Thank you Nick! The new picture

 Ah, yes and this is what it was!  A new picture courtesy of my Super. Nick.  He simply brought it to me and hung it up next to my other picture above my kitchen table!

Whereas I know what all of my other pictures look like, I have no idea what this one looks like!  Nick simply said that it was a vase of flowers and I accepted his explanation.

Now I’ll wait for Mom to tell me all about it when she visits me in a few months!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly award-winning 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

Totally frustrated! When Bell Canada interrupted my day

It all confirmed to me how important it is for me to be able to have ready access to my land line!  When I returned from my trip to Britain, I found my land line in disarray!  There was a loud buzzing sound on the line and I could not hear anything thus making it difficult to dial out or receive incoming calls.

All told, it took Bell Canada two days to rectify the problem.  And for me, as a person with a vision impairment, I feel so very vulnerable without my precious land line!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly award-winning 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


 

Will never forget these dates: Memories forever

 

This is exactly how I feel as I sit here writing this blog entry. It’s all about my recent momentous trip to Britain and I’ll just mention those very special dates.

July 13 – Meeting Connie and Sister Bernadette after so many years.  I first met Connie when I was studying in Montreal at Concordia University and what a wonderful girl she was then. And now she is the same gentle, generous, and kind person.  
 
I had met Sister Bernadette when I studied in England as a teenager.  She is the same vibrant, lively, and always ready-to-listen Nun!  Our walk in Region Park was one never to forget!  The fragrances, the warm British sun, and children laughing, it was simply overwhelming!

July 14 – My graduation and Jilla and Angie were with me!  Hearing my name called as I walked across the stage and then the shout out from Princess Anne!  I could not see anything but hearing was enough! The toast with Jilla and Angie afterwards and then a never to be forgotten lunch with Jilla, Angie, Connie, and John and Lizbet.  Familiar voices from past and present surrounded me!

July 16 – Meeting my Liverpool family at a noisy bar and then the walk  on July 17 in Sefton Park where Uncle Lance used to enjoy his times.

July 20 to 23 – Unforgettable moments in Normandy: Walking with Jilla through those war cemeteries and on the beaches of Normandy!  I got to walk the walk!

Memories forever!  I heard it all, smelled it all, touched it all, and tasted it all!  It did not matter that I could not see!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly award-winning 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 for ever.

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

Most appreciated: Helping hands on a trip

 

This is exactly how it was for me on my recent trip to England.  From beginning to end!  This is how it was for me.

From the time I left my home with Stephie and Ellie when they took me to the airport, to the good fortune of having sat next to Annie in business class.  I could not have desired a better traveling companion.  She helped me all the way!

Then, for the duration of my trip, I had top notch help from Jilla, Angie, Lizbet, and John.  These wonderful helping hands sure made my trip to England and Normandy moments to remember forever!  

Ah, yes!  Wonderful helping hands who gave so willingly to help me enjoy so many things!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly award-winning 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

A must for me: Working to ensure a smooth trip

 For me, it is so very important that I do all that I can to ensure that my trip goes smoothly. No, I am probably not the only one and it does not matter whether or not one is sighted.  I continue to use these strategies whenever I travel and they have helped me to stay on track.

Here are my tips, for what it is worth:
Book well in advance.
Print off your ticket information and hotel vouchers well in advance.
Create a document that contains email addresses and phone numbers for your friends and this should contain information such as: Flight info or train info, hotel info, number of days that you will be away, where you may be staying other than a hotel if applicable, and any medical info for insurances that you may be taking out.  Such as travel insurance or medical insurance.

Also include emergency numbers that can be called if necessary, for family and friends. I deem all of this to be very important.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly award-winning 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

Very important to note! Emergency kit for travel

Covid may be less of an evil at the present time but I still take my precautions.  When I know that it is going to be difficult for me, as a vision-impaired person to find things easily in public spaces, here are some items that I pack in my emergency kit and place in my carry on.

This is what I did on my most recent trips to Portugal and England and it worked so very well for me.  I was well prepared.

Hand sanitizers, wet wipes, and masks.  Then I also pack the staple things such as aspirin, Tylenol, and a tiny tube of toothpaste and a tooth brush. A handful of Life Savers candies and, of course, my trusty chargers for my phone and MP3 player.

There are always other things that you can add but for now that is it for me.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly award-winning 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 for ever.

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

 

Sad but true: The cleaner’s lack of commitment

 

It is always hoped that whenever one hires a cleaner to help clean one’s home that the said cleaner will be committed enough to ensure that a thorough job is done.  And for me, who needs sighted assistance to ensure that all corners, nooks, stains, and spots are properly cleaned, it is so very important to be able to depend on a cleaner who is committed to cleaning.

Most of the time I have been extremely lucky with my sighted assistance.  My Super, Nick, is one of the best but alas!  I have run into others who do not always complete the task.

So,  I do the best that I can and I am always thankful that whenever I find a dependable and committed cleaning assistant, such as Nick and his wife Lili, I am very grateful.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly award-winning 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 my favourite task: Packing away the groceries

I am still trying to find someone who will tell me that they enjoy packing away their groceries.  Sure!  It is a lot of fun to buy them but after a long jaunt at the supermarket it is time to saunter home to unpack them and then to put them away in their right places.

For me, as a vision-impaired person, I must be more careful when unpacking and putting away my groceries.  So, here are my tips for what they are worth.
Upon entering my home, I take great care to unpack my bags.
First, I sort my groceries by tins, boxes, fruits, vegetables, frozen foods, and then meat, milk, and juice.
Anything else is put into a separate pile.
Next I proceed to put away each pile into its proper place.
Finally, I check to ensure that everything is correct.

One slip on my part and it is a big challenge for me to go back and redo it.  So, I need to make sure that I can tell the difference between a box of cookies and a box of stuffed chicken breasts without having to open the box. All in a days work for me.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly award-winning 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

 

Yummy moments! New snacks discovered

I am always so very excited whenever I discover new snacks. As a person with a vision impairment, I appreciate this so much more whenever one of my sighted friends helps me to discover them.

Whenever I go shopping with Stephanie she is constantly on the lookout for me and sometimes she sure lands a home run!

The latest are those nuts sprinkled with poppy seeds and sesame seeds.  They are good for me as a diabetic and then she has found me some very yummy bags of dried fruits.  

I really appreciate this and do my level best to stay on track with my snacks.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly award-winning 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 for ever.

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

A work around: Describing my plants to me

 

Now that I no longer have enough vision to see my plants, I need to have someone describe them to me after Nick has bought them and installed them.

It all starts with my telling Nick what I would like to have.  This being what colours I would like as that is always his first question.  Then he purchases them and brings them up to my balcony.

Next he installs and arranges them and then completes his tasks by cleaning my balcony and windows.  Then I go out to spend time with my new plants, touching them and familiarizing myself with them.

Finally, I ask my friend and neighbour Sandra to describe them to me.  This is the fun part for me!  Finally she takes pictures of them with her phone, sends the pictures to me, and then I print them and send them to Mom in her monthly FedEx box so that she can see what my plants look like. All in a day’s journey.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly award-winning 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 new person in town: Trying on clothes with Stephie

At the best of times, trying on clothes before purchasing can sure be a difficult task. But, as long as I have the right person to help me, it can be a lot of fun!  

I readily admit that up until now I have been truly blessed and spoiled.  First I had Helena who helped me for so many years to do this and she was so good, especially when helping me to choose my suits and accessories for my business attire.

Then Mom came along to help me when I needed to update my closet and to choose more casual clothes.  However, after Covid came into the picture and there was no Helena and no Mom, I had to find someone new.

Now I have Stephanie who has done a wonderful job at helping me.  At first she was tentative but she soon gained confidence enough to voice her opinion and to make suggestions.  She has now made this task a new type of fun and is not afraid to seek feedback from the sales staff.

So I am still extremely fortunate and for me, as a vision-impaired person, it is important that I have sighted assistance when trying on new clothes.  

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly award-winning 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

One of my dreaded moments: Installing a new computer

Any time I am forced to install a new computer I am really never prepared.  For there are so many moving parts to take care of and I can readily admit that I spend many sleepless nights before the actual day.

I also admit that I procrastinate for as long as I can before having to do this.  For if I miss just one tiny part of this very mountainous process, so many things can go wrong.  

And it is at these times that I really lean on sighted assistance to help me out.  Too many things to do!  To ensure that all relevant pieces of software are installed and that all pieces of access technology software are in place.  Above all, everything needs to be thoroughly tested. I cannot afford to forget anything!  From my email client to the email settings and so on.

Oh, boy!   It can sure be a nightmare if I do not take the greatest of care!  Patience, patience!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly award-winning 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 for ever.

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