Unfortunately, due to poor eyesight, I no longer can actually view my subject clearly while I am using the camera. I can frame my picture, but cannot view the results until I download to my computer. And Jake knows this. That is why, every once in a while, I get a sassy picture like the one above. But I get even. Don't I Jake? :)

We left for Oconomowoc early Friday morning. On Saturday Jake called and said he and another resident, Jill, had gone to the Mall of America on Friday - yes, the day after Thanksgiving. This is the same kid who, last week, announced that he was not going there again until after Christmas. It seems he had gone to the Mall a few days prior (to his announcement) and it was so busy that he could not get on an elevator. Every time one opened it was full. Jake takes up a lot of room on an elevator, and no one was willing to give up their spot for him.

Jake takes public transport (a bus) to the Mall. It takes about 1-1/2 hours to get there because of all the stops, but Jake doesn't mind. Minneapolis is very accommodating to the physically challenged. Every bus has an area for wheelchairs. When I was in San Antonio this summer the trolleys were nice, but only a few had wheelchair lifts and special areas to strap down a chair.

It is amazing what the Courage Center is teaching Jake. It is a wonderful place. I can't believe our luck in finding that place.
 

Sunday, Dec 22nd
Jake got home about 11:00 p.m. last night. Lynn made the trip up and back in one (very long) day. Only one (minor) problem - he forgot his chair recharger. We have visions of pushing that heavy chair back onto Lynn's van for the ride back to the Courage Center next Saturday.

This is the first time he has been home since May 1st. He is finally able to see (in person) the progress of his new room.

I asked him what he would like for supper tonight and he promptly announced "hoppin' john". I should have guessed. It's so nice to have him home!

Saturday, Dec 28th
Jake left for the Courage Center at 8:20 this a.m. It was wonderful having him home. He enjoyed visiting with his friends and family.

The portable ramps Jake borrowed from a friend at the Courage Center turned out to be rather narrow for his wheels. His front and rear wheels are not aligned - he needs a good 8 inches of ramp for each side and these were only 6 inches. We used them, but it was very difficult to push him up/down because the wheels rubbed against the edges.

We spent Christmas day at Kris and Mark's house. They have a dog, Mollie, and Jake was totally relaxed with Mollie on his lap.