Paint Party Friday - The Ring

Welcome to Paint Party Friday! This is an ACEO (2 1/2" x 3 1/2") in permanent marker outlined with a PITT finepoint marker. I called it 'The Ring' inspired by a photo I saw in a magazine. There is something appealing about a beautiful diamond ring don't you think?

New Eyeglasses

I saw an optometrist at the end of October after a long time.  I had been relying on my opthalmologist for years as I go there to check my cataract annually.  However, the optometrist has more time to do a thorough eye exam as opposed to a specific check.  My prescription had changed slightly so I decided to get new eyeglasses and sunglasses.  The sunglasses weren't even progressive lenses before.  I figure it had been at least 11 years since I changed eyeglasses.  It was time.

I had been removing my old eyeglasses a lot for reading and now with the new prescription I don't have to!  My life has improved in a small way!  The optometrist also had more time for questions.  He told me I was not a candidate for laser eye surgery with the cataract, I had always wondered about that although I never considered that surgery.  If and when the time comes I would get new 'lenses' put inside the eye which would give me perfect eyesight.  They always do both eyes to equalize your vision.

Scribble Picnic - A Few of My Favourite Things

So here are a few of my favourite things for Scribble Picnic today! It is done in my sketchbook in permanent marker, outlined with a PITT finepoint marker. Those favourite things would be 'cheesies, music, my laptop, flowers and chocolates'!  Maybe I should have added my smart phone because that is perhaps more indispensable than a laptop these days, I feel truly lost without it.

On Death Cleaning.

For me number 8 would be the perfect banana how about you?

Here is an interesting article on 'Death Cleaning'. It means decluttering before you go. Some see it as a responsibility, not leaving the burden of your possessions behind for others to clean up.  I asked my daughter to consider getting me 'The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning' by Margareta Magnusson as described in the article.

My Gift Baskets

I made a couple of gift baskets for some special people this year. I am quite pleased with how they turned out! It all started with me finding some nice trays.  The main item in one of them is a silk flower arrangement.  The other has some nice bottles of wine.  Then I added several knick knacks to each basket such as  coasters, straws, ornaments, nuts, and chocolates.  Be careful with adding nuts as some have nut allergies.

The Visit

I borrowed this image above from blogger Sheryl at Handmade Happiness.

Husband M and I went to visit my uncle at the long term care home where he lives, our Chrismas visit I guess.  I always make sure his partner will be there when we visit as he has advancing dementia.  He is on the ward where they are locked in now.   He used to appreciate a box of unsalted cashews but this year I took a poinsettia plant to brighten his room.  They feed him now, he eats more like baby food.  My husband thinks he recognized me, but I can't be sure.  He is lucky to have his partner there with him 5 out of 7 days a week and she stays for 6 hours each day.

The Colonoscopy

I thought some of my readers would be interested to hear about my recent colonoscopy.

The Pico Salax laxative was mild, I took the 2 doses at required times and did a clear liquid diet all the day before.  The specialist performed the colonoscopy at an endoscopy clinic, instead of at the hospital.  If you are under 75 you can choose to have it done outside of the hospital.  It was a quick, it took under an hour  including processing time.  Daughter L took me and signed that she would be responsible for taking me home.  Waking from the knockout anaesthesia, it must have been laughing gas, I had a feeling of euphoria, that all was well with me and the world.  The best part was knowing it was all over.  Earlier on I remember that the doctor was worrying about the weather in Italy and spoke of Liguria, maybe he was going on vacation soon.  I asked him how soon I could eat afterwards, he said 'immediately, anything I want'.  Outside in the waiting room, the receptionist spoke of her fasting while prepping for her own colonoscopy.  Her hubby made a delicious meal that same night and finished it!  She shook her head in puzzlement, why would he do that?  It was a very efficient procedure, I was impressed with this clinic.  I didn't require a follow up appointment with the doctor, my next colonoscopy is recommended in 6 to 8 years.