Not my favourite thing: Back home and readjusting

Like so many other times, no difference for me when I return from visiting Mom. I arrive to a very quiet condo.

I turn on the lights, put down my luggage, and then set about to connect my iPhone, computer, and Victor Stream. Then I do the usual walk about around the condo and after a bit I retire for the rest of the evening.

No different for me: same old, same old! Now to get ready to resume my life all by myself.

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 at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
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Warm and fuzzy feelings: Reacquainting with Mom's home

This is probably one of the more enjoyable moments for me whenever I return to visit Mom.  Just to be able to re-familiarize myself with her space and then to discover the new things in her home.

Mom takes such pride in showing me the new things.  She goes to great lengths to show me around and to make sure that I know where she has put everything.

She is so very patient and is always happy to reacquaint me with the remotes for her televisions.  Then I need to get back on track with Carl, Rambo, and Vonnie!  

Such joy and such refreshing times!

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 at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Important notice from Donna J. Jodhan
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to share news and or info about yourself or about others, then please read on!
Donna J. Jodhan can help you reach a rapidly growing list of over 12,000 readers and listeners and counting!
All you need to do is to give a listen to her monthly shows and if you like what you hear then here's how it works!
For the very affordable price of $25, Donna will feature your info and news on 2 of her monthly shows.
Once on the Ask Donna show and once on the Dining with Donna show.
Both of these monthly shows run weekly.
This means that your info will be featured twice for the month.
No more having to worry about posting to Facebook!  
You'll be able to engage with ready made readers and listeners!
Your payment of $25 will be prorated as a monthly payment.
So you can either pay monthly, or you can pay as you go.
Just send your info or news to Donna at askdonnaonblindlife@gmail.com
No more than 150 words.
Donna will then post your info or news as soon as you remit payment to her at paypal@donnajodhan.com
To give a listen visit https://www.donnajodhan.com/askdonna and https://www.donnajodhan.com/dwd
Take advantage of this very quick and easy way to reach a ready made audience!

A cherished childhood memory: Remembering Stephen in his stroller

He was six years my junior but my aunt trusted me enough to drive him around in his stroller. For not only was I that age but I was also vision impaired and she never seemed to mind me taking him for little rides up and down our hallways.

There he was in his stroller! Very quiet and minding his own little business, so to speak. Sometimes he would be asleep but sometimes he would be drinking his bottle or even humming to himself. He never gave me any trouble and I was always so careful to make sure not to bump into things.

I had two paths to choose from. The first took me from our kitchen, into my parents room, around the bed and out again and then up the hallway to the door of the living room and back to where I started in the kitchen.

The other path would be one where I would travel up the long hallway going past the laundry room, the bathrooms, and rounding the corner past the little area that held the ironing board, clothes baskets, and couch.  Then through one of our larger bedrooms and through the doors to another hallway where there were three more bedrooms.

I stayed clear of going into the bedrooms, choosing instead to drive Stephen in his stroller down the very long hallway. I will say that this was indeed my favourite path. Then back on the return journey to the kitchen.

I don't really know which of the two paths was Stephen's favourite but nevertheless, he enjoyed it all and so did I!

I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day!

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids, with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter, is secured forever.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan

And like me on Facebook at

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

Always a pleasure: Reacquainting with Mom's home

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

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

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

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

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

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

That's Mom and her home!

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

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids, with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter, is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!

From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts! www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!

'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.  http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

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Now I can laugh about it! When the mandarin rolled away

Oh boy! I can only describe this experience as one that happened before; one filled with challenge and humor.

On this particular morning, the little mandarin slipped from my fingers and fell onto my kitchen floor and then it decided to roll away.  

At first I thought that it had stayed somewhere on my kitchen floor, but no!  It did not!  

After searching on my hands and knees and using my cane to help me search, I reasoned that because it had hit the side of my foot when falling, it probably ended up somewhere in my carpeted dining room. I was right.

So, with the utmost of care, I decided to get down on all fours and start searching. My main mission was to ensure that I did not squash it or step on it.

Bingo! I eventually found it lying close to the left leg of one of my dining room chairs. I did not squash it and it remained intact.  What a relief!

I’m Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advisor wishing you a terrific day!

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

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids, with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter, is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!

From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts! www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!

'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.  http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan

And like me on Facebook at

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My beloved home street: Mom's view of Tragarete Road

Her view is nice and simple: a somewhat exciting and noisy street when we were growing up, to one today that is a lot quieter. No nightly activities and no one fighting or dogs chasing each other anymore. 

Truth be told, I somewhat miss the dogs barking and playing on the pavements. I miss the folks interacting with each other, and I sure miss the smells of baking goodies. 

There used to be a cinema when we were kids but that, too, is gone and now it has been replaced by a night club where music is nothing but noise and booming beats ringing out.  The cars still travel down our beloved Tragarete Rd but there are not as many.  Even the gas station at the corner is much quieter now.

I guess as they say: things should not be expected to remain the same forever.  Things change and times change and this is our beloved Tragarete Road today.

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

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit
http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids, with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter, is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts! www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!
'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.  http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
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My new addition: Planting my new anthurium

 
After purchasing my lovely lavender plant, I decided to complete my plant purchases for spring 2019 with the addition of an anthurium plant.  I was so happy to bring her home on a bitterly cold winter's day and after putting her into her new pot, I decided to place her in front of my patio door. 

This was in late February of 2019 and fast forward to the end of May and she is thriving.  Her leaves are thick and wide.  She is spreading out and each day I pay her a brief visit to check on her. 

I water her once weekly and I know that she will be with me for a very long time.  She has enriched my home and it is always so enjoyable for me to have plants around me.

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

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids, with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter, is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts! www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!
'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.  http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
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A truly tremendous experience: Navigating Jilla's house

I can tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed navigating Jilla's house when I visited her in London, England at the end of January 2019.  In short, it was an experience to remember.

With Jilla acting as tour guide and her family to watch over me, it was not as intimidating as I had first thought it would be.  Jilla had warned me about all of the steps that I would need to navigate and as a vision-impaired person I felt that I would need to be extra careful. But everything worked out just fine.

I enjoyed going up and down the steps and learning how to hold on and walk sideways.  I enjoyed the challenge and I always knew that Jilla and her family would be there to catch me if I ever ran into difficulty.

Jilla and her family were simply super when it came to showing me the way. An experience to cherish and keep forever.

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

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids, with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter, is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!

From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts! www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!

'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.  http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan

And like me on Facebook at

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

Why I do it: Communicating with light switches

I am not sure if I can explain this to anyone, let alone to myself, but ever since I lost the ability to see lights in my home I continue to turn light switches on and off. The thing is that I need to make sure that I remember to turn them off.

When I wake up in the morning, I automatically turn on my  kitchen light and then turn it off at night before going to bed.  I turn on my bathroom and office lights but on very rare occasions I forget to turn them off.

So, how do I know when I have forgotten to turn off a light?  For my kitchen, my bird clock would make noise if the light in the kitchen has not been turned off. 

For my bathroom, office, and anywhere else, I just need to be very careful.  Oh yes, just another challenge for me to overcome.

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

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids, with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter, is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts! www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!
'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.  http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

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

A very interesting cat: Rico's walks

What more can I say about this very unique little cat?  In short:  He is a loner at heart but he sure does not seem to mind being all by himself in our large yard.

Now that I can no longer see, I need to depend on Mom to fill me in. She tells me everything about him.  That is, whenever she sees him around. 

He walks across our yard, tall and proud.  He chases dry leaves, tries to catch the birds, and oh yes!  He often catches a poor unsuspecting lizard.

Rico is not the biggest of cats but Mom says that he is a good-looking boy.  He has many friends, that is, the human kind. Truth be told, he also seems to have other cat friends who often visit him at night. 

He seems to be the boss as we really do not hear any squabbling going on. No fights, no arguing among friends. 

That's my Rico!  Alone on his walks and not at all in the least bothered.

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
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

My heart belongs: This is my home

My home is not my roots!  My home lies far away from my roots and I thank God every day for my home! 

My home is Canada!  A country with so very much to offer: four distinct seasons, opportunities abound, and possibilities are for the taking! 

It is the country where I literally grew up and found my feet.  Where I discovered who I was and what I wanted to do with my life!  A country that taught me so much and helped to shape my path in life!

Spring, summer, fall, and winter!  I love them all and I see the goodness in each season!  I take advantage of the rich cultures and I embrace opportunities to help make things better for others.

This is my home!

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

A favorite memory: Remembering Mom's rose curtains

I can no longer see them but I sure remember what they look like.  They are bright and they light up her guest room.  They hang majestically from their rod and sway gently in the breeze.  They keep out the bright morning sun and they protect the room at night.

Mom's rose curtains are something very special; not just curtains but simply an important part of the room's decor.  Funny for me to say this but this is how I feel about those wonderful looking curtains.

They used to help me imagine and create whenever I lay there staring at them.  They would help me to fetch moments of happiness and refreshing thoughts and for some odd reason they always seemed to help me calm myself when I needed it. Indeed!  This is what Mom's rose curtains meant to me!

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

Childhood memories: Remembering our family's bathroom

I always considered my family's bathroom to be my second bedroom.  It was big, comfortable, and had lots of things to keep me occupied.  It was not just my bedroom away from my bedroom, it was my play room, my living room, and a place to hang out whenever I wanted somewhere to sneak off to.

In many ways, our family bathroom was not your ordinary bathroom.  In addition to the regular wash basin, toilet facilities, and bathtub, there were so many other things.  The wash basin and bathtub were absolutely huge.  There were lots of shelves packed with all kinds of cosmetics, skin care, and a lot more and then there were the usual bath towels and wash cloths.

My favorite was that there was so much space for me, as a kid, to lie on the spotlessly clean tiled floor. There I would take time to simply relax and meditate.  The floor was cool to the touch and felt so good beneath me.

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

Almost everything has a name

This was what I have always been used to and it is how my mom has helped me to identify things throughout my life. This especially pertains to things around me in my home. Anything from shoes and slippers to cups and saucers, pots and pans, and even pieces of clothing.

Mom and I have named things based on such criteria as: Who gave it to me, who uses it, when it was given or first worn, where it was bought, and so on. So we have had Granny's bathing suit because Granny gave it to me. Mom's cup because Mom uses it. Dad's plate because he used it. Auntie's jeans because she gave them to me.

This has helped me greatly because Mom has not had to mention shape and color to me when identifying things if she did not feel like doing so. When I had enough vision to see things, she of course used descriptions in addition to her naming conventions. Let's put it like this: the naming convention strategy has served as a great backup and now as one of the main ways for Mom to communicate with me now that my vision is gone.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day. Visit www.rnib.org to learn more.

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!"

My Poor Little Toes

 

For most of us, it is always our poor little toes that bare the brunt of the pain whenever we fail to avoid objects at ground level but for a blind person it is even more painful.  I can tell you that without a doubt, whenever I bump into objects at ground level, it is almost always my toes that are the victims of pain.  In addition, it is often my poor little toes that I use to scout things out whenever I am either looking for a fallen object or when I am attempting to navigate my way around the house.

 

Yes, whenever I need to find fallen objects or navigate my way around, I use my feet, mainly my toes to do the finding and navigating.  Maybe I am a bit too lazy to feel around for fallen objects with my hands, but I use my toes.  Most of the time it works quite well but whenever I encounter unexpected objects or obstacles, it is my toes that have to face the pain. 

 

I have developed a thick skin so to speak but nevertheless, it sometimes hurts more than I would like.  In essence, I use my toes more than my hands to feel around at ground level.  If you would like to learn more about how blind persons locate fallen objects and/or navigate their way around, then please visit www.nfb.org. 

 

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

Unable To Spot Leaks

Spotting leaks for me is probably one of the most trying things in my life. A few weeks ago, as I was sitting on my bath tub, I was alerted to the fact that there was a leak in my bathroom. You see, my meditation was interrupted by a big fat drop of water that fell onto my head. So, up I got and climbed onto the side of my bath tub to investigate. I moved my hands cautiously around on the ceiling and, sure enough, I was right! Two of the tiles on my ceiling were completely water logged and had begun their final journey downward.

Now, had I not been assaulted by that bold and presumptuous drop of water, I probably would never have known that such a leak existed and what could have happened is anyone's guess. Probably, the tiles would have fallen either on me or in my bathroom making a real mess. If I were able to see, chances are that I would have spotted this leak long before the big fat drop of water warned me, but that's life for me. The same thing would apply if the leak had come from down below. That is, from my own toilet. I probably would have felt the water first before knowing about it.

In the world of a blind person, we are often warned by touch after the leak has started, whereas for the sighted world leaks are often spotted visually. Or, we are treated to the sensation of wetness or powdery stuff that tells us that a leak has indeed made its way into our world. So, how do I deal with spotting leaks?

It's not easy for normal, but I do need to take precautions. I am always listening for running water if I have not myself initiated it. In the kitchen, my hands are constantly roaming along the bottoms of mugs, cups, plates, saucers, pots and pans, shopping bags, etc. I am constantly feeling my way along my counters and dressers to ensure that nothing has leaked out of rice, pasta, salt, and sugar canisters, and I am constantly checking bottles and jars.

I check my fridge regularly for spills and leaks. I check my bathroom regularly for leaks from various jars, bottles, and various containers. My hands are constantly checking makeup cases for leaking powders and liquids. Time-consuming? Yes, but just think of what could happen if you do not check on a constant basis. It's just a part of my life.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your accessibility and special-needs business consultant, wishing you a terrific day and encouraging you to go out there and tell the rest of the world how blind persons cope with discovering leaks. If you would like to learn more about how blind persons cope on a daily basis then visit http://www.afb.org.