Another challenge conquered: Changing the batteries on Mom's chiming clock

I have to say that I have gotten much better at this task but I still need to take very good care when doing it.

First, I gently remove the old batteries. Next, I insert the new batteries. Then it is time to set the time.

I make sure that I know the time before I start to set the time. There are 3 buttons at the back of the clock, or rather inside the back of the clock. One is to set the hour and so I concentrate deeply on this task. Each push of this button signifies the advancing of the hour re the coordinating of chime to time.

Next it is time to coordinate the chimes to when the clock will chime each quarter of the hour. The trick here for both steps is to know what time is showing on the clock and then to work from there.

I may not be explaining this clearly but I hope you get an idea of what it is like for someone without very much vision to set the time on a digital chiming clock.

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.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan

And like me on Facebook at

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He was sure scared! When Rico ran away

I would consider this to be a very funny experience and it all happened in Mom's yard. Mind you, it was Mom's description that made it even funnier.

We were standing on Mom's patio, enjoying the cool fresh air, and then she saw him! Rico was following some of the neighbours around as they did some work in the yard.

Mom decided to imitate a cat and so she made a loud miaou sound! As she put it: poor Rico simply ran away like a bat out of hell, never stopping to look back!

Mom said that his head was down and his tail went straight up in the air. He simply ran for his life!

Of course we never intended to scare poor Rico but there you have it! I simply allowed my imagination to do the rest.

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.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan

And like me on Facebook at

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

No, it was not the first day of summer! The longest day

As a follow up to yesterday's blog, I can also say that it was probably one of the longest days in my life.

It started with me sitting at my computer and waiting for my friends across Canada to start feeding me with a blow by blow commentary on each step to the royal assent of Bill C-81; the enactment of the Accessible Canada Act!

They did not disappoint me! From Albert in BC to Robin in Saskatchewan, and from Anthony in Montreal to Louise in Nova Scotia, they kept me abreast and at times it felt as if I could just reach out and touch the Governor General as she made her way to the Senate to perform the deed!

I could practically hear the silence as those in the gallery waited with bated breath for her to create history! My palms were soaked and I could feel the chills rolling down my back! Then, like a butterfly coming to rest on my shoulder, it was over and it was time to celebrate!

The tears came furiously and quickly and I was not ashamed to let them roll down my cheeks! It  was over and now it was time to sit back and savour the moment.

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 memory forever: When history was made

I can honestly say that it was definitely worth the wait and on June 21, 2019, I sat and waited for it to all happen! A day to remember forever!

Again, I had to sit and savour at a distance from my post in the Caribbean and after it had been done I wept for joy and looked skywards and thanked God for this very special day!

I toasted the Trudeau government, Prime Minister Trudeau and Minister Qualtrough, but most of all I raised my glass to my dearly departed friend, Chris Stark!

Chris would have been so proud and so delighted to share these very precious moments! Finally! Canada had done right by Canadians with special needs; the enactment of an Accessible Canada Act!

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 sweet cat: Meeting Timmy for the first time

Timmy is sure a lot different from his late brother Henry. The important thing, however, is that my best friend Char loves him to bits.

Timmy is very fast, very curious, and seems to just always be waiting to pounce. He is a very playful cat and has a lot of personality.

I met him in May 2019 when I spent my birthday in Montreal and stayed with Char.

I was always afraid that I would stumble over him as he seemed to be always under my feet but thank goodness that Char gave me some pointers. Altogether I got along just fine with this very friendly boy cat!

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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Always a pleasure: Reacquainting with Mom's home

This is one of my annual summer events: reacquainting myself with Mom's home when I go there to spend time with her.

It is really not that difficult because she rarely changes very much around, nor does she rearrange too much. Nevertheless, she is always there to show me what she has done.

She is so very proud of her home and she ought to be! Everything has its place! Things are arranged in very simple and logical order and it is never difficult for me to find anything!

Her cupboards are arranged in total order and every item has its place! From the food cupboard to the kitchen cupboard and from the medicine cabinets to every single drawer!

I can always find what I am looking for and I don't get lost whenever I am searching for something. It is as if she knows exactly what to keep out of my way so that I do not bump into things!

She knows exactly where everything is and bless her! Her directions for me whenever she asks me to fetch something are precise and on the money!

That's Mom and her home!

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 great discovery: A new way to find washrooms on aircrafts

I have found a new way to find my way to washrooms on aircrafts. The old method of pressing the call button still works but thanks to my friend, Rebecca, with whom I traveled in late January to England, I now have another way.

It works like this! Whenever I feel the need to visit the washroom, I pick up my cane, leave my seat, and start walking towards the washroom. Bingo! There is always an attendant nearby who will see me walking towards the washroom and in a flash they are there beside me to render assistance.

The thing is that I never even thought of this technique before Rebecca introduced it to me and it works like a charm!

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

Another challenge: Choosing some new exercise devices

For me, as someone with a vision impairment, it is crucial that I choose exercise devices and programs that I am comfortable with using.

It is obvious that I would never be able to run fast enough in order to make it count and the same could be said for walking fast enough or even using a bicycle in the same manner.

So, I need to turn to the stationary devices: a stationary bicycle, weights, strands, plus more.

I still love to swim whenever I can and this, too, has been added to my arsenal of exercise activities. I still ice skate whenever I can and I am always seeking other ways to exercise as long as I am comfortable. And let us not forget the good old treadmill.

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

What a great experience! Images of the Raptors

They are the Cinderella basketball team from Toronto, Canada, that won the 2019 NBA trophy and I, as a Canadian, could not have been prouder!

It did not matter that I could not see the parade on TV; I conjured up my very own images based on what the announcers were describing! I am pretty sure that the images dancing around in my head were close enough to reality!

There were the trucks with the players standing and waving! People of all ages, ethnicities, races, and manner of dress were lining the route!  From toddlers in strollers being pushed by parents to youngsters skipping class, all come to witness history! Teachers and professors standing shoulder to shoulder with their students! Professionals in suits and nurses and doctors dressed in their scrubs! So many different uniformed folks simply standing there; waving, smiling, laughing, and oh yes! Singing!

It was a proud day for our Canada, when everyone put aside their differences for just a few hours to celebrate! And from coast to coast everyone raised their glasses and toasted our beloved Raptors!

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 pleasant surprise: The Swiss Chalet driver

I must say that I never really paid attention to the driver who delivers our orders from the Swiss Chalet restaurant, but a few months ago he sure caught and held my attention.

You see, I placed an order and when my buzzer sounded I went to the door, opened it, and stood there waiting for him. I heard the elevator door open and then I heard him approaching.

He called a greeting to me when he was about 10 feet away but here is where my attention was caught and held.

The good driver took my hand, placed my bag of food in it, and then softly told me how much my bill was. I knew the total before he arrived as the order taker on the phone had told me what it was when I ordered my food, so I knew that the driver was telling me accurately.

I smiled at him when he told me and for his good deed and affinity for good communication with me as a vision-impaired customer, I gave him a tip.  He chuckled, mumbled a thank you and then he was gone.

I thanked God that day for this driver’s excellent services.

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

She is a Godsend: My favourite pharmacist

I could not ask for a better pharmacist. She works at the Shoppers Pharmacy Drug Mart in the Bridlewood Mall.

She is patient, understands how to interact with me as a vision-impaired customer, and knows exactly how to help me identify my medications.

She is always ahead of the game, so to speak, because she has already labeled my bottles with distinguishing marks by the time I am there to pick up my prescriptions. She goes way beyond the call of duty but, sad to say, I do not even know her name!

She knows my first name and always calls me by it. She is a gem and I thank her for being my favourite pharmacist!

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

Meticulous as I go: Making sure to choose the right item

At the best of times, it is almost always a challenge for anyone to choose the right item and it does not matter whether you are sighted or not.

For me, this is how I deal with it. I take an old package, can, jar, or anything that I can think of when I go to renew an item, but if I need to ensure that I choose the right one then here is where things become more interesting.

I have to ensure that I choose what I really want or need. I need to ensure that I choose the desired item and not a substitute that would not be satisfying to me.

Whenever I go with a sighted friend, I need to be very careful that I know what I am choosing. I must not fall into the trap of choosing second best. I need to be attentive and to ensure that I know what is being chosen. To ask my friend to read the labels. To ensure that if we are unable to find exactly what I seek that I am able to choose a substitute that really satisfies me.

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

A new challenge: Searching for exercise bands

When I lost one of the bands to my Wonder Arms exercising device I had to go searching for a new one and I can tell you that it was not easy.

First, I discovered that the Wonder Arms device was no longer sold at the store where I bought it. But then I found out it was now being sold for practically nothing at a Dollar Store! What a shock!

Next came the discovery that if I wanted to continue using my Wonder Arms device, I would need to purchase a new one from the Dollar Store for just four dollars.

My friends went hunting on the Internet for solutions but not much luck. So, now I am left with a device that I can no longer use and nothing to do but to buy a new device! I am out of luck!

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

A truly wonderful experience: At the spa with Gabriella

As part of her birthday present to me, my dear friend Gabriella took me to a spa; my very first visit and what a wonderful experience!

We walked into such a warm and inviting environment where the attendants were so very helpful to me as a vision-impaired person and I never had to prompt or tell them that I had very limited vision.

They guided me all the way around their chairs. They kept me informed at each step as to what they were doing and were going to do. They spoke to me all of the time and were so very friendly!

I would recommend this wonderful spa in the Bridlewood Mall if you are looking for first class manicures and pedicures!

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