( A googol, in case you were wondering, is the unofficial mathematical notation for a one followed by one hundred zeros. Well, yes, I could have just said: " Thanks heaps (((( Warmie )))), but where would be the obscurantist fun in that? 
I hasten to add that I'm only an oscurantist in self-defence. A certain amount of being obscure allows me to pretend that I know what I'm doing at work! 
)
You're SOOOO right! " You do all you can , you do with what you have. "
An important lesson that I am learning gradually.
I saw my doctor this morning and she was able to give me some antibiotics. She was also able to refer me to an emergency dental clinic at the dental school of a local hospital. I was lucky enough to get an appointment this afternoon. So, I went there and they were able to examine me, drain the abcess and do a couple of dental x-rays. ( None of which cost me anything, as it gives the students there a chance to broaden their skills, by working on real patients under supervision by qualified dentists. ) Apparently, a couple of my teeth are infected, so I'm going back there Friday afternoon to get them removed. ( More good thoughts, prayers and hugs then please! Apparently the extractions will be performed in the time-honoured traditions of the British legal system...YOU MAY WANT TO STOP READING NOW...! LAST CHANCE...! I'D TURN BACK IF I WERE YOU...! The extractions will be carried out according to the ancient legal principle of: " the tooth, the whole tooth and nothing but the tooth. " Sorry!
)
Overall, today is turning out better than I might have thought. ( Which is often the case. Reining-in my tendency to go from 0 to " Worst Case Scenario " in 60 seconds is another lesson that I'm learning...Gradually. I hope that everyone else here is having a good day. Or at least a day that is showing them some mercy. )
(((( All ))))! ( In a properly reserved " British " manner of course. )
In fact, there's a sitcom on BBC2 at the moment called Miranda. Miranda has a very " stiff upper-lip " Mother, which led to a bit of dialogue in one episode that amused me greatly:
Miranda, seeing her Mother entering Miranda's shop: " Mum, how good to see you! "
Miranda's Mother: " Steady on, we're not Spanish! " ( No offence meant to any Spanish users of this site, but we British tend not to be a terribly emotionally expressive bunch!
)
Wow, that just made my day! Thank you! 
