: I Can See Clearly Now
Well, at least for objects (or people or animals) closer than 3 feet or so. But I’m getting ahead of myself, so let’s rewind a bit. . . .
Last fall I was driving home in the rain and things seemed a bit blurry to me. I assumed that this was due to my lax eye-glasses cleaning tendencies. But no-o-o-sey. In yet another one of these marvelous age related things, I had cataracts – in both eyes no less. Not to worry – modern medicine to the rescue! Fixing cataracts is now roughly equivalent to going to the DMV and getting your license renewed – in some respects easier. You go to the River Drive Surgery & Laser Center in Elmwood Park, you sign in, you wait a few minutes, they call your name, they take you in, you endure some moderate discomfort, and then they give you a fig newton and some apple juice. Hah! Try asking for a fig newton at the DMV after you get your license renewed, see how far that gets you.
But this is not the end of the story. Modern medicine now gives you the choice of fixing and/or altering your vision – for an additional fee of course. You get your choice. You can optimize for near distance or far distance. Since I spend a lot of time composing music in front of a computer screen, I opted for near distance. This is also great for reading. What I didn’t realize is that “far distance” – at least for my eyes – is anything greater then roughly 3 feet (that’s one meter for those more accustomed to metric units). Everything beyond that is a bit blurry. But that’s OK, especially around the house. If the kitchen table or living room couch is a bit blurry, I can get around just fine.
Until I turn on the TV – which is inconveniently located much further than 3 feet. Uh-oh, I can’t read the closed caption. Now where did I leave my glasses? Let’s see – did I leave them where I should have (by the piano)? Nope. Think, think – when did I take them off? Did I take them off by the downstairs computer? Nope? Did I take them off by the upstairs computer or the bedroom? Nope and nope. Where else might they be? The fact that my vision is a bit blurry is not helping matters. Hmmm. Maybe the kitchen table? Tada! There they are!
Now I can watch that Law & Order re-run. BOOM! BOOM!
Oh, I almost forgot. The rain is gone.
BTW, I would be negligent if I did not mention that Lisa also had her cataracts removed, but she opted for improved far distance sight. Between the two of us we can see it all. . . . .
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August 10th, Saturday, 9:00PM-1:00AM – Better Off Dead at The Great Notch Inn, Route 46, Little Falls (973) 256-7742
In spite of the ongoing road work, the Notch *is* open and this Saturday looks to be a great clear night. I’m sadly gonna miss it, but for those of you going to the Montclair Jazz Festival to hear Bettye Lavette & Eddie Palmieri, I encourage you to came over afterwards for a good rock & roll “palate cleanser”.
http://www.betteroffdead.com/home.htm/
http://www.agreatertown.com/little_falls_nj/great_notch_inn_new_jerseys_rockin_roadhouse_00089580
August 24th, Saturday, 7:00PM-8:30 – Shuffle Jump & Moan at The Jack Alter Fort Lee Community Center, 1355 Inwood Terrace , Fort Lee , NJ 07024
This event is listed as Movies & Music Under the Stars 2019. I don’t know what the movie is going to be, but the music will be just fine. Seating is limited so please bring a lawn chair or blanket.
https://www.fortleenj.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=318
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shuffle-Jump-Moan/379081422265206?fref=ts
August 30th, Friday, 8:00PM-11:00 – Shuffle Jump & Moan at The Shillelagh Club, 648 Prospect Ave, West Orange, (973) 509-1134
For the longest time, I’ve driven by this location and assumed that it was a private club, but that is not the case. And with a name like The Shillelagh Club, you might draw the obvious conclusion that they only feature a particular type of ethnic music, but that is also not the case. The Shillelagh Club happily welcomes visitors of all ethnicities with open Irish arms, has good burgers & fries, and a good selection of beverages (if you are so inclined).
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shuffle-Jump-Moan/379081422265206?fref=ts
https://www.facebook.com/ShillelaghClub/