The first half of this year presented me with some particularly difficult challenges

In January 2025, I had cataract surgery in both eyes, and both eyes developed cornea edema (PBK which occurs in up to 2% of cataract patients).  Drops and ointment have helped my left eye remain clear and, for the most part, healthy.  

My right eye, though, has been, to say the least, problematic. 

Without any other way for the fluid to dissipate, it escaped through my cornea causing very painful unpredictable episodes.  As the frequency and severity of these episodes increased and knowing I have some fabulous trips coming up, my cornea specialist and I decided it was time to have partial cornea transplant surgery (DSAEK).  The first surgery was April 20; a regraft happened May 13.  Recovery has been slow…very slow…yet I am recovering.  Yay!  🥳

Of course, this meant I infrequently picked up my camera, a new Fufifilm XE5.  To get ready for my upcoming adventures – and feeling visually more comfortable – I’ve had a blast capturing images, developing those photographs, and creating some photographic memories.

As I transition from the first half of 2026 to what I hope will be a much less challenging and much more phenomenal second half, I’m sharing my top ten favorite photos from this portion of this year.

Sheila:  She has been my partner, buddy, and companion throughout this trying time.  When I had to lie flat on my back with my nose pointed to the ceiling, Sheila would sleep on my tummy to let me know that she was there for me.  What I like about this photo is how we are both looking straight at each other, with me crouched to catch her on my couch.

Grandson:  One of the hardest parts of these past six months has been physically distancing myself from my grandsons.  With surgeries and recoveries, I feared catching teenager and preschooler illnesses.  This means, of course, that one of the greatest joys of feeling better is spending time with these wonderful boys.  Below is the five-year old, hanging out at my house, after we made crowns and bracelets for us from Plips.  Not shown:  the 16-year beating me at billiards!

Friends:  Throughout this challenging period of time, my friends have surrounded me with love, support, drives, food, hugs, dogsitting, dog walks…whatever I needed, they have been there for me.  The happiness shining on Lara’s face epitomizes the light all of my friends shared with me during this difficult time.  

Drain Cover:  During one of my first back-to-photography photowalks, I spent my time looking for curves.  The curves, colors, and texture of this image delight me.  It felt so good walking around and looking for visual surprises!

Tree Bark:  On another photowalk, I captured the colors, texture, and shadows of the bark on a neighborhood tree.

Grass:  This photo highlights wind, detail, and movement, with some of the flowers in focus and some not.

Trees:  I find the lighting in this photo to be quite engaging and surprising.  To create this image, I practiced using Auto-Exposure Bracketing, a technique I’m now learning.

Circus Vargas Performer: I like how I captured talent and movement with this photo showing the performer’s foot off of the tightrope.

Running Dog:  At Avila Beach, I caught the joy of this dog running on the beach with its paws off of the ground.

Girl with Purse:  I enjoy photographing children, whether they’re in the arms of their parents, playing on the beach, or running around.  I avoid, though, posting the faces of children without their parents’ permission.  (My grandson’s mother gave permission for me to post his photo.) What I like about this photo is the blurred adults with a very focused toddler watching the dancing at Concerts in the Plaza, holding her big purse, and clinging to her balloon.  She is, as am I, looking to the future.