A new experience: Learning Pages

I have to admit that learning Pages was not as difficult as I thought it would be. And it sure helped that I had Devin beside me as my tutor.

Pages will definitely take me out of my comfort zone.  From a Windows PC to the Apple World on my iPhone and iPad. Yet, I am excited and always curious to learn new things.

One of these days, as they often say, curiosity may very well kill me, the cat 😁 !

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



 

Thank you Stephie: A new medical building

This is what it was like when Stephie took me to a new medical building for an appointment. New smells to get used to.

New layouts in the building and new staff members.

I just need to keep in mind that a new building is just another new building for me to learn.

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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Thank you Susan: Knitting getting better

 

It has been a very interesting journey as Susan and I continue our weekly lessons. Susan is so very patient and so very entertaining.  She has absolutely no inhibitions when it comes to teaching a blind/vision impaired person.

She fills my lessons with fun, joy, all kinds of tidbits, and oh yes!  Her views on the news of the day. We chat, we laugh, we share and exchange ideas and at the end of the day? My knitting is getting better.

My baby blanket is progressing quite nicely. The so-called loopies are smaller!

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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Something new: Becoming familiar with a new buffet

As for me, when it comes to buffets it all depends on who is assisting me. I always have an idea which friend to ask when attending a buffet.

When it is a new buffet it is important for me to make sure that the right person with me.

Each friend or family member does things differently for me and I just need to ensure that I am able to adjust.
It is always a new learning experience when attending a buffet.

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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Never a dull day: New experiences

 I can only describe it like this. Each time I visit Mom and stay with her for a while, the experiences are each new, unique, and filled with so much learning.

Mom and I have never really discussed her inner feelings since she fell in June, 2023, and I recognize that this must be so very trying and tormenting for her.  However, she has borne it all with dignity, patience, and a positive outlook.

She is always so very pleasant when she wakes up in the mornings, looking forward to the day ahead.
She accepts her limitations each night before she goes to bed.
She prays all of the time and this is what keeps her going.

Yes, that’s my Mom!

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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The new gadget in town: The new water pick

 

Oh boy, did I ever have fun with this new gadget! Stephie showed me how to use it and after having had some water splash all over me, I got it!

It is always a bit of a learning curve and requires a bit of patience whenever I purchase a new gadget. Learning is lots of fun but I need to pack my patience. Once I get the hang of things, everything else comes easy.

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

No choice! My new wallet

 

It never fails!  Every time I purchase a new purse or wallet I have to take time to familiarize myself with the new compartments.

Yes!  Where to put my dollar bills?
Where to put my credit cards?
Where to put other id cards?
Then to get used to it all.

It’s the same for my new purse. Decisions! Decisions!  Where to put my necessities and what to leave behind so that my purse does not become overloaded.

No different for anyone, but for me as a vision-impaired person?  Just need to be more methodical!

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
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Familiarity is comforting: Choosing what you know

And I am not the only one who more often than not falls onto this path.  I think that on the whole most of us choose what we know instead of trying something new and I am thinking of grocery shopping as I write this.  

I believe that, as a vision impaired person, this option is more heavily used than otherwise.  Whenever I am uncertain or unsure of what to choose, be it choosing something new, trying something new, or returning to what I am familiar with, I almost always return to what I know.  

I do not mind trying new things because I know that it is the only to learn new things but truth be told I am much more comfortable choosing what I know.

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

 

This made my day: Back to pottery

 

I was just so happy when I was able to return to doing pottery and this time I took full advantage of SR Helen’s time.  I completed my log cabin, made my mini keyboard, and even had time to make a small tray for Mom.

I knew that it was going to be the last day for SR Helen, and I was naturally very sorry. She has taught me so much and along with her sunny outlook I could not have asked for a better teacher.

I can only hope now that my pottery lessons will continue some time in the late summer.

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

Not for the faint of heart: Studying for my Apple certification

This exam is definitely not for the faint of heart and as a person with a vision impairment, it is even more of a challenge.

For me, I had to not just read and study the 1,000 page guide, I also had to learn voiceover as well as learn the Mac.

It was a huge job for me but one that I accepted and wanted to do. I was committed because I hope that I can use my hoped for success to start down a new type of career.

My coach, John Panarese, has been so supportive and patient, giving up 2 evenings per week to work with me. We are almost there and hopefully I'll have good news soon.

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

 

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

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

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan

And like me on Facebook at

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

Just as she sounded: Meeting my legal coach for the first time

I did not go to meet her with any expectations but when I did meet her I was so very pleased. In short, her voice matched her warmth, welcoming nature, and openness.

I sure enjoyed meeting Davina on that warm end-of-August morning in 2019. Mom and I sat and chatted with her as Ramlall and his wife waited outside for us. Then she introduced us to her adorable little dog, Bella, who was so much like her mistress.

Bella, too, was welcoming and so giving. I can only say that Davina's voice sure matched my perception of her and it was so wonderful for me to have discovered this.

I first connected with Davina in 2016 when she voluntarily agreed to be my legal coach. We have worked well together and although she is a very hard task master, she is thorough and has my back at every step.

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

I left my heart in Montreal! Montreal forever

Oh, my beloved Montreal! Each time I see you it is as if I never left you and each time I sample your sumptuous and delicious cuisine I can only say to myself how very lucky that I can still do so!

You will never know how much I still miss you and how much I will always appreciate that it was you who gave me that wonderful opportunity to realize who I was, why I needed to exist, and how much you helped me to find my freedom!

It was you who played such an important part in helping me to get started in life! It was you who showed me the way to logic and grounding and it was you who taught me what I know today. To keep on fighting the good fight and to appreciate and enjoy every moment of every day!

You will always be in my heart, you beautiful one, and no matter where I am and what I am doing, you will always be in my thoughts! Stay well now until I see you again!

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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Fun times: Those naughty knitting needles

Over three years later and I still like to refer to my knitting needles as naughty knitting needles. I have learned so much over the years; from Miko, Robbie, and now Rochelle.  

I have learned to work with the large bamboo needles, the middle sized ones, the fine ones, and now the circular needles.  

I wish that I could have progressed more quickly, but as they say: patience is a virtue and more haste means less speed. No use blaming it on those naughty knitting needles. Blame it on me! I need to show them who is the  boss and it is not them! It is me!  

What is my  latest project? I am in the midst of knitting a hat! Good luck to me! And while I’m at it, watch out knitting needles!  Time for us to work together now!

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 latest gadget: Learning my DR Ho device

I guess that I need to work a bit on my sort of lazy attitude when it comes to learning a new device.  In some instances I can teach myself without any help from others but then there are times when I need to ask for sighted assistance.

This was the case with my new DR Ho device.  I needed to ask for sighted assistance and at first I kept putting it off.  Not because I had no one to ask but it was simply that I was a bit lazy and needed to give myself a bit of a push.

So. my friend Gabriella came to my rescue when I reached out to her.  No fuss; she was only too happy to help 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 www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

What a funny experience! Putting the wrong bottle in the freezer

Well now!  Here is another classic of how I almost ended up off of the beaten track and at the end of it all I simply had to laugh at myself. Here's the short form of the story.

I had bought a bottle of flavoured water at the supermarket and then had brought it home.  I placed it in my pantry next to a bottle of honey and then a few days later I returned to my pantry to retrieve the bottle of flavoured water so that I could freeze it for a few hours before taking it with me to an exam.

So far so good.  I removed what I thought was the bottle and placed it in the freezer and the next day I took it out of the freezer and was just going to leave it in my fridge to thaw out when I decided to check it to make sure that all was good.  Alas!  It was not good!

I soon discovered that instead of freezing the bottle of flavoured water, I had done it to the bottle of honey!  Time to correct but not panic!  I went to my pantry and retrieved the correct bottle, the flavoured water, and put it in the freezer.  Then I replaced the frozen bottle of honey on the shelf in my pantry.

Both bottles felt the same and were of the same height and this is how I got tripped up.  However, what I should have done was to shake the bottle when I first went to my pantry and no doubt I would have been able to avoid this mistake.

All in a day's work.

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

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

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

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

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

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

A person of a lifetime: Getting ready to say so long to Joan

I have had the pleasure and privilege of being a part of Joan Spears’ life since 2014 and I will say most emphatically that it has been a great experience.

Joan has taught me so much; not just the rudiments of pottery but so much more.  I have learned to become more patient.  I have had the opportunity to use my creativity to build some really super pieces and I have had the pleasure to work with a very special lady.

I have never seen Joan in a down or unhappy mood.  She is always so very positive and ready to share her skills and knowledge.  She has taught me so much and soon I’ll be saying so long to her as she walks away into retirement.

Thank you, Joan, for everything and God be with you as you start a new chapter in your life.

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

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

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

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

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

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
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A funny experience: The teller who did not know

I guess that I should take it as a compliment whenever someone does not realize that I am vision-impaired and yes, I sure do!  There are times that I truly enjoy this but on the other hand there are times when I am not too happy about it.

I guess that you cannot have it both ways.  It is either going to be that the person in front of me realizes that I am vision-impaired and they adapt accordingly.  Or they do not realize and then I need to improvise.  Or that they do and then they are not sure what to do and then here is where I become a trainer.

Tellers usually fall into any of these categories and I'll say that, for the most part, they take things as they come.

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you cousin Susan: Making mats from palm leaves

Looking back on this now it was something very special to me because I was just a child then, probably around six or seven years old.

It was cousin Susan who taught me and she was so very patient then and such a good teacher.  She painstakingly showed me how to place the leaves and then to weave them in and out of the spaces.  The first few tries were difficult and cousin Susan was not daunted by my lack of sight.

I did learn how to do it and she was so encouraging; constantly egging me on and congratulating me each time I did something right.  We sat on a bench facing each other and she and I spent so many wonderful hours together.

Cousin Susan was older than me and treated me like her little sister.  We went for walks together and she taught me a bit of Spanish and she always made sure that I went swimming among the rocks.

Great memories for a lifetime.

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

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

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

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

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

A very important part of my life: How the apparatus helped me

These were different learning tools that our teachers at primary school used to help us learn so many things. I personally thank my beloved teacher, Mrs. Mondey, for having introduced them to me.

There were the boards where we had to fit the right shapes into the right grooves.  Boards where we had to count the holes in the pieces of plastic and then fit them over the matching holes.  Pegs that we used to make Braille letters.  Blocks, Legos, and one of my favorites!  A board where we had to fit the right printed letters into the right grooves.  There was no way that we could either think of cheating or even get away with not matching things.  Oh no!  Everything had to be precise and perfect.

Then there were the pieces of apparatus that we used to build things. Apparatus that were meant to help us strengthen our fingers.  Village sets where we used components to create villages.  Little train sets, step builders, fitting mini barrels into each other based on size, and so much more.

Images of these pieces still dance vividly in my mind whenever I let them. These were such happy memories and there was so much more to go along with these pieces of apparatus.  The games that Mrs. Mondey devised, playing shop every Friday, and the mini competitions that she devised for us to remain engaged and active.

We were extremely fortunate to have had her as a teacher and I shall forever remember her!

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

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

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

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

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and 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