To follow up from January 2012. In January 2012, I was losing my sight in both eyes after having cataract surgery in 2010. The optometrist, Dr. Schell's attitude always included the words "at your age" it is the best you get. I was 47 at this point. It was another 13 months before I received a YAG, laser surgery to get rid of the scar tissue. Since the Crystal lens is back in your eye, the scar tissue is forced up against the lens and stops it from flexing. I was told this on the day of the Yag surgery, Feb 13, 2013. I no longer could tell when the eye chart was put on the wall, but could see down at the end of a hall. Felt very weird and frustrating that no one understood except the surgeon. I came out the surgery with more light than I could stand. It was amazing, but painful and hard to get through the day. That amount of vision did not last, but in 2016 my prescription remained the same. I definitely need glasses to drive, they annoy me to walk around the house though. Need reading glasses to read newsprint, but not the computer. Still have other problems. In the original surgery on my left eye, there was intense pain(think labour pain). I believe I had problems with the muscle relaxant, which I had noted in my file and spoke to the anesthesiologist about. He just rolled his eyes. He gave me too much for my system, the surgeon commented that my eye was spinning and then pain. I have complained continually that I am missing vision on my left side. I have also flew over the top of items, since they were below my line of vision. In my last appointment (7 years since surgery!), there was mention of a retina tear. There is two lumps in close proximity to the tear, The last optometrist mentioned the lumps might be cancer, the latest says maybe the start of AMD. Still believe it is better than being blind, but not a miracle cure. I do not feel the crystal lens flex like your natural lens. I have been in tense situations and when the other person crosses their arms, I think Great!, they are finally listening. After several different situations of arms being crossed, I know I am missing visual clues!:) Trying to learn patience... Sorry for the long post. Hope it is helpful.

I'm guessing that the "brand names" are rather proprietary, so they don't want folks to buy generics of the same specifications at a cheaper cost. They'd be out of business in no time at all. I've worn "hard" contact lenses for 32 years. Been wearing the gas perms ever since they were "invented." Been there, done that with the monovision - hated it. I have true bifocal gas perms now. They're great! Why not just ask your eye doctor (from whom you got the gas perms) what it would cost for a spare pair? Paula is absolutely correct. For long-term storage of "hard" lenses, you should clean them thoroughly, then put them in a clean, dry contact lens case. Put a piece of tape on the bottom that has the date, and any Rx info that you might have.

If I had to choose between a Polarizing filter (CP for circular polarizer) and a Neutral Density filter (ND), I'd definitely go with the CP first. But usually, or at least often, you buy filters in sets that include CP, ND and UV. I use the UV more as a protection for my lens than anything else. The CP comes in handy for popping color in water and sky and taking reflections off water and glass. The ND filter I have has not shown itself (yet) to be terribly useful for every day use. But ... check out this video I found the other day on extreme ND filter use. How to make traffic disappear. Very cool. Jodi- Here is a link that might be useful: Removing moving objects in bright sunlight

I don't know if they're still in the running, but one style you mentioned, Feiss Urban Renewal, is what I installed in my remodel. I am happy to learn they're being offered again with the white glass shade. I had a mishap - my fault - and broke one of my shades and at the time I contacted Feiss to buy a replacement they were only carrying this fixture with a clear glass shade. I ended up finding a new shade on eBay. I was glad I did because I didn't want clear glass and I didn't want to replace my pendants. I really love them. I love the warmth of the darker metal. I love that the prongs and unusual glass shape are distinctive but that the overall look is clean and unfussy. I also considered schoolhouse fixtures. I have them in our lake kitchen and like them and the diffused light. But I wanted something different here. The glass shade on these cups under a bit on the bottom which minimizes any glare. The bulbs in mine are frosted, not clear. I'm sitting beneath them as I type this - no glare. Good luck with your choice. The elements you've chosen are so nice. Can't wait to see your kitchen.