traveling up and down the blind highway

I thought I would make a list of times when I realized that I don’t see and it puts me in awkward situations. Below is my list.
You know you are blind when:
You grab the moisturizer for your legs only to find you have used the vaginal cream.
You know you are blind when:
You crack open an egg only to miss the hot frying pan.
You know you are blind when:
You grab the arm of a total stranger rather than your husband’s arm.
You know you are blind when:
You are on a horse trail and you don’t notice the rider signaling you to move with her arm movements.
You know you are blind when:
The person you are talking with walks away and you are still talking … to yourself.
You know you are blind when:
The car at the crossing toots their horn to tell you to cross.
You know you are blind when:
A nurse takes you by the hand to lead you to the scale.
You know you are blind when:
You get turned around in your home.
You know you are blind when:
You find your herb plants by smelling them.
You know you are blind when:
You can taste sour milk in your mouth with just by a quick sniff.
You know you are blind when:
You can’t light the candles for a romantic dinner.
You know you are blind when:
Your books have raised dots rather than printing.
You know you are blind when:
What you can see is secondary to what you smell, taste and feel.

On the plus side.
Blindness allows you to ignore a person’s outward appearance.
You can listen without visual distractions.
You can walk around in the dark safely.
You can read even if the power goes off.
You know you are near water by the smell of wetness.
Blindness increases your use of memory to find objects.
A blind person’s listen’s with more intent.
Blindness increases your sense of touch.
Blindness instills your need to be aware of your surroundings.
Blindness develops self advocacy.
Blindness helps a person to feel empathy with others.
Young people rush to open doors for John and myself.
When we joke and I playfully tap him with my white cane, people laugh and remark what a cute we are.
You can tell friends and family that they are still thin with dark hair in my reality.
Blindness is not the end of the road, only a turn on the journey.

carolaspot@aol.com. 10-16-2023

During our season of biking, we have had some interesting encounters with wildlife. We were biking past a section of tall grasses on the side of the path. The grouse flew across our path at an angle. Looking down, John spied several eggs in the low bushes. The mother bird continued to get our attention to lead us away from her nest.
While biking on a rails to trails, we found that a chipmunk decided to race our bike. We raced for several yards before he made a quick dash to the side between the front and back wheels.
Driving down a long straightaway, a squirrel acted as an unofficial greeter. He produced a series of barking sounds when we stopped to take his photo. Never taking to the trees, he stood his ground.
When we were crossing a long bridge over a river, we noticed a family of ducks in the middle. They turned to go back the way they had come. The last duckling toppled to the deck, exhausted. The drake made a snap decision and left the small duckling to the biker’s mercy. After we crossed the bridge, the hen rescued the small duck. They swam away down the river.
Skunks are rarely seen but the their lasting olfactory signature can be detected for days. Dogs that have had an encounter are well marked.
Living near a wooded lot, we watch a small flock of turkeys as they make their way to the cement leaf waterer basin. Often they will have a scuffle with outspread wings to show dominance. The hens will vie for seeds and water, while the tom placidly watches from the nearby hillside. Order is soon restored and the group continues into the woods.
There is no hunting allowed in our area. The deer ignore humans before they saunter across the street. Last year, twin fawns played up and down the neighborhood. They were very small. The orphans followed an older doe before mating time.
Birds too stay close to people’s homes. We had a nest of robins in a small lilac bush. Our security camera took daily photos of the nesting mother hatching the eggs to see when the first baby took flight. They hop from the nest at 14 days old but stay near the nest for two more weeks. Both parents are kept busy finding worms and bugs to feed their babies.
Wrens have been known to build their nest in hanging flower pots. Our lovely begonia was sacrificed so the babies didn’t get wet from watering.
Our front porch has the decorative touch of spiders as they spin cobwebs along one side of the porch. Catching many small insects to feed the hungry brood. When older, the spiders allow the wind to aide in their escape.
On our second camera raccoons , possums, deer and cats are caught passing through. Their eyes shine red with the light of the camera.
Even reptiles can be visitors. Last week, we noticed a large turtle, 12 inches in diameter. Worrying about it so close to the road, we returned to call Turtle rescue. To our surprise, the turtle had made it’s way across a front yard and was heading towards the woods.
On sunny days, we will see snakes stretched out in the warming sun. Often, they resemble branches . We try to avoid long objects that could be a snake.
We have had bats in the area. John built a bat house for them The house is a large rectangle box, painted black to gather heat. The box is open at the bottom to allow the bats to gather in clusters. After little luck attracting bats, we found that the bats prefer the underpass of low bridges to our boxes.
Finally the seed and suet feeders are a favorite place in all seasons. Larger birds knock the overflow food to be gather by the turkeys, squirrels and chipmunks.
The wildlife doesn’t appear so wild anymore.
Not following the rules
We have visited many National parks.
In most, there are signs not to feed the wildlife.
Sometimes, the wildlife helps themselves.
While visiting Yosemite, John and Ruth decided to climb to the top of a waterfall.
“I’ll sit here by the water and knit.”
Busy with the pattern, I didn’t notice visitors slowing down and taking out their phones.
A dozen of the small grey and white squirrels cavorted around my bench.
They must smell the peanut and honey sandwiches in my backpack.
One squirrel jumped into my lap.
Startled, I jumped, scattering the squirrels in all directions.
When John and Ruth returned, they found me pacing.
“What took you two so long?”
“We crossed the bridge over the stream.”
“Well, I was shooing away the squirrels”
“What squirrels?”
They had disappeared.
“Well, they were here.”
My family believed I made the story up.

carolaspot@aol.com October 9th, 2023

My brothers and I were given a small allowances, but we were encouraged to volunteer to help grand parents and neighbors. Each season had it’s own set of chores. In winter we cleared snow from sidewalks and driveways. Spring was time to clean yards of tree branches and leaves. Summer found us mowing and trimming grass with clippers. But Fall was my favorite for working. My home town had many trees. They all dropped their leaves during October. Smaller lots made the job easier. The sound of the bamboo scraping across grass mingled with the scent of drying leaves. Autumn days were cooler to keep us from sweating.
Raking a large pile into the street, the fun would begin. Yes, jumping into a large pile of leaves was a reward for the raking. I would be allowed to burn the leaves in the road.
Leaves catch fire quickly. A piece of paper or tissue, lit with a match would be enough to start the leaves blazing.
I can still remember the scent of burning dried leaves as one of my favorite memories.
Another Fall tradition was a visit to the local cider mill. Parmenter’s, one of the longest running mills , celebrated 150 years of operation. Started by two brothers after the civil war, the first press was run by a team of horses walking in a circle. Over the years, Northville had several more cider mills spring up. Our family frequented Foremans on Seven Mile. It was also run by two brothers, with mills side by side. The brothers took turns opening. They hours of operation were extended. The cider mills sold apples and fresh donuts to go with the pressed cider.
Pumpkin carving was displayed during the month of October. The elaborate carvings were judged and prizes were given for the best.
This tradition has changed to include full size dressed skeletons around the downtown business area. Over 100 skeletons are posed outside shops and centers. A skeleton in yoga garb may be leading a class doing downward dog. Another pair of skeletons may be getting a hair cut. A third group of skeletons will be be selling newspapers.
After the trick or treating hours are done, the citizens stroll to the town’s center for prizes to be bestowed and Halloween treats to be distributed to all.
The scent of drying leaves, bonfires and the taste of sweet cider keep fall memories alive for me.

Nature’s Harvest

Like a pregnant woman,

Bursting with bounty’s gifts.

Fruits hang heavy on the vine.

Nuts and seeds fill the squirrel burrows.

Man gathers the harvest.

Mother nature completes autumn’s tasks.

Shedding her greens for the colorful fall palette.

Gathering her skirts to be scattered by a chilly wind,

She prepares for a winter’s rest.

First appeared in the 2023 Avocet

carolaspot@aol.com

copyright 10-2-2023

As visually challenged individuals, we look for braille in our environment to identify the correct bathroom, find entrances and exits and push a button for a signal for crossing a street. Even individuals with little knowledge of the braille alphabet have learned to recognize some letters and numbers.

Trailing our finger tips to find the number outside an office door gives us confidence that we are in the correct place.
Now we can use the same skill to read the numbers and suits on a braille deck of playing cards. An added skill, we can play cards in the dark.
It is a pleasure to know that if we want a cup of coffee or a hamburger, we can ask for a braille menu from Starbucks or McDonald’s restaurants.
Pharmacies are starting to put braille on the label to identifying the drugs and the daily dosage. You must ask if your pharmacy can offer this service.
Some home medical tests have a tactile component to indicate the result. Home pregnancy tests and insulin tests can be purchased with a tactile or auditory indicator. Sadly, the rapid home test for Covid does not have a tactile indicator.
Sadly, braille is not found everywhere we need it. But Braille is showing up in some interesting places.
According to a page on Perkins Facebook there are several unexpected places that we may find braille.
A cell of braille can decorate a cupcake with a dozen cupcakes having a short message. The idea of putting braille on lego blocks has expanded to other toy companies. Mattel has put braille on the Helen Keller doll and you can purchase a white cane for your American Girl doll.
Braille jewelry is becoming a hot seller for a unique gift. I have a brooch with the cells forming flowers. My brooch spells Mom.
The APH has initiated a program in the Kentucky prisons to teach braille to the inmates working on a transcription skill. Inmates that have gone through the program are placed in a job after leaving prison. Only 3% of those inmates return to prison compared to the average 76% of the inmate population.
Braille has been found on record albums in the form of the title and even as a short poem. Some CD’s are starting to identify the title in braille. Even young people who enjoy tattoos are putting words up to song lyrics on their bodies in braille cells. Some go so far to have small plastic beads inserted under the skin to mimic tactile braille.
Though I long for the day when package manufactures will braille the product name on the container, I continue to be surprised where I find braille. In my newly constructed local library, I chanced to feel the walls. On soft grey paper the distinctive feel of braille cells festooned some walls. Upon feeling across the line , I could read individual words on one wall and Author’s names on another. What a wonderful way to introduce braille into a library for all to enjoy.
So when you’re out, don’t complain because there is no braille. Look for braille making steady inroads into your world.

Let your Fingers Do The Walking

Before the Internet,
Alexa and Siri,,
We were told to,
“Let your fingers
do the walking
through the Yellow Pages.
Delivered to your door,
along with holiday catalogs.
now, I ask my smart device,
“Alexa, Search Amazon.”
plethora of choices.
No need for pictures.
Just click on details.
Shop by price.
lowest to highest
Click
It’s in your basket.
change your mind?
Empty basket.
Done?
Go to checkout.
Your information is in the program.
Order.
Buyer’s remorse?
Press cancel.
Make another selection.
It will be at your door.
Tomorrow.
Shopping was never easier.
Alexa announces a delivery.
It’s on the porch.
Surprise!
A Welder?
John’s fingers are walking again.
Virtually.

Carolaspot@aol.com
9-25-23

Our Fall equinox will be celebrated in the northern hemisphere on September 23 rd. This day along with the spring equinox are the two days that the sun rises in due east and sets due west. In my Brazilian sister’s home, Sao Paulo, Brazil, the angle of the sun’s rising and setting are the same as in my part of the world. In the southern hemisphere, the days will lengthen until around Christmas. The day will be six hours longer than our winter. The days will be a mere nine hours in length of sunlight, from dawn to dusk.
When I had daylight driving, I had to leave my home as soon as I could see. The workday had no lunch so I could leave work during dusk. My boss allowed me to work less than 40 hours in the winter, working longer days in the summer.
Now, I occasionally, miss the brilliant colors of sunsets, but my memories enhance my imagined setting suns. The northern part of my state has displays of the northern light. The colors are curtains of movement. They travel horizontally across the sky, moving from left to right to left in curtains of greens, blues and purples. This is best seen on a clear winter evening with little or no moon.
The southern hemisphere has a similar light displayed during the months of June, July and August. They are the same form and color as the northern lights.
There are many legends about this phenomenon. The Vikings believed the lights were dead bands of warriors traveling to Valhalla. The Eskimos enjoyed the light . They watched as their tribal family celebrated. were they were the spirits of family dancing in the sky. Some Indian people saw the lights as unborn generations of the tribes. Whatever the believe the northern lights were a good omen to many indigenous people.
Today, I am thinking about my Brazilian sister Adelia on her birthday. meeting her fifty years ago. Though many years have passed, I will always keep you in my thoughts and prayers. The following poem is for you.

Adelia

A tiny woman with dark eyes and long hair, smiled at me.
Delighted to meet her American sister at last.
Even though we were three years apart, we bonded.
Long letters and visits kept us close.
I have grown old but memories endure.
Always, you will be my beautiful South American sister.
Love always.

carolaspot@aol.com
September 18, 202
Happy Birthday my special sister.

If you pay attention to random actions and interactions, you will start to see a pattern in your day. This is synchronicity, it is defined as, coincidences that appear to be related, but are not. For example, you are thinking of a person and they call you on the phone. Look up a recipe and find your husband wants to make the same recipe for dinner. One of these synchronicities occurred last week. John and I rode our tandem to church. The bike pedaled hard.
“Give me a little Turnbull on this hill,” John remarked.
Neither of us realized that the tire was slowing losing pressure. We came out of the service late. Most of the people had left.
Strapping on our helmets and gloves took more time, we were the last in the parking lot.
The long downhill was not fast as I hoped. At the edge of town, the back tire starting thumping.
“I think we have a flat.”
Two young men in a service vehicle stopped. “Trouble?”
“Got a flat, can you give me a lift to get my truck?”
“I will do one better, I will take your bike and both of you home.”
The men worked in Ada. One of the men lived in the two neighborhoods away. They were coming home after their workday. They had noted us riding about and were curious about riding a tandem.
What is the chance that two young men on a Saturday evening would stop to assist two older bikers?
The truck was filled with equipment and parts. I was assisted into the back seat of the truck while the other service man on the tailgate of his truck, holding the tandem.
“Thank you, what can I do for you?”
“Well, Can I shake your hand?”
With that handshake, they were back on the road home.
I guess after 25 years of riding our tandem in the same small town, we are a recognized part of the landscape. When John examined the tire, He found that the nozzle to air the tire was ripped out of the tube. We couldn’t have fixed that leak without a new tube.

A Slow Leak

“This bike is pedaling hard.”
“You are getting weak,”
“Let’s go down the long downhill.”
“What’s that ?”
“Something is wrong with the tire!”
****
“Need some help?”

carolaspot@aol.com
Sept ,11 2023

Last week, John and I had another couple visiting from out of town. We watched the wildlife fly, scamper and saunter throughout the afternoon.
First came the starlings circling the trees to wait their turns at the feeder. As many as fifty of the little birds swirled, to find a perch at the feeder.
Three squirrels chattered at each other. Thinking they must be hungry, I tossed some black sunflower seeds and baby carrots into the yard. One small female stopped, to sit on her hunches to munch the carrot like a candy cane.
Next several turkeys wandered down the back hill to scratch under the feeder, reminding us of chickens. After eating their fill, they stopped at the low watering trough for a cool drink.
Finally, three deer emerged from the woods to nibble on the myrtle’s new growth. The biggest deer sported a new antlers with velvet protecting them as they hardened.
Our friends were amazed at the number of wildlife and the time they took to explore the yard. They were the owners, we the hired help.
Today is National Wildlife day. Since it is also Labor Day, consider showing kindness to the birds and animals that live in our environment. Toss out a little more. Remember, they are gathering food to make it through the long cold winter ahead.
Hanging an apple or two on smeared with peanut butter on a cord will entertain while watching the wildlife problem solving skills.
Take time to consider that we share this world. Make sure there is room for all.

Nature Recycles

Riding on my bike,
I come across a dead deer.
With eyes open,
but not seeing,
“What was your last thought?”
“Did you see the headlights that blinded you?”
Still now, you await nature’s recycling.
To nourish flies and maggots.
Your graceful torso
will never run again.
Cut down, in your prime.
Kneeling down I stroke the soft fur
whispering
“I’m sorry.”

Carolaspot@aol.com
copyright Sept ,4th 2023

“Mom, this fruit juice tastes funny.”
My daughter complained.
“Let me taste it.”
Lifting the strawberry daiquiri to my nose, The strong aroma of dark rum assaulted my nostrils.
Honey, I think you got the wrong drink.” “Lets try a virgin daiquiri.”
In Aruba, there is no age limit for drinking. We all ordered virgin drinks. This was one of many surprises on the visit to this Caribbean port of call.
The island has reminders of their Dutch past. Several working windmills are found on the west side. Constant trade winds blow bending the Tamarack Trees to grow sideways, nature’s bonsai. Our twelve year old daughter, finishing her drink asked,”Where is our room?”
“Here, take the map.”
The Tamarin Resort sported a large pool near the shoreline. Wandering through two story bungalows, Ruth spots it first.
“Wow, Right on the beach.”
Grabbing her bathing suit, Ruth changed, following, her example, we watched as she played in the breakers.
“I’m hungry! whats to eat?”
“This is an all inclusive facility, check the map.”
“Pizza at the pool, all right!”
Sipping my drink, I watched as Ruth devoured a pizza.
In the room, we found descriptions of seven restaurants.
“Lets, try the barbecue.”
After ordering, we waited. The waiter brought raw seafood and veggies. He lit the gas grill in the middle of the table .
“Enjoy”
We were to cook our own meal, we made quite a mess of our table.
The next day, we signed up for a jeep tour. Two young men appeared with 5 jeeps.
“Who wants to drive?”
John said no, but three men jumped at the chance to drive a jeep overland. Over desert terrain, the leader pulled into an Ostrich farm.
“Would you like to feed the birds?”
A small boy nodded and he was given a bowl of feed. Looking worried, he extended the bowl towards the fenced birds.
“I could do that.” remarked Ruth.
Smiling, the host picked up ruth and deposited her and the food bowl into the enclosure. A half dozen of the ostriches circled her and lowered their heads to munch the seeds, while other tourists snapped photos. I was too worried to get a shot.
The next day, waiting at the bus stop, we rode to the town. In the port, a large cruise ship was moored to a weathered wharf. Shopping for souvenirs, we passed by an open shop advertising corn rolling for hair.
“Mom, Can I get my hair done in corn Rolls?”
“Let’s see how much it costs.”
The shop owner inspective Ruth tresses and quoted a price of one dollar a corn row.
“I think her hair will need 40 corn rolls”
How long will it take?”
“Come back in an hour.”
We left to explore the other shops. Returning in an hour, We saw that Ruth still had 40 corn rows and still had her left side to be done. Calling another assistant over, the owner admitted she under estimated the work.
Her fingers were cramping and she needed help to finish. Ruth ended up with 55 rows in her air. We gave ten dollars as an extra tip.
Riding on the yellow city bus back to the resort, We passed miles of empty beaches.
“Don’t people use the beaches?”
“This is in the middle of the week, they are working.”
That evening we tried another restaurant at the sister resort the Diva. It had a French restaurant. We had teased our daughter that she would be given snails to eat on her trip to France. To our chagrin, The appetizer was snails cooked in butter.
“Mom, The snails look gross.”
Maybe they will taste better than they look.”
My husband and Ruth balked and would not try them. I tried them and had to admit, they were correct. They were slimy.
The next day we took a tour to the northern end of the island. The terrain was arid and rocky. We toured a small chapel perched on a high cliff. Our guide informed us that in several weeks on Good Friday, many pilgrims would climb to the top for sunrise service.
” Mom, I need a bathroom!”
“Go ask our guide.””
After a short while, Ruth returned with an odd expression.
“I can wait until we get back to our hotel.”
“Why? What did he say?”
“He said the bushes on the right side of the chapel were for women. The boulders on the left were for men.”
We all decided to wait.
The tour ended on another high cliff overlooking the ocean. In the water scores of shark fins protruded Several large dump trucks turned to back up to the cliff’s edge.
The guide explained that each day the leftovers and food scraps were brought to this overlook and dumped into the ocean. The fish, especially the sharks, have learned to wait for the free meal. As the first truck dumped it’s load, violent activity churned the waters below. The ocean erupted as more sharks joined the melee.
Returning to our hotel were glad to use a real bathroom.
It was our final evening at the Tamarin. We thought to take an early evening swim. We put our beach bag on a rock away from the waves and waded into the ocean. We forgot to check the tide schedule. Looking down the beach , John saw the waves were over the rock outcropping and our bag was slowly floating out to sea.
Splashing through the water, John reached the bag before it disappeared. The next day we packed to return to our home. Our daughter commented to herself,
“Nice place to visit but there’s no place like the U.S.A.”
My husband and I agreed.

carolaspot@aol.com

This article was first posted in the Blind Perspective in 2017.
When I was in my early twenties, I was a part of a community theatre group. We performed musicals once a year in the local theatre.
The first year, We put on the musical,”,”Brigadoon”. I was young enough to be cast as a dancer in the chorus. During the practice sessions, I wore my glasses so I would be able to learn the steps and see where all the props and cast members were located.
As opening night approached, the director pointed out that young women of the 1600’s didn’t wear glasses. I was forced to perform without them. My sight was very poor without the glasses but I had learned all the dance steps and knew where all the props were to be placed.
On opening night, We had a dance number swirling around a large trunk as the leading lady packed her possessions before her wedding. Unfortunately for me the stage hands didn’t place the trunk in the correct position on the stage.
performing my steps, I fell head over heels into the open trunk. The dancing continue as I smiled and staying in character , extracted myself to continue to dance
One of the rules that you learn as am actor is never break character so after I did my flip I brushed myself off and continued to dance. I must have done a good job because my parents in the audience didn’t notice anything amiss.
When We preformed our next musical,”Fiddler On The Roof”The director cast me as an old grandma. He explained that I could keep my wired rim glasses on in that costume. I would be forced to move much slower . I didn’t have a problem and preformed flawlessly.
Performing with low vision has its challenges. With a little planning, a person with low vision can perform with confidence.
Now I have no vision. Continuing to perform for groups, I give oral readings of my poetry. It is important to encourage the next generation of writers to reach for the stars.

Star Gazing

I see the light
So far from my reach
Dust sprinkles me with hope
carving the peace from the whole
choosing to save
what to discard
polished
they take a place
in my world

Carolaspot@aol.com

August 21,2023

Last week, a hurricane passed south of the Hawaiian Island chain. Lightening strikes kindled fires in the dry foliage. Fueled by 60 mph winds, fires burned on all the Islands. The worst damage was seen on the island of Maui.
We visited Maui in the winter of 2003. The island was known for it’s many pristine beaches and clear waters. A reef forms a protective coral barrier around the island encouraging marine life. Sea turtles lay their eggs in the sand on the beach. Seals mate and raise their young off the Maui shores.
People enjoy scuba diving , surfing and windsurfing in the warm waters.
Last Tuesday, the historic town of Lahaina, the old capital of the kingdom of Hawaii was reduced to ashes. When we visited there were buildings dating back to the late nineteenth century. In the main square of town was a large banyan tree, believed to be the oldest it the country. Under it’s trunks and limbs, people have gathered to visit and trade for many years. The tree is found outside the old government building that housed the customs and courts of Old Hawaii. Today it houses the visitors center, and Hawaiian art for sale .After last Wednesday, much of this area was reduced to ashes. The old banyan tree was scorched but still standing.
As of this past weekend, the fires are burning in the volcanic mountain range on the east side of the island. The national observatory located there , is not out of the threat of the fires.
Many native people wonder if the Goddess of fire and destruction, Pele, is asserting her power. Or are we seeing the result of global warming? Only time will tell if Maui can recover.
The local wildlife such as goats, pigs and deer will starve without vegetation for food. Crops of sugar cane, taro , vegetables, onion and peanuts were grown. In recent these and fields have reverted back to wild grasses. Unlike the prairie grasses of the west, these tropical grasses can grow 6 feet tall. They produce much fuel to burn. Runoff will move sediment into the reef area surrounding the island. Cloudy waters and increased waters temperatures will kill coral needed for a healthy eco system. It may be many years before Maui and Other Hawaiian islands recover.
Tourism will diminish as Paradise is lost for many years.

Caolaspot@aol.com

copyright 8-14-23