Katy Dickinson

Paul is a Senior

My 16-year-old son Paul has had a rough year. Our family's continuing medical adventure began when Paul started having chronic and severe headaches in January. We have spent the last six months with Pediatricians, Neurologists, Neurosurgeons, Pain Specialists, Psychologists and Psychiatrists, Occupational and Physical Therapists, and Nurse practitioners. Recently, Paul has benefited from Chiropractic care in addition to the medicines provided by the Pain Management Clinic at Packard Children's Hospital.

Yesterday was Paul's last day at the Packard Hospital School. He is now a Senior in High School and is looking forward to going back to Paly in September. The Hospital School has a good art, theater, and science program for its patient students. Here is Paul with some of his recent art:

punched out sun face masks

elements drawing

wire and bead fish

Some of Paul's art from earlier this year:

three ceramic mugs

ceramic leaf tray

carved head

Images Copyright 2009 Katy Dickinson

Posted at 06:16PM Jun 12, 2009 by katysblog in Home & Family  | 

Ave atque vale (hail and farewell)

On our nightly walks in the winter of the year, John and I noticed many small business quietly closing where we live in Willow Glen. Sadly, we have lost restaurants, a wine shop, a hair cutter, a sports clothes shop, and a furniture store.

However, recently that downward trend has thankfully reversed and we are seeing new and transformed retail and service startups repopulating the area. For example:

• Willow Glen Books said they were closing but then new life was announced by the new owner
• Conte's Aaron Doors was transformed from a garage door shop to a consignment shop which also sells garage doors. I was told that people who buy garage doors are often looking for a place to sell the stuff in their garage. Makes sense.
• I have seen a sign on the street for Get Fit which now offers personal training and fitness mornings and evenings in a local park and in the basement of St. Francis Episcopal Church.

It is good to see local business looking up after so many dreary months.

Posted at 05:48PM Jun 12, 2009 by katysblog in News & Reviews  |