A couple of weeks, or was it months ago, the War Office asked “when was the last time you had the eyes tested?” and I told her, “about 5 years ago” ! “Isn’t it about time you went again?”; in a voice that sounded like a directive to get them tested quick smart! . Feeling rather valiant at the time I answered in the negative, replying “my eyes are fine, no problem!”.
I’ve been doing quite a bit of reading lately; you may have noticed the dearth of entertaining rubbish emanating from these pages; then again you may not.
Well, truth be told, it’s all Garrulous Gwen’s fault! Some months ago, she suggested a book that I might enjoy, then had the temerity to go on-line to the Leichhardt Public Library, find this book and told me to go get, read, and enjoy it! I did, and I didn’t! 👿
This photograph, from Google/Wikipedia, of The Italian Forum was taken on a particularly busy day, you may notice.
If you look carefully there’s a couple sitting on the steps, busy, working their mobile/cell phones.
The ‘Library’ is tucked away, over behind those three big pots. Dr Ping Nee, my doctor, practices in the Medical Centre, which is at the top of those stairs; I assure you that though she practices on me, she is fully qualified and an excellent doctor.
Back to the books. The library is quite large and I’ve joined, trouble is I’ve kind of gone back to reading and neglected my website/pages whatever. Once I get my head stuck in a book I find it hard to put the ting down. I can still hear my dads voice, admonishing me “put that bloody book down boy” whenever I’d been reading for a while, but there was always a smile in his voice, he thought it was good that I read.
Last Wednesday morning, I’d booted up, checked for email, decided not to do anything about it, and went back to the book I’d started the previous evening. A John Sandford novel, light, easy reading, always set in The Twin Cities and featuring a bloke by the name of Davenport, no, not Dudley; Lucas Davenport an ex-cop .
Fast moving, nothing too deep and easily forgotten. Which is pretty handy sometimes.
Whilst reading, I noticed that I was holding the book in a somewhat strange fashion, that I was actually peering through the bottom corners of my specs in a most odd way; so called out to te War Office “I think there’s something wrong with my eyes!” no way was I going to admit that she may well have been right.
Shortly thereafter, she came and told me that she’d made an appointment for Friday at 1.30, (not 13.30 but 1.30) to get my eyes tested. I was then asked if I needed her to come with me; and being somewhat affronted, stated that I was quite capable of going by myself and that it would be best if she stayed and looked after Coco, who is unwell and will be going into the Annandale Animal Hospital next Monday at 08.00 hours to have an operation on his right hind leg. 😥
On Friday, I announced that I intended to do the shopping, at the Woolworth’s Supermarket, which is in the same complex as the Optometrists. I was asked if I thought I could manage that by myself. Again I was affronted! 😈 I must admit I enjoy going shopping alone; I had a shopping list of about half a dozen items, and knew I’d pretty well fill my trolley. Great fun! 😀
At 13.20 I entered the Optometrists, identified myself and told the young lady, that as I was early, I’d browse around, and have a look at the frames and try on a few pairs before the tests if that was okay. She agreed that his would be a good idea and trooped along with me.
I tried on several pairs, ( why do we call them pairs? is it because we have two eyes ?) and there were three which I quite liked. So she took me to this gadget where I looked at this mirror thing, next thing it had taken a snap, and I could put my own back on and get a better idea of how they looked.
Couldn’t tell otherwise, as they just have clear glass lenses.
She asked me which I wanted, and that she’d hold them for me, (truth be told she probably had another dozen or more pairs, identical, tucked away), but that’s okay.
I then confessed that it didn’t matter what I liked, it is what the War Office liked; can you imagine I had to explain who, and what, the War Office is? I explained that the final choice would be my wifes, and that I would bring her down in the next day or two, and she’d give her seal of approval; or not!
A young man named Jimmy (I know that, as he had a thing saying “Jimmy” pinned to his collar) probably around early 40’s came for me and led me off to start the tests.
Jimmy had an unusual accent, so I said where you come from Jimmy, (I thought it was somewhere in England) and he said South Carolina,and I said “your joking with me Jimmy” he said “no, that’s where I’m from,” and I replied ” you must have been here a hell of a long time, you don’t sound like a Southerner to me, did you come as a child?”
“No” says he ” I’ve only been here 7 years”. “I’ve known blokes, been here 70 years (slight exaggeration) still got their Yankee accents, Yanks don’t lose them”, then he squirted some stuff into my right eye, through this machine I was staring into, whilst all this yakking was going on.
“Well I moved around a lot living in the states, that might explain it” “No way” says me “you talk more like a Pom than I do, and I am one”, so he squirted this stuff into my other eye. he was a nice, cheerful bloke.
After he’d finished with me, he took me around to the optometrist proper, a young, dainty, lady, and, like my Doctor Ping Nee, of Chinese heritage. She got to work on me and when she’s reached her conclusions, told me that I had the start of cataracts, but that there was no need to be concerned.
At least that’s what I think she told me, didn’t have the War Office to relay the full message, I did get the bit about the glasses I’m wearing being pretty useless now, and I should have been tested some time ago.
We then discussed the lenses I’d be needing, well actually she told me the lenses I needed; and shortly thereafter I departed, and went off shopping.
Yesterday, being Sunday, I thought it would be a good idea for the War Office and me, to toddle along, and get her approval or otherwise on my choice of specs. and place the order. It takes a couple of weeks, from the time you order your specs, for them to do whatever they do to get the lenses made, and to set them.
What a surprise. First time I can recall, the War Office agreed with my choice after seeing them on.
There was nothing left to do, but to sit down with another technician, another young lady would you believe, Jasmine, (Jimmy must be the only bloke working there) and go through the use for each pair; and the right lenses for both. This took almost as long as the whole testing business did.
When all this was finalized, Jasmine told me the cost, so I paid up and the War Office and I left, she to do a little shopping, and me to wander back to the car, but not before asking me how much it was costing. I told her I’d wait until she was seated, before telling her. She then asked ” Out of my account, or your’s?” I replied “Mine”; “Right!” says she and that’s the last mention of my new specs.
Now I have a small confession to make.
Over the last 40 + years, the War Office has been the official, and only, judge of what I buy to wear; clothing or accessories; and I bow to her selection every time. She has not made one mistake that I can think of, that is why I did not select my new specs on Friday, without her seal of approval.
Now as a special treat and I don’t want you to get all excited, I’m going to show you the pics, that the first lady took of me trying on some of the glasses,
well they’re really the frames I suppose, just 3 pics and I bought two pair, out of the three. One pair is Pewter, one Horn rimmed and the third Gold, now if I were as cluey as disperser I’d run one of those ‘Poll; things and get opinions, but not knowing how, I haven’t, 😥
And the cost?
Don’t ask! 😈
LordBeariOfBow 
You’re only just now developing cataracts? Wow. I was only about 40 when the ophthalmologist told me I had the first signs of cataracts. But they developed so slowly I didn’t have the surgery until about 5 years ago.
Glad you’re getting new specs. Nothing annoys me more than being aware I’m not seeing something as well as I should. If you enjoy reading, you’ll really appreciate updated lenses. My test has long been whether I can easily read the smallest type on the TV screen. (Wish I could say reading, but alas, it’s not true.)
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I think I’m a pretty lucky bloke all things considered. Except for the hearing, which I miss.
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You look right cheeky in those frames. You didn’t tell us which ones you chose, by the way.
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The Horn rims for driving and going out into the world, and the Pewter for reading and computer, I rather prefer the Pewter, I liked the horn rimmed, a reminder of my first pair 40 years ago
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I’m guessing the second and third pair as the first would just be, plainly, a bad choice.
. . . which, knowing you, is the one you made.
Also, I’m glad to see all these extra words used to tell a simple tale as it’s then less likely I’ll get chastised for my own verbose leanings.
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Trouble is I’ve been reading your verbiage for so long now that its starting to rub off on me.
I’ve told Yvonne in response to her question about what I bought, I’m damned if I can see any difference in those in the pics, they all look the same to me. Perhaps I need new ons
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That is one of my goals in life . . . improving the human condition and, in general, people. Glad it’s working.
It’s difficult telling which is which from the photos, but as long as you like what you picked.
I hope that price was for the whole package and not just for the frames.
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That’s only the frames.
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Holy crap on a cracker!
I think my frames were $60.
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I get two pairs of frames for the $299
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Can’t remember which book I recommended but I’m glad to hear you did not enjoy it. That’ll learn you to listen to me. At least I’ve returned you to book reading – wish I could achieve that as easily with my grandchildren.
Can’t tell the difference in the pics – of course, it could also be that my new lenses which I bought specifically for computer use are at the wrong angle for me to see the screen clearly. Not sure if you have private health insurance, but if you do, the way I defray the expense it to claim the frames in the last month of the year, then have the lenses put in the next month and claim again. It means I only get a new pair every two years, but that is usually more than enough.
Gosh! Been years since I went to the Italian Forum. Not exactly hopping is it? Never lived up to its original vision. It didn’t occur to me that it where they put the library!
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I hadn’t given up reading Gwen, I re-read my own books, of which I have many,but it is nice to get a break. I can’ see the point in buying anymore, No one in my family reads – anything, except their text messages. I imagine when I do move on down your way, they’ll either give them to 2 MBS or try to flog them off and buy some new mobile phones grrr.
I think if you click on the first pic rally hard they pop up in a big box and you’d get a better idea. I was too lazy to enlarge them.
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I have a 22 volume set of the complete work of Dickens from a print of around 1905. I have recently sent four volumes to be repaired. Just yesterday I was telling my (step)son that you don’t make that kind of investment for the books to be thrown away, and instructed him who I want the set to go to; unless I have already gifted it in my lifetime. I have to read them all first! Luckily, the actuaries say I have 24.68 years left in which to complete the task 🙂
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Well then you better get started hadn’t you!
Must admit I don’t like Dickens, or Shakespeare particulaly
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I struggle with Shakespeare too. Yet I read such a lot of Dickens in my childhood and teen years, probably because the knowledge of him was a part of our family story. But I must admit I haven’t read much in recent years, so it may have become too wordy meantime. But as reference for social history of the times, which is valuable to me as a writer, then he is practically the authority.
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Wow . . . we’re like two peas in a pod. Never liked them either. I thought I was the only one.
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See we’re compatible after all.
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Naaaw. That’s so sweet. Have I been the catalyst to bring you two onto the same page?
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Yes, we’re best buds now, united in the hate for Shake-the-Spear.
. . . for about ten minutes or however long it takes him to spout some nonsense or other about there beings no Britts.
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Selecting the frames is only the beginning of the hard sell. Next comes photochromic, scratch filters, polarised etc. etc. The cost shoots up faster than an Apollo space craft.
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As I found out, and I didn’t bother with the polarization either 😦
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Oh, My Lord BofB! YOU make those frames look good! All three pair! 🙂
With that beautiful smile of yours, no one will be looking at your new glasses! 🙂
I had to get reading glasses a few years ago. I can still buy the cheap ones in the drugstores and they do just fine.
Oh, I am so worried about Coco! 😦 I send good healing thoughts and wishes to him as he has surgery and as he recovers. My pooch Cooper sends his ❤ to Coco, too.
HUGS!!! 🙂
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Well Coco will be very happy that Coop is worrying about him, Coco is the friendliest dog I’ve ever come across, 😀 🐻 Loves other dogs big or small and humans big or very small.
This is his second big op on a back leg. The other one happened a while back.
Heres a little post about the other time he hurt his leg 😥
https://lordbeariofbow.com/2016/05/29/coco-v-the-magpies/
As for glasses I did try once to buy the chemist/drugstore type but they didn’t work for me. Which is typical :twisted 😀 😥
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Coop and Coco would get along well!
Cooper is very loving and friendly, too. He is part Shih tsu and part Yorkie. 🙂
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What a pretty puppy you must have, the Shih tsu are such sweet little creatures 😀 and Coco much prefers to wag tails with small dogs; 🐻 😈 🙂
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Well done, War Office. My Dad never had anything wrong with his eyes, but his arms got longer. Hope Coco is OK
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Your Dad was very lucky not to have any problems with his eyes, My Dad was very lucky to have me 😈
Your Dad wasn’t a simian by any chance, was he? Long arms ❓ 👿
Been looking for a chance to slip that word in 😀 👿
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You are just monkeying with me, Brian 🙂
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You look wonderful, Hope you feel as well as you look. Oh the glasses look good too.
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Thanks Lisa, my longest/oldest Internet chum/buddy/friend. 😀
You would be the only one left who knew me as beari417, long time Lisa a long long time 😀 Thanks for being there. 🐻
I hope you are feeling well and not being plagued with more ticker trouble.
Take care and have a happy Thanksgiving with all your children and grandchildren. 🐻
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I’m sure you paid an arm and a leg for those glasses—some glam! Very policical of you to let your wife do the choosing!
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Also very safe too thanks Diane.
But seriously I trust her judgment over mine any day. I’m inclined to go a bit over the top. She puts it slightly different. “You go stupid!” 😀
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I hate wearing glasses and I hate false teeth. Love the smile. Now you haven’t an excuse to read that Matthew Flinders book I told you.
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I wear both because I have to. After my gastrectomy God aks Dr Sandroussi told me to expect the last of my teeth to fall out; seems everything shrinks. And he was right, six months after the op I paid my last visit to my dentist. Actually I could have just lifted them out but I, in other words the War Office, decided that I bet have them removed by a dentist.
Can’t recall you mentioning a book about Matt Flinders.
I’ve been on friendly terms with a prosthetic dentist for more years than I care to remember, and he fixed me up with my big grin! 😀 better than walking around gummy.
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“My Love Must Wait” by Ernestine Hill. Get thee to a library.
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Is it fact or fiction? If it’s fiction I shall not bother! 👿
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She researched the facts extensively and then told it as a story. As a fan of Matthew’s I found it gave many details that were hard to get from more dour readings. But as you wish,
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I shall make a note of it and if the library has a copy then I shall get it and read it. I must admit though that if it seems to be going off course. (to use a nautical expression which under the circumstances…..) I shall change course 180° to starb’d and return to port! 😈
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Hullo again! I’ve just recently seen the eye doc, too. Glaucoma runs in my family, so I try to keep an annual check on my eyes, though it had been several years. Nice frames…but you’re keeping us in suspense about which two you chose.
What really got me is the idea of yanks always sounding like yanks. I have yanks asking me where I’m from and if I’m British. I don’t really know what I sound like, nor do I really want to. Sometimes ignorance is bliss.
But my good eye news is no glaucoma and no cataracts. If you are only just now developing cataracts, your eyes are healthy. And tough!
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Yes PiedType actually told me something similar about the cataracts, so seems I’m very fortunate in never having had that problem.
Would you believe that I have no idea what on earth cataracts are?
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I wasn’t exactly sure either, until last week when a pleasant woman administering eye sight tests explained it to me. But sometimes babies are born with them, she also told me.
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Well if Yanks ask you if you’re ‘British’ you must be speaking properly. By the bye; there really isn’t any such thing as a ‘British Accent’ because there is not really a country called Britain; there is a group of countries clumped together known as Great Britain,. That is England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Each country having it’s own way of speaking and England having many,many different accents. So whenever someone asks if you are British ask them to be more explicit, throw it right back at them, then gloat. I would 👿 😈 🐻 🐱
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You’re completely right. And I understand this of course. Most yanks don’t. So they use the term “British accent.” Sometimes I am more of a London City, and sometimes I’m more full-on East End. Occasionally even a tad of Yorkshire…
You’re right. Give ’em hell by asking them to explain themselves. Amusing…
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…and a lot more fun 🐱 🐻
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I’ve been told I have glaucoma too. And I have been told by someone in the spectacle industry that those frames cost about $2 to make. But I suppose that’s where Jimmy gets his wages from. The difference.
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I can believe that about the frames costing $2 to make, wouldn’t surprise me if they were less. Probably the biggest % of what we buy is produced/manufacted in so called 3rd world countries by what we might well call s;ave labour.
Thank you for dropping by and commenting 😀 🐻
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Great looking glasses! your eyes and smile are charming, too. Along with the snow-white hair, you look rather dapper, Brian! I haven’t had my glasses (lenses) changed since before I retired in 2011. I’ve had my current frames for decades, and haven’t seen anything I like better. Hoping all went well with Coco’s operation. 🙂
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Coco is on the operating table as I reply 😥
It’s 2 pm and I keep looking down beside me and he’s not there and I’m miserable, and miss him 😦
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Oh, healing thoughts to Coco.
Trying on glasses is weird as you really can’t see what you look like because you need glasses …and the stickers don’t help at all. Good choices of frames. (There are now several online “markets” for nice frames that are much cheaper. Stylish but sometimes the workmanship of putting the pieces/sides together aren’t as good a quality. Too much gap in the wrong hinge place and the darn things will fall off all the time and cannot be adjusted to do otherwise. If you are lucky they work fine at a better price.)
Being able to see well make reading so much more enjoyable.
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That’s why the lady in the shop looking after me took the pictures with the frames so that I could put my specs on and have a gig.
Frames for some unknown reason are very expensive compared to say the US, but then we’re mugs here and will pay the insane prices instead of telling the optometrists where they can shove them.
Be glad when I get them later this week I didn’t realize how useless my present specs have become 😀
Had a call from the vet surgeon who operated on my Coco, to say that the operation was a complete success and that I can have home home with me tomorrow. It will seem like forever, I miss him badly, he is always at my feet, except when my daughter takes him for a run in the park and a swim.
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Smiles at the pup news!
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there will be more than big smiles when I get him home; there are big hugs and kisses in store for him, and he sure loves those 😀 🐻
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I had to have cataracts treated way, way back. It was only when they were cleared that I could see how much there had been that I couldn’t see. The pewter ones go well with blogging — as in com pewter!
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obviously my motive in selecting them.
Not true, wish I’d have thought of that; ever given thought to renaming your sight
King of Corn???
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Well, I do go off pop every now and again. Mainly at politicians.
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