A few things....

I was diagnosed with an eye disease called Fuchs Corneal Dystrophy about two years ago.  When I went for my yearly check-up a couple of weeks ago, I was told that my corneas had quite a bit of swelling and was given eye drops to reduce the swelling.  I was referred to an eye surgeon who specializes in corneal cell transplant surgery and will be going to that appointment in 3 weeks.  My eyes have progressively gotten worse over the last three years so if this surgery will help me I am willing to have it done.  Since this eye disease is hereditary, it is important that my children know about it.  Neither of my parents was ever diagnosed with the condition but it is a fairly new disease that went undetected many years ago.  Here is a brief synopsis of the disease:

Fuchs' Dystrophy isn't well-known, since only about 1% of people have it.  It's an eye DISEASE, and needs to be monitored accordingly. When you have fuchs' dystrophy the cells in an inner layer of the cornea called the "endothelium" start dying off (sometimes this disease is called "Endothelial Dystrophy"). Since these cells pump the water out of the eye, the cornea fills up with water and swells. The cornea is the "window" of the eye, and assimilates the light, so the more advanced the fuchs' dystrophy is the blurrier and more indistinct your vision will be.

In order for YOU to have Fuchs' Corneal Dystrophy, at least ONE of your parents had the gene.  Keep in mind also that the equipment used to detect fuchs' dystrophy wasn't common in eye doctors offices many years ago.  Because it's genetic, it also means that if you have any siblings or children they should be checked over on an annual basis to see if they have inherited it. They may be looked over today and be declared "fuchs' dystrophy free"; but they may have the gene and not have it developed to the point where it can be detected; it may show up years later (hence the annual checkups for it) or it may never be diagnosed at all (even if looking for it) and be passed on to their children.

(The picture above is the way it is when I drive at night - this is why I try to avoid night driving if at all possible)

Here are the symptons of this lovely disease:
Watery burning eyes (especially in the sun)
Haze around lights
Blurry vision
  
Now onto a more pleasant subject:
I have become obsessed with a series on PBS on Masterpiece Theater called Downtown Abbey.  I am not normally a big PBS fan but a few of my friends recommended it and now I am hooked.  (Shauna I know you hate it)

Downtown Abbey - It is soooo GOOD!

  My daughter-in-law Kristine, has opened an Etsy shop of make-up bags and brush rolls.  She really has done an amazing job with these and is a very talented seamstress.  I love her fabric choices so hop on over to her shop  and see what you think.  I know you will be impressed!