My orchid has more blooms on it and I've discovered why people like orchids so much, the flowers last for weeks and weeks.  It's been too cold to walk the dogs, or me, so just a photo of orchids.

Winter break is almost over, hurray!  Jack's been pretty good and we've taken him out everyday to get his 90 minutes of exercise in.  Yesterday we went to the swimming pool which also has a wave pool and a lazy river.  We were in the water for almost two hours and I kept a close eye on him, usually within arms reach, as I had to pluck him out of the water a few times.  I was exhausted by the end of it, but we both had a good time.

Today he's gone to a science camp which he was equal parts excited and nervous about.  And then he saw the robotic Rubik's cube solver and he was gone my husband said.  He loves his science, and math.

On New Years day I took him with me to visit his half brother, whom I haven't seen in probably five or six months.  He lives in Edmonton, so there is no excuse, except that his mother, and her family are a hot mess.  Two years ago my son abducted the little boy and brought him to my house and presented him to me like a puppy.  Here, you can raise him, sort of thing.  Oh, and my son was high, the police showed up, it was a shit show.  Since then it's been awkward.

So we drove over there on New Years day with a box of clothes that Jack has outgrown, as well as books and toys.  There are seven people living in a two bedroom, one bathroom house, along with three dogs and two cats, plus some guy with a black eye that bought a tiny puppy off some homeless people the night before.  The TV was at full blast the whole time we were there, with a Denzel Washington movie involving drug dealers, violence, and lots of swearing.  If I sound judgy, I am.  

My grandson, Jack's half brother, is going for an autism assessment at the end of the month.  He's been delayed for a long time.  He doesn't talk, doesn't really make eye contact, likes to be by himself, and while he and Jack played, meticulously stacked up the blocks I had brought for him to play with.  His only stimulation seems to be his tablet.  

I wanted to bring him home with me, like a puppy that needs love and attention.  He has a mother, who struggles but keeps him fed and cared for.  My son, he's nowhere.  He has two children and no contact with either, and definitely no child support.  It's disgraceful.  I kept it together while I was there but when I got home, I had an ugly cry.  

I guess we'll figure something out.  He's going to need enrichment and a quiet place to go as he grows.  I'm still his nana.