MISCONCEPTIONS OF BLINDNESS PART 1 BY FIONA CUMMINGS

(Misconceptions of blindness part 1)

I would like to share with you my opinion on misconceptions with regards blindness.

In my experience of being blind for twenty years, I have heard everything that has been said about me, to me and about me.

 

Firstly, people think because we can’t see, we also can’t hear. So, they shout at us when they are talking. That’s even if they bother to talk directly to us. Many times, I have heard things like the old favourite “Does she take sugar in her tea?”” because of course we can’t see so that is obviously always linked with hearing loss, people feel the need to talk slowly to us as well… in the beginning I just excepted this but now I have some great answers and reactions. I either ask them if they are talking to me and if they say yes, I tell them I thought they were talking to another as normally people don’t shout at me or speak with such a very odd voice… or, on one occasion, I spoke back to the lady in the same manner that she spoke with me. As if my jaw was wired in a funny way so I could only move my mouth slowly… also I spoke to her in a loud voice too! The response was great.

 

Then there are the people who believe because we are blind, we have super powers when it comes to hearing. Seriously, I don’t know why we are not hired by MI5 to hear through walls.

Let me tell you. We can’t see. In my case and many others, this has nothing to do with our hearing. My hearing isn’t good at all. But I still have been told I’m (Marvellous) because I heard something. I heard it because my eyes were not busy elsewhere so my concentration levels were higher than the person next to me who’s brain was busy with visual things going on. That’s all. It’s nothing special.

 

We have to listen in our world. When I am out I listen for cars. Bikes, pedestrians, dogs if I am with my guide dog. My own footsteps as they are a clue where I am. I hear the air change when I come to a wall or a parked car. So, I use my hearing more than a sighted person will but this doesn’t mean my hearing is better than theirs!

 

I have been out with a friend in a café we were enjoying our chat over a cappuccino, when a lady came over to our table just totally interrupting our conversation. Absolutely ignoring me and turned to my friend and said.

“You are a kind lovely lady for doing this.”” Well, my friends face, I know her so well and know what her reaction would be. She replied to this lady. “What do you mean?”” the ladies response was.

“Well for giving up your time for this lady. Being a carer must be such a rewarding job, but not one everyone can do!””

Oh. My. Goodness. She picked the wrong person to say that to. I just sat back and enjoyed the circus as my friend politely laid into her verbally. Telling the woman of my qualifications and abilities and how dare she suggest that she was my carer and actually we have been friends for over fifteen years. Haha. The lady just went so very quiet and walked out. By this point the whole place was tuned in enjoying the performance. I must say I did cringe slightly and felt slightly bad for the lady, I mean, she wasn’t being nasty, just ignorant.

 

I know of people who have said to blind people they were shocked to learn they had children and didn’t know how they looked after them. Just in my circle of friends 100% of them are better parents than those who I know who are sighted. Of course, you will come across a person Mother or Father who is blind who will be a bad parent, just I don’t know them. Just as you get many sighted parents who really shouldn’t have the responsibility to even care for a goldfish.

 

School teachers are the worst in my experience. My Son is 21 now so long gone are the school days thank goodness as it was not good. But sadly, my friends who still have children at school most of them still go through the same obstacles and stress as I did many years ago. So, nothing really has changed. To share words like what I have written may help to combat or dilute the situations around blindness.

 

We can be part of everyday schooling. We can even get excellent qualifications leading us onto university and even come out with more than one degree and follow with a Masters. And guess what? We can get jobs. Yes, it’s very difficult to find employment if you are blind, as there are so many misconceptions, but again the people who I know who are in the workplace, do a fantastic job. And they do it for so many reasons. We don’t take time out to show each other our latest photographs, because we obviously can’t see pictures. We don’t take extra time at lunch and we don’t come in late most people who are blind like to be early rather than late because of transport issues. We can’t be rushing last minute hoping to catch the last bus. We like to travel when it’s quiet so this may mean getting the very early bus. We can’t see faces smiling for attention across the way, so we don’t stop for a chat unless someone comes over to us or we hear an inviting conversation. We have so much to prove if we are blind and if a person with vision makes a mistake in the workplace, then it’s because of so many reasons. If we make a mistake, it’s obviously because we are blind. We hate being labelled. If I make a mistake in the workplace it could be because my dear friend is critically ill for example or my child has a school exam or driving test so we are thinking about them. And that is another thing. Just because we are blind, doesn’t mean we only mix with people who are also blind. Guess what? I have friends who are fully sighted.

 

“What do they talk about with us? I mean, what do sighted people have in common with people who are blind?””

 

OK, close your eyes now. go on, just for a second. When you do, does this make you a different person? Are you suddenly wearing different clothes? Do you not need to go home and cook dinner tonight? Do you still have a wife? Are you still wearing that lovely watch?”” we are the same as you, just because our eyes don’t work, doesn’t mean we are people to avoid. So yes, there are people who have other issues for example they may have severe learning difficulties, but you can also get people who are fully sighted with te same issues. Don’t label us, we are like you and don’t for a second think that because you weren’t born blind you won’t go blind. If you do, and I hope you don’t. how would you, like to be treat?

 

www.fiona-cummings.blogspot.com

 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS BY FIONA CUMMINGS

Good morning Bloggets. Lovely to see you hear again. A few countries today who don’t come on a daily basis so it’s great to have you back.

 

I got my article written for a magazine at last and today I hope to write something else I have been asked to write for a while now. this time it’s for an on-line webpage. I also will have to make time to call my friend. I haven’t spoken to her for a week or so and this is a long time for us. We normally speak every four or five days. But it’s been about eight.

 

Another sunny day thank goodness. Hub and I out later tonight. He is working hard non-stop not even time for a lunch break for ten minutes. I just feed him cups of tea or coffee.

 

I do wonder in a day at home, when he’s working, how many words does he say and how many does he write? He just never stops. He says he gets loads done at home

 

I must spend time cleaning the office, but Hub has things where he knows where his stuff, is. The only thing is, it looks such a mess.

 

Some deep questions. If pressing a button meant you got ten million pounds, but ten people had to die to get it, would you press the button?

My answer? Yes, as long as I could select who would go. If I couldn’t then no.

Having said that, not sure I know of ten people I would like to see go.

 9, perhaps. Smile.

 

If you had to sum up the human species in just three words what words would you use?

Greedy, evil, caring

 

What’s something really terrifying that we have to except is a fact of life?

Gosh, wow, em. I guess the fact I’m blind and probably always will be. And that a beautiful time in one’s life could be just all in the mind and not in reality.

 

What does honour mean to you?

To me, truth sadly this is something not many people know about. There is an epidemic of liars out there.

 

I love this one, what would a perfect city look like?

No kerbs just slightly undulating paths and roads. Many areas where there are no cars, only those with disabled people in them who can’t walk well or who don’t have the ability for whatever reason to walk far.

 

Every shop announces what shop it is. There is an assistant at each doorway to help those who may need to shop who can’t see or reach high shelves. Or just who can’t read what items are.

No fears of being robbed or worse. Happy faces and sounds.

Easy routes where everything is all down one huge street. And bus stops are easy to find especially where our bus is going to stand. And when a bus comes in, it is announced which bus it is. No cars mean no pollution whilst waiting and once our bus has come in, we can hear announcement because there are no noisy extra engines.

 

Another question. What is the purpose of a human life?

I really don’t know. I wish this world was left to animals and nature. I really don’t like humans in general. With the exception of about a hundred people. And some of those people I don’t know yet.

Final question for now. if you were given an envelope with the time and date when you were going to die, would you open it?

Yes. Then I could plan. We have wills. We know our Son will be OK. But I would want to prepare him too. The worst thing about losing a loved one is the shock. Some would say no, it’s knowing they are dying then watching them die slowly well for me personally the death of my Dad was of seven years from being diagnosed with Cancer. My Mum was three days. My Mother in law three weeks. It doesn’t make it better but if I know someone is dying at least my mind is ready. Though of course the pain lasts longer. But I feel pain is better than shock.

 

On that cheerful note. I shall go for now. not to open any envelopes.

HEAVEN AND HELL BY FIONA CUMMINGS

It has been a perfect evening. I got back in about 5 pm. BW had just got in he and Sham had a really lovely day. BW adored the Alpaca’s. We had a family dinner and then out for a fantastic evening. Back to normality tomorrow. Out with friends in the evening though.

 

Hub and I laughed so much tonight. I love that man. Hub, BW and myself, are talking about a holiday possibly end of year. It’s been almost a year and a half, since we went to France and that was just for a week and before then was a year earlier, for again another week. So, two weeks in two and a half years? If we go away, Shamrock will be coming too. So, four of us.

 

 

Saturday we are going out so, goodness knows what an adventure we will find ourselves in. Just the two of us with our guide dogs. I hope little Waggatail will be good.

 

A couple of heavy subjects Some things I have been asked to write about.

Do you have goals in your life? If so, what   progress have you made in attaining them?

Who are you really. Do you wear a mask for the rest of the world?

What is holding you back from being the person you want to be?

 

Gosh, deep. So, firstly, do I have goals? I do. Sometimes those goals seem like dreams though. And some days I know they will be real.

What am I doing about my goals? A lot of talking a little action, but the action I have to make progress in to get there I can’t just stand still. Most nights I go to bed with the knowledge on my pillow with thoughts of failure but dreams of success.

A mask? No, quite the opposite. I am what you read. Who you know. Really know. And there is more, that’s all. Loads more and over the years you will learn more but in general I don’t wear a mask I leave that for others and some people I know, believe me, have their very own Mardi Gras with bursting cupboards full of masks.

 

One day I will be who I want to be not the person I am. The person I am is someone who has been moulded. My Husband says I am the person he wants me to be and I’m sure I’m the person my ex wanted me to be as for 23 years he was very happy. Hopefully once again he will be happy with another, but I know at first, he was looking for me in a new person. Sometimes it’s good to have a change.

 

Something else I was asked.

 How would you react if there was Irrefutable proof that God doesn’t exist?

How would you react if there was 100% proof, that God does exist?

 How would the two questions above change your life?

Gosh, well, firstly if God doesn’t exist, who does? As I find it very difficult to believe we are here, by accident we just evolved. But say, I have had proof God doesn’t exist. When we are dead, we are dead. Nothing. It would be so very depressing.

Who have I been talking to over the years? What feelings have I had? What chance is there for anyone? Wonderful words like miracles wouldn’t exist.

If I was to spend two minutes thinking properly about this, I would find so many words that we couldn’t use anymore.

 

If it was proven to me that God did exist, my life would change. If there 100% was a heaven, yes, I would be relieved. I would then wonder if I would meet up with good much-loved people who have gone over to the other world. I would then hope there was a hell for all those who deserve to visit there. Or, is this world we live in now hell? And if so, what did we do to deserve to be here and when we die from this world, where do we go? If it’s heaven, then will those who are rotten right through in this land, get forgiven and get a second chance to go through the golden gate into a perfect world?

  

I don’t know or have the answers. I hope we do have a heaven and hell and this is the middle. I hope I never spend time with those I don’t want to be with on earth. I hope my next world will be with those I love now and before who have already moved on. But I pray that never ever will I have to face those who are just plain horrible. Because if I do, that to me won’t be heaven.

 

So, just to think about this for a moment. What would your life be like without  goals or if there is no God in your world, do you still  have thoughts of hope?

 

 
 
 

 

 

 

BLOG STATS

Thank you all again for coming back and reading my blogs. We have had 295,831 views so far.

As for which countries?

United Kingdom 119,300

United States 98,799

Russia, 10,560

Canada, 7,780

Ukraine, 7,509

Germany, 6,569

Australia, 5,321

South Africa, 1,853

France, 1,607

Poland, 1,499

OO once again the three from South Africa, France and Poland, are really close. And Ukraine have dropped for the first time in ages letting Canada lead the way.

 

I wish I knew who was eleventh and more? I know a regular are Peru. Gosh, who are they and why do they visit our Blog page? Will they be in the top ten countries one day? Smile. I’m glad they are reading and are part of this blog. I receive a lot of emails saying why you keep coming back and I am honoured you do.

Happy reading.

 

  

 

 

 

DIARY OF THE ALPACA'S BY FIONA CUMMINGS

It’s a beautiful day started the day having a lovely conversation with our Bestie Like. Hoping to visit them soon. Our Son took Waggs for a walk and I’m not sure who came back muddier, her or him! So, I had started to cook dinner as I have to go out later, I’m then getting a towel for Wagga and before that unlocking the gate to let BW through with a muddy girl. Just then as I locked the gate came in, turned off cooker as the doorbell rang. I ran to it as people don’t hang around if it’s a delivery. Opened the door, it’s the window cleaner. Back around the other side of the house, meanwhile muddy paws runs/escapes from the water into the house. I got Waggs back out for the awaiting hose and unlocked the gate again. Back in the house with wet towel to go in washing machine, then a phone call to say our shopping is coming early. Like, three minutes away. Pans still needing draining. Shopping comes meanwhile I’m hurrying BW up as he needs shower before going out to Shamrocks birthday gift. Doorbell goes, shopping comes. I have 14 bags of shopping on my kitchen floor. Half a cooked dinner. BW comes downstairs as he tells me he can’t find his keys. I help him to look for them, he finds them, so, still half cooked dinner shopping to put away. Doorbell goes. I opened it, it’s my friend who’s come for a coffee. I forgot she and I arranged it last week. Oh, heck… a good old chat, a short blog and now about to get ready to go out. But at least I know that my boys will eat tonight a home cooked dinner and I don’t nee to worry when I get back.

 

Shamrock has just phoned me to tell me she is really excited. I bought her and Boy Wonder a day with the alpaca’s. they take them for a walk on a lead through the forest. They I think have took food with them to have a picnic afterwards. It’s a beautiful sunny day for them. I hope she really enjoys herself. I know our boy will.  

 

Thank you for your emails and I will get around to answering them tomorrow. I have an article to write for an online magazine I just need to find some time to do so. It’s a busy week all round out with my great friend Geordie in a few days I cant wait to see her. At some point I will have to clean the house, won’t i? and back to my book I’m writing. Hub had a busy day working yesterday. It was different for sure for him.

 

I hope you are all well. Laters.

 

BIRTHDAY BY FIONA CUMMINGS

I have an earworm… What is an earworm? Sometimes known as a brainwormis a catchy bit of music that continually plays in your head. You can’t get rid of it. It’s like a stuck record. Over and over again. But experts say if you chew gum it’s supposed to help. Personally, I just try to listen to another song/tune in my head and that works. But I have been humming a tune in my mind all day and it’s the same bit of song over and over again.

 

Well My Father in law is 80 today I hope he has had a lovely day. It’s nine in the evening Hub isn’t here yet. He’s been really busy with work. Not sure if he has called his Dad yet he may be waiting until he has more free time. I don’t know  if he enjoyed his surprise party but I am sure he did even though a couple of people went who are nothing to him, but he had the biggest surprise my Brother in law came from Australia to see him and brought his partner with him. That would have been the best gift for him.

 

Gosh BW and Sham have been hyper tonight and the dogs have loved their playtime. Now they have gone the house is quiet again. It was lovely to hear such laughter.

 

I told Shamrock of her gift tonight she is happy, but something tells me not so happy as BW. He is super excited about it.

 

So, what are they going to be doing? Walking through the forests with Alpaca’s. They take them on a lead through the forest for just over an hour. And the weather is forecast to be lovely.

 

It’s a gift I couldn’t put paper around but one that is different for sure.

 

I will hear more about it tomorrow.

 

With love.

 

 

 

TUESDAYS TOP TIPS BY FIONA CUMMINGS

Thank you for your kind reviews and comments on my blog from yesterday. How are you all today? Today we have sun and cloud. But no rain though it’s rather windy. I have opened my outside washing line for the season… It looks like an umbrella, I just hope an umbrella isn’t needed for a long time!

 

Hubs away today he has a busy work week. BW has a day off. Tomorrow is Shamrocks surprise for her birthday. I hope she likes it, I know my Son will. Bless his heart, he said to me yesterday. “Mum would you like to come along with us?”” Of course, I would but they will have a much better time on their own. I hope they come back with loads of stories though. Sham still doesn’t know what it is. She has had some funny guesses though, one was quite close.

 

Tuesdays top tips

I have a wooden chopping board. If I have chopped onions or garlic on it, I cut a lemon in half rub it over my board and leave it for half an hour, then rinse it under cool water and dry well before putting it back.

 

Stinky drain? Mix a watery substance of water and baking soda. Pour down your drain and leave it for an hour. At least. Then get a jug of hot water with four teaspoons of vanilla essence mixed in, pour that down and I hope you notice a difference. The baking soda will break down any food that is lingering in your sink, or if it’s your bathroom, whatever is making that smell bad. The vanilla essence will leave your drains smelling nice.

 

Your fridge? Use vinegar to wipe your fridge as that will help to prevent mildew as acid kills mildew.

And to keep it smelling fresh, keep a box with either baking soda or dry coffee grounds or a cotton ball with vanilla extract on.

 

Chewing gum on clothing? Pop the  clothing in the freezer then remove the next day peel off the gum.

 

Ring around the shirt collar? (Not that I would notice)  Apply shampoo scrub gently and put in the washing machine as normal.

 

To help your eyesight if you still have vision I am told shellfish, Green veg such as Kale, broccoli and loads of spinach and all foods with vitamin A. Pure Lutein tablets too.

https://www.naturesbest.co.uk/herbs-spices/lutein/eyewise-super-strength-lutein-20mg/

 

 

MONDAY'S MEMORIES BY FIONA CUMMINGS

Good morning Bloggets. This is a long read… Are you sitting comfortably? Today we have sunshine. After all night of pouring rain everything is soaked outside windowsills and our outdoor boxes we keep our dog things in, and the other the cushions for our outdoor chairs. Our Son made the second box yesterday so last night was a test to see if it was waterproof and it is. Good job Son.  When I say made, I don’t mean he has gone to his tool shed and brought out hammers nails and wood but put together a plastic outdoor box that comes in a flat pack I bought from Amazon. Last year. It’s been in the garage since then but now it’s made and looks really good it has a log effect though it’s plastic. Blends in very well with our cane fencing.

 

Though the birds are singing, there are definitely fewer of them this year. I was reading that a generation of birds may be skipped because of the awful weather we have had. Six very long months of hellish weather. At last there is a good forecast on the horizon.

 

I did another thousand words on my love story I’m writing last night. I still really don’t know where this is going but I’m determined to keep going. I looked at my short stories last night I have seventeen that I just haven’t taken further but this one I pray I will do so and I haven’t felt so positive about any writing for a while. It’s what do people want these days. It’s so not me to write explicit sex scenes I’m too subtle for that and romantic or prudish? Haha. I have said before I don’t live in the modern world. I will tell you something I found so funny. My Son said to me the other day during breakfast around our table. “Mum, I think you should become a Catholic!””

I almost choked on my cocoa pops.

Not that I was eating them, or anything come to think about it…

“Darling, what ever makes you think that?”” He knows my religious beliefs so this to me was a really odd statement.

“You believe in everything a Catholic believes in.””

Me. “You mean I have morels?””

Him. “Well, you don’t believe in abortions. You don’t believe people should have children out of marriage. You don’t even believe people should sleep together if they are not married…””

Hahaha, and that translates that I should become a Catholic? He continued to say things that I believe and don’t believe in. it was interesting to hear his list. Half of which was wrong.  I do hate the idea of women and girls having abortions but I more so despise the idea that people get pregnant without wanting to. As for sleeping together? Well there is a fine line. If my Son brought home a girl I felt was perfect for him, then I would welcome her. I think if I encourage a girl to sleep over it may glue them closer together. Honestly, I can tell you half of my Sons friends have been allowed their girlfriends to stay overnight from the age of 16, and they are still together. Far too young to be far too serious. They are like robots and have no spark. It’s not normal to be with someone that long though of course there are the odd exceptions where by if you marry or are together from that age you are genuinely happy and meant to be, but not the majority. In most cases, they will break up in later life. and by that point they will have children.

 

Only a couple of days to go before I can tell you what we bought Shamrock for her birthday gift. Gosh I really envy her for having such a gift. My Son is super excited about it. Tomorrow is my Father in laws birthday and it will be then he will open his gift from us and my Brother and Sister in law!

Lot’s of Laws going on there.

 

Hub off tomorrow to his big office to do day one of his introduction of his new role. It’s a daunting new project for him but one he will do so well.

 

Gosh what a start to our year. What a total roller-coaster it’s been. But now we are running along the tracks nicely and there are no dips so far… this week.

What day are we on?

Oh, yeah, Monday.

 

Thank you for your very unusual ideas for me to write about. I shall work on that for you. One of our Bloggets from America has asked me to say hello to her daughter who has just become a Fifi Blogget. So, Kim, I shall do that. Hello to Tori. I believe it’s your 17^th birthday today, so I would love to say a very happy birthday to you.  I know what your gift is and I’m sure you are going to love it. By now you will know what it is, a holiday to Hawaii…. Heck, seriously, what happened to perfume or a CD?  Wow another couple of my Bloggets and friends are going there in a few days so all of you enjoy it. Oh, as a child it was my dream to go there after seeing the film with Elvis in it. Gosh, the colours in that film were stunning not to mention Mr Presley’s singing and amazing looks. I adored that movie. Here is a link

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf-KSYbBRfQ

 

 

This is the first day my eyes haven’t had 100% of pain in ten days and first time my eyes are in discomfort but not killing me in years. It’s funny so many people with my eye condition don’t suffer any pain at all. I only have one friend who has my eye condition and their eyes hurt. My dear friend and again our Blogget from Canada Carrie. So, I don’t know if it is my type of RP, or just other things going on. Of course, I have mentioned it to Doctors over the years, and of course they don’t care. There is no vision, so no deal. “Out of sight, out of mind”” that old saying could be (without sight no need to be kind)

 

Well I started to write this blog two hours ago and at last I’m back with you. So, my Mondays memory today is one of my Husband and my Wedding day.

 

Gosh, I was to marry my Prince. A handsome man who was my first love from school. 28 years apart and together at last. How we found each other again is another story I have touched on before in other blogs. But I believe it wasn’t only my wish or will. I believe in something from a higher power the only reason I say that is I developed strength that I had never had in my life. and to get through most parts of my existence, I had to have some kind of something whether it be strength or determination, or, my life was mapped out for me and I was to   continue to see the gold at the end of my rainbow. Gold isn’t always money either as I believe that money helps us so much and can get us things we can’t normally have but you still need your soul to be happy.

 

My Husband was in America working had been travelling for 17 days before our wedding. Gosh, I was stressed. Before he left to travel with his work,  we went to our town. Hub got his beautiful suit and new shoes. I ordered him a new shirt and tie whilst he was away. Would it fit? Would the colour of the tie look OK? It was a black wool tailored suit from a very expensive shop. He looked stunning in it that was no surprise. I wanted him to wear a brightly coloured tie to take away the heaviness of his suit. So, gold. I did think about pale pink, but my colour I wanted to wear was gold so thought it would match.  Our Son wore the same colour suit and tie. He was a young lad and in my mind was also so very beautiful. He refused to get his hair cut though, and to be honest I wasn’t that bothered. But, looking back, it was a little long… his hair was light blonde and almost to his shoulders. He had very wavy hair too. He was a picture though and all of my friends told me he was such a good-looking lad as did they tell me I had a good-looking husband to be. I was married for the first time to my ex for 23 years but now I could breathe and be me even for a day. That year leading up to our wedding was so very difficult. Two divorces my Hub and myself both had to deal with that but thankfully they were resolved. Hystery. Well, in my case not as historical as I wished for as our Son and I do say our Son as far as I am concerned I brought my boy up on my own my ex lived in the same house. And now my Husband is a Dad to my boy. His Father if you like is a long distant Uncle. I have no bad feelings for him if it was just me he treat badly I would be over it already, but he brought my Son into it so that’s the way it is.

 

I hope my ex will meet with a nice lady who can handle my ex and not be handled by him but one who is genuine as the one he has now is a total nightmare in fact a psychopath. But I never need to see her so be it. They do say what goes around comes around.

 

Anyway, he’s out of the picture and our Son loves his Dad thankfully as sometimes step parents are very much unwanted and of course there has been teething problems but those problems I believe would have occurred even if my Hub had  been his blood Father. because of my Husband, we have a very independent young man and has been since he was 15. My Husband is the one my Son comes to if he has a problem or needs something solving. I’m the one for hugs and lectures. OK, screaming sessions. I just lose my cool. Hub is more collective, calm and clear in his outcome. BW says he’s a business man, and he is…

 

He was being a business man when I was arranging our blooming wedding. My good friend from London Julie, took me to one wedding dress shop… if I could see, I would travel to many, but we must be happy with what we are offered.

 

I did want my Mum there but obviously sadly she was long gone to the big man in the sky. I wanted my Dad to give me away, again, he was sitting at the same table as my Mum!

 

I wanted to see my wedding dress, and, again, 12 years of being blind, I had to feel it and use my imagination. What would it look like on? Mirrors everywhere around the wedding studio but to me they just felt like glass walls. My dress was without shoulders so I wanted to buy a shawl. Where from? I went on line. Thankfully I found one that was cream the same as my dress with a satin texture on one side. I didn’t know what it looked like I only read the words that described it briefly on line. It came and it was nice.

 

My Mother in law kindly arranged not only the wedding cake but the flowers. She asked me what colour, I said yellow and gold ribbons. I left what kind to her. I trusted her 100%. She did flower arrangements for hobbies and won many competitions doing so. She even made ribbons for our guide dogs bless her. And small flowers in yellow with gold ribbons for the men to wear in their jackets.

 

I was getting calls from the hotel we were going to get married in asking all kinds of questions such as who we wanted to be seated at what table and not only that but what names did I want on the tables? I couldn’t get in contact with my Husband as he was hours behind us in the UK. He was also travelling to Japan from the US. Oh, no, such pressure, I mean, what on earth do you call tables? I asked the lady for clues, well, she didn’t really give any.

I can’t even remember all the names sadly of the tables but one was called Caribbean as Hub our Son and myself hadn’t long been back from a holiday there. The other one was called The Pyramid. Because as I have said before at school Hubs Dad made a huge Pyramid from wood as a climbing frame and Hub and I as small children used to run down the valley where the pyramid was having a quick innocent kiss and run back to play with our pals…

 

Who would sit at what table? Oh, my, I do think too deeply into these situations.  I put my lovely friend Vivi and her Husband who kindly did our wedding photographs as he is a professional photographer on one table with my friend Julie who helped me with my dress and my dear old friend Jill who lead me along the path to finding my new chapter for freedom as well as another lady who again, taught me so much. Sheila was an interesting lady a school teacher who was very strict and overly honest in a manner some would find threatening but I respected her opinions and brutal thoughts and ideas.  And my long-term friend from Russia as well as my Brother in Law with his lovely girlfriend at the time now wife. So, that was my respectable table with brains and respect on and people who I knew wouldn’t offend people. Another table was my brother in law keeping him away from my other bro in law as they didn’t and don’t get on at all. His partner of forever years and my old aunt who was a party person full of life and embarrassing quotes. One who would not be prudish around my brother in law and his boyfriend. As she too had a partner, who, wasn’t invited. My friends Mr. Clock… interesting mixture and my dear friend JB. Hubs best friend John from school who kindly wrote us a song and put it on CD and played it as well as sang during the reception. So, the fun and little bit on the wild side table. Then my brothers table with my Sister in law and little Niece with the lovely Husband and a man with a dreadful plus one. Sadly, we had to invite her. If I could have put her on a table outside in the carpark, that would have been perfect. My Brother worked in the entertainment world and has seen all sorts. So, could cope with that thing who called herself a woman. Some would argue.

 

So, our top table had us two and my Son who was Hubs best man and did the most amazing job even his speech was fantastic. And who gave me away for so many reasons, a much-loved man from Russia the Son of our old Russian friend. I knew him since he was a tiny boy and I held him close to my heart. He had a bad start in life and very sadly I fear his life now has got worse. But he did his job though methodically but also played piano and he was stunningly professional.

 

Hubs Mum God bless her and his Dad. Apart from three people all there were more than wanted and welcome. My Brother sang us a song at reception too. Gosh, it was a wonderful day apart from the worry leading up to the day. What menu to have? Again, I had to choose it myself as Hub was away. Even on the day of my wedding, was my Russian friend going to be able to turn up? I was told there was a problem with passport, but looking back it was more than that… I didn’t know at the time what I was dealing with. Gosh, I do now.

“Oh. Those. Russians.””

 

I went to get my make up put on professionally. At my home I got a local hairdresser to come and do my hair. She straightened it and sprayed some gold shimmer in as well as tiny cream and gold flowers.

 

The uncomfortable thing happened my old crazy Aunt, decided it would be a lovely thing to do by giving me a bracelet to wear. On my wedding day. Oh, my goodness. Though it was so kind of her, Bloggets, seriously, it was hideous. No joke. And with my dress being so well, open especially on my arms, I couldn’t exactly hide it under my sleeve. Haha. What to do? Offend her by not wearing it? Or, totally spoil the look I wanted and wear it. No one would see the flowers, and I doubt they would have even seen my dress. The whole focus would have been on that blooming awful bracelet. Now, in my first marriage/wedding I did what I was told and wore what I was given and had at the reception who I had to have. This time round, oh, yes, it was my time in life. My Husband and I had done what we were told all of our life from early days at boarding school and right throughout life his first wedding he says was hell he hated it so this time was our day. Again, finding that strength to not wear it, came from something I had never had in my life before.

 

So, now are you wondering what the bracelet was like? Haha. Oh, gosh, even if I told you which I will, it won’t do it justice. As in how awful and tasteless it was. So, I think five strands of plastic pearls. Pink, plastic, pearls. On the front of the strands was a block square panel of em. Well, I guess glass or even metal silver studs. Meant to represent pearls and diamonds. Pearls and diamonds, it wasn’t. one thing it was, huge.

 

My old Aunt though did help so much with our music. What songs to have and that was great as again, I had to pick what song I was going to walk down the isle to and over the phone, Hub said what he would like whilst we signed the registrar. Then walking back up the aisle. So, I walked to my love thanks to Lionel Richie Truly. Touch her soft lips and part by Walton was whilst we signed and we walked back up the alter with Hubs faithful last guide dog our saviour LC, AKA Suki with the song by Michael Bubble called Hold on and finished the walk where everyone else walked out by hearing Bob Marley Don’t worry.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7e72sMIsKdg

   

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QCDJe4TcoI

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mi3UWwHa594

 

 

as for Bob Marley, I can’t get Utube to play that one as I have some restrictions on my lap top. But it’s a foot tapper for sure. And the three little birds are our little family of three Hub myself and our Son.

 

It was an amazing day. I wrote a poem and Hub and I sang at our reception. We danced and loved. There was no view for us, we couldn’t see a thing. It was tough leading to our wedding day but on the day, we danced with destiny and delved into our next adventure together. It was the best day of my life and Hub says his second dream came true that day. First day when we met up after all those years and second day our wedding day.

 

A beautiful car came to collect us to take us to a grand hall for our honeymoon. And our life began as a married couple.

 

  

HORSE PLAY BY FIONA CUMMINGS

A great day so far and hopefully more to come later. Our Son went out last night and got back to Shams at four this morning… He should be a milk man. Haha. For my Bloggets who live abroad, the good old English tradition of a milkman is so quaint, well used to be. Before my time, a horse and cart would be used, but then came the electric cart. An electric cart used to drive through our streets, park up and you would hear the clinking of glass bottles as the milkman took the pint glass bottles from the crates to drop off at our door stops. The foil lids used to be in different colours I know one was red and the ones we used to get were silver. Silver was full cream. I believed that children should have full cream milk for their bones. Sometimes the magpies used to peck at the shiny lids so the milk would have to be emptied and then we had to wash the bottles to recycle again the milkman would pick up the empties when he dropped the full ones off! The milkmen were into recycling before it became fashionable or necessary.

 

As the years went by the things we could get delivered some would say progressed. I could get a sack of potatoes, yogurts, cream and other items sometimes fresh orange juice. They were sweet innocent days and I was fortunate to always live in good areas where no one ever stole from our doorsteps. But now days there are no glass bottles our milkman delivers the same plastic large litres you can buy at the grocery shop. Nothing quaint about that. And the price is three times as much as we can get from a shop.

 

When I was a child and in my early years of marriage too when I was in my teens and early twenties, we had a rag and bone man. He used to come to us down our streets in a cart that was pulled by a horse with a man steering it shouting Rag and Bone, sometimes just bone and other times n!

You would take him things he could recycle to make money from and in return he would hand you clothes pegs he would have made. It was up to us whether we wanted his pegs or not… the cart would be filled up with your pans, old dishes, bedding anything you didn’t want that he would be able to make some money from. They were normally gypsies/travellers as we now have to call them. I’m not sure when gypsies became wrong to say. Why wrong too. I mean travellers?

 

I know of people who live in caravans who are typical gypsies who have not moved for over a year, so, not much travelling going on then….

 

Guess what the (Travellers/Rag and bone men) come around in now? a blooming van with a loud speaker on the roof or outside of their window. When I first heard that, I was shocked. I thought it was to let us know our gas would be going off or we had a water leak as apart from voting day, that is the only time we hear a loud speaker from a car with a man shouting stuff at us… when is as told it was the local rag and bone man? And how times have changed. People were bringing out old TV’s and so on. In my days it really was old pans…

 

Now, The Grand National. Hmm. When I was a child I was just like my baby great Niece who I spoke with yesterday. Super excited to put a sweep on within the family. I would put my 50p and pick a number or a horse from the hat at home and between my Mum Dad and big Brother, we would sit in front of our telly, watching   the biggest horse race day of the year in England, and shout at the TV hoping my horse would win. I never won, my brother always did. And yesterday my Niece did she was so sweet and happy to tell me of her winnings. But now I am older, I hate the fact that out of 38 horses who run that awful race, only 12 finished the race. The other 26 fell, were injured and so many years horses have had to get put down. It’s heart breaking. Yesterday there was a screen put around a horse that fell, there are rumours that the horse died and it’s all been a cover up. 80 horses at least have been killed since the Grand National began. So, I don’t put money on that race or any other. To make a horse run so fast for in the horse’s case, no reason, to put blinkers on them so they can’t see to the sides of their eyes and used to whip them to make them go faster. How do they train them to go so fast I have to ask myself? It’s very wrong and I dream of a world where horses can run, but freely and without anyone on them.

 

   

 

 

 

SURPRISE BY FIONA CUMMINGS

Now it’s over my Father in law had his surprise 80^th birthday party tonight. The sad thing is some of the people that went he really can’t stand. Two of them he hasn’t seen for eight years. My Mother in law would be looking down shaking her head. As feelings between her my Father in law and the two who went, were not good. The two people were hated by many. I can’t stand fake people so kept well away.  I just hope he was OK and enjoyed his evening despite some of his unwanted guests.

 

When my lovely Mother in Law died, I was really worried about Hubs Dad but he has done so well and proves every day just how strong he really is.

 

My Brother in law took our gift yesterday as he isn’t going either for similar reasons.  It’s a gift we shared from all of us. Hubs Brother bought it and when we see him we will give him our share of cost. Hopefully he got some nice things from others.  

 

Shamrock is very curious to know what her birthday gift is from us. But she won’t learn until the day she has to be there. Oh, her guesses say a lot. Firstly, she has guessed we are sending her to some kind of class… hahaha. What kind of class Shamrock? Her answer. “Art!””

Em, art? Well I didn’t know what to say. Is she interested in art? No. So, why art? No one is sure, including Sham. Her second guess… this one is so funny. (A Jesus class)

O

K

Sham!

“Well”” She said. “I told you I said to them at work I was turning into Jesus…””

Well you could have heard a pin drop and then laughter from me… Not sure what Hubs face was doing. She’s a crazy kind of gal.

And her guesses were all wrong. But remember this… And this is where my boy is very clever… BW laughed and replied. “But Mum, she’s on the right path, isn’t she?””

Oh, I will explain in a few days but that was a great clue from BW in a cluie kind of way that wouldn’t let her know what we are on about. But when I said to her I am very jealous as it’s something I would love. I wished I could have seen her face. Hahahaha. As her voice went so very serious. Probably thinking, oh, my goodness. But those words wouldn’t come from Sham, it would be more explicit… But her thoughts I’m sure were. “What the heck would I want that the old lady wants?”” hahaha.

 

Well it’s been a really odd 24 hours, loads going on there’s never a dull moment. Our dogs worked hard today for us and played harder on the field when June came to take them out for a free run.

 

Oh, my, guess what my Son did last night? Started talking with a homeless person with a dog. Stroking the dog. Held the lead. And asked how the man feeds his dog then handed over £30 for food for the dog for the next couple of months he said. I can’t get through to him and my boy believes everything people tell him. Gosh how he reminds me of myself when I was a little younger, I’m talking a couple of years ago. No matter what people said about others I never took any notice I waited until I found out what they were like and by then it was too late. So, the man said he’s gay. He had a Husband. The man died a few years ago. He went off the rails since then and began living on the streets but he won’t go to a shelter because he can’t stand the drunks and drug addicts who go there. So, my Son looked at me and said. “I know what you are thinking Mum, but he wasn’t into drugs or drinking. I just wanted to help the dog.”” God bless my boy I hope he was right and the man will spend the money on his dog and not other things. But I did say he should have arranged to meet with him and hand over dog food rather than money. I’m always telling him to buy food or a drink of tea rather than handing over cash. I wouldn’t care but our Son needs new shoes. Badly and other things in his life right now he desperately needs money for. But he’s a good lad a kind soul especially when it comes to homeless people. I don’t know where that comes from. Such empathy for those people. Hub and I are really proud of him for our only child we have done our best but I feel there is still a long way to go. I just can’t get into the minds of parents who give birth then give up. Or say he’s 16 now, he’s on his own. I also don’t understand people who don’t push their kids to do better. Some parents will be happy letting their kids drink and do whatever and if they want to stick at the same job that doesn’t recognise their potential, so what? I know my ex would have been that kind of parent.

 

OK, the night has come our exciting day will close and I shall go to bed but before I do, some words.

Something I read today. In a Salon in India, they use fire to

give you a haircut.

I guess once you have had that done, you look mighty hot?

 

 

A DATE WITH LILY BY FIONA CUMMINGS

Good evening Bloggets. Sorry I haven’t been around for the past few days, I would like to say it’s because I have been busy writing my book, but the truth is, I have been really ill. I’m getting better now, I must be as today I went right through the house doing the floors vacuuming and mopping and washed the bathrooms, yesterday I just about got dressed, and that was in stages.

 

It’s Friday the 13^th in our house unlucky for some… But not so unlucky for others. Hub brought me some beautiful flowers from work his lovely ladies from the office in their lunch break brought them for him and they are beautiful. Not sure what colour but there are plentiful and look in great condition they also smell lovely.

 

It’s my Sons girlfriend’s birthday and as ever he is totally spoiling her. His Dad has rubbed off on him absolutely treating people so well I ask my Husband every birthday for the most basic gift but Hub being Hub, never listens. So, Boy Wonder has bought Sham a lovely Fit Bit now, for people of my generation, that isn’t a gorgeous looking man, but a watch where you can keep a track on how fit you are or should be and a track on how much sleep you have. He has also took her out to a very exclusive restaurant for a meal.

  

We have bought her something I would love, but I can’t tell you about that until the day when she will receive it. Confused? It will all make sense when you know what I know. But it’s something that is really unique. Something that can not be wrapped up either.

 

Well Boy Wonder didn’t get his job. We knew he wouldn’t what I don’t understand is why he was put forward for it. He was told the only reason he didn’t get it is because he has no experience. Well, yeah, we knew that before he went to the interview. He hasn’t even been on the course! So, I think he will be looking for another job and doing what? Not sure. It’s a real shame as he used to love his job, but his newish boss just doesn’t like BW, and his last boss told BW that no one likes the new guy, apparently, he has tread on a lot of feet and is very untrustworthy. I can vouch for that as what I heard about him from a colleague of BW’s, is rather worrying. But hey ho, it’s off to work we go!

 

At this point I would love to wish a very Happy Anniversary to my beautiful friend confidant and our Blogget Dearest Louise and her Husband Bob. Have a wonderful Anniversary and can’t wait to hear all about your celebration. Also, a very happy birthday to Keith. Loads of love.

 If you know of someone who has a celebration and you would like me to wish them the best from our family of Bloggets, please let me know either through my blog page or email

visionsforfuture@googlemail.com

 

Well what’s going to happen with Russia and the world? All I know is I was very faithful towards Russia as I spent most of my life there, but now, things are very different.  I’m afraid there are crazy people in charge who don’t care about anything or anyone and I’m not even sure they care about themselves.

 

I keep saying. We get one world as far as we know one chance of life and how beautiful this world could be if only.

 

Well in the background in my house is the TV. We have gone from the young musician of the year to Lily Allen.  Have you heard her voice? It’s beautiful but her new song, not sure though musically it’s brilliant. If you can listen to her song called Higher…  if you love interesting music with a stunning voice then you will like her. Most of her songs are a bit naughty though but her latest one is well, not naughty, but different. One of those songs where I am not sure if I like it or not, I don’t want to say I don’t because I could listen to her all night but the song doesn’t get me wanting to download it either an yet I can totally appreciate this latest offering as it’s simply musically brilliant.

 

 Wooooowwwwwoooo we are going to have hot weather from tomorrow. Oh my goodness. Bloggers I can’t tell you how excited I am about this. We have had six very long months of the worst weather. But looking like the sun has won the battle as short sleeves will be worn tomorrow replacing jumpers and coats.

 

Some words I was reading the other day on line in a writing group they were talking about who puts a picture/photograph with their blog and I would say  out of say fifty people who replied, me being one of them, 49 put pictures on their blog pages and said they couldn’t imagine writing blogs without a picture and one person said they wouldn’t read a blog without a photograph. Gosh, how do I get my faithful Bloggets? Haha, sorry to disappoint, but I have no vision so, it’s a nightmare for me to get pictures up here. If I could see I would put the odd picture but make sure I describe it to those who can’t see but I am sure I would rather paint a picture with words than using something either from the internet or a camera I have snapped that day. If I were writing a blog on food or holidays I know people would love to see pictures who are lucky enough to be able to see, but what if we all used our imagination more with words? I know that when we went to the South of France I received over a thousand viewers / listeners for that one blog, and, no pics. But if I had pub photographs, would I have reached three thousand views? Hmm. Possible but thanks to your loyalty and shares, we are doing OK, our little Blogget family.

 

The guy who first posed the question was so lovely when I wrote I have no choice I can’t be doing pictures, he is a goodin.    

  

Well, I shall go for now but before I do, two things, firstly make sure you are safe and happy  tomorrow and Sunday, have a great weekend whether you are hand  gliding or knitting. And secondly, this really made me laugh. It’s a notice for all to read who attend this church in England.

“The toilet is situated through the door on the left next to the alter. It is possible to receive communion whilst seated. Just ask the church warden.””

Bahahaha.

 

DESTINY BY FIONA CUMMINGS

Well I thought I would have a peaceful clear mind tonight to write, but sadly that’s not meant to be/happen. If you read my earlier blog you will know where I’m coming from.

 

The house is silent. But my mind is in turmoil. It’s like a car crash in my head. I feel sick and I’m not feeling too well. I just keep praying for sunnier days when people make what I call the correct decisions. Then when others are OK, I will be fine.

 

As my love left the house today I could smell the fragrance of his morning coffee from the percolator. The distant sound of the taxi as it drove down our avenue of all sorts leaving behind my sleepy thoughts. I had about two hours sleep that night. So, would I be able to close my eyes and relax? No, sadly not, so I got up and decided I wasn’t going to do my normal chores of things like make the bed tidy the room and wash the shower room. Pick up clothes and put a load of washing on. No, I was going to have a day off work. So, I did. My son even treat

 me to tea by buying a take away Pizza. Not healthy I know but it was a small one and apart from a can of baked beans and a chocolate cake my friend brought to have with our coffee, I hadn’t anything else to eat and haven’t had anything since. Last night I went to bed so hungry this is one of the reasons I couldn’t sleep. And it looks like another night of no sleep as my Son has just told me by phone that he won’t be home until the most ridiculous hour because of the most ridiculous thing he is doing and he has said he will bring his girlfriend back, at half one in the morning? No, I told him. I’m sick to death of the whole situation.

 

My throat is so painful my eyes are on fire and my body feels as if I have some of that chemical juice that the Russians are familiar with!

 

It’s eleven in the evening, my Husband is still out with people from work he said he will let me know when he’s back at his hotel. Hopefully he has had a better night than I have had. And it looks like the night is going to get worse.

 

My Son hasn’t heard about his job interview, so it’s looking like he hasn’t got it but I thought they would have at least let him know either way? He had his interview last Friday morning they were interviewing from the Wednesday before Thursday all day that Friday so by Monday you would have hoped he would have heard, but not so that left today, Tuesday, no, nothing, how difficult is the decision? Unless they are waiting to talk to the people who have the job and they haven’t been able to contact them all before they let the others know their destiny!

 

On that note I hope tomorrow is a better day.