Rand is launched! This morning, Jennie and I presented the Speech Generating Device (named Mo) to him and held our collective breaths. (see yesterday's posting for photos) You know Rand, he never exhibits a lot of enthusiasm or excitement - he's a true Minnesota Norwegian, but I could see it in his face and in his eyes. He liked it, he really, really liked it! Jennie and I tried to take him through the pages, step by step, but he took off on his own, leaving us in his dust! I showed him the "Go Back" button on each page and he was off and running. He explored every button on every page, nodded approval at some, looked quizzically at some, laughed at some, seemed relieved at some. All in all, I think it was a success.
Now the work begins. I have been slaving over a hot SGD machine for 48 hours and have barely made a dent. Mo is very frustrating in so many ways, primitive in some ways, out-of-date in others, yet it is the only game in town. I keep reminding myself that I rented the VW version and the Cadillac version is probably much better, faster, up-to-date, less frustrating, etc. The goal is to make it user friendly and essential to Rand. Jennie and I have a lot to learn about this whole device and how to make it meet Rand's needs immediately. A case in point was today. This morning I asked Jennie to plug Mo into the power strip on the floor. She did. After our session was over, Rand and I went to his OT session and then to visit a friend in the hospital. When we got back, Rand had lunch and a nap while I ran errands. When I returned to Rand's Room later this afternoon, Mo was dead. It turns out that the power strip was unplugged from the wall socket, the battery ran out of juice and there you are. Rand tried to use it but it didn't respond and he didn't know why. We didn't have time to train the staff this morning and so an opportunity was lost. Foiled by a stupid error. AAAAAAAUUUGH!
But I am pleased overall with Rand's reaction. This is just the beginning of another long road and steep learning curve for both of us. I just hope that I make the right programing decisions for him, that I don't get too complicated, that I am realistic about his abilities, about the way he thinks now, that I anticipate his wants and needs accurately. This is a work in progress for a long, long time, but if I screw up, it will kill off his enthusiasm, his willingness to use it, his view of it as useful in the short term.
Jennie is going to be a great help in this also. She is going to work with Rand 2-3 times a week on Mo and will design some pages just for him to practice words on his own. She is also going to train Manny, Thuan and the other staff on how to use Mo to communicate.
There is one button on each page that says, "Hi - Come in." I wanted that greeting to be in Rand's voice and I thought it would be easy. Wrong. Rand, Jennie and I practiced it over and over, we shortened it, revised it, tried it again and again to no avail. Finally, he said it clearly enough that we got it recorded, but his voice was very soft. Rand was pleased with the result. Later this afternoon, when I got Mo up and running again, I played his statement for him and he shook his head, "no". I agree. He wants to try it again, louder, more clearly, with expression. YES! Go, Randbo, go!! This will be a part of our daily routine - getting Mo to say what Rand wants him to say.
Next time you come to visit, be prepared to use Mo to communicate with Rand. It is a two-way device - and I'll be happy to show you how it works.
Keep Rand close.
Love,
Connie
Friday, April 27, 2007
Thursday, April 26, 2007
April 26, 2007
Below are some photos of Rand's new SGD, (Speech Generating Device) called the "Mighty Mo." Hmmmmmmm. Anyway, I wanted you to see it so you have a notion of what it looks like and how it works. Please excuse the messy kitchen table -
Mighty Mo from the front
and from the business side - USB ports, etc.
I am using the top row of four "buttons" on all pages (Hello, HELP, Please Wait, Not Here) and then adding another row of four things just for Rand. For instance, the second row on Rand's says, "PEOPLE", "MANNY", "TALKING", and "OUTSIDE" buttons. Those are the only buttons on his page. When Rand touches "Manny", another screen comes up with four things he might need Manny for - like the bathroom, water, temperature control, and needs. If he presses the needs button, another screen comes up with items he might need: sweater, moving to another chair, the remote, etc. If he pushes the people button, a screen comes up with friends, family and doctor. Push the friends button and your names will come up, same for the family. Today I want to figure out how to put the picture of the person as the graphic on the button with their name. Someday soon, I hope, each person's button will lead to a page devoted to them so Rand can find out about the person's golf game, fishing trip, poker game, whatever. In other words, every single page has to be created, programed, graphics and sound added just for Rand. Big job. The SGD will be mounted on a swing away arm on his wheelchair so it is always in front of him, he can't forget about it or ignore it, it will always be right there. It can be snapped off the mounting and used on a table top whenever that is needed, plus it is portable.
All of the pre-made pages have 16 buttons on them and that's too many for Rand. Four should do the trick for now. I can always update it and increase it as his needs change. Right now, the goal is to have it simple, easy to use, not confusing and to make him successful right off the bat! This is what Rand will see if he touches the "OUTSIDE" button:
Hope this helps you understand what I'm up to and what is going to hit Rand tomorrow! WHEEEEEE! Keep those body parts crossed that this works and keep Rand close.
Love,
Connie
Mighty Mo from the front
and from the business side - USB ports, etc.
I am using the top row of four "buttons" on all pages (Hello, HELP, Please Wait, Not Here) and then adding another row of four things just for Rand. For instance, the second row on Rand's says, "PEOPLE", "MANNY", "TALKING", and "OUTSIDE" buttons. Those are the only buttons on his page. When Rand touches "Manny", another screen comes up with four things he might need Manny for - like the bathroom, water, temperature control, and needs. If he presses the needs button, another screen comes up with items he might need: sweater, moving to another chair, the remote, etc. If he pushes the people button, a screen comes up with friends, family and doctor. Push the friends button and your names will come up, same for the family. Today I want to figure out how to put the picture of the person as the graphic on the button with their name. Someday soon, I hope, each person's button will lead to a page devoted to them so Rand can find out about the person's golf game, fishing trip, poker game, whatever. In other words, every single page has to be created, programed, graphics and sound added just for Rand. Big job. The SGD will be mounted on a swing away arm on his wheelchair so it is always in front of him, he can't forget about it or ignore it, it will always be right there. It can be snapped off the mounting and used on a table top whenever that is needed, plus it is portable.
All of the pre-made pages have 16 buttons on them and that's too many for Rand. Four should do the trick for now. I can always update it and increase it as his needs change. Right now, the goal is to have it simple, easy to use, not confusing and to make him successful right off the bat! This is what Rand will see if he touches the "OUTSIDE" button:
Hope this helps you understand what I'm up to and what is going to hit Rand tomorrow! WHEEEEEE! Keep those body parts crossed that this works and keep Rand close.
Love,
Connie
April 26, 2007
Below are some photos of Rand's new SGD, (Speech Generating Device) called the "Mighty Mo." Hmmmmmmm. Anyway, I wanted you to see it so you have a notion of what it looks like and how it works. Please excuse the messy kitchen table -
Mighty Mo from the front
and from the business side - USB ports, etc.
I am using the top row of four "buttons" on all pages (Hello, HELP, Please Wait, Not Here) and then adding another row of four things just for Rand. For instance, the second row on Rand's says, "PEOPLE", "MANNY", "TALKING", and "OUTSIDE" buttons. Those are the only buttons on his page. When Rand touches "Manny", another screen comes up with four things he might need Manny for - like the bathroom, water, temperature control, and needs. If he presses the needs button, another screen comes up with items he might need: sweater, moving to another chair, the remote, etc. If he pushes the people button, a screen comes up with friends, family and doctor. Push the friends button and your names will come up, same for the family. Today I want to figure out how to put the picture of the person as the graphic on the button with their name. Someday soon, I hope, each person's button will lead to a page devoted to them so Rand can find out about the person's golf game, fishing trip, poker game, whatever. In other words, every single page has to be created, programed, graphics and sound added just for Rand. Big job. The SGD will be mounted on a swing away arm on his wheelchair so it is always in front of him, he can't forget about it or ignore it, it will always be right there. It can be snapped off the mounting and used on a table top whenever that is needed, plus it is portable.
This is hat Rand will see if he touches the "OUTSIDE" button:
All of the pre-made pages have 16 buttons on them and that's too many for Rand. Four should do the trick for now. I can always update it and increase it as his needs change. Right now, the goal is to have it simple, easy to use, not confusing and to make him successful right off the bat!
Hope this helps you understand what I'm up to and what is going to hit Rand tomorrow! WHEEEEEE! Keep those body parts crossed that this works and keep Rand close.
Love,
Connie
Mighty Mo from the front
and from the business side - USB ports, etc.
I am using the top row of four "buttons" on all pages (Hello, HELP, Please Wait, Not Here) and then adding another row of four things just for Rand. For instance, the second row on Rand's says, "PEOPLE", "MANNY", "TALKING", and "OUTSIDE" buttons. Those are the only buttons on his page. When Rand touches "Manny", another screen comes up with four things he might need Manny for - like the bathroom, water, temperature control, and needs. If he presses the needs button, another screen comes up with items he might need: sweater, moving to another chair, the remote, etc. If he pushes the people button, a screen comes up with friends, family and doctor. Push the friends button and your names will come up, same for the family. Today I want to figure out how to put the picture of the person as the graphic on the button with their name. Someday soon, I hope, each person's button will lead to a page devoted to them so Rand can find out about the person's golf game, fishing trip, poker game, whatever. In other words, every single page has to be created, programed, graphics and sound added just for Rand. Big job. The SGD will be mounted on a swing away arm on his wheelchair so it is always in front of him, he can't forget about it or ignore it, it will always be right there. It can be snapped off the mounting and used on a table top whenever that is needed, plus it is portable.
This is hat Rand will see if he touches the "OUTSIDE" button:
All of the pre-made pages have 16 buttons on them and that's too many for Rand. Four should do the trick for now. I can always update it and increase it as his needs change. Right now, the goal is to have it simple, easy to use, not confusing and to make him successful right off the bat!
Hope this helps you understand what I'm up to and what is going to hit Rand tomorrow! WHEEEEEE! Keep those body parts crossed that this works and keep Rand close.
Love,
Connie
April 26, 2007
Below are some photos of Rand's new SGD, (Speech Generating Device) called the "Mighty Mo." Hmmmmmmm. Anyway, I wanted you to see it so you have a notion of what it looks like and how it works. Please excuse the messy kitchen table -
Mighty Mo from the front
and from the business side - USB ports, etc.
I am using the top row of four "buttons" on all pages (Hello, HELP, Please Wait, Not Here) and then adding another row of four things just for Rand. For instance, the second row on Rand's says, "PEOPLE", "MANNY", "TALKING", and "OUTSIDE" button. Those are the only buttons on his page. When Rand touches "Manny", another screen comes up with four things he might need Manny for - like the bathroom, water, temperature control, and needs. If he presses the needs button, another screen comes up with items he might need: sweater, moving to another chair, the remote, etc. If he pushes the people button, a screen comes up with friends, family and doctor. Push the friends button and your names will come up, same for the family. Today I want to figure out how to put the picture of the person as the graphic on the button with their name. Someday soon, I hope, each person's button will lead to a page devoted to them so Rand can find out about the person's golf game, fishing trip, poker game, whatever. In other words, every single page has to be created, programed, graphics and sound added just for Rand. Big job. The SGD will be mounted on a swing away contraption on his wheelchair so it is always in front of him, he can't forget about it, ignore it, it will always be right there. It can be snapped off the mounting and used on a table top whenever that is needed.
All of the pre-made pages have 16 buttons on them and that's too many for Rand. Four should do the trick for now. I can always update it and increase it as his needs change. Right now, the goal is to have it simple, easy to use, not confusing and to make him successful right off the bat!
Hope this helps you understand what I'm up to and what is going to hit Rand tomorrow! WHEEEEEE! Keep those body parts crossed that this works and keep Rand close.
Love,
Connie
Mighty Mo from the front
and from the business side - USB ports, etc.
I am using the top row of four "buttons" on all pages (Hello, HELP, Please Wait, Not Here) and then adding another row of four things just for Rand. For instance, the second row on Rand's says, "PEOPLE", "MANNY", "TALKING", and "OUTSIDE" button. Those are the only buttons on his page. When Rand touches "Manny", another screen comes up with four things he might need Manny for - like the bathroom, water, temperature control, and needs. If he presses the needs button, another screen comes up with items he might need: sweater, moving to another chair, the remote, etc. If he pushes the people button, a screen comes up with friends, family and doctor. Push the friends button and your names will come up, same for the family. Today I want to figure out how to put the picture of the person as the graphic on the button with their name. Someday soon, I hope, each person's button will lead to a page devoted to them so Rand can find out about the person's golf game, fishing trip, poker game, whatever. In other words, every single page has to be created, programed, graphics and sound added just for Rand. Big job. The SGD will be mounted on a swing away contraption on his wheelchair so it is always in front of him, he can't forget about it, ignore it, it will always be right there. It can be snapped off the mounting and used on a table top whenever that is needed.
All of the pre-made pages have 16 buttons on them and that's too many for Rand. Four should do the trick for now. I can always update it and increase it as his needs change. Right now, the goal is to have it simple, easy to use, not confusing and to make him successful right off the bat!
Hope this helps you understand what I'm up to and what is going to hit Rand tomorrow! WHEEEEEE! Keep those body parts crossed that this works and keep Rand close.
Love,
Connie
April 26, 2007
Below are some photos of Rand's new SGD, (Speech Generating Device) called the "Mighty Mo." Hmmmmmmm. Anyway, I wanted you to see it so you have a notion of what it looks like and how it works. Please excuse the messy kitchen table -
Mighty Mo from the front
and from the business side - USB ports, etc.
I am using the top row of four "buttons" on all pages (Hello, HELP, Please Wait, Not Here) and then adding another row of four things just for Rand. For instance, the second row on Rand's says, "PEOPLE", "MANNY", "TALKING", and the "Go Back" button. Those are the only buttons on his page. When Rand touches "Manny", another screen comes up with four things he might need Manny for - like the bathroom, water, temperature control, and needs. If he presses the needs button, another screen comes up with items he might need: sweater, moving to another chair, the remote, etc. If he pushes the people button, a screen comes up with friends, family and doctor. Push the friends button and your names will come up, same for the family. Today I want to figure out how to put the picture of the person as the graphic on the button with their name. Someday soon, I hope, each person's button will lead to a page devoted to them so Rand can find out about the person's golf game, fishing trip, poker game, whatever. In other words, every single page has to be created, programed, graphics and sound added just for Rand. Big job. The SGD will be mounted on a swing away contraption on his wheelchair so it is always in front of him, he can't forget about it, ignore it, it will always be right there. It can be snapped off the mounting and used on a table top whenever that is needed.
All of the pre-made pages have 16 buttons on them and that's too many for Rand. Four should do the trick for now. I can always update it and increase it as his needs change. Right now, the goal is to have it simple, easy to use, not confusing and to make him successful right off the bat!
Hope this helps you understand what I'm up to and what is going to hit Rand tomorrow! WHEEEEEE! Keep those body parts crossed that this works and keep Rand close.
Love,
Connie
Mighty Mo from the front
and from the business side - USB ports, etc.
I am using the top row of four "buttons" on all pages (Hello, HELP, Please Wait, Not Here) and then adding another row of four things just for Rand. For instance, the second row on Rand's says, "PEOPLE", "MANNY", "TALKING", and the "Go Back" button. Those are the only buttons on his page. When Rand touches "Manny", another screen comes up with four things he might need Manny for - like the bathroom, water, temperature control, and needs. If he presses the needs button, another screen comes up with items he might need: sweater, moving to another chair, the remote, etc. If he pushes the people button, a screen comes up with friends, family and doctor. Push the friends button and your names will come up, same for the family. Today I want to figure out how to put the picture of the person as the graphic on the button with their name. Someday soon, I hope, each person's button will lead to a page devoted to them so Rand can find out about the person's golf game, fishing trip, poker game, whatever. In other words, every single page has to be created, programed, graphics and sound added just for Rand. Big job. The SGD will be mounted on a swing away contraption on his wheelchair so it is always in front of him, he can't forget about it, ignore it, it will always be right there. It can be snapped off the mounting and used on a table top whenever that is needed.
All of the pre-made pages have 16 buttons on them and that's too many for Rand. Four should do the trick for now. I can always update it and increase it as his needs change. Right now, the goal is to have it simple, easy to use, not confusing and to make him successful right off the bat!
Hope this helps you understand what I'm up to and what is going to hit Rand tomorrow! WHEEEEEE! Keep those body parts crossed that this works and keep Rand close.
Love,
Connie
April 26, 2007
Below are some photos of Rand's new SGD, (Speech Generating Device) called the "Mighty Mo." Hmmmmmmm. Anyway, I wanted you to see it so you have a notion of what it looks like and how it works. Please excuse the messy kitchen table -
Mighty Mo from the front
and from the business side - USB ports, etc.
I am using the top row of four "buttons" on all pages (Hello, HELP, Please Wait, Not Here) and then adding another row of four things just for Rand. For instance, the second row on Rand's says, "Manny", "people", "talk", and the "Go Back" button. Those are the only buttons on his page. When Rand touches "Manny", another screen comes up with four things he might need Manny for - like the bathroom, water, temperature control, and needs. If he presses the needs button, another screen comes up with items he might need: sweater, moving to another chair, the remote, etc. If he pushes the people button, a screen comes up with friends, family and doctor. Push the friends button and your names will come up, same for the family. Today I want to figure out how to put the picture of the person as the graphic on the button with their name. Someday soon, I hope, each person's button will lead to a page devoted to them so Rand can find out about the person's golf game, fishing trip, poker game, whatever. In other words, every single page has to be created, programed, graphics and sound added just for Rand. Big job. The SGD will be mounted on a swing away contraption on his wheelchair so it is always in front of him, he can't forget about it, ignore it, it will always be right there. It can be snapped off the mounting and used on a table top whenever that is needed.
All of the pre-made pages have 16 buttons on them and that's too many for Rand. Four should do the trick for now. I can always update it and increase it as his needs change. Right now, the goal is to have it simple, easy to use, not confusing and to make him successful right off the bat!
Hope this helps you understand what I'm up to and what is going to hit Rand tomorrow! WHEEEEEE! Keep those body parts crossed that this works and keep Rand close.
Love,
Connie
Mighty Mo from the front
and from the business side - USB ports, etc.
I am using the top row of four "buttons" on all pages (Hello, HELP, Please Wait, Not Here) and then adding another row of four things just for Rand. For instance, the second row on Rand's says, "Manny", "people", "talk", and the "Go Back" button. Those are the only buttons on his page. When Rand touches "Manny", another screen comes up with four things he might need Manny for - like the bathroom, water, temperature control, and needs. If he presses the needs button, another screen comes up with items he might need: sweater, moving to another chair, the remote, etc. If he pushes the people button, a screen comes up with friends, family and doctor. Push the friends button and your names will come up, same for the family. Today I want to figure out how to put the picture of the person as the graphic on the button with their name. Someday soon, I hope, each person's button will lead to a page devoted to them so Rand can find out about the person's golf game, fishing trip, poker game, whatever. In other words, every single page has to be created, programed, graphics and sound added just for Rand. Big job. The SGD will be mounted on a swing away contraption on his wheelchair so it is always in front of him, he can't forget about it, ignore it, it will always be right there. It can be snapped off the mounting and used on a table top whenever that is needed.
All of the pre-made pages have 16 buttons on them and that's too many for Rand. Four should do the trick for now. I can always update it and increase it as his needs change. Right now, the goal is to have it simple, easy to use, not confusing and to make him successful right off the bat!
Hope this helps you understand what I'm up to and what is going to hit Rand tomorrow! WHEEEEEE! Keep those body parts crossed that this works and keep Rand close.
Love,
Connie
April 26, 2007
Below are some photos of Rand's new SGD, called the "Mighty Mo." Hmmmmmmm. Anyway, I wanted you to see it so you have a notion of what it looks like and how it works. Please excuse the messy kitchen table -
Mighty Mo from the front
and from the business side - USB ports, etc.

I am using the top row of four "buttons" on all pages (Hello, HELP, Please Wait, Not Here) and then adding another row of four things just for Rand.
For instance, the second row on Rand's says, "Manny", "people", "talk", and the "Go Back" button. Those are the only buttons on his page. When Rand touches "Manny", another screen comes up with four things he might need Manny for - like the bathroom, water, temperature control, and needs. If he presses the needs button, another screen comes up with items he might need: sweater, moving to another chair, the remote, etc. If he pushes the people button, a screen comes up with friends, family and doctor. Push the friends button and your names will come up, same for the family. Today I want to figure out how to put the picture of the person as the graphic on the button with their name. Someday soon, I hope, each person's button will lead to a page devoted to them so Rand can find out about the person's golf game, fishing trip, poker game, whatever. In other words, every single page has to be created, programed, graphics and sound added just for Rand. Big job. The SGD will be mounted on a swing away contraption on his wheelchair so it is always in front of him, he can't forget about it, ignore it, it will always be right there. It can be snapped off the mounting and used on a table top whenever that is needed.
All of the pre-made pages have 16 buttons on them and that's too many for Rand. Four should do the trick for now. I can always update it and increase it as his needs change. Right now, the goal is to have it simple, easy to use, not confusing and to make him successful right off the bat!
Hope this helps you understand what I'm up to and what is going to hit Rand tomorrow! WHEEEEEE! Keep those body parts crossed that this works and keep Rand close.
Love,
Connie
Mighty Mo from the front
and from the business side - USB ports, etc.

I am using the top row of four "buttons" on all pages (Hello, HELP, Please Wait, Not Here) and then adding another row of four things just for Rand.
For instance, the second row on Rand's says, "Manny", "people", "talk", and the "Go Back" button. Those are the only buttons on his page. When Rand touches "Manny", another screen comes up with four things he might need Manny for - like the bathroom, water, temperature control, and needs. If he presses the needs button, another screen comes up with items he might need: sweater, moving to another chair, the remote, etc. If he pushes the people button, a screen comes up with friends, family and doctor. Push the friends button and your names will come up, same for the family. Today I want to figure out how to put the picture of the person as the graphic on the button with their name. Someday soon, I hope, each person's button will lead to a page devoted to them so Rand can find out about the person's golf game, fishing trip, poker game, whatever. In other words, every single page has to be created, programed, graphics and sound added just for Rand. Big job. The SGD will be mounted on a swing away contraption on his wheelchair so it is always in front of him, he can't forget about it, ignore it, it will always be right there. It can be snapped off the mounting and used on a table top whenever that is needed.
All of the pre-made pages have 16 buttons on them and that's too many for Rand. Four should do the trick for now. I can always update it and increase it as his needs change. Right now, the goal is to have it simple, easy to use, not confusing and to make him successful right off the bat!
Hope this helps you understand what I'm up to and what is going to hit Rand tomorrow! WHEEEEEE! Keep those body parts crossed that this works and keep Rand close.
Love,
Connie
Below are some photos of Rand's new SGD, called the "Mighty Mo." Hmmmmmmm. Anyway, I wanted you to see it so you have a notion of what it looks like and how it works. Please excuse the messy kitchen table -

Mighty Mo from the front
/Users/rand/Desktop/IMG_0099.JPG

and from the business side - USB ports, etc.
/Users/rand/Desktop/IMG_0100.JPG

I am using the top row of four "buttons" on all pages (Hello, HELP, Please Wait, Not Here) and then adding another row of four things just for Rand.
/Users/rand/Desktop/IMG_0102.JPG
For instance, the second row on Rand's says, "Manny", "people", "talk", and the "Go Back" button. Those are the only buttons on his page. When Rand touches "Manny", another screen comes up with four things he might need Manny for - like the bathroom, water, temperature control, and needs. If he presses the needs button, another screen comes up with items he might need: sweater, moving to another chair, the remote, etc. If he pushes the people button, a screen comes up with friends, family and doctor. Push the friends button and your names will come up, same for the family. Today I want to figure out how to put the picture of the person as the graphic on the button with their name. Someday soon, I hope, each person's button will lead to a page devoted to them so Rand can find out about the person's golf game, fishing trip, poker game, whatever. In other words, every single page has to be created, programed, graphics and sound added just for Rand. Big job. The SGD will be mounted on a swing away contraption on his wheelchair so it is always in front of him, he can't forget about it, ignore it, it will always be right there. It can be snapped off the mounting and used on a table top whenever that is needed.
/Users/rand/Desktop/IMG_0103.JPG
All of the pre-made pages have 16 buttons on them and that's too many for Rand. Four should do the trick for now. I can always update it and increase it as his needs change. Right now, the goal is to have it simple, easy to use, not confusing and to make him successful right off the bat!
Hope this helps you understand what I'm up to and what is going to hit Rand tomorrow! WHEEEEEE! Keep those body parts crossed that this works and keep Rand close.
Love,
Connie

Mighty Mo from the front
/Users/rand/Desktop/IMG_0099.JPG

and from the business side - USB ports, etc.
/Users/rand/Desktop/IMG_0100.JPG

I am using the top row of four "buttons" on all pages (Hello, HELP, Please Wait, Not Here) and then adding another row of four things just for Rand.
/Users/rand/Desktop/IMG_0102.JPG
For instance, the second row on Rand's says, "Manny", "people", "talk", and the "Go Back" button. Those are the only buttons on his page. When Rand touches "Manny", another screen comes up with four things he might need Manny for - like the bathroom, water, temperature control, and needs. If he presses the needs button, another screen comes up with items he might need: sweater, moving to another chair, the remote, etc. If he pushes the people button, a screen comes up with friends, family and doctor. Push the friends button and your names will come up, same for the family. Today I want to figure out how to put the picture of the person as the graphic on the button with their name. Someday soon, I hope, each person's button will lead to a page devoted to them so Rand can find out about the person's golf game, fishing trip, poker game, whatever. In other words, every single page has to be created, programed, graphics and sound added just for Rand. Big job. The SGD will be mounted on a swing away contraption on his wheelchair so it is always in front of him, he can't forget about it, ignore it, it will always be right there. It can be snapped off the mounting and used on a table top whenever that is needed.
/Users/rand/Desktop/IMG_0103.JPG
All of the pre-made pages have 16 buttons on them and that's too many for Rand. Four should do the trick for now. I can always update it and increase it as his needs change. Right now, the goal is to have it simple, easy to use, not confusing and to make him successful right off the bat!
Hope this helps you understand what I'm up to and what is going to hit Rand tomorrow! WHEEEEEE! Keep those body parts crossed that this works and keep Rand close.
Love,
Connie
Sunday, April 15, 2007
April 15, 2007
This was The Big Day - On April 15, Rand always prepared The Farm and planted his tomato plants. This morning our friends came over and did the job for us. Gary rototilled in soil amendments, planted two huge tomato plants that he grew in his greenhouse ("Cherokee Purple" and "Jet Set"), fine turned the entire irrigation system, worked on the entry way fountain and changed the furnace filter. What big jobs and how grateful I am to have friends who will do all of that! Wow. Susie and I were his go-fers and moral support.
I picked Rand up at 9:30 this morning so he could be part of the action. It was cool and windy so he was all bundled up in a sweatshirt and his Twins quilt. He wanted to get his hands dirty, to mess with the fountain and tackle the furnace, but he watched attentively instead, giving advice and opinions when he could. Gary and Susie left about 12:30, I took Rand to his house to tend to some needs and then we came back here for the afternoon. I made Chinese Chicken Salad for lunch and he scarfed it down! He checked the date on my watch again and announced that it still wasn't right. I couldn't get out of it this time, so I worked on it until it was correct and he was happy. Whew! Glad that mission is accomplished! When we went back to his house he was really ready for a nap.
I picked up some more things to plant on The Farm and flowers to plant for cutting. I'll find time to do that tomorrow.
Rand has PT and speech tomorrow, Thuan every day, a dentist appointment on Tuesday, more PT and speech on Wednesday and I've got to get him in for a haircut soon - in other words, this will be another all consuming week - Rand is my full time job, seven days a week.
Keep him close.
Love,
Connie
The Dirt Gardener and Mrs. Tomato!
Our tomatoes are bigger than your tomatoes! Gary loaned me these nifty tomato cages - they fold up for storage and are very strong.
One happy guy with Chinese Chicken Salad and a Corona!
I picked Rand up at 9:30 this morning so he could be part of the action. It was cool and windy so he was all bundled up in a sweatshirt and his Twins quilt. He wanted to get his hands dirty, to mess with the fountain and tackle the furnace, but he watched attentively instead, giving advice and opinions when he could. Gary and Susie left about 12:30, I took Rand to his house to tend to some needs and then we came back here for the afternoon. I made Chinese Chicken Salad for lunch and he scarfed it down! He checked the date on my watch again and announced that it still wasn't right. I couldn't get out of it this time, so I worked on it until it was correct and he was happy. Whew! Glad that mission is accomplished! When we went back to his house he was really ready for a nap.
I picked up some more things to plant on The Farm and flowers to plant for cutting. I'll find time to do that tomorrow.
Rand has PT and speech tomorrow, Thuan every day, a dentist appointment on Tuesday, more PT and speech on Wednesday and I've got to get him in for a haircut soon - in other words, this will be another all consuming week - Rand is my full time job, seven days a week.
Keep him close.
Love,
Connie
The Dirt Gardener and Mrs. Tomato!
Our tomatoes are bigger than your tomatoes! Gary loaned me these nifty tomato cages - they fold up for storage and are very strong.
One happy guy with Chinese Chicken Salad and a Corona!
Sunday, April 08, 2007
April 8, 2007
Easter Sunday was always a huge event at our house when we were growing up - a big brunch following church in all our finery, lots of relatives, a big dinner later in the day and of course the visit from the Easter Bunny - snow or no snow. He/She/It frequently brought a new box of 48 crayons in addition to all the candy. Excitement! How times change. Last Easter Sunday I ate a stale tuna sandwich in the Vallejo Rehab Hospital cafeteria. This morning I had some left-over breakfast items so I could have a few more minutes to play catch-up before going to see Rand. Sometimes memories of the near and distant past are overwhelming and today is one of those days. Each year my sister and I send an Easter Lily for the alter at Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna in memory of our parents. The mental picture of that alter swimming in white lilies tugs at my heart strings and rekindles wonderful memories of my youth as well as married life with Rand. It was just two years ago that I made the traditional Easter brunch for the two of us and we had a special dinner together. Sorry to be so maudlin - just when I think I have moved beyond that stage, it comes back to bite me.
The weather is Easter Sunday perfect - blue skies and sunshine. The Easter Bunny brought Rand a basket filled with all kinds of goodies. Instead of 48 crayons, the bunny threw in two pairs of slacks from Eddie Bauer. (It turns out that the Easter Bunny has a bad eye - the slacks are too big and have to be exchanged!)
This morning I made super duper bran muffins to take to Rand's House. I haven't done any baking for a long time and it felt good. A chilly wind came up this afternoon making a walk less than desirable. Rand says that he understands that I will be gone tomorrow but will return on Tuesday. I am so ready to have an adventure/opplevelse with a friend - to get out of town and to be irresponsible for a few hours. Well, I'll never be totally irresponsible, but you know what I mean!
All is well. Keep Rand close.
Love,
Connie
The weather is Easter Sunday perfect - blue skies and sunshine. The Easter Bunny brought Rand a basket filled with all kinds of goodies. Instead of 48 crayons, the bunny threw in two pairs of slacks from Eddie Bauer. (It turns out that the Easter Bunny has a bad eye - the slacks are too big and have to be exchanged!)
This morning I made super duper bran muffins to take to Rand's House. I haven't done any baking for a long time and it felt good. A chilly wind came up this afternoon making a walk less than desirable. Rand says that he understands that I will be gone tomorrow but will return on Tuesday. I am so ready to have an adventure/opplevelse with a friend - to get out of town and to be irresponsible for a few hours. Well, I'll never be totally irresponsible, but you know what I mean!
All is well. Keep Rand close.
Love,
Connie
Saturday, April 07, 2007
April 7, 2007
This afternoon I brought Rand a package of 20 colorful felt pens and asked him to write or draw something for me. This is what he wrote:
"Connie,
I can't a new
I can't a map"
I asked him to read what he had written. He pointed to each word and carefully read:
"I want a
I want you
I want washing machine."
He didn't say my name as he couldn't remember it, but the comma and apostrophes were in the right places!
I then wrote him an Easter message and illustrated it with an Easter Bunny and some Easter Eggs. It was a simple message with about eight words, plus Love, Connie, at the end. He read it over and over with my help. He memorized it - he must have repeated it 25 or more times. He couldn't say my name because he doesn't remember it, but the rest of the message was so special to him. He left it on his table when he went in for dinner. I wonder if he remembered it was there this evening.
Rand's blood is getting better. It was 1.9 yesterday, up from 1.3 two weeks ago. They want it at 2.5, so it is going in the right direction. The Coumadin Clinic adjusted his dosage again today and he has another blood draw in two weeks.
All is well. Tomorrow I am going to put together an Easter Basket for him, complete with Peeps, chocolate rabbit, jelly beans, etc. What a difference from a year ago!
Keep Rand close.
Love,
Connie
"Connie,
I can't a new
I can't a map"
I asked him to read what he had written. He pointed to each word and carefully read:
"I want a
I want you
I want washing machine."
He didn't say my name as he couldn't remember it, but the comma and apostrophes were in the right places!
I then wrote him an Easter message and illustrated it with an Easter Bunny and some Easter Eggs. It was a simple message with about eight words, plus Love, Connie, at the end. He read it over and over with my help. He memorized it - he must have repeated it 25 or more times. He couldn't say my name because he doesn't remember it, but the rest of the message was so special to him. He left it on his table when he went in for dinner. I wonder if he remembered it was there this evening.
Rand's blood is getting better. It was 1.9 yesterday, up from 1.3 two weeks ago. They want it at 2.5, so it is going in the right direction. The Coumadin Clinic adjusted his dosage again today and he has another blood draw in two weeks.
All is well. Tomorrow I am going to put together an Easter Basket for him, complete with Peeps, chocolate rabbit, jelly beans, etc. What a difference from a year ago!
Keep Rand close.
Love,
Connie
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
April 3. 2007
Today, Karen and Kaj planted 96 impatiens plants on the south side of the entry way! What a job - it would have taken me days to do that by myself!! Kaj sharpened my knives, Karen picked spent blossoms off camillias, dead headed the flower pots and this place is looking good! I don't want them to leave! We also hauled in seven bags of soil amendments for "The Farm" in preparation for rototilling and the planting of tomatoes in another week or so.
After all the physical labor was done, we took Rand for a long walk to Almaden Lake Park where we ate popcorn, a "Cow Pie" (candy) direct from Wisconsin, watched the ducks, geese, egrets and had a good time. The picture below was taken there.
Rand enjoyed the outing, especially being with Karen and Kaj. Tomorrow we head back to PT and later in the afternoon K and K will say their goodbyes. They head back to Madison, WI on Thursday, where it is snowing and miserable!
Keep Rand close. Saying goodbye is going to be very tough for both of us.
Love,
Connie
After all the physical labor was done, we took Rand for a long walk to Almaden Lake Park where we ate popcorn, a "Cow Pie" (candy) direct from Wisconsin, watched the ducks, geese, egrets and had a good time. The picture below was taken there.
Rand enjoyed the outing, especially being with Karen and Kaj. Tomorrow we head back to PT and later in the afternoon K and K will say their goodbyes. They head back to Madison, WI on Thursday, where it is snowing and miserable!
Keep Rand close. Saying goodbye is going to be very tough for both of us.
Love,
Connie
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