Kayecita visits the Denista!!!!

I don't know if I can find the words to describe my visit to the Dentist today. While I was out in Idaho I had a filling fall out. I thought about having it taken care of while there, but found out my insurance will only cover work done here in Puerto Rico, and since there was no pain, I decided to wait.

I went to a dentist last Friday, which is another story I will have to tell sometime, and found out that I would need a crown, and a ROOT CANAL. Yikes. To say this was not good news is an understatement. I had a root canal done about 9 months ago in Huntsville. I was so nervous, and wound up, but I was able to get laughing gas at the root doctor (sorry, I can't remember the correct name)

Any who, Dra. Diaz (it is Dra. because the dentist is a woman) referred me to the one specialist in Aguadilla. Marlow made the appointment for Dec 21, we wanted to get it in this year to use the dental deductable this year, and the crown will go on next years deductable. Josh arrived this morning, but my last root canal took less than an hour so I didn't think it would cut into our day too badly. My appointment was at 10 am, and were pleasantly surprised that the waiting room was not filled. We filled out the paperwork, and I was pleased that we shouldn't have a long wait. As 11 came and went I was beginning to wonder if there was anyone in the office. I had heard a drill, but no evidence of anyone other than the receptionist that had us fill out forms.

It was probably about 11:30 when I was asked to come to the back. They didn't want Marlow to come with me, but after he asked if she spoke English, he too was escorted in. The work area was open, reminded me of the orthodontist that Kyle went to where all the exam chairs were lined up in one big open area. I'm used to more private areas at our Dentist office. The office was clean and the equipment seemed pretty modern compared to the first dentist I saw. The assistant talked with Marlow, took a few xrays, and then we once again played the waiting game.

As far as I can tell they work on one patient at a time, until they are completely done, paper work and all. Even after the first patient was gone the dentist just wandered around doing who knows what. He finally came to me maybe about 12:10. He was about ready to numb me when I asked if he had laughing gas, at which point he gave me quite a lecture. He basically told me no, and if I wasn't brave enough to do it, the only alternative was put me out with an IV, and that would take a very long time. So.....I put on my big girl panties and dealt with it.

I was given plenty of time to go numb, the Dr returns, and I'm geared up to be brave. He sits down, and then says, "Are you in a hurry? I have a couple of really important phone calls I need to make, and I need a cup of coffee before I start." 40 minutes later he comes back to start. I then find out that he is only going to do 1 root today, and schedule another appoint to do the other root..... NO WAY!!!!!!

We tell him that we'd like it all done in one visit, and he says if I do okay with one he'll do both. I think after seeing me whine about the gas he figures I can't endure a long session. Anyway, he starts a little after 1, and I think he finishes about 2:30. But then it took forever to get paperwork done, and the xrays ready to go back to my dentist that has to do the crown. We didn't head home til 3. FIVE hours at the dentist. I felt so bad that Marlow missed so much work, I had no idea what an ordeal it would be.

Trunk or Treat

The Branch President asked me to plan a branch halloween party. I normally love planning parties, but this one put me way out of my comfort zone. The first obstacle was not having my stuff. The second obstacle was not being able to find stores to buy stuff I know is out there. The third obstacle is cultural, not knowing what they normally do, and what they will like.

I planned an art table, thinking the kids would enjoy doing a project. I was pleasantly surprised by the adults making name tags. Thanks Marlow for being the first.

Brother Torres liked our fishing pond.

Not too many children came, so they fished to their little hearts content.

I have no idea what they thought of this game. Toss the tp in the toilet.

A bit of explanation, it is common to have a waste basket by the toilet. You do not put the tp in the toilet rather in the basket. SOOOOO, they might have thought it strange to be throwing tp into the toilet????

I didn't get in to see the bowling, I think those that did enjoyed.

We did a mummy wrap contest. I found out that you shouldn't buy the cheapest tp, it was constantly ripping. Made it a little more challenging

I think this little boy is about as cute as they come.

We finished up the game part with bobbing for apples. they really went after the apples. The missionaries even got in on the action.

I think everyone enjoyed the evening.

We had more planned, but went with the flow of things.

We also wanted to end before the sun went down.

I guess things can get dicey on halloween eve.

One last story

After our visit to the lighthouse we were trying to find a place to eat. We pulled into this restaraunt parking lot which was located behind the building down a little hill. We were busy chatting as we strolled up towards the door. There was a gentleman working on a car that we thought greeted us, but not sure what he said, then he started chuckling. That made us all look towards him, it was then that we all noticed what he was chuckling at. Not 5 feet from us was this creature. We were oblivious to him!!!!!! I don't know what these things do, but I do know that they are just plain UGLY and menacing looking. The sight of him made us move a little faster, so I apologize that I didn't get a pictue of ALL of him.

As we stood staring in unbelief at him, another one came running towards him at

which point we took off UP the hill. When we came back to our car, I was a

bit nervous that something would come at us from underneath the car.

Once safely within our car, we noticed the field next to our car. It had been about knee high grass, and was in the process of being mowed. There were these critters all over the place. I think they must live in the tall grass. I don't think they were too happy about being disturbed.

So Long Farewell....

Sad to say that my sisters are on their way home. We had to hit the beach on their last day. The ways were higher, it was great fun bobbing in the surf.

We ventured out and found the Arecibo lighthouse. It was interesting to see the displays they had, and enjoy the beautiful views.

Nancy had to get some pictures for her grandsons. There is a really cute one of her with a pirate, but she'd probably make me take it off if I put it here, so this one will have to do.

We had a great time, and I hope they can come back for another visit. I sure love my sisters.

San Juan

We had a great Saturday in San Juan. This is El Morro, and is the fort used to protect Puerto Rico for centuries. It was even added onto in WWII, the new lighthouse, and guns (can't see) to protect the island.

The cemetary was interesting to see. It was amazing to see the intricate carvings.

Guard shack, can't remember the official name

The lighthouse added in WWII

Waiting for our ride on the launcha

It was a LONG HOT day, but we had a blast.

Isabela

We enjoyed dinner at the Ocean Front Restarant. We loved the beautiful sunset

After the train tunnel on Friday, we refreshed ourselves with ice cream/sorbet at Isabela's town square.

What would a town square be without pigeons? They are hard to see, but they are in there

It seems like every square has a church on one side, and this is Isabela's church

I downloaded pictures from Janice's camera, so have a few more pics from the train tunnel.

This spot is at the end of the path, right on the beach.

We are having a great time, realizing it is going way too fast.

I Love my sister!!!

For your viewing enjoyment!!!!

Friday morning we started our day with a swim in the ocean.

It was such a beautiful morning, and the water is almost as warm as bath water.
We enjoyed bobbing up and down in the waves. The waves were so gentle you couldn't even see most of them, but you would bob a little when they came in.

Is this really real, or are they just standing in front of a blue screen? You'll never know!!!

Nancy couldn't find a ukeluke to play so she was strumming a palm branch.

Sunrise....

I wanted to share the beautiful sunrise I enjoyed this morning. Hope your day is a glorious one.