Two days ago, it was gorgeous weather. Uncovered the Miata and drove with the convertible top down to an eye exam, which I'd had to cancel twice. First time, no coverage for my husband; sons had a business meeting they forgot to put on the calendar. Second cancellation due to five-day stomach flu, during which time I gave up coffee, most foods, and red wine. Slept a lot, felt horrible. Former neighbor came into town to hassle me about our Hurricane Sandy damaged fence. Her major mistake was getting Edith involved, then persisting despite my polite explanation for the fence being low on my list of priorities now.
So, driving to eye doctor, felt like flying or freedom or whatever that is when you feel like the world is incredibly beautiful, trees blooming white and pink, flowers everywhere, birds singing. My vision isn't bad although I wear glasses for driving and watching television. I had filled out the forms, arrived on time, had the exam...and then the opthamologist asked if I could drive if he put the dilation drops in my eyes. Sure, I only live ten minutes away. (Note to self: DO NOT REPEAT THIS MISTAKE.)
I sat in a darkened room while he had assistant put on an eye allergy short video, where people sneezed on popcorn, cats, roses, and feather pillows. Towards the end of it, the room began to look a little trippy. Doctor returns and shines really bright lights into my eyes, tells me my eyes are healthy, then leaves. I'm seeing suns and moons; everything and everyone is glowing. I give the prescription to the optician and feel like I really shouldn't drive. Things are way too bright and I'm not even outside yet. The lady gives me a dark roll of plastic to put underneath my prescription sunglasses, making the world a weird dark orange.
It was rush hour, but I drove home slowly, much to the annoyance of cars behind me. I thought of several signs I could have attached to the back of my car, if I had sign-making materials in the trunk, which I didn't. Arrived home to my husband who was worried SOMETHING BAD HAD HAPPENED and sons who laughed at how dilated my pupils were. Told them to make their own dinner, then watched dumb tv, wearing my sunglasses. Couldn't wait for sundown, feeling like a grouchy vampire.
So, taking care of the caregiver, lots of fun. Got a call this morning from zoning officer that former neighbor called and says I'm refusing to fix my fence. What she doesn't know is that I had spoken with him and several officials at town hall regarding the situation. The fence is on our property and my stance is that I have no problem with them installing a fence on their property, but that I don't want her picking out a fence, installing it in the same place, or "gifting" us a fence just so she can keep a wider driveway, which technically currently encroaches onto our property.
To end on a positive note, I had two pieces of writing published, one in a book and one in a poetry anthology. This coming weekend, we'll be celebrating my mother's 90th birthday. I'm looking forward to a gathering of the clan, some of whom I haven't seen in 8-10 years. My older brother is making the biggest effort, flying from California with his wife and two of their adult children, one of whom is autistic. They will be staying at the place where my daughter and her family live and work. My daughter is arranging for a small refrigerator as well as a TV/DVD. I'm excited and know my mother will be very happy. What I've learned since January regarding family, is that some people love to carry baggage, create drama, make things difficult at every chance. And then, there are those who are helpful.