Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Vitreous Floater

At my annual eye exam yesterday I discovered that the pinpoint shadow in my left eye doesn't mean I'm going blind (phew!) just that I have a vitreous floater.

The doctor explained that in the eye there's this gel and sometimes it detaches from the retina. When it does this, you get a "floater." As long as it's not pulling on the retina it's not a big deal (it's not). If however, it changes (gets bigger, becomes a cobweb) or I wake up one morning with a whole bunch, or I suddenly see flashing light or a curtain type shadow, then I am to get myself to the Vic immediately, as they have an eye specialist on call there, who would be able to do urgent laser surgery or something gross. But only if it changes. For now everything is fine with my eyes.

It doesn't hurt, it's more of a nuisance than anything else, particularly when I'm reading. I'm glad it's not a big deal, just something to watch.

Sunday, August 07, 2011

Jean Paul Gaultier

Last Thursday night I visited the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts Jean Paul Gaultier exhibition.

If you're in any way interested in fashion, this is an extraordinary exhibit. All but about 3 outfits on display were close enough that you could see the feathers move when you breathed on them, you could see the fabrics move as they glided around the automated catwalk. Unless you're rich/famous enough to go to an haute couturier for your clothing or you're a top runway model, you will never be this close to these kinds of works of art - not even if your attending a fashion show in the front row.

To hear Jean Paul Gaultier's history and learn how he got into fashion was interesting. But to see clothing from, I believe, all of his collections was such a treat! I took the guided tour (free with admission!) and it was worth the time. The museum guide had obviously done a lot of research on the subject and was able to provide a few funny anecdotes. The tour took about an hour and then I went back through the exhibit and spent another entire hour just losing myself in each piece. Granted, they weren't all to my taste but honestly, there were some clothes there that I would give a limb for. So beautiful, so elegant, just soooo wonderful.

At the end of the guided tour, one of the little old ladies in our group mentioned to the guide (and rest of the group) that she'd actually met Jean Paul Gaultier, nearly 30 years ago, just as he was starting at one of the French designers atelier. She remembered that he (JPG) had a great sense of humour and was one of these people that are really passionate about every aspect of fashion and clothes design, even back then when he was just starting.

Admission to the museum is $15, and considering I spent 2 hours there, I'd say it was well worth the money. Definitely better than going to see a movie.

Updates from Bill & Gigi

My Dad is able to post updates on his blog himself this time around, so check out Will Bill In India for their news.

Friday, August 05, 2011

Safe & Sound

My parents sent an email telling us that they've arrived in India:

"We left Montreal at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday and arrived at school at 7:45 a.m Friday morning. We haven't been to bed since we got up Wednesday morning.

The flights were good and long! The taxi ride was almost 7 hours from Bangalore to school. We had a nap and are getting adjusted.

We saw deer, elephants, peacocks, bison, and a wild boar as we drove through the game reserve."


So, safe and sound. Phew!

Monday, August 01, 2011

See you later ... much later!

In a strange twist of fate, my parents this time are the ones saying goodbye and see you later. They'll be leaving this week to spend 5 months in India. (Lucky so-and-so's ...)

They're going to the same school my Dad volunteered at four years ago. My Dad had such a good experience that he wanted to do it again, and there was no way my Mom was going to let him go alone. Well, they're off!

Last night we managed to squeeze in a little goodbye dinner with the whole family. Here's a picture. Nick, Sue & the kids were on their way back from their vacation in PEI, so we were able to have an extended family dinner, with Sue's parents (Hi Barry & Renée) joining us too.

I'm excited for my parents and can't wait to hear, read and see all about their adventure - together this time. (Hint - Mom & Dad: take more pictures than you think necessary.)

Have fun! We'll miss you!