Vacationing with a disability - day 6

Just so you don't get the impression that I'm so focused on my disability that I can't or won't consider others.  For example, of the four people in our party three have diagnosed hearing problems and have $2,000 per ear hearing aids.  The fourth person also has some self-diagnosed hearing loss.  In addition I am losing voice volume and quality as a result of my Parkinson's.  The net result is that when the four of us travel together in a noisy car or open-air tourist bus we end up sounding like that old joke:

First man:   Man, I nearly lost my hat today.  Windy, isn't it?

Second man:  No, I don't think it's Wednesday.  I think its Thursday.

Third man:  Now that you mention it, I'm thirsty, too.  Let's go have a drink.

First and second men:  Hear, hear!! (or here, here)

When we speak to each other, the first five seconds are complete lost so it is better to use those syllables as attention getters such as "Carolyn.  Carolyn!" or "Did you know?"  It's best to say no more because you'll just get frustrated - both of you.  Also make sure you're both looking at each other so that lip reading can also be helpful.

Today we practiced our hearing and speaking skills (such as they are) driving to and then experiencing the Gaylord plantation.

There is a train track winding in and around their many acres of fruit trees and other gardens.  

If you buy the upgraded tour, you can take a hike and see even more and even pick and take with you as much fruit as you can stuff in your  pockets.

Today, we say several of the ne-ne geese, the Hawaiian state bird and an endangered species.

We also enjoyed the chance to feed the pigs by throwing chunks of bread over the fence to the pigs.  From the looks of the pigs we didn't need to worry about any of them going to sleep hungry tonight.

We also enjoyed a very nice upscale luncheon thee before getting on our way.   Tonight was one of those "kick back, lazy pool evening.`