What else is new? Strange behaviour by my screen reader

 I can honestly tell you that there are days when being blind/vision impaired has its good moments, its strange or humorous moments and oh, yes!  Smiling moments!  This one was no different!

For about a week or so, my screen reader was behaving quite strangely.  It would only read certain parts of the screen to me.  It would not catch important messages or alerts and read them to me.  In short, it was sure behaving very strangely.

I tried everything, from rebooting, restarting, re-configuring, and much more.  I was just about ready to throw the poor old screen reader out of the window when my technician, Shane, came by for a visit and saved the day for both me and screen reader.

At the end of the day, it came down to something very easy to fix.  For some reason, and it may probably have been my error, the screen got disoriented or it was not showing correctly.  Or rather, it was sideways!  This being that the text and images were all showing up sideways.  It took Shane seconds to fix it for me. Just a few key strokes did the job!

Ah, yes!  Another day in the life of me and my screen reader.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight-loss coach and 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

Relaxing times! Enjoying my hockey games

 

It was definitely a relief and a wonderful time for me as I enjoyed watching my beloved Montreal Canadiens march through the Stanley Cup playoffs for 2021.  Especially so when they were never even expected to make the playoffs.

I am not usually one to gloat but it sure felt great when they upset the Leafs, the Jets, and the Golden Knights to reach the finals.  However, it ended here and no matter what I was tremendously proud of what they did! They sure did upset a few apple carts along the way!

My beloved Canadiens did me so very proud!  It was great to follow them on some of those warm days!  It sure brought back memories of when I was able to watch them on TV close up because in those days I had enough vision to do so.  However, the fun and pride will never end despite losing my vision!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight loss coach and 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

Not very happy: Not too pleased with the shingles vaccine

 I am just relieved that I have now received both of my shingles vaccines. The first one was brutal, sending me to my bed for a few days followed by feelings of tiredness for a few days after this.

The second and final vaccine was not as bad but there were still feelings of tiredness for a few days after I had taken this vaccine.

I know, I know!  At the best of times the taking of vaccines can be challenging but there is not really anything that I can do about it.  Some of us react more badly than others and I am just at the wrong end of the stick.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight-loss coach and 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

A laundry challenge: Finding the elusive static sheet

I can honestly say that doing laundry is often a bit of an event for me. Sometimes I need to go hunting for clothes that have dropped out of the dryer when I am unloading it.  Sometimes I inadvertently forget to take a piece of clothing out of the washer.  Then, sometimes, my socks get lost in the shuffle and I have to take time to find them.

The other day I had to add one new adventure to my laundry activities: searching for the elusive static sheet.  I had  put one of these sheets in my dryer among my clothes and after taking out the dried clothes, I then had to go looking for this static sheet.

I searched and searched; in my dryer, outside of the dryer, and on the carpet of my den where I had taken my clothes to fold.

Alas, it took days before I found it.  Lying on my carpet but some distance away from where I had folded my clothes.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight-loss coach and 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

A funny experience: The mystery bag

Just imagine my curiosity and surprise when I returned home the other day from a visit to WalMart, where I do my grocery shopping every two weeks. At the best of times, unpacking my groceries is a necessary chore, an irritant, and just something that I do my best to get over with whenever I have to do it.  I painstakingly take my time to unpack the bags and for the most part I do not have much problem identifying the contents of the bags.

However, on this day I found a mystery bag, as I call it.  I was able to identify the contents of this bag but could not reconcile my grocery list to the contents of this bag.  Thank goodness that it did not take me  very long to figure out the reason why.

Of course, it belonged to Stephanie who had also bought groceries.  Matter solved and she confirmed it for me.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight loss coach and 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 Mom to share with me: Birthday time 2021

Birthday time 2021 came and went quietly, just like several previous birthdays.  No Mom to share and celebrate with me!  No Gabriella to laugh and smile and laugh with me over a yummy meal!  However, there was my dear neighbour Sandra to the rescue!

We enjoyed a lovely meal, great conversation, and Whitney Huston's songs playing softly in the background.  I enjoyed a wonderful lunch with my good friend Pearl at her kitchen table followed by me playing her baby grand with Pearl and her puppy, Bella, as my audience.

A lovely day despite the Covid lock down!  Here's to more happy returns of the day!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight-loss coach and 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

My spring and summer delight: A description of my new garden

Oh, yes, my balcony garden that was lovingly and kindly planted by my Super, Nick.  He did this for me in late May and he simply lit up my balcony with lots of colours and flowers.

Bright yellow lilies standing up straight and proud.  Flowers of purple, white, orange, and red!  Six lovely pots adorned with all of these flowers. Two large pots, two medium sized pots, and two smaller pots!  All arranged in a t-shape.

I am so very careful with my beauties!  I check them every day to make sure that they are not too dry and that they are not wilting under the intense humidity.

I may not be able to see their physical beauty but that's just okay.  I touch them and enjoy them anyway!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight-loss coach and 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

A momentous day! Playing Pearl's grand piano

 

This is an experience that I shall never forget.  I had never played a grand piano before in my life,  let alone a baby grand; this is what Pearl's piano was.

I am just so pleased and honoured that Pearl allowed me to play her baby grand.  She was so eager for me to play and as she listened so attentively, her puppy Bella remained lying quietly and I did everything that I could to keep my emotions intact.

The notes simply melted beneath my fingers.  The sound of the baby grand was magic to my ears and the touch of the baby grand was so gentle and easy.

What an experience for me and how I wish that Mom was here to listen to me play.  I even heard her in my mind, chiding me mildly for my playing errors.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight loss coach and 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

Something new: Taking photos of the back of my head

 

Anyone reading this blog may either laugh at me or laugh with me.  And this is not one of my favourite things to do.  I only do it because I need to show my mom that I am keeping up with my hair cuts during this pandemic. Thank God for Sandra, who is only too willing to take these photos for me.

I have grown accustomed to some of Mom's different types of requests, all because she wants to make sure in her own way that I am staying healthy and happy. And the only way to do this is for me to keep having others take photos of me doing different activities and standing or sitting.

Ah, yes!  This is what the pandemic has pushed me to do.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight-loss coach and 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

A typical reaction: No survey at the liquor store

 

Nothing should surprise me these days.  A few weeks ago I went with Stephanie to the liquor store to buy some wine for the long weekend.  There was a staff member there asking purchasers to take a survey but, lo and behold, I was not asked!  I was in the line and this staff member deliberately passed me over.

No, I was not annoyed nor was I surprised!  I was simply amused, and why? Because I somehow surmised that this well-meaning staff member chose to think that a vision- impaired person was either unable to take a survey or they could not be bothered to interact with me!  What more could I think?

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight-loss coach and 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

A continuing frustration: Untrained census agents

 This is what happened on May 10, 2021 when I attempted to take our Canadian national census.  My misfortune to have encountered an agent over the phone who just did not understand what was meant when I said that I was blind and needed assistance to complete my census.

Three times in total I had to tell this agent that I could not see and was unable to take a picture of the census code number sent to me via mail with my iPhone.  I practically had to beg and plead with this agent to please listen to me.

Finally, after about 15 minutes they somehow understood.  Help was on the way but I'll say again: Government agents really need to be trained when dealing with callers with a disability.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight loss coach and 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

How wrong we were! Waiting and hoping

 

And the waiting goes on and the hope continues.  I do not think that anyone expected that this waiting and hoping would continue for such a long time.

Certainly not me!  When the Covid first struck, I honestly felt that it would only last just a few months, but alas!  Well over 18 months now but the light at the end of the tunnel is growing brighter with each passing day.  I can only hope that come October the light will be brighter than the sun!  So bright that my eyes will hurt as I walk into its rays.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight-loss coach and 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

Lots of fun! Image descriptions by Angie

 Slowly but surely my family and friends are becoming great at describing images to me whenever they send any via email.  This is what happened recently when Angie sent me 2 images of baby Nina.

Her descriptions were so very clear and focused.  She described what Nina was wearing along with the expression on Nina's face.  So much so that I was able to perfectly picture in my mind what this precious baby looked like.

Angie was so very gracious about it all and certainly got it! Thank you, Angie!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight-loss coach and 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

Such treasured times: Cooking lessons from Mom by phone

Thanks to this tedious and prolonged lock down, I have managed to develop a very enjoyable hobby.  This being to learn how to cook new and yummy dishes thanks to coaching by Mom via phone.

We start nice and slow and I tell her what I am thinking of cooking.  She is so very quick in that she does not hesitate to give me her very own home-grown recipes.  Mom is very exact.  She gives me precise measurements and ingredients.

She is so very similar to how those high profile chefs do it on the cooking shows.  She is clear and descriptive and at the end of our session she makes me repeat what she has told me.

Ah, yes!  Cooking with Mom via phone.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight loss coach and 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