Valentine 2019

The consultation appointment with the dentist at the Makahiki Clinic today was primarily to establish a treatment plan which now involve two extractions and eleven cavities to be filled. That’s right, eleven cavities. A total of $2,000 was allocated earlier to cover dental costs and new “old man spectacles.” The total cost for all of the dental work, however, is estimated to be $550 with no cost for the extractions. Apparently, tooth extractions are covered by the Medicaid/Quest insurance.

Surprisingly, extraction of the troublesome molar, the one that already had a root canal procedure performed upon, is first up. The root is apparently fractured and infected. And, there is significant erosion. It is also threatening to become a bigger problem very soon. The cavities will subsequently be filled, possibly more than one at a time. And, the wisdom tooth will be extracted in between. All in all, a few months will be required.

The curious full insurance coverage for tooth extractions may lend an explanation concerning the proliferation of homeless and impoverished people in Hawai’i with missing teeth. They cannot afford to pay for treatment, even at “sliding scale” rates. However, since extractions are “free,” they are able to solve dental problems with extreme prejudice.

The security fob for the older building (with the laundry appliances) at the “old folks home” in Waikiki was finally obtained. It was confirmed to be operational. The fob for the newer building was also confirmed to still be operational.

The surrogate “living room,” the new International Market Place, has now been christened as the official Senior Citizen Command Center. All important work, usually requiring on-line access, is accomplished there daily from 9pm to 10:15pm. News on various non-“mainstream” sites is read, and RT news streams are viewed as well. All work is facilitated using the iPhone XR, currently the only material possession with a resale value.

Finally, no Valentine’s Day celebration occurred today. A pariah is a loner, an outsider. There are no friendships or relationships, only a discrete singularity. Baha! Ha! Ha! Haaa!

Addendum: Recent bad weather has brought rain, gale force winds, and extremely cold temperatures to the islands. So far, two weeks have elapsed with no break predicted.

Addendum: Adoption of CarShare has been rapid. There is little remorse for selling the minivan. As the weeks go on, the process is being further streamlined.