Thursday

Aug 30, 2001

modern denistry

Dental work. New crown work. Both expensive and painful. What could be better, I ask? Actually, I'm lucky to live in a place and time and financial situation where I can afford the medical and dental care I need. Where mostly I live pain-free.

It's raining when I take off for the dentist.

And rainy when I return...to hole up with numb mouth, drooling over mashed potatoes. The DSL goes down in the afternoon, a result of thunderstorms. After a while, I boot the modem and 'voilà' back we are. Good Right Arm needs a full time IT specialist. But only has me, it seems.

Gradually, my numbness subsides. And, I'm glad to be alive in an era of modern denistry and electronic gadgets. My temporary crowns seem to expand and contract in an oddly pleasing way when struck by alcohol. I organize hanging out at Fonda San Miguel, eating and drinking with friends. And then a viewing of Casablanca which never fails to amuse. We are lucky. We live where we do. Life is good.

fountain frolics, near the Portland Spirit dock

Meta: I'm back to the rhythm of doing this page on this computer with instant access to the Internet. It's tougher when traveling.

Keys on the keyboard. Like teeth.
One doesn't consider them. The keys slip under the fingers making words, just as the teeth magically intercept and process food and provide a baffle for making words. Words out loud, words streaming. From just typing. Or just speaking.