Alex's Adventure

I took Alex with me to Wal-Mart today.

We hadn't been out, just the two of us, in a very long time.

I was a little concerned how he would do. Wal-mart and

similar places are a multi-faceted

attack on the sensory issues of a child with autism.

Things we might vaguely notice

are highly accentuated to them...the smell from the deli,

the changes in temperature when you get in the frozen

food section, the humming of the florescent lights,

the vastness of the building, someone talking on

the intercom system, the crowds, etc.

As you can see, he wore his sound reduction headset!

He pushed the cart, and he even added $20 worth

of stuff to the bill (well worth it in my opinion!)

He was very interested in finding foods that he liked.

He was quiet and happy and obedient the whole

time. I was afraid that we wouldn't make it past all

the bottles of ketchup without letting him turn them

all upside down! But he walked right past them.

He even obeyed when I told him he couldn't have

a few items he tried to put in the cart.

No meltdowns...not even a peep!

He did start humming (not a tune...but his typical

monotone sound when he is anxious about something)

when the cashier bagged up our groceries.

I think he was worried he

would have to share some of his goodies!

But the man assured him that everything would

go back into the cart.

I may have enjoyed him.... more than he

enjoyed the trip!

Healthy Summer Fresh Foods

20 Cancer-Fighting Summer Foods

kale

collard greens

arugala

dandelion greens

curry

broccoli

broccoli sprouts

cabbage

bok choy

cauliflower

watercress

swiss chard

blueberries

blackberries

raspberries

cranberries

strawberries

red grapes

tomatoes

~~~~

Bumble Bees and Blooming Bushes

The bumble bees have taken over my Spirea!

There are so many I can hear the buzzing

while I sit on the back porch!

They were so busy, they didn't seem

to mind me or my camera.

Black Eyed Susan

This pretty summer flower got it's name from the poem

written by John Gay (1685-1782)

William's Farewell to Black-Eyed Susan

~~~~

All in the dawn the fleet was moor'd,

The streamers waving to the wind,

When Black-eyed Susan came on board,

Oh where shall I my true love find?

Tell me, ye jovial sailors, tell me true,

If my sweet William, if my sweet William

Sails among your crew?

~~~~

Oh William, who high upon the yard,

Rocked with the billows to and fro,

Soon as her well-known voice he heard,

He sigh'd and cast his eyes below:

The cord slides swiftly thro' his glowing hands

And as quick as lightning, as quick as lightning,

On the deck he stands.

~~~~

So sweet the lark, high poised in air,

Shuts close his pinions to his breast,

If, chance, his mate's shrill voice he hear,

And drops at once into her nest:

The noblest captain in the British fleet

Might envy William, might envy William's

Lip those kisses sweet.

~~~~

'Oh Susan, Susan, lovely dear!

My vows shall ever true remain,

Let me kiss off that falling tear,

We only part to meet again:

Change as ye list, ye winds, my heart shall be

The faithful compass, the faithful compass

That still points to thee.'

~~~~

Oh, believe not what the landsmen say

Who tempt with doubts thy constant mind,

They'll tell thee sailors when away,

In every port a mistress find:

Yes, yes, believe them when they tell thee so,

For thou art present, for thou art present

Wheresoe'er I go.

~~~~

If to fair India's coast we sail,

Thy eyes are seen in diamonds bright:

Thy breath is Afric's spicy gale,

Thy skin as ivory so white:

Thus every beauteous object that I view

Wakes in my soul, wakes in my soul

Some charm of lovely Sue.

~~~~

'Though battle call me from thy arms

Let not my pretty Susan mourn:

Though cannon roar, yet safe from harms

William shall to his dear return:

Love turns aside the balls that round me fly

Lest precious tears, lest precious tears

Should drop from Susan's eye.

~~~~

The boatswain gave the dreadful word,

Her sails their swelling bosom spread:

No longer can she stay on board -

They kissed, she sighed, he hung his head:

Her lessening boat unwilling rows to land,

'Adieu,' she cries, 'Adieu,' she cries

And waved her lily hand.

Summer Salsa and Mexican Soup

8 cups tomatoes, chopped~red but not over-ripe

(I do not peel or seed them)

4 c raw sweet corn

4 c green peppers (or any color combo)

6 medium jalepenos, seeded & minced

3 c sweet onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, crushed

1/4 c cider vinegar

1 T salt

1 1/2 c sugar

1 T chili powder

1 t hot sauce

Combine all in large stock pot.

Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes,

stirring occassionally.

Fill canning jars to 1/2 " headspace using a slotted spoon**.

Can in pressure canner~~ 5 lbs pressure for 15 minutes.

Makes 4 qt jars.

~~~~

**I use a slotted spoon because we like our salsa

chunky and not soupy. But I save all that flavorful

juice and use it to make a wonderful Mexican soup.

Just add cooked & shredded chicken, corn, potatoes

and a little cheddar or Velveeta to make it creamy.

In bowls, top with crushed tortilla chips, shredded

cheddar, sour cream and green onion.

I freeze the salsa juice as is for now

and make the soup in the winter.

Harry's Hiatus

There's nothing like having the pool

all to yourself sometimes!

Iced Coffee

Leftover morning coffee

Ice cubes

A little milk

Splash of Syrup

Straw

Yum!

Couscous Salad

**click on me to enlarge

Using 1 c couscous and 1 c water,

prepare as directed on the box.

Then add chopped veggies ~

I used red peppers, cucumbers,

sweet onion, fresh thyme and basil.

Stir in dressing and chill.

~~~~

Dressing

1/2 c sugar

1/2 c vinegar

1/2 c vegetable oil

1 t salt

2 t dried parsley

1/2 t dry mustard

1/2 t dried basil

~~~~

Whisk together

You Go, Leno!

Well, I'm going to break my personal rule of refraining

on blogging about politics.

This is just too good not to post!

~~~~Quote from Jay Leno ~~~~

"As most of you know I am not a President Bush fan,

nor have I ever been, but this is not about Bush, it is about us,

as Americans, and it seems to hit the mark.

The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came

across some Poll data I found rather hard to believe.

It must be true given the source, right? The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans

are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and

69 percent of the country is unhappy

with the performance of the President. In essence 2/3 of the citizenry

just ain't happy and want a change.

So being the knuckle dragger I am,

I started thinking, "What are we so unhappy about?''

A. Is it that we have electricity and running water

24 hours a day, 7 Days a week?

B. Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the

summer and heating in the winter?

C. Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?

D. Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and

see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?

E.. Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the

Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present

identification papers as we move through each state?

F. Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find

along the way that can provide temporary shelter?

G. I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from

around the world is just not good enough either.

H. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency

workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a

helicopter to take you to the hospital.

I. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home.

J.You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire,

a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use

top notch equipment to extinguish the flames, thus saving you,

your family, and your belongings.

K. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs,

a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a

gun and a bullet-proof vest

will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.

L . This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs

or militias raping and pillaging the residents.

Neighborhoods where 90% of

teenagers own cell phones and computers.

M. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms

we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world?

Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy.

The Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful,

spoiled brats the world has ever seen.

No wonder the world loves the U.S. ,

yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are.

The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain

about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country

instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.

I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war

and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 %

approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation

in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an

economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy

who has been called every name in the book for succeeding

in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from

terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer

army that is out there defending you and me?

Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or a talk show?

Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy

you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the

good things and be glad? Think about it......are you upset

at the President because he actually caused you personal pain,

OR is it because the 'Media' told you he was failing to kiss your sorry,

ungrateful behind every day. Make no mistake about it.

The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve,

and in many cases may have died for your freedom.

There is currently no draft in this country.

They didn't have to go.

They are able to refuse to go and end up

with either a 'general' discharge, an 'other than honorable'

discharge or, worst case scenario, a 'dishonorable' discharge

after a few days in the brig.So why then the flat-out discontentment

in the minds of 69 % of Americans?

Say what you want, but I blame it on the Media.

If it bleeds, it leads, and they specialize in bad news.

Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts.

How many will watch kids

selling lemonade at the corner? The Media knows this and

Media outlets are "for-profit" corporations.

They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions

by 'justifying' themselves in one way or another.

Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer

like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife,

but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane!

Turn off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for

the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we

have in this country. There is exponentially more good than bad!

We are among the most blessed people on Earth

and should thank God

several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative.

With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides,

flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one

end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks,

Are we sure this is a good time to take God

out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"

Jay Leno

Funny Bird Pictures

Soccer anyone?

Now where did he go?!

"Wait for us!"

Saw these pictures on the internet

and thought they were something else!

googleimages.com

Saturday Walk

Yesterday four of my men took their Saturday walk

into town to the library. It's a favorite weekend routine

for the triplets. They have their own library cards and

it's fun to watch them scatter throughout the library

and pour over the books, music cd's and dvd's.

It's about 1 mile to the center of our little village and

the weather was beautiful. Good exercise for our

little couch/computer potatoes! ;)

They don't have any fear of traffic and will walk right in

front of a car, so you have to be on your toes when you are

taking them somewhere on foot like this.

It's fun to watch them come home with a big bag of rented

goodies in tow. They stopped at the pharmacy to pick up

some prescriptions. Spencer tried to walk out with a handful

of suckers there. Fortunately, Dad caught him as they

were going out the door. :)

More Beautiful Shells

Slipper

Cup and Saucer Keyhole Limpet

South African Turban

~~~~

Here are some interesting shells

and like my previous shell posts,

their names just go along with the

way they look!

googleimages.com

Upside Down?

Our Alex is having a hard time with this

ketchup bottle I bought. He is determined

that it is standing upside down!

He is really bothered by it and even peaks

inside the refrigerator several times a day

to turn it so the lid is on the top! :)

Broccoli Salad

**click on me to enlarge

1 big bunch broccoli, chopped

1/2 sweet onion, chopped fine

13 strips bacon, crisp and broken

1 c sunflower seeds

1 c mayo

2 T vinegar

1/2 c sugar

Whisk the last 3 ingredients and pour

over the other. Stir and eat!

~~~~

Above is the basic recipe.

I just use whatever

I happen to have. The picture above has

peanuts instead of the seeds. I also

added 1/2 cup shredded cheddar.

It's also great with dried cranberries.

To make it extra easy,

I use the precooked bacon and

buy the fresh broccoli already chopped.

The Apron

I don't think our kids know what an apron is.

The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect

the dress underneath, but along with that,

it served as a potholder for removing

hot pans from the oven. It was wonderful for drying

children's tears, and on occasion was even used for

cleaning out dirty ears.

~~~~

From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying

eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs

to be finished in the warming oven.

When company came, those aprons were ideal

hiding places for shy kids.

And when the weather was cold,

grandma wrapped it around her arms.

~~~~

Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow,

bent over the hot wood stove.

Chips and kindling wood were brought

into the kitchen in that apron.

From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables.

After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls.

~~~~

In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples

that had fallen from the trees.

When unexpected company drove up the road,

it was surprising how much furniture that old apron

could dust in a matter of seconds.

When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto

the porch, waved her apron, and the men knew it

was time to come in from the fields to dinner.

~~~~

It will be a long time before someone invents

something that will replace that "old-time apron"

that served so many purposes.

~~~~

author unknown

googleimages.com

Sometimes, life just isn't fair!

googleimages.com

Good Guesses!

Yes, Italy!

Yes, Venice!

and Yes, San Mark's Square! (very good, BPG!)

He's been all over Italy for the last 10 days.

~~Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan~~

13 classmates and his European History teacher and his wife.

They start home today!

Where is Taylor?

Here's my 16 year old ~ in two pictures....

Any guesses as to where in the world he is????

(sorry, Willow, you aren't allowed to guess!)

Pecan Sour Cream Muffins

2 c flour

1 1/4 c sugar

2 t baking powder

1 t baking soda

3/4 t salt

1 t cinnamon

1 c chopped pecans

1 whole egg plus

1 egg yolk

1 c sour cream

6 T butter, melted

2 T milk

1 t vanilla extract

Sift dry ingredients, add pecans, set aside.

Wisk together wet ingredients.

Stir wet and dry together just until combined.

Place in muffin tins.

~~~~

Sprinkle with topping ~

2 T sugar

1/4 t cinnamon

1/2 c chopped pecans

~~~~

Bake at 350 20-25 minutes

or until toothpick comes out with crumbs but not wet.

"Faith is the bird that feels the light

and sings when the dawn is still dark."

~~Tagore~~

googleimages.com

Flag Day ~ Saturday, June 14

June 14th ~ since 1917!

Spinach and Asiago Cheese Chicken Sausages

Spinach and Asiago Cheese Chicken Sausages

Served over Steamed Asparagus and Alfredo Pasta

~~~~

I actually had this on the plates ready to eat in 15 minutes!

The pasta was a Lipton Side package ~ 10 minutes

The asparagus was steamed until tender-crisp.

And the sausages come fully cooked so they went on the

grill until heated through.

Pecan Sourcream Muffins made earlier in the day ~

recipe to come to blogland soon.

Yum!

Storing Asparagus

The best way to store asparagus in your refrigerator

is to trim the ends and put them in a container with

an inch or two of water in the bottom.

They will stay fresh and crisp much longer!

Notice that I don't have a vase of flowers in

my frig! Although it would have made a

pretty picture here! LOL

My Favorite Backyard Spot

The Porch Swing

Some folks might say about our swing,

“It’s just an old and rusting thing,”

but I remember all the ways

that old porch swing would fill our days

~~~~ Upon that swing now hanging still,

moon rising o’er the distant hill,

Mama rested, sipping tea,

and sang sweet lullabies to me

~~~~ With silent rocking dreams were sought

on summer days when it was hot,

games we played while resting there,

chess, and checkers moved on squares

~~~~ Women gathered ‘round the swing,

to share the latest gossiping,

while sewing patches on our jeans,

or maybe popping garden beans

~~~~ Men returning from the field

would wait there for the evening meal,

at end of day, their work complete,

old Rex, our dog, lay at their feet

~~~~ Auntie sometimes shedding tears,

recalling friends lost through the years,

would pass the hours on our porch

swinging gently back and forth

~~~~ We courted on that creaking swing,

first love softly blossoming,

sneaking kisses in the night

veiled in shadows of moonlight

~~~~ Worn and weathered that old seat

has served us well, its use replete,

we now rock babes with curly hair,

soothing them with loving care

~~~~ Remembering yet those days of old

in summer heat or winter cold,

how we chanced to tarry there

making memories we could share.

~~~~

Tammy Hillman

1976

Squeals of Delight

I was sitting at the computer after dinner yesterday

and heard Alex squealing and laughing and dancing

around the family room. He was more animated than

his normal happy self, so I went to see what was so exciting.

Dad was putting up the pool in the backyard!

He watched inside for quite a while and then had

to do outside and serve as the "supervisor"

to the whole project. Alex has always loved water,

even the bathtub. I've read that the pressure it

creates on your body is comforting and an anti-anxiety

to many autistic children. I also read that many

of them are in some kind of constant pain (how sad!)

and that the water is very soothing.

As you can see, he is a very big boy ~ a true lover of

food and a couch potato. Hopefully he'll

burn a few calories while he's out there!

Hurray for summer and swimming pools, Alex!

Auditory Integration Therapy ~ Neat Story!

Our triplet boys have very sensitive hearing, which is quite common

in children with autism. They are nonverbal, sensitive to sounds, and

they have auditory self-stimulation, such as constant humming

and covering their ears. We purchased some simple sound

blocking headsets at Lowes that are made for

construction workers using loud power tools.

The boys just love them and wear them and Alex especially

wears them constantly. But.... it is a quick fix to the sensitivity

and not a solution to the problem as a whole.

Spencer doing his Auditory Integration Therapy session.

Auditory Integration Therapy dates back 4o years ago to a French

ear surgeon, Dr. Alfred Tomatis, who made a series of

groundbreaking discoveries about the role of the ear and

hearing in brain development and organization.

Tomatis is still a well known name in this type of therapy, with

several Tomatis Centers around the country. ~~~~

Since there weren't any centers in our state, we chose an at-home

therapy based on the Tomatis plan. I did a lot of research and ended

up choosing Rocky Mountain Learning Systems out of Colorado.

They have a 10 week program ~ a set of 10 cd's of classical music

laced with different pitches and tones that de-sensitize the hearing.

Using The Listening Program literally exercises and tones tiny muscles

in the ear and helps build stronger multi-sensory pathways in the

brain. The brain receives especially rich auditory stimulation,

and its ability to process sound improves.

And I must tell you that it was expensive and we decided to

forego our Christmas gifts to each other to

get this for the triplets last December.

~~~~

When I called to get the final consultation and order

the set, the lady said that I really should get their headset

with Bone ConductionTechnology along with the cd's to obtain

the maximum benefit for the boys. These are specialized headphones

adding subtle vibration of the skin and skeletal system,

engaging the whole body and brain in the listening process.

This multi-sensory approach accelerates and expands the benefits

of the therapy. It was another $1000 just for the headset!

I kindly explained that it would be financially impossible to do

that and that I would just order the set of 10 cds.

She did encourage me to buy a really high quality

headset then, which I agreed to do.

~~~~

Well, the package came from them in the mail a few days

before Christmas. I hid the unopened box in our bedroom

because the boys will open any shipping box hoping it is

something neat for them! LOL!

I was busy with Christmas preparations and wasn't

going to be able to pour over the material and

start the therapy until the next week.

~~~~

When I finally opened the box, there was a letter on the top

from the lady at the center. She thanked me for my order

and said that the set of cd's and all the necessary materials

were enclosed. She also said that she included the

special Bone Condition headset, considered a permanent loan,

because she was so impressed with our family and couldn't

imagine trying to get therapy for three boys with autism.

I remember just sitting in our living room

frozen with disbelief for quite a few minutes.

I called her and cried and she cried, too!

I called my husband who was really shocked and happy!

And I called Willow who reminded me that there are blessings

to be had by people if they will just step up and take them!

~~~~

I know that God gave that woman a special blessing.

She didn't know us and didn't have to do anything but take my

order! And I know that God was doing just what he says he will do....

"exceedingly abundantly above what we can ask or even imagine"

~~~~

We have completed 2 cycles of the therapy. Very severe cases like

our boys may take many many months. We have seen some

improvements in Spencer with a few more words

and better pronunciation. He rarely

wears his sound blocking headset from Lowes. :)

Alex still is very sensitive and lives in his headset.

Harry constantly hums and covers his ears once in a while.

~~~~

We will continue to do the therapy and thank God for a wonderful

gift from a stranger willing to be used by him.

~~~~

Fun Bird Facts/Quiz Part Two ~ The Answers!

IF YOU WANT TO TAKE THE QUIZ, DON'T LOOK...JUST GO DOWN TO THE YESTERDAY'S ENTRY BELOW. IF YOU ARE READY FOR THE ANSWERS, READ ON!

1.What bird can fly upside down? The beautiful little Hummingbird!

~~~~

2. What bird sometimes swims with it's body underwater? Among birds, the anhinga is the best fresh-water diver.

It goes down quietly and hardly makes a ripple.

It finds its food in the water. It eats insects,

frog eggs, fish and even small alligators.

If an object is too large to be swallowed at once the

bird spears it on his beak. Then he comes to the surface

and flips it off, catches it and lines it up for swallowing.

Penguins swim underwater, too, so if you guessed penguin

I think that is correct, too.

~~~~

3. What bird has very long toes? This bird has several nicknames.

It is called lily trotter, lotus bird, and water walker.

The jacana walks on water lily pads and other

plants that grow in the water. The long toes hold him up,

like snowshoes hold up a person who is walking on soft snow.

These birds can fly but do not do so very often.

~~~~

4. What father bird may carry an egg around on it's feet until it hatches?

The Emperor Penguin!

The male bird takes the egg on his feet,

where he protects it from the cold with a flap of skin.

The female bird goes out to sea to feed and build up

a layer of blubber while the male shuffles

about for two months with the egg.

Of course he cannot get anything to eat,

so he lives on the blubber he has stored up.

When it is very cold the males huddle together,

with the ones on the outside working their

way in to the middle when they get too cold. At the end of two months the eggs hatch and

the mothers come back to take care of their chicks.

~~~~

5. What bird has a good sense of smell? The kiwi is not only different from other birds

in that it has no tail and very little wing,

and it has a good sense of smell.

The kiwi's nostrils are near the tip of its bill,

rather than up near its head. Around the base

of the bill are long thread-like feathers

something like a cat's whiskers. These

help it find its way around in the dark,

as it goes sniffing about for earthworms.

A Special Thank You

Some of you may remember me talking

about my feeling overwhelmed recently

with the care of our autistic triplet boys.

I have an aunt who lives in another state

that sent me the nicest letter this week

after reading that blog entry. She checks

my blog regularly and I was thrilled to get

her kind, encouraging letter in the mail.

I didn't know anyone sent hand written

letters anymore! LOL

She's a teacher and very familiar with

the ins and outs of special education in

a public school setting.

I just wanted to thank her here on my blog

and tell her and all of you what a note of

encouragement can do for a person!

Thanks, Janet!

xxoo

Fun Bird Facts/Quiz Part Two

Kiwi

Hummingbird Jacana Anhinga Emperor Penguin ~~~~ 1. What bird can fly upside down? 2. What bird sometimes swims with its body under water? 3. What bird has very long toes? 4. What kind of father bird may carry an egg around on his feet until it hatches? 5. What bird has a good sense of smell? googleimages.com Answers will be posted tomorrow!

Chunky BBQ Sauce

1/2 package bacon, diced

1 bunch fresh thyme leaves

olive oil

1 onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, chopped

2 c ketchup

1/2 c brown sugar

1/2 c molasses

2 T wine vinegar

1 T dry mustard

1 t cumin

1 t paprika

black pepper

Saute bacon and thyme in olive oil over med. heat.

Add onion and garlic and simmer until tender, not brown.

Add remaining ingredients and simmer on low up to 1 hour.

I tried this sauce recipe a few days ago for BBQ chicken.

It belongs to Tyler Florence on the Food Network.

It was my first recipe using fresh herbs from my garden!

Very different and delicious!

Makes a lot and keeps in the refrig well.