My view

Wednesday could not make up its mind whether to sulk or shine.

In need of a few items, we went out…

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To keep its options open, the day extended a finger of cloud into the clear blue sky.

In the past, I would have paid no attention to such a benign looking cloud but in this part of the world, or is it perhaps in this time – one should keep an eye out for developments.

Scanning the news this morning I see that significant storms did develop in the New York City and New Jersey area and there are reports of an alarming tornado to the north, in Ontario.

We had no such drama.

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It was a delightful day for a drive in the country.

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So we took the more scenic route to Bennington.

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Where the day’s bad mood seemed to be winning.

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When shopping we do not linger. Purchases in hand, we set off again.

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At first we seemed to escape Bennington’s overcast.

But as if it had hitched itself to our bumper, it came with us.

All the way home.

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But for all the dark cloud and gusty wind, we received not a drop of rain, while on Long Island main highways were flooded and in Ontario, trees were uprooted.

The weather gets mentioned here a lot, not because I am terribly affected by it, but because it alters my view a great deal and my view is something I treasure.

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It is no doubt why I take photographs, an attempt to capture what I see and preserve it.

We are fortunate to live in an era where it is possible to record for posterity that which is precious but in a state of perpetual flux.

Next month I have an appointment with my optometrist who I see twice yearly for two different sets of examinations. I have double vision and early macular degeneration. These are not earth-shattering issues, but problematic. Without special eyeglasses, my vision is chaotic. If I was to lose them, I would have to cover one eye.

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Prismatic lenses are nothing short of miraculous, in my view. I understand the logistics, but how they are applied to a thin piece of glass is more than I can comprehend. I would love to see the manufacturing process.

Unfortunately, diplopia constantly changes as our bodies age. Which means every two years or so, new lenses are required. Getting the prescription worked out is exhausting. My doctor must have the patience of a saint and how she remembers all the steps, the endless variations, I don’t know. Additionally, she is very nice. I am lucky to have found her.

As well as being prismatic, my lenses are progressive which I prefer to tri-focals. Some people are not able to adjust to them, but I have never had a problem as my eyes seem automatically to find the appropriate focus. At least until my recent pair of glasses which only seem to focus correctly if I tilt them drastically. I have had them adjusted but it didn’t help.

Additionally, I find myself cleaning the glasses a dozen times a day because they always seem dirty, but I am wondering if the problem is not with the glasses.

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It occurs to me that I should spend less time staring at photographs on my computer, but it has become an important part of my day.

If my vision deteriorates much more, of course, I may have to abandon photography in any case, which is all the more reason why I must enjoy it as while I still can!

And why I try to absorb every sight.

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