Category Archives: Rural Life

Head-Slappers from the Endless Mountains & the Homer Simpson Doll Caught in the Act

On Saturday, while listening to NPR’s “Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me,” I heard the true story of a gentleman who tried to kill a cockroach by throwing a gun at it. Sometimes, things happen in my own life that render … Continue reading

Posted in Blindness, Dogs, Guide dogs, Head-Slappers, Homer Simpson Doll, humor, Knitting, Pennsylvania, Rural Life, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Blindness & Faith Healing: an Old Street Performer’s Musings

As a blind woman who worked as a street performer for eleven years, I have experienced many wonderful moments with the public. I’ve also experienced some awkward, painful and infuriating ones. The ministrations of faith healers were particularly aggravating. Before … Continue reading

Posted in authors, Blindness, Braille, bullying, Cats & Dogs, faith healing, Guide dogs, memoir, nature, novel, Pennsylvania, Rural Life, songwriting, Uncategorized, Visually Impaired, young adult | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 21 Comments

Labrador or Writer: Who’s the Smart One?

Working with guide dogs is, among other wonders, a frequently humbling experience. Even after 45 years and four canine helpers, I occasionally realize that I haven’t learned all that much. All of my dogs regularly must endure my obstinate nature, … Continue reading

Posted in authors, Blindness, Dogs, Guide dogs, nature, Pennsylvania, Rural Life, Uncategorized, Visually Impaired, Wrighting | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Police Protection for Elderly Rural Pennsylvanians with Disabilities: an Alarming Story

In late December, an elderly, rural Pennsylvania couple, with medical and disability issues, were awakened at 2:00am by the sounds of thumping and clanging on their back porch. From the peep hole in the door, the husband spotted a large … Continue reading

Posted in Disability, older adults, Pennsylvania, Police, Rural Life, Service Dogs, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments