Enjoying the Ride: The Blog

MITCH  STURGEON
Author and Blogger 

Living With MS

3i Housing of Maine
2019 MLA STICKER FINALIST

A Triumphant Return to Jordan Pond

Before I was diagnosed, I knew something was wrong with my legs. I had been told a year earlier it might be MS, but my current doctors had pooh-poohed that idea and were looking in other directions. Then Jordan Pond happened. Our first trip to Jordan Pond, 2001 Kim and I and the kids went camping… Continue reading A Triumphant Return to Jordan Pond

Wheelchair Camping

Again this summer, we rented cabins at a campground and roughed it for a few days, so to speak. Kim and I had just started dating in high school the first time I visited Hadley’s Point Campground. I was invited on her family vacation, but I had to sleep in the back of a pickup… Continue reading Wheelchair Camping

MS and Beer Drinking

Beer and I go way back. As a child – I can’t remember what age, but damn young – Dad would ask me to hand him a beer. I’d peel I would off the fliptop for him, take a sip, and pass the can along. Standard procedure. In the eighth grade, my friends John, Jamie,… Continue reading MS and Beer Drinking

Happy 30th Wedding Anniversary, Kim

I couldn’t decide what to get you for our 30th. Because we’re leaving in a couple days for a camping trip, flowers didn’t make sense. You’re not big on jewelry (thankfully). I considered a gift certificate to the tattoo parlor down the street, so you could have my likeness emblazoned on a private place, but… Continue reading Happy 30th Wedding Anniversary, Kim

Google Voice Access

Regular readers of this blog know I’m all about voice control. I use Dragon NaturallySpeaking instead of a keyboard. Click here to see what I’ve installed for voice controls inside my house. Now I’m moving on to my mobile devices. This short video demonstrates Google’s new Voice Access feature: Or, click here to watch the video… Continue reading Google Voice Access

When I Encounter Mothers

People who are able to walk don’t think much about their legs, and I don’t think much about my wheelchair. My mind is occupied by a million other things. With a few exceptions, I go about my day as if I’m not riding in an elaborate metal and plastic contraption. But I am. I’m reminded… Continue reading When I Encounter Mothers

My Connected Home – This Is How We Did It

In my previous post, I demonstrated the voice-controlled automation in my home. In this post, I go into some of the details of how we set up the system. It’s complicated stuff, however, so only attempt something similar if you have the skills and patience or know someone who does, which includes anyone under the… Continue reading My Connected Home – This Is How We Did It

My Voice-Controlled Home

Leading a contented life with worsening disability depends, to a large extent, on problem-solving skills and resources. Can’t walk? Get a wheelchair. Difficulty holding eating utensils? Modify those utensils. Losing function in your arms and hands? Use your voice instead. Watch below. If you are reading this post via email, click here to watch the… Continue reading My Voice-Controlled Home

The iBot Lives!

This is the news we’ve all been waiting for. A little company called Toyota will partner with DEKA to develop and manufacture the next generation of iBot. Read the press release here, and be sure to watch the video embedded in the story. To see video of my iBot in action, click here.

Travis Mills – Tough as They Come

Travis was one of those kids with a gifted body and an adventurous mind. A high school football legend, he was gregarious, kind, and fun-loving. Although bright, he had no interest in being a scholar. After a short stint at a community college, he joined the Army – a perfect outlet for his considerable energy,… Continue reading Travis Mills – Tough as They Come