Changes
When we stop in SoCal for awhile we always have reasons to drive to Irvine where we lived for 27 years. It's a 1.5 hour drive from Hemet on nasty CA freeways so we try to bundle up the things we want to do there. Today was "tooth cleaning" day at Dr. Frank Stone's office. It may seem strange but it is almost more important to us that we see our regular dentist than a regular doctor.
Anyway, Frank wasn't there. Neither was Nancy, the office manager, And our hygienist, Nancy couldn't see us. So it wasn't the usual "old home week" when we arrived. Michelle was very good at cleaning our teeth but it wasn't like old times. You may wonder why we know these people so well. Jim had a ton of cosmetic reconstruction done about 10 years ago....full mouth. We could have bought a new house with all that. But we're glad he had that done. He has a beautiful smile :)
While I was waiting for Jim I read a bit from the "Chicken Soup for the Dentist"! Guess everyone needs their own chicken soup. I had to laugh but then the stories were quite heartwarming and...I know how good it makes someone feel to have that nice smile.
Then after spending time shopping for accessories for our Zen music player we went to one of our fave old restaurants. But....new name, new menu, no old friendly waiter who knew us. No more Cheers! AND they are going to move the restaurant to Newport Beach. So we had a farewell dinner.
I'm pretty open to change. I mean look at the life we live. I don't get all teary eyed when we go into Irvine. I've moved on. But darn it! Every now and then a change strikes an emotional chord and for some reason losing a favorite restaurant is one of them. Ok I tell myself. Get over it!