Mountains, Snow, Celtic Music

Last year – as in prior years – David asked to go to the mountains in the snow. (Mom thinks the minimum temperature should be about 75 degrees and she does not come with us.) He even made a special mix tape for the mountains!

When we found a suitable weekend, we booked a cabin for a night, got the extra clothes we needed, rented a car (my truck is the only viable vehicle for that weather and the boys don’t fit it the back anymore), packed it up, picked up the boys and off we went. We had to go in the “back” way because of construction.

We hit a “good” weekend – by good, I mean: there was plenty of snow but it had warmed up a bit and the wind was minimal and the roads were pretty much clear. Daytime temperatures were above freezing. We managed to find a cool place to slide down the hill away from the skiers (our GPS recognizes it as a “favorite” now) and had a pretty good day. We went out to dinner but all the places are crowded at Big Bear; we managed Mikey as best we could. Fortunately, we were in a corner were a) it was easier to contain him and b) he couldn’t reach anyone.

The next morning, however, Mikey was ready, after the briefest of times in the snow, to go home and David wanted to stay longer. We opted to pack up and stop at the local zoo. The zoo, like most zoos for no reason I have been able to determine, is on a hillside. Well. The previously-defined “good” weather had an adverse impact on us: the hilly walkways had patches of ice.

First, Mikey charged off in his fashion. I hollered, “Slow down, Mikey!” but it was too late – he slid and fell and started to cry. David, who went slower, still fell. Both boys, a couple of times.

Then at one point when I (I grew up in Western Pennsylvania and seem to be overall a bit more sure footed) was trying to keep up with Mikey while not losing David, there was this incredibly loud yell. Grandpa had slipped and was on his back. His vocalization drew a crowd, but he was more-or-less OK (bruises but no breaks).

We opted to leave at that point. The post-mortem was that the boys decided they did NOT want to go back to the mountains in the snow.

Well, like the faded memories of childbirth, those memories are far-enough faded that David is once again requesting a trip to the snow. However, Grandpa’s job is in flux and we don’t know yet what Life will look like after the holidays. So David has been talking with the assumption that this trip WILL happen.

The other day, I took him to karate. On the way, he started talking about this year’s mix tape for the mountains.

“David,” I said, “Grandpa may be getting a new job. I don’t know if we will be able to make the trip or not.”

“Then I have wasted the CD mix,” he wailed in his usual dramatic overstatement of the issue.

“David, we *might* be able to go; I just can’t promise it right now. And your mix is not a loss; at worst, you can use it another year.”

He went on a bit about it but eventually settled down.

This morning, I received this email. Please note: This was not prompted or requested in any way. Everything that follows is pure David. You will get a sense of how intelligent he is (and how single minded):

________________________________________________________________________________

PLEASE NOTE: These mixtapes are for travel use only. they are meant to be ambiance for the mountains.
Note that almost every mixtape starts off with a sample of Warez's "Salt For Wounds". it is normal to hear this track, and does not count as an official "track".

Also, if switching artist genres, a modified sample of Warez's "Sanctuary" will be played. It also does not count as an official track.

Do not worry about Audio Effects. sometimes, they are useful, like in "En Filant Ma Quenoullie", when there is a silence at one point, an echo will be played.

The main genre is Celtic, but sometimes, Country will be present. Occasionally, Techno will be presented from electronic music brand Moodgadget (2004-2009), Which might also have it's own discs.

Signed,
  David.

David / Math Status

Something wonderful is happening in the Algebra II / with Trig course - David is starting to get it much better than before.

As not only his teacher, but his accommodation, I have done more hand holding than ALEKS recommended. This was done deliberately - and with the knowledge that it would have to change. This year, as David is coming up on times when he will have to test independently for various things, I have been using some of the ALEKS features - mostly quizzes but also Worksheets - to get him to do the math without the "crutch" of either Grandma or the online ALEKS environment. And I told him he would have to do his Assessments all on his own - no Grandma to interrupt with comments like, "Watch the signs!" or "you remember, we did that kind of problem - here is an example" during it.

His first Assessment result was --- less than stellar. He "lost" most of the pie pieces he'd earned since the last assessment. (David tends to rush through things and either skips problems or makes careless errors.) His quizzes were a tad bit better; I also have started giving "timed" quizzes - 5-10 quick problems with a 10 minute limit. The first of those he panicked about and did not do well.

"David," I admonished, "the purpose of the timed quizzes is to get you used to doing them and NOT worrying about the time. Next time, please take the time you need to do the problems RIGHT, and don't worry if you don't finish them all. These are just there to help you learn to take the tests."

I like ALEKS but in my book it does not really "force" the kids to understand the topic - it lets them learn the "pattern" of how to do it - for those of you who have gone through calculus, think of learning how to differentiate a function mechanically without understanding what's going on - so I have been stopping the online lessons, moving to the white board, and taking the time to help him understand what's happening (at least, I hope that's what I'm doing ...).

Over the past month or so,  he has improved immensely. His last three timed quizzes (10 problems) he has gotten 90%, 100% and 90%; his last "recent knowledge" quiz he got an 88%. In the past he was averaging a "D."

But better yet - he did his last Assessment this morning. As of his prior assessment, he had 77 pie pieces. During the Assessment - I was sitting nearby - I heard him talking to the work, and occassionally saying, "No, no, no .. it's NEGATIVE" and equivalent remarks.

Right before the Assessment started, he had 97 pie pieces. After the Assessment? he had 97 pie pieces!!! When  I looked at the detail, he had "lost" one piece on a section he'd covered - and gained one piece of something we have not "had" yet!! This is the first time he hasn't lost at least 1/4 of the pieces he'd earned during the learning sessions.

Wow!

Autism and love

"Don’t push, Mikey – Grandma will fall down the stairs. Do you want Grandma to fall down the stairs?”

“Yes!” he responds.

I should not have asked the question. It put the idea of falling down the stairs into his head. I don’t think it was a desire to hurt me: It was more his insatiable curiosity about The World and wanting to know how things work. He was having Yet Another Tantrum at bath time. These started a few weeks ago, and now – curses! – they seem to be part of his “routine.” We are working on breaking the routine.

Mikey is a mystery wrapped in an enigma. He is autistic. He is *very* intelligent. He – as all children do – has learned what it behooves him to learn, at least as far as he is able. Autism is a neurological disorder. They even know some of the parts of the brain that are affected. They don’t know what causes it. They know that, if you have a child with autism, and have another child, that child is likely to be “on the spectrum.” So genetics do play a role. Mikey is one of a pair of identical twins – and his brother David is high functioning.

There is no blood or other chemical test for autism. It is diagnosed behaviorally – and that is why someone can be on the “autism spectrum.” It includes a lack of social interaction and a lack of the ability to “read” other people. Autistic people have to be taught to recognize things that neuro-typical (NT) people “pick up” – like emotions, irony, and those indirect, kind things people say that mean “bug off” or “don’t call me.”

Treatment is behavioral. That is, they use a reward and withhold-reward system, rigorously repetitive, designed to get them to the highest possible level of communication (many autistics never talk, read or write) and to get the behaviors to a more socially acceptable level. There are attempts to “teach” emotions and recognition of emotions and things of that ilk.

Does Mikey love us? I am not sure. He trusts us. He knows he is “safe” with us. If you read the blog about camp, you know that Mom and I were nearly hysterical worrying about his being in a strange new environment for the first time. Mikey was not. I think he would have stayed forever, or at least until something did not go enough his way. (His camp counselor, Spencer, told him he had to stay in bed until 7 am and he did.)

Mikey very seldom acknowledges anything you do for him. On those rare occasions when he says, “Thank you” or some equivalent, we are astounded and elated. But they are rare. While most relationships have a coinage, even if unspoken (I do this for you; you do this for me – if there were not some exchange of giving, the relationship would not exist), what we do for Mikey is done with almost no “return.” We feel for him. He does not feel for us.

What Am I?

My grandson, David, declared that I am "neutral good" most of the time; but when I am his math teacher, I am "lawful evil." Just thought you would want to know.

Hidden Mickeys

Those of you familiar with Disneyland (or other Disney theme parks) are already familiar with "hidden Mickeys" - three-circle mouse-face icons that can be found if you look for them at the parks.
A couple of weeks ago, I made chocolate chip cookies. After lunch, each of the boys got 4 cookies. Mikey ate one, then paused. He looked at the three remaining cookies on his plate, and arranged them in the iconic Mikey shape.
"Hidden Mikey," he announced, them proceeded to finish off his cookies.

Mikey at Camp: Redux

Well, if anyone was wondering: Did Mikey enjoy camp:

On Saturday, we had the boys over "as usual." The day went fine. At the end of the day, after Grandpa helped him shave and he was prepped for his shower, he had a total meltdown. "Camp." "Camp!"  "CAMP! CAMP! CAMP!"

He wanted, he demanded, to go back to camp. It took us 15 minutes to get him calm. We tried to equate camp with "birthday" and "Christmas" which he understands happens once a year. He did sleep the night; was fine Sunday; and went back to school this morning.

Mikey at Camp: Part VII - The Journey Home

This is it - Mikey and I travel home today. I'm trying to stay calm. Thunderstorms have delayed flights - "our" flight, yesterday, took off 3 hours late. There are continuing delays at DEN. Frontier cancelled flights due to hail damage. Today's forecast is for afternoon possible thunderstorms - mornings are much drier. Assuming we do camp next year, I am planning to schedule the 1 pm flight (if the flights stay the same). We'll miss the "awards" and slideshow, but we'll be more likely to get home. I have reserved a room at an airport hotel "just in case." It's sunny now - the pattern is AFTERNOON showers. Wish I'd found that out sooner. Stay tuned ....

Addendum #1 - We made it more or less on time. Will update blog early in the week with the details. Summary: Mikey did extraordinarily well, considering what all he had to deal with. Week at camp was a big success too!

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SO I drove to camp and parked - got there about 9:30 (a bit early) and started to walk up the hill. And there were Mikey and Spenser! Got a hug and Mikey said, "Can I go home, please?"

I said, "Not yet. We have to get luggage."

I had to repack a bit - the sleeping bag was not in a suitcase - and the laundry was wet as well. (I had sent plastic trash bags, in anticipation; but obviously wasn't clear in my instructions as to what I wanted.) I hooked up with Amy, who had the "stories" to go with the trip home and the *gasp* possible delay. They started some of the closing activity - it was loud, group activities - sing along kinds of things. Mikey wasn't having any - Spenser volunteered to take him for a walk. Long story short: Although I appreciate what they are doing, I don't think I'll stay for the "show" next year. For a number of reasons.

Spenser helped us get to the car, and put the luggage in, and we got Mikey loaded up. I gave him the Going-Home-Steps story. He barely glanced at it; I picked it up periodically and checked things off. I had researched the rental car return location and found a place to get gas. We stopped for gas; then he wanted KFC for lunch again. We did that. And he wanted "airport." It was so early!

I curb-checked the luggage, again; and got instructions on getting to security. Security took a little while, and (lucky me) I got dinged for the "random search of baggage." They wanted to pull me aside, and I said, "This child is autistic and he is coming with me." The guy sized up the situation and said, "How about if I just take your laptop?" He had it back before I had finished getting everything together.

Of course, Mikey wanted the airplane right away. I had to explain - again - "Airplane at 4:30." This was really hard for him. Fortunately DIA has wi-fi, and he occupied himself with YouTube - for about 20 minutes. THEN he wanted airplane again. I got him up and told him we would get ice cream - I got him some ice cream. That took another 10-15 minutes. I took him to the bathroom (family) - He started to scream. I was afraid someone would send security in - but they didn't. Got him calmed. Talked about 4:30 again. Gave him second clonodine.  Left bathroom.

We walked around. DIA has a couple of levels, connected with escalators. We went up; walked around; went down; then went down to the lower level, just past our gate. It was almost empty down there - I got him back on the computer. I also tried some of the toys I'd brought - coloring book & crayons - no; dinosaur book - a little. He didn't want to watch the DVD. BUT - the plastic dinosaur pieces did engage him. He played with them for a while (I got online; and, thank GOD - the weather improved! The expected thundershowers were now expected at 8 pm - long after we should be taking off.)

Mikey got "done" with the dinosaurs, and wanted the computer again. I gave it to him. I bit later, he wanted up again. We went up one level, and he plopped down, right across from the gate. He stayed on the computer for quite some time - I even got a family to watch him for a sec while I checked on the flight - it was going to be about 20 minutes late; when I checked, they said the craft was 5 minutes from landing.

I got Mikey, took him over to the Schlotzky's Deli stand, and ordered a sandwich for him We went back to the gate. We passed the window, and I said, "Mikey - there is our plane!"

He was going to stand; I said, "Mikey, see those people? They are coming off the plane. We can't get on until they get off. Would you like to sit down?" He did!

A short while later, we got on the plane (no upgrade this time). He got on and sat and ate half his sandwich. We had the usual anxious-to-get-going but nothing extraordinary. BUT - about half-way through the flight, he started to get antzy. Finally he asked for the bathroom - just as we got up, a woman with a small girl beat us to the one toilet. We went back - Mikey tried to get in the door and I had to stop him.

In the last row of the plane, there was a young girl (10-12) sitting alone; Mikey asked to sit. I said OK. Then he said, "Seat Belt."

"Ok, Mikey, but you'll have to take it off again in a second."

Then he said, "Grandma to seat," and he groped for the little girl - I had to grab him and hold his hands.

Finally, the woman finished; and Mikey went in. He stayed in a long time. I finally opened the door (Mikey doesn't know how to lock the airline lavatory door) and - OMG he was naked. I said in a heavy whisper, "Mikey, put your clothes on!" He did and we went back to our seats.

He was pretty good the rest of the flight, with the expected antzy-ness near the end.

However - I had asked Grandpa  to be there IN the luggage area, and he forgot. The luggage took a long time to get down. Mikey was getting harder and harder to handle. I finally spent the $5 on a luggage cart and had him push THAT around with me until the luggage came - it and Grandpa arrived at the same time.

"Where did you park?"
"I got a good spot, 2 rows back just across the street."
"Good. You take Mikey and load the car, and I'm going to the bathroom!!!!!!!"

Anyhow, it was smooth sailing from there.

Mikey at Camp: Part VI: Still good!

I slept the whole night - and no calls from camp. Wow. This is great.

I'm going to call up there today and ask them to go over the schedule with Mikey, and remind him that tomorrow is the day to go home. I'm also going to ask if I'm supposed to be there for the activity labeled, "Pack Up."

I am a tad apprehensive about tomorrow, because of the timing. The outbound flights that were available were at 1 pm and 4:20 pm, so I picked 4:20 pm. This will certainly allow us all the time we need to return the rental car, get lunch, etc.; however, it means we'll be flying late in the day. After some long, and not-very-much-fun, stuff. So today, I'll spend a little time putting together a suggested "story" and email it to camp, after I talk to them.

I'm also headed to Walmart today, to pick up some snacks and maybe find something "interesting" to occupy Mikey - maybe a new video or something like that. Also, I have a nose bleed and am going to pick up some Afrin and extra sudafed.

Wish us luck!

Addendum @ 9:13 a.m. - Spoke with Amy - Mikey has been sleeping just fine and is doing well...
Addendum @ 11:46 a.m. - Went to the nearest "full" shopping area (22 miles away) and got for the return trip: snacks, a DVD, some Things I Hope Will Engage Mikey. Will concentrate on packing up today - have to organize it all now for what gets checked and what goes on-board. 

Mikey at Camp: Part V - Two More Nights to Go!

Well, it's Wednesday. Mikey has been at camp since Sunday evening.

There was really loud thunder and lightening yesterday evening - but most of the late afternoon was dry after the earlier rain. I hope Mikey was able to go back outside.

I've written out a 2 page "checklist" of the steps to get home, and am hoping I can get it printed somewhere. If not, I'll write it out. It ends with a picture of "Mama's House" from Google Maps.

I did wake up once - but not from dreaming about a call. Hot flash. Went right back to sleep after.

There is a train and mine tour close by - If it's still quiet by mid-morning, I may go take it ....
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I called camp again this morning. Mikey is doing "Just Fine." I know he's swimming - with other kids - and I think he's ziplining as well. Not sure about the horses. I sure hope he wants to go home at the end of the week, and doesn't ask for camp again next week!

Well, I did go take the train. This is silver mining country. The train starts at 8600 feet and goes over a several-hundred-feet-high bridge, and gets you up to 9000+ feet to the other station. On the way back, I stopped for the mine tour - they actually take you back into the mine several hundred feet. The worst of it was getting back up to the train depot. A slightly steep, not too long hill - by my usual elevation is a couple of hundred feet ...

On the way back, I stopped at the tea room and had tea. Yummy meat pie with the flakiest crust I've ever seen; some deviled eggs; a scone with lemon curd and cream; and a cookie. And the best tea - I did buy some to bring home.

So Grandma got some really nice "me" time today, and I wasn't at all anxious. Tomorrow, the Hotel de Paris, built by a French chef (among other talents), and now a museum, is celebrating Bastille Day between 4-6 p.m. If all continues to go well, that's where I'll be.

And all quiet on the camp front! It's almost 5 p.m. Dark clouds are starting to roll in, but it's been pleasant and sunny, with high fluffy clouds, all day.

I can print the new checklist on the computer here at the hotel, for a quarter a page.

Everyone keep praying and/or crossing body parts - we're doing well here.

Mikey at Camp: Part IV - Doing Well!

I spoke to camp today. Mikey is doing fine. He has had a few melt-downs, but they were controlled in short order. His major one was at the pool yesterday - they got to the pool JUST as the thunder and lightning started, and they had to not let him in. (I told them to give him a note that says, "Rain means get out of pool.") At any rate, there seems to be nothing they can't handle. (I called Mom with the update.)

They have had to remind him to keep his hands to himself - actually, what they told me was, if he starts to touch someone - there are girls at camp too - all they have to do is say, "Mi-key!" and he pulls back his hands and says, "Keep your hands to yourself!"

I Feel Much Better Now.

Mikey at Camp: Part III - 12:41 a.m.

Well, I woke up again - and again thought I heard something buzz. Hm. Wonder if something *is* buzzing near here.

Today's update: No news is good news!  Although I wish camp would email *something.* Mikey is probably having a good time but Mom and I REALLY WANT TO KNOW.

Mikey at Camp: Part II - 12:14 a.m.

Three buzzes ... I jump out of bed and grab the phone. It's 12:14 a.m. There is NOTHING on the phone - no text, no missed call, no VM. I must've dreamed it ... it's happened before, when travelling for work. I'll "dream" the alarm went off and jump up and ... it's the middle of the night ...  I checked the alarm clock, too - nope; not set and not turned on.

Mikey must have made it through the night, perhaps better than I did. I had trouble getting to sleep; trouble falling asleep; and trouble staying asleep. I woke up at 5:43 a.m. today. (Hopefully, for Spenser's sake, Mikey stayed in bed a bit longer.) I had a bit of a headache last night - my guess is another one will return today from lack of sleep. I am going to email the camp director and request an update on Mikey and how he did. And drink lots of water, after my coffee.

As for myself, I am going to explore Historic Georgetown Colorado on foot later today. (I have a little bit of work to do on the computer this morning.)I'm staying at the edge of town, on 11th street, and town goes to (maybe) 1st street. I drove through yesterday, and it's filled with parks, small museums, gorgeous architecture, restaurants of all kind, antique stores and tchotchke shops.(Cell phone in hand, of course.) It's close enough to get back here quickly and the camp is 4 miles up the road. [Don't worry, Hubby, I don't have room to bring much of anything back.]

I had a terrific dinner, modestly priced, at an establishment known as the Euro Grill - for food think, German/Czech/Polish. I had Hungarian Goulash. They have duck on the menu. And red cabbage. Yum.

Mikey at Camp: Part I - Exhausted ...

Usually I write about the boys directly. Today, I am writing about me more than about them.

Today, I took Mikey to an Easter Seals camp for autistic kids. This has been in the planning stages for quite a while. Mom and I have worked on getting together appropriate camp “things” – this is CABIN camping, not wilderness camping – and I have been working on social stories “How to Swim”; “How to Brush Your Teeth”; etc.

A week ago, we told Mikey about camp – actually, although we’d kept mum, he somehow figured it out already (did I tell you he was bright?). I gave him one social story last week, that summarized how the trip would go. I made several more detailed, individual stories to focus on specific things.

Yesterday, we had both boys at our house. It was a slightly off-kilter day, since we were dealing with all the last minute packing. Marc took David home, and I went over ALL the social stories with Mikey. Mikey slept at our house; although he asked to go to bed at the “usual” time (for him), he didn’t go to sleep until after 10:00 p.m.

Mikey was first up this morning – before 6 a.m. by just a little. We had to get up anyhow; Grandpa showered and I gave Mikey his “first” breakfast – Gorilla Crunch Munch with milk (a couple of bowls) and fried eggs. He found .” the home-made biscotti Mom sent and ate one. We packed up the car and drove to the airport.

When we passed Long Beach Airport on the way to LAX, Mikey said, “Airport.” We explained we were going to a different airport and he was OK with that. We are travelling on American Airlines – I have Platinum status from business travel – and, although we were travelling on a regional jet, I managed to snag two first-class upgrades for the outbound flight (am keeping various body parts crossed in hope that luck repeats on the return).

We got a notice with our boarding passes that they are doing construction at T4 and that PriorityAAccess was moved – the airport was its usual crowded, and we got to the right area – very well marked – pretty well. I curb checked the three bags – a small one for me, a bigger one for Mikey, and one for camping gear (sleeping bag, sheets, towels, etc.). Mikey has a large canvas bag, for stuffed animals; I had my Disney purse and my roller on. I had his Gameboy (which he did not use) and a DVD player, which we bought yesterday. We showed him how to use it; Mom made a copy of his favorite Little Bear tape and Grandma brought Lion King which has an activities disc with it.

Security – TSA was extraordinarily nice! One agent pushed our bags though for us and the one at the screening gate kinda held on to him – I sent him first – and got us through quickly. Mikey behaved while I bought us a bottle of water and then made a separate stop for gum (to make sure I had small bills).

We had to take a shuttle to the regional carrier terminal – this was NOT something we had planned, but he followed directions. Other than trying to go through things before agents OK them, he was good. I have to pause and say our timing overall was very good – the waits we had were pretty short.

In the terminal, Mikey started to get antsy about getting on the plane. I managed to calm him, and a very nice young military man in fatigues helped us as well. They called boarding. We got on the plane. He wanted to go right away, but I wrote out a checklist for the flight – wait for people to board, wait for the door to close, etc. I gave him the other two biscotti from Mom. The RJs have 3 rows of first class, 1-by-2 seats. (Originally they had me in a 1 and Mikey in the aisle of a 2; I changed that so we sat together, and put him at the window.) We finally took off. Mikey asked for the DVD player; I told him he had to wait. When it was safe, I gave it to him and he watched Little Bear for a while. The flight attendant brought juice for us. And asked about breakfast. (I had not had breakfast; I had gotten coffee.) This was fine but the service was front-to-back  she did juice and coffee first, then breakfast trays. Mikey kept asking for “breakfast please.” I had to work on him a bit to keep him calm.

Eventually he got his breakfast – a bowl of Special K with 2% milk; “YUM,” he said. A blueberry yoghurt. A banana. A bowl of strawberries and blueberries. And a banana muffin. He at his, along with my youghurt and banana muffin.

He then wanted the plane to land – we were 30-40 minutes out, I’m guessing. I countered with a bathroom break and took him to the back of the plane – there is no loo in First on a Regional Jet. He went, I took him back to his seat, told him to sit and told him Grandma needed to go. He actually sat, by himself, until I came back.

We spent the last half hour talking about landing in Denver. That was pretty dicey. I had prepped him that once we landed, we taxied, then waited for the gate/door to open; he seemed to be OK once we were on the ground. Right before we landed, the man across from me said, “He has very good communication skills.” (!!!) We talked a bit about autism and types. I guess we are lucky – some autistic kids never talk at all. He also commented on how stressful this must be for me. What a nice man!

We went to get the luggage and again, we had to take the airport shuttle to get to baggage claim – something that was not in the story – but he was OK. We had to wait a bit for baggage to come down. I have him a cheese-filled cracker and a granola bar. THEN came the hard part – 4 bags (with my carry on), my purse and the big canvas bag with stuffed animals. I got Mikey to manage 2 of the bags. The bag with the camping gear will be history after this trip – it’s handle broke.

We got to Island 4 and – luck was with us – the rental car bus pulled RIGHT up. The driver was extremely nice – and he put all the bags in. We made one other stop and Mikey tried to get off the bus; I just had to tell him, “Not yet.” We had picked up a full bus load of people and I thought it was going to be awful – I have to say, Enterprise had a fully-manned counter and were signaling people to come and get cars. Our agent, Chris, walked us to our car and loaded the luggage; went over the car and the contract; asked where I was going and provided directions – he was great. I asked him where we could go for lunch and he gave us a terrific suggestion on where to get off – right before hitting the I-70. The lady at the gate as we left double-checked on if we needed anything and asked if customer service had been good – I told her it was OUTSTANDING.

I then asked Mikey if he wanted lunch (silly me); he said, “YES!” so we took Chris’ suggestion and ended up at KFC where Mikey ate 2 pieces of chicken, a bowl of mac’n’cheese, lemonade and 3 cookies. We got in the car, and I reminded him, “One hour to camp.”

The trip for the most part went well. The camp is at 8000 feet – Denver is at a mile – so we had to climb into the mountains. At the first sight of lots of trees, Mikey wanted to go camping “in the forest” immediately. I convinced him we had a while to go to get to camp. However, about 15-20 minutes out he started getting antsy. He had a couple of outbursts – I got them under control – and had him start noticing the signs. We needed Exit 234 and we were at something like 249. I kept pointing them out. At one point he yelled, “Exit 234 please!!”

We finally got to 234. Oh. Mountains outside of Denver are REALLY BIG IN THE SUMMER. The East-bound I70 was CRAWLING. Each of the exits was staffed with peace officers directing traffic – I had to wait and then I turned the wrong way and had to turn around. OK – then I got to where the GPS said the camp was – and it WASN’T – I mistakenly started up a dirt road. I had to back down (one-car-width) and Mikey started screaming, “No camp! No camp!”

I got him somewhat calm, and asked a women – who’s job on the roadside appeared to be answering questions and directing traffic – where the Easter Seals camp was and she said, “Oh, down the road.” So we went but Mikey was still fussy – it was a couple of miles yet.

FINALLY – we saw the sign and I turned in. We drove a short bit, and a person with a clipboard met us. “Camp Horizon?” I queried.

He said, “Yes, and what is the name of your camper?”

“Michael Garcia,” I responded.

The young man said, “Yes, here he is. His counselor’s name is Spenser. Drive down here [to the left] and park and he’ll come meet you and walk you through registration.”

I barely parked when Spenser showed up. He is terrific! He immediately worked on herding Mikey. There was a child crying up at registration, and the child sounded like a baby. It’s one of the things I neglected to tell Easter Seals in advance – that Mikey has a hard time with crying babies. Spenser immediately suggested we wait a bit until, “the situation is under control.”

Spenser had read the 2-page document we put together that talked about Mikey’s issues and how to deal with them; he and I discussed them a bit more. “What do you do to help him calm down?” Spenser asked.

I thought a moment. “Opera,” I said, “Opera and symphony.”

“Great,” he said, “I love symphony. I’ll just pop in some Beethoven!”

We walked a wee bit – to keep Mikey happy – and when the crying stopped, we went to Registration. EVERYONE IS TERRIFIC HERE. The ladies at the desk took our info (and our check) and Spenser managed Mikey. I had to see the nurse, give her his meds, and we had a short discussion about Mikey. She double checked things like diet and made sure he didn’t have seizures, etc.

Spenser took Mikey to his room. I joined them. One of the things I have been telling Mikey is “ … and you will stay with Spenser; Grandma will not be here.” (Mikey has never spent any time overnight other than home and our house.) We unpacked. I gave Spenser the extra snacks for Mikey (if you read the earlier part of this you know why!) At any rate, Mikey was still antsy at this point, and I said, “I’m just going to make up his bed and you guys can go. Mikey, remember, Grandma will not be here tonight!”

“GOOD BYE, GRANDMA!” Mikey said, and started to take off with Spenser.

My parting words, yelled down the hall as they set of on a hike, were, “… and LISTEN to Spenser!”

A woman came into the room to return Mikey’s medical card (they made a copy) and I said, “I was going to make up his bed, but I brought twin-sized sheets.”

“Don’t worry about it,” she said, “We have extra sheets. We’ll take care of it.”

“We’ll take care of it.” In all of Bobbie’s dealings with Regional Center and school, no one has EVER said those words, I’ll wager. And if they did, I don’t think she would have the confidence in the statement that I had in this one. On the way out, one of the staff said, “Now you go an explore Colorado a bit. Don’t sit around worrying.”

I gave her a big hug – or maybe I took a big hug from her for me. I almost cried …

I am exhausted and drained in a way I have never been before. I drove the 4 miles to my hotel – and my voice was so monotonic at the desk. I came to my room and collapsed on the bed, but then I couldn’t rest. So I unpacked. And went and asked about a grocery store. And took a drive through Historic Georgetown. And got groceries. And came back here.

I am starting to feel less exhausted, but I probably will be on alert until late tonight. IF “we” get through the night, I might actually relax a little... 

Mikey the Mad Scientist

So the boys were over, as usual. And there was a brief time while Grandpa, David and I were all upstairs. Grandpa went downstairs and discovered the Mad Scientist at work. He called, "Grandma, come down here now!"

So I put on my shoes (you never know) and went down. There was Mikey, trying to turn on my KitchenAid mixer. In the bowl, he had sugar and several spices. Yup, corrupted by (I think) Playhouse Disney online, he was trying to make - A GIRL!

For those of you who don't remember: Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice...

Mikey also said, "Boys like mud," which Grandma immediately corrected.

"Not all boys!" [and certainly NOT Grandpa, which any of you who know him already know], "AND some girls do!" [which you also know if you've ever seen my in my garden :-]

Philadelphia

David is studying American History this year. So Grandma took him to Eastern Pennsylvania. We arrived in Philadelphia in the evening, and stayed in a hotel near the airport. We then got a car the next day and drove out to King of Prussia.

Valley Forge was our first stop. They have a wonderful self-guided tour - you buy the CD and keep it - that really makes the experience. David was impressed with Wayne's Woods - he loves woodsy countryside - and with General von Steuben, because of his colorful languageS - yes, indeed; he cursed in several languages.

The next day it was pouring down rain. We had Gettysburg on our itinerary. We went anyway for a number of reasons. In stead of a bus tour, we hired a docent - the cost of a personal guide is just slightly more than 2 bus tour tickets, and you get to drive around in your own car. If you ever go to Gettysburg, I highly recommend this option. We also advised them that David is high-functioning autistic, and our assigned guide was a former HS teacher who was sensitive to the issues. It was a lot of fun.

The trip - more on it later - was good but I think a bit much overall for David. When I do this again, I think we'll plan alternate days of "just fun" versus learning fun.

I'll just add one more thing here. We flew American Airlines - I have status on them this year - and because of that flew through DFW. On the 2nd leg, I had requested a first class upgrade with my upgrade credits, which we got. I did explain to David that the cost of first class seats was 3-5 times the cost of a coach seat. His comment was that he didn't think first class was worth it, outside of the getting on first, personal attention, wider seats, extra legroom and food and the dessert (American still does ice cream sundaes). (Grandma would add, "and the drinks, but she thinks it's worth it!)

Mikey and Development

Mikey is his own "man" - that is, nothing YOU think or say about him influences him in any way most of the time (or me either). And he is such a funny mix of things. I think I already mentioned that we are having issues with appropriate behaviors and appropriate touching now that he's entered puberty. He'll be going along on the Internet, looking a Clifford, Sponge Bob Squarpants, or combing the Disney site for news about when revamped attractions will reopen. And then he's onto a site with scampily-clad men and/or women.

Age apprpriate?  How about, "Age gamut." After many years, he has pulled out VHS (that'll tell you how long) tapes of Percy (from the Thomas the Train collection) and "I love Trains" - a preschool video. Go figure.

He loves music. Opera, classical, Celtic and SOME rock. His mom tells me he doesn't tolerate the 70s and 80s collection she prefers, and he will not tolerate either of us playing our guitars and/or singing. He doesn't like much regular TV and he will watch videos - well, "watch" needs explaining. He moves through them quickly, skipping major parts; then he'll fixate on one section and play it over. and over. and over. AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER >>>>>>>.

Ah, well. It's MIKEY, after all ......

Mikey / Socialization

It varies with Mikey. But Saturday, he came in, walked out to the kitchen where Grandpa and I were, and said, "Hello, Grandmother. Hello, Grandfather" before he started wandering off.

And he was responsive to questions - once we got his attention :-). 

"Mikey. MIKEY." (Eyes finally on me.) "We are having chicken for dinner. We are baking potatoes. Do you want a sweet potato, or a regular potato?"

"Sweet potato!"

"OK."

Hey, it's a step forward!!

He also was cooperative when he came back from doing chores with Grandpa and David and I were still using the computer to complete math. He asked for the computer and I said, "10 minutes."

(David protested, "10 MORE minutes??" I said, "Probably not but I want to set expectations for Mikey.")

So he went away and came back when we told him it was OK, without any protest. I love the good days.

David / Math /Responsibility

Normally, I send an assignment for the week to David over the weekend. It includes sets of items for him to review online and/or worksheets. This past Sunday (after we'd had the boys for a more-or-less normal Saturday), we were going out of town - and I totally forgot to send anything.

Got an email this morning:

i did two of the three review items at the front of the review section.

one of them (interior/exterior angles) i couldn't do.

(What he was referring to was ALEKS' automatic putting out review items based on recent work.)

I was totally jazzed that he took the initiative to do some work absent an assignment! Especially in light of some recent, totally irresponsible and typical teenage behavior ...

And, YES, I acknowledged and praised the behavior!!

Aunt Lori

Aunt Lori was here on a short visit (my slightly younger sister) - and David was apparently quite taken with her. She lives near Ft. Lauderdale, and sent a shirt for him for Christmas one year that he's almost worn out. He was with some friends the other day and started talking about her. His mom reminded him, "You know, she's really your GREAT aunt."
"Really?" David responded, "But she's so YOUNG!!"

David

MATH
David sent me an email regarding a quiz I gave him (through ALEKS). He advised me, "I got ___%, which is x / y right. In fractional terms, x/y [fraction simplified]." [I left out the actual numbers on purpose.]

David has always found tests difficult; especially, timed tests. I started giving him quizzes in ALEKS (which are timed; but I set the time really long). He is doing better on these; and more importantly, seems less intimidated by the quiz function. I know many kids are test-phobic; this just seems a good way to get him used to the idea.

SOCIALIZATION
A really fabulous thing happened: someone from the home school group invited David and a couple of other kids over to play a role-playing game. David actually asked his mom not to stay, and he did OK. He's been invited back!

Mystery Wrapped in an Enigma

Yes the topic is Mikey. He was running around in the yard today, and said, "Let's Go!"

I said, "Where do you want to go, Mikey?"

He responded, "Ride the subway."

"And where are you going to ride to?"

"Balloon ride," he replied.

We often figure out later what Electric-Company-esque rationale exists with these notions, but I'm stumped right now ....

Football!

Background: I am from the Pittsburgh (PA) area. You Know What That Means, at least when it comes to football ...

Neither of the boys is big on sports. David takes karate lessons; neither of them is into any kind of ball sport; they do like to hike.

I am (see "Background") a Steelers fan. They boys were over the Saturday and Sunday of the last two playoff series games. I have a Terrible Towel, and made David wave it and yell, "Yea Steelers." (Also had to explain some of the game to him - no snickering at me, Siblings!!).

At the end of the evening (after the win over the Jets), David was on the phone with his mother, letting her know we were about to come home. She must have asked about the game; David said the Steelers had won. AND THEN he said:

THE STEELERS ARE THE ONLY REASON I WATCH FOOTBALL.

Go, David!  Grandma has succeeded in educating you well.