Today - Monday - was another day of cooler temperatures here (even below 20'C), but no predicted risk of rain. So a good day for me to walk into town again - this time to revisit the optician's and make my final choice of frames for the new glasses. As some readers may remember, I had taken two frames home with me on loan over the weekend. However, while I did like one of those from the shape and colour of the rim, and how they fit over my nose etc, I felt sceptical about the temples (arms), which were very thin - while I feel more comfortable with having those a bit sturdier...
https://www.readingglasses.com/blogs/news/parts-of-eyeglasses
So when I got to the shop I said I wanted to look at some more frames before I decided; and did so, partly on my own, and partly with help from the optician manning the desk.
While she and I were just discussing another frame she had just found to suggest to me, someone else suddenly turned up beside me and said hello... It took me a second to take in who it was: My old friend Ewa from Karlstad, whom I've known for almost half a century. (Back in our youth we were both living in Karlstad). She is an optician, too - retired since a few years now, but in the summers she has continued to sometimes take on short term temporary jobs in other cities (for the same chain of shops she used to work for). She last filled in for someone in this shop in Borås last summer; and we met up then. But as she told me then that that was the last time that she would be doing that, I had not expected to see her again this year! But she certainly "came in handy" to continue the discussion of my choice of frames now (while her colleague helped another customer instead). As we've known each other for so long, I could hardly have had a more competent "third opinion" for my final choice. ;) ... To sum up, I ended up deciding on a different frame than the two I had been choosing between over the weekend.
As with all the chatting I forgot to take a photo of it, I won't be seeing it again myself until I finally get it back with glasses fitted - which probably won't be until the beginning of August, as the shop will close for summer holidays for a couple of weeks in between.
The photo at the top is a view across the river from the park that I took when I walked back home from town on Saturday. This one with the thistles is the only photo I snapped today. They grew in another (somewhat "wilder") spot along the river.
How lovely to meet an old friend and even more, one who could advise and help you to decide on new frames.
ReplyDeleteJanice, I was so surprised to see her, as she hadn't told me she'd be coming. (Probably not expecting to have much free time.) She in turn was probably surprised to find my name among "active" customers just now... The word "serendipity" comes to mind! ;)
DeleteThat's so nice you got to catch up with an old friend, glasses are expensive here sadly, have a great week.
ReplyDeleteAmy, they don't come cheap here either. I've had the same ones for five years now, though. In the past I have often needed new ones much more frequently.
DeleteWhat a lovely coincidence that an old friend and fellow optician appeared at just the right moment to help you choose the perfect frames
ReplyDeleteRo, it was a very nice surprise to see her - and to get some extra help with my choice as well :)
DeleteI do like thistles. RATS, what a long wait to see your choice!!
ReplyDeleteGinny, I was prepared for that as we're in the summer holiday period. Just happy I got the examination done, and only showing minor changes. I decided on new glasses anyway though, as I've had the old ones for five years.
DeleteHow nice to bump into your friend and have her advise you on the frames!
ReplyDeleteMeike, in our twenties when we were both living in the same town, she was even my optician for a while! (It was in a youth gospel choir that we got to know one another, though.)
DeleteI prefer sturdier arms on my glasses too.
ReplyDeleteRiver, they do somehow feel "safer"... ;)
DeleteCan I swap our weather for yours? I would give anything for it to be 20C. I hope you will be happy with the new glasses. I am sure you'll get used to them quickly.
ReplyDeleteAddy, today at noon we're actually down to around 18C (which suits me just fine, and as I don't have to go anywhere, I won't mind some rain showers either). Alas the prognosis for next week is that we'll then get back up around 30 again. Which direction the cooler weather will then be taking is out of my control, I'm afraid!
DeleteIt's always hard to choose new glasses - but then I find no-one else notices them, not even my family!
ReplyDeleteJenny, that's quite likely to be the case for me this time, too... ;)
DeleteGood you are taking time over your frames. I got new ones recently. Pink and very light weight. However, they dig into my head so they are a bit uncomfortable. Before, my glasses have always been a bit heavier and therefore, they have not been as tight over my ears? I have always had either Sophia Loren or Catherine Deneuve glasses, should have stuck with one of them! Anyway, hope yours are perfect for you.
ReplyDeleteKay, surely your optician should be able to adjust them to a more comfortable fit? I have never had any special brand of frames, that has varied a lot over time. (I have long since lost count of how many pairs I may have been through over half a century, with rather frequent changes in my vision.)
Deleteso glad you got the surprise of your life and had someone who cared to help make the choice. I tried once to get Bob to help me pick but he was just an unneeded frustration.
ReplyDeletefor the past 20 years, I have had the same brand glasses, 5 pair, all identical, frameless and lightweight, they are what I love and they cost way more than the others, but I don't even know I have them on, . I dread the day I will not be able to afford them anymore. They are called silhouette glasses rimless titanium and so very light and comfy.
Sandra, glad you've found a style that you feel works for you. I have usually preferred to "update" style/colour of the frame when time for new glasses anyway. Frameless glasses wouldn't suit me because of one glass being much thicker than the other one.
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