Dental cost in US

 Of course I had to find out what the cost would be in the US for what I am having done. 

"For a completely new set of top and bottom dentures—utilizing the 2 dental implants you already have in place on your bottom jaw—the total estimated out-of-pocket cost in the US typically ranges from $4,000 to $10,000.

Because you already have the two lower implants surgically placed, your expense on the bottom is strictly for the prosthetic work and connections. Meanwhile, the top jaw will receive a standard, traditional removable denture."

My life in South Texas...

 I forgot to relate one whole episode of something I am surprisingly looking forward to! New dentures! Butch's best friend and pool partner, Paul K. was going to Mexico to get a very large amount of dental work done. He is in the process of getting 6 extractions, 5 root canals and 10 crowns for 7k. 

I had some trouble getting some meds I needed in the US so I asked if I could ride down with him. He was having two hours worth of work done but I figured I could shop and I toyed with the idea of asking about getting new dentures. I got my meds and then went back to Dr. Mustre's office. This is where most of my friends that I know go to get work done. In my discussion with them they told me it depended on if you wanted top's, bottoms or both. I have had mine for about 30 years and I can almost see through them in a few places so they escorted me to a chair to have a look. I was told for tops only it would be $450. I have implants, also 30 years old. He said to get everything to blend well, both should be done and I agreed. So 3 visits, would be $1200. I thought that sounded reasonable. It is early in the season here and it is much easier to get appointments lined up now than later. 

He said we could get started now if I was willing and I agreed wholeheartedly. So all of the preliminaries have been attended to and I will get them next time we go down, which is next Tuesday! When he was looking things over, he did some cleanup and changed out my O-rings. I already feel like I have new teeth just with that procedure!

Now for all the questions about the safety of doing this in Mexico.  Dr. Mustre has offices in Progresso and the US. His office is pristine. I took a couple of photos while I was there.

Almost all of my friends go to Mustre. Butch's brother Bill and his wife Jo went to him when they came here. The photo isn't the best. If this office could be lifted out and placed anywhere in the US it would stand up to all scrutiny. I will get some better pics when we go back Tuesday. Dr Mustre has patients of all ages fly down to have their dental work done. I am not the least bit leery of having this done. And neither is Paul!

I have no idea how much this would all cost in Iowa but if you know let me know!

My Morning walk

 I walked from 7:04 to 8:15. I had to slow up a bit. Too much,too soon. I took some photos along the way. 

It's a hard to tell but this is cabbage. Crops grow on the east side of the park.

Beautiful sky this morning and the temp is 71 degrees

Later in the season there will be other people walking too.

I am going to label this one "At the end of lonely street" My friend Renie and her hubby Alex own the first place on the left. There are only two people actively living on the entire street and they are on the far end.

I have a 10:15 Doctor appt. (Tummy issues) and a 2:30 haircut appt. At my age it takes awhile to attend to all the body issues.

Last I knew Jason was safely in Peculiar Missouri with his brother Gary, playing Pickle Ball and Golf.

My friend and neighbor Gail is going to paint my rustic chickens. She has started on the first one and it looks fantastic! I can hardly wait to show you. This is a before pic of the hen and rooster.

Gail has finished with the first one. I love it!! Who would have thought, as rustic as they were, that they could shine up like that. She is now working on the rooster.

Its definite! It is cabbage and the difference of growth in one day is surprising.

I walked again this morning. Increasing my distance a bit each day. It feels good to get fired up by a walk. And the weather is perfect at 7:30 AM

Better Luck...

 Next week!

No one showed up for Doubles Pool. Not too surprising since the park is short of citizens at the moment. It will fill up fast. It always does. Personally I enjoy being here early so I can get my shit together and feel somewhat grounded.

Today I am going to the pool hall to meet up with Barb U. and play a few rounds. Barb U. is our sub for league play. Renie will be here soon and we can get all of this rolling.

Today I started my walking routine and neighbor Ron, who is the watch keeper of the neighborhood said, "I wondered when you were going to start." I have started!

Jason is enroute to Iowa. Last I knew he was stopping for a rest overnight. I hate to call him when he is on the move for obvious reasons even though he doesn't seem to mind. He will call me when he can safely.

I have these two on my dash. I purchased the one on the left and Jason made me the one on the right. They quiver, shake and appear to communicate with each other. I entertain easily!

Till next time...

Settled

 I am settled in and now it is merely what do I dive into next. My Evergreen friends would be surprised to know I have yet to play pool with the exception of playing a few games with Jason when I was very tired. I do not know if I am an exception but when I play a competitive anything I have to be settled and rested to have good results. I am thinking I will go to the pool hall today to knock some balls around to see how it feels. And tomorrow we are starting mixed Doubles. Paul has said yes to being my partner and I don't want him to be sorry he agreed.

Jason left to go back to Iowa. He had a great time here, made new friends and enjoyed every minute. He helped me beyond belief and I am very grateful. I texted him a little bit ago and he made it to San Antonio in 4 hours. That is going at a pretty good clip!

We ate out a few times at the El Dorado in Alamo. It was always a favorite of me and Butch. It has held up over the years. Jason ordered a Seafood Combo. We shared and it was plenty for both of us.

Happy Hour with Bill and Sandi is in full swing. From 4:00 to 5:00 we solve all the troubles of the world. Rules are, no politics, no religion, no gossip. Definition of gossip: It means to chat, idle, or spread stories about another person's private life.We adhere to these guidelines and everyone goes home happy. We are a family and do our best to care for our friends at Trophy. Currently, we are having a great time wishing our friends a good time coming back to our Winter home.

Trivia doesn't start until November 10th. That is a Tuesday at 6:30 PM.

A sidelight: if you are wanting to rent a car from  Enterprise call a few days ahead to reserve a vehicle. Jason had a heck of a time. He finally managed but he drove a Jeep home!

Take care and check in now and then!

Time marches on

 And time waits for no one! The first week of arriving is always a test of stamina. My first week will be up come Monday and with that in mind we have come a long way. Jason has done so much! The house is cleaned both inside and out, he knows his way around the kitchen, every little thing that might need fixed is fixed. It is far more than Butch and I would get done in a short time. I am very grateful!

The saddest news we ever heard was that Dirty Al's is closed in McAllen! The one on South Padre is still in business but that is a 70 mile drive.

Jason is headed back tomorrow. I will miss him and so will the guys in the pool hall. His level of play is right up there with the best of them. Before he gets too big- headed not everyone is here yet.

Leo sent me these pics of his tree's.  Beautiful!

It is either Wiley or Callie who both live in Peculiar MO.

My neighbor Gail. 

My neighbors Bill and Sandi

I must get back in the Blog and picture groove.

I feel a nap coming on.

Till next time.

Trip info

 Smooth sailing most of the trip. A couple of minor glitches but doesn't everyone? Unless you've made multiple trips on the same route.

We stopped in Missouri at Gary and Susan's place. Played several rounds of Wizard and laid eyes on Amanda and the not so young, youngsters Elise and Leo. It had been quite a while since I had seen them and they have grown and matured ever so much!

Jason and I stayed in Mineral Wells Texas on our second night. Sometimes I put things in my blog for future reference. On Monday we pulled into Trophy Gardens about 3:00 PM and hit the ground running. We took time out for Happy Hour at 4:00 PM. A person forgets all the details of settling in. Warmly greeted by many as usual. It is good to be back and see all of my friends. It takes me about a week to settle in as I remember.

Jason and I played pool. When I caved from weariness, Jason played with the big boys and held his own well. They soon knew by his play that he was Butch's son. And the first thing they asked was how long he was staying. You see one of the first things that happens in the fall is choosing partners for team play. Jason does well at holding his own.

To be continued: