Autism, Thunder Shirts, and a French Bakery

Learning, learning, learning

No more blues for me.  The clouds have lifted.  Today I learned about Thunder Shirts.  What are they?  They are weighted vests for dogs who experience anxiety over thunderstorms, but they are used for other anxieties as well.  Check google, and write in "Thunder Shirts."  Apparently they exert enough pressure on nerve endings to calm dogs who get anxious over hearing thunderstorms.  A friend of mine, who volunteers at a hospital here, told me about a therapy dog who was brought into the hospital, but as the storm clouds appeared outside, his owner said, "I'll have to put on his thunder shirt."  I have to admit, I was surprised.  But when I heard this story, I remembered going to a lecture by Temple Grandin, the renowned expert on autism, who has Asperger's, when she discussed using a squeeze box to calm herself down.  Weighted vests are used for kids with autism, especially those who have sensory problems as the pressure calms them.  So here is a connection - - - with animals too.

We all have times when we feel ill, or sad and what we want to do is to cuddle up with a comforter (very good name) or a blanket.  And we do feel comforted.  Think of the little kids who drag their "blankee" around.  And the blankets that are made and sent through Soldiers' Angels for our troops in Afghanistan especially are appreciated.  I did make blankets for the soldiers in Iraq, but lately have not, busy, thinking of other things, but the Thunder Shirt information reminded me to begin that project again.  Making a blanket and sending it through Soldiers' Angels, or other organizations is something we can do, and I can do again.

Reading about a French Bakery in our area peaked my curiosity.  Yes, it was 20 minutes away, but I wanted to see what it was like and to sample their baked goods.  Not only did the  pastries look delicious, my husband and I decided to have lunch there.  And, I had an omelet served in a baguette  and sealed at one end with soft bread.  The omelet is filled from one end.  I learned that it is a specialty of the Alsace-Lorraine  region and in the past was served to sheepherders who, having been sent off by their wives with this lunch-in-a-baguette, would have a hot, tasty lunch at midday, with the steam from the omelet softening the bread inside.  I learned this from the owner's wife.  The French bakery was welcoming, with gracious hosts, cloth tablecloths and napkins, bottled water at the tables, and French pop music playing softly in the background.

My mood lifted.

What do you do when you get "the blues?"