A refreshing experience: In the Air Canada lounge at the Ottawa Airport

I was pleasantly surprised when the Air Canada agent escorted me to the business lounge to await the departure of my flight from Ottawa to Toronto in November 2018.  I had decided to catch an earlier flight back to Toronto so this meant that I would have to wait for about two hours.

The lounge was nice and friendly.  The service agents were extremely attentive to me and kept checking on me to see if I needed anything.  The atmosphere, as a whole, was extremely pleasant and despite my being afraid that I would be forgotten, it never happened.

What I liked most about this lounge was that it seemed to be well laid out. Not too big and not too cluttered.  Just the right size.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids, with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter, is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!

From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts! www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!

'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.  http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan

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Thank goodness she noticed them: Blackheads on my nose

These are the times that I most fear, whenever there is something on my face or clothes and I am not aware of it.  This is what happened a few days ago when Mom told me that I had some blackheads on my nose.

So, after being told I had to spring into action.  Mom helped me to get rid of them and it was important to do so because I was getting ready to attend a presentation.  We got rid of the annoyance in quick time but for future reference I am just not sure how I would know when or if they reappear.

I just need to ensure that my nose and face are constantly kept clean and I can only do this by checking regularly, daily.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids, with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter, is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!

From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts! www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!

'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.  http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan

And like me on Facebook at

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A Christmas memory in the spring: Getting ready to play Mrs Claus

Boy oh boy,  do I ever have an admission to make!  I had always dreamed of playing Mrs. Claus and I was going to have my dreams come true in just a few short weeks!

Thanks to Ian White and his Visionaries Chapter of the Canadian Council of the Blind,  I would be taking part in a short skit that I wrote and my CCB Mysteries Chapter was presenting my skit at Ian's lunch on Nov 27, 2018.

I had already bought my Mrs. Claus hat and bells, and practiced with Kamini and Ken and then we waited.  However, I had a chance to practice when I did my Christmas audio show for Accessible Media Inc. This was so very exciting for me!

I developed a script for the AMI show and it is all about Mrs. Claus reading letters to Santa Claus and Santa asking Mrs. Claus to respond on his behalf.

Exciting times were ahead!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids, with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter, is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!

From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts! www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!

'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.  http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan

And like me on Facebook at

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She never complained when I made a mistake: When Yella listened to me play my piano

She did not come very often but whenever she did she would come quietly into the living room and there she would lie and listen.  I could hear her coming, her little feet tapping gently on the floor.  Then she would squeeze through the half-opened door and walk past me and take up her position. There she was, lying on the floor not too far from the side of the piano.

Many a time I would finish practicing my piano pieces and then I would leave her there snoozing happily away.  Some time later she would realize that I had finished and left her there and then she would come sluggishly out of the living room.  She was neither happy nor sad; she was just Yella listening to me play.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids, with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter, is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!

From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts! www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!

'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.  http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan

And like me on Facebook at

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Oh, my beloved Granny! Granny's favourite song

For as long as I shall live, I will remember that her favourite song was the hymn "Bless This House."  And she never tired of asking me to play it on my piano for her.

Sometimes I would complain but there were times when I did my best to fulfill her request.   Granny never asked me for very much in my life or her life and I just wish that as young as I was I could have understood more clearly and complied more freely.

"Bless This House" is a lovely hymn.  The tune is melodious and sombre but it is the words that are so very meaningful.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids, with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter, is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!

From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts! www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!

'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.  http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan

And like me on Facebook at

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Everyone was so proud! My first phone call

I can still remember the day when I made my very first phone call.  I was no more than six and I had been playing around with the dial on our family's phone.  I had figured out the layout of the numbers; the dial was an old-fashioned one and you had to put your fingers in holes that represented the numbers.

You had to put your finger in the hole and then move the dial around to the right until it hit the bar and then it would stop and then you did it for the next hole for the next number.  You repeated this process until you had finished dialing.

To try to explain my discovery was to simply say that the hole that represented the number one was the one that was above the bar on the dial and when you moved it around it was the shortest movement, and zero stood below the bar of the dial.  The dial was round and the holes clustered around the dial.

So, when I was good and ready to show off my discovery I showed it off to Mom who could not believe it. She got me to show her over and over again how I could dial a phone number and then she went and told Granny, Auntie, and Dad.  I'll never forget the day it all took place.

I was so proud of myself and I guess that my family was proud that their little vision-impaired daughter could dial a phone number with no help.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids, with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter, is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!

From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts! www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!

'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.  http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan

And like me on Facebook at

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Anxious times: Downtown at my Apple exam

  

In November 2018 I traveled to downtown Toronto with my friend Gabriella to take my ACSP exam.  It was a cold, blustery day in mid fall as we walked quickly towards the exam centre and as we walked I was ever so grateful that Gabriella was with me.

I was walking in unfamiliar territory and everything seemed so very confusing and a bit intimidating to me and despite my not being able to see those tall, forbidding buildings around me I could only imagine what they looked like given that I used my imagination to conjure up images.

Having previously had enough vision to see those imposing buildings enabled me to use my imagination.  The winds nipped at my coat as I hurried along beside Gabriella and at times I could actually feel my innermost thoughts starting to freeze up.

The walk from the underground parking lot took about 10 minutes and I was so very relieved when we got to the building.  It did not prevent me from shivering inwardly and I could only hope that I would not need to travel here again in a hurry.

For someone who is vision impaired, it is often a real challenge when they are required to walk in areas that are unfamiliar and then they need to trust the one guiding them.  Quite an experience.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids, with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter, is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!

From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts! www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!

'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.  http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan

And like me on Facebook at

A new driver to get used to: My new driver Jivko

I met Jivko in late October 2018 when he agreed to drive me to my various appointments.  Jivko is steady and friendly.  He is helpful and goes out of his way to ensure that he is providing me with good guiding techniques.

He is patient and makes sure that he is taking the best route in order to get me to my appointments on time and this sure helps me to stay calm.

As they say, when one door closes then another opens.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids, with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter, is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!

From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts! www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!

'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.  http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan

And like me on Facebook at

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A refreshing person: Working with George

It is such a refreshing experience when you meet someone who is always pleasant, always optimistic, and who is never hesitant to help find solutions. This is George; I met him in October 2018 when he started to drive for me.

George is one of those so-called old time folks.  He is committed, he is reliable, and such a joy to know.

It sure helps me to be less stressed when I can depend on someone who has all of these qualities.  Especially so when I live in a world that is so cluttered both physically and mentally.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids, with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter, is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!

From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts! www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!

'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.  http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan

And like me on Facebook at

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So happy to have them back: The return of the chairs

I was just so very happy when my chairs returned after having been reupholstered.  Now it was time to get used to them.

New material for me to familiarize myself with.  The new height of the seat. The new thickness and texture of the material.  In short, the feel and touch of my reupholstered chair.

Nothing better than having either new or reupholstered chairs to sit on. Finally, the smell of the new material.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids, with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter, is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!

From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts! www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!

'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.  http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan

And like me on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Finding ways: Dealing with the batteries

So, this is how I deal with my batteries, and in order to ensure that I change them regularly I do so whenever the time changes.  In this way I am able to ensure that they do not run out on me.

I have learned how to put them in based on ensuring that I put the smooth end of the battery against the point in the back of whatever I am changing. I push down slightly to ensure that they are all in place and then I slide home the cover. It works.

I make sure to safely dispose of the old batteries thus doing my bit to ensure that I am protecting the environment.

This technique has worked for me for the most part.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids, with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter, is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!

From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts! www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!

'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.  http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan

And like me on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

It requires a wee bit of patience: Selecting the right radio station

I have to admit that every time I need to select a radio station, it means a wee bit of a challenge for me.

This normally arises either when I have somehow lost my favourite radio station or when I am looking for a new one.

I have to admit that I am a creature of habit so most of the time I am listening to the same radio station.

So, how do I find it if I have lost it?  With no guiding support, that is I am unable to see the numbers on the screen of my radio, this is my strategy. Two of my radios are tuned to my favourite news station and the other two are tuned to my favourite music station.  So, when I lose my way on one radio I have a backup and I use this to help me find my way back to the station.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids, with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter, is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!

From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts! www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!

'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.  http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan

And like me on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan