Extraction

I’ve been feeling a little sorry for myself over the past 24 hours as I developed a low-level nagging toothache.  As I have a horror of being in pain in limbo and over a weekend when there are no dentists available, I managed to get an emergency appointment with my surgery (they’re brilliant at Stonehouse Dental Practice in Winchcombe).  The upshot is that a molar extraction is called for – deep joy.  The dentist recommended a full extraction at a cost of up-to £150, with the alternative (root canal, crown etc) coming in at over £1000.  The dentist doesn’t think I’ll miss the tooth (her words!) so it seems like a no-brainer to me.

A number of people have warned me that an extraction can be really painful, and it was also a bit alarming for the dentist to ask whether I would have to go into work – as ‘it’s best not to raise one’s blood pressure…” after the anaesthetic and painkillers.  Oh?!   So, I’ve warned this particular Friday employer (a school) that I might have to swap my day and go in on Monday instead!
 
Hey ho.
 
On the upside, I’ve been making a few plans of “things to look forward to”.  One of which is through one of those ‘internet deal’ links (like Hotdeals / Groupon / Wowcher) I've booked a dinner, B&B at Marco Pierre White's hotel (near Bath) for the autumn. Have a look at Hotels in Corsham - Marco Pierre White's Rudloe Arms. Our friend Frank (who trained with the Roux brothers at Le Gavroche, and who did our wedding supper – now sadly deceased) always raved about M-P White and when we have seen him on TV he seems like a cool guy  - if a bit scary too!.  Anyway, I have “saved” at least £200 on the deal, and we are booked for a weekend in October.  It is only an hour or so to drive there so should be a decent short break away.  The hotel is  set in “14 acres of stunning landscape [which] makes the grounds at the Rudloe the ideal place to unwind and enjoy nature”.
 
As I say, it is something to look forward to as we've decided not to go on a beach holiday this year (boo!).  There are far too many idiot people, airlines are being ridiculous, and prices are all over the place! Therefore, I'm currently in touch with our go-to place in Kefalonia to get in early for next May or June. I am also looking at highly recommended places in Portugal – one as a Lisbon city break, and another on an island near to Madeira.
 
With regard to summer 2022 – and as Paul never knows from one week to the next what work he will be doing - we thought we'd go to places in the UK that we talk about but have never visited. Well, that's the plan (and we’re good at those).
 
Any further recommendations would be gladly received!