Sunday, September 4, 2016

"Dumbing" down

I spend my hours watching a variety of programs: Sopranos, Frazier, Zoo, Wayward Pines, Wings. Every once in a while I go on Facebook, Words with Friends, Candy Crush, Trivia Crack. And very rarely, I open a Nook or Kindle book. I read the Great Falls Tribune and Havre Daily News each day. And the lovely thing? Not one of those things require me to speak. I'm engaged but not not engaged. This makes me happy enough.

I did go outside yesterday for a while. It's been too hot lately for me, but yesterday was nice. My garden is still beautiful thanks to Sherry Kegel weeding all summer. Caroline and Amber helped out too. But sitting upright leads to phlegm clogs and anxiety and that is too frightening.

So watching my tv from a reclining position is best. Even this blog is hard to do because it requires me to look down at the keyboard.

Communication through speaking becomes harder and harder. It leads to frustration from everyone. So I retreat to the things that don't ask me to interact verbally.  Yet. I am working with a speech therapist, Kim, to learn the Tobii Dynavox so I can communicate somewhat easier.  Of course, when I  lose the use of my left hand, which may be sooner rather than later, that will be my only means of communication. I will have to say goodbye to my trusty iPad. I hope I don't have to say goodbye to Words with Friends.