Thank you, Margaret! Appreciate the kind words and support. I’m so glad you have a nicer hygienist now. Mine is a challenging personality. She also asks a lot of very personal questions, but I can tell that she just sort of lacks social graces and means no harm. You and Lori are inspiring me to get back on the Joe! I want strong bones. You’re so sweet about my drawings, but I know you are the true artist! That bird drawing blew my mind.
I stopped drinking coffee in 2011 because I was getting acid reflux and whenever I drink coffee, it felt like battery acid in my chest. But I started drinking it again because after much research if you get dark roast beans, they are the less acidic. So I get the dark roast Italian from world market is divine. I have 2 cups a day on most days in my case caffeine is really good for hair growth because sometimes the older you get that thinner your hair gets and my hair is just getting a little bit thicker.
Ooh! This is a great tip, Lori! My stomach has always been sensitive to coffee and when I started going through menopause, caffeine would give me the sweats. But that’s all taken care of now, so I may go back. I want all these coffee health benefits!
You have my deepest sympathy. I hope your dental woes are soon over. It doesn't sound as if you will need root canal. No disrespect to dentists - they do a very important and skilled job - but I have a mild-to-medium scepticism of dentistry. I had raging toothache two Christmases ago because of an infection in, funnily enough, a root filling. I was advised to have an extraction (leading to further very expensive work). I opted for antibiotics and to suck it and see. 18 months later I have had no further trouble. At my last check up the dentist asked how it was and when I said "fine" he looked a bit...disappointed? Sheepish?
Glad to hear that my two large cups of coffee per day (made in a bialetti like the one in your brilliant drawing) are medicinal. Particularly interested in the muscle-health bit. Looking at my upper-arms maybe I should up the dosage 😄
Your magazine articles are beautiful, and I loved reading about the stars, particularly Don Rickles and Buddy Hackett, of whom I had heard but knew little. I subscribe to a print mag: Private Eye. I once wrote a short piece about my affection for the print magazine and I have been toying with the idea of reposting it because I don't want it to become a thing of the past: it's a bona fide art form, I think! Thank you for banging the drum for print, H2!!
Oooh, Jules! I love that you outwitted your dentist and avoided all that pain and cost. You’re a constant inspiration! I do like my dentist and I hope she wouldn’t trick me, but who knows? We’re at their mercy. Thanks for reading the Closer articles. It was so much fun researching all those folks and fitting their stories into short pieces. Please repost your homage to print! The art form needs our support. I’m going to look up Private Eye now. Sounds like my kind of mag. Big hug to you. 💕
The articles are great! So impressed to see you in print!
Many years ago, we're talking the late eighties, I had a dentist try to rip me off and more importantly, do a whole load of unnecessary work. I know that for certain because when I tried another dentist he told me that what I had been told was nonsense, and to go away and eat sweets because otherwise he'd be out of a job! Good guy. I am not saying dentists are like that now, far from it, but I do think that dentistry is difficult, and with the best will in the world, they can't always predict accurately what will happen. Hang on in there 🙏
You're giving me hope, Jules. I woke up in the middle of the night in a panic that my tooth was throbbing. I couldn't sleep for hours, convinced I'd have to go to the dentist this AM and get the dreaded root canal. I took an Advil and eventually fell asleep. It feels okay for the time being. The stress is through the roof.
Oh no! I am the same. The problem is we don't know, can't know, what is going on. We're totally reliant on the expert to guide us. I hate any form of confrontation but I do respectfully ask them to go through likelihoods/options etc. In the end there is also a cost implication which not everyone can meet, so they do have to lay out all the options for you. In the end the decision is yours though. They are your teeth after all. I really hope it's sorted out soon. Teeth are such a pain. Try to relax, I know it's hard. Big hug ❤️
Oy that dentistry sounds rough, fingers are crossed for you. I had to have one of those root canals. And I'm such a grinder, I broke my mouthguard, so I've had Botox in my jaw to calm things down, but it costs a zillion dollars. So I feel your pain Hilary! Keep us posted...
Omg! You’re in the gum club too! We’re living parallel lives, sort of. That’s wild that you broke your mouth guard. Was it the really sturdy $500 version? If so you have jaws of steel. Thanks for the commiseration and empathy. Happy to know I’m not alone.
Oh, Hilary! Dental Torquemada is the worst! I've cosplayed so many Marathon Man scenes due to seizure injuries, and ghhaaaaaagh!!! Every new custom human-looking veneer costs nine million dollars! But glad you are on the mend and there's so much goodness in this post! I LOVE Miss Marple. Doesn't she have THE LIFE? And those kids with the proper newspaper out on Long Island??? They are so amazing. Such gumption! They give me hope. All good ju-ju to Carol--we need stellar editors. They are worth their weight in gold.
Thanks for the commiseration and kind note, Alisa! “Dental Torquemada” 🤣! I honestly don’t know how most people afford dentistry. It’s like a down payment on a car every time I leave that place. Miss Marple really is a hero to me. I’d Freaky Friday her any day. And yes, I heart those LI kids. They give me hope too. 💕
I read that the BBC is doing another Miss Marple series. I’m sure there’ll be more diverse casting, but other than that, I really hope they don’t contemporize it.
Lol. Thanks for reading and appreciating my Whitney Houston reference. That brings me joy. I'm pretty sure nobody remembers the Hair Club for Men commercials, but that's okay. I make myself laugh.
So much contradictory health and coffee info- can’t wait to hear more! Inquiring minds want to know how this goes for you! How do I take my coffee? Very seriously!
Aww. Thanks, Eileen! It’s a huge compliment coming from a great writer like you. Go and give those newspaper kids some applause from me. I provided a gift link to the NYT article in the headline, but forgot to mention that! I blame my tooth woes. Hope to see you soon.
I clenched my teeth and grinded them my entire life. I bought a mouthguard 3 years ago for $500 because I broke 3 teeth and had to have them pulled. I have receded gums purely from age. I can’t eat raw vegetables anymore.
Oh, Lori! I feel your pain. I hereby grant you membership to the Gum Club. I know we’re in good company. I too have an outrageously expensive night guard that I’m now trying to get used to. It’s so dang awkward.
😘Thanks, Heather! I’m sorry you share my dental trauma. This crown business is a serious drag. Fingers crossed I avoid the dreaded root canal. Sending a hug to you.
Oh you’re so brave Hilary. I really dislike going to the dentist and hygienist. Thankfully we have a new one as the last one was a little harsh.
I very much hope the artisan crafted crown comes through very soon.
I was the same about coffee during peri menopause but I’ve started drinking it again. Fingers crossed.
I love your drawings and very much miss print media. It’s so due a comeback.
Thank you, Margaret! Appreciate the kind words and support. I’m so glad you have a nicer hygienist now. Mine is a challenging personality. She also asks a lot of very personal questions, but I can tell that she just sort of lacks social graces and means no harm. You and Lori are inspiring me to get back on the Joe! I want strong bones. You’re so sweet about my drawings, but I know you are the true artist! That bird drawing blew my mind.
Thanks Hilary, it was a fluke. Yours are wonderful. Really. X
I stopped drinking coffee in 2011 because I was getting acid reflux and whenever I drink coffee, it felt like battery acid in my chest. But I started drinking it again because after much research if you get dark roast beans, they are the less acidic. So I get the dark roast Italian from world market is divine. I have 2 cups a day on most days in my case caffeine is really good for hair growth because sometimes the older you get that thinner your hair gets and my hair is just getting a little bit thicker.
Ooh! This is a great tip, Lori! My stomach has always been sensitive to coffee and when I started going through menopause, caffeine would give me the sweats. But that’s all taken care of now, so I may go back. I want all these coffee health benefits!
Cold brew is also another one you can have that’s easy on the stomach and does not promote acid reflux.
You have my deepest sympathy. I hope your dental woes are soon over. It doesn't sound as if you will need root canal. No disrespect to dentists - they do a very important and skilled job - but I have a mild-to-medium scepticism of dentistry. I had raging toothache two Christmases ago because of an infection in, funnily enough, a root filling. I was advised to have an extraction (leading to further very expensive work). I opted for antibiotics and to suck it and see. 18 months later I have had no further trouble. At my last check up the dentist asked how it was and when I said "fine" he looked a bit...disappointed? Sheepish?
Glad to hear that my two large cups of coffee per day (made in a bialetti like the one in your brilliant drawing) are medicinal. Particularly interested in the muscle-health bit. Looking at my upper-arms maybe I should up the dosage 😄
Your magazine articles are beautiful, and I loved reading about the stars, particularly Don Rickles and Buddy Hackett, of whom I had heard but knew little. I subscribe to a print mag: Private Eye. I once wrote a short piece about my affection for the print magazine and I have been toying with the idea of reposting it because I don't want it to become a thing of the past: it's a bona fide art form, I think! Thank you for banging the drum for print, H2!!
Oooh, Jules! I love that you outwitted your dentist and avoided all that pain and cost. You’re a constant inspiration! I do like my dentist and I hope she wouldn’t trick me, but who knows? We’re at their mercy. Thanks for reading the Closer articles. It was so much fun researching all those folks and fitting their stories into short pieces. Please repost your homage to print! The art form needs our support. I’m going to look up Private Eye now. Sounds like my kind of mag. Big hug to you. 💕
The articles are great! So impressed to see you in print!
Many years ago, we're talking the late eighties, I had a dentist try to rip me off and more importantly, do a whole load of unnecessary work. I know that for certain because when I tried another dentist he told me that what I had been told was nonsense, and to go away and eat sweets because otherwise he'd be out of a job! Good guy. I am not saying dentists are like that now, far from it, but I do think that dentistry is difficult, and with the best will in the world, they can't always predict accurately what will happen. Hang on in there 🙏
You're giving me hope, Jules. I woke up in the middle of the night in a panic that my tooth was throbbing. I couldn't sleep for hours, convinced I'd have to go to the dentist this AM and get the dreaded root canal. I took an Advil and eventually fell asleep. It feels okay for the time being. The stress is through the roof.
Oh no! I am the same. The problem is we don't know, can't know, what is going on. We're totally reliant on the expert to guide us. I hate any form of confrontation but I do respectfully ask them to go through likelihoods/options etc. In the end there is also a cost implication which not everyone can meet, so they do have to lay out all the options for you. In the end the decision is yours though. They are your teeth after all. I really hope it's sorted out soon. Teeth are such a pain. Try to relax, I know it's hard. Big hug ❤️
We may all be stars, but you’re a rock star which is the coolest. 💋
Thanks, AB! You made my day. 💕
“‘YAY!’ I said and drooled a little bit in my bib.” 😵🤣🤤 Five star post. Highly recommend.
Oy that dentistry sounds rough, fingers are crossed for you. I had to have one of those root canals. And I'm such a grinder, I broke my mouthguard, so I've had Botox in my jaw to calm things down, but it costs a zillion dollars. So I feel your pain Hilary! Keep us posted...
Omg! You’re in the gum club too! We’re living parallel lives, sort of. That’s wild that you broke your mouth guard. Was it the really sturdy $500 version? If so you have jaws of steel. Thanks for the commiseration and empathy. Happy to know I’m not alone.
Oh, Hilary! Dental Torquemada is the worst! I've cosplayed so many Marathon Man scenes due to seizure injuries, and ghhaaaaaagh!!! Every new custom human-looking veneer costs nine million dollars! But glad you are on the mend and there's so much goodness in this post! I LOVE Miss Marple. Doesn't she have THE LIFE? And those kids with the proper newspaper out on Long Island??? They are so amazing. Such gumption! They give me hope. All good ju-ju to Carol--we need stellar editors. They are worth their weight in gold.
Thanks for the commiseration and kind note, Alisa! “Dental Torquemada” 🤣! I honestly don’t know how most people afford dentistry. It’s like a down payment on a car every time I leave that place. Miss Marple really is a hero to me. I’d Freaky Friday her any day. And yes, I heart those LI kids. They give me hope too. 💕
I read that the BBC is doing another Miss Marple series. I’m sure there’ll be more diverse casting, but other than that, I really hope they don’t contemporize it.
Same here. I bet the estate won’t let them set the stories in modern day.
you REALLY got me with this, "Perhaps, as Whitney foretold..." THANK YOU. Needed that. <3
Lol. Thanks for reading and appreciating my Whitney Houston reference. That brings me joy. I'm pretty sure nobody remembers the Hair Club for Men commercials, but that's okay. I make myself laugh.
Listen, sister: in this time & place, making our own selves laugh is worth its weight in gold!! xo
Truth!
So much contradictory health and coffee info- can’t wait to hear more! Inquiring minds want to know how this goes for you! How do I take my coffee? Very seriously!
Ha! Your bones might be like cement!! Well done, AM! I need to get back on the Joe.
Why is dentistry tech still in the 1800s?! Baby bird treatment is something we all need now! Hugs and masticated worms!
Thanks, Friend! So true! Sending hugs to you.
I'm always is awe of your writing! Your voice is so succinct and I can hear it in my head as I chuckle through! Well done H2.
FYI-The high schoolers who started the paper are one town over...there was just a great story in the NY Times about them. Good for them!
Aww. Thanks, Eileen! It’s a huge compliment coming from a great writer like you. Go and give those newspaper kids some applause from me. I provided a gift link to the NYT article in the headline, but forgot to mention that! I blame my tooth woes. Hope to see you soon.
I clenched my teeth and grinded them my entire life. I bought a mouthguard 3 years ago for $500 because I broke 3 teeth and had to have them pulled. I have receded gums purely from age. I can’t eat raw vegetables anymore.
Oh, Lori! I feel your pain. I hereby grant you membership to the Gum Club. I know we’re in good company. I too have an outrageously expensive night guard that I’m now trying to get used to. It’s so dang awkward.
I’m glad you have it, the store bought ones are a waste of money. It will preserve your smile.
Stellar post! I share your dental traumas. Why do dental people have to be so unedited and torturous?
Everything you say in your post is so honest and relevant. Love you more and more everyday. Peace.
😘Thanks, Heather! I’m sorry you share my dental trauma. This crown business is a serious drag. Fingers crossed I avoid the dreaded root canal. Sending a hug to you.
Three cheers for Carol! Did you know that Gabe “Kotter” Kaplan lives in Myrna Loy’s former home in “Hidden Valley,” a gated area near Franklin Canyon?
Whoa! That’s so cool. I had no idea.