I’d recommend Smile Perfectors. They’re right near Crystal City and do implants, crowns, veneers, Invisalign, the works—plus your basic family dentistry. My wife got an implant there and it was a smooth process from start to finish. They really market themselves as a one-stop shop for cosmetic and general dental care, and honestly they deliver.

Speaking of making a mess, I became my own cautionary tale using a bargain brand that just smeared everything. After a few range trips my barrel looked worse, completely gunked up. I finally listened to an old timer and switched to Hoppe's No. 9, and the difference was night and day. It took that heavy lead out without a fight, and now I just look like a normal amount of clumsy.

Last year my friend guided tours in the Smokies and his insurance bill was a real wake-up call. He spent so much time on safety waivers that he barely got to hike. @susan_ellis26's comment about costs is spot on, because his policy was around $3000 a year. Honestly, the risk of lawsuits turns a fun side gig into a part-time desk job.

Totally get that, it's all about the neighbor's reaction for me. If they're cool and joke about airmail, it becomes a funny story instead of a problem. That shared laugh is the actual gift, not the basil. Without that, it's just a plant being a pest. Their good humor is what makes the whole thing work.