The Evil Eye

mainly sunny, mild, temps 20

Came in to Montreal yesterday - quite a stressful drive. We were worried about Michael's conjunctivitis (pink eye) - especially since he has glaucoma and his eyes are quite fragile. So we called first thing in the morning and his eye doctor agreed to see him - but said he had to leave at 11:30 for hospital rounds.

We hopped in the car and raced into town...at least, our hearts were racing, the car, not so much. We ran into traffic, of course - and construction. It felt like a cheap thriller...watching the minutes tick down..no pyro-technics, no car chases, no mad-dash...indeed, nothing happening at all. Just sitting in traffic...worrying. Michael called every 15 minutes with an update. Finally got to the Champlain Bridge with 10 minutes to go...we might just make it! And boom - construction. Bumper-to-bumper traffic over the bridge. aieehhh.

We got over and through it. three minutes to go. along rue Notre Dame, up Guy - a truck had become stuck under an over-pass! Honestly! Some days. We finally got to the medical buidling, I let Michael off...we were just past 11:30. He ran to the elevators (which, thank God, were actually working) while I looked for parking.

The wonderful receptionist at Dr. Cohen's office had made sure the Doctor was still there!

Thank God, because it wasn't conjunctivitis but his eye was actually leaking! We'd never heard of it before...but it seems there was a tear in it. Could he have been running with sissors again? Doc C. said if he'd left it many more hours he'd have lost the eye. Phew!!! So now he's on a bunch of drops - one of which constricts and closes the tear.

Can't believe how lucky we were! Frankly, had we not already been coming in to Montreal we might have waited until Monday - and that would have been a disaster. And Doc. C might have had to leave the office, or been on holiday...

But it has all worked out. Going in again Monday at 1pm for a check-up. How fortunate we are in our system that allows such easy and fast access to specialists. We pay for it, of course, with our taxes...but days like yesterday (and others) make it clear every penny is worth it. I'm sure there are wastes, and loads of problems...we've all experienced those too - but not system run by people will be perfect, or even close. But Michael and I are deeply grateful it worked for us so well.

Had sushi again for dinner last night. Oh, wanted to mention the night before, back in Sutton, I watched a very old movie (1937) and loved it...quite dated, of course...fairly mannered and stilted and not the most glorious writing - but it sure was fun. It was Topper...with Cary Grant and Roland Young. The original black and white version, not the controversial colorized one. We also have Topper Returns (original too) to watch.

I'd rented Witches of Eastwick from our local Montreal video store...we sat on the bed with our sushi and watched. To be honest, I didn't enjoy it. I remember loving it when it first came out, but this time I found Jack Nicholson's character utterly appalling. In fact, so disgusting it was hard to watch. Hard to believe three smart, strong women characters played by Cher, Michelle Pfieffer and Susan Sarandon could be attracted to him at all - even if charmed.

We're just waiting for a piece of furniture to arrive then it's back to Sutton for the weekend. Having breakfast tomorrow morning with Joan.

I'll let you know about Michael's eye...thankfully he's used to putting drops in and very disciplined about it. Between us we'll remember the timetable. His eye already looks a lot less puffy.

We're so lucky.

Hope you're well. And a huge hug and kiss to Carol and David in London!!!