So why these pix, you ask? We've made unexpected visits to both places recently: the optometrist's office (Ed) and the dentist's office (Kathy)

Well, it just wouldn't be a trip without a body breakdown. About a week ago Ed developed a burst blood vessel in his left eye (for the second time in two months) so we decided a visit to the optometrist would be a good idea. They took his blood pressure and reported alarmingly high numbers which freaked us both out. They said he should see an MD. The good news is that they measured his BP incorrectly. We've gone to different public monitoring stations and his numbers have repeatedly come up in the normal range. His problem seems to be eye strain. Now for my dental visit. I'll try to make this very short. I developed a moderate toothache and didn't want to ignore it because we will soon be off into the unknown again. Turns out to be a loose cap with other complications that could result in an extraction - I totally lost it and actually said to the DDS, thru weepy eyes, that I didn't "WANT TO LOOK LIKE A HILLBILLY!!!" Now this place is not exactly the boondocks, but it ain't NYC either. I hope he wasnt' offended. Did I mention that this dentist used to be a miner? Must be great with a drill! He did it while he was in college, but still..... In any event, I got out of there fast, with just a presciption for antibiotics and pain med. I will just wait and see what happens. The important thing is that I still have all my teeth intact. Well, I guess that's enough for now. Will be back soon :)