I've noticed some trees in the neighborhood have just started to turn - not mine. Same sweetgum trees - of course, the redwoods and incense cedars won't turn.
I put out these scarecrows that belonged to my sister. I couldn't bear to give them away - I did give some to Navy and his wife.
The impatients love the cooler temps -
Another one from my sister - I'd be happy to bring them in from the rain if and when we get some. Nothing yet.
I've had this one since my boys were kids - there is a little boy, too.
I'm taking a break - I've been washing down my kitchen cabinets - patching some chipped places and will paint tomorrow.
Every Fall, I do my biggest kitchen clean-up - Everything will be reorganized and clutter put away.
I already reorganized my pantry and food storage.
Yesterday I went to my eye doctor for a 12-month checkup AFTER the cataract procedure that I had last year.
My left eye has developed PCO (posterior capsule opacity) This happens when the lens capsule, the membrane that holds your lens in place, becomes hazy or wrinkled and starts to cloud vision. PCO is a result of cells growing on the membrane over time, similar to scar tissue.
The Doctor told me it was not uncommon for this to happen. On the same token, it's more likely that it won't happen - it's just not uncommon.
I mentioned it at Bible Study this morning and some of the gals got a bit ahead of themselves - so I had to make that emphasis.
So, it's not to the point yet, that it can be laser-zapped...This condition can be treated with a quick and safe laser procedure called a YAG laser capsulotomy. The cataract surgeon will use a laser to make an opening in the cloudy capsule, allowing light to pass through for clear vision. The procedure takes about 5 minutes and does not require an incision.
I go back in another 6 mos -
But what REALLY bummed me out was my eyesight has changed a lot. It keeps getting better - so that is good but I need a new prescription for eyeglasses.
Let me explain - I did the opposite of what others do when they get cataract surgery. I opted to be able to see without glasses close up. I craft and paint and read and I want to be able to see. I've been wearing eyeglasses since I was 24 - by choice. I enjoy funky eyeglasses - one time I tried to go with contacts and my little boys cried, telling me,
"You don't look like our Mommy anymore."
Which broke my heart and out with the contacts. Anyway, I wasn't comfortable having to mess with that back then. Took too much time in the morning.
The last eyeglasses I got were 6 mos ago - They cost $700-800. No insurance. This time, I don't care. I asked for the cheapest ones - which were $100 and I knocked off all perks - a single lens total of $319. I did get anti-glare.
When you're on a fixed income, that hurt$. Especially this time of the year. I can do it, I just don't like to. I'd much rather put that amount in the savings. But the eyes have got to see.
If I had known, I could have brought in my old pair and had the new lenses put in those but I didn't know. This is what I plan to do from now on.
You know you're getting older when you really don't care anymore how you look; you just want to be able to see.
One more thing, since I am on the subject of eyes - this morning at bible study, they played a song that was touching - I don't like to cry so I try and stay away from any sentimentality because once I start, I cry hard - it's like a dam has burst. I've spent too many years crying. Well, I felt myself get hot - I started to sweat - I'm holding back the tears. Finally, the song was over. (It made me think of my son Michael) I wiped the few tears that snuck past me and my left eye kept welling up with these monster tears - falling down my cheek. What it was is I also have an overactive Tear duct - It was embarrassing. I finally had to take a kleenex, fold it and place it over my eye like a patch until it settled down.
My husband said it's because I hold back - I think it's just what I said, an Overactive Tear duct.
Oh well, just one more thing as I age...
If you read this far down - thank you.
