Tom just threw a ripe banana to the male bushbuck, Chewy, and the mongoose came running and grabbed it. As carnivores, we didn’t expect them to eat it, but the lucky thief is devouring it. The bush is dry, and even the carnivores are varying from their usual diets.
Moving right along, my anxiety about visiting the dentist has been completely obliterated. Sadly, the dentist I expected to see wasn’t there. She has cancer and is off for many months for treatment. We wish her well.
Instead, the lovely dentist, Dr. Jones, from a village near Johannesburg, has been working in her place while she’s away, and I love her. She gave me the best cleaning I’ve ever had and repaired one of my two broken teeth. Next Wednesday, I have an appointment for her to do the crown prep on the bigger broken tooth.
After that, I will return with Tom in early September to have the crown “seated,” when he gets his teeth cleaned. Most likely, we won’t see a dentist again until next March, six months later, while we’re still in Tasmania.
Today, I’ve attached a copy of the bill for yesterday’s 90-minute appointment, including the cleaning, X-rays, and the repair of the one broken tooth. This appointment could easily have cost eight to ten times more in the US. The upcoming cost of the crown will be under ZAR 4000, US $228, again, eight to ten less than in the US.
These dental prices in South Africa are even less than those in Mexico, where many seniors travel for dental care, especially those living in bordering states. That wouldn’t ever be convenient or likely for us to do when visiting the US.
Back at the house by 1:00 pm, Tom took his daily short nap while I relaxed and did a little reading. By 4:30, we were out the door and on our way to Giraffe Pub and Grill for dinner and Quiz Night.
With our teammate Daphne as Quiz Master, and her husband Neville having to work as manager of Giraffe, and Marlize still in Durban, once again, there were only the two of us. We tried our best, but struggled when we lacked a South African to answer questions that only South Africans would know.
Also, since both Tom and I had children at young ages, 17 and 19, respectively, we missed out on a lot of experience with pop culture, including that from music and movies. Speaking of our old lives, today, if still married to my first husband, the father of my two sons, I’d have been married for 60 years.
Also, on today’s date, August 13, it was 55 years ago that Tom began working on the railroad. Every year on August 13, we wish each other, “Happy Anniversary,” (tongue in cheek). Gosh, we’re grateful for this life, and no, we still don’t pay attention to current movies, music, and pop culture. We’re more wrapped up in the world around us.
Time to wrap this up. We’re heading to Komatipoort tomorrow for another appointment and will share details in tomorrow’s post.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, August 13, 2015:
I’m not a fan of dentists either, but I like the prices you are getting. I’ve had 2 crowns in the last 2 years, one requiring a visit to an orthodontist to the tune of $2,360. My crowns were $1200 each and that is with my dental insurance. I have my fingers crossed each time I go, hoping for a clean bill of health. Good luck with your new dentist!
Peggy, the prices on anything medical in the US is consderably higher than we pay in South Africa. I recall spending at least $1500 for croowns back in the US before we left almost 13 years ago. Thanks for writing. I am looking forward to this dental work being done!
Much love,
Jess & Tom