Welcome to White Cane Connections.

My name is Sue Boman. Yes, that’s me in the picture posted here. I have called this blog White Cane Connections because I am one of the many people who use a white cane. I began this blog because I wanted to write about a project I undertook in 2012. The plan was to complete a series of walks using my white cane. Between March and September, I walked in 82 different locations across Canada. So, the blog begins by telling of my experiences and the many people I met along the way.

While this particular journey has now been completed, I find that I still have much to write about. I am continuing to make new white cane connections, and so for the time being I will continue to add regular posts to this blog. I am hoping that you will be a partner in the journey.

Sue


Friday, 26 January 2024

January 26 - In the Kitchen

The kitchen can be an interesting place for someone with little or no sight. For myself, I know that I need to be super organized. The main reason for this is to stave off frustration and the other part is a simple safety issue.

I start my organizing when groceries first come into the house. I am fortunate in that Lyle is there to identify the various cans and packages that I have ordered. I line up the cans of soup, beans, etc. in a particular order in the pantry cupboard. One of my friends who is totally without sight and living alone has an arrangement with the grocery delivery person. This young lad puts her groceries away wherever she tells him they belong. She used to use braille strips but now relies on memory. People with visual challenges often rely on memory for many daily tasks.

I find frozen packages more difficult to identify. I can feel things like french fries through the outside of the package but other items aren’t so easily identifiable. I recall the time that I tried to fry frozen corn instead of hash browns. Only when they were cooking did I realize my mistake.

I’m not fond of working with other people in my kitchen. Family is different. They all know that my quirks are often safety issues. For instance, they know not to leave glass tumblers or coffee cups in the sink. I don’t tend to see these and can all too easily bang a heavy saucepan down on top of them. They know not to put sharp objects in the dishwater if I am the one washing the dishes. They know not to rush around me when I am in the kitchen. They know that I need to work more slowly and carefully than someone with full sight.

As far as cooking goes...I have my regular recipes. I prefer casseroles or using a crock pot. I’m fortunate in that Lyle likes to barbeque and so often I am only responsible for the vegetables. Undercooked vegetables aren’t as much a concern as undercooked meat!

So, speaking of being in the kitchen, that should be where I am heading to next. Low vision or not, I like to eat!

 

No comments:

Post a Comment