Remember how I said I had a Mom-and-Daughters Activity planned for my birthday? I wanted to visit Garfield Park Conservatory as it’s been on my list for awhile but I never seem to get out there.
My mom, sister, and I met up there on the first Saturday in May. The timing was perfect as the flowers outside are starting to bloom and the greenhouses are all reopened after all the damage they incurred after a hailstorm a few years back.
I dreaded uploading these photos. Let me explain.
In December, I went to the optometrist. I suspected that, after several years at the same prescription, it was time for an upgrade. The doctor didn’t completely agree and bumped up the prescription in my left eye slightly and told me that my eyes were fine, the prescription was as good as things were going to get (and maybe I should take some vitamins as she was some kind of vitamin-affiliate). I was… frustrated. Then it was tax time so I didn’t bother to order new contacts. Sure, the left eye didn’t see very well but together with my right eye … it was OK. Yes, I know how silly I sound.
So, my left eye doesn’t work as well as my right.* Now we are at the Garfield Park Conservatory with my “good camera” – a DSLR I hold up to my left eye to shoot with. I could use the screen on the back instead, but I prefer holding it to my eye. I’m blissfully taking pictures throughout our visit without paying much attention to the results as I go. Later, I sit down to view them on the screen. Some are QUITE blurry. I’m confused.
Slowly it dawns on me – I’d been holding the camera up to my bad eye, focusing, and taking the photo. While it looked perfect to me (focused with the bad eye) looking at the result with both eyes was notably out of focus. I decided to let the photos sit on the camera for a week or so before uploading. I don’t know how this was going to fix them, but avoidance made me feel a little better.
And then when I uploaded many photos were fine so really, that dramatic backstory was for nothing.
We had a great time walking around – I had no idea how big the Conservatory was – and discussing, amongst other things, the potential name for the newly-born Princess of Cambridge. I believe we picked Anne and Alice so no points for us. I loved the fern room (below) but others loved how so many of the cactii in the cactus room were in bloom.
* I finally ordered new contacts and now I see properly out of both eyes. Good job, Helena.