A VISIT to the DENTIST
In my lifetime I have gone to many dentists, some closed their practices, some I chose to leave for various reasons.

One dentist always yelled at me for not doing a good job, I didn't want to put up with that.

One dentist relocated to an area that was not covenient for me.

One dentist suggested a major procedure that I was not comfortable with.

One dentist was not gentle, as a matter of fact, whatever he did was painful.



DENTIST VISIT by snowriderguy, on Flickr CC BY-NC-ND

Finally, after all these years I have a great dentist - as a matter of fact I have an appointment with him this week.

His office is located across the street from the ocean which is a short distance from my home, doesn't keep me waiting and has a very capable hygienist. Now, you know what happens when you get into the dentist's chair - you try to have a conversation with the hygienist inbetween "open wide" and "rinse." Somehow we manage to comunicate very nicely. She gets my mind off the procedure and before I know it, I'm done.

Once I leave the office, if the weather is good I take myself for a walk along the beach. I get to see mothers with their babies, people walking their dogs, runners, old people walking and some sitting on benches. Me, I walk a little and then pull up a bench.

Before I call it quits I go over to an ice cream stand, have myself a butter pecan ice cream cone, pull up another bench and enjoy the sunshine.

From there it's just a short walk to the library, I pick up some books and head home. I've had a great day and didn't even have to move the car from once spot to another!

How do you feel about going to the dentist?

posted by millie garfield @ 4:01 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 22 comments

 
I Can't Close It: The Suitcase


In this video Millie tries to close her suitcase handle.

Update to the earlier Gin and Raisins story:

Alcohol & Seniors: A new study released by UCLA shows light to moderate consumption of alcohol prevents senior citizens from developing age-related infirmities that can cause elders to be unable to walk or dress and groom themselves.

posted by Steve Garfield @ 7:46 AM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 13 comments

 
"IS ANYBODY THERE?"


It was about 40 years ago that I saw the film "Alfie" which stared Michael Caine in the lead roll. He made such an impression on me that whenever he appeared in a film I had to go see it.

When "Is Anybody There" staring Michael Caine came to town I had to go see it! I hadn't read much about the film but what I did read was that at 76 he was portraying an elderly gentleman and did not want any steps taken to look younger than his age. Sure enough, he looked his age but still looked good to me!

The film is about Clarence Parkinson, a grumpy old traveling magician who reluctantly goes to live in a retirement home. A young couple has converted their home to accommodate the elderly residents. When Clarence arrives at the home the couple's 10 year old son, Edward, played by Bill Milner, has to give up his room to the new resident. He's not happy about that!



Even though Clarence and Edward have a rocky start, their friendship grows, they need each other. Clarence teaches Edward some magic tricks, and the boy helps the magician out of his depression. He even gets Clarence to put on a magic show for the residents. Sometimes things can go wrong and boy, do they ever.

The residents at this retirement home are "old-old" characters. There was one in particular that looked famillar to me. Everytime the camera was on him, his hands were shaking and I was wondering if perhaps that actor really has "a problem."

I was the one that suggested this movie to "the girls" and thought they would enjoy it. As it happens one of "the girls" was VERY upset about the content of the movie. She said,"if I had known what it was about I would not have gone to see it."

Hearing that, and having seen the movie, it got me thinking. It can be too close to home for "a person of a certain age" and can't imagine that "the young people" would care to see it either. With all that said - I'm glad I saw the movie - Watching Michael Caine in this film made me feel that HE was Clarence - just like he made me feel that HE was "Alfie."

posted by millie garfield @ 5:19 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 11 comments

 
Arthritis Remedy: Gin Soaked Raisins

Labels: Arthritis Remedy, Gin Soaked Raisins

posted by Steve Garfield @ 8:00 PM | Permalink | I LOVE COMMENTS >> 16 comments