An hour on the phone to Bombay and we're back in business

For you older readers out there, it's pretty amazing to think that it's more profitable to have me spend an hour with an out-sourced tech support person based half way around the world then it is to handle it locally. It wasn't so long ago that "long distance" was an expense to be watched carefully. I'm not sure why I actually put that thought in writing, but OK, I'm getting old. Anyway, she was efficient and effective and now father and daughter are co-existing in the household, each able to access the net as they wish.



I'm kicking back in the kitchen, listening to Deb Jo's collection "Tunes for Cruisin' the Charles," the CD she put together for Tim, He finally let me take it home for a listen. Currently, Van Halen is playing, and I believe that fans will be enjoying their fine brand of rock n roll tomorrow evening at the Garden.



So, I've got some catching up to do with y'all, because I know you've been wondering "what's up with the Butterworths?" First, let me thank Carolann and one of the Yarmos (I know it's not Elyse) for breaking up the monotony of me, me, me. Pattyo says she can't post - the blog won't let her. Anyone else having that problem? Let me know, I can't figure out why she can't get on.



Back to Saturday, Tim had a very nice evening at the Symphony. He went with another Monument friend, Erin, who is a student at Simmons. Put on a suit, took the T to Prudential and they ended up at Pizzeria Uno for dinner. They both enjoyed the concert, and I'd like to thank my friends at BSO for setting this up - especially Jason, who took the time to write Tim a letter with a little description of what he might expect from each performance. A couple of tasty licks from Shostakovich and Bruckner featuring old favorite Truls Mørk on cello. Jason described it a little differently, and we've kept the note for the scrap book. At any rate, another memorable night on the town, and on his own (a bit).



As mentioned, Amy & I took advantage and had a great meal at the Galeria restaurant on Salem Street in the North End - happy 21st to us! It was a wonderful warm evening, and the French doors were swung open. Amy kept chuckling at the costumed revelers on their way to Halloween parties. We walked back up to the Hill and enjoyed most of game three.

***

Sunday brought me face to face with Tim for the first time in a week. On my way down to Spaulding I realized what a country boy I had become. I was strolling down in a short sleeved shirt - a beautiful day. Eventually, I began to notice sweaters, wool caps, and even parkas. Good lord, it wasn't that cold, was it? When I got down to Spaulding, Tim was still asleep. He was really tired, so we didn't wake him up until 11AM, and spent the next couple of hours talking with him in bed, getting caught up on news from home and around Spaulding. While we were talking, Amy straightened out his belongings, packing up some of the two Halloween care packages he had received and setting aside certain costume components and decorations that Tim will use this week. She also cut off a nice slice of banana chocolate cake from Sandra at Perks in the Berks. Mmmm. The clean up also revealed cards from the O'Malley's, Aunt Phoebe and Jaquay & Earl - who also included a Red Sox Cookie. Propped up in the corner was the high-tech leg brace, which I meant to take a picture of, but forgot. Next week, or Amy will get one tomorrow.


Then we got into the fun stuff. After he got dressed and into his chair, he took me into the bathroom, and as he did with his mom, he stood up an looked me in the eye. We shook hands and hugged. Then he had to sit down. Quickly. Wow. He's still not ready to be photographed, so you'll have to wait a bit for that.


Today's outing was another visit to Sara up in Cambridge. This time, we took the Jeep. It was a beautiful thing - Tim was able to smoothly transfer himself from the chair UP into the passenger seat and the same thing coming down. For all who may have observed the first time we transferred him, you know how incredible this is. He had a nice visit while Amy and I explored around Inman Square a bit. We got back to Spaulding and enjoyed watching Tim push himself up the long ramp using his arms on the wheels and his foot on the ground.

Jancy arrived with Conor via Peter Pan around 3:00, bearing brownies from Mary. Amy and I left them alone and prepared for my departure. I got home in time to watch seven innings of the last game of the year. Thought they had it all sewed up when Timlin struck out two to close up the inning. Tim called me at midnight - obviously very excited - and let me know that my instinct was right, but it turned out a little differently than I had anticipated. So there we are. I picked up Jance tonight in Lee. Amy is home tomorrow, with some new pictures. We'll do a two day summary for you then.