Hello,

The other week I went out to meet my friend Kayleigh for dinner and a wander. I suggested The Alchemist in Leeds as they have a nice atmosphere.

We met up and walked to the Alchemist. When were shown to our table someone came over and asked me if I would like to use the Braille and large font menu. I was pleasantly surprised and said I would like to use that menu. They came back and placed it on the table in front of me and asked if we needed any water.

(The 1st image on the left is of the menu cover, with a cool design in black and grey, and on right, the 2nd image, is of one of the pages of the menu, in large font)

The menu had their logo on the cover and a cool design which you would get on their ‘normal’ menus. I opened it up and the had a section inside which introduces you to The Alchemist and then it goes on to go through their menu. The font was nice an big, I’d say size 24-30. It looked nicely doubled spaced as well. Towards the back they had the Braille section, which the introduction which was a lovely touch.

It was nice that they offered the menu. What I thought was nicer was the fact that the menu still had the introduction to the restaurant. Visually Impaired and Blind people appreciate these nice touches, haha, Braille…you get it?… *silence* anyway…

It was nice that the menu had a design on the front too. It shows they want the menu to keep in with their branding. Meaning people like myself don’t feel like an after thought. Making me feel included.

We had a lovely lunch, I had the full Alchemist. I think Kayleigh had the scrambled eggs on toast with a sausage.

I enjoy going to the alchemist. The service is always nice and the food tastes great. I will deffinatley recommend their full breakfast or the breakfast wrap. They serve breakfast until 2pm!!!! What’s not to like? And you can have a breakfast cocktail. If you are in their after 2, well, no breakfast for you. But I would then suggest the Chicken in a basket, I’m sure they still have that.
The restaurant itself is quite spacious. At the moment wen you walk in there is a lovely Christmas tree by the front door. It is decorated in copper and gold coloured decorations. The bar is running along your right hand side with a long table against the glass looking out onto Bore Lane. Up past the bar you have the restaurant seating area. The kitchen is open so you can smell all the food while they’re preparing it for you. They’re is an outside part to the restaurant which gives you a view up Bore Lane towards the Corn Exchange. However, even with the heat lamps I am always cold so never sit outside.

Thank you to the Alchemist for a lovely lunch, we will be back.

Twitter @PhilippaB

Instagram VisuallyImpairedPip

Or if you’d like you can email me randomlyanxious@gmail.com

Hello,

I realise this post isn’t actually written or posted on IDPD, however that is because yesterday I was taking a self care day. I was very tired and quite fed up so I thought I’d spend the day relaxing. Now today I am spending the day doing stuff. For example I have organised my inbox from the past 10 years. That’s not to say I have neglected my inbox for 10 years, but you know how you get those emails you just leave sitting in your main inbox, festering away, clogging everything up. Well no more! I have a clean inbox. It is empty!

Anyway, that was a tangent. Back to it.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a day to raise awareness of people with disabilities, the challenges we face, the abuse faced by disabled people, the injustices, all of the negatives. It is also an opportunity for us to tell the world, we are here, we have rights, needs and wants. We want to be apart of society and we have a right to be a part of society.

A big thing for myself as someone with a lot of hidden disabilities is the lack of patience. People expect things done, now now now. However disabled people need a bit more time to complete tasks. Which can be quite frustrating for us if we are dealing with people who want to live in the fast lane and refuse to accept that disabled people can do things, just maybe a little slower.

A good example of this would be when I am getting on the train. If you catch public transport you will be aware of the rush that comes with it. As soon as the train arrives people are jostling to get to the train doors first. For someone with a visual impairment and very little peripheral vision this is horrible.

This week I have had to stick my elbow out at the side of me to stop people pushing in front of me while getting on the train- might I add I use a guide cane, which makes no difference to people what so ever. At one point I put my guide cane up onto the step of the train and I still felt someone place their foot on the step trying to push past me. I said quite sarcastically ‘Thank you’ as I stepped onto the train. You might think they would get the message, but no. Often people will turn their bodies side ways to try get past me as I’m making my way down the carriage. This is unsafe, as when I’m getting on the train I need to be able to step safely from the platform to the step, without patience I could miss the gap and then fall. Causing delays, which is going to get people more frustrated.

So for your own best interests, not mine, please let me get on first.

You might think this only happens to those of us with guide canes because ‘Oh I didn’t see you’. But no. It happens to wheelchair users too. When the station staff come to put the ramp down, passengers will not, in cases, allow the ramp to be put down, they will again turn side ways and step onto the train when the ramp is partially in place. It gets better. Passengers may then not notice the person in the wheelchair and all begin to use the ramp. Pushing onto the train to find a space. Where is that space? the space reserved for wheelchairs. Which then means the person using the wheelchair, (who has booked passenger assistance otherwise they won’t be able to get on, specifically for that train) cannot get on the train. Meaning, that they have to wait for the next train they have not booked assistance for.

But the station staff will sort them out? Well, what about when someone is there to meet them at the other end? They won’t be on train to get the assistance to get off. Before you say anything, no it is not an easy fix. If you miss your train and you are using assisted travel, there is a knock on effect. Possibly meaning you lose your assistance when you reach your destination, meaning you cannot get off the train, or you can’t get assistance to the barriers to get out.

It is beyond frustrating.

Another instance when I wish people had more patience was the other day when someone stepped over my guide cane while I was queuing to get through the barriers. What made this worse was the fact that this person looked right at me as they did so. Probably checking I was really visually impaired. I was so wound up from a rubbish day anyway I couldn’t react. When I could have done one of two things: ‘Would you like to get past?’ or just swiped my can across the floor causing them to fall. I wouldn’t, that would be cruel.

The world is becoming more and more intolerant, and that is not just of disabled people. It is ridiculous that people are so wrapped up in their own worlds they cannot think beyond themselves. They only care about what is best for them.

Patience is one thing I would ask for, the other is kindness. You may have seen Blind Dads post the the other day when he was trying to cross a road where the signal box was covered up due to work being done. A workman noticed him and came over to ask if he needed any help. He said yes and they got across the road safely as he guided him correctly by asking for permission and letting Amit take his arm. Once safely across the road he let him know they were on the pavement and where about’s they were. This act of kindness was great, it was one human looking out for another.

Above all, on reflections from International Day of Disabled Persons I would ask for respect. We are people too. We have needs and wants just like everyone else. We have rights.

Please be respectful of us. Don’t tell us what we need, listen to what we say we need. Engage with us rather than ignoring us and having meetings about inclusion without us. Just because you know a Blind person does not mean you can speak for them. Just because you know a Deaf person does not mean you can speak for them. Just because you know an Autistic person does not mean you can speak for them. Listen to them, then ask them how they want to be helped, ask how you can help, never assume. You may offer what you think, but if we say ‘no’ then respect that.

Another person you may have seen on Twitter is Blonde Historian. Her campaign is ‘Just ask Don’t grab’. Can you guess what is meant by this? All Amy is asking is to ‘ask permission’ before you touch someone. Especially for people like myself and Amy, who don’t see very well, it can be quite daunting when someone reaches out and touches us. Ask first, we are glad you want to help because, for myself anyway, I am quite tired and can’t form a sentence when all my energy is going into navigating that train step.

Please be respectful, we are people too. I will leave it at that.

Thank you for reading my Random Musings.

I’m on the Twitter @PhilippaB

I’m on the Instagram @VisuallyImpairedPip

Hello again,

On Saturday we went shopping to the White Rose. We haven’t been in a while but needed to try get some shopping done. When we arrived they had closed the car park at the entrance to Debenhams. So we went through another one.

We went to Lush to see what soaps, bath bombs and hair bars they had in. I quite like Lush as I they are a great option if you are wanting to try reduce your plastic consumption. Which if you’ve read any of my blogs you will know I am truing to do.

When we went in someone asked us if we were OK, I asked where the shampoo bars were and they took us to them. They instantly recognised I was overwhelmed by the noise, the lights, the smells and all the array of colours that were to see in the shop. Mentioning that it was quite loud they said they’d get the music turned down. They hurried back and asked if it was OK, I said that was a lot better. Thank you very much. This instantly made my experience better.

For me sensory overload is a real issue. I prefer shopping online. However, I miss a lot of the experience in this way. Especially when you’re buying soaps, you want to feel them and smell them. It’s quite personal when you’re shopping for bath products. You want to know that what you’re buying is something you’ll enjoy.

After asking us what kind of hair products we would like they introduced us to some brilliant options. As my hair can be quite curly I need something which won’t suck all the moisture out. We were given some options and one of the bars I picked was ‘Jason and the Argan Oil’. The bar is a circular shape which is perfect because when I’m reaching for the soap in the shower I can feel the difference in shapes. Circular for hair shampoo bars and oblong for soap. (I put my shampoo and conditioner on one side of the bath and my soap on the other so I don’t get mixed up and ruin my hair). The shampoo bar is also a hot pink colour as it has rose in it. Making it look lovely.

Once we had picked our shampoo bars I asked where the bath bombs were which make your bath bubbly. We ended up looking at a variety of bubble bars. The person helping us left us to shop as we said were were OK browsing for now.

One of the bubble bars I bought is called ‘Candy Cane’, so naturally it is shaped like a cane and is red and white. It is Christmas after all…. well soon it will be. With this one I will just have to run the cane under the hot water and when I’m happy with the bubblyness of my bath, take it and leave it on the side to dry.

Today’s shopping at Lush was great because there’s no pressure, just people wanting to help. I found it excellent that they recognised straight away that I was stressed and overwhelmed by the shop and instantly made a change. This is such a massive thing to do to ensure a person is able to shop in a way that suits them. The time taken to help me out picking the right soap bars was excellent. I wasn’t over-faced and bombarded with options. I said what I needed and was given plenty of time.

In today’s society I genuinely believe patience is lacking. I think if we all just slowed down a little bit, our over all mindset would be much calmer. Making society happier. We don’t have to rush rush rush. If you give yourself enough time you’re doing yourself a favour.

Thank you again to Lush in White Rose Leeds. I will be shopping again at Lush. Anywhere that gives you a great shopping experience should be returned too. Even if it is their online stores.

Also on our way out I found out why they had closed Debenhams car park. It is also the entrance to Cineworld, and what has come out today? FROZEN 2!!! I’m excited. But closing a whole car park? wow.

I have all the soaps out on my bed and they smell amazing. I’m off to try out that Candy Cane bar. Hopefully relax a little before work tomorrow.

Twitter: @PhilippaB
Insta: @VisuallyImpairedPip

That time of the year…

Hello,

So while I have some energy I will try to write this blog post. I have spent the last few days just taking it easy before I am back into work tomorrow.

As it is getting closer and closer to December, I have started my shopping. I have a few things already and I am no where near done. Every year I keep myself a list of people I am buying for and then add to it as I go along. Yesterday I added a load of stuff to a note which I share with my brother. We know what has been bought and he can see what I’ve spent. He likes to say we have a budget…. one year I said we were all on track…we really weren’t.

I had added the prices up next to the list and then thought it was all correct. I’d gone way over budget. Now, in my deffence I’d sent him a list of the presents in a nice spreadsheet. Which I had not added up properly. Also in my deffence, I have Dyscalculia. Like Dylsexia but for numbers. He wasn’t impressed. I was confused.

Now the moral of this story is, keep a note of all your presents as you go along. So the budget you set yourself can be tracked as you add up your spending. It’s nice to buy people gifts, but you shouldn’t spend beyond your means. Otherwise you’re creating future stress for yourself. Which you do not need come January.

Try to leave yourself plenty of time to wrap your gifts and then you won’t be stressing on the last week before Christmas. I love wrapping gifts. But need to ensure I have the energy, otherwise all of the fun is taken out of it.

One of the big topics at the moment is climate change. So this year, I have decided that any additional wrapping paper I buy to top up last years stash will be recyclable, or recycled paper. The ribbon and the twine I use to decorate my presents will also be of the same kind. I found some great options on Paperchase’s website. They had some with white trees on, polarbear’s and penguins with igloos.

When it comes to gifts I am trying to buy stuff I know wont come is excess plastic. Such as bath bombs. Try Lush, or Yorkshire Soap Company. If you are in the North of England there is a shop in Whitby called Honeyz. Trying to buy from independent shops makes a real difference. Even if it is just a few gifts. When we went to Durham there was a market where I bought some great bath salts and some lovely soap from a company called Durham Soap Company the bath salts came in a little glass jar which I can now reuse.

For another gift I have been back to Atlantic Shore. I have bought two pairs of woollen slippers. You can get them in a variety of colours. They were a great price too.

I am getting tired so I’m going to go. But please don’t leave your shopping too late.
Set yourself a budget, stick to it.
Try reduce your plastic use when buying gifts.
Consider putting a donation in a charity box.

I will be back soon. Sorry there isn’t a weekly post. I’m just very tired at the moment.

Thank you for reading my musings.

Twitter @PhilippaB
Insta @VisuallyImpairedPip

Hello,

A while ago I wrote a blog about a new coffee cup I bought from a charity called Surfers Against Sewage. The blog post should you wish to read it is here.

Since then I have enjoyed using it instead of getting coffee cups to go. The only down side I will say is the sleeve which goes round the cup is not deep enough. So it makes it more difficult to hold for longer.

I have tried out some more things with trying to reduce my use of single use plastic. But before I continue I would once again like to point out that I am doing what I can. I believe that if we all make small changes, little by little we can have a positive impact. We should do what we can within our means, and not do anything which will have a negative impact on our well being.

As I was saying, I found out that teabags can contain small pieces of plastic. I was quite shocked. I love tea. So I decided to get loose leaf tea. I made an investment into a little tea strainer and some generic breakfast tea. While looking on Twitter, Luke (please check out his blogs by the way) was talking about a company called Bird and Blend.

After looking into them I found them to be very interesting. Based in the UK they are a relatively new business. But they are thriving, and I love them. They have so many options for loose leaf tea its amazing! I found they do sell teabags, but looking at those found they are plastic free. Which is wonderful. My favourite tea from them is Dozy Girl. I struggle to fall asleep so was told by a friend to try herbal teas. After trying this particular one I can say I’m well and truly sold. I love how you can subscribe and get your tins refilled. How cool is that? I need to look into this. Christmas is coming.

Changing to loose leaf has allowed me to cut down on my plastic use in the kitchen. The used tea leaves I through outside onto the plants. Then they can go into the soil. It is better than putting it into the bin.

Just making this small change makes me feel better, that I am doing something to help make a difference. It also means I can explore different teas. I do have a lot of tea and need to work my way though it. Then I can order more.

As I was mentioning, we can’t ditch plastic all together. I use a guide cane, which means I use a roller ball tip, made from plastic. But obviously this wears down quite a lot as I use it day in day out. Also it is a necessity for me to be able to get around. It helps me navigate my surroundings. Whats more, as I use it the tip is worn away. So the amount that is recycled is quite a small amount. The cane itself is aluminium. Rather than plastic.

I will continue to try making a difference in my daily life and do what I can. Simple things, like turning the lights off in a room you are not in, using soap rather than plastic bottles (I will write something else on this soon) and phone cases, you get them made of biodegradable plastic or bees wax. Lets not get into an argument with each other about who’d not doing what. If we as consumers spend our money on brands which are doing good, then hopefully change will follow. It can be difficult, which is why I say ‘do what you can within your means and you are making a difference’.

Thank you for reading,

Philippa B 🙂

Twitter: @PhilippaB
Instagram: @VisuallyImpiaredPip

I’m not affiliated with any of these companies or charities. I just love their stuff.

Hello again,

Last week I decided to buy a new winter coat.

So I went to SuperDry. My freind told me about their down jackets, so I went to try one on. The label said it had been sourced responsibly, so I was ok with buying one.

As I was looking around for someone to help me a lady came over and asked if I was ok. I asked for some help. She told me the size of the jacket and helped me put it on.

I liked how warm it was & roomy it felt.

We then went to the till & two people were there. One was the manager. We had a nice chat and I asked about the return policy, just in case.

The manager then helped me to find my way out. I often find shops hard to navigate, even with my cane.

He offered to help guide me out so I took his arm and he helped me. Each time we were going round a corner he made sure to not bump us into anything and put his hand over the hooks which were in our sight.

This clothing rail issue is something I find hard in every shop.

He was telling me he was always happy to help & ensure his store was as accommodating as possible. That if it wasn’t, to let him know and things could be changed.

The staff were friendly and helpful. Every time I go into the Leeds Trinity store I find the staff to be helpful and friendly and they will have chat with you. It’s not just ‘what do you want?’

This shop has a wheelchair ramp, which is very wide. But I’m visually impaired, so don’t quote me on this. I’m not too good at noticing other things.

While I find it hard to spot staff, again this is an issue in any shop. In SuperDry, I know the style and the staff wear lanyards which are quite thick, with a good badge on them. So the shapes are good to spot. Also the SuperDry style is worn by the staff, so you know what your trying to pick out.

I do find their shops quite loud, but because I go in there when it is quiet and know what I’m looking for the stress I feel is reduced.

I decided I didn’t like the coat so reluctantly took it back to another SuperDry store in Bradford. I was with my mum this time.

We went upstairs and we found a member of staff at the till. We had one of their big orange bags. We explained the situation and the lady helped us pick another jacket. She gave me a SuperDry hoody to wear so I had the correct number of layers on as I would have when I wear the coat day to day. We tried two different sizes and I chose the small.

The coat is a nice bright yellow, it had black round the hood and is very cosy. It was the Parker style I went for.

We swapped out the coat and I explained how helpful she had been and we went out.

The SuperDry store is always very good. I find the staff to be knowledgeable and helpful. Using a guide cane can be tricky. Often people approach visually impaired or blind people differently to none disabled people. Which is not nice. We want to feel like everyone else.

Like the manager at the Leeds Store said, ‘if anything can be done, let me know’. This is lovely because I feel like I’m a person. It makes me feel like I am not a problem to retail and it makes me feel welcome. Which is what disabled people want.

Thank you SuperDry, please pass on my thanks to both these stores and keep up the good work.

I’m on Twitter @PhilippaB

I’m on Instagram

@VisuallyImpairedPip

Email: randomlyanxious@gmail.com

I got a lovely surprise in the post the other day, it was a Cornish Hamper. The hamper was addressed to our family. I have checked, it was from Aspects Holidays. Thank you very much for this lovely hamper.

The hamper was lovely, I loved the box wasn’t wrapped in plastic for a start. I opened the box as soon as it arrived because it said there were things in there to put into the fridge. The box also stated it had come all the way from glorious Cornwall.

Inside the box were 4 scones, 4 shortbread biscuits, 4 Smugglers Brew teabags, and 4 pots of jam. Also a nice pot of clotted cream. MMMM. I was very excited to receive this lovely hamper. I had no idea it was coming. Putting the stuff into the fridge I wondered why we had been sent it. So, I looked at the piece of paper from inside and it said

‘We hope you had a lovely time in St Ives! Big thanks to Philippa for mentioning us on Twitter and Instagram too. Here’s a cream tea on us, ‘jam on first’, of course. We hope to see you again soon’.

This message makes me think it is from Aspects Holidays because we stay with them every year. Their houses are lovely. We have stayed in a number of them now.

For the last few years we have stayed in a property on Windsor Terrace, giving a fabulous view over the town and the bay. In previous times, we have stayed in a property called The Captains House. This is up from the Tate, overlooking the graveyard and Porth Meor Beach.

We love Cornwall. We have been there nearly every single year. Years and years ago we used to go in the height of summer, then we stopped going for a while. Later we returned during the Easter holiday and found it to be a little quieter. Then we went down in March. Every time Saint Ives and the surrounding areas have been perfect. There is always something to do. Be it sit on the beach and get sandy toes, enjoy a Cornish Cream Tea in the Pedn Olva, or a day out to one of many many great spaces the Cornish call their own.

This year my Mum found the a lovely day out in Tremenheere. Which I will blog about later. But you must go. It has stunning view across the bay to St Michael’s Mount. Which we also went to. Walking across the Causeway in the Cornish sunshine and a bit of a breeze, you can’t call it wind until you’ve truly walked across there in the stormy weather.

Thank you again to Aspects Holidays, we will see you again. We hope to come into some money so we can have our own house down there Chy an Barra.

As we say in Yorkshire, we were proper chuffed by that hamper.

Tereba nessa.

I’m on Twitter @PhilippaB
My email randomlyanxious@gmail.com

We came back off holiday recently and I can feel a change in the weather already. The Autumn is creeping upon us. The days of an evening walking home in the sunshine are behind us. We are into darker evenings and colder days.

Still, I quite like September into October. I think it’s because it’s not too cold. I like it when the weather is dry and crisp. Getting to wear woolly jumpers, my mac and Dr Martens. I feel comfy. I think its because these are clothes which are not figure hugging and it allows me to keep the curvature of my spine unseen. Not that I have a problem with the way I look. I just prefer not to have it noticeable. I think it’s nice to be able to wear warmer clothes without people going ‘How many layers today then?’

I love my woollen jumpers. I have a nice red jumper which I bought last year, it was the only one left in the shop. I have a blue one, like a sailors jumper. I also have a brown cable knit with a high collar and a grey cable knit with a normal neck line. They are all made from British wool. I get them from a place called Atlantic Shore in Saint Ives. I would recommend them.

On our latest trip to Saint Ives I bought a woollen blanket for the winter to put over my knees. Yes- I am a 70 year old woman!

While I enjoy the cooler weather for the amazing autumnal colours I am not a fan of the cold. It gets into my joints and really hurts my back. Currently I am sat in my room, window closed and pondering whether or not to put the blanket on my knees. If like me you are bothered by the cold you will be in agreement. I think it’s because, like a lot of people on my twitter feed, I suffer with chronic pain.

The image above to the left is a a beige coloured woollen blanket with various patterns knitted into different squares. I bought mine for about £45.

I have written about my Scoliosis before. This is why I get chronic pain. This is why I’m often so tired. I can hear a lot of you mumbling in agreement while nodding sympathetically.

If you suffer with chronic pain, no doubt you will own a number of blankets, hot water-bottles and comfy bed socks. These are our go too’s when we are uncomfortable or in pain. It is nice to feel as comfortable as possible when you’re in pain. You need to be able to sit and allow your muscles to rest. What better way to do that than with a blanket, thick bed socks and a nice warm jumper?

I love the cooler weather for the change in the trees, the smell in the air, but not for the problems it brings to my health. I am living with a lot of health problems so its important I get my flu jab as early as possible. I am then dealing with constant hand washing trying to keep bugs at bay. All the more reason to wrap up warm.

I hope you all have your big knits out, I just put my shorts back in a suitcase and put them away. The seasons are turning. The leaves will be turning and the nights will be getting longer.

I f you have any tips for other Chronic Pain sufferers then please let us know. I’m on Twitter @PhilippaB  or should you wish to email me randomlynxious@gmail.com

Until next time.

I am letting you know of warm knees, and a lovely shop.

Hello,

I’m currently sat on a beach in Cornwall. If you must know where, Porth Minster. In Saint Ives.

The weather is lovely. We have our beach mats, which are covered in a light layer of sand. Bags and rocks are holding the corners down. So our stuff doesn’t blow away.

I’m a big fan of Cornwall. Especially towards the end of August into September, or March into April. It’s not as busy. But there’s still lots going on.

We went to St Michaels Mount yesterday. Walked across to the island. Saw Queen Victoria’s footprint. Sat in the little hole in the wall, then walked back along the causeway.

We had lunch at the Godolphin Arms. It was very nice. The views back to the mount are lovely. Weather you’re sat looking out on a clear blue day, or watching the rain hitting the windows & staring at people as they wade across at low tide before it’s too deep. It’s always a good day out.

Image: stood on the beach looking out onto the island of St Michaels Mount. The tide is out.

We visited Tremenheere Gardens. A beautiful garden walk with stunning views across the bay to St Michaels Mount. I love photography so I was able to get some great shots.

The gardens have sculptures dotted around. They fit well in the gardens. Not out of place at all.

Image: Banks of trees and grass. Looking out on to the bay. The island of St Michaels Mount can be seen in the distance.

Image: a sculpture in a field. Thanks sculptor is a greeny grey square with a circular hole in the middle.

I quite liked being able sit in a cylindrical space, looking up into a whole in the roof. You can watch the clouds go by. I bet that looks amazing on a clear night. Staring up at the sky.

We haven’t been to Moushole this year, but that is a great little cove. They have a little pub & a tearoom.

We maybe going on the train. We haven’t been on it in years. Maybe go out to Carbis bay. Wander round the estuary and back again.

Just took a break to have an ice cream. We sat with our backs against the wall to ensure we weren’t attacked by seagulls.

Image: a white circular room with a hole in the roof. Looking up to a fluffy white sky.

Anyway, that’s it for this week. Just giving you an update on my holiday.

See you next week. I’m off for a paddle.

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