WOW!

I knew my vision was getting worse, but I didn't realize just how bad it really was until I began making some Christmas presents for my dear friends.

I had not used my embroidery machine since July when I hurt my shoulders.  They are upstairs, and those stairs are nicknamed "killer" because they are steep, and the very bottom one can be in a shadow - thus missed. 

The minute I sat down, I realized just how little I can see clearly in my left eye.  That cataract is really bad.  I know I am legally blind in that eye at this point. 

I was so thankful for a GOOD self-threader on the machine I was using.  It pretty much never fails, unlike the other one.  I have almost no depth perception.  Which is why I don't drive the main freeway that links my house with downtown and even church.  I take back roads because that freeway is under construction with extremely skinny lanes and lots of bumps. 

I guess sometime after the first of the year I will see my ophthalmologist for the surgery.  I don't know if it would be worth my while to wait for my next scheduled appointment which is in July.  The retinal doctor thought I would be doing the surgery soon. 

This whole situation with my eyes is so ironic anyway.  When I was teaching, our first week was spent on lab safety.  The kids were instructed to use safety goggles.  I would preach to them just how precious their vision was - "you only have one set of eyeballs."  Now look.  I am losing my vision. 

But the gifts got made, but the get together doesn't seem to be happening.  I put out the original emails and a follow-up, but I looked to them for setting a date and place.  That didn't happen.  If nothing else, I will just put the things away.  I can either participate in the craft show next year - or keep them as gifts either for these friends or someone. 

It was nice to get back to using my machines.  I have a "pig purse" to make for one of the granddaughters and I will do that probably next week.  But it pointed out just how old I am getting and how many faculties are disappearing.  I sat too long the last time pushing to finish, and that hurt my BACK. 

Geesh - getting old isn't for sissies!  I probably won't be back before Christmas - so Merry Christmas to all.

My new or continuing nemisis

Amazon.  While I have to be totally honest - about 99% of my transactions are great, there is still the nagging problem of getting my orders.

Back in early November, I ordered the book Wonder,  Now I know I can go watch the movie, but I don't want to do that for several reasons the primary being I am afraid I will fall in the theater.

That sounds drastic, doesn't it?  With my vision deteriorating as it is doing (now a special kind of cataract that has a "film" on it to further distort vision), I just don't see well with the macular degeneration coupled with glaucoma. Plus, after falling twice in about 2 weeks, well I have had enough.  So I don't want to go to a theater.

I also enjoy reading the book rather than watching parts of it in a movie.  So I ordered it.

Aaaaaannnnnnnnd - it was delivered.  Yes, it surely was.  The only problem, it shows it was delivered to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  Yes, that is a little problem.  I happen to live in the Houston, TEXAS area.  Just next door, doncha know.

So I notified the seller.  Crickets commenced.  I notified the seller again.  Crickets louder.  I did the A-Z guarantee on Amazon.  You guessed it.  And today I requested a refund.  We. Will. See.

I do have to say all the Christmas presents I ordered arrived on time - one early. 

The early one was a problem too when I think about it.  I bought my kids cutting boards to go with the spices I had ordered from another company.  Amazon was out.  So I thought I would be sure to have my name ready when they came in.  We were going to be at the SSB, and if the boards were not in stock, they would be delivered when we got home.  NOPE!  They came on Wednesday when we were gone and not returning until the following Monday.  Fortunately, Krissi could come by to get them so the package gremlins that like to strike didn't get them.  She wanted to know what was in the package, but I put her off - since it was partially her Christmas present!!

So all MAY be good with Amazon.  Hopefully I get my refund, and hopefully, the bra I ordered months ago not knowing it had to come from China will be here on the 14th!