Tooth Begone

When my tooth broke off a while ago, (yes the said tooth that was scheduled for a root canal) the visit to my dentist was not a happy story.
Apparently, what was left of the tooth  needed a dental surgeon to take care of it, which my dentist was not.
I was referred to a notable dental surgeon on the island, who according to my dentist, "performs these surgeries everyday. He will get it out Lickety Split!"
So off I traipsed to said dental surgeon full of hope, but yet quite timid at going to see someone new.  I don't like any and everyone poking around in my mouth, but I'm like that.
However, after his consultation, I was not in a happy place.
According to the esteemed dental surgeon, the surgery needed would involve a dose of laughing gas to sedate me, and then an intricate surgery to get the remnant tooth out.....a grand total of $800.00....OUCH!

Yes, $400.00 for the laughing gas, and another $400.00 for the surgery.
I came away from that appointment literally laughing my head off.

My daughter, my personal comedian (aren't all kids?), informed me that "maybe you were paying for the whole canister of laughing gas Mum!"   Very funny. Very funny indeed.
Daughter dear then went on to tell me that if she had been informed that the cost of the laughing gas was $400.00, her response to the surgeon would have been, "ha, ha, ha, ha, I'm laughing already!!"

You all know I love the environment, and I always try in my small way to reduce my carbon footprint on the earth.
Since I was not in any pain, and I was not too keen on the laughing gas, I more or less put the broken tooth on the back burner.
Maybe I would have to go back to the old time methods......hmmmmm....

 

Needless to say, a couple of weeks ago, I decided that it was time to take care of the broken tooth.
Here, on the island, we are entitled to free medical attention, which I never use. So guess what? I made an appointment for the tooth,

....... and today the tooth is no more.
A lovely lady dentist took the tooth out "Lickety Split", there was no pain, and no laughing gas, and in less than 5 minutes.
So how about that?

Anyone know the going rate of half a tooth from the Tooth Fairy?

The beat is still going on!

Yesterday, Sunday afternoon, I finally managed to capture some photos of the Democratic Labour Party's (DLP) election motorcade in my neighbourhood.
Four trucks filled with loyal supporters all dancing and waving flags while the catchy election songs blared from the loud speakers.

Motorcades also include cyclists and cars

Four trucks on a mission

I barely caught these photos in time before they were gone again.

Holetown Festival

The Holetown Festival is a week of cultural events and activities held every year during the month of February, to commemorate the landing of the first settlers in Barbados. 
Holetown is situated on the west coast of the island.


In 1627, between February 17th and 20th, eighty English Settlers landed at what is known as Holetown, aboard a ship called the William and John . With them were ten African slaves, who had been captured on the voyage. It is from this day that Barbados became a British Colony.

The name Holetown comes from the stream, The Hole, which provided a safe landing place for the settlers.
Not only is Holetown the oldest town in Barbados, it is also one of the earliest settled towns in the English Caribbean.  It was originally named Jamestown, after its benefactor, King James I of England.

The first festival was created by Alfred Pragnell (broadcaster extraordinaire/actor) and was held over a weekend in 1977 to celebrate the Anniversary of the First Settlement of Barbados. It's now so popular it runs for an entire week. This year it ran from February 10 -17, 2013.
The week-long festival begins in mid-February with the opening celebrations taking place at The Holetown Monument. 

 

Holetown Monument

Lively street parade with
Tuk Band, Stilt Walkers, Acrobats and Shaggy Bears 

Green Monkey street performer

Highlights of the festival include a street fair, parades,

The beating of the Retreat by the colourful Barbados Defence Force Zouave Band,

 

 

    A Floodlit Tattoo parade by the Royal Barbados Police Force and the Mounted Police.

A Holetown Festival Pageant where a Queen of the Festival is crowned.

Several music concerts, historical lectures, tours of Holetown, exhibitions, and a street parade that features vintage and classic cars.

 

 

The street fair, held on the Saturday, usually attracts a large crowd with displays of local arts and craft, food stalls and vendors selling clothing, plants, jewelry and a whole lot more.

 

 

 I did not get the opportunity to attend the Holetown Festival this year, so I have borrowed all the images above from various websites.

Hope you enjoyed the festival!

Live a good life

Yesterday was a beautiful sunny day, and I was happy about that.
My friends and I gathered to celebrate the good life of our friend....our friend who was no longer with us.  We all knew that we were honoured to have had him in our lives, if only for a while.

The church where the service was held, is located in the southern parish of Christ Church.
It is one that I have visited on several occasions before, but yesterday it reminded me of a castle with its ramparts....a castle fit for a king.

 Christ Church parish church

The stained glass inlay of the chapel is secured and protected by a wire encasing from the outside.

A lovely service as a tribute to his life was held, and I was happy about that too.

With our saddened hearts, we were reminded that we should live our lives the good way, the right way, the honourable way. Our friend was a perfect example of living a good life, setting an example for others with his deeds.
We will miss him dearly.
Rest in peace Tony, we will always treasure your memory in our hearts forever.



One of my favourite uplifting songs is "Only for a while" by Anita Baker.
http://youtu.be/WSzmmerOlpc

Banana Joe

I know many of you fellow dog lovers spent some of your time like me watching the 137th Westminster's Kennel Club Dog Show, which climaxed with this year's Best in Show being none other than Banana Joe, an Affenpinscher.
Yes, that's right, a small black cute 5 year old Affenpinscher won the coveted title.  It was the first ever Westminster Best in Show for the toy dog breed.
Affenpinschers are noted for their monkey-like faces...."Affe" means monkey/ape in German where the breed originated.

 "GCH Banana Joe V Tani Kazari"

 Banana Joe

also known as Joey

Maybe you had a favourite, but who could resist that face?

Banana Joe and his handler Ernesto Lara

 

His handler Ernesto Lara is overjoyed at his winning the top title of Best in Show

Judge Dougherty said. “He’s a fantastic Affenpinscher, with a fantastic face, a great body. I’ve never had my hands on a better Affenpinscher. Ever.”  

 

Well done.... look at the size of his trophy

Part of his victory prize - a lovely filet mignon dinner at the legendary Sardi's restaurant in NYC.

As we know lots of publicity appearances comes with stardom.

Once in a lifetime cameo appearance as Macaco the dog

in the Rupert Holmes "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" performed by

The Roundabout Theatre Company in NYC.

A Broadway musical comedy murder mystery

Banana Joe ringing the opening bell (with his paws) at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Trading Floor on Valentine's Day.

 After his Grand Champion win, he will now retire from the ring, and return to his home in Holland to bask in his glory.

His handler says, “This isn’t a breed you train,"  "He’s like a human. You befriend him.”

Believe it or not, his handler also says that Banana Joe understands four languages namely, Dutch, French, Spanish and English, so Congratulations are in order four different ways....

Gefeliciteerd Banana Joe!!  

Félicitations Banana Joe!!

Felicidades Banana Joe!!!


Congratulations to you Banana Joe!!!

***Please note that all images were borrowed from various news stories on the internet, and are not mine.