An Annual Event

The end of graduation season is upon us, which means heading to the college to search for loose change...

I can't say exactly how much the final total was but I know it was another successful trip. Sam was happy. And so was I.

A Walk in the Woods

In what seems like forever, Sam and I finally went for a walk at the town forest. For most of last year, every time we attempted it, it was at best a frustrating experience. Between the humidity and the frequent rain (which I guess qualifies as 'humidity'), it was pretty much a bug infested swamp - except without the swamp part. 

Anyway, while the air was still semi-cool and semi-semi-dry, we figured we better take advantage of the opportunity.If this summer is anything like last, it may be awhile before we're back.

 

Surprise Package

One of our many (many) routines is that on (pretty much every) Friday evening, Sam and I head to the grocery store where, 1) We buy a few groceries, 2) Sam picks out something for Friday night dinner (usually a fish sandwich or a slice of pizza or the like), and 3) Sam picks out something for his weekend breakfast (usually something like frozen waffles or pancakes). 

Of the above items, number one is by far the least important (which is fine since we'll be back again on Saturday). Numbers two and three are much more critical- not only because Sam looks forward to them but also because it gives me a reprieve from having to come up with meal ideas.

When it comes to breakfast, Sam has a favorite syrup. Unfortunately, I think the manufacturer is phasing out this particular type. I haven't been able to find it on the  shelves of any of our local supermarkets.*

Fortunately, I'm a food hoarder so I have a couple of bottles in reserve in my basement (referred to as "the bomb shelter" by Jake's friends).

Unfortunately, having only a couple of bottles won't last us all that long.

So, in order to forestall the inevitable, I began looking around online. 

Fortunately (again), I found some - and at a pretty decent price. ..

Twelve bottles is a lot to store but this was an almost life-or-death situation. So I placed the order and went on to other less critical things.

A couple of days later, the package arrived - a very 'lite' package - in more ways than one.

I contacted the seller who blamed the incorrect listing on Amazon. The seller refunded most (but not quite all) of my money. Not, for some reason, the mount of shipping or maybe the value of the one bottle (who knows?).

Recently, I looked back online and I see the listing is still incorrect - and now the price is up to $40.72! I also see that many of the recent comments are complaining about the same thing (ordering twelve and receiving only one). I put in a complaint to Amazon. 

We'll see what  happens (my money, like usual, is on 'nothing').

*Late update: Helaina found some at a grocery store several towns over. (No, I didn't send her out on a mission. She was heading there anyway.) I had her pick up several bottles. Hopefully this will last until the manufacturer comes to their senses.

Canal View

With the arrival of Spring (finally), Sam and I made it on a walk to the far side of the iron bridge. First time this year. 

One of our many "favorite" views...

Welcome Back

 It's nice to see the springtime return of an old friend...

Planting Flowers

I think a lot about how far Sam has come over the years. 

In what seems like not too many years ago, it was tough to get Sam to leave the house. Language was difficult - it was hard for him to understand and it was hard for him to find words; it was hard to keep up. 

The world moved too fast. 

There were uncomfortable smells. Textures were difficult. Few things in the outside world were (and are) predictable. The world felt unsafe and hard to deal with.

All of these challenges still exist to different degrees (and likely always will), but he's come a long way.

I think about this often. I especially think about this when he's doing something like participating in a planting activity with one of his support groups, surrounded by people he's not super familiar with, with his hands in the dirt, planting flowers - and being proud of it. 

This would have been unthinkable not too many years ago.