Sweet songsters! Appreciating those beautiful birds

Each day, without fail, they are there to sing their little hearts out and they do not ask for anything in return.  They are so near but yet so far away.  They make their homes in the trees around Mom’s neighbourhood and this is where they sit, sing, play, and sleep.

When I rise at around 3 a.m. every day, they are already up and singing and their day comes to an end at around 6 p.m.  A very long day for such little creatures!  They have a schedule that works like a clock and they never fail to disappoint me.

Ah, yes!  Appreciating those little songsters!

I am not able to see them but I sure love them, no matter what.

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
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My beloved little doves: Awaiting my annual balcony visitors

Without fail, they have come to my balcony at the beginning of April since 2016 and I am always so very excited when they arrive.

They are those wonderful doves who come and give birth to their little ones each year.  I never know exactly when they arrive; I only know when they announce themselves with their chattering.

First, I hear the parents chatting with each other every morning.  They call to each other, exchange greetings, and then go into their natural mating activities.  Soon enough, they tell me that they have had their little ones because I hear both parents and little ones chatting and conversing.

Ah, yes!  Newborn doves have arrived and for about the next three weeks there is so much activity on my balcony.  I can't wait to hear them each morning as I sit in my office and listen for them.

They start at around 3 am, and for the next two to three hours they treat me to a concert of songs and sounds.

Then, just as softly as they arrived, they are gone and I am just so sad because I know that I'll just have to wait another year for them to return.

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

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My favourite songster visitors: The doves are back

They're back! My favourite little songsters! Every year and some time in April, more towards the beginning of April, they arrive at my office balcony and there they lay their eggs. The eggs hatch and parents and little ones

stay for a few weeks and then they are off for other parts!

This annual event probably started way back in 2012 and each year they have never failed to make my balcony their birthing centre. I am always so very excited whenever I hear their arrival, and how do I know that they have

arrived? Because apart from expecting them, I hear them calling to each other early on mornings and this lasts for a few days. Then I hear the little ones interacting with their parents and this is when I know that the young ones

have arrived.

Parents and kids enrich my early morning hours for a few weeks and then, as easily as they have come, they are gone. That's my typical April morning activity!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, 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 at author_jodhan

And like me on Facebook at

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In my heart forever: Oh, my beloved Scottie

He was easily my best bird! A handsome canary with a crown on his head and lovingly referred to as King Scottie!

He came into my life in 1996 and left me in 2004; a day that shall always remain in my heart! I welcomed him into my home on a gentle fall day and I said goodbye to him on a sombre spring day.

I was extremely fortunate to have been able to see him! A bright orange canary with a white tail and black eyes. I still have his picture on a shelf in my office and his angelic voice remains forever as part of my recorded phone message.

Scottie was unique! He sang whenever he felt like it, which was most of the time! He loved to hear the sound of running water and loved it all each time the kettle was on. He loved to bathe in his tub and adored the taste of delicious apples. Most of all, he never fussed about his seeds and enjoyed looking at himself in the mirror.

You shall always be remembered, my beloved one!

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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My very special childhood friend: Remembering Pidge

He was my little yellow budgie! He was my little childhood friend and he was always ready to play with me each time I stuck my finger through the bars of his cage and placed it onto his perch.

Playful Pidge loved for me to visit him. He would climb onto my finger and peck gently at it. He was a wonderful little friend who loved to sing, do summersaults at the bottom of his cage, and he loved to socialize with the

family.

Pidge lived for 7 years and when he finally left us I cried all day for him. I always looked forward to greeting him each day when I came home from school. Mom would always joke that he was waiting for me and maybe, just

maybe, he was.

We took him with us on holidays to the beach and made sure that his cage was placed on a window sill so that he could see outside during the day. He simply loved it all, especially being able to enjoy having the sun shine into

his cage and cover his little body with warmth.

That was my buddy, Pidgie!

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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An interesting experience: The little bird

On a cool October’s fall day in 2019, Stephanie and I were witnesses to a very interesting experience in the church parking lot after blind tennis was over.  Stephanie relayed the following commentary to me as she stood outside her car, enjoying her cigarette, and I was sitting in the passenger’s seat.

It started with a soft thump against her right back window, and when she checked a baby bird lay on the ground close to the car. He had inadvertently crashed into the back window. Stephanie proceeded to guide the stunned bird towards the closest wall and as we waited we heard the baby bird starting to sing sweetly. Then there was a rustle of wings overhead and behold! Mama bird was hovering over her little one.

Then she was flying close to her baby, answering his singing, and soon he was upright and his little wings were poised in readiness for flight. Soon mama and baby were flying close to the wall and ascending quickly and gracefully. They sounded as if they were talking to each other and very soon they were up, up and away!

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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A surprising discovery: Doves with pink legs?

Just imagine my surprise when Mom informed me about this!  We were standing outside the exit of the airport when she suddenly exclaimed, "These doves are so very pretty! They have pink legs!"  This was my surprise as I echoed back, "Pink legs?"  She said yes.

I guess that I probably never had enough vision to see what doves really looked like but when she told me that they had pink legs then I had to stop and think and then to create a new picture in my mind.

Doves with pink legs!  How very new to me and just another picture for me to keep in my already cluttered and over-loaded memory bank.

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
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!
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I shall never forget: Sweet St. Lucia forever

I don't think that I shall ever tire of singing the praises of this sweet little jewel in the Caribbean!  An island with spirit, personality, warmth, and a perpetual welcoming smile on its face.  From airport to hotel and from supermarket to mall, it has always been the same for me!

Such lovely beaches, ocean, and blue skies with birds making them their playground!  Such wonderful food and music!  And the best: the wonderful St. Lucians!

I consider myself to be so very lucky because I have had the good fortune to be visiting since 2010 and I truly hope that I'll have many more years of visiting and enjoying!

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
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 at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
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A springtime favourite: Awaiting the doves

This is probably one of my favourite annual springtime anticipations, the arrival of the doves to give birth to their little ones on our balcony.

This balcony is just outside my office and each year the adult doves come by for a visit which lasts for about a month or so.

I know that they have arrived when I hear them on a quiet early morning as I work in my office.  I can hear them chatting with each other and it does not matter that I cannot see them because of not having nearly enough vision, they are most welcome to my balcony.

Then, a few days later, I can tell that something has occurred: yes!  The birth of some little ones but I do not know how many.  Then, from here on in it is a total delight and pleasure for me.

Each morning I look forward to hearing them.  I start work at around 3 am and they already seem to be awake.   I can easily distinguish between parents and kids; the voices are very different to my ear.  The little ones have voices that are soft, sweet, and hesitant while the parents  are bolder and more authoritative.

I estimate that my feathered guests stay for about a month with me and then they are gone.  The family moves out without notifying me but I know that others will be back next year.

'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
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

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

An interesting experience: Feeling the crow

I had a very interesting experience in the fall of 2017. My friend Gabriella and I took Mom shopping to buy some Christmas decorations and on our way into the store Mom saw an artificial crow and proceeded to introduce me to it.

What an experience. I can tell you that I did not really relish the feeling when I explored this poor crow.

It felt very uncomfortable to my touch, but you know what?  I was sure glad that I got to feel it because I was able to add a new image to my memory bank.  I never really got to see what a crow looked like when I had functional vision so this was great for 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 
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.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
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Precious and perfect forever! Quiet evenings on the patio

These are some of the times that I treasure most, quiet times on Mom's patio with Mom sitting close by.

It is the time when I could hear myself think.  Times when I could forget all about ringing phones, persistent emails, and those insistent text messages.  It is the time when I shut out the world, so to speak, and even the news is way in the background.

Mom and I sit and chat quietly.  Often times we have our dinner, relaxing and savoring the cool evening's breeze.  The birds fly by on their way to their nests, chirping and calling to each other as they go by and the fragrance of the flowers wafts gently against my nostrils.

Mom often describes pictures of sunsets to me; she is always looking for things to describe to me.  Anything from Rico, our adopted cat, crossing the yard to a lizard creeping soundlessly along the wall.

There is always something for us to talk about, laugh about, and wonder about.  Ah, yes!  My quiet times on the patio.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, 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.takeanother5.com
And available for download from iTunes and Google music play

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
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He is just a hunter! Rico and the bird

He had only done what normal cats do, that is following his natural instincts, but for some reason it did not sit very well with me on this day.

There I was, working away at Mom's dining room table on a quiet Saturday afternoon and suddenly my concentration was interrupted by the screaming of a bird.  No, it did not take me very long to know what was going on but unfortunately for the pretty little dove it was too late.

Rico, our adopted outdoor cat, had somehow managed to capture an unsuspecting bird victim and now he was going to have him for dinner.  There was nothing that anyone could have done. 

It always bothers me whenever such incidents take place and even more when I am unable to see what is going on.   Needless to say that Rico certainly got a huge scolding and tongue lashing from all of us and I do believe that he somehow understood. 😊!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, 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.takeanother5.com
And available for download from iTunes and Google music play

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Fond memories: Those beautiful bird sounds

Their voices are as pure as a breeze in a bottle, or maybe I should say that they are as pure as an angel's song.  They sing so freely and do it so eloquently.  They do not care who hears it and that's just fine with me.

There is nothing better than for me to hear these little songsters every day.  They do not know me but I sure as heck know them and now that my vision is almost gone, they are the ones that bring me the most joy. 

They help me to imagine.  They help me to think, dream, hope, and anticipate.  They help me to relax and recharge.

What more can I say about these little ones?

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

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit  jodhanmysterybook.club/about-the-author
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 at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
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One of my favorite things to do: Listening to the sounds of spring

This is just one of my favourite things to do whenever I can spare a moment.  Ah yes!  Spring!  A breath of fresh air and so good for the cleansing of my soul!

Those sweet little birds with voices as pure as a breeze in a bottle!  They can reach any note on your piano and exceed any octave.  They can hold a beat for longer than most and their lilts are so filled with feeling and love.

Then there is the sound of fast flowing water as it gushes down a drain, a river, or at your feet as you walk in the rain.  So free, without any inhibition.

The sound of raindrops beating down on the panes of my windows.  Cars squishing along as they drive on rain soaked streets.  Gentle breezes rustling through the trees, and then at night, the insect world coming alive.

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

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit  jodhanmysterybook.club/about-the-author
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 at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Protecting the birds from the cat

This was one of my favorite activities for summer 2015 when I spent the summer at my mom's home. Protecting the birds from the cat!

Her name was Gladys and she was our beloved adopted cat and they were the birds out there just trying to protect themselves and their young ones from Gladys.

You see, Gladys was relentless. She was very swift and not very willing to listen to good advice, so to speak. She thought that she could catch them whenever she pleased.

I'd be sitting in Mom's dining room working away and then I would hear the birds outside on Mom's patio making low, sharp sounds. The sounds were urgent-like and I would know that something was wrong.

So I would rush outside and onto the patio and there she would be, sitting quietly looking up into the trees. Most of the time I would not even know that she was there but Mom would see me going towards the patio and she would look through her kitchen window and tell me that Gladys was prowling around.

As soon as I would open the back door Gladys would be off like a shot, running down the steps without a sound and I would be left to shout at her departing back.

This happened several times over the summer until the day Gladys gave birth to seven lovely kittens. No more time for Gladys to disturb those wonderful little birds.

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

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
Like me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan
Visit my online store to either purchase or subscribe for unlimited access to our library at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html and you can even take advantage of my free downloads!
Or subscribe to my free monthly newsletter at www.donnajodhan.com.

Dear Readers:
This is a personal request from me for you to join my campaign against bullying (CAB).

In 2012 I launched my own campaign against bullying in response to appeals from friends and associates. I decided to try something new and here it is.

You can support my campaign against bullying (CAB) and in return for your valuable contribution I will send you a thank you gift. Visit www.jodhanmysterybook.club to learn more. I will use all contributions to promote workshops to help others protect themselves from bullying and teach them how to launch their own anti bullying campaigns.

In addition, I will produce blogs and podcasts to help me spread my campaign and to convince others to do the same.

You may also visit my online store at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html and browse through my selections.

Help me to stop the spread of bullying and to show others how to combat bullies.

About my audio mysteries: Patterned after the "Murder, She Wrote!" and "Murdoch Mysteries," where mystery is the order of the day. Meet Detective DJ and the Crime Crushers. You won’t want to miss out on any of her audio mysteries! Filled with gripping drama and unbelievable plots, you won’t be able to stop listening until the very end and then you’ll be craving for more – there is mystery behind every mystery!

Detective DJ writes and records her own audio mysteries. She uses the power of words to create and solve her crimes, and then she draws you in and before you know it – you’re all caught up in the plot! But alas, at the end of it all, when you think you’ve identified the perpetrator, she surprises you once more and you’re left absolutely stunned and amazed!

Those lovable little birds

Oh how I love those lovable little birds! Their voices are as pure as breezes in a bottle and I always look forward to them waking me up each morning whenever I visit my mom. They demand nothing and they ask for nothing. They will sing for me at no cost. They will entertain me at no cost. All I need to do is to just give them a bit of food each day and voila! They are there for me every day!

When I had my sight I could see them when they came close enough. They were so colorful and so elegant. They flew all around me and above me. They ran races with each other and they chirped with gusto as they played and flew.

These are the memories that I have of my lovable little birds! So free and so alive! Just so forever and forever!

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

Follow me on twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan.
Visit our online store to either purchase or subscribe for unlimited access to our library at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html
and you can even take advantage of our free downloads!
Or subscribe to our free monthly newsletter at www.donnajodhan.com

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"Each time we raise our voice at someone else we are engaging in bullying! Each time we raise our hands to slap or punch someone else we are also engaging in bullying and each time we engage in actions to either manipulate or force someone else to do what we want we are also engaging in bullying!

There is no room in this world for bullying and each day we fail to take action against bullying it is another day that we allow others to bully us and our kids. Our heroes and role models are the ones who have made us proud; those brave young men and women who gave their lives for us in past wars and those who continue to do so. They are not the ones who choose to be racists and those who believe that their bad behaviour in public is acceptable.

I write and record audio mysteries that are being used at such events as murder mystery evenings as well as at public awareness and team building events. I promote understanding, tolerance, and problem solving and my audio mysteries continue to be broadcasted around the world and you can listen to them anywhere! On the plane or train! In the car or right there in your home! On your i device or computer!

Please join my campaign against bullying (CAB) by supporting my efforts to keep on writing and recording!
If you truly care then you will certainly dare!"

Birds and butterflies

They are the joys of my life, and now that I am no longer able to see them, I use my memories of them to keep on enjoying.

There were the days when I used to admire their gorgeous colors. Their gracefulness and their agility. Their friendliness and their silent companionship.

I can still hear my birds each morning as they sing to me from my balcony, but alas! It is not the same for my butterflies. They won't come near me when I am indoors and even when I walk outside, they are almost never around. I have to make a conscious effort to travel to where they congregate. That's okay though, I still have my memories of them to keep me going.

Those cherished days as a kid when my dad used to lay them gently in my tiny hand and I would stand as still as I could and look down at them. They were so delicate and so beautiful. Then there were my birds! I loved them when they were free and I loved them when they were mine.

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

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!"

Identification of the birds

Believe it or not, every species of birds has its own unique sound and as a child I learned this from my parents and Granny. I have always been fascinated by the various sounds of birds and so as a child I took a particular interest in their sounds.

Most kids would probably not take the time to pay attention to the sounds of birds but I did and as a child who had very limited vision, I derived so much joy in simply listening to them. I could conjure up their voices in my mind whenever I wanted and when I had enough vision to see what they looked like, then I was just like a kid in a candy store matching each bird to their sound.

Some birds have soft voices. Others have loud and boisterous voices. Some sing short and sweet while others pour forth long and lilting songs. I think that each bird is simply unique when it comes to how they sing. I simply love them all.

When next you are out in your garden, just sit for a few minutes and listen to those wondrous birds. They never ask for much except that you give them some scraps as often as you remember.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and encouraging you to go out there and learn more about the world of blind persons. Visit www.nfb.org to learn more.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan.
Or you can chat with me on Skype at habsfan0526.

With the birds

Oh, how I love those singing ones! I can no longer see them but I can surely hear them and it really helps when I have people around me to describe what they are doing.

I often help my mom to feed them; my part of this comes when I cut up the bread and stand there and listen as she goes out to the trough and puts in the food for them. They are always so happy each time she gives them food and believe it or not, whenever she does not come out at a certain time to put food for them, they actually start to call to her.

Birds are such a joy to be around. Yes, they are timid as they do not really come too close to you but just the thought of them not too far away is enough for me. I can still picture them: birds of all colors, shapes, and sizes. They are grateful for whatever you give to them, they never say no, and they are always happy. They are smart, wonderful friends, and never complain.

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 experiences with birds. Visit www.acb.org to learn more.

Bird watching with Dad

Almost everything that I did with my dad was fun, exciting, and interesting and bird watching was no different.

When my vision was not nearly enough to see the birds, dad did my bird watching for me as I sat beside him. He would describe each bird to me as they passed within visual distance and I had so much fun trying to visualize them. I had no trouble entering into a world of my own. A world where dad's calm and gentle voice did the narration; he described everything to me and did not leave out any details. He even added his own sense of dry humor to it all.

Our bird watching usually took place in the public gardens, in the savanna, and on the beach. Then when I was able to see the birds for myself, Dad continued his commentaries but was always happy whenever I could describe what I saw to him. The most memorable moments for me were being able to see the bright colors of the birds and trying to track their flight. Ah yes! Bird watching with Dad will forever remain in my memory bank.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility consultant, wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to go out there and tell others about my story. Visit www.sterlingcreations.ca to learn more about me.