Out and About – Week of November 10th

Twice a year I make my much needed trip to the dentist. I’ve visited the dentist this way for as long as I can remember. My mother would be proud of me, I’m sure. Visiting the dentist is not the same as going to your eye doctor, or should I say optometrist. I’ve felt discomfort during my appointment with the optometrist, but I’ve felt real pain during a visit to a dentist.

I’m sure that my “fear” of the dentist comes from my childhood visits. My childhood dentist was Dr. Niendorf. I mention his name, because he has been dead for quite some time. I’m sure that he never used Novocaine; therefore, I dealt with more than my share of discomfort.

My current dentist is fantastic. His staff enjoys working for him. You can tell by the way they treat the patients and how they treat each other.

My hygienist has her own room, which gives her sort of a pride of ownership. Having this pride makes her have a great attitude, which results in doing a great job, which results in happier patients. It’s one of those win-win things. The doctor is loyal to his staff and the staff is loyal to him, which makes me also loyal to everyone involved. Loyalty is something you don’t see too much of these days.

Today is Veterans Day here in America. It’s a day when we recognize those men and women who have served, or are currently serving, in the Armed Forces. It you happen to see one of these individuals today, thank them for serving, or, if given the chance, buy them a cup of coffee, or pay it forward in some way. Better yet, do this kind deed every day. I salute all you veterans out there. I thank you for your service, dedication, and your love of this great country.

We are fortunate to have a great garbage man. “Garbage man” is not a very pleasant title, but it is one that deserves more than the usual respect. I wonder how many people out there would be willing to get up way before breakfast and be on the job by 6 AM. The job consists of picking up the garbage from some folks who don’t even have the courtesy to properly bag their refuse. You haven’t lived until you’ve opened a garbage “toter”, only to find dirty diapers mixed in with yesterday’s uneaten spaghetti. Oh yes, this trash usually doesn’t come in its own plastic bag. The weather isn’t always sunny and warm, either. I guess what I’m getting at is that there are a lot of workers out there doing a job that no one else would ever want to do. These workers are sometimes looked down upon, which is wrong.

While talking trash, I’d like to mention that a number of localities offer discounted trash pickup for older residents. Call the company responsible for picking up your refuse. Perhaps you might save a few dollars. You have nothing to lose.

With the colder weather rapidly approaching, you don’t want to forget your pets, especially if you have a pet that is of the indoor/outdoor variety. If they spend most of their time outside, make sure they have a place to get warm. Also, make sure they have fresh water available. Water can easily freeze overnight. Also make sure that your anti-freeze container doesn’t leak. It might taste okay, but it’s very poisonous.

Here are a few old sayings that are worth sharing:

The lower you are on your company’s organizational chart, the more you will be missed, if you don’t show up for work.
Nothing gives more satisfaction than telling a hypochondriac how well he or she is looking.
Criticize behavior, not people.
The word “necessary” seldom is.
See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman

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