My third grandson, Sammy, has autism.  They are going to dismantle his school and build a new one.  This change is not comfortable for Sammy.  While they are building the new school, he will be going to my old school, Oxford School.  I keep trying to cheer him up with happy stories of how nice Oxford School is.  I don't think he's buying it.

So, to give my daughter a break, I took Sam and Nate out for the afternoon on the last sunny day we had.  We went to West Island Beach.  We were the only ones there.  They ran, threw stones, picked up shells, and just had fun experiencing that beautiful beach. 

The ocean is such a calming presence, isn't it?  It smells mysterious, feels cool, and has the rythmic sound of the waves, too! A sensory experience!! I know that the soft air, and watching the boys enjoy themselves was therapeutic for me.  I am suffering from allergy - related yuckiness.  The ocean air, really helped me, too.  And the boys had Fun.

We went back to my house afterwards and I gave them each a mini massage on the chair...and one on the table.  I had flute music playing, but Nate said it was spooky... he cracks me up! 

I have a big clawfoot bathtub and the boys enjoyed a bath ... with LOTS of water.  We watched a movie..."Happily Ever After"... the continuing story of Snow White and her Prince.  I remarked, "After the movie, we'll take you home, ok?"  To which Nate replied... "No, we haven't had ice cream yet..." And how can you argue with that?

Last night, my second grandson graduated Jr. High.  It is the same Jr. High that I attended.  I was very emotional thinking that this child had such a difficult beginning, and here he has achieved academic success and is moving on to High School.  AJ was born prematurely.  He had many health issues and I can remember holding him in my arms... tubes and all...and just praying with every fiber of my being that he would strengthen and grow.   Whenever I did that, he would smile.  I love that kid.

Of course, when his older brother, Tyler, graduates High School, next year...I will bring tissues.  I know it's going to hit me.

Also, I saw little Gracie... just over one year old... and thought...gee, I'm going to have to live another 18 years to see this one graduate high school.  And my youngest son is expecting a baby boy in September this year.

So, I just don't want to leave the party.  I will have to take very good care of my health, and God Willing, I will be the old granny yelling "yeeeehaw!!"  at all their graduations!!

Sorry, if this sound a bit maudlin.  I have been ill with allergy-related issues and it's a bit draining.  I am feeling better at the moment, though. 

Just More Than Thankful for my life and all the love that is in it.  Life is Good.

I have not been feeling very well these past couple of days.  It may be due to the stress of end of semester workload.  My tummy is at war. 

I like to post positive things here because there is so much out there that is negative.  Even though I feel a bit yucky, I am still quite thankful for my life.

I am lucky that a positive attitude comes quite easily to me.  I am close to some who always see the negative, and I try to help them with that.  It is best to have a balance between the two.

I have made a little ritual of bringing bagels to my daughter's house every Tuesday.  We have coffee and then chat.  When the kids come home from school, they love having a bagel and look forward to it.  I need to remember to bring something Gluten-free for Sammy.  

My youngest son and his fiancee are expecting a baby.  I am so pleased about that.  It is a blessing, for sure. They have been engaged awhile, and I am pleased that they will have a family.  Not sure when the wedding will take place, but I am sure it will be fine.  I wonder if it will be a boy or girl? Fun.

Well, my yucky tummy is telling me to end this blog.  Hopefully this thing will be Over with by tomorrow. This is the second day...didn't my mom tell me that it takes about 3 days to get over a bug?  She was always right.

I was driving along the other day and realized how fortunate I am in that my family is close by.  I have a sister,a niece,  children, grandchildren, and those friends who are 'family' all living nearby.   The salon where I do massage therapy is a happy place to be on most days. 

My studies at the University are challenging, but I think it is helping my 60+ year old brain to keep active and healthy.  So far, I am studying Portguese, French, and English.  At first, I wasn't thinking of working toward a degree, but now I think I will try for it.  Just because I can.  I'd like to get my degree in Portuguese.  I also want to tag the French along with it.  So, the next time I go in to the university I will talk to a student advisor. It will take me a very long time to get it, but so what?

My husband will be finishing his degree program soon, and hopefully, he will be able to find a job.  So we remain positive. 

So, the world has continued to turn despite my not writing in my blog lately.  We have had a very mild winter, and I am sure many will moan "Global Warming".  Except, the previous winter was brutal, and so I am grateful for the reprieve.

I have been enjoying my life, and despite having a very sore shoulder right now, I'm feeling pretty good.  Today, I had breakfast with my hubby, then I went to church.  I met my sister and her godchild there and we went for coffee after church.  It was fun. I must head over to my part time job for 2 pm.  Some days, I wish I did not have to have that second job, but I realize I would miss it if I did not have it.  Not only would I miss the extra money, but I'd miss the co-workers as well.

I just bought a wonderful countertop appliance.  It is a combination convection and microwave oven.  I will try it out on my next day off. 

My shoulder is really hurting me right now, so I should end the typing.  Going to try to massage it out myself, and then apply heat.  If I had my druthers, I would make a living giving massage, but the economy is not helpful on that score.  I only have a few clients.  And so the second job.  Bye for now.  

So today, I was snubbed by my cousin.  She is upset with me for something I said.  Well, I acknowledge I can be somewhat direct and blunt.  But I am not vicious, I hope.  Perhaps with the passage of time, it will be understood that what I said was motivated by concern for my sister.

In my close family, we have always been direct with each other.  It saves time. I am used to this mode of expression.  And at any rate, I get to have my say, as well, so I feel it is fair. Sometimes there are arguments and the uncomfortable realization that "heck, maybe I WAS wrong??"  But since my family actually loves me, and I them, we get through these things.  They say what they think, and I say what I think, and through discussion we sort things out.  Sometimes the discussions are LOUD.  But I am glad to say that nobody stays mad for very long.

So, I am unsure of how to proceed with this.  I have gone over and over my words, and they did not seem so very unforgiveable.  And at this point, I am willing to let this go until she feels up to talking to me again.  Clearly, she doesn't want to hear from me.  So be it.

Time to move on and enjoy the rest of my life. 

So, my task is not to worry over this, but to move on.

I have not written for this blog since December.  I was off from school for the winter break and trying to get caught up with so many things around the home.  Now, I am back at the university taking English 102 and Portuguese 202 and French 102.  It will be hectic, I know.

There is a dog in my house.  His name is Chance and he is very lovable.  I am thinking of offering him to my daughter because he needs a new home.  His owner has had to move and he cannot have a pet where he is now.  The dog does not bark and seems very docile with no aggressive tendencies.  But they would either have to fence the backyard in, or tie him outside to do his business.  Once the kids get home, he would have ample people to give him walks.  I wonder if this will work.  If not, Chance can keep us company for awhile.  He's a good doggie.

This weekend is the Superbowl, and although I am not a huge sports fan, I'm inviting the kids to come over to watch the game since they do not have cable.  First thing in the morning will be Church, and then a get together for brunch with the ladies from our salon where I do massage therapy.  Finally, there will be fun times at home with the family watching the Superbowl.  Must make sure my homework is finished by then.

It is good to be thinking of something happy.  There has been too much death this year.  Young people have died in accidents, and it has been so very tragic. So, I welcome the time to get together and enjoy. 

Enjoy the good things in your life.

Last night I had our family Christmas gathering, because I had to work at Sears this morning.  It was lots of fun.  We had wonderful food and drinks.  But the best part was watching the grandkids open their presents.  My sister gave the two youngest grandsons Superman and Batman pyjamas.  They couldn't wait to put them on and they actually Danced around in them.  Nate is 4 and Sam is 7.  Dancing, happy boys...I loved it.  They wanted to watch one of the videos I gave them... and we all sat and enjoyed "Planet 51."  The two older boys seemed pleased with their presents, too.  And little Gracie, at 7 months loved the food, the paper and the lights!  My neice gave her a sooooffft little polar bear and she kept patting it.  So cute.

Now Sammy has autism, and he is on some medicine for his croup.  The medicine is not agreeing with his autism.  But he was sooo good.  He was sooo happy. I'll take it.   And he loved the Star Wars Lego Wii game I got him.  Actually, it is for All the kids to play.  (But Sammy just Loves Star Wars)

This morning, I worked at Sears.  When the husband picked me up, I asked to go for a ride to a nearby town. Tiverton Four Corners has the cutest crafty sort of shops.  We would take the kids there when they were small.  It felt nice to be with my husband, but the warm memories of when the kids were small echoed all around me.

I am glad that I enjoyed those years with my children.  I can never get those days back.  Sometimes, I wish I could relive them.  But those beautiful memories are mine and I will never forget them. 

I am so proud of my grown children.  They are very nice people.  I feel blessed to have been a part of their young lives and hope to be around to watch them evolve and grow. 

The fun part is being a grandma...really.  I would be sad about growing older, but I have these dancing boys and a little girl and two teenagers that fill my heart, too.  So my adventure is not over yet.

So today, I had an adventure.  I went to the salon and gave massages.  The last one was for my hairdresser who trades with me. We left the salon and got into our cars, but hers would not start.  OOPs no gas.  No gas can, either.  So, I took her to Walmart and got a gas can. Next, we pump gas into the gas can, with difficulty.  Next, we drive back to the car and try to pour the gas from the can into the tank.  Turns out it is a 'mission impossible' gas can, and we have to figure out how to work the nozzle.  After many 'fancy words', we finally get enough gas in the car to drive down the street to put more gas in the tank.  It was kind of funny in an "I Love Lucy" kind of way.  It was fun to help my friend.  Sometimes these goofy things happen in life.  And you just have to grin and bear it...hopefully with a friend! to which I say, yeehaw!!

So today, the repairman came to fix my washing machine.  Luckily the part was in warranty ,and I only had to pay for the labor.  Much cheaper than buying something comparable. 

My oldest son made my day today.  When I was younger, I did a lot of singing and playing guitar.  I played lots of Irish tunes, which were great for one voice and one guitar.  (and sometimes just the voice)  Anyway, he told me he'd had a rough night at work, and when he turned on his ipod "Follow Me Up To Carlow" came on.  It reminded him of the times when I would sing to him and his sister (the youngest was not born yet).  That memory cheered him up. 

I guess it is important for your children to see you enjoying yourself.  You need to let them know you enjoy having them and that they are special to you.  And let them see you having fun!  Include them if you can!

Here in New England we have a strong work ethic.  It is an admirable thing.  However, we also need to have a Fun ethic.  It is healthy to have wholesome outlets that you can share and enjoy either alone, as a couple, or as a family.

I still enjoy my guitar when I play with the Grupo Folclórico Madeirense.  My daughter and I sing at the family Mass once a month. 

Yes, I think sometimes people overlook the importance of having fun.

People ask me why I am taking courses at the University.  Well, the answer is simple:  I have always wanted to study languages.  For me, learning is fun.  I have met some great people, and have stretched my mind out of its comfort zone.  It's a good thing.

So, after 20 years of living in my home and making those home improvements ever so slowly...we are thinking of moving out of our city.  I'd love to be able to find a place in my hometown.  It is just a bit quieter there, and it would be closer to my daughter and her family. 

Unfortunately this means I am going to have to begin to get rid of 20 yrs of Stuff.  I am going room by room and looking at things with a ruthless eye. 

Today, I spent time searching for the cheapest houses.  sigh.  Well, I'd like to just buy one outright, sell this one, and then pocket the profits.  We are going to talk to a  couple of realtors. 

Well, today, after church, my husband of 27 yrs and I had breakfast at a little place in Mattapoisett.  On the way home, we stopped to get a wreath to hang on the door.  I also got a poster board and some permanent magic markers.  I made a sign that reads..."Jesus is the reason for the season...merry Christmas".  It looks really cute.  Now, I hope that doesn't offend anyone, but it is how I celebrate the season.  For me, Jesus is the reason...for many things.  So the wreath hangs above the sign on the door and it looks great. 

I worked at Sears and my feet are so sore and tired.  When I came in the door, my husband had lit the pellet stove and plugged in the Christmas tree. sigh. so nice. I need to study some homework, but I am soo tired.  Really, I am just going to have some tea.

While at breakfast, I ran into my English teacher.  She is so nice and a wonderful teacher.  I learned alot in her class.  Definitely moved out of my comfort zone.  But now I'm too tired to work on anything.

Working retail during the Holidays will make you brain dead. Ha.

My daughter is an amazing mom.  Her five children get nutritious Feingold diet approved meals and treats.  She cooks and bakes from scratch.  I have even learned a few kitchen tricks from her.  It is so nice.

Her eldest son has Asperger's Syndrome, which means he has trouble reading other's responses and is sometimes very literal.  The next in line was born prematurely and he had many health issues growing up.  God blessed the older one with a gentle, loving disposition and with some intervention, he is doing very well and you don't notice the Asperger's much at all.  The next in line has a feisty, little rooster kind of personality.  This has been a blessing, because it has helped him fight those health issues and develop into the bright, social, and strong young man that he is. 

The third son has Autism and behavior issues because of it.  On the one hand, God has blessed him with strength and beauty, but the Autism makes his life difficult.  On a good day, Sammy is loving, funny and smart.  On a bad day, he is angry and has trouble controlling his impulses. With intervention at home and at school, he is making improvements.  After Sammy, comes Nate, who is Mr. Entertainer.  He will be the child in all of the school plays and performances.  Slightly hyper, they now want to have him evaluated for developmental issues.  Sigh, Sigh, and more Sighs.  He does not have any learning issues that I can see.  He just seems to be a bit overly energized sometimes.  But I feel for him and my daughter and what these evaluations may turn up.  But I am absolutely confident that my daughter will make the best decisions for our loving, beautiful Nate. 

Last but not least is Grace Clotilde.  She is happy, beautiful, and loved by her whole family.  She brings out the best in her brothers.  She has no development issues and although she loves to eat, she is correctly proportioned in height and weight.  I think she may have said my name...Nanni...at 7 months, and it made me burst!

My prayers for these children never cease.  I pray that God will bless them and guide them on the correct path and help them to grow in love, health, and spirit.  Please Lord, keep your hand of protection on my family, from the oldest to the youngest.  Amen.

So, I am still hoarse and feeling run down.  Feeling like this increases my level of anxiety.  Yuck.  I am trying to create a calm space in the day where I can think of all the positive things in my life.  I have three wonderful children.  My oldest son is always there when I need him to help me with moving something heavy, or he lets us use his truck when we need to.  My daughter lets us share her five wonderful children and I am so proud of the wonderful person she is.  My youngest son is a sweet, caring soul.   In addition, my daughter is married to a very good man.  My youngest son is engaged to a lovely, young lady.  I know my oldest will find someone special, too.

Finding someone special.  I guess I have been very lucky in my marriage.  For 27 yrs., my husband and I have made time to enjoy life.  We have never had much money, but we never let that stop us.  My husband knows how to be a good friend, and I truly value that. I think it is what sparks and energizes our relationship. 

See, now, I am not feeling so bad.  Postitive thinking is good for the health.  Now if I can just get my voice back!!

Remember that song "Runnin' on Empty..." ??  yeah, well, that's me lately.  I don't do well with hectic.  I need space to breathe and I haven't had much of that.  It has been very busy at school with English paper due and Portuguese Presentation due, and French Quizes... yikes.  I've done fairly well, but wish I could have put more time into some of the work.  Sometimes I wonder... why am I doing this? 

Benefits: a. I've always wanted to study languages b. it's free tuition for me.  So, I am enjoying it, but I have very little free time. 

Time.  I don't like to think of it as running out, but it will someday.  For all of us. So, it is important to spend your time wisely. 

My cousin posted a clip of Amalia Rodrigues singing a Fado and it tore my heart out.  That is what singing is all about, my friends.  If you are not singing with your heart and from your gut, then you are not singing!

Hearing that clip brought back so many memories, especially of my dad playing the Portuguese guitarra and singing in his wonderful voice.  He could sing many fados, and he could also make up verses on the spot... Fun.

My Madeiran friends in the Folclórico group can do this extemporaneous singing and it is just great. 

Today I am very hoarse and I Hate to lose my voice.  I find it very depressing. I went to Mass and could not sing along.  bummer. But my good friend sat behind me and I could enjoy her angelic voice.  Made me smile, in spite of feeling a bit down.

I think I just need to get some rest. So bye for now!

stay at home momma/grandma

Ya know, I really loved being a stay-at-home mom. I had a freedom while the kids were in school to get stuff done.  It was great.  Of course, I had no extra money.  The pluses were that I could help my parents with their errands and enjoy their company.  I could also go shopping with my good friend and help her with her purchases.  It was more a socializing time for me rather than actual shopping.  But those sure were fun times.  It was so nice when the kids all came home and filled the house with life.

Now I am working 2 jobs, part time.  I also sell Avon, so that must count, too.  Of course, there are my 3 classes at our local college.  Although that is challenging and fun, it is like another job. 

In a perfect world, I would work as a massag therapist and also continue the classes.  I'd certainly have more breathing room.  I am so pleased to have tomorrow, a Sunday, off.  Yeehaw.  At least my salesperson job is flexible. 

So, now that I am home from my salesperson job, I am going to make a nice mug of tea and work on some homework.  Bye all...

Howdy do...

It's been awhile since I've posted.  Schoolwork, and my work as a massage therapist, and also a salesperson have kept me spinningly busy.

Oh, I wish my house were nice and straightened.  I just made pasta con brocolli and have not yet put the pans in the dishwasher.  It was a long day. I had school in the morning, then work at the salon.  I have the nicest clients!  I love giving massage. It is my joy.

I have some projects to work on.  I have a presentation to do for my Portuguese class.  Fun. Hopefully, this weekend will give me the time to work on it.  I also have an important research paper to work on for English.  French class remains project-less at the moment. 

I love the fall.  I love the way the sunlight glints on the trees.  Many of them have lost their leaves, but they still look beautiful.  As busy as I am, I try to appreciate the natural beauty of my little spot on Earth.   New England has a unique charm.  Changing cloud scapes, water that sometimes is my very favorite shade of blue, houses that were gracefully built by long-ago craftsmen all add up to a satisfying vista.  It spells home to me. 

I have lived on the West Coast, and though it had its charms, it never had my heart.  I can remember coming home and breathing a sigh of relief.  I love my little down at the heels city.  It's comfortable. It's familiar. It's home.

So, what is an old lady like me doing up at 3 am?  Ha. I just finished my outline for my English paper for today.  It is a paper that will cover the use of therapy dogs and service dogs for autistic children.  I am enjoying writing it.

Today, I was supposed to go into the salon to be available for massages.  However, I had no clients and have been feeling extremely tired lately - so I took the day off.  I took my daughter and her youngest 2 children to breakfast.  Then we went to get Nate his shoes.  (This is a grandmom's delight)

While at breakfast, Nate was getting squirmy - so I filled a tiny creamer cup with coffee and added more cream.  He enjoyed drinking it and looked so cute with his special, tiny cup.  Nate is 4 yrs. old. 

Gracie is about 6 mos, and she entertained me by eating asparagus and baked beans. She gets so animated when she eats. At one point, she was twirling the asparagus stick in her mouth. Hilarious.

I wasn't kidding about being tired today.  I even left my purse at my daughter's house.  When I went back to get it, I got to see the three older grandsons. Sammy had a spot of bad behavior and it hurt me to see this.  Usually, he is a happy kid.  His older brother had to deal with him, and it made me sad. It's possible his blood sugar was a little low.  He brightened up when supper came on the table.  He even helped set the table!

I am thankful that our Sammy has the family he does.  God knew what he was doing placing that boy! My daughter and son-in-law advocate for their child.  Sammy is high functioning and seems 'normal' most of the time.  He has tantrums and meltdowns at things that a non-autistic child would take in stride.  His parents are consistent, loving, and very patient.  My daughter cooks everything from scratch, follows the Feingold diet, and keeps Sammy gluten-free.  A beautiful loaf of gluten-free bread was on the counter.  Sammy proudly told me about it.   (I sometimes pity the wives these boys may someday have...LOL)

And so, I fell asleep watching "Perry Mason" and feeling just 'all in'.  I woke up a few minutes ago and put my outline together in about 1/2 hr. The mind is a surprising thing.  I guess it was on my 'back burner' , because it came out smoothly. So...now to get a few more zzzzs.

I enjoyed being at church today.  I'm one of those Catholics who goes to church because she wants to, not because she has to. I get a whole hour to pray with no interruptions, and some lovely music to sing. I enjoy my visit with Jesus.  Every week I realize that  I need to have more time set aside for prayer on a daily basis.  Maybe this is the week I can begin to do this. 

I also know I need to exercise more.  This morning, early, I actually did a 15 minute 'fast walk' in the neighborhood.  So, things are looking up.  I have some exercise planned for tomorrow, too. 

Last night, I performed with my folclórico group and really enjoyed myself.  I love these folks.  One of the gals is going to help me with my presentation for my Portuguese class.  I am going to explain the traditional costume and the dances.  For extra credit, I will sing one of the tunes and play guitar. 

For now, though, I need to get cracking on the books.  I have an exam in Portuguese, and lots of work in English, and some in French. 

Busy Me

Well, I work more than one job.  I am a licensed massage therapist and I have a small business out of a nearby salon.  Because the economy is not great around here, I also have to work as a salesperson selling large appliances on commission.  Between the two jobs--it's not so bad money-wise. 

In addition to those jobs, I also study at the local university.  Because I take 3 courses, English, French, and Portuguese, I can get the student health insurance.  Very nice.  But believe me - it's another job.  I am enjoying myself, but it leaves me little time for much else. 

For fun, I perform with a Madeiran Folclórico group.  I wear the costume from Camacha and play guitar with the musicians.  The dancers perform traditional dances to the music.  We are based out of New Bedford, MA.  You can google Grupo Folclórico Madeirense and find lots of info.  Fun times.