Hard times

It’s been my observation that chiropractors are the most venal of healthcare professionals—they always have something to sell you, from supplements to pillows—to add on to their adjustment services.

However, I’ve noticed that the dentist who took over the practice from the man I saw for thirty years after he retired seems to have kicked up the heat on “extras” that start adding up.

And—this is a first—when I was in the new ophthalmologist’s office a couple of weeks ago, they had these posters all over the place:

(I did not take them up on it.) 

©2026 Bas Bleu

 

Gratitude Monday: Community

 I sometimes walk through the Charter Oak cluster as a way to bump out my step count. The townhouses were built in 1969, which makes it deeply established in the People’s Republic, and I often find things in their individual gardens that fill me with joy. Like the front yard with purple flowers beloved by bees. There are others that go big time (townhouse edition) for Halloween. We’ll see them later this month.

But what’s sparking my gratitude today is the tree house that the community built in one of the two central green areas:

They had the rope swing for years, but they added the platform last year, and it just invites you to climb up the ladder and survey the world. It kind of makes me think of the forecastle of a pirate ship, but I expect that it can become whatever the kids on it want it to be.

What sparks my joy, however, is the dedication plaque:

Not (as my cluster’s tot lot is signed) for residents and guests; for all children.

That’s community. Gotta be grateful for that.

 

©2026 Bas Bleu