Great things about being blind. First wintry walk.

We've had snow and it is cold here.  So, yesterday, my guide dog and I took our very first walk in the major snow and snow conditions.  First, I put on her boots for the first time in months.  She wasn't particularly happy about this.  I called her and she came but when she saw the pruple pawz boots, she sneaked off.  Usually, she bounces over and I can hear her collar jingling but I heard none of that this time.  Didn't know where she crept off too.  I called her and reluctantly she came back.  Then, when I would try to put a boot on, she would curl up her paw and try to move it.  Once one boot was on though, she was great about the rest and enjoyed her liver treat when they all were on.  I think she was glad to have them on for the salt.  Her work in the snow was brilliant.  She was careful and cautious and guided me skillfully and carefully around clumps of snow.  I love to hear the patter of doggy paws in their boots too.  It is freezing this morning so soon we shall have another session of boot drama.  Stay warm and safe.

Great things about being blind. Lost and found gloves.

Last night, my friend and fellow storyteller Sherri and I told holiday stories for kids and then adults at a local cafe.  It was lots of fun.  It was very cold last night.  When Sherri drove us home, Tulia jumped out of the car and then I stepped out and my foot stepped on something soft, squishy even.  I almost didn't put my hand down in case it was something gross.  But, I was too curious and when I did put my hand down, there was one of my gloves which must have  tumbled out of my pocket as I looked for my keys.  I put the glove on and then searched for the other one but it too was gone.  Sherri looked beside the car and there it was too.  I hate wearing gloves as they are like blindfolds for you sighted folks.  But, I need them and I hate losing them.  So glad I decided to be curious and touch what was under my foot.

Great things about being blind. Dogs that show initiative and care.

I'm trying this out from my ipod. Hope it works. Today is not a good day for travel. It started off snowing hard and now is raining hard. Tulia and I went to yoga this morning. she traveled the snow covered sidewalks with ease. When we reached a familiar corner, she slowed down and looked to her left. "Do you want to turn left or go straight?" "Good girl left," I said and must have been slightly turning my body left as she started fluidly turning left. I love it when I reach the psychic period with my guides. Where they seem to know what you want before you say it and you start to know their movements and how they read things so well. We crossed the street. When we reached our grocery store, she glanced right. "good girl no thank you." We had crossed the next street. The snow was falling with a tick tick tick and the sounds were muffled. I was just thinking how much I love guides with initiative when she must have read my mind again. "Initiative you say? I'll show you some amazing initiative. The sidewalks are covered. the street is more clear. shall we walk on the quiet street?" "No we shall not." "Oh damn! Where is your sense of adventure Kim?" After yoga, on the way home, the rain was falling hard. When I first brought Tulia home, she would not move in rain. Today she did although she wasn't spritely in her movements. The snow and then rain gave us some very very bad icy patches. Close to home, I slipped and fell. The first fall with a guide also tells you a lot. Will they take off? Stand there? Check in? I fell on my bum and there in my lap was a soaking wet black lab licking my face. "Are you okay? Did I do that?" Up we got and the next icy patch, I could feel Tulia slow way down and her head turned towards me. This new much lighter harness that guide dogs has, makes you really feel the movements of the dog much better. Tulia has retired to her bed. She also had a play session with another guide before yoga class. Everyone stay warm and safe.

Sent from my iPod