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We have friends, Robin and Sam, who live in Providence, Rhode Island. They visit us a couple of times a year. Two weeks ago we spent the day with them in our beautiful city of Portland, Maine. As we drove down Congress Street, I played tour guide and said, “On your right is Nosh Restaurant—a… Continue reading “A Medical Marijuana Story” or “Mitch Does a Mitzvah”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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