The train journey from Pitlochry saw another ‘quick dash’ out of Perth railway station to enable Fizz to have a comfort break and to arrive in a very different Dundee.
Not because since my last visit my sight has changed; Not because my last visit saw me guided by my first guiding girl Vicky; Rather because THIS Dundee had undergone a MASSIVE transformation that started with the railway station.
A railway station that reminded me so very much of Canary Wharf in London, with its long escalators, glass lifts, grand piano and open spaces.
And it was in a very different place to the old station. Instead of walking out of the station to seeing the RRS Discovery (The ship that Captain Scott took to the Antarctic) across the road, it was now surrounded by building works and to the right a rather large imposing building, that as of late September 2018 will be The V&A Museum Dundee.
Even my hotel was so new that when I looked on Google Street View it showed it as a building site! But thankfully when I arrived, it was all there beside a lovely welcoming looking Beefeater.
With my room on the 3rd floor I looked out over The River Tay and across to Newport-On-Tay. I spent the evening walking along the promenade and taking in the changes to the area. I found several grass areas for Fizz and even introduced Fizz to The RRS Discovery and its penguins as you can see from the photographs.
I enjoyed a relaxed unrushed meal in the Beefeater and took advantage of an early night, as my Friday was set to be a busy one.
For Friday I would be checking out of the hotel, but before returning to Glasgow to start my journey home I was catching up with more family.
As a place I have been to many many times before this is the first time I have been without my parents. It is also the first time which I can remember that I visited The McManus Galleries; or rather The McMenace Galleries as they have temporarily been renamed. After all Dundee is the home to The Bashstreet Kids, Desperate Dan and Denise the Menace, which are all celebrating their 77th year and heritage within Dundee.
As a child I grew up with The Beano, so was enthralled to see how it has changed throughout the years. Although I am not a fan of the latest ‘computeriised’ imagery that moves it away from its comic book strip format.
My wee cousins (actually my cousins children) were my tour guides, taking us around Dundee, walking among the old train lines that run along the now pedestrianised streets. I even got the opportunity to leave my mark. In signing my name and writing my gratitude on the six foot tall ‘THANK YOU’ had had only that morning been installed as part of the city’s commemoration to hero’s for this years D-Day Celebrations.
And from Dundee we travelled to another favourite haunt as a child when I would come to spend the summer with my Granny Lily…. We went off to Broughty Ferry, were we walked along a very blustery shore, saw the castle and then enjoyed a nice late lunch together.
Time ran away from us, we chatted, we remembered those family members who were no longer with us and we laughed at fond childhood memories.
Back in Dundee for one day was not long enough…. I shall most definitely be returning, making this my base next time. So many more adventures to in this beautiful city I am sure…. At the very least I need to come back to see if the inside of the new V&A museum is as breathtaking as the exterior?
The train journey was through rolling hills and beautiful landscapes.
Arriving at Pitlochry a fellow passenger helped me off with my case as there was a pushchair and hold-all in the door; only to have someone take my case on the platform!
All was okay though…. the man taking my case was in fact my cousin who had come to meet me! I would be spending my time with him and his wife. He gave me the warmest of welcomes and enveloping hug, easing away all the tensions from galavanting in Glasgow.
Fizz also had a friend, in their dog Honey (although on first impressions they weren’t too keen on each other)
Pitlochry is somewhere I have never been before, but thanks to good olde Google Streetview I felt it was somewhere I would be comfortable. The high street was made up of a mix of cafes, charity shops and outdoor shops. The homes were nestled within lush green fields and with numerous whiskey distilleries, long walks and most importantly … FAMILY
A family who opened their home to me. Who cooked me a overly dinner and who walked me via the local golf course to the pub to enjoy a drink or 3 with them and their friends.
After a very comfortable nights sleep we took the dogs out for a walk to Black Spout Wood, a beautiful and refreshing walk with streams for the dogs to splash about in and my first ever encounter of a natural waterfall.
The waterfall was considerably smaller than than usual, because water levels in the streams were much lower as even in Scotland they have been having a very hot summer.
All before returning for some lunch before embarking on a second walk and whiskey tasting in the afternoon.
Afterall, you can’t come to such a beautiful Burgh without tasting the local produce … Even if that is whiskey and gin!
And it is a whiskey that the store keeper knows so well, with the undertones of banana in one and dark chocolate in another; I must admit that to my untrained nose I could taste the differences in the samples, but not what was explained. We even sampled some of Pitlochry’s new gin, which I found very enjoyable and easy to drink.
After a few purchases we headed off towards The Pitlochry Dam. A structure that was planned back in the 1950s, being fully operational in 1962. You see the dam had (at the time) been part of Scotland’s history as the dam created hydro-electricity that helped to power just under two-thirds of The Highlands energy supply (bearing in mind the in 1960 energy usage was no where near what it was today)
The dam being on the river Tummel also included ‘A fish ladder’ enabling the salmon to move through their migration into the river after the dam.
The visitor centre had been renovated in recent years and for my cousin it was the first time he had visited it, we enjoyed some time looking around and learning the history and impact of the dam.
Again, the river Tummel and the Dam are showing how deplested the water levels are given the hot weather. It was very interesting though to find out how important and revelationary this dam was and how even now it continues to support Scotland’s power supplies, although now much of Scotland receives its energy from wind turbines.
During our walk we encountered the odd shower, but this just created a beautiful sky of blue and grey with the odd black cloud against the lush creeks and earth colours of the hills and trees.
But sadly all too soon, it was time to catch another train. For the next part of my adventure. A train journey that saw me returning to Perth before changing to travel on to Dundee.
Dubdee is a city I have visited many MANY many times before, but not for several years. In fact, the last time I visited was when I went to my Grabs funeral.
After a relaxed evening in the hotel which included a Tai Chi class, a swim and a sauna before a gorgeous dinner, on Wednesday morninf I decided to visit The Glasgow Science Centre before embarking on another train journey deeper into Scotland (you’ll have to read on to find out where)
The Science Centre and adjoining iMax cinema were architecturally interesting buildings even before I walked through the doors.
These building were custom built for purpose and opened to the public in June 2001, with a titanium clad exterior the Science Centre (science mall) with its crescent shaped glazing enables it along with the neighbouring imax to ‘blend in’ with the often grey overcast skies of Glasgow while offering a reflection from the river Clyde.
Set over three floors and including a planetarium and many interactive work station I could understand how it had gained its reputation and place on trip advisor as a ‘MUST SEE’ even though it was a pay for attraction (which many museums are not)
I fell in love with each and every floor.
Although I struggled with a few small issues (like no large print or alternative format maps or voice information on the lifts) I did find a very helpful member of staff who explained the floor levels to me and even explained where the stairs were as they were tucked away as the main traffic was directed towards the large lifts.
One perminant exhibit that I was interested in was ‘A Question of Perception’ that looked at optical illusions, the science behind it and how the human brain helps with this. In addition to the illusions, I watched the cctv monitors for the centres own ‘wacky salon’ (you can find a video for this on YouTube, but as it is not accessible I have decided against sharing it here)
With interactive exhibitions across the whole centre, including a wonderful planetarium I enjoyed a good couple of hours here and took hundreds of photographs of the different exhibits, of which I will share just one with you. This is of the ‘perfect triangle’ which from the angle of my photograph looks far from perfect.
However, too soon it was time for me to go, popping back to the hotel to collect my bags and head off for another train journey.
A train journey that saw me travelling from Exhibition Road to Glasgow Central, to hop on the shuttle bus to Glasgow Queen Street before boarding a train to Perth, where I would then change again (after a quick ‘wee stop’ for Fizz) to travel onto Pitlochry.
A place that could not be further from the hustle and bustle of Glasgow, with a population of just over 2,500 in comparison Glasgows 500,000….. It was a place I really couldn’t wait to escape to.
With a coffee in hand, along with my suitcase, book bag, handbag and guide dog I soon found the mobility assistance within London Euston Railway station. My assistance had been pre-booked so at just after 22:00 i was guided to my train.
The man assisting me happily took my case and my book bag and off we went.
It was a very different ‘check-in’ for The Caladonian Sleeper. It reminded me more of checking in to a flight.
First I checked in and was informed by the staff that I would be upgraded to a berth, they allocated me the ‘accessibile berth’ so that I was directly beside the toilet and just a door away from the lounge car.
The train measured over a quarter of a mile long and I was towards the furthest end. This is because the train that leaves Euston travels towards Scotland as one train, before splitting; with one part going towards Edinburgh and the other part towards Glasgow.
Once onboard the train, my room wasn’t quite ready, so I was seated in the lounge car where I was able to enjoy reading the extensive whiskey menu before I settled for a glass of red wine; before making myself and Fizz comfortable for the night in our berth.
The bed was comfortable, I took the extra pillows off the top bunk and although I looked at the little ‘sleep pack’ that was sat on the bed, I chose not to make use of the eye mask or ear plugs. For my first ever sleeper journey I wanted to be as aware of my surroundings as possible.
I plugged my phone and watch in the USB ports, worked out which switch was for the main light and the bed light; popped to the loo again for one last time and tucked in to bed to listen to my audio book all before the train had even left the station.
This was a school girl error as I suddenly felt very aware and awake when the train did start moving. Especially at the beginning when we were stopping at other London stations (just like a normal train would) so it was not until we were clear of London that I found myself getting comfortable again and drifting off to sleep.
I remember waking several times throughout the night, but there was not a clear reason for it. It wasn’t until I awoke in a panic when the train seemed to ‘turn off’ that I got a reasonable nights sleep.
My panic awakening was because I felt that we must surely have arrived in Glasgow, although upon reaching my phone I realised I was over an hour early for the arrival time of Glasgow, let alone for the extra thirty minutes I had to vacate my room once we did arrive.
So I took the time to get dressed and raise the blind in my room to let the Scottish scenery in. I even made myself a Herbalife shake for breakfast and got packed up.
It wasn’t long before we pulled into Glasgow Central Station and the kind staff gave me a bottle of apple juice and informed me that my requested station assistance was ready to guide me from the train to the exit of the station.
It was lovely to walk into a quiet station (being 7:10 on a Tuesday morning). The rail assistance asked me where I was heading and asked if I needed help getting a taxi, I politely informed him that I was going to head to my hotel to drop off my case and enable Fizz to stretch her paws along The River Clyde.
Because thanks to more support on social media and google maps I knew all I had to do was walk toward the river and then along it for 19 minutes to reach my base for the next day and a half. The Glasgow Crowne Plaza.
When opportunity presents itself, take its hand and let it lead you beyond your comfort zone.
A fellow VI friend informed me of an upgrade available to me as a guide dog owner to sleep in a cabin overnight on a train for the cost of a seated ticket.
The Caledonian Sleeper from London to Scotland gave me just such opportunity. So in planning a trip I had hoped to take with my CPiC I booked a trip from London to Glasgow.
A journey which soon gave me the option to either cancel or put on my ‘big girl pants on’ to go alone….
Cancelling wasn’t really ever an option, as I would loose money not only on tickets, but on rooms already booked; plus my pure stubborn nature wouldn’t allow it. So I decided to go alone (with my guiding girl Fizz) and a new plan was made.
London to Glasgow was recommended to me as Edinburgh was hosting The Fringe Festival.
So my plan started to come together. I would travel to London on Monday, to catch the 23.20 sleeper out of Euston to Glasgow.
Monday was my day to explore London.
London is somewhere I have been many times before, however with my suitcase I wanted to stay close to Euston. But just getting there wasn’t so simple.
Having used Euston Tube station as an interchange before for the northern line I was aware that it only had escalator access to street level. So I made the brave (slightly silly) decision to get the tube to Kings Cross and walk back to Euston.
The walk was the easy bit, but the different lifts and levels of Kings Cross was a bit of a ‘challenge’ to say the least. But one I achieved on my own. The opportunity was there to ask for assistance, but I chose to put my problem solvcing hat on and just ‘get on with it’ Afterall, I have been to Kings Cross before and if in my mind if i couldn’t handle the tube, how would I manage Glasgow?
Hitting Kings Cross also gave me the opportunity to work out a green space for Fizz because with planned engineering works at Euston at the weekend, we would be returning to Kings Cross. Thanks to the power of social media, I was made aware of a flower bed to the side of the station.
The flower bed was in fact right beside The British Library, a building that has always fascinated me. So with time to kill I took the opportunity to go in.
WOW …..
The security staff were amazing, from explaining the bag search, to using a body scan wand on me and Fizz and continuing to explain it all to me; to then walking us down the ramps to the cloakrooms so I could have my suitcase stored while I explored.
Sadly there were no large print maps available, but as I explained to the staff that I used my phone as a magnifier they quickly radioed through to the other room attendants and security to make them aware that
“the blonde haired woman with the black guide dog who is deafblind has permission to use her phone as an aid to assist her, she isn’t taking photos, but simply magnifying the signs to enable her to enjoy her visit.’
This made me feel so very welcome and enabled me to enjoy my visit; while breaking down barriers for other visitors, who stopped to ask me how I was managing with the maps and signage.
I never went to look at the books (I do want to do this, but think it would be much easier with a sighted assistant) I purely went to look at the building…. The way the levels are open, the way the skylights are positioned, and I wasn’t disappointed.
I enjoyed the fact that I could sit on each level, watch the world go by and enjoy the different ways in which other people used the space.
Because despite my failing sight, I love to read and I have always had a fascination with libraries. So for a few hours after I explored the space I sat down with a comfy spot for Fizz and read my latest book. (Which is for another blog in the future)
This was just the calming and relaxed start to my adventure I needed before I met up with a climbing friend for a late supper.
We sat and talked, we ate, we drank and then realised this is the first time we have ever met outside of a climbing wall or competition setting.
And before I knew it, it was time to catch my train.
I felt nervous.
I felt excited.
I felt exhausted.
So, with a quick stop at Starbucks I went to find the assisted travel desk to board my train.
This past 5 days I have been wearing my scouting volunteer hat and been camping just outside Wareham with roughly 3,000 children and leaders for the Big Hampshire Event HOO18 which saw beavers, cubs, scouts and explorers from across the county come together to undertake a ‘Monster’ themed camp.
I volunteer within 1st Locks Heath Cubs and it was with my 1st Locks Heath Volunteer family that we had a ‘mini-camp’ within the bigger event. We had cubs & scouts for most of the week and the smaller Beavers came for a sleep over and a day of activities too. But we were contained within our own little area; it is this one little detail that enabled me to go, to join in, to support and to enjoy 5 days and 4 nights at such an amazing event.
With the glorious weather we have been having it was only reasonable that we should arrive in rain on Sunday! In fact, we had an impromptu stop at Nordon Mines because those leaders and support who had camped out on Saturday night had had to re-build part of our camp after strong winds brought some of it down.
Traveling with Fizz, I went in convoy with a fellow cub leader while the others were transported via minibuses. When we did arrive to camp it was then that I was to set about pitching my tent. (Something I have done a few times now as you can see in A whole other challenge ) only this time it was in the rain!
It was actually quite fun. And having only replaced a dog chewed guy rope the week before I was grateful I had left my groundsheet and inner attached to the outer shell.
With a little help from another cub leader in getting my poles in I was quickly set up. My tent having side doors was pitched on an angle (one to fit the space and two so the door faced the opposite tents where the children were sleeping) Our ‘mini’ camp was set up with a large marquee and kitchen tent, then children’s tents along one side, with leaders and support along the opposite, with each oth the top tents turned in slightly to create an almost enclosed horseshoe shape.
Each different group had an area like this to set up their own ‘mini’ camp within the camp although layouts varied.
As we had a large canvas marquee with just as large support ropes and guy ropes, an area around the marquee was fenced off with steaks and orange lattice style fencing. This actually served an alternative purpose, this area gave Fizz an enclosed grass space where she could do her business and I was safe in the knowledge that should i miss picking up if it were dark, no child or fellow adult were going to stand in anything. (As it was she was very clever and kept alll that to daylight hours!)
First item on the agenda for camp is introductions. We were each introduced to one another (children and adults) and then we went off to explore the bigger site, find our bearings and learn where the all important toilet and shower blocks were.
There was a designated disabled toilet and on our second walk out to if Fizz had it in her mind, knowing where the low tree branches were, where the tree stumps were and even where the boundaries of the camp beside us were.
She was doing so well. Camp sites are not the easiest to navigate at the best of times; let alone for a guide dog. A guide dog who is trained to walk on paths, to follow ‘shorelines’ or building lines and to work on clear commands.
I had the clear commands, but there were no buildings as such, I worked her to use the boundary of the camp beside us as a ‘shoreline’ but as for paths ….. It was a large grass field with some gravelled patches and wood chipped paths around the toilets, but very little ‘concrete’
Our ‘shorelines’ only failed when the camp beside us moved their boundaries. This added to the fact that Fizz quickly came to realise that the camp beside us was one with whom we knew the leaders, we had previously camped out in their hut. And she soon wanted to take me into their camp rather than around it !! Teamed with the wonderful food smells that came from their shelter kitchen, I couldn’t completely blame her!
Being such a big camp, the activities were set for us. There were different ‘zones’ with different activities laid out in each. These zones were clear and easy to navigate. The children within the section were sometimes put into teams, sometimes worked in pairs and on other occasions worked alone. The activities included things like Zip-wire, Go-Ape, Zorbing, Spiderweb-climbing, crazy golf, escape room, dragon boat racing, water slides and even a type of ‘its a knock out’ inflatable arena to name a few.
The only downside was that the activities were for the kids only! I would have loved to have joined in.
As the days went on we moved around different zones, which added a new challenge.
By Tuesday the temperature had risen dramatically, we had erected additional shelters on our camp to ensure everyone had plenty of shade.
This meant Fizz too.
Before heading away I had sought advice from Guide Dogs and with some handy tips and ideas I knew the time had come to leave her ‘benched’ in camp while I used my all-terrain cane to accompany the children and leaders to their activities.
This made the kids laugh, my all-terrain cane has a large red disk on the bottom of a heavier set cane. This makes it look a bit like a metal detector; but what it means for me is that it will glide effortlessly over rough paving and grass, indicating to me the divots and tree roots, but not getting caught on them.
Unlike Fizz, my cane can only tell me about the ground. It can not tell me about tree branches and it can’t correct for a group of oncoming children. So to say I caught a few of those low bracnvhes and bumped some (not many) of the on-coming children would be an understatement.
But this minor inconveniences to me meant that Fizz was safe, she was in shade, had a breeze, plenty of fresh water and no direct sun on her.
The kids within 1st Locks Heath quickly took to ‘looking out’ for me. My own Pack of cubs were aware of me, but for some of the other groups cubs, beavers, scouts and even some of the leaders I was new and I imagine at times I was also confusing to them. But without me asking they walked infront of me, they warned me of tree branches and they explained if there were any major tree roots or stumps coming up. This was a very pleasant surprise to me, it made me feel at ease and as regular readers will know, anxiety goes hand in hand with my sight and hearing loss.
On Wednesday 01.08.2018 at 14:00 as a group we celebrated the 111th anniversary that General Baden-Powell held his first camp for boy scouts on Brownsea Island. And in the evening at 18:00 we gathered together again as a group and this was when The Group Scout Leader invested Fizz into the Cub pack. Kieth the GSL took Fizz’s left paw in his left hand and read out the promise to her. He did this with agreement and permission from the County Commisioner and District Commisioner who both believe that this is the 1st ever Guide Dog to be invested into a pack.
As it was felt by all that Fizz was an important part of the team and should be recognised as such. She was even awarded her own necker, which I am to sew her badges from camp onto.
I managed to keep smiling during the investiture, but when it was over I found myself crying with pride and happiness at the way in which not only Fizz, but also how I had been accepted into the group.
Yes I have been an assistant leader within my Cub pack for just over a year, but I have always felt a little on the outside with regards to the other leaders because of my disabilities. (not intentionally, but just in how there have to be additional measures taken)
I saw a very different side to my fellow leaders and I felt that they respected me for being me and didn’t feel I was a burden to their camp, but rather a benefit. (Given the nature of my sight I am not able to count directly in the ratios for adults to children on camp-so they could have simply left me behind, but my knowledge of the kids, my perseption with the kids was felt to be important, so I was very much included)
The group I went away with made for a great experience. I have never camped for more than 2 nights together, but barring the odd guy rope incident I managed to survive the 5 nights and 4 days I was away.
Taking my tent back down in glorious summer sun meant I knew it was dry, but it took three times as long to do. For a tent on a hot day is no place to be; so I took it down in sections. Resting and rehydrating in between each set.
Other cubs and leaders offered to help me, but I am a creature of habit and like to do things in my own way (but that’s for another blog!)
For now I am feeling tired and I am suffering with eye strain, but at the same time I am feeling happy. I am finally feeling like part of a scouting family (which so many others talk of)
…. When your visually impaired even good hearing wouldn’t have helped.
This beautifully hot summer that is killing the grass and creating havoc with everyone’s sleep is also creating issues for us guide dog owners, I am seeing friends arrive at work for 6am and getting taxis home as they must have their dogs with them. I have been taking Fizz out early morning or late evening.
But I still have things to do. Appointments to attend and meetings to sit in on.
Today was one such day.
Today’s meeting was at 10am, by which time temperature was already mid-twenties, knowing that I would be travelling home again by lunch. Fizz was left with daytime tv and a cool house (all my curtains were drawn-the neighbours must thing I am sleeping all day!)
Anyway. With my faithful hound limited to her work, I too have been limited to how much I have been walking also ….. And it’s starting to annoy me!
So today on my way home after my meeting I decided to get off the bus earlier and walk the 25 minutes home (instead of getting a second bus)
Using my cane I am walking slower, taking more time crossing the road and ‘scanning’ my route more; which is creating eye strain issues as-well.
All was going well, I was even managing to navigate the bins left precariously after the bin-men had done their rounds.
Then before I knew what had happened I felt a sharp pain in my left thigh & hip. The moments that followed are a bit blurred and also a time that seemed to last for too long.
I must add that I am ok. I am after all writing my blog about this.
But today I was hit by a car.
It was low speed, the car was reversing off a driveway and as the title suggests….. it was a hybrid so at such low speed wasn’t omitting any sound.
The man driving the car was quickly by my side as I found myself falling down. I suffered bad bruising and scratches to both my thighs (one from the car, the other from the pavement) and some soreness in my hand where I put it out to push against the car.
No lasting damage and thankfully no damage to my cane or the contents of my bag (which included my iPad) from being on the side of the impact.
Bruises will fade, grazes will heal and for now I won’t be wearing any short shorts! (Although my leg looks pretty colourful!)
But for me, my confidence has been knocked.
This evening as I headed out for another meeting I found myself fearful walking past houses with driveways. I stopped at each and every one as if it were a road crossing.
I found myself doubting my ability to do this.
I found myself wanting to turn around and go back home….. But I didn’t. I got the bus into town and sat in the sun with a cold glass of water, pottered about getting some shopping and found myself writing this.
Hybrid cars do have their place and I am very pro them.
However the law in the EU about them having a ‘white noise’ added doesn’t take affect on new built cars until July 2019 and retrospectively added to older models until 2021. As detailed in many newspaper articles earlier this year. Such as this one I have included below:
“Stepping through the door like a troubadour
Whiling just an hour away
Looking at the trees on the roadside
Feeling it’s a holiday
You and I should ride the coast
And wind up in our favourite coats just miles away
Roll a number, write another song
Like Jimmy heard the day he caught the train.”
On this beautiful sunny summers day I couldn’t resist the play on words!
But with this beautiful weather and scorching temperatures come one very sad moment. And that is that for me to go out during the peak part of the day, my faithful hound Fizz must stay behind.
It isn’t because she is a black dog, it is simply just because she is a dog. And as such can only reduce her body temperature through panting. She would also be walking bare foot on pavements that have been heated by the sun, which could cause blisters on her paws.
So for me, it is back to my (not so faithful) long cane. With its red and white strips it was recently likened to a barbershop candy striped cane!!
As a guide dog owner it is important to keep up my cane skills for very such occasions……. But it doesn’t mean that I enjoy this time at all; not one little bit.
Bright sunshine, blue skies and long canes (for me) do not mix well. I find myself scanning with my residual sight, apologising to shadows and generally find myself more exhausted by the whole experience.
I can’t however cancel all plans and stay home. I am however limited to how far I can go as Fizz is home I need to ensure I don’t leave her alone too long either.
It is a balancing act and in one way I am grateful that I can still keep my essential independence because of my long cane skills, but in another way I will be much happier when the weather cools a little.
Everyone has their own ‘must haves’ or ‘can’t live without’ items. And maybe mine aren’t that dissimilar, I have very little specialised kit to cope day-to-day.
In no particular order, here are my 10 MUST HAVES:
One Touch Kettle
iPhone
Apple Watch
Compact Dome magnifier
Wrap-Around Polarised Sun Glasses
Power pack
Amplicomms Amplified Bluetooth Neck-loop
Notepad/Pen
Book
Dog Bowl
ONE: One Touch Kettle: I like most can’t start my day without a cuppa. My cuppa of choice is Herbalife Thermogenic Peach Tea; and although there are fantastic gadgets like liquid level indicators and tipping support for enabling VIs to pour a normal kettle, my kettle isn’t a specialist bit of kit. It is simply a water saving, energy efficient way of pouring just one cup of water at a time. I don’t even need to lift it. I simply set the cup size (all my mugs are large-so this is easy) press the button and when the water has heated, the water is dispensed automatically. With no risk to me….. This also means it is safe for my children to make them or me a cuppa (although this novelty has really caught on yet!)
TWO: iPhone: Apart from the ‘usual’ needs for a smart phone to call, text and access maps; my iPhone is an AMAZING piece of accessible tech. With the standard, ‘Notes’ ‘camera’ ‘Magnifier’ ‘Siri’ in addition to the ‘added at source accessibility features my phone is fully accessible’. It is more than ‘just a phone’ it is a Canera, A CCTV Reader, a pocket sized PA, with the addition of recent apps such as ‘See Al’ ‘Big Spender’ ‘Station Master’ I have all the information I could possibly need at my finger tips means that nothing is ever far away.
THREE: Apple Watch: Just as my phone my Apple watch is an extension of the support I gain from Mac based products. And actually my increased feeling of safety that my watch offers me, helps me to feel more confident in my surroundings. With the use of haptics I can set a route on my phone that then gives instructions through vibrations on my wrist. I have my watch set to enable me to zoom in on the screen, to read and send messages and even answer calls. In addition to making contactless payments enabling me to keep my phone and purse both safely kept in my bag.
FOUR: Compact Dome Magnifier: This is my bewest piece of ‘kit’ that I actually received from the LVC (low vision clinic) at Moorfields Hospital recently. It is a small Perspex domed magnifier that gives 2.5 magnification, which in the scheme of things isn’t much, but with a flat base and a domed top it enables the light to be increased and this has just as much importance to me as the magnification.
FIVE: Wrap-Around Polarised Sun Glasses: To protect my eyes from bright sunshine and glare. (Non-prescription)
SIX: Power pack: So that I always have a back up should I be using a lot of the apps on my phone and therefore depleting battery life. As my phone running out is so much more than just ‘not being able to make a call’
SEVEN: Amplicomms Amplified Bluetooth Neck-loop: THIS IS a specialist piece of kit, this works with my hearing aids to support me. I can stream calls direct to my ears (which works brilliantly for guiding from the ground when I climb) I can listen to music or audiobooks (as I previously had done before hearing aids) I can also use the amplification button on the front to enable me to hear a person stood in front of me in a loud, busy environment. Or tune into a local ‘loop’ connection what is being said clearer and directly into my ears.
EIGHT: Notepad/Pen: Because sometimes I like to jot down ideas for blogs or make notes and sometimes I like to not use tech.
NINE: Book: Just like the notepad, I like to just do the simple things, to enjoy escaping from the world for a few moments (after all with my magnifier and the right lighting, I can still read)
TEN: Dog Bowl: clearly this one isn’t for me, but with my faithful guiding girl I need to ensure that I can meet her needs and ensure that just like me, she is hydrated.
So, these are my lists. And at times I will add other items to them and other times I may not include them all. But I do start each day with a cuppa and I never leave home without my phone or watch (which probably isn’t any different to any other person in today’s society) I am sure if you asked another VI they may have different items they consider important.
While with a group of friends today we were talking about faith. Discussing it and questioning what our understanding of it is.
One comment made about one way to look at faith was
If you’re sat on a chair, you hold faith that THAT chair is fit for purpose and will keep you sat safely and not break.
This made me think, as someone who has far too many questions about ‘religious faiths’ to have one of my own I thought of it a different way.
What (or who) do I have faith in and trust?
And when put like this I have just one answer
My Guide Dog Fizz.
I have total faith in her (and Vicky before her)
Each day i put on her harness and trust her to guide me to my destination; be that getting the kids to school or wherever we may be going to.
I give her the directions and instruct her on where we are going, but I have faith in her that she will get me there safely, not walking into traffic or causing me to trip or fall on steps, curbs or other surfaces.
And with the exception of the odd over-hanging branch I know she has me.
My faith in her is I guess some would say, similar to that faith of a religion. I have trust that she will protect me, keep me safe.
I know HOW she is trained and WHY she is trained, but no-one can say for certain WHY she takes that training and guides me each day.
That to me is faith.
I have the faith that she will do as I ask of her each and every time I put her harness on.
I trust her.
I can’t see what she does each time we go out together; I simply feel how she moves through her harness and I can react accordingly following her lead.
That to me is faith.
I trust her.
I may have totally missed the point of the discussion; I have never sat on a chair and though ‘this isn’t fit for purpose’.
Just as I have faith that a chair will be safe to sit on; after all this is what it is designed for. I have faith in my guide dog, because she has been trained to guide me.
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