We saw stars!

On December 29, I (Becky)  was serenely eating cereal with raisins. Suddenly, I saw stars explode as my  upper right molar began to throb. A quick trip was made to Dr. Praneel, our Lautoka dentist,  who confirmed a cracked molar. His x-ray machine was not operational, so I was sent to the Lautoka Hospital Dental Clinic for x-rays. I had to giggle that the dentist I was to see was upstairs at the pediatric ward. There I was, 54 years old, surrounded by Indian and Fijian children fearfully waiting their turn to see the dentist. My mouth hurt, so I couldn't even comfort the kids! This dentist graciously examined me and returned with the x-rays to announce that not only did I have a cracked upper molar, but an infection under the gum on the corresponding bottom molar. I went back to Dr. Praneel who referred me to another dentist for a root canal. On December 31, she inspected the x-rays and gravely informed me that no root canal was possible as there was also decay in the upper tooth. She prescribed double antibiotics for the for the lower gum infection. Before I lost my courage, Kent took me back to our dentist who proceeded to extract the molar. I saw stars all of New Year's Eve night...and not from the fireworks, either!

While the extraction was taking place, Kent was seeing stars for another reason. A pin sheared off in the Toyota Prado's engine, damaging the rods. The Prado has been at the mechanics for a week, awaiting parts and repair.