Wednesday 13 February 2013

A bit of this and a bit of that...

I was treated to a beautiful rainbow early Friday morning 
when I took the wheelie bin out for pick-up.


Another stretch of sky was clear 
and full of fluffy white clouds. 
Hard to believe they were taken at the same time.



I've started yet another ripple blanket. 
This one will be for me. 


I love to snuggle up under these blankets in winter.
All cosy and warm while watching TV or a movie.

And so does Cody. 
My ever faithful companion.



When I work at the computer, Cody snuggles up in his basket while, 
Jack snuggles up in his.


SO cute!!!

Back in 2001, my eyes seized up on me after spending a lot of time at the computer. They froze at a set distance and my brain just couldn't refocus for any other distance whether it was closer or further away. My eyes were under a lot of strain and pressure. After seeing a Behavioural Optometrist for the first time, I had to do regular eye exercises until my vision returned to normal. I was also given my first prescription for reading glasses.

Well, I think my eyes have seized up again because I'm experiencing all the same symptoms as last time.  The change happened over the course of 1 - 2 weeks. I get no relief at all unless I'm sleeping.  The strain is constantly there even when I'm wearing my reading glasses which I pretty much have to wear all the time now, even for distance.  They also help a little when watching TV which is all pretty weird considering they are supposed to be for close distances. I am booked in for March 1st to see my Behavioural Optometrist. I can't get in before then because she is only working Fridays due to caring for her ailing grandfather at the moment. Wish me luck.

I did manage a sketch of the new water filter I bought yesterday. Michelle has had one for ages and swears by it. I like the fact that, when you use the filtered water in electric jugs/kettles, they stay clean and don't build up any sediment. 


 NOTE - You may notice the font and font colour change on my blog, on and off, as I try to find one that isn't so hard on my eyes. Please bear with me.

To end this post, 
I just had to share this funny animal video with human voice-over. 


 ~ Love, light and peace ~

34 comments:

  1. OMGosh what a busy post... I am shocked at your eye prob Serena, I didnt realise that anything like freezing in the eyes ever happened... now I'm going to watch my eyes with worry! what does a behavioural optometrist do? is it a beavioural problem? or a clinical one? I have hospital for my eyes next week... NOT looking forward to it with all those tests and nasty eye drops!

    Love your green buddha that I spied there on the cabinet!

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    1. I never knew that sort of thing happened either, Krissie. A regular Optometrist mostly focuses on how clear your vision is whereas a Behavioural Optometrist takes a holistic approach and will look into how the brain connects with the eye and the vision. They check if it's an actual vision problem or a brain/eye problem. They do a very thorough job. I didn't know you had eye problems...hope all is okay. Bradley has seen an Ophthalmologist ever since he was six months old and he hates the drops too. Why do they have to sting? Glad you like the green Buddha....I did a sketch of him not long back. xx

      Sorry for the busy post. I just figured I'd post what I had in case I wouldn't be able to post for a while if my eyes get any worse.

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    2. I have regular visits for Glaucoma, and those eye drops DO sting... ouch! also worst thing is I cant take myself there, someone always has to drive me! means taking time off work, and being 'blind' for the rest of the day too!

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    3. Oh, you poor thing....it would be a pain not being able to drive home. Good luck with your hospital visit. It takes hours for Brad's eye to return to normal too. He is totally blind in one eye and legally blind in the other. He can only read books up close to his 'good' eye using a high magnification magnifier. Even so, the drops affect what vision he does have and he becomes super-sensitive to glare too which, no doubt, affects you too.

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  2. Sorry to hear about your eyes, Serena. I'm glad you're seeing both the regular optometrist and a holistic one, to get different possible solutions to the problem. I also wonder about the level of microwave you are exposed to on an on-going basis, eg deck phones, cell phones, etc. You might want to do some research into this.

    I love your sketch, as always.

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    1. Thanks, Hwee. I'm only seeing the Behavioural Optometrist....they are the same as a regular Optometrist but go into more depth using a holistic approach. I do spend a lot of time at the computer and that was the cause the last time this happened so, me thinks I really need to limit my computer time from now on.

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  3. oh no, I am so sorry you are having trouble again, it must be so frustrating, your work is beautiful, I love your little pals, I had one just like yours, (companion) he was mine as well, take care my friend, speedy healing for your eyes,

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    1. It is VERY frustrating, Laurie. It does show me though how much I take my vision for granted. Thanks for your kind words. :)

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  4. really sorry to hear about your eye problems, hopefully that doesn't last very long

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  5. I just finished watching the judging of the Westminster Best in Show, which was very enjoyable for me. I am so sorry to learn of your eye problem, but as we age all kinds of things surface that might be just a small problem that grew. You are doing all the right things, and I'm so happy to see your sweet companions looking so comfortable! I love your ripple blanket, too. :-)

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    1. Thanks, DJan. While it may be something different this time around, I do feel it could be the same where I have over-strained my eyes sitting for long periods of time at the computer. I agree, aging eyes don't cope well with that kinda pressure.

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  6. Lots of lovely images - the clouds & rainbow are so beautiful (especially as it was on a rubbish run!)The crochet is exquisite - I have made a couple of little things recently (for kitty), but it's been just too hot and sticky in this heat wave to continue. Winter pastime only I'm afraid.

    Fongers crossed your eyes are sorted soon - as an artist it's one of the most trying things that can happen!

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    1. Thankfully, we've had some cool relief from the heat so I've been grabbing some time for crochet while I can. :) Yes, being an artist, I worry big-time when my eyes play up. Hopefully, I'll be able to get it sorted soon.

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  7. Beautiful photos and I didn't know you could knit, too! The sketch of your water filter is life-like and I'm happy to see you're still sketching regularly after the ink challenge. I have only 8 more to go! I think I need to try some outdoor sketches but they are the most intimidating in my opinion. I have a fear of public drawing. LOL Keep up the great work, Serena, and have a happy Thursdsay!

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    1. I knit, crochet, AND sew too, Ileana....handicrafts I learned many years ago. :) I love to sketch but it's been a little difficult of late with my eyes playing up. I squeeze one in where I can. :) I have a fear of drawing in public too (see previous post). :)

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  8. I've never heard of eyes freezing up! That must be a terrible thing...I can't even imagine how that must be. I hope your optometrist can help you again.

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    1. Yes, they sure can seize up, Janet...although it's more to do with the brain and eye connection. Last time, I had to re-train my brain and eyes to work together using special exercises given to me by the Optometrist. It's horrible because my eyes feel constantly strained no matter what I do. My reading glasses help a little but the strained feeling is always there.

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  9. That would be very scary, having that happen to your eyes. We take our sight for granted. I spend every single moment of the day at the computer while I am at work. It's crazy how much we rely on them these days. And then I get home and want to enjoy time blogging. Our Head of Technology believes that everyone's eyes will morph over time to account for the lengthy amount of time we all spend on the computer. I think he's a whacko! Hope you get your eye problem sorted out. Wishing you a wonderful weekend. Tammy

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    1. Thanks, Tammy. I'm not sure if it's the same problem I had before but it sure feels like it could be. To a degree, I think I understand what your Head of Technology was meaning. I think he means how different animal species evolved, over time, through bodily changes to suit their changing environments....as it happened with certain animal species that evolved from the dinosaur age. Not sure how it would work with humans nowadays though as we tend to 'fix' things with technology. lol

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  10. ha-ha! The video was so cute! Daytime - nighttime - daytime - nighttime. Ha! Loved it! :)

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  11. GORGEOUS sky images, Serena...WOW! And your ripple blanket is beautiful--and inspiring! I'm just finishing crocheting a granny square cushion cover--my first "big" crochet project. I want to dig into a ripple blanket next--been wanting one for years! Take it easy with your eyes. We over-do things with putting in too much time in front of screens of one sort or another. Hope your sight will be OK... Healing vibes coming your way. :o) Happy Days ((HUGS))

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    1. Thanks, Tracy. I appreciate the well wishes. xx

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  12. Serena I hope your eye problem gets sorted out soon. It is so important to have healthy eyes we are lost if they don't function properly. Hope you will take a break from straining your eyes which means less computer time. I know we will miss you but those eyes are very important. Hope you get your appointment soon

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    1. Thanks, Shashi. I am definitely limiting my time at the computer as I'm sure the glare from the screen isn't helping much either.

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  13. So sorry to hear about your eye problem. I hope its fixed up for good this time. Never heard of that problem before. Love your rainbow. I saw one a week or so ago and I took a picture of it but it didn't show how vivid it really was. Best wishes with that eye problem.

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    1. Thanks, Cris. I'd never heard of the problem either until it happened to me. The eye exercises to correct the problem did help.

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  14. Lovely photographs, and that crocheted blanket is gorgeous.
    Sorry to hear about your eyes, I've never heard of that before, and I hope the meds manage to sort it out for you soon.
    Fabulous drawing of your water filter, and I wish Icould do lettering as well as you do.
    Thank you for your kind comments on my blog.

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    1. Thanks, Jez! I'm sure I will need a new glasses prescription on top of some eye exercises....that's if it's the same problem as last time. Will find out in a couple of weeks. :)

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  15. You've been busy! I love the feeling of hope in those beautiful skies you captured in your photographs. A group of ladies in my church makes "prayer shawls" that they give to people that are ill or going through any kind of grief. They pray when they make them and also keep a record of who has them, so they may add them to their prayer lists. I have one that I cover up with when I'm not feeling well, and it's truly very comforting knowing the way it was made. May your vision be quickly restored back to normal.

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  16. Sorry to see you are having eye problems Serena..... my eyes used to get stuck feeling like I was looking through the wrong end of a telescope or something...things would go veeerrryyyy far away. Actually it was only when I was a kid and I would zone out if my stupid old man was lecturing me ... although, still had to be on guard..cuz if he thought I wasn't listening he would punch me me... then i'd re-focus... hahhah.... ...... I think it's only happened once or twice in my life since I haven't had to be around him....

    love the little video..... the ape and the lemurs are my favs....

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  17. Serena, I hope your eyes get back to normal soon! Take breaks from the computer and draw instead? I just love that rainbow and the blue blue sky, how beautiful. Thanks for sharing and wishing you well for 1st March! Cheers, Mariana

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  18. I just bought myself a brita pitcher not too long ago and I AM IN LOVE WITH IT! Haha. I love the look of yours. Would be so nice to just hold the cup there!

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  19. I do hope your eyes feel better soon, Serena! I always enjoy seeing and reading about your day-to-day adventures. The clouds and blanket are beautiful! Love that color blue. And my daughter and I loved the video! Thank you for the laugh. Enjoy your week! xoxo

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