post-5414258377477598082020-04-26T19:22:00.001-07:002020-04-26T19:22:30.973-07:00U is for "UVB" <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
had eczema as a child and have had it on and off throughout adulthood. Usually
I have been able to control it with medicated ointments. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Recently
my fingers have been the target although I have dry patches all over my body. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jSeGkSLDLbA/XqSryx5IoII/AAAAAAAAFOU/-_mPYohmw9U8ljEFQX118rAoOgVPd6x2QCEwYBhgL/s1600/Hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jSeGkSLDLbA/XqSryx5IoII/AAAAAAAAFOU/-_mPYohmw9U8ljEFQX118rAoOgVPd6x2QCEwYBhgL/s400/Hands.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I have been to my doctor and tried different ointments. I wear cotton gloves at night
and even during the day when at home. I use rubber gloves to wash dishes and
disposable rubber gloves over top the cotton gloves when doing food prep. Still
it persists. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
finally got in to see a dermatologist. We decided on new ointments and to start
light therapy. Not just targeted at my hands but for my entire body. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">This
is the machine. Looks like a time machine of sorts doesn’t it?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bwmp190vXRQ/XqSrziCMzqI/AAAAAAAAFOs/mGHRaGmzSDMcB3mr9sewew13hJ18yb0iACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bwmp190vXRQ/XqSrziCMzqI/AAAAAAAAFOs/mGHRaGmzSDMcB3mr9sewew13hJ18yb0iACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_6092.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4l0hgg2EKfg/XqSrz8ZkQuI/AAAAAAAAFO0/L-Dybkc-k4U2yfJ0vfqiC0lJdhgBxKDRwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4l0hgg2EKfg/XqSrz8ZkQuI/AAAAAAAAFO0/L-Dybkc-k4U2yfJ0vfqiC0lJdhgBxKDRwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_6093.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Did
you know you start off slowly…ten (10) seconds was the length of time for my
first session. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Did
you know you have to wear special goggles to protect your eyes?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CwOdvoYjous/XqSr0QhLz4I/AAAAAAAAFOw/gHxP_Seht5s_WTQ8Mc7Yhat9YRcRLEEuQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6095%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="1112" height="260" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CwOdvoYjous/XqSr0QhLz4I/AAAAAAAAFOw/gHxP_Seht5s_WTQ8Mc7Yhat9YRcRLEEuQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_6095%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Did
you know you have to take off ALL YOUR CLOTHES!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I'll spare you the visual because some things you just can NOT unsee. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Believe
me, I started to wonder if this therapy was worth the trouble. I mean, it takes me longer to undress and dress again. The time increased in 5 sec increments
for the first minute. I go 3 times a week. I am now up to 1 minute and 45
seconds. I noticed a definite difference on my body after about 2 weeks so I
have persevered. My fingers are still not 100% but they no longer throb and
ache all the time. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8prd9bhV27I/XqSry18Kf9I/AAAAAAAAFOo/YeB-IDBpFZwpnsMKe-v5-6qhQjl1EU3MACEwYBhgL/s1600/Hands2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1004" data-original-width="1600" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8prd9bhV27I/XqSry18Kf9I/AAAAAAAAFOo/YeB-IDBpFZwpnsMKe-v5-6qhQjl1EU3MACEwYBhgL/s400/Hands2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">When the heck did my hands get SO old!?!?! </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Oh, and now I wear a mask in their office so I have to cover my entire face. I now look like this when I go into the booth only I have no clothes on. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N3GsXOWn9m0/XqSr09VnYkI/AAAAAAAAFO0/91I1hoGf9yAain4t-YgiCR88XGs_u2RWgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1244" data-original-width="1076" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N3GsXOWn9m0/XqSr09VnYkI/AAAAAAAAFO0/91I1hoGf9yAain4t-YgiCR88XGs_u2RWgCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_6275.jpg" width="345" /></a></div>
@dkotuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395598913393994830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917641406625510012.post-31601523534543751662020-04-26T19:20:00.000-07:002020-04-26T19:20:23.809-07:00T is for Toilet Paper<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
remembered my “T” subject late last night. You are probably thinking this will
be a rant on the shortages of toilet paper since COVID-19. And for that matter…WHY?!?!?!?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Well,
it was going to be but then as I was doing a little research, I came across way
more information than I needed to know about toilet paper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">The
amount of information on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toilet_paper" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a> is astounding. Let me give you a few
snippets and you can be the judge. </span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">“Toilet
paper is a tissue paper product primarily used to clean the anus and
surrounding area of feces after defecation.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">- Just in case you had no idea what
toilet paper is used for. </span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">“It
also acts as a layer of protection for the hands during these processes.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- </span></i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Layer of protection?? Not sure I ever
thought of TP that way. Maybe we can make face masks out of TP?? Perhaps that’s
the reason for the shortage?!?!?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">“Toilet
paper comes in various numbers of plies (layers of thickness), from one to
six-ply…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- SIX PLY???<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Vegas hotels, the city of extravagance, use one ply. ONE PLY!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unless your feces is the size of an elephant’s,
I’m pretty sure you don’t need six layers. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">And
who remembers coloured toilet paper??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While most manufacturers today only produce white toilet paper, if you
are looking for some bold colours, you can purchase this six roll pack for approximately
$25.00 CDN. Now THESE colours would make a nice face mask. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AIxy-yquoi0/XqY2-6b9_KI/AAAAAAAAFO8/lrsixlk1Hi8AcSrR3N3tH3RZi0HyjFR8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Toilet%2BPaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1213" height="258" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AIxy-yquoi0/XqY2-6b9_KI/AAAAAAAAFO8/lrsixlk1Hi8AcSrR3N3tH3RZi0HyjFR8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Toilet%2BPaper.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="https://www.myrenova.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Check out the World of Renova here. </a></span></div>
<br />
<br />@dkotuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395598913393994830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917641406625510012.post-32527749511777868002020-04-25T13:16:00.000-07:002020-04-25T13:17:41.962-07:00S is for Sewing<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
think it is pretty clear from my last two blog posts that I do NOT sew. In case
you missed reading them, this is my sewing kit. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AXidnGwDcLU/XqSXfQsSi1I/AAAAAAAAFN4/f84Lyc-T6fIjRxE_KKUHlMJ1mYhB_og0ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_6262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1382" data-original-width="1317" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AXidnGwDcLU/XqSXfQsSi1I/AAAAAAAAFN4/f84Lyc-T6fIjRxE_KKUHlMJ1mYhB_og0ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6262.jpg" width="304" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">When
I was looking for a face mask to make, I specifically searched for
one that did NOT require sewing. This is the YouTube video I found and used. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r51YroAFPds" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r51YroAFPds" target="_blank">Click here if you can't see the video.</a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
was thrilled. I believe the words I used were <i>“pleased as punch”</i> and <i>“giddy”</i>.
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">As
I was demonstrating my handiwork to the husband, I realized it was not quite as
easy to put on as seen on the video. Which got me thinking (yea…nothing good ever
comes from me thinking) there must be a way to tweak this to make it a little
more <i>wearer-friendly</i>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
thought with all my vast sewing experience mending Riley’s t-shirts, surely I
could handle a few straight seams. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
decided I would run a seam along the top and bottom to keep them from rolling up when washing. Don't ask what I was thinking. I would also attach the two side strings just to the top seam. Brilliant right???</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">So,
I pulled out my sister’s sewing machine and got to work right after my morning
coffee while I was well rested and motivated. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">My
first attempt, the material got caught up under the needle thingy on the first press
of the pedal. I tried to back and forth the hand wheel thing and pulled and pulled
with all my might. That machine was not going to give up my material easily. I finally
thought to go underneath and pulled out the bobbin and took my scissors to the
threads. FINALLY!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Next,
I needed to rethread the machine. Good gawd could they make that little hole in
the needle any smaller!?!?! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good thing I
was well rested although my motivation was quickly disappearing.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
managed to get 2 masks done before the stupid machine ate the top thread. I
needed to rethread the machine AGAIN!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good
thing I am more stubborn than smart. I decided to give the effin’ machine one
last chance. It was at this point I decided the top seam was more than enough and the bottom seam was overkill. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
was down to my final mask when the thread in the bobbin ran out. Good thing it
was before noon because I seriously considered making a cocktail. Enough is
enough. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lPe3wJKlE5k/XqSXfVQYRPI/AAAAAAAAFOE/tvrYQUQUh0okwxntimaHUCdnknO1JX05wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lPe3wJKlE5k/XqSXfVQYRPI/AAAAAAAAFOE/tvrYQUQUh0okwxntimaHUCdnknO1JX05wCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_6273.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">The finished "product". Good enough. </span></div>
<br />@dkotuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395598913393994830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917641406625510012.post-14451466254587201882020-04-21T20:05:00.000-07:002020-04-21T20:07:38.134-07:00R is for Recycle<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
bet you thought this was going to be about Riley World. That makes it twice
that you would be wrong. I mean, it was going to be but then…THIS happened today!</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Disclaimer:</span></b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>All photos were taken in the midst of a
world wide pandemic. Hair and clothing should be considered exempt from normal
personal standards.</i> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
think we can all agree that I am NOT a seamstress. I present Exhibit A: My
Sewing Kit.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9u0nhbSfJBQ/Xp-uJPKErNI/AAAAAAAAFNQ/eMx_KRkRFhAqyprrZOSfW29XJHFL1-4ggCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_6262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1382" data-original-width="1317" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9u0nhbSfJBQ/Xp-uJPKErNI/AAAAAAAAFNQ/eMx_KRkRFhAqyprrZOSfW29XJHFL1-4ggCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6262.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
think we can also agree that the number of t-shirts that Riley has disassembled
over the years has been astronomical. I will leave you with this one example,
Exhibit B, because we all know I could run through the entire alphabet and more
with visual evidence. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AfZEheWaWIs/Xp-uvrkzT1I/AAAAAAAAFNc/euSJ6Xh7UWUA28ps-JmDSsTmrCdhx9KqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AfZEheWaWIs/Xp-uvrkzT1I/AAAAAAAAFNc/euSJ6Xh7UWUA28ps-JmDSsTmrCdhx9KqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_1555.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">After
seeing so many DIY videos on making face masks, I had an epiphany last week. R's discards would make the perfect material for masks. I am sure it will only be a matter of time before it is mandatory to wear a face mask out in public so I want to be prepared. Luckily,
I still had a few of Riley’s discarded t-shirts. I washed them and they were
ready to assume another life. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
will admit that, so far, I have not been wearing a mask out in public. <i>*Hangs
head in shame.*</i> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my defense, two
words…HOT FLASHES!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you have any idea
how hot these face masks are!!! Also, I only go out to my Light Therapy and to
get groceries on the same day. This past week, my LT has required you wear a mask in their office so I have been wearing a makeshift balaclava-neck-warmer-type-thing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ajSYwzzhsow/Xp-uHMIijkI/AAAAAAAAFNY/_DP9lzit2aMLMklNy1QRVuT0O3zA-hiuACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1312" data-original-width="1001" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ajSYwzzhsow/Xp-uHMIijkI/AAAAAAAAFNY/_DP9lzit2aMLMklNy1QRVuT0O3zA-hiuACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_6264.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Since
“New Puppy” made it through the night unscathed…I decided today would be the
day to attempt a DIY face mask. I decided something that did not require sewing
of any kind would be the best chance for success so I searched YouTube and
found this video:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r51YroAFPds" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r51YroAFPds" target="_blank">Click here if you can't see the video.</a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span>And
voila….</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c5SPTsEYzIo/Xp-uHHqbqUI/AAAAAAAAFNU/aJ_JwMMhkngAzVrf-IDVJ9lqqZbpjPoJACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6261%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="870" data-original-width="835" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c5SPTsEYzIo/Xp-uHHqbqUI/AAAAAAAAFNU/aJ_JwMMhkngAzVrf-IDVJ9lqqZbpjPoJACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_6261%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
am pleased as punch with myself. I am GIDDY!! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is what almost 60 looks like. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Oh...quick question for you sewing people. Do your scissors cut like this too???</span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>@dkotuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395598913393994830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917641406625510012.post-68332621498722703862020-04-20T20:54:00.000-07:002020-04-20T20:54:36.712-07:00Q is for Quizzical<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I’m
sure you thought the title of this post would be “Q is for Quarantine”. It was.
Until this happened last night. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">While
quizzical is not exactly the right word, what I am going to try to write about is a piece
of our autism <b>"Puzzle”</b>. But, since we are past “P” and onto “Q”…two
words, artistic license. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Let
me warn you, this is going to be a long post so go to the bathroom, grab a coffee...please bear with me while I try,
in my convoluted way, to explain a part of Riley World. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">There
is a poem “Welcome to Holland” by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emily_Kingsley" target="_blank">Emily Perl Kingsley</a> (click <a href="https://www.dsasc.ca/uploads/8/5/3/9/8539131/welcome_to_holland.pdf" target="_blank">here if you’d like
to read it)</a> <i>which compares the experience of someone finding out their child
has a disability to having a trip to Italy rerouted to Holland.</i> Some
parents love this poem and some do not. When I first read this poem shortly
after Riley was diagnosed, I bawled like a baby. I could relate to this poem. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">In
life, it is hard to understand the “how and whys” unless we can relate to a certain/specific
situation. It can be even harder to live every day in an environment and still not
understand all the “how and whys”. This is what living with autism can be like.
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">What
I consider to be Riley World’s greatest challenge is communication. If you do
not know how to say/explain something or can not understand what is being asked
of you…think how hard life would be. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Just
in case you decided not to read the poem, not to worry, you’re in luck because
I am going to provide you with a scenario of my own. Here goes… </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">You
are being taught a foreign language (for example French) but, only for 1 year. You
will get to know some key words/phrases. Just the basics though, like how to say
water (or wine) and ask where the bathroom is. But you will probably not pick
up on the nuances of body language or facial expressions...that’s covered in year two. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Now,
imagine you are a guest at someone’s home in Saint-Tropez. They only speak/understand French. No English. You try and
answer as best you can with a simple <i>“oui or non”</i> (that’s yes or no for those
who don’t know any French). They ask a question. You answer. There is a pause and you are afraid you may have misunderstood the question so quickly change
your answer to the opposite. They ask the same question again, you want to
be polite so you go back to your first answer…or repeat your last response. Have
you ever been in a situation like this???</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Even
though Riley is almost 26 years old, his language comprehension level is, at
most, at about a 9-year-old level. Often times he <i>appears</i> to understand what
you are saying. R has an excellent memory and learns most things by rote. He can say and even do all the right things so you assume he knows what he is doing. Unfortunately, that can be the
downside because he may not understand why or what he is learning. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Now
that you have no idea what I am talking about, here’s what brought all this
on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Yesterday
I had to do some minor repairs to Riley’s "New" Puppy. Puppy is starting to show
some major signs of hard loving. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-veNWeMxjb1c/Xp5HcZd5-aI/AAAAAAAAFM0/8eI0DYAY0aUSNhbi15bafQvBglxFdch-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_6248_LI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-veNWeMxjb1c/Xp5HcZd5-aI/AAAAAAAAFM0/8eI0DYAY0aUSNhbi15bafQvBglxFdch-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6248_LI.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">So, in my infinite wisdom, I decided perhaps a
patch might help the faux fur loss. Riley
was most excited when I explained and even showed him what I was going to do.
After I finished my handiwork, his enthusiasm was…well, not exactly…enthusiastic.
</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3QO3OoizBh4/Xp5D065OY3I/AAAAAAAAFME/q0GN2A4nhWge-_csm_yk0g9KqXEj5XWZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_6249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3QO3OoizBh4/Xp5D065OY3I/AAAAAAAAFME/q0GN2A4nhWge-_csm_yk0g9KqXEj5XWZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6249.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Not
being new to Riley World, I realized something was amiss. Although many FB
friends commented how lovely the heart was, I had a slight inkling (after the
fact of course) that the patch might be interfering with where he snuggles his
face into puppy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> But, I decided to hold steady and avoided his eye contact for the rest of the evening. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Apparently…my
feeling was correct because this is what we woke up to this morning.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TIg8lK1jzPU/Xp5D0_8320I/AAAAAAAAFMI/4EcjeCPVaKARbceHttLYgHH_SJPfKMM2gCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1OcqwNWs4ON1D20Kkr6DCXewpFC466kbZ3IILX0TYH8IbsFwpBTCjj4_6F7Q0002bmfQaWh0cya5bGSr-4D1rBaEZNNaUJ1x0-_YHpcyFZ_cL0FVzBI-O8_iB1YJ6vsFidM71X7ogsT8_inDI8Cmtq9dU4qp2-0ap9hIHVNUUTKGQh1yVQazABS23OA3fq20M1MQAo8iG_bLSrDubzYIx3JS1i1yeBaJoDjmJO-zRQBPwvwIDtsa7y5GlZ4V9pVxopwgaheXU77wpiQBxdhm6Lq7A4U0OpMl4i40_i9Ak-AGC3dNv0xPYijhPMlEYQwrBBiXnem0Qb6Sxe0Ohkyh76YlY4CznYSi8ZZybbOu_yi39kWrACJlZ_dJkGWGp0tsehZbBKMpxA75ha4JQ0tMPCVj4x7VzTSmKhKJV7hlA30qtZkBDI-YLXQJuWcHwuRsS9Ngjg2_V4UjsOrHkbcamN6XbKakwF9Wu7qGzG0ZZjZQeJ0KItnUoGsYM8pu0frIfwQTPVqS5FEhwqNA4hlb9j4Zbv0fDO33oc1g0ncpB4vlhP82b2F7f0CEexKytFKMgYvCQj9JUxXulsLAK7iWh994ne8zbf98ggadcw24z59AU/s1600/IMG_6251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TIg8lK1jzPU/Xp5D0_8320I/AAAAAAAAFMI/4EcjeCPVaKARbceHttLYgHH_SJPfKMM2gCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1OcqwNWs4ON1D20Kkr6DCXewpFC466kbZ3IILX0TYH8IbsFwpBTCjj4_6F7Q0002bmfQaWh0cya5bGSr-4D1rBaEZNNaUJ1x0-_YHpcyFZ_cL0FVzBI-O8_iB1YJ6vsFidM71X7ogsT8_inDI8Cmtq9dU4qp2-0ap9hIHVNUUTKGQh1yVQazABS23OA3fq20M1MQAo8iG_bLSrDubzYIx3JS1i1yeBaJoDjmJO-zRQBPwvwIDtsa7y5GlZ4V9pVxopwgaheXU77wpiQBxdhm6Lq7A4U0OpMl4i40_i9Ak-AGC3dNv0xPYijhPMlEYQwrBBiXnem0Qb6Sxe0Ohkyh76YlY4CznYSi8ZZybbOu_yi39kWrACJlZ_dJkGWGp0tsehZbBKMpxA75ha4JQ0tMPCVj4x7VzTSmKhKJV7hlA30qtZkBDI-YLXQJuWcHwuRsS9Ngjg2_V4UjsOrHkbcamN6XbKakwF9Wu7qGzG0ZZjZQeJ0KItnUoGsYM8pu0frIfwQTPVqS5FEhwqNA4hlb9j4Zbv0fDO33oc1g0ncpB4vlhP82b2F7f0CEexKytFKMgYvCQj9JUxXulsLAK7iWh994ne8zbf98ggadcw24z59AU/s400/IMG_6251.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Riley had my "sewing kit" (I did not exaggerate when I said I do NOT sew) out on the Island along with the dismantled heart.</span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">See that hole?? That hole was NOT there before. A direct result of scissor damage trying to remove the heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZoaDIiH9mc/Xp5D1P8RxlI/AAAAAAAAFMk/4t0X0sKvy-sWxLX9aZxROq5p3JvQeEDVgCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1OcqwZ0JE-wtgM2Au0Kj5txu3FKDyexu_NT0VFo46YUFu9vOQ5Q3n61tGFWwbTB77lrOzuaRQ4vy2xLycXmiC7kXvfccJXbS-UfEx1VxvOqBPEeEOhLQWiD7ham2RLp032UIuW1WNcPAmsdtVFXyDsUUpLaPfWIs2HWKQoZUaiR1JqoIxc0vu-Q_itiDt5nmucWR9eXq4LzkH3Tr9udQ7Um-2iAWrD5Fog8b7630VBarHljoymvmeWY5ytw5O81iB_RCK9HKh4okXMFZ1hpe5TI1kURWbhvdwcTVDuzZkSgsqrRX6VFk9gzDHmSeRISj0BuHagcoyhTzIe6kgFYuoyByUFH2ycAc3c4jII2-Bgvy8ga1o3DtJLH32Zannfy4Z20z_7pwmBgcvV5nC83g6hYpZnzh4QMmKx5J0FfJYPX6YUtVpJC78H9HM_RMtknRd9tTCqyXelT5_PvfkHROHlLfzWU6WIyY9a8bfVu3N6ZURlV2Btek2ceqErNf0FGSyunhCpJfTtkH2XomDEdZbFIQ0UCcGiDcmnPUbebsz8cehw-8VIb7zSv7JlhAgt0UqANp-msakT_BKINEyCKFEJpB0E3jtnKLBZQZYw-Iz59AU/s1600/IMG_6251_LI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZoaDIiH9mc/Xp5D1P8RxlI/AAAAAAAAFMk/4t0X0sKvy-sWxLX9aZxROq5p3JvQeEDVgCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1OcqwZ0JE-wtgM2Au0Kj5txu3FKDyexu_NT0VFo46YUFu9vOQ5Q3n61tGFWwbTB77lrOzuaRQ4vy2xLycXmiC7kXvfccJXbS-UfEx1VxvOqBPEeEOhLQWiD7ham2RLp032UIuW1WNcPAmsdtVFXyDsUUpLaPfWIs2HWKQoZUaiR1JqoIxc0vu-Q_itiDt5nmucWR9eXq4LzkH3Tr9udQ7Um-2iAWrD5Fog8b7630VBarHljoymvmeWY5ytw5O81iB_RCK9HKh4okXMFZ1hpe5TI1kURWbhvdwcTVDuzZkSgsqrRX6VFk9gzDHmSeRISj0BuHagcoyhTzIe6kgFYuoyByUFH2ycAc3c4jII2-Bgvy8ga1o3DtJLH32Zannfy4Z20z_7pwmBgcvV5nC83g6hYpZnzh4QMmKx5J0FfJYPX6YUtVpJC78H9HM_RMtknRd9tTCqyXelT5_PvfkHROHlLfzWU6WIyY9a8bfVu3N6ZURlV2Btek2ceqErNf0FGSyunhCpJfTtkH2XomDEdZbFIQ0UCcGiDcmnPUbebsz8cehw-8VIb7zSv7JlhAgt0UqANp-msakT_BKINEyCKFEJpB0E3jtnKLBZQZYw-Iz59AU/s400/IMG_6251_LI.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Attempt
number 2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps a patch under the faux
fur with a more even/flat stitch might work????<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W_DVb8O4rcc/Xp5D2TzhO9I/AAAAAAAAFMo/BDxwRqpVaj4fAjPaBKU0iBlss3Ui_p9awCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1Ocqx9Qo0IAKhhe0Rxoy0X9FjIipt5llBmcqI3hgzyk62VGRFf1EVIITmVFHZuwgwX1X185ke0e7EifMBMATaucSPxOJ64zHsfmh7qn-ZCQAWL9j2bJccRA2eOW1OukeFcf-jRmx1DSEqNvTTwYsiMJNJEYvXXukgd4v2i6rW8tgUF5sZM_Nrpyny8hxuwE-DDEvHS6PeT_M-7Wl_cvC2dJaR8y-g0o669kG6c2I4YleOLnUB5PVaW3bgsIFqlnzvrtQ8Bqvajbbb_86Q53Zch4-yJD2aLM_K_kLRzebw4qSdm1lsDMzVNsLtnBjSggj6cOHw90ZNu9DsiQ4kl9PwJtti89FWKx6Ad1ZBM-AgqJ22P0HQNrGkDBlZia6QXhHg9RlwpHfxqXjSTlUnAa9VMP7_pEKnxoA5HzlCpAg9iLyH5h0M2QJgb0RJnIk-yLYsAPk-CeX9iPHyXrX3YBf3_EAEWc1WmgocEC7URUXVJ3dybTp9YdqTb1hlbOfq24nujF8OGSn3Gx_iQ2mco3i6HAvlHNcby6-vmUOamvd3vXBZabH5MasNkV2eC-Nx8jx1EmnNNoxJA0kK-SPpXa-l7bmDaFI6BcQCQq5UwhI359AU/s1600/IMG_6254_LI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W_DVb8O4rcc/Xp5D2TzhO9I/AAAAAAAAFMo/BDxwRqpVaj4fAjPaBKU0iBlss3Ui_p9awCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1Ocqx9Qo0IAKhhe0Rxoy0X9FjIipt5llBmcqI3hgzyk62VGRFf1EVIITmVFHZuwgwX1X185ke0e7EifMBMATaucSPxOJ64zHsfmh7qn-ZCQAWL9j2bJccRA2eOW1OukeFcf-jRmx1DSEqNvTTwYsiMJNJEYvXXukgd4v2i6rW8tgUF5sZM_Nrpyny8hxuwE-DDEvHS6PeT_M-7Wl_cvC2dJaR8y-g0o669kG6c2I4YleOLnUB5PVaW3bgsIFqlnzvrtQ8Bqvajbbb_86Q53Zch4-yJD2aLM_K_kLRzebw4qSdm1lsDMzVNsLtnBjSggj6cOHw90ZNu9DsiQ4kl9PwJtti89FWKx6Ad1ZBM-AgqJ22P0HQNrGkDBlZia6QXhHg9RlwpHfxqXjSTlUnAa9VMP7_pEKnxoA5HzlCpAg9iLyH5h0M2QJgb0RJnIk-yLYsAPk-CeX9iPHyXrX3YBf3_EAEWc1WmgocEC7URUXVJ3dybTp9YdqTb1hlbOfq24nujF8OGSn3Gx_iQ2mco3i6HAvlHNcby6-vmUOamvd3vXBZabH5MasNkV2eC-Nx8jx1EmnNNoxJA0kK-SPpXa-l7bmDaFI6BcQCQq5UwhI359AU/s400/IMG_6254_LI.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Nope. I learned my lesson and asked Riley if he wanted me to "take it out". He did. Want it out. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Attempt
number 3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked up how to do an “invisible
seam” on YouTube because that blanket stitch was a major fail!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oFvAkcBamKY/Xp5D2u0QtmI/AAAAAAAAFMs/mEJWpJwWrxQ94ipyoGkDcQ4ijxYZfNZ1QCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1OcqyBtrQaf9D7Qq2xRblLD55R7Wx2C6mRU-p8RlrGcFoVfoB3-2EizkacGMHoBycDvLTf-MFgk9-xEJ1iiKZou2BMR33TZ9D1asLBM_s5FY4_zlEYwD6poSKhaC5XBdPpnvReqOSTCGD6vX8kooVe40buRI4tHQeLCB6RuiDs5s7p3MaEQF4R9Uy55SXojiA4phuZS3S5jupycC8jkX-EY5jfrfzpTBF9feF4ks4LUSipU6RSPjyWsC7dtkemlmI2O2vQ5cBD64luLD02MBsV_A7Rf4xG2dXdcU4kKRN_WfqHWTKzYV3voh9DizUXIyYNtPpq-DawK7S5EUrFzCqMMDQj7_frhscG_C4kX6oqPpYKRE81jYh60iarl4ZU56BgeP97YX8bJeAIK8kpj8QCzpF8trqBhJehNY0jEo6Ekttp14mwp5E-znvhNulDdb-6faqwlMetVXv2iEHJ-kKQF0CNmj3MTnzFVcwxmYD00j40Cv20VyYuWoudMXc71JsV0qu5jd_-ilu5cLgwXvIqlvTbit-Cud5ckURasGqNek3B9BV79RAOx67cAqUHPCZYeiXVD9ghEJfLg2iNHHBE9sCLzIsXQFE8mJgwlY359AU/s1600/IMG_6256_LI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oFvAkcBamKY/Xp5D2u0QtmI/AAAAAAAAFMs/mEJWpJwWrxQ94ipyoGkDcQ4ijxYZfNZ1QCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1OcqyBtrQaf9D7Qq2xRblLD55R7Wx2C6mRU-p8RlrGcFoVfoB3-2EizkacGMHoBycDvLTf-MFgk9-xEJ1iiKZou2BMR33TZ9D1asLBM_s5FY4_zlEYwD6poSKhaC5XBdPpnvReqOSTCGD6vX8kooVe40buRI4tHQeLCB6RuiDs5s7p3MaEQF4R9Uy55SXojiA4phuZS3S5jupycC8jkX-EY5jfrfzpTBF9feF4ks4LUSipU6RSPjyWsC7dtkemlmI2O2vQ5cBD64luLD02MBsV_A7Rf4xG2dXdcU4kKRN_WfqHWTKzYV3voh9DizUXIyYNtPpq-DawK7S5EUrFzCqMMDQj7_frhscG_C4kX6oqPpYKRE81jYh60iarl4ZU56BgeP97YX8bJeAIK8kpj8QCzpF8trqBhJehNY0jEo6Ekttp14mwp5E-znvhNulDdb-6faqwlMetVXv2iEHJ-kKQF0CNmj3MTnzFVcwxmYD00j40Cv20VyYuWoudMXc71JsV0qu5jd_-ilu5cLgwXvIqlvTbit-Cud5ckURasGqNek3B9BV79RAOx67cAqUHPCZYeiXVD9ghEJfLg2iNHHBE9sCLzIsXQFE8mJgwlY359AU/s400/IMG_6256_LI.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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It may be a little "bunched up" but...Riley was happy.</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Oh,
and an additional clue that Riley was stressed out about the patch…he also
unwrapped the entire bowl of leftover Easter candy in the night. In previous
days we might find one, maybe two unwrapped ones in the morning. </span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SU3MfeKdreA/Xp5D13DMdhI/AAAAAAAAFMs/twx-zpkRf38IHJeuRqGxwYTv9ACCoAh6gCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1OcqzfdF2k0GueCCOPNA1YshS1YdMryfdAeofEC59WclRk7X9GQ757Fj85Rx-J6rO-ySNugzC1syZ4vJyrXdKf1HdNIM337nw3GzJfkxG7WUOxy5ad68dIUgC5xHapb7IrelpuFTjmLi24cFkfdoLW9x4D82TvoxosPbFYby77VF_3U3BjfDLsPoqlJhyPGBLh3ZZF7ovWMUQBMAzdJkx7NRWR2TFwZPOmluTl3uD7BRrwUsL3lC1GSULht2qlxpNB6DGADsLWk7DGWYdP6pcOWb6m5Pv-7XLjh7t4mGKlhVhwkgc1SoA3wdwkIaRqa2b_8qdcVfI6pCldacU2qWTV1zQPxhhTePGRTpIWsqhExYKjrcPdRorkICsjcU_0bRDb_5nij9sRLMDvV1plxVY9EJsq00CHs_P0ajTk3pia03_XpRvhe2ME9LyAieUliceEudAOE7pGZF6rowMkfREARgtHJtNYHNd1PVbh9GBgU97CYy9SNbUWGY9T-kcL7bxKUUAHHBVK4jLOGtYbzdMzqbwRHkijoQIZ3Xh6ZLkt-gbTtBy0iJ9zqRs6nyL25HgblKM6_9bzYzvQOVDiBMMXzEsRaxODSmai9h8woo359AU/s1600/IMG_6253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1015" data-original-width="1600" height="252" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SU3MfeKdreA/Xp5D13DMdhI/AAAAAAAAFMs/twx-zpkRf38IHJeuRqGxwYTv9ACCoAh6gCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1OcqzfdF2k0GueCCOPNA1YshS1YdMryfdAeofEC59WclRk7X9GQ757Fj85Rx-J6rO-ySNugzC1syZ4vJyrXdKf1HdNIM337nw3GzJfkxG7WUOxy5ad68dIUgC5xHapb7IrelpuFTjmLi24cFkfdoLW9x4D82TvoxosPbFYby77VF_3U3BjfDLsPoqlJhyPGBLh3ZZF7ovWMUQBMAzdJkx7NRWR2TFwZPOmluTl3uD7BRrwUsL3lC1GSULht2qlxpNB6DGADsLWk7DGWYdP6pcOWb6m5Pv-7XLjh7t4mGKlhVhwkgc1SoA3wdwkIaRqa2b_8qdcVfI6pCldacU2qWTV1zQPxhhTePGRTpIWsqhExYKjrcPdRorkICsjcU_0bRDb_5nij9sRLMDvV1plxVY9EJsq00CHs_P0ajTk3pia03_XpRvhe2ME9LyAieUliceEudAOE7pGZF6rowMkfREARgtHJtNYHNd1PVbh9GBgU97CYy9SNbUWGY9T-kcL7bxKUUAHHBVK4jLOGtYbzdMzqbwRHkijoQIZ3Xh6ZLkt-gbTtBy0iJ9zqRs6nyL25HgblKM6_9bzYzvQOVDiBMMXzEsRaxODSmai9h8woo359AU/s400/IMG_6253.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Long, looooong story short...communication is really hard in Riley World. And even though Riley may have challenges with his verbal communication…he makes
his displeasure crystal clear. If you made it this far, t</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">hanks for hanging in! Back to my regular shorter posts tomorrow. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">PS...I'll let you know if New Puppy makes it through the night unscathed. </span><br />
<br />
<br />@dkotuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395598913393994830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917641406625510012.post-70603656641655553952020-04-19T16:03:00.000-07:002020-04-19T16:03:18.365-07:00P is for Pretzel Bark<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">It’s
officially called Toffee Pretzel Bark but I needed a “P” topic so Pretzel Bark
it is.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
got this recipe from one of my most favourite people in the whole wide world.
We were visiting relatives and she pulled out this tasty treat after
dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
only make it around Christmas time because there are usually people around who
will help me eat it otherwise, I would probably eat the entire tray myself. It’s
THAT good! And bonus…easy to make. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6nZd4JoccjE/XpzWaNIXcHI/AAAAAAAAFLw/7ckF-OnQX5AIKZQsH7cUwBHJBZMGsbY8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Pretzel%2BBark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6nZd4JoccjE/XpzWaNIXcHI/AAAAAAAAFLw/7ckF-OnQX5AIKZQsH7cUwBHJBZMGsbY8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Pretzel%2BBark.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>(Toffee) PRETZEL BARK</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">8
oz mini pretzels</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">1
c butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">1
c brown sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">2
c semi-sweet chocolate chips (I use those chocolate wafers people use for
chocolate making)</span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Preheat
oven to 375F. Line a large cookie sheet with non-stick foil. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Spread pretzels out in a single layer on cookie sheet. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Melt
the butter and brown sugar in a pot. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Keep at
medium heat, stop stirring and let bubble for 3 minutes. Not 2, 4, or 5. Exactly
3 minutes.</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Pour
over the pretzels. No need to worry that it doesn’t cover all of pretzels. It will spread.</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Bake
for 5 minutes. </span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Remove
from oven and sprinkle with chocolate chips. </span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Let
sit for 5 minutes to melt the chocolate and then spread. </span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Allow
to set before breaking into pieces. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I figured this could be a good quarantine recipe...you're welcome!</span><br />
<br />@dkotuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395598913393994830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2917641406625510012.post-91933228444932569992020-04-18T20:52:00.000-07:002020-04-18T20:52:47.132-07:00O is for #OperationIFO<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">It
is not uncommon for individuals with ASD to have narrow food choices. This can
be due to a number of reasons such as sensory sensitivities/aversions or an
insistence on “sameness” and not just being “picky”. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">If
you are new to Riley World, you may not have heard of <a href="http://ouradventureswithriley.blogspot.com/2013/09/why-operation-ifo-let-me-explain.html" target="_blank">#Operation IFO (Increase
Food Options)</a>. I started it the year Riley finished high school (2013) and we
were taking a gap year. <span style="color: #000120;"><a href="http://ouradventureswithriley.blogspot.com/2013/09/why-operation-ifo-let-me-explain.html" target="_blank">You can read about it here.</a></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">It
was one of many poor choices I would make. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Don’t
get me wrong…we have made progress over the years but it takes time. And energy.
A LOT of time and SO much energy. SO. MUCH. ENERGY!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Here’s
a clip taken within the last year as we tried Mini Carrot Muffins. He has
gotten so much better in trying new foods yet…still he is limited in his food
choices. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="476" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FOurAdventuresWithRiley%2Fvideos%2F427145357884597%2F&show_text=0&width=268" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="268"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/377217869019233/videos/427145357884597/" target="_blank">If you can't see the video, click here.</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
guess why I tend to drop the ball over and over is that he is basically healthy and rarely gets sick.
He has been keeping to his growth curve over the years. Sure, it’s a little
inconvenient when we travel but I have gotten used to it and we have learned to
adapt. </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">There
are now food therapies and other interventions that were not as available when Riley
was little. To be perfectly honest…I am tired. We both are tired and getting
set in our ways. Is this a valid excuse for not trying?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Probably not. But in the big scheme of life…is
it the worst thing that could happen. And if you think it is…I will have his
bags packed and you can pick him up at any time. </span>@dkotuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395598913393994830noreply@blogger.com1