Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon

Monday, February 27, 2017

Our Niece, Obama, Perez, and Wild Socks

I encourage you to read this blog post.
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LIFE



I want to introduce you to our niece. When she was eight it was discovered she needed a kidney transplant, her mom was a good match and donated her kidney. A few years later that kidney failed and the hunt was on again for another kidney. For years she was on dialysis at home, done during the night while she slept. About three years ago she received another kidney and it seems to be functioning well.

She's had a lot of things against her, she's hearing impaired, wears glasses, has awful teeth, has thyroid problems, and she's mentally challenged. The public schools where she lives have provided wonderful services for her. She was allowed to 'graduate,' and after graduation she was able to continue attending school in 'life skills' classes. That's over now. She's aged out of those services.

A lot of things are changing for her. She's also aged out of using the children's hospital, and the doctors she's known since she was eight. I think she's 23 now. She's receiving some monthly SSI benefits. Health insurance is a very important topic at her house.

She will never be able to live independently, never drive a car, or be responsible for taking her medications.

She's home now with no place to go. She's bored. Neighborhood girls that grew up with her have gone off to college or gotten jobs. 

Recently a new grocery store was built near them. That store has a program for special people like our niece. She now has a job. She sacks groceries four hours a day, four days a week. Oh my goodness, has that ever done a world of good for this young woman. It's been a tremendous confidence builder. Her self image is greatly improved. Last week a woman shopper tipped her $20. Restored my faith that there are still good, caring, thoughtful Americans.

President Trump, and Republican members of Congress, don't even think of taking away this young woman's benefits. She's not a lazy American, nor a leech on society.

Oops, that turned political. Sorry about that.
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GOOD DAYS
An interesting blog post.
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POLITICS

I miss the Obamas.
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I found this article very interesting.
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KNITTING


I started this sock some time ago but set it aside. Occasionally I find myself in a dilemma, such was the case today. Not all sock yarns are created equal. Some are thin, some are thick. This one is thick. It's lofty. My go to size needle for knitting socks is #1. I should have used a larger needle with this yarn. This is the first sock. I looked at it and debated ripping it out but I hate to give up that knitting and ribbing. 

If I can stand it to the finish it will make wonderful socks. I prefer knitting socks at a tight gauge because they wear longer. I tried bamboo needles but the yarn did not slide well so Hiya Hiya Sharps here we come.

23 comments:

  1. Love your new format! A bit of this, a bit of that.

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  2. Glad to hear about your niece. Also glad that there are businesses that will offer employment to those with disabilities. Our neighborhood grocer has a young man (probably not so young now since he's been there for years) who does a similar job to your niece. He is well liked and treated politely by the customers. Hope your niece can continue for many years.

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    1. We also had such a young man working at a grocery store near us. He worked there until the store closed, at least 25 years I'd say. It's so great when these people can find jobs.

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  3. We had a program like your niece is in with the grocery store employing her. Social services trained them and placed them in disability friendly places and made sure they were fitting in, etc. Then budget cuts came along and the program was lost. I hope your state can keep yours going.

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    1. If this program depends on federal or state money it's in trouble. She lives in Texas.

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  4. I like your new format. The sock yarn is lovely. I am an inexperienced knitter. My first pair were a bit large. I changed from a 2.5 mm to 2 mm and the sock I am currently working on is a bit snug. I am using the 9 inch circular(Hiya sharp) and I love it. I plan to add 4 more stitches to the second sock. It is all a trial at the moment. So glad your niece was able to get a job.

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    1. For years I've knit socks on size 1 needles. Now I'm having problems with my arms, shoulders, and neck when I knit that tight a gauge. I'm in an experimental stage now. Trying to figure how many stitches to cast on using a size 2 needle.

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  5. There are many places that hired handicapped people and it does wonders for the person.

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    1. It does indeed do wonders for the person. My concern with our niece is she may not have the physical stamina to do the job. Her health is fragile at best.

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  6. I didn't follow any of your links today, but I did read quite a bit about Bannon yesterday. I have decided that, like Rove, who was Bush's brain, Bannon fills that role for DJT. He is a nationalist who seems to fear globalization and apparently thinks we can resist change. It seems that Islam is his great Satan, the potential destroyer of our American way of life.
    We have a young woman from our neighborhood who is Downs working as a bagger at our local Safeway.

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    1. The piece of Bannon info I picked up from the article is that he's relatively new to this form of conservative thinking, only since 9/11. In religion a newly converted adult can be a real pain. They're idealistic over achievers that buzz around the group like annoying mosquitos. They often have to be slapped down for the good of the whole. I think this fits Bannon.

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  7. I'm so happy for your niece. I'm wishing the very best for her.

    I was surprised to hear President George W Bush come out saying that we NEED an independent media to keep presidents in check. Awesome!

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    1. I'm thrilled Bush is speaking out. I admired him for his silence during Obama's time in office. Trump is going to blame everything on Obama which makes it hard for him to say much. It appears Bush understands the situation and can now say what Obama cannot. I'm very proud of Bush.

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  8. What a touching story about your niece! Dialysis is a tough way to live. While it cleans your blood, it is not a perfect substitute for a real kidney. I sounds like things are looking up for her. Hopefully her benefits will stay intact. She just wants a normal life, just like everyone else!

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    1. Her overall health is very fragile I'll be very surprised if she's able to work very long. I'll be very surprised if she lives to 30. Her parents had been married 13 years, thought they would not have children, and then learned they were pregnant. This couple would have benefited from genetic counseling. From day one this child has experienced enormous health challenges.

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  9. I was really touched by the post, Ignorant.

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  10. All of our grocery stores around here hire people such as your niece to be greeters, hand out coupons and bag and take out groceries. I love the conversations we have as they trundle my cart out to my car and load in my groceries. I don't think of them as "challenged" as they sure do a good job and seem so happy, they give my spirit a lift every time. BTW--I live in a "Red" area and we tip well. :-)

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    1. Like you, these workers lift my spirits and make me smile. I hope tipping well is not limited to red state or blue state but rather crosses both parties as well as those who do not vote. It's a very good thing to do.

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  11. What a blessing your niece has found a productive niche. Kudos to the store for hiring her and limiting her hours so it won't be too hard on her. Lets hope the new budget cuts to finance the military increase do not affect her.

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    1. She lives in Texas so programs that help her are always in danger.

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  12. We had a grocery store near us that did the same thing when we were in MD. The young girl next-door had down syndrome. She worked there. Working helps so much with self esteem and confidence.

    Obama looks so relaxed. It's hard to believe he's leading the underground resistance. :)

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