Our Journey: Nashville and the Farm

Today, Eric drive us into Nashville to "White Lightning" makers of the Alien Bees lighting equipment for photographers. Gary had been looking forward to dropping by and checking this place out since we began planning this trip.

"White Lightning" is an amazing facility. Paul C. Buff has an amazing assortment of his art on display throughout the facility. It is like walking through a museum. I did not take photos, because there was a notice asking us to refrain from photographing the art and the building. If you get a chance to stop by while your in Nashville, do so! Some of the art we saw today is posted on this page:   Modern Art by Paul C. Buff

Next, Eric drove us to Centennial Park. We walked around the pond, duck and pigeons in tow asking for food. We stopped and had a little snack while B. Bear ran around and expended some energy.  We continued our walk toward the life size replica of "The Parthenon".  I had no idea we had any such replica in the US, and even more surprised to find it in Nashville, Tennessee.

I see a lot of this side of Gary when he's hard at work.

The doors of the Parthenon

The side view 

As evening set in, we hopped back into the car and our next destination was Eric's daughter's farm in Carthage to take care of the dog, chickens, and Big Boy, an old gentle bull. While B. Boy went with Eric to feed the chickens, I sat on the porch swing enjoying the evening and the view. Gary suggested we go see what B. Boy was up to. A lone hen came up the step and started clucking at us. We opened the gate and followed her. She led us to where Eric and Brody were walking out to the henhouse and pen across the field.

B. Boy enjoyed helping Uncle Eric feed the chickens.

B. Bear entertains Big Boy.

Here is a video of Big Boy and B. Bear having a stare down. Big Boy is gentle, old and never bothers anyone, especially those who come to feed him...but B. Bear doesn't know that...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Qg3q7U8bSw

For dinner, we stopped in at The Blue Moon near the Tennessee State Fair grounds. Along the hallway of the Blue Moon are autographed photos of Minnie Pearl, Johnny Cash, Payton Manning, John Wayne, and various other celebrities. I tried southern style okra for the first time and I LOVED it!! The smoked chicken was absolutely delicious.  Check out their page: Blue Moon, BBQ

There was a clown coming to each of the tables talking to everyone and handing out balloons contorted into various twists and turns shaped like animals and hats. I saw that Brody looked very confused when the clown was talking to him. Eric told me that Brody couldn't understand the gentleman's thick "Tennessee twang" and didn't understand what he was asking him.

Gary "clowns" around with the clown at Blue Moon BBQ in Lebanon, TN 

 It was hard for me, too. I ran into the same issue in Virginia. I explained to Gary that while I could hear, I could not understand what I was being asked. Gary said, "Don't feel bad, I can't either. It's a thick southern dialect." 

I'm sure our dialects sound just as odd to them, as well.

September 16, 2014: Our Journey Begins

We left Mount Joy yesterday around 3:30 pm. Gary got the car dolly hooked up to the RV and we are on our way.

We took 81 through Maryland and West Virginia and Virginia.

We spent our first night on the road in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

I was exhausted from all the packing these past few days and really looking forward to climbing into bed. Did I say “climb”? Good. Because it would take a skilled climber to make it up on top of the master bed if you have short legs like me.

The sleeping bags we put over the sheets have shiny, slippery material on the outside. I kept slipping off the edge of the bed each time I attempted to get up in there. Gary had to come help me up by grabbing my feet before I slid back down off the mattress and pushing me up. I was laughing so hard, it's a wonder B. Boy didn't wake up.

One never knows what one will see along the way. I caught this gorilla waving his banana at us as we sped by along a country road. 

We stopped and toured the Natural Bridge in Virginia. It was a gorgeous morning on the trail. We walked all the way down the trail to the bridge then onto the Monacan Indian village and beyond that to the end at Lace Falls.

B. Boy found a peculiar looking rock that looked like a goblin's nose. He started getting silly with other hikers on the trail trying to scar them with it.

Along the way, we saw a beautiful blue Heron take flight and it flew up along the creek just above the water. When I got near the falls, B. Boy found 2 caterpillars and tried to take one home. He didn't get very far on the trail when I saw him talking to other tourist. I walked up to them and asked them if he was showing them his “goblin nose Rock”. They said no it was a Catapillar.

I had to explain to him that once again he could not take creatures from their habitats away from their families. That they need to stay with the families where they live so they can grow and have babies and populate the earth with more creatures like themselves..

Gary set up the timer on the camera so that we could have photos of ourselves with the waterfall behind us. He got some lovely photos along the way. I love traveling with Gary because he likes to take photos and enjoy the areas, not just race through one place and the next. I really like that. I enjoy spending time enjoying the moment and taking it in.

After we left the Natural Bridge in Virginia we continued on through the day towards Eric's house in Mount Juliet, Tennessee. It was a beautiful drive, though incredibly long. 

I'm amazed at how long and how far we drove the motorhome today. I understand now that it has about a 50 gallon tank. The car is doing well on the tow dolly, we just have to make sure we stop all the time so the straps can be tightened and whatever else Gary needs to do to make sure it's all in place.

It was really good to finally arrived at Eric's. He looks good, and it's hard to believe it's been five years since we have seen him. 

Gary took photos, too! check out his Natural Bridge album at https://www.flickr.com/photos/hipfotoguy/sets/72157647717954125/

September 12 Journal Entry: Preparing for our Journey

Today is September 12, 2014: Our 5th Year Wedding Anniversary

It would've been 8 years since Brody and I moved to Pennsylvania this November 17, 2007 to be with Gary. Our life in Pennsylvania has been such a blessing. I am already missing some of the friends I made here through the years.

This day is the beginning of a new season in our life as we move forward with the beautiful plans God has created for us. We are picking up the motorhome in Maryland this afternoon. I hope to begin to pack it up this evening for our transcontinental move back to the Oregon coast.

Yesterday, the neighbors across the way came over to look at what furniture we have that they would like to take off our hands. They were very kind into things only what they needed. 

When the cleaning lady, Connie came over in the evening, all the other things that we had left turned out to be a blessing to either her, her family, or someone they know. We are blessed because this took  stress off of us wondering how we were going to donate things and get them out of the house. I am extremely grateful to Jancie for suggesting Connie to come help us out.

In Solemn Remembrance

May we heal and move forward in peace.

IN REMEMBERANCE

September 11, 2001

WE WILL NEVER FORGET

We shall keep this day, and the events and the tears in our memory and our hearts and take them with us as we carry on.

Please take a moment to read this important short post:

http://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2014/09/teach_your_children_about_911_photos_opinion.html

My Return to Sound - Thank you Oticon!

When Sara Coulter contacted me on behalf of Oticon in July that I had won the "Focus On People" award in the category of Advocacy for 2014, the first thing she had me do was make an appointment with an audiologist in Lancaster to be fitted with my new hearing instruments so I would have them for the awards ceremony. Sara explained that Cindy Lipman was donating her time and her professional expertise to get the best and most suitable hearing aids for me.

Sara Coulter
TagTeam Global

Sara was with us every step of the way during the process from notifying we had won, and all the events at Oticon. She made sure we had everything we needed and kept us informed what was happening and where to go. We were in excellent hands.

When I arrived to see Cindy Lipman at Hearing and Hearing Aid Services on Plaza Blvld. (located between Pier 1 Imports and Ollies), we were greeted by Kim Risk, who told us I would be having a hearing test, then I would see Cindy.

L-R Kim Risk, Joyce Edmiston, Cindy Lipman

Cindy went over my hearing test and explained that while the hearing aids would help, I have about 20% of loss that could never be helped with hearing instruments due to nerve damage and my hearing loss ranged to severe. While that sounded bleak to me, when she put the pair of my new Oticon Alta Mini-Rite  hearing aids into my ears, I heard everything in the room so clearly, I was moved to tears!

I heard the timbre of my husband's voice for the first time, and I didn't have to look at him to understand what he was saying! My heart was overjoyed to hear the depths of the sounds around me.

I had gone from my old hearing aids sounding similar to the old static monotone transistor radio noise from the 60's to a whole new dimension with my new ones - stereo surround sound in 3D. This is the best way I can describe my experience. The sounds had amazing depths and levels!

My old hearing aids on the left, my new Oticon Alta miniRITEs on the right

To put this in a visual context, it is similar to the difference from the old cartoons with just primary colors decades ago to watching today's 3D animated films.

When Gary and I asked about using my iPhone with the new hearing aids, Cindy explained that we couldn't put a tcoil into the hearing aids, however, there was a streamer that I will be using that had the tcoil just for that. Along with hearing on the phone, it would give me the same Bluetooth capability to watch tv wirelessly. It transmits the audio directly into my hearing aids! It also works for the computer and Public Service Announcements and anywhere FM and loop systems are installed.

She gave me the streamer along with the transmitter box to set on top of the tv so I can watch and HEAR programs. I can now understand most of what is being said. Having said that, I don't watch much tv, however, it's nice to be able to monitor what our 10 year old is watching.

Oticon ConnectLine Streamer Pro

I brought up the question about attending lectures and meetings and how my new "ears" will work in that kind of setting. Cindy left the room and said she would be back in a few minutes. When she returned, Cindy told us that a wireless mic was being sent for that. All I would have to do is ask the speaker to wear the mic either clipped onto their clothing or hung around their neck, whichever they preferred. All I have to do then is press the "mic" button on my streamer and their voice comes directly into my hearing aids. It's AMAZING! We tested the mic on our follow up visit and I could hear my husband from out in the hall behind the closed door.

Oticon ConnectLine TV 2.0

Oticon ConnectLine Wireless Mic

Next, Cindy gave us a dehumidifying sanitizer to put the hearing aids in each night. We just plug that into an outlet and let the hearing aids sit overnight.

Dry & Store

Cindy spent several hours with us demonstrating how all of these wonderful items work, how to take care of my hearing aids so they will last me many years to come, and answer my questions about my hearing loss. Cindy is extremely patient, kind and thorough.

Never before had I been able to walk out of an audiologist's office with a brand new pair of hearing aids on the first visit. I was astounded to learn these were mine the moment I put them on. These had temporary ear molds for the moment until new ones were created from the impressions we took that day.

After the luncheon "Focus on People Awards" at Oticon's facility in Sommerset, New Jersey, a friendly gentleman walked up and introduced himself as "Frank. I'm the one who suggested you see Cindy, and I sent everything for you." I cannot thank Frank enough for all the gifts he sent to me.

Frank Godrey
Oticon MidAtlantic/Northeast Inside Sales Representative

These are all the gifts and accessories Frank sent to care for my new hearing aids and to function more fully so I could re-enter the world of sound.

Be sure to read yesterday's post how my new hearing aids have changed not only my life, but life in our neighborhood, as well : They Can No Longer Pull the Wool Over My "Ears"

They Can No Longer Pull the Wool Over My "Ears"

****   Watch for Monday's post when I share about "My Return to Sound" and all the new accessories and gadgets I was given from Oticon for winning the 2014 "Focus on People" award for Advocacy. For now, here's a little story of how life has changed in our neighborhood since I reentered the world of sound.   ***

The neighborhood children often come to play in front of our home. I never really heard what was going on, and often they would try to talk to me while I sat on our second floor balcony watching them play. Countless times I had to tell them I couldn't hear or read what they were saying so far away. I would have go downstairs and outside to talk with them face to face.

The view from my balcony

Our 10 year old had been telling me that the other children often said mean things, called names and used inappropriate words. That came to an end when I got my new hearing aids. I started calling them out on these behaviours because I could now hear them. Since that day, they have been playing together so much better.

One little boy had been away for sometime visiting his dad and he didn't get the memo that I got new hearing aids. As I was sitting on the balcony reading, I heard the oldest girl exclaim quite loudly, "I can't believe you just said that! His mom can hear you now! You need to apologize!" Though I hadn't caught what the young boy said, I surmised whatever it was it wasn't nice.

Our 10 year old piped up and said, "Yes, my mom got new hearing aids and she can hear."

I calmly leaned over the balcony railing and said to the youngest boy, "You need to apologize for saying that." He looked down at the ground a moment, then turned to the girl and our son and apologized. He didn't know I didn't hear what he said, and I wasn't going to let on otherwise. I thought it was enough for him to assume they can no longer pull the wool over my "ears".

And I like that.

Braci Hearing Assistant Smart App - Guest Post by Matthew Manetta

We who are Deaf or living with hearing loss are living in a wonderful technological age. The advances by innovative people are making the world more accessible to us everyday. Matthew Manetta is a student in Finland involved with a team that has created an app for Android and Pebble that clues us into sounds going on around us. Be sure to watch the video below the post.

Matthew kindly accepted my offer to guest post for us today sharing what his team has developed and how you can help with their latest creation, the Braci Hearing Assistant app. I appreciate the time Matthew took to write for us today - as a student and working with the Braci team, he has a pretty full schedule. Thank you, Matthew for informing us about the Braci Hearing Assistant.

~~~~~

At Braci, we want to use technology to solve problems that can really have a positive impact on lives. We see technology as a means to assist in improving the quality of life for all people, and for allowing easier communication and living. Our platform allows Deaf and Hard of Hearing people to use the same safety standards as the hearing, and be more aware of their environments in a convenient, accessible, and affordable way.

The Braci Hearing Assistant listens to the world around you and turns sounds into visual and sensory alerts. Unlike other solutions with flashing lights and expensive hardware installations, Braci allows you to use the current building infrastructure and alarm systems installed, and still be alerted to events even if you are unable to hear or see them. This can give you a sense of security and peace of mind. Our app is efficient when it comes to quick response, alert time, and is also very affordable. It's perfect for people who are hard-of-hearing, deaf, elderly, and for others too.

The app uses your smartphone or smart device/watch's microphone to constantly listen to your environment when you activate "Detection Mode".

Braci can be connected to smart watches such as the Pebble Watch or those on Android Wear. This easy-to-use app enables a fast way to be notified of all situations. The unique Braci platform is able to detect a broad range of sounds with its smart algorithm and alerts the user by vibrating their smartphone and smartwatch, flashing the mobile’s camera light, and showing an icon image of the current event on the smartphone and smart watch’s screen with a text note of the name of the event under the icon.

Braci has a full-time team of 4. We’re located in the UK and Finland. Our team consists of our CEO/CTO/Inventor Anwar Almojarkesh, our Designer Amr Wanly, our Strategic Biz Dev and Marketing Manager (myself) Matthew Manetta, and our Product Manager Juma el-Awaisi.

Braci was started in 2009 when Anwar Almojarkesh invented a way to wake himself up for class. He was sleeping through his engineering courses at college in Jordan. The first solution was a device that he could set and would splash water on him to wake him. After a few changes and solutions were made, he realized that his alert system idea could be utilized by more people than heavy sleepers and the Braci platform was born for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

We’ve been gathering feedback, listening to problems faced on a regular basis, implementing favored solutions, and we’ve been perfecting our software and algorithms which run the hardware platform. Our journey includes meeting kids in deaf schools, attending events like the Nordic Culture Festival of the Deaf, hanging out and learning sign in the deaf clubs, meeting deaf businesses, audiologists, organizations and more. It’s been really great and we are highly motivated.

For an American living abroad in a country where English is a second or third language, communication can be tricky. I’ve found that Finnish Sign Language is really enjoyable to learn. At the Nordic Culture Festival of the Deaf, I had my first real opportunity to be surrounded in an environment which allowed me to use strictly FSL and learn by doing. I would love to make more friends to practice signing with like that.

Our apps are available on the Google Play Store, the Pebble Store, and soon will be available to the public on the Apple App Store. If you’re currently on an Android and would like to try out Braci then please visit our site at www.braci.co and click download now or follow the links:

Braci Hearing Assistant- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwZeCKg2HLQ

Braci Baby Monitor- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ugs.babycrying

Car Horn Detection - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNlvSYePn2Q

If you’re currently on an Android and would like to try out Braci then please visit our site at www.braci.co and click download now or follow the links:

Braci- Hearing Assistant on Google Play:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ugs.doorbell

Braci- Baby Crying Monitor on Google Play:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ugs.babycrying

Also if you would like to see how the app works then have a look at these videos:

Doorbell Detection- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwZeCKg2HLQ

Braci Baby Monitor- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ugs.babycrying

theft alarm https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkbwxdVwYNzrZn0Xc70kt_g

*the car horn detection is being developed: although we have it functioning we are not ready to release it even for beta testing because we need it to be working 100%

Car Horn Detection - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNlvSYePn2Q

If you’re on IOS and would like to try out our app as a beta tester then please contact us via our website to info@braci.co or go to our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BraciInc  and send us a message and include your UIUD which can be found by connecting your phone to Itunes and opening the phone interface and clicking the serial number. The next number and letter set will be the UIUD.

We hope to see you there and will give you our full support!