Miller Time

This was my type of weekend.  The weather was perfect and the weekend was relaxing.  I spent a good part of the time reading.  In fact, it was hard to put the book down.  Max spent a bit of time writing on his laptop. 

Rufus doesn't like to be tied up and has figured out if he sits in the RV, he gets to be untied.

Shortly before dark the first night, LL and I took a walk down to the river.

The next morning, Max and I went to the little store that is at our camp.  Next to it is showers, laundry, ice, and this little playground.

In this building there is pool tables, shuffle board, ping pong, book exchange.

Around noon, Kris, Steve, Kara, and Kyle came over to visit.  Kyle, my nephew is visiting from California.

We all walked down to the river.  And boys will be boys, Steve and LL started skipping stones

The Buchheits left after lunch.

Later that afternoon, Max chopped kindling for us, and we spent a quiet evening by the campfire.

The next morning, LL emptied the RV's septic tank, and refilled the water.  Then we cleaned up and got home in the early afternoon.

At some point in the day, I either ate something I am allergic to or ate gluten because I was down for the rest of the afternoon and evening.  This makes me nervous about making it to Max's meeting this afternoon.  But I can only do the best I can.  If I don't eat all day so I can go to the meeting, my brain will be mush and I will be useless when advocating for Max.  So I am going to try a very light lunch and hope for the best.

Week 26, 2011

We had a great weekend at the campsite.  I will post some pictures in next post. 

This week I need to wash the towels and clothes from this last weekend and pack them up for this next weekend.  I also need to get more organized and make sure I pack well for this holiday weekend.  As we have been running low or running out of quite a few things in our RV.  So along with getting ready for the weekend, I have a few commitments for the week.

Today, Monday-LL and I have a meeting for Max at 4:00.  This is about his work and it is time to make some changes.  4:00 is a very tricky time for my "digestion" so I will go early and wait at Mom's. (she lives just around the corner) and make sure I'll be safe before going to the meeting.  If not, I hope LL is not late.

Tuesday-Meeting friends for a visit

Friday-First thing in the morning I have a meeting for my sister Kathy.  Then I will finish getting ready to go to the camp site.

Mixed Bag

Well, so far today has gone up and down.  Got up and after LL went to work, and while getting ready for my meeting, Max comes in saying he feels really sick.  So after making sure Bailey would be around a while this morning.  I leave Max and go to the meeting.

The meeting for Kathy had good results.  The team is right on track to getting Kathy's plan in place by the new funding deadline.  That is if things go perfectly.  But right now I am choosing to be optimistic.  Another meeting is planned for July 1st.  After the meeting, I went and picked up a prescription for LL, ran into Fred Meyers just long enough to get gluten free soy sauce that is not available in my home town, and away back home I went.

Got home just as O.  Max's staff arrived.  Darn it, she was early for once and was hoping if Max was still feeling really bad, I could call to cancel her working today.  So I go in and find, yes indeed he really has some stomach bug and I don't want O. to get it, so I send her home.  Bring Max to my house so I can keep a better eye on him.  I feel so bad for him.  When he gets sick...........He really gets sick:(

The Puppet Master

Over the weekend, Max used his creative genius and made a puppet.  After taking this picture, he added a body with pulleys and made a green screen outfit so he could edit himself out of any movie he will create.

I am hoping Mom and I will go pick up some garden plants at my Aunt Leone's farm today.  With this cold in my chest, it does not take much for me to feel wiped out.  But I am loving this weather and just hoping I start feeling better so I can make use of it.

MOHAWK...........DOWN!

Well Max came home on Wednesday to show off his haircut.  Aunt Karen did a great job and Max is so happy.

Actually, as far as mohawks go, he looks pretty cute.

These things make Max so happy and it is worth just letting him go with it.

Today, I hope to be able to go to my Sister-in-law Debby's house to watch her on Price Is Right.  I am also hoping nothing like the Shuttle pre-empts it.

LL does not have to work tomorrow, but I did not take care of business so that we can go to MILLER'S CROSSing this evening.  Things like making sure Max is taken care of, Gluten free foods prepared, and so on.  So not sure what will happen.

Midweek and Can Post

Our internet connection has been very sketchy the last couple days.  If I am lucky to get a connection, uploading pictures take forever.  But I have been lucky to get on today and hope LL has time to research and we can get a new wi-fi. 

A belated happy birthday to my sis, Karen, who's birthday was on the 22nd and my brother Doug who's birthday was yesterday. 

I spent the day yesterday cooking a turkey, freezing the meat and boiling the carcass for stock.  Trying to keep foods as clean as possible so I am no longer adding bullion cubes to flavor stock, but simmering the stock with added vegetables for hours to concentrate the flavors.  Also finding gluten in the most peculiar places.  A lot of turkeys are injected with stuff that include gluten.  So I bought a turkey that was fresh, with no msg and gluten free.  As usual, I over cooked it.  I don't make turkey often enough to get good at it, but that is about to change because eating lunch meat, even deli meat, does not work with my digestion.  So cooking a 11 or 12 pound bird every few weeks will be my plan.

Bad news for me.  Watching the weather predictions, I have been getting excited and prepared for a beautiful weekend at our camping spot.  Which I am naming MILLERS CROSSing.  Because our spot is on cross road.  But LL came home last night and said there is a good likely hood he will have to work on Saturday.  Grrrrrr.  I said "well that's too bad, Bye Bye!  I am still going"  But because of some work that has to be done on Marlin, me going without LL is not going to happen.   But boy, oh boy, when we get those couple things fixed and I learn how to turn on all the gas, well then Bye bye, will really mean Bye Bye!

I took Max to the doctor yesterday to look at a lump on his wrist.  It ended up needing to be drained.  Max handled having two long needles put in him very well.  He also found out he had lost weight since the last time he was in to see the doctor.  This made him happy, as he has been trying to eat less and exercise more.  Today, O. his staff, will be taking him to the salon so Aunt Karen can give him a mohawk.  He is so excited.  Me.......Not so much.  But it is not a tattoo or piercing so I am letting it go.

Week 17, 2011

Had a nice Easter.  Not a lot to say about this week.  Again, at the mercy of the weather.  But the plan so far is............

Monday, LL has today off and if the weather is dry (wishing) yard work is in order.  My house should look like a home, but is more of a trash can.  So I will get it back in shape.

Tuesday, if "digestion" allows, I am going to see my sister Kathy.

Wednesday, Max is getting his hair cut.  His choice, and I am trying to just go with it.  A Mohawk. I am sure pictures will be following:)

Friday, my sister-in-law, Debby is on Price Is Right.  So if digestion allows, I am going to her house to watch the show.  Watch it if you can.  Debby has one of those personalities that is made for that show and it should be fun.

The weekend, well it is too soon to say because of the weather.  I think from now to Memorial Day weekend, if the weather looks great, on the weekends, we will go to the camping spot.  If the weather is rainy or showery, we will stay home and either work inside or outside between showers.

But, if you want to know what I really will be doing during my days if it is not raining..........
I will be sitting here,

Watching my boys,

And my girls,

My boys watching my girls.........Rufus is eyeing Harriet..........

And Harriet not caring......

Watching the lilacs starting to bloom,

Watching my strawberries growing,

Going into my green house to...........

Watch my snow peas.

My lettuce,

And praying for my spinach

How could anyone be as busy as that:)  Sitting and watching nature happen:) :) :)

Canary in the Cave

I use to be so together.  Organize was my middle name.  Being a mom of someone with Autism, it is not an option to have things disorganized.  If you want to give your child any sort of chance, you need to keep things orderly so they can make sense of life.  This means household uncluttered, things in it's place.  This means things labeled well.  This means routines kept, and schedules made and used. 

Since being sick two years ago, my mind just does not work like it did.  I, myself am disorganized and I can't seem to get back my mojo.  I have designed systems to help, but if you forget to use them, what good is it.  I have taken to carrying a calendar with me, but if you forget to check it or lose track of it, well, again, what good is it.

But I now know my scattered brain is out of hand and I need to get serious.  How do I know this?  Well the canary is telling me so.  Max is very sensitive to chaos and he is having a lot of difficulty with his days lately.  His staff do a good job helping him go about his day, but autism is tricky and making sense out of chaos for a person with autism is not as simple as it is for everyone else.  I know this because for years, this is what I did for a living.  I helped families and schools understand people with Autism and help the child make sense of their environment by creating systems that were predictable.  I know how to do this.  So can you imagine my sadness when my son tells me he is frustrated because he is confused and he needs my help.  I am in tears right now just writing this. 

So I need to prioritize and make sure Max's schedule and needs are set up for the day before I even think of going anywhere or doing anything.  I also need to do a better job with my own scattered brain.  But that may take a miracle.

For today, after I get Max squared away, I am going to make the trip north to Whole Foods.  Really hate making a special trip, but the list is getting long of gluten free and organic foods that I can't get at my local grocer.  Things like pasta, gluten free oats, etc.

Opportunity

Been raining here this afternoon.  Thunder storms.  Along with the storm, laziness rolled in.  I haven't done much today.  But time was not wasted.  Bailey and I took the opportunity to have a nice long mother/daughter conversation.  Sometimes life gets in the way of connections, so it is good to set things aside and share and listen.  I don't do that enough.

Oregon Garden yesterday

Max came in a while ago.  Changes at his work, so he just wanted to talk.  My, must be that kind of day.  He just needed to unload frustrations and fears.  I needed to reassure him, that we all have fears and frustrations and it is always OK to unload.  After all, for me, that is what this blog is all about.

And Kane makes it complete...........He just walked in.  Well better get off this and see if he wants to talk.  He is not much of a talker but one can hope:)

Take A Bite Out Of Life

I have three beautiful kids.  All with very unique personalities that at times frustrates me.  But for the most part, LL and did a good job raising kids that think for themselves.  Even Max with his challenges. 

LL usually says Bailey is just like my sister Kris and his mother Joan.  Bailey is extremely social.  Has never met a stranger and never forgets a face or name.  Sometimes LL says she is just like me.  Usually when she is stubborn, which is most the time.  I think she is a lot like her dad, LL.  She doesn't let an opportunity go by to experience life and be with friends.  She works a lot of hours and has classes that takes up quite a bit of time.  But on a day, like today, when she doesn't have to work or have class, she gets on the phone, finds out which of her friends are available and organizes something fun.  She is on the way to Portland with three other friends to go to the zoo.  Packed her lunch, waited for her boyfriend Rett to pick her up, and away she went.  She doesn't wait for life to come to her, she just takes a bite out of life any chance she gets.

Then there is Kane.  I will admit here, he is more like me than Bailey.  He has a lot of friends, but is content with quiet times.  Doesn't constantly seek social situations.  But he is like his dad in a lot of ways.  This past week, Kane was on a mini tour with his band.  He organized the shows in Washington, where they will stay, etc.  While on tour, he found out that one of the shows at the last minute cancelled.  Well, if it was me, I would have just said "oh well", and did something else with that evening.  He got on his nifty phone with Internet, found a quirky coffee shop looking for bands, sent them a sample of their music, and the coffee shop said come on over and play.  Like his dad, he does not wait for something to fall into place, but makes it happen.  Kane just takes a bite out of life in his own way.

Then there is Max.  As you know, Max has a lot of interests but can only focus on one at a time.  My trait lately.  But he is into writing poetry.  He found out that later this week, at a place in Silverton, they have Open Mike Poetry Reading evening.  So he is on a mission to write a poem to share. (with our approving it).  Can you imagine, a young man with autism, willing to get up and read his own poetry.  This is again traits from dad. 

The other day, a blog I read had a personality test to take.  I took it.  It nailed me.  Wont go into details but the traits it said I had were right on.  But outgoing go getter was not one of them.  Must say here I share the same personality as Mother Teresa.  OK she just did more with it.  But still, my personality isn't a bad one.  Lots of positives.  But making things happen is not one of them.  Glad my kids have a good dose of their dad in them.

Max's Bday

Max's bday cake was made by Karen's friend Anne.  a projector, camera and film. 

He loved it!

His Godparents that hosted the wonderful pizza party for him.

David and Karen

Pretty much all my siblings were there.

Here's Doug and Mom

His Aunt Carolyn

The guys setting up the DVD player to show Max's newest creation.  A western trailer

It was really good.  If you look close on the screen you will see Max with his cowboy hat.

And then it was time to open gifts.

.

A good time was had by all.  So next up is the game coming on soon

Football Lessons Would Be Nice

Yes, I am up in the middle of the night...........again.  I do have hopes of going back to bed though.  Today is the big Super Bowl Sunday.  If I were honest, I am not much of a football fan.  I understand basketball and baseball very well.  I enjoy watching basketball, college is so exciting, but I also love the Blazers.  Baseball, although I understand the game, unless I am watching it live, I get little enjoyment watching a game on TV.  Football is a game I could really get into.  But I don't understand it.  And, have you ever tried to ask a man questions during a game.  Ummm, at least LL doesn't have the patience for it.  I do understand enough to not embarrass myself to bad, I mean, I do know when to cheer "First and Ten, do it again, go over, go over".  And I do cheer it almost every time the cheer is appropriate, which again, tries LL's patience.

So I will attempt if physically up to it, to watch the whole game.  I mean, who doesn't love the commercials?  I also am a Black Eyed Peas fan.  I know.  You didn't think I was the type.  Well I will have you know, I have had one of their Cds on my Christmas list for the last 2 years.  OK, I haven't got a CD yet, but still. I like Fergie and Will.i.am.  So, even if I do not make it through the game, I will definitely make it through half time.  Then there is the food.  Why does food taste better on Super bowl Sunday.  Any food.  We are having Pizza for the pre-game birthday party for Max.  And rumor has it, Karen went all out having a friend make a very special cake for the occasion.  Then later, taco soup, corn bread, nachos, chicken wings, shrimp cocktail and crackers, valentine cookies are all on the menu.  Now this is the problem.  If I have any hope of making it through the day, I should fast.  And since I have lots of "issues" the last few days, I am it lots of pain and definitely could use a day or two relief that might come from fasting.  But, do I have the discipline?  Not likely:(  Well we will see.  I am going to try really hard to make it through Max's celebration though.  No one enjoys his own birthday party like my Maxy.  He is my sweetie.  He's a momma's boy and knows it.  And today, I get extra hugs from him.  What could be better than that. 

So Happy Birthday Max.  I hope to take pictures of our day to post later on.  Wish me luck getting through.  Oh, I will have a good time one way or the other I am sure.

I have been taking care of Max the last couple days.  He has had some kind of bug but I think today he will have staff and go to work later.  Mom was with my sis Kris yesterday, I think it was a rough day for her.  I will be going over to her house as early as I can this morning. 

I have had my own problems the last couple days.  "Digestion" has been bad and in turn, pain has been getting bad.  But I have hope that Max will be better, I will be better, and because I will be gracing Kris with my presence, she will feel better.  No really, she thinks I am wonderful.  OK, maybe not so much, but because we are so close, I think she has no problem resting or being sick around me. 

These pictures are from this weekend at the Oregon Gardens.  I love tree canopies and hope to take a lot of canopy pictures this spring. 

M.I.A.

Over the last few days, I have been missing in action when it comes to my blog.  It isn't that I didn't want to blog, it's that I didn't want to be on the computer at all.  Over the last few days, I put away most of the Christmas decorations, dealt with "digestion" problems, researched my "issues" and diet further, and had a fun day on Monday.  Monday, LL, Max, Bailey, Rett, and I went to Portland.  We went to Pittock Mansion, Powell's Book Store and out to eat.  I have truly found heaven on earth.  It is amazing how all my life, I have never been to the downtown Powell's Book Store.  At one time, I don't know if it still is, it was the worlds largest book store.  It is the size of a city block and several stories high.  You need a map when browsing the store.  Max and I felt like it was the most magical place.  We love book stores, and this is the grand daddy of them all.  I ended up buying two normally very expensive vegetarian cookbooks.  They were used but like new and I got them for $13.00 total.  SCORED!!! 

To rewind back to Christmas day.  I took a lot of pictures before dinner, not so much after because..........well you know.  So I have chose some pictures randomly of the family. 

This is Kris's kids.  Kara, Kyle, and Kelli

I took some single pictures of the three of them.  Here's Kara

Bailey and Grandma Evelyn

Max and his Godparents, Karen and David

Bailey and Rett

Here we are waiting to do the gift exchange.  Notice I brought Beau to my sis's house and he wore the antlers most of the day.  What a good boy.  Todie also wore her dress all day.  Strange dogs aren't they?  After that, well I really had "issues" so my celebrating was done.

Today, I am going to Mom's to help put some decorations away.  I am going to try a new recipe from my new cookbook for dinner.  Lentil Roast.  It's like a vegetarian meatloaf.  It looks good.  We'll see.  If not, the chickens will love it I am sure.

Dapper Dan.........Max

My husband and I have raised three free thinking, independent, spirited kids..........On purpose.  There were times when the kids were growing up, I wanted to rethink our parenting style and use the old style.......Kids should be seen and not heard.  But now that they are all grown, I enjoy my kids uniqueness.  For those who don't know Max personally, or have not met him in my blog, I will give a brief recap.  Max is 22 yrs old.  He lives in our little cottage house next door to us.  He works 4 days a week, 7 to 9 hrs a day for a training center for people with special needs.  He works as a janitor.  Max has autism.  He has a person come to his house for a few hours a day, 6 days a week.  His goal is to be someday independent. 

Max has his moods.  Sometimes he can be a bit grumpy.  Other times, he is very charming.  So charming that I sometimes think he is channeling his grandpa Artie.  My dad always made all girls feel lovely and treated them respectful.  I still miss him.  Well Max came in yesterday around 10:00 am looking quite dapper.

He was getting ready for the training centers Christmas party.  I asked what time it started.  He said 11:00 and Andrew was picking him up.  Well he must have been looking forward to it being ready an hour ahead of time.

Isn't he handsome.

I did the customary Mom Speech about how to be a gentleman and I hoped he had fun.

A few hours later, he came in the house with a bouquet of flowers.  Well part of a bouquet.  He hands it to me.  I ask "where did these come from?"  He said he bought them.

"What did you do that for?" I ask.  He said he gave a flower to each one of the girls at the party.

Charming.  Just Charming!