not long ago

Not long ago, dentists were about as welcome as a toothache at shopping centers.

It was not long ago that some speculated this year's budget process could be the undoing of the Scottish government.

Not long ago, the France captain had come under heavy scrutiny from Real fans and pundits after scoring just three times in 11 appearances for Carlo Ancelotti's side.

Hanging out in Sacramento not long ago on a trip to see his mother, Raphael Saadiq dropped into a crowded barbershop for a haircut.

Not long ago, she had Sheen and his wife, Janet, over, throwing together some sushi and other things for dinner.