Gifts|Grandma Gets a Thong

Helen Otten, my mom, died April 3 at the age of almost 93. I’m posting this in her memory. I’m also reminded of the importance of family. The twelfth day of Christmas is Jan. 6th–Little Christmas, The Feast of the Magi. Actually, it’s all the...

Thanksgiving: Song about Autism

Hi Everyone, On Thanksgiving, I wanted to thank each of you for being part of our Climbing Every Mountain community. It’s been an exciting experience to meet new friends and connect with people who care about people with disabilities. Now, there are over one...

Thanksgiving | Inclusion and Interdependence

Thanksgiving Week: Day 1 I love the story of Thanksgiving. It is a story of inclusion (click here) and interdependence. A group of pioneer families risk it all and travel to a strange land. They gratefully accept the help of the Native Americans who look different,...

Smokey the Bear, Aaron, and a joke

Smokey the Bear and Aaron In 2018 Smokey the Bear celebrated his 65th birthday. Last weekend, as our family was trying to keep our house available to prospective buyers, we took a road trip to Clifty Falls State Park in Indiana. (click here for a related post) Between...

Old McDonald and a Linchpin

photo credit: 2KoP One sunny day, I stopped at a tiny produce stand at the edge of a cornfield (Ohio). It sold an unusual assortment of fruits, vegetables, bakery goods, and crafts… Grandpa Farmer said the corn was picked this morning from his field but the...