speech recognition

Due to force of my lip-reading habit, I've only gradually been aware that I can hear entire conversations without looking at the person.  It works best if they are within a few feet, in a quiet setting, and they don't mumble! 

I sat in a large room with 12 people, each of them praying at different times.  One voice across the room seemed really good, not enough for every word, but I just kept smiling as more understanding poured in.  I have to pinch myself to remember that it's happening without my looking at her.  But the one sitting on my left sure came through bell clear.  So nice to have speech recognition even if it is dependant on a quiet setting.

Listening to Mozart again.  I'll have to seek out more of these relaxing songs.  Passionate songs, full of quick notes are fine, but I like having them sound out a bit longer, so they can be savored.

People don't know how good this hearing can be.  I just get this big ol' silly grin on my face when speech recognition comes along without the lip-reading to back it up.  Most of the time I'm looking at the person, so this progress is even sneaking up on me.  Sure makes social events a lot more relaxing.  YES! YES!