3/2/25

 We received the most precious gift in the mail. The gift of “someone was thinking of you” with the perfect amount of “here is your belly laugh”. Then with the mystery of figuring out “who done it”? It’s an R rated hallmark movie in gift form.

We went to the mailbox earlier this week and I found a package. I opened it up and inside were two nearly wrapped gifts. One for me, one for Paul. They were labeled accordingly.

I handed Paul his gift and he open his first. It was a very accurate lesson and important reminder for him to WEAR so he doesn’t forget. Genius! This is actually a very thoughtful gift for Paul. Unfortunately after almost 26 years of marriage he is still trying to master this lesson. He has shown significant improvements over the years, but he does excel at other things.

“If at first you don’t succeed, try doing what Patti told you to do the first time” 

I opened my gift. Inside was a beautiful calendar. It had pictures from nature. I can appreciate such a useful gift. Awe, how nice. It had pictures I would take of nature as well. It’s almost as if the artist of this calendar and I could be the same person (but we are not). It also demonstrated my immaturity and appreciation for silly things.

I hung the calendar carefully, with a sense of in my little office nook. I have had a calendar that my nephew picked out for me because it made him think of me. I received it a couple years ago hanging in there. I know I can’t use it but I often switch the month and the pictures make me laugh. Each month features a dog pooping in nature. Don’t worry, I will find a new place for that calendar.

I proudly displayed my new calendar! I can admire it multiple times a day. She is a real beauty (said in uncle Eddy’s voice from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation).

We love our new and prized gifts. They did make us laugh. I also love the people behind these gifts. It is such a wonderful feeling to know of the effort that people go through to share a laugh. Now we have to pay it forward. Hmmmmm!!!!!! Who is going to be the receiver?

I feel very accomplished going into my Monday. I have the house full of ideas for safe foods for Ethan so I can do some meal prep with a blend of some foods he really likes but with a white rice base which he can eat as much as he wants. 

I picked up my Instacart groceries today. I was grateful to drive by a big field with at least 30 deer by the hedge row. What do they do all day long?

I also stopped at Goodwill. I found a plastic wicker love seat for a patio with a nice cushion. I thought, that would be nice to have at camp. We can bring the cushion in and out of the camper as needed. It was a bit dusty and needs some love. I found a brand new one online for $250. 

This one came to a grand total of $16.00. SCORE!!!!

I also found a cute 1950/1960’s kitchen table. I sent a picture to Avery and she decided she needed it. I bought that one too. I may not look cool driving a Minnie van, but man, it is so useful!

I talked to Avery and she has finally actually submitted her applications for her summer work project. We will see what she gets chosen for.

I was proud of Ethan today. He sent a note to his therapist. The note included topics he would like to explore more involving his behaviors. I am hoping his therapist will shine a light on him.

The first step is sharing your areas of weaknesses. I hope he is able to work through and learn about himself!