Sunday, November 10, 2013

The world through new eyes

This morning we woke up to the most beautiful weather, clear, sunny and crisp – so crisp indeed that we may well have had our first touch of frost this autumn. However it wasn't until after lunch that I was able to force  persuade DH to come out with me for a walk round the fields.

It wasn’t a long walk, as everywhere is very soggy after so much rain, but I wasn’t in a hurry. There was just so much to see and marvel at, in fresh and startling detail. The sight in my right eye isn’t perfect yet, but it’s so much better than it has been for years that I can again use it to look through the viewfinder of my camera. A little thing perhaps, but it has brought me so much pleasure and satisfaction. I even think the photos are clearer too. J

The old homestead

Sorry to disturb you, ladies
Living fretwork

Mid-Wales valleys and hills

Shapes and textures

Proud against the sky

Beauty in small things too 

Autumn colour at last

Nature's subtlety

62 comments:

  1. Hi Perpetua, I just found your blog last night and am a new follower. Thank you for sharing these photos of your walk; you live in a really beautiful place.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jennifer and welcome to my blog. Yes, Mid-Wales is very beautiful and very green, probably a great contrast to New Mexico. One of the many joys of blogging is getting to know people who live in such different places. Off now to explore your blog.

      Delete
  2. Dear Perpetua, I am so glad the operation went well. It is wonderful getting used to the clearness of sight, especially when it is just in one eye. The scenery is beautiful, and I would like to paint one of the pictures. May I have your permission to save one of them, and try to capture it with the paint brush some time in the new year? Blessings to you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lovely to see you back commenting, Bonnie, and of course you may use any or all of my photos. Do you want me to send you the full-sized version? If so, just contact me (link in my profile) and I'll happily email it to you. I'm having such fun looking at the world properly again, even though I have the beginnings of a cataract in the other eye and will have to have that dealt with one day.

      Delete
  3. A perfect day for a walk. Your pictures are breath-taking - So glad your eye is so much better.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The lack of wind was the crowning touch as I've been told wind isn't good for my eye at first. You and I both know that Mid-Wales is one of the unsung gems of the British countryside and today's was the best kind of weather for appreciating that.

      Delete
  4. Too good an afternoon to miss...and you must have been rejoicing at being able to enjoy it to the full once again.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We've been so starved of sunshine recently that to ignore an entire day of it would have been shameful. It really was wonderful to be able to see so much detail again. Every blade of grass looked special. :-)

      Delete
  5. Yes, glorious day today - I drove from Criccieth over the Berwyns - stunning and inspiring

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Now that must have been a marvellous run, Mark. I know your starting-point well, but not the latter part.

      Delete
  6. Thanks so much for the beautiful photos! I love the personal tour of your lovely countryside. We are enjoying our first blanket of white here on the Canadian prairies and I will be taking my camera for a walk today too. There is something creatively satisfying in capturing some small part of nature's beauty by camera.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you enjoyed them. I was just wandering around very close to home, but we are fortunate to live in a wonderful location. I can't believe you have snow already! It makes me realise how very long your winter must be. I look forward to some photos on your blog. Here only the Scottish mountains have snow, but enough for winter sports to begin early.

      Delete
  7. So glad the op went well and you can enjoy the countryside again with both eyes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, BtoB. It made me realise how very limited my vision has been for quite a long time. Today was wonderful.

      Delete
  8. Lovely lovely pictures Perpetua, especially the first one. How truly beautiful, and how wonderful it must be to have regained your sight so well.
    Blessings.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Ray. It feels so good to be seeing things with 2 eyes again. The first photo is of our favourite ash-tree taken from the bathroom window - the best view in the house. :-) Mid-Wales is extraordinarily beautiful and relatively undiscovered.

      Delete
  9. Fabulous photos. How wonderful to be surrounded by so much beauty, especially now that you can appreciate it in full colour and all its glory.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We have always felt so very fortunate to live where we do and never cease to wonder at the landscape around here. However to see it on a sunny day and with new clarity of vision was magical. :-)

      Delete
  10. It is lovely to see that already you are gaining so much from your op:) Beautiful scenery; lovely and green with rolling hills, so much like my old home area in South Otago New Zealand.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I could not have imagined just what a difference the op would make, even to being able to use my camera properly again. :-) I understand that many early settlers in New Zealand felt more at home when the arrived because the countryside was so similar to where they had come from.

      Delete
  11. Mid-Wales when the sun shines, is absolutely glorious and you've captured it perfectly with these photos Perpetua. So glad to hear that your sight continues to improve following the operation. Imagine what everything will look like when you finally get that new pair of glasses :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You must have seen Mid-Wales in all weathers and at all times of year when you were at university here, Ricky, so know just how gorgeous it is year-round. I'm very pleased at how clear my right eye is already, though now very aware that I really do need new glasses. I'll just have to contain my soul in patience until the consultant gives me the go-ahead.

      Delete
  12. So happy to share in your 'wonder'... nature is so beautiful... and we are so lucky to be able to see it. And you are blessed to live in such a beautiful place.

    Also, I had to laugh at your scratch out of the word, *force*, and add *persuade*... that's exactly what I do with my DH each time we take a walk.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exactly, rian. Sight is so precious and to have it restored like this is truly wonderful. I qalways love where we live but it's great to be able to see it again properly.

      As for persuading DH to go for walks, it's only really become possible since his small stroke in September. He now knows he needs to exercise, even if he doesn't want to. :-)

      Delete
  13. Beautiful photos, Perpetua, and it is true, the clarity is quite exceptional! So glad you are out and about and can enjoy it; I would love to be walking in this area. My favourite photo is the Old Homestead - just perfect.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can hardly believe the difference myself, Patricia. Using my left eye for the viewfinder never felt comfortable and I'm sure my photos suffered. Now it feels natural again and it shows. :-) I'm so glad I bullied DH into coming out as we're back to the grey skies and rain again today. I love the old homestead too. That view from the top corner of the field is always stunning.

      Delete
  14. That's wonderful news about your vision and your countryside photos are stellar!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't believe the difference already, Ann, and I'm told it will go on improving. I love photographing the landscape here, and never tire of its changing aspects.

      Delete
  15. So glad you've finally been able to have the op and that it went so well! Are you scheduled for the other eye yet? You photos are beautiful -- really brings the beauty of mid-Wales to life...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was touch and go at one point, Broad, because of a temporary staffing shortage, but we got there. :-) No mention of scheduling the second eye for the time being. It doesn't have a proper cataract yet. and the consultant doesn't want to operate on it until he has to, as it is likely to be just as difficult as the first.

      Of course, you know Mid-Wales, don't you? It's so beautiful - even in the rain. :-)

      Delete
  16. It is exciting to be able to walk with you, Perpetua; all the heightened colors and nuances come to life again for you. Enjoy, dear friend from abroad. Enjoy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's it exactly, Penny. I'm discovering just how many subtleties of colour and detail had become almost invisible to me over the past few years without my realising it. I really enjoyed trying to capture them again with my camera. :-)

      Delete
  17. Lovely photos and how super you can begin to see more clearly what you want to record. As we saw recently you live in a beautiful part of the UK. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so glad you managed to visit Mid-Wales on your recent trip. We think it equals the better- known tourist areas of Wales in its own way, but is much less crowded. :-) I couldn't believe the difference it made being able to use the viewfinder properly again. There'll be no holding me now.....

      Delete
  18. I am so pleased that you are now able to see things a lot clearer than you have done for a long time. The photos are beautiful. Ohh all that lovely green grass makes me realise how much I miss it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's wonderful, Ayak. I kept stopping yesterday just to marvel at little details like sunlight reflecting off a wet blade of grass. :-) I'm sorry my photos make you homesick for the UK. Everything is still very green with so much rain and no frost to speak of as yet.

      Delete
  19. So pleased for you. I'm soaking up the gorgeous saturated colours of the Welsh landscape and having a deep sigh.:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm revelling in it, Anny. The wonderful thing about Mid-Wales is that it doesn't seem to change and will probably look much the same when you finally come to live here. :-)

      Delete
  20. Now for some reason, Perpetua, seeing these beautiful photos through your eyes brought tears to my own. Hugs, Axxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is such a sweet thing to say, Annie. It's so exciting to be able to see things properly again that I'm fizzing over with it. :-) .Yesterday's walk was a revelation.

      Delete
  21. Hi Big Sis
    Lovely photos and I am sure your are particularly enjoying the clear blue skies with your much improved eyesight!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mid-Wales was certainly looking its best yesterday, PolkaDot, and we both enjoyed our walk, frequently interrupted by photo opportunities. I'm glad we went when we did as there is no blue sky today. In fact it's downright dingy. :-)

      Delete
  22. I've enjoyed walking with you. It was a good day to get out when the colours, textures and other details must have been more intense. My eyesight is permanently hazy from the posterior vitreous detachment, but I've got used to it. I often wonder what clear vision would be like. I'm so pleased for you that yours has improved through having this operation.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A little return for all the lovely walks you take me on, Linda. :-) The light was wonderful, very clear and bright, so the detail was stunning to someone who has seen very little with her right eye recently. I'm sorry to hear of your hazy eyesight, which must be so frustrating. I'm getting floaters which is to be expected soon after cataract surgery, but I think I'm more aware of them, because I haven't been able to see such things for so long. i guess my brain will soon learn to ignore them.

      Delete
  23. Hari OM
    Such joy in you words and pictures Perpetua!!! I am smiling for you... the 'shapes and textures' photo is gorgeous. But then so are they all. sigh. YAM xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joy is the exact word, Yam. It has been such a joyful experience to see colours and detail properly again. We are so fortunate to live in a time and place where this is possible. As for the photos, just wait until you can start taking your camera out and about, when you finally get to Scotland....

      Delete
  24. Thankyou for sharing your walk with us Perpetua. It was indeed a very pretty one and I love where you live, it looks idyllic. So glad that your sight is improving and you have a clear vision of all around you. Take care.
    Patricia x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you enjoyed it, Patricia. Most of the time it IS idyllic, as long as the well holds out and the septic tank behaves and we don't get snowed in. :-) I'm so enjoying being able to see much better and hope that the consultant will be pleased with progress when I see him tomorrow.

      Delete
  25. Some beautiful photos P. and what a wonder to see these things with new clarity. I am so pleased for you. Jx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Janice. It really is an extraordinary experience to be able to see everything so clearly again, even though I know I need new glasses. I still can't get over the colours either. :-)

      Delete
  26. It's really odd - even your photos look as if the camera lens has had a cataract op!! They're so clear! OK, so it was a lovely clear, bright day here on Sunday, I admit. I'm so glad for you that everything has come right at last - definitely a case for 'PTL', I think. H xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad you see it too, Helva. It wasn't just the lovely bright day that made the photos so clear. I believe it's because I can now hold the camera comfortably to my right eye again, so there's no hesitation or wobble when I take the shot. I saw the consultant again today and he's very pleased with progress so far.

      Delete
  27. Hi Perpetua, delighted to hear your op has gone well and yes, your photos are stunning. What a lovely part of the world. I envy you your blue sky - ours seems to have been murky and rainy for weeks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Sue, glad you enjoyed them. Yes, Mid-Wales is very beautiful, especially on a day like Sunday. Sadly blue skies and sunshine are proving to be rare this autumn and we've mostly had weather similar to yours. I hope the sun breaks through for you soon.

      Delete
  28. Beautiful, beautiful images :) I am so happy for you that your good sight is being restored x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Annie. It's really wonderful to be able to see so much more clearly. If the weather forecast is right I could be taking pictures of snow-covered hills next week. :-)

      Delete
  29. *happy dance* I'm so pleased that you're up and running around the fields (Julie Andrews steps in here and sings in my version of events). Your pictures are fabulous- that green green grass of Wales may be the result of pouring rain, but it's beautiful when the sun comes out! Enjoy your new vision of life - thank goodness for medical prowess.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just need to dig out my dirndl and apron to complete the picture, MM. :-) I'm glad you enjoyed the photos as I'm really pleased to see that I haven't lost my steady hand after all. It was just having to hold the camera to the wrong eye that was the problem. More seriously, I'm profoundly grateful to the skill and knowledge which results in such a transformation.

      Delete
  30. I think I can hear you grinning from ear to ear revelling in your new improved vision! And better yet to come when it's finally all healed. Wonderful news.

    It was certainly frosty earlier in the day to you took the photos - we cycled one of those distant hills at about 9a.m. and can vouch for that! Very frozen noses and fingers but fantastic clear views all round.

    Spindrift51


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can indeed, Spindrift. I've hardly stopped grinning since Mr B took the bandages off the day after the op. :-) This week he took the stitches out, as it's healing nicely, but I have to carry on with the drops and the activity restrictions until I see him again in mid-December.

      You must have had a lovely ride that morning as it was so incredibly clear and sunny, unlike most mornings recently. Let's hope the predictions of snow next week have been exaggerated. Crisp and frosty is enough for now....

      Delete
  31. Everything looks so nice and green there. We are already seeing the effects of out warm weather.
    Good to see all is going along well for you and it must be exciting to see things with 'fresh' eyes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's been a very green autumn so far, Sue, with so much rain and no frost until very recently. I gather your weather has turned very hot now, even though it's not quite summer. DH and I are feeling so much better now, thanks, and it really is exciting to see the world clearly again and with such colour.

      Delete

I welcome your comments and will always try to respond to them. Thank you for reading.