No Longer, Not Yet

Today I had a dentist appointment. There weren’t any open appointments until October, but they had a cancelation, so I took it. I had just been there two days ago with my grown children, each reporting wisdom tooth pain, lost fillings and sensitivity.

My tooth pain was attributed to “Coronivirus Stress”. It’s something supposedly very common whether you’ve had the disease or not. Dr Cheung said he has it, too. No one is immune from dental stress these days. He recommended a night guard. And today I was heading back for a cleaning.

Taking a Lyft after a three month break from automobiles was strange. Traffic seemed to be going too fast and close for comfort. I didn’t want to touch the seat belt. Or the handle. Or the seat. This time, I decided to walk to West 79th Street, and set out early for 40 minutes of late morning exercise.

It’s been so hot in New York, but the air was cool today. I walked over to Broadway and then down and across at West 97th before taking Amsterdam Avenue the rest of the way.

At this time of day, essential workers are readying stores and restaurants for lunchtime sidewalk service and street-side dining. Areas in the near lane of the road…