Hot drinks for Christmas

 

 Ah, yes!  Those delicious hot Christmas drinks!  Hot, tasty, flavourful, and so much more.  So fragrant, and just the thing to go along with some Christmas cookies and other goodies.  Just the thing to sip slowly before going off to bed.  Or even taking it to bed with me.

This is what it is all about!  Hot drinks on a cold winter's night while sitting and listening to the winds banging against the windows of my house.  Hot drinks!  Sitting at my kitchen table on a quiet night with my hands wrapped around my mug!  Hot drinks!  Relaxing on my couch with the TV turned low and my sweet-smelling drink in my hand!  

Ah, yes!  Wonderful moments for a lifetime!  Not even Covid could deprive me of this!

I'd like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas! Happy holidays! But most of all, a 2022 that will bring us lots of blessings, good things, and hopes and dreams to be fulfilled.
Merry Christmas!
Happy Holidays!
Joyeux Noèl!
Feliz Navidad!
Buon Natale!
Happy Hanukkah!
Please take a moment to give the gift of accessibility to families with
children with a disability!
Visit https://donorbox.org/author-donna-jodhan

My Christmas Tree

 

What would Christmas be like without a fully decorated Christmas tree?  Lights, ornaments, the angel and the star, and, of course!  Loads of presents under the Christmas tree!    

These memories bring back such wonderful childhood moments for me.  Sneaking into our family's living room late at night to lie under the tree and inhale the fresh fragrant scent of the pine branches.  Inspecting the presents under the Christmas tree while making sure not to disturb the decorations.  And oh, yes!  Take time to gently touch the branches and decorations!  

Such wonderful times for me; my beloved Christmas tree!  So many expectations, hopes, dreams, and joyous moments.  Christmas for me would never be the same without a Christmas tree!

I'd like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas! Happy holidays! But most of all, a 2022 that will bring us lots of blessings, good things, and hopes and dreams to be fulfilled.
Merry Christmas!
Happy Holidays!
Joyeux Noèl!
Feliz Navidad!
Buon Natale!
Happy Hanukkah!
Please take a moment to give the gift of accessibility to families with
children with a disability!
Visit https://donorbox.org/author-donna-jodhan

My doll house

 

Yes!  I admit it!  One of my cherished childhood dreams was to have a doll house and after so many years of wishing and dreaming I now have one in my living room.  It is my way of returning to my happy childhood days.

The days when I played with dolls, tea sets, and improvised doll houses.  Oh, how I loved those days!  My overactive imagination used to conjure up all kinds of adventures with my dolls.  

They attended school!  They went on outings to the beach, to the park, and they even went shopping and got into all kinds of mischief!  Then they would come home to Mom and she would cook them a delicious meal after which they would simply crash into bed and enter dreamland!

These were the times when I could create my own world; a world just for me!  A world where I could do whatever I wanted!  My world!

So, now that my doll house is finally here, I am going to have some new fun.  The furniture is just great and all I need now is to buy the dolls to fill my new home!  

I thank Stephanie and Sandra for helping to assemble this masterpiece for me.  It was quite a chore but their patience and perseverance overcame everything.

I'd like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas! Happy holidays! But most of all, a 2022 that will bring us lots of blessings, good things, and hopes and dreams to be fulfilled.
Merry Christmas!
Happy Holidays!
Joyeux Noèl!
Feliz Navidad!
Buon Natale!
Happy Hanukkah!
Please take a moment to give the gift of accessibility to families with children with a disability!
Visit https://donorbox.org/author-donna-jodhan

The Little Church

 

Ah, yes!  It's Christmas Eve and time for me to cherish my little church once more.  My precious little church with the Nativity scene.  Mary and Joseph holding the new born baby Jesus in their arms.  

Christmas would never be the same without my little church close to me.  My little church!  Special and precious!  This is where it all began so many years ago and where it will continue for eternity.  

The little church!  Memories of going with my parents, brothers, cousins, and granny to church on Christmas morning!  To listen to the story of Jesus's birth.  To visit the manger after mass, and to greet friends outside the doors of the church!  Memories for me to savour for the rest of my life!

I'd like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas! Happy holidays! But most of all, a 2022 that will bring us lots of blessings, good things, and hopes and dreams to be fulfilled.
Merry Christmas!
Happy Holidays!
Joyeux Noèl!
Feliz Navidad!
Buon Natale!
Happy Hanukkah!
Please take a moment to give the gift of accessibility to families with
children with a disability!
Visit https://donorbox.org/author-donna-jodhan

Holiday Baking

 

I can still drum up those cherished and marvelous memories of being in the family's kitchen with Granny at Christmas time.  Those wonderful and loving moments when I spent time in the kitchen helping Granny to bake her Christmas cakes, breads, and those wonderful delicacies called pastels.  

These were all-day affairs. Granny would be up early in the morning preparing the ingredients and setting them aside in neat piles. By the time I entered the kitchen she would be well on her way to start mixing, sifting, peeling, and getting the pans floured, greased and ready to receive the various mixtures of ingredients.

Granny was so very patient with me; painstakingly directing me in her gentle voice.  She would give me a small task to do while she concentrated on the more important things to carry out.   She showed me how to chop the cherries.  How to flour and grease the baking pans.   How to do so many things and I never got tired of listening to her telling me what to do.  

The kitchen was always filled with those warm and inviting smells of Granny's baking and while we worked we chatted about all kinds of things.  Granny was so gentle-natured.  She never raised her voice and never scolded me.  She was always making sure that I did what she wanted me to do.

I always relished spending time with my granny and by the time it was all said and done, it was mid afternoon and time for Granny and me to have a nap.

I'd like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas! Happy holidays! But most of all, a 2022 that will bring us lots of blessings, good things, and hopes and dreams to be fulfilled.
Merry Christmas!
Happy Holidays!
Joyeux Noèl!
Feliz Navidad!
Buon Natale!
Happy Hanukkah!
Please take a moment to give the gift of accessibility to families with
children with a disability!
Visit https://donorbox.org/author-donna-jodhan

My Christmas wish

 Ah, yes!  Christmas is definitely for me!  All of those wonderful smells, sights, sounds, yummy and delicious goodies and oh so much more!  I feel like a kid in a candy shop and not even Covid is going to dampen my spirits this year!

There is so much to give to others, so much to wish for, especially for those who are less fortunate, and oh yes!  So many hopes, dreams, and desires to put on my list for Santa Claus!  Above all!  So much for me to be thankful for!

I am so very lucky that at least I can enjoy a mug of delicious hot chocolate!  I can still put food on my table, and I can still enjoy many things in spite of these uncertain times.  This is what I wish for those who are struggling!  For those who will be sad.  For those who will be lonely.  For those who will be far from home because they are unable to see their families.  For those who are across the miles from loved ones.  

As one of the favourite Christmas songs goes:  "I'll be home for Christmas.  If only in my dreams."

I'd like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas! Happy holidays! But most of all, a 2022 that will bring us lots of blessings, good things, and hopes and dreams to be fulfilled.
Merry Christmas!
Happy Holidays!
Joyeux Noèl!
Feliz Navidad!
Buon Natale!
Happy Hanukkah!
Please take a moment to give the gift of accessibility to families with
children with a disability!
Visit https://donorbox.org/author-donna-jodhan

Christmas Holiday Thoughts

 What would Christmas be without those warm welcoming thoughts to keep me company?  My sight may have deserted me but I can still visualize the decorations!

The images of Christmas trees all decked out with colourful winking lights, presents piled high under the tree, and oh, yes!  The star sitting proudly at the top.

The little manger in the corner of my living room with all of the figures standing at attention and Mary cradling the baby Jesus in her arms and Joseph close by.  

Images of malls all decorated with store fronts showing off toys, clothes for the holiday season, and baked goods.  People rushing around with arms filled with all sorts of shapes and sizes of parcels.  Kids running around everywhere.

Then let's not forget the smells and sounds of the Christmas season.  All good everywhere.  These are my cherished thoughts as I welcome Christmas 2021 and not even this cursed Covid is going to spoil my mood!

I'd like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas!  Happy holidays!  But most of all!  A 2022 that will bring us lots of blessings, good things, and hopes and dreams to be fulfilled.
Merry Christmas!
Happy Holidays!
Joyeux Noèl!
Feliz Navidad!
Buon Natale!
Happy Hanukkah!
Please take a moment to gift the accessibility to families with children with a disability!
Visit https://donorbox.org/author-donna-jodhan

Drinks: Hot Cinnamon Orange Star Anise

 

Boy, oh boy!  I always look forward to being able to enjoy any of my favourite hot drinks on a cold winter's night.  Especially so at Christmas time.  Just to either sit quietly in my living room by myself; just me and my hot drink!  My hands wrapped tightly around a tall mug filled with my favourite hot drink.  

Or, it could be with friends around my dining room table, sipping our hot drinks and engaging in playful banter and idle chat.  However, for this year it is not going to be the same, thanks to Covid!

No, I'll have to enjoy my hot drinks by myself because of the lock-down restrictions.  That's okay. I'll just enjoy the taste and smell of my favourite hot drink, and as I am sipping quietly I'll allow my imagination to take me back to Christmas times gone by.

I'd like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas!  Happy holidays!  But most of all!  A 2022 that will bring us lots of blessings, good things, and hopes and dreams to be fulfilled.
Merry Christmas!
Happy Holidays!
Joyeux Noèl!
Feliz Navidad!
Buon Natale!
Happy Hanukkah!
Please take a moment to give a gift of   accessibility to families with children with a disability!
Visit https://donorbox.org/author-donna-jodhan

Gift exchange

So, what would Christmas be without the gift exchange portion?  Just to think about the excitement and expectation is not nearly enough for me.

I still feel like a kid in a candy shop: hoping, expecting, planning, conspiring, and so much more!

I always look forward to buying a gift for either my mom or one of my friends. One that will totally take them by surprise!  Something that I am sure that they have been hoping to get for a while now.  

I just love to pick up the wrapped package and shake it gently to see if I can figure out what's in the box or what's between the gift paper.

Too bad I cannot wrap such things as hope, joy, friendship, love, best wishes, and so much more of these intangibles in a nice neat box!

The joy of gift exchange, especially the giving part of it, is so very precious to me. I can barely contain my excitement at this time of the year.

I'd like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas!  Happy holidays!  But most of all!  A 2022 that will bring us lots of blessings, good things, and hopes and dreams to be fulfilled.
Merry Christmas!
Happy Holidays!
Joyeux Noèl!
Feliz Navidad!
Buon Natale!
Happy Hanukkah!
Please take a moment to give a gift of accessibility to families with children with a disability!
Visit https://donorbox.org/author-donna-jodhan

Ice Skating

One of my favourite holiday season and Christmas activities is being on the ice to enjoy moments of refreshing and wonderful ice skating activities.  However, due to the Covid restrictions this will not be possible for me this year.  

Yes!  I am surely going to miss my ice skating; just to think of being able to skate so freely around the rink with friends and to feel the ice cold wind blowing across my frozen cheeks and through my hair.  

However, enter my trusty imagination and memory bank to fill the gap for me!  Memories of skating on outdoor rinks and enjoying the many colours of Christmas lights winking back at me as I skated around!  
Drinking cups of hot chocolate after my skating adventures!
Enjoying the sounds of kids and parents laughing, singing, and skaters whizzing by!
The sounds of blades of skates rubbing against the ice and so much more!

Oh, how I long to be there once more and to remember those years when my functional vision enabled me to see the festive lights in the background.  Well!  Here comes my memory to help me out for this year!

I'd like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas!  Happy holidays!  But most of all!  A 2022 that will bring us lots of blessings, good things, and hopes and dreams to be fulfilled.
Merry Christmas!
Happy Holidays!
Joyeux Noèl!
Feliz Navidad!
Buon Natale!
Happy Hanukkah!Please take a moment to gift the accessibility to families with children with a disability!
Visit https://donorbox.org/author-donna-jodhan

Gift Expectations at Christmas

I know that for Christmas 2020, and for this holiday season, when it comes to gift giving many of us are going to do our best to be as creative as we can.  In addition, we are going to depend on the online method, for the most part, to help us choose and send our gifts.

We'll be okay!  We'll get through it!  And for me, as a vision-impaired person, it is not going to stop my imagination from being a kid at heart at this time of the year.  

I simply love to sit and imagine what could be in those brightly coloured and neatly wrapped boxes!  Gifts piled high on a table in the corner of my dining room?  Or gifts packed neatly under my Christmas tree in my living room?

What may I expect to get?  Tea sets, dolls, or maybe some kind of talking gadget?  Or maybe CDs or even a Braille book?

Whatever the shape or size, length or height of the package or whether or not the contents of the package is shakeable, I will still be excited!  Just like a kid in a candy shop!  

For this year I'll use my imagination to take me back to those wonderful years as a child.  While at the same time I am going to hope and pray that the tables and under the Christmas tree will be filled with wonderful gifts for others, especially for the less fortunate.

I'd like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas!  Happy holidays!  But most of all!  A 2022 that will bring us lots of blessings, good things, and hopes and dreams to be fulfilled.
Merry Christmas!
Happy Holidays!
Joyeux Noèl!
Feliz Navidad!
Buon Natale!
Happy Hanukkah!
Please take a moment to give a gift of accessibility to families with children with a disability!
Visit https://donorbox.org/author-donna-jodhan

Debra's Wreath

 

Well!  Christmas 2021 is here but for this year things are going to be very different because of the Covid virus.  I know that many will be severely challenged to be cheerful and to fill their homes and hearts with cheer but I am going to do whatever I can to bring joy and cheer to those around me.  

One of my favourite memories of this holiday season is that of a wreath.  A wreath means so much to me and although I can no longer appreciate its beauty, it does not stop me from still enjoying it.  So, how do I do this?

I patiently and painstakingly use my sense of touch to feel each part of my beloved wreath.  The soft delicate leaves and the petals of the poinsettia.   The tiny berries.  The candles and the greenery.  

I allow my fingers to do the walking and this is followed by my imagination; all in the name of the holiday season and I thank my dear friend Debra for having provided the accompanying  photo.

I'd like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas!  Happy holidays!  But most of all!  A 2022 that will bring us lots of blessings, good things, and hopes and dreams to be fulfilled.
Feliz Navidad!
Buon Natale!
Happy Hanukkah!
Please take a moment to give the gift of accessibility to families with children with a disability!
Merry Christmas!
Happy Holidays!
Joyeux Noèl!
Visit https://donorbox.org/author-donna-jodhan

She is waiting for me: No baby sister for me

 

The memories may be a bit hazy now but they are still clear enough for me to retain in my memory bank.  I still remember the early morning when Granny told me that Mom was going to bring home a little sister for me.

Granny was so very excited!  She was making phone calls to the family to share the good news but then, a few hours later, my tiny world came crashing down when Granny told me that the little girl did not make it.  I just do not remember too much more after this.  However, I remember aunties Enid and June going to visit Mom.  I remember Tanta Julie coming to visit Granny and to comfort us.  I remember my brother Robert being very concerned and I remember little after this.

I guess that in the general scheme of things my baby sister was not meant to be.  She was only here for a few hours and then she was gone!  To be an angel with the Lord and to wait for me!

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

Special memories for me: Remembering the Starlight Drive-In

 These used to be one of our favourite Sunday evening family outings and how I looked forward to them.  The family would pile into the roomy family car and Dad would drive us to the Starlight Drive-In where we would fill our tummies with yummy food and then settle down to watch movies, or in my case, to listen to them.

I would either sit between my parents in the front seat or snuggle against Granny in the back seat.  My two brothers were also there and we would all enjoy the wonderful outing.

Sometimes I would fall asleep but most of the time I would simply enjoy the magical moment.  The cool fresh fragrant air wafting in through the windows of the family car, crickets singing softly in the night, and folks in other cars chatting softly among themselves.

Ah, yes!  Just some more favourite childhood memories to share.

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

Forever with me! Remembering the sand castles and more

 

After all of these years!  They still continue to dance in my head! Memories of those elegant sand castles and tall mountains that I and my family used to build on the sand during our beach vacations.  We built sand castles!  We built mountains!  We built forts!  We dug water pools!  We made sand cakes and decorated them with sea shells!

Then our beloved dogs would come by and sniff them, walk among them, and occasionally either step on them or over them!

Such marvelous times for me and my imagination!  I used to simply revel under a tropical sun with blue skies and waves with white caps rolling gently towards the shore.  Then, when it got too warm I would either cool off in the warm water of the ocean or in the cool water of the close-by lagoon.

Everything seemed so very simple and innocent then.  No worries!  No concerns!  Nothing to worry about and everything to look forward to!  Lots of laughter, hope, expectations; this was me as a kid enjoying my childhood days!

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

The daily irritant: Filling out those proxy forms

This is yet another challenge for me whenever I am required to complete forms that are in hard copy format.  I guess that this is a challenge that will probably be forever around.

I need sighted assistance to do this.  I need someone to read the forms to me and then I need them to show me where to sign them.

Too much of society still needs to understand that forms in hard copy deprive me of my independence and privacy and these are two basic rights that everyone is entitled to.

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

The ongoing saga: Tedious moments with technology

Ah, yes!  It really does not matter whether you are blind/vision-impaired or sighted.  In the normal scheme of things, technology rules and decides when and when not to act normally or as expected.

This I understand but technology often plays tricks on me as a vision-impaired person.  Sometimes my screen reader stops speaking and then I have to troubleshoot.  Sometimes it is the Internet that goes down and I have to figure out why.  At other times, various pieces of software fight with each other and, once again. I need to play referee.

No different for others but in my case the techniques that I use are much more intricate and beyond the mainstream way.

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

Humorous but also frustrating: Choosing the wrong package from my freezer

This does not happen to me very often but when it does it sure throws me off track. A few weeks ago I went to my freezer to fetch a single serving of what I thought was a tuna casserole.  I placed it on my kitchen counter and a few minutes later I returned to warm it in my microwave.

Because the instructions said that I should not peel off the wrapper but instead bore tiny holes in said wrapper, I did as I was instructed but at the end of the three minutes I got a very unexpected surprise.

When I removed the dish, my first hint that all was not well was when I did not sniff anything like the scent of tuna.  Instead, I thought I was smelling beef.

My sense of smell was bang on!  Upon peeling off the wrapper, I discovered that I had unfrozen a half pound of ground beef and not my tuna.  Hard lesson learned.

I should have been more careful as follows.  First, I should have examined the package more closely and if I had I would have noticed that said package was bigger than a single serving package.  Next, I should have paid more attention to the top of the package because the wrapper on a single serving feels much differently than a package of ground beef.

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

Rest in Peace Cameron: One never knows

 

This could be viewed in several ways.  One never knows when the unexpected will come knocking at our door.  Or one never knows when plans will change or that it could be the final hour of our life.

These are things that are common to everyone, mainstream or not.  Living with a disability or not.  In short, this is what makes us equal in this way.

Yes, one never knows and no amount of preparing for certain things could take away the unexpected.

This is how I felt when Stephanie phoned to tell me that her husband, Cameron, had passed on suddenly.  Sad, upsetting, but so sobering.

I remember Cameron being very kind, gentle, and so very helpful to me.  He never seemed to feel uncomfortable around me.  He would always take my hand when guiding me to the table and would hasten to read the menu before we ordered.  Then he would tell me exactly what was on my plate when our meal arrived.

Rest in Peace, Cameron.

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

Anxious moments: When the dogs come barking

 

This is one of the most difficult challenges for me living in a condo and it is only getting more difficult to deal with.

It appears that more tenants are using dogs as companions and service dogs to help them cope with the pandemic.  For whereas I fully understand, it is difficult for me whenever some of these dogs come running at me barking at the top of their lungs!

They are not trained and disciplined enough so that whenever they see someone with a cane or wearing a mask, they simply run at me and bark so loudly that I am almost ready to faint with fear.

Not being able to see them approaching is so fearful and then I have to make sure that I am not too close to them.  This is almost impossible for me to gauge.  

I just wish that owners could be a bit more careful and considerate.

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 precious friendship: Enjoying dining with Pearl

She is what I call a breath of fresh air and I am just so honoured, so privileged, and so pleased that my precious Pearl has come into my life.

I met Pearl when she volunteered to drive me to my medical appointments several years ago and our relationship has blossomed into a friendship from that of her being a volunteer.

Our dining adventures are simply filled with a lot of humour and entertainment.  Pearl is such a gentle person: understanding, generous, and so very kind.

She is never afraid to ask me how I go about doing things as a blind/vision impaired person and is so quick to offer suggestions and tips on all kinds of things.  I'd say on life in general.

We are both very spiritual and share a deep understanding of our religious beliefs.  We share and exchange experiences and she is always willing to help me learn more.

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

Tedious times: Cleaning the kitchen

The pandemic has made me work ever more diligently to ensure that my kitchen is cleaned more than regularly.  So, what do I do?

I sweep my floors more often. I clean my dressers and cupboard with a homemade mixture of bleach and a gentle disinfectant. I do the same with my stove top, my microwave, and my toaster oven. My sinks are also more than regularly scrubbed. Garbage is taken out more than regularly.

Hard work but it gives me peace of mind. I'll probably retain this process well after the pandemic is over.

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 humorous moment: Hunting down the elusive jersey

 

Looking back now I can only laugh at myself for having been just a bit too zealous, or well organized.  Or maybe just a bit of both.

This all happened when I went to take my clothes out of the dryer and fold them.  I meticulously counted each piece of clothing and then realized that I was missing a particular jersey.  So, off I went in search of it.

I searched the washer, the dryer, and the surrounding floor and carpet, but nothing.  I counted my pieces of clothing once more and still no sign of the missing piece and then, alas!

To my utter bewilderment and humour; I never washed it!  Just needless hours looking for a jersey that was never washed.

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

Tedious but necessary: Tracing the spill

 I can honestly tell you that when it comes to tracing a spill of any size, it is not much fun for me.  I need to ensure that my mind is crisp, clear, and just ready for any surprise.

The first thing is for me to identify that there is a spill somewhere close by.
Next, the challenge is for me to locate it.
Next, to determine if this is just one spill or are there any other associated spills close by.
Then, to determine the type of spill: dry, wet, soft, hard, or crusty.
Then, to get to work to determine the best way to clean said spill.

Not much fun for me but just another fact of life.

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

Exciting times! Preparing for a team building event

 

This is one of my newest initiatives and I can tell you that I am very excited.

Andrew and his team have just been so very helpful to me and we are going to work together to hash out the technical challenges.  This is really and truly a team building event.

There are supposed to be over 30 participants but they do not know that I am going to be a guest at their event.  I just love it!

I have prepared my texts and now I wait to overcome my nervousness re the technical side of things.  It is going to be a lot of fun!

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 smoother experience! June 16 exam is over

 

Just one more exam for me to sit and with every ounce of luck I will have completed my beloved law degree which I have dreamed of obtaining ever since I was a child.

This particular exam went much more smoothly than the one of October 2020. Sam was with me to help me get set up and to download the exam.  The technical part of the exam to download and upload went without a hitch.

Sam was so very supportive and while I sat in my office writing my exam, Sam sat at my dining room table doing her work.  I took 2 brief breaks to visit her and to visit the washroom.  We chatted for a few minutes each time I came out of my office and mercifully I was done with half hour to spare.

So, this is now behind me.  One more exam to go! I would say that as a blind/vision impaired student, this is not for the faint of heart.  Sighted assistance and support are both necessary.

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 disturbing sensation! When my ears clogged up

I can certainly tell you that as someone who is blind/vision impaired, it is almost always double jeopardy whenever my ears clog up, and why?  Because I lose my balance and, as I cannot see where I am going, it is difficult for me to concentrate on maintaining my balance while trying to find my way around both at the same time.

It is no fun and for anyone losing their balance it is not very pleasant. So, here is how I deal with this dilemma.

Whenever I lose my balance, I find a safe spot and sit and wait for this to pass.  Sometimes it does not take long for my balance to return but occasionally it takes quite some time and I just need to either wait it out if I can or gingerly move around without falling or bumping into things.

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 different for anyone: Those irritating aerosol cans

 

I do think that this is a problem for  anyone who is blind or sighted.  It is all about those pain in the neck aerosol cans that stop working when the can is still very full.

I absolutely detest those cans when they do this and there is nothing that one can do to bring them back to functioning again.  Believe me, I have tried and have even enlisted the assistance of many willing persons.

I just think that the pumps in these cans are just too small and if one tries to use them with a bit of robustness then here is where the problem lies.  They simply stop working.

I just wish that someone who is listening or reading this blog can share some useful info.

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 frustrating experience: Hunting down the rubber band

This is probably one of the most difficult tasks for me, having to hunt down fallen objects that do not make any noise when they drop onto the floor.

Such things as rubber bands, plastic bags, loose leaf papers, and so on. The only time that I can tell that I need to go hunting for them is when I either miss them or I am somehow made aware that they have fallen.

Such was the case recently when the rubber band fell onto the kitchen floor. No, I did not hear it fall and only knew that it had when I went looking for it on my counter and could not find it.

So, off I went, meticulously searching and mildly scolding myself for not having been more careful.  I will tell you that most of the time I do find what I am searching for but there are definitely times when I am unable to find my prey, so to speak!

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

Technology's dirty trick:When the screen rotated

 I can tell you that it was not very funny and I would probably never have realized this on my own.  It took a pair of eyes to tell me that my screen had inadvertently rotated.  Yes, when Shane visited me for some tech time, he saw this right away.

This circumstance lasted for about two weeks and I had to live through some very stressful and challenging times.  At first I thought that the problem was my poor old screen reader and I spent so much anxious time trying to restart, reboot, and reinstall.

What a relief when Shane helped me and showed me how to get out of this almost impossible situation.  Looking back now I can probably smile at it all, but at the time it was not very funny.

Ah, yes!  A day in the life of a vision-impaired person.

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

Condo living: Watering the plants

 

Ah, yes!  Just another so-called problem to overcome when one lives in a condo!  The resident below me keeps complaining that when I water my plants, the residue water falls onto her balcony.

This may be so but, in turn, I am constantly sweeping away objects that fly onto my balcony and almost every day one of my plant pots is flooded with water from above.  So what can I do?

I do my best to water carefully, using my fingers to gauge the water levels in my pot.  I really try but I suspect that this particular person may just not be used to condo living.

Flying objects landing on balconies and water dripping downwards are just two challenges of condo living.

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

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
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My memory lapse: Looking for the chocolate bar

 

On a pretty warm day, bathed in humidity, my beloved chocolate bar went missing on me.  I looked everywhere and sure enough!  I could not find it.

I had bought it a few hours earlier when I went shopping with Stephanie on my biweekly shopping trip.  I searched each and every shopping bag brought home from the supermarket.  I had searched my kitchen counter, the kitchen floor and then, finally!

I phoned Stephanie and she gently reminded me that I had stuck my chocolate bar in my purse on the way home.  What a relief and very funny!

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

It must be perfectly hung: Hanging the cross correctly

 This is something that I have always taken extra special care to do, to ensure that the cross in my dining room is correctly hung.  I have found it to be a challenge because it is not always very easy for me to tell which side should face outwards and which side should be on the inside.

On the whole, visitors would either not notice or would be a bit uneasy to tell me if they noticed that I had not hung my cross correctly.

This is exactly what happened when my neighbour Sandra came over for a visit a few months ago. I did not hesitate to ask her if my cross had been hung correctly and lo and behold!  It had not been hung correctly.

Sandra was simply great as with a chuckle and not missing a beat she fixed my cross for me.  Ah, yes!  All in a day's adventure for a vision-impaired person. I just need to put a tiny piece of tape on the back to help me identify which side faces forward.

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

All my pleasure: Setting table for two

 

I think that I have come to be a bit of a pro when it comes to setting table for two.  For this is what I have been doing ever since the pandemic descended upon us all.

Each month I set table for two and then my good neighbour, Sandra, comes over to have either dinner or evening tea with me.  I take my time doing this; first getting out the table mats and placing them in front of the chairs on my dining table.

Next I place the glasses, cutlery, and plates on the table mats.  Finally, I arrange the tea cups and their saucers on the counter in my kitchen if they are needed.

As a short cut I use mugs so no saucers are needed.  I also place napkins carefully beside the plates on the table.

I have everything down to a science, as they say.  Careful as I go and methodical to go along.  My mission is to ensure that I do things just right and not break anything.

The final thing is to arrange cookies and cake on the plates and put nuts into a tiny dish beside the plates.

All in a day's preparation.

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