Those memorable drives with the family

This used to be our Sunday afternoon activity when we were just kids. Each Sunday Mom and Dad would bundle us three kids into the family car and along with Granny we would go for a nice long drive. I used to look forward to these occasions as it gave us all an opportunity to be together and in those days I had everyone in the car describing things to me as we drove along.

Mom usually sat in the front seat alongside Dad as he drove and Jeffrey and I took turns sitting with them. Granny and Robert usually sat at the back, and boy, was it ever so much fun.

Sometimes Robert would spice up things by taking a scrap page and hanging it outside the car's window and there it would make a loud noise as it fluttered in the wind. Most times the radio in the car was off and I think that my parents left it off deliberately so that we could chat among ourselves.

I used to love to snuggle close to Granny and she would put her strong long arms around me and talk softly to me. Whenever I sat in the front seat between my parents, Mom would talk to me about all kinds of things, anything and everything, and usually entertained me with her stories. I always loved to listen to each member of my family as they chattered on and on: descriptions of trees, animals in passing fields, houses, buildings, everything!

We always found something to talk about among ourselves. My two brothers were quite entertaining and sometimes Jeffrey would lean out of the window to wave to passing motorists and others along the way. Such cherished memories, and at the end of it all? Back home for our Sunday evening meal and some more family time after supper.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to come by and check out my heart warming audio mysteries at www.donnajodhan.com.
I write and record my very own mysteries and I can tell you that my audio mysteries are completely void of explicit descriptions of sex and violence. It's all about drama, suspense, and intrigue.
It's my way of helping to create listening for leisure and leaving imagining crime behind.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/author.jodhan

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"If you either are or have been a victim of crime, violence, abuse, or bullying, and if you are simply tired of being bombarded with audios and scenes of the above, then I am asking for your support. I have written and recorded audio mysteries that are completely void of vivid descriptions of sex, crime, and violence because I firmly believe that it is time for us to use the spoken word to help influence our kids to start listening to content that is clean and healthy. By doing this we can all do our part to tackle crime in a positive and meaningful way and it only costs pennies per day.Visit my online store at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html.
I thank you and your kids will also thank you!"

When Dad taught me the cricket field

This was oh so many years ago, but I remember it as if it were just yesterday! I was a child then and he was my dad. Much taller than me, much stronger than me, and much smarter than me! This is how I remembered it all and to his passing he was all of these things to me.

Dad took me out to the cricket field and with an infinite amount of patience he walked me through the cricket field and explained everything to me. He walked with me on the cricket pitch and told me its dimensions. He showed me where the bowlers, batsmen, and wicket keeper would stand. Then he showed me where the stumps would be along with the wickets and bails.

After he was satisfied that I understood it all, he would walk me to the various positions in the field and explain the significance of each position. The final crowning moment would come when he would revisit the cricket pitch and then have me stand as a batsman to receive his incoming ball deliveries.

I can still remember it all! Dad's firm and gentle voice coaching me along and me standing there under a bright blue sky, sun streaming down on us, and a fresh savanna breeze playing across my cheeks and down my back! How much I enjoyed these precious moments, and at the end of our cherished session? Back home to a sumptuous lunch from mom and granny and my two brothers and of course, our dog, Yella!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to come by and check out my heart warming audio mysteries at www.donnajodhan.com.
I write and record my very own mysteries and I can tell you that my audio mysteries are completely void of explicit descriptions of sex and violence. It's all about drama, suspense, and intrigue.
It's my way of helping to create listening for leisure and leaving imagining crime behind.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/author.jodhan

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"If you either are or have been a victim of crime, violence, abuse, or bullying, and if you are simply tired of being bombarded with audios and scenes of the above, then I am asking for your support. I have written and recorded audio mysteries that are completely void of vivid descriptions of sex, crime, and violence because I firmly believe that it is time for us to use the spoken word to help influence our kids to start listening to content that is clean and healthy. By doing this we can all do our part to tackle crime in a positive and meaningful way and it only costs pennies per day.Visit my online store at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html.
I thank you and your kids will also thank you!"

How shapes helped me to learn

I can tell you most emphatically that having had exposure to feeling shapes as a child sure helped me to learn what things looked like. In addition, when I received my first cornea transplant the learning of shapes helped me greatly to quickly adjust to a new world of more vision.

My parents and granny were extremely instrumental in helping me. As early as I could remember, they were constantly teaching me the shape of things, from circles to squares and triangles to ovals. I remember using clay and plasticine to mold things and I also remember using blocks to construct such things as houses, vehicles, and so much more.

My parents and granny taught me how to construct various objects and they even continued their tutoring on the beach: using sand to help me learn what a castle felt like, tracing letters in the sand, and so much more.

I learned the shapes of cars, trucks, buses and boats by feeling the toys of my brothers. I formed shapes of various objects with clay and plasticine, and I used my imagination to help me create my very own shapes. I even learned what a Christmas tree looked like by feeling the shape of one that my cousin Brian had done for me.

So many wonderful memories for me and they will always be with me.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to come by and check out my heart warming audio mysteries at www.donnajodhan.com.
I write and record my very own mysteries and I can tell you that my audio mysteries are completely void of explicit descriptions of sex and violence. It's all about drama, suspense, and intrigue.
It's my way of helping to create listening for leisure and leaving imagining crime behind.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/author.jodhan

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"If you either are or have been a victim of crime, violence, abuse, or bullying, and if you are simply tired of being bombarded with audios and scenes of the above, then I am asking for your support. I have written and recorded audio mysteries that are completely void of vivid descriptions of sex, crime, and violence because I firmly believe that it is time for us to use the spoken word to help influence our kids to start listening to content that is clean and healthy. By doing this we can all do our part to tackle crime in a positive and meaningful way and it only costs pennies per day.Visit my online store at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html.
I thank you and your kids will also thank you!"

Remembering the lollypops

Oh boy! How well do I remember them and they are one of my favorite kid memories. I used to love to just look at them neatly displayed on our counter without touching them. I used to love to look at the colors, and of course! Yellow was always my favorite, followed by purple then red. As a matter of fact, I loved all of the colors and various shapes.

I think that my mom knew how much I used to love to look at them and she never fretted whenever I would sneak over to have a look. Of course, I also loved to eat them, crunching and just enjoying the delicious flavors.

Now that I can no longer see my favorite lollypops, I use my imagination and memory to help me out. I can still conjure up these memories with little or no effort. Ah yes, those wonderful memories of lollypops. At birthday parties, at Christmas time, and on a Sunday afternoon when the family would be taking things easy.

Big ones! Small ones! Fat ones! Thinner ones! Brightly colored ones! All kinds of lollypops!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to go out there and tell others about my memories of lollypops.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/author.jodhan

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"If you either are or have been a victim of crime, violence, abuse, or bullying, and if you are simply tired of being bombarded with audios and scenes of the above, then I am asking for your support. I have written and recorded audio mysteries that are completely void of vivid descriptions of sex, crime, and violence because I firmly believe that it is time for us to use the spoken word to help influence our kids to start listening to content that is clean and healthy. By doing this we can all do our part to tackle crime in a positive and meaningful way and it only costs pennies per day.Visit my online store at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html.
I thank you and your kids will also thank you!"

Imagining the menu

This is what I do almost every time I dine out. I put my imagination into high gear and off I go. Some of the time I can guess what's on the menu at restaurants that I go to frequently and it sure helps when the waiter comes to take my order. Sometimes I need sighted assistance to help me out here.

When I say that I imagine the menu, this is how it works with me. I can visualize the plates with the food neatly arranged on them and I associate this to my senses of smell and taste. Colorful foods dance in my head. Smells permeate, and the taste buds are quickly activated. In short, I do not have to see the food to appreciate it. My other senses are there to pick up the slack.

Call me crazy but this is what it is for me. I love imagining menus at restaurants.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and encouraging you to go out there and share my imagination with others. Visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca to learn more about me.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/author.jodhan

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"If you either are or have been a victim of crime, violence, abuse, or bullying, and if you are simply tired of being bombarded with audios and scenes of the above, then I am asking for your support. I have written and recorded audio mysteries that are completely void of vivid descriptions of sex, crime, and violence because I firmly believe that it is time for us to use the spoken word to help influence our kids to start listening to content that is clean and healthy. By doing this we can all do our part to tackle crime in a positive and meaningful way and it only costs pennies per day.Visit my online store at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html.
I thank you and your kids will also thank you!"

Arranging the pot handles on the stove

Yes indeed, and this is one of my daily challenges in the kitchen: to carefully arrange the pot handles on my stove when I cook. Why is this? So that I do not go bumping them off the stove and that I know exactly where my pots are when I go to cook.

When I go to stir my pot or frying pan, I almost always hold on to the handle so that I am in control. When I take a hold of the handle I can control my movements in front of my stove. I can exercise more leverage when it comes to being able to stir my ingredients without having to worry about accidentally flipping them out of my pot or frying pan or sauce pan.

I am always very careful to arrange my pot handles so that I can easily find them when I go looking for them. I keep them out of my way and at all times I am aware of their whereabouts. This strategy of mine helps me to avoid spills and accidents.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to share my blogs with others. Visit www.nfb.org to learn more about the world of blind persons.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/author.jodhan

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"If you either are or have been a victim of crime, violence, abuse, or bullying, and if you are simply tired of being bombarded with audios and scenes of the above, then I am asking for your support. I have written and recorded audio mysteries that are completely void of vivid descriptions of sex, crime, and violence because I firmly believe that it is time for us to use the spoken word to help influence our kids to start listening to content that is clean and healthy. By doing this we can all do our part to tackle crime in a positive and meaningful way and it only costs pennies per day.Visit my online store at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html.
I thank you and your kids will also thank you!"

Almost everything has a name

This was what I have always been used to and it is how my mom has helped me to identify things throughout my life. This especially pertains to things around me in my home. Anything from shoes and slippers to cups and saucers, pots and pans, and even pieces of clothing.

Mom and I have named things based on such criteria as: Who gave it to me, who uses it, when it was given or first worn, where it was bought, and so on. So we have had Granny's bathing suit because Granny gave it to me. Mom's cup because Mom uses it. Dad's plate because he used it. Auntie's jeans because she gave them to me.

This has helped me greatly because Mom has not had to mention shape and color to me when identifying things if she did not feel like doing so. When I had enough vision to see things, she of course used descriptions in addition to her naming conventions. Let's put it like this: the naming convention strategy has served as a great backup and now as one of the main ways for Mom to communicate with me now that my vision is gone.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day. Visit www.rnib.org to learn more.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/author.jodhan

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"If you either are or have been a victim of crime, violence, abuse, or bullying, and if you are simply tired of being bombarded with audios and scenes of the above, then I am asking for your support. I have written and recorded audio mysteries that are completely void of vivid descriptions of sex, crime, and violence because I firmly believe that it is time for us to use the spoken word to help influence our kids to start listening to content that is clean and healthy. By doing this we can all do our part to tackle crime in a positive and meaningful way and it only costs pennies per day.Visit my online store at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html.
I thank you and your kids will also thank you!"

What I perceive now

I'll tell you, it's precious very little. I can barely see fingers or hand movements in front of me and these have to be almost right up against my cheek. I can see very little light and maybe someone walking very close in front of me. I may be able to see some shadows, but you know what? It is really difficult for me, to be sure.

Why is this? Because I am not sure if at times I am perceiving or really seeing. It's very difficult and at times I am a bit confused. Suffice it to say that my vision is almost at a big round zero.

That's okay! I mean it! I have adjusted to it all and it has been 10 years since it happened. In January 2004 fate delivered a blow when she failed to help doctors repair a badly torn retina. Since then, it has been a matter of readjusting and moving on.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to go out there and share my reflections with others. Visit me any time at www.sterlingcreations.ca.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/author.jodhan

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"If you either are or have been a victim of crime, violence, abuse, or bullying, and if you are simply tired of being bombarded with audios and scenes of the above, then I am asking for your support. I have written and recorded audio mysteries that are completely void of vivid descriptions of sex, crime, and violence because I firmly believe that it is time for us to use the spoken word to help influence our kids to start listening to content that is clean and healthy. By doing this we can all do our part to tackle crime in a positive and meaningful way and it only costs pennies per day.Visit my online store at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html.
I thank you and your kids will also thank you!"

Swimming in the sea with precious little vision

I may not have very much vision now, as a matter of fact it is almost zero, but this does not prevent me from enjoying my swims in my beloved sea. For whereas some years ago I could see things like fellow swimmers, the shore, the blue skies and clouds overhead, the white-capped waves and color of the sand and sea, this is no more for me.

In distant times I knew where the shore was through visual cues. I could see people walking on the beach, the color of the sand, and so much more. Now whenever I want to find the shore I need to use my orientation and gauge things through the movement of the current.

I'll tell you that at first when I had to start using this method it was very scary and nerve-wracking, but I have grown used to it and it's great fun swimming in a new type of environment. I now use my memory to help me enjoy swimming in my beloved sea. I can conjure up the face of the sun, the color of the sea, waves, and sand, and images of boats sailing by and blue skies and puffy white clouds as my ceiling.

Sometimes I venture out to sea a little further than what my mom would like, but that's the fun for me! Venturing beyond the deep blue sea so to speak. Ah yes! Swimming in my beloved sea!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to share my blogs with others. Visit www.afb.org to learn more about the world of blind persons.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/author.jodhan

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"If you either are or have been a victim of crime, violence, abuse, or bullying, and if you are simply tired of being bombarded with audios and scenes of the above, then I am asking for your support. I have written and recorded audio mysteries that are completely void of vivid descriptions of sex, crime, and violence because I firmly believe that it is time for us to use the spoken word to help influence our kids to start listening to content that is clean and healthy. By doing this we can all do our part to tackle crime in a positive and meaningful way and it only costs pennies per day.Visit my online store at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html.
I thank you and your kids will also thank you!"

Playing with the tiny toys

Growing up with two brothers meant for me that I spent lots of time playing with their toys. I had lots of fun doing it and as I sit writing this blog I can still vividly remember it all.

I had so much fun playing with their tiny cars, jeeps, buses, trucks, vans, and armored vehicles. I also played with their toy soldiers and war planes and boats and it enabled and allowed me to use my imagination to a great extent.

I used to drive the tiny toys up and down the carpet and onto the bare floors of our home. I used to imagine all kinds of things. Anything from delivering newspapers in my little van to driving myself to school. I used to pretend that I could drive any of these tiny toys on my own. I used to either play by myself or play with my brothers.

Out of all of this came some very important experiences for me. I learned to imagine. I learned the shapes of various vehicles, and I learned to develop my various motor skills. I also learned to play with all kinds of toys other than my girl toys.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to come by and check out my heart warming audio mysteries at www.donnajodhan.com. I write and record my very own mysteries and I can tell you that my audio mysteries are completely void of explicit descriptions of sex and violence. It's all about drama, suspense, and intrigue.It's my way of helping to create listening for leisure and leaving imagining crime behind.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/author.jodhan

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"If you either are or have been a victim of crime, violence, abuse, or bullying, and if you are simply tired of being bombarded with audios and scenes of the above, then I am asking for your support. I have written and recorded audio mysteries that are completely void of vivid descriptions of sex, crime, and violence because I firmly believe that it is time for us to use the spoken word to help influence our kids to start listening to content that is clean and healthy. By doing this we can all do our part to tackle crime in a positive and meaningful way and it only costs pennies per day.Visit my online store at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html.
I thank you and your kids will also thank you!"

When the computer became disconnected

Ah yes! One of the more routine challenges for me to keep in mind. In the normal scheme of things, my computers are all in one place in my own home and are always connected. But when you go to spend vacation at someone's home and take your computer along, here is where the challenge comes in.

At Christmastime last year, I took my netbook along as I spent Christmas vacation at my mom's home. I had set up my computer but on this particular day, Mom and I had decided to do some decorating and we had to move things around. We moved the computer temporarily and after I had put it back in its place I forgot to check to make sure that it was well connected to the outlet in the wall.

So how did I discover this? Well, here goes. Each time I turned it on it booted up fine. But then each time I left it for just a very brief moment, it went into sleep mode and when I returned to it the screen was blank and my screen reader's voice had gone silent.

At first, I thought that my poor little computer was dying on me. But luckily for me something clicked in my mind and I decided to check the connections. Sure enough! Yes, the plug was securely connected to the outlet in the wall but the connector from the computer to the second piece that was connected to the wall was not connected. I found both ends lying lazily on the floor and very much unconnected.

As soon as I had connected both pieces I could tell that all was well as the computer beeped and this told me that current was now flowing happily into my computer.

This, of course, can happen to anyone but for a blind person it is even more important to make sure that connections are properly in place. Now, please go out there and share my experience with others.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to come by and check out my heart warming audio mysteries at www.donnajodhan.com. I write and record my very own mysteries and I can tell you that my audio mysteries are completely void of explicit descriptions of sex and violence. It's all about drama, suspense, and intrigue. It's my way of helping to create listening for leisure and leaving imagining crime behind.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/author.jodhan

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"If you either are or have been a victim of crime, violence, abuse, or bullying, and if you are simply tired of being bombarded with audios and scenes of the above, then I am asking for your support. I have written and recorded audio mysteries that are completely void of vivid descriptions of sex, crime, and violence because I firmly believe that it is time for us to use the spoken word to help influence our kids to start listening to content that is clean and healthy. By doing this we can all do our part to tackle crime in a positive and meaningful way and it only costs pennies per day.Visit my online store at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html.
I thank you and your kids will also thank you!"

On a dark street with no one around

At the best of times, standing on a dark street waiting for your ride when there is no one around, well, it is very scary. For a blind person like me, it is even more scary.

This is what happened to me at Christmastime of 2013 as my mom and I stood waiting for our ride after Mass. The street was dark and practically deserted and as I stood there I am not ashamed to tell you that my imagination sort of took control of me. Here I was, trying to be strong and trying to show my mom that I was not afraid, but truth be told, I was indeed very afraid!

I began to imagine that there were shadows creeping out of the dark at us and that there were ghosts peeping at us from behind trees and fences. I began to imagine that bad men on tiptoes were walking down the sidewalk towards us and that soon pairs of hands would be grabbing me and dragging me away.

I never asked my mom what she thought but I am sure that she, too, was somewhat scared. We were extremely fortunate that night as the priest came out of the church after about 10 minutes and stood waiting with us until our ride arrived. I thank dear FR Charles for having been our guardian angel that night.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to come by and check out my heart warming audio mysteries at www.donnajodhan.com. I write and record my very own mysteries and I can tell you that my audio mysteries are completely void of explicit descriptions of sex and violence. It's all about drama, suspense, and intrigue. It's my way of helping to create listening for leisure and leaving imagining crime behind.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/author.jodhan

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"If you either are or have been a victim of crime, violence, abuse, or bullying, and if you are simply tired of being bombarded with audios and scenes of the above, then I am asking for your support. I have written and recorded audio mysteries that are completely void of vivid descriptions of sex, crime, and violence because I firmly believe that it is time for us to use the spoken word to help influence our kids to start listening to content that is clean and healthy. By doing this we can all do our part to tackle crime in a positive and meaningful way and it only costs pennies per day.Visit my online store at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html.
I thank you and your kids will also thank you!"