[Blindtlk] Good techniques?

[Hyde, David W. (ESC)]

First, you are not unique. There are several solutions. With some things, like ham salad or egg salad, it is easier to use a spoon to put it on to the bread. Then use a knife or the back of the spoon to spread it. Start in the middle, and spread toward the corners. With butter, slice off a piece or get a glob on the knife. Use your hands to see how much you have. Again, start in the middle and work toward the corners. With mustard or mayo, take the knife down to the bottom of the jar. Depending upon how much is left in the jar, you may or may not get enough. Start in the middle again. If you are using the portion control packets, open it and squeeze it over the middle. Then use a knife to distribute it.
Finally, if you make a mess, and everyone does once in a while, clean it up. If you do it well, you'll be the only one who knows.

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Tom Cramer via blindtlk
Sent: Monday, December 07, 2015 10:37 AM
To: Advice and support for blind cooks; NFBnet Blind Talk Mailing List
Cc: Tom Cramer
Subject: [Blindtlk] Good techniques?

Hello,

I think this question will be way too basic for everyone but I hope to get some good techniques other than just being told to not be afraid to ask sighted company to help me.  I think this is an important skill, especially now that I'm trying to be more independent and do more for myself.

I found I am not good at something very basic, like spreading.  I'm talking about things like putting any kind of spread on bread or multiple spreads on sandwiches.  I never really thought of it because I'm generally always with family or friends and they always did it.
But when I was by myself, or when everyone just kind of did their own thing and simply told me that the sandwich fixings were on the counter, I realized how deficient I was in this skill.
I asked other blind people and they just said that they weren't afraid to use their fingers to spread or that I could simply ask someone to do it.

So, specific questions.
First, I use a knife but don't seem to get much stuff on it.  Any good techniques to tell how much is on the knife or how much more to get?
Second, what about the actual spreading technique?  I find mine to be uneven and yet I thought I covered the bread.
Finally, what do you do if you're doing a sandwich and want more than just one thing like mayo and mustard and squeeze bottles aren't available?

I know my family is happy to help me, and my friends haven't said anything yet, but do I really want my friends doing something like buttering bread or making my sandwiches for me?

Thanks for entertaining these very basic questions.
Tom

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