BAD FEET SAGA 2:

BAD FEET; GOOD FEET

I went to the New Balance shoe store and bought two pairs of shoes: one a Sports shoe to hold the high-metatarsal, Trainer arch supports and a Dress pair. I like them a lot. They're both very sturdy and well constructed.

I talked to Tom of the Good Feet Store and discussed with him the idea of getting a pair of the less-high arch supports called Maintainers. We discussed the pros and cons and I decided to get a pair. I'll put those supports in the Dress shoes as they're not spacious enough for the higher Trainers with the major metatarsal rise. The Maintainers are designed for general support and when doing more major sports activity and not undergoing training. I'll use the Relaxers in my old, slip-on dress shoes as houseshoes.

My feet still hurt.

I've spent a total of $750. I hope this process helps. I seem to be a little better, but it's going to be a longer break-in than first thought. It's probably going to take a full month. I'm putting all my eggs in this basket!

TIDBITES SAGA:

CILANTRO
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Ted, Marilyn and I went to Cilantro "Cocina de Mexico" to have lunch.

It's in a VERY delightful setting with varied ceiling heights and a wonderful patio.

The food was quite good—better than Dos Locos in Rehoboth Beach. (But I must say it's not as good as Agave in Lewes.)

I had ceviche which was great and beef and pork tacos that were flavorful but not scrumptious.

Marilyn and Ted shared a ceviche, fish tacos and a pork chop which they said was delicious, but they agreed Cilantro was not as good as Agave.

All-in-all a very pleasant experience but the restaurant won't go onto my favorites list.

   ---Don Voth,  your friendly reviewer.

BAD FEET SAGA:

BAD FEET; GOOD FEET

I've had foot problems since my early twenties. MY FEET JUST PLAIN HURT!

In my late twenties, I had 4 foot operations that cut my plantar fascias on both feet. They know now that these operations are not a good thing. I've been to around 10 podiatrists to no avail. I've worn orthotics for many years. I've got Plantar Fasciitis and now flat-feet due to the operations.

Plantar Fasciitis is defined as irritation and swelling of the Plantar Fascia, the very thick band of tissue that holds up the bones on the bottom of the foot.

When I walk too far (a few blocks) or worse, stand for any period of time, my feet begin to hurt. Sometimes they keep me awake at night! I've resorted to pain medicine. Anticipating a long walk or standing period, I'll take a Darvocet-N.

My good friend, Ray, has foot problems, too. He went to a footwear store in Albuquerque and was fitted with special Korean shoes. He's experienced complete relief.  Encouraged, I made an appointment at our local foot problems place: Good Feet Store, an international chain.

I thought I'd be getting new shoes but Good Feet specializes in arch supports—very specialized ones.

They have in stock over 400 in all kinds and sizes. Tom, the salesman, explained that the foot, containing 25% of the body's bones, actually has four arches. There are 28 bones and 35 joints in each foot! Their supports are custom fitted to all four arches.

I got the pair best fitting me after trying on about six different sets during a period of about an hour and a half. After walking around the store for 15 minutes, my feet began to feel better! I also got a pair that they call the Relaxers. Also, pads to cover the inserts, all at a cost of $450.

There is a break-in period: 1/2-hour for the first day, 1-hour the second day progressing until I can wear them all day. The relaxers are for evening at home wear.

Later at lunch, I was wearing the Relaxers and my feet felt amazingly better: no tingling or ACHING after walking a bit.

I'm leery but hopeful.

Tom also suggested new shoes. He's sending me to the New Balance store in the Rehoboth Beach outlets.

TIDBITS SAGA:

SEVENTY-FIRST BIRTHDAY!

September 4, 2011. It started out a special day with four "Happy Birthday" calls.

Steve and Ray had a huge dinner/picnic with over forty people! It wasn't just for me, Rufus and Ann were in from Brooklyn and Winnie from NYC whose BD was last week. Plus, Ray and Steve were giving their first party since getting back from Albuquerque.

Lots of well-wishes were had for a very enjoyable birthday.

Steve was sporting his new ponytail!

Marilyn with her nephew and niece.

Finally, the party settled into smaller, lively conversation groups.

ANCESTRY BRAGGADOCIO SAGA 2:

SCOTTISH MONARCHY

I, Donald Cooke Voth, Donald Voth, Don Voth, am a descendant of many of the rulers of Scotland. (Told you I'd be bragging!)


It appears that most of my famous ancestry comes down from the Scottish monarchy and spreads into the English and French monarchies.


AD 843, King Alpin

King Kenneth I (34th great grandfather):

King Constantine I
King Donald II
King Malcom I
King Kenneth II

King Malcom II (25th great grandfather):

King Duncan I (24th great grandfather):

King Malcom III
King David I

King Robert I The Bruce (21st great grandfather):

click to see: Robert The Bruce

King Robert II
King Robert III
King James I
King James II
King James III

King James IV (15th great grandfather):

AD 1513, King James V (14th great grandfather):

Next, My ENGLISH MONARCH PROGENITORS.

TIDBITES SAGA:

DINNER PARTY WELCOMING RAY & STEVE 
BACK HOME

105 Atlantic Street, Milton

On August 26, 2011, I gave a party for Steve & Ray in honor of their return home from Albuquerque.

Steve and Me.

Ray and Deb.

It was very the best party ever! It was catered by The Essential Chef, Gary Papp of Lewes, formerly of The Buttery. 

Lee, Jen, Diane and Steve.

Diane, "Tom Cruise" and Robert.

Steve, Lee, C.P., Melora and Drew.

There were 18 people there! Steve & Ray, Marilyn, Aurelio, Jen, Diane & Jim, Steve & Lee, Drew, Deb, Ted, Me, C.P. & Melora, Mary Ann, Robert and Laura.

Deb, Me, Ted  and Mary Ann.

Marilyn, Jen and Deb.

The food was scrumptious, the company fabulous and the conversation great. It was pre-hurricane and everyone was talking about it. We experienced no rain, however, so people enjoyed the garden.

Marilyn and Melora headed into the garden with Jen enjoying the scene.

Lee and Jim in rapt conversation.

Ted and Mary Ann in the last throes.

The party ended about Midnight with several people including Jen and Melora thankfully helping to clean-up.

Myriad calls were received the next day saying what a downright exceptional party it was!!!

TIDBITS SAGA:

CAR MAINTENANCE 2


Well, I took my car into Lewes Auto Mall for an estimate for the broken grille. They're not a Cadillac dealer. They are a Buick dealer, but they have been helpful in the past on finding parts and doing minor service. I wanted to have it done here locally instead of having to drive an hour and a half to Salisbury, Maryland to the only Cadillac dealer on the Delmarva Peninsula.

I went directly to the "Collision Center." They not only could help me but they had the Cadillac parts catalog handy!

The part is $129.01 and to install is $124.80 because they have to remove and replace the bumper, which has electricity and washer-water for the headlights involved, for a total of $254.41.

After another two weeks for delivery of the grille, it's as good as new.