My New Hobby In A Nutshell

MY NEW Hobby Nutshell IN A

by Jean Eisenmann | photo courtesy of Jean Eisenmann

Ihave a new hobby. Ever since Covid-19 forced us to become semi-homebound, I’ve had more time to be, well, bored. Yes, I’ve worked remotely, experimented with new recipes, and increased my housecleaning regimen (is my nose growing?). But I’ve lacked having a passion — such intense interest in something that I want to learn everything about it to escape the stresses of pandemic life. Quite by accident, I found it — squirrel watching.

It began innocently enough, with me believe this critter was a male, and if you idling on the couch one day, staring out wonder how I came to that conclusion, the window at the many varieties of birds please consult the internet. Anyway, I that our feeder and birdbath attract. Over became captivated by his manners, for he the next several days, I set aside time didn’t disturb the birds as they picked the to observe how ground for dropped seed interesting birds are, from the feeder above. and how they all THE ENSUING WEEKS He waited his turn, and have personalities akin to their species. FOUND MY PASSION FOR with a nod to the flock as they flew away, ate the Of course, I made THE SQUIRREL WORLD spoils. What a gentleman! sure the intense daily housecleaning INTENSIFIED. I WORE A I was hooked. Bye-bye, birdies. was completed first. LOT OF BROWN. I’ve met a few squirrelly Then, at 2 p.m. on guys in my time, but this a Friday, to be exact, it appeared. No, not four-legged variety quickly became the Sasquatch. And not a UFO. A squirrel new object of my affection. The ensuing bounded into the yard. It was brownish weeks found my passion for the squirrel rust with big brown eyes and a fluffy tail, world intensified. I wore a lot of brown. which are very unusual characteristics for They had such endearing mannerisms: a squirrel. Of course, I had seen squirrels holding food with their little hands and in the yard before, but my focus had been menacing claws, hanging upside down as on the feathered friends. All those five they wrapped their feet around the bird hours wasted that I’ll never get back. I feeder like Godzilla on the Empire State Building, gently picking gnats, ticks, or some such whatnots from their coats. Adorable.

One squirrel, in particular, was my favorite and could be identified by a dark brown ring around his nose and mouth, much like a COVID-19 face mask. I named him Corona. He dug up the flowers that surrounded our birdbath and would lie prostrate on the cool soil for what seemed like an hour. Then, Corona would bury some edible treasure reserved for a latenight snack in the very same soil, right where his buttocks had been. Tears filled my eyes.

I asked my husband, Van, if we could put together a play area for them with a tiny slide, sandbox, and trampoline. If not, how about a teeny-tiny bounce house? Van slept in the guest room that night and called me “Rodent Mom.”

Rodent? Then it dawned on me. My thoughts traveled back to fifth grade, where I learned that squirrels were part of the – gulp – RODENT family. Corona’s cousin could be a field mouse!

Let the squirrels live their lives. I’m getting back to concentrating on my housecleaning regimen before I go nuts.

940.220.5858 | www.LeatherwoodDental.com | 4400 Teasley Ln., Ste. 300 • Denton, TX 76210

Perfect Smile Get The

by Brooke Ezzo | photography by Your Candid Memories (YourCandidMemories.com)

Leatherwood Family & Cosmetic Dentistry holds themselves to a higher standard to deliver high quality beautiful restorations that are biologically compatible in an infection free zone. Dr. Samantha Leatherwood, D.M.D. and her team believe everyone deserves a healthy, beautiful smile that makes their spirit shine through.

Graduating from the Goldman School of Dental Medicine at Boston University and completing a residency at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, she was introduced to a comprehensive approach to dentistry.

“I bounced around the coasts to get a feel for different philosophies and to be exposed to as much as I could,” Dr. Leatherwood said.

That exposure and the influence from her stepmother, who is also a dentist, helped define the kind of practice she wanted for her patients — a small private practice with a continuity of care.

“I was very fortunate having a stepmother who is really good at what she does and Dr. Leatherwood added, “We do a having strong mentors,” Dr. Leatherwood sterilization process that is a lot different said. “It made all the difference in than what most patients are used to. the world.” It lowers the sensitivity, it makes the Dr. Leatherwood and her staff are restoration last longer, and it lowers the focused on building a solid foundation chance of them needing any further through comprehensive dentistry — treatment on that tooth.” meaning they want the most pristine The 3-step process to sterilize the tooth is oral environment for their patients by to confirm nothing is growing underneath improving functionality and overall health the restorations and to ensure it is as solid by lowering the overall systemic risk by as it can be. eliminating oral disease. “We look at it systemically. We can’t cherry you’re making will last you as long as pick one or two teeth because we look possible,” Dr. Leatherwood said. “We can’t at how they all function together,” Dr. compromise on the outcome.” Leatherwood said. “I focus on beautiful “We want to make sure the investment restorations that are biologically compatible and will last you as long “We focus on ceramic dentistry,” Dr. This level of care is what sets Leatherwood Dentistry apart from the as possible.” Leatherwood said. rest. Their diligence in “We try to eliminate customizing a treatment Every smile is different metal as much as possible plan that will fit your and requires unique because there are so budget, your needs, protocols to save teeth. many people who and your wants has led Concentrating on using have sensitivities.” them to acquire a biological compatible loyal following. materials helps reduce future reactions. “The nature of what we do is incredibly intimate. It is really delicate to ask “We focus on ceramic dentistry,” someone to trust me,” Dr. Leatherwood Dr. Leatherwood said. “We try to said. “We work hard to have strong eliminate metal as much as possible relationships with our patients and we are because there are so many people who really fortunate to have ones that are so have sensitivities.” supportive and encouraging.” Dedication to the patient is a primary focus for Dr. Leatherwood and her staff. Over the past few years, she had the opportunity to build a strong team. From the first phone call and first appointment to the end of treatment, you are treated with the highest level of care.

Leslie is the practice’s office manager and is the friendly face customers can expect to see up front. Angela handles insurance and Payton is their clinical assistant. Jackie is the dental hygientist. They are completely focused on providing a memorable experience.

“It is great to be on this journey with them. They believe in what we are doing,” Dr. Leatherwood said. “They see the difference we are making for the patients.”

That difference is confidence. Dr. Leatherwood rebuilds teeth based on facially driven smiles. She figures out where the smile goes on the face and then works backward- giving each patient a beautiful healthy smile they deserve.

“Meeting people who don’t smile and being able to restore that for them is such a huge honor,” Dr. Leatherwood said.

As a Denton native, Dr. Samantha Leatherwood is grateful to be caring for the community that raised her and for the opportunity to give back.