Out and About (Sort of): Blurriness by Howard Freedlander

Spying takes eyesight and instinct. I learned how particularly important the former is last week.

You may wonder why Out and About (Sort of) did not appear on Tuesday. It’s entirely possible you did not wonder. We all have busy lives.

Last Wednesday I had a second cataract operation, this one on my left eye. The result, not uncommonly, generated annoying blurriness. As of the past Sunday, when I normally write my column, I could barely see the keyboard on my laptop. I asked Dave Wheelan for a momentary leave of absence.

The blurriness has dissipated. Thank goodness. I can resume cultivating my addiction to writing innumerable emails and my weekly Spy column. I have no excuses for spelling and grammatical errors.

To be a bit serious, I had little or no idea how disabling blurred eyesight can be to your lifestyle and psyche. I spent many hours in a darkened room to shield me from bothersome glare.

Extroverts do not normally hide away in a cave-like fashion.

So, I’m back in the saddle. I feel reinvigorated. My blurry perspective on life has diminished. Of course, that does not mean that my family believes that my perspective is any more sensible or clearer. or even correct at times.

Spycraft takes keen observation and insight. I think I’m up to the mission.

Columnist Howard Freedlander retired in 2011 as Deputy State Treasurer of the State of Maryland. Previously, he was the executive officer of the Maryland National Guard. He also served as community editor for Chesapeake Publishing, lastly at the Queen Anne’s Record-Observer. In retirement, Howard serves on the boards of several non-profits on the Eastern Shore, Annapolis and Philadelphia.