The DMV and a Lesson Learned??

I knew in May that I needed to renew my drivers license.  But I did what I always do, and I put off renewing it because I had plenty of time.  In Virginia you can do it online, so there just didn't seem to be any hurry.  But on the evening of the 29th I decided the time had come to renew it.  It didn't take long to realize I was unable to renew it because my license expired on my birthday and not at the end of the month like I thought it did.  That meant that for 19 days I was unknowingly driving around on an expired license.  The punishment by the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) for not renewing on time is that you have to go into one of their main offices to renew it and bring with you proof of 'legal presence' which as you may know means that I need to show that I'm a U.S. citizen and legally authorized to be in the United States....Thankfully Carl is organized and gave me my birth certificate and on an impulse gave me our marriage license too. 

 

Many of you may know that any trip to the DMV typically means long lines and endless waiting.  I came prepared with magazines, my camera and cell phone and I wondered why the Virginia flag was at half mast...Was that a sign?  I was about to find out as my odyssey began with standing in line waiting for a number. 

It was mid-morning and with the long line and people waiting I happened to notice there was practically no one at any of the counters.  Why was that? 

My turn in line to get a number to wait and I told the person at the counter that I was there to renew my expired drivers license.  She looked at my license and told me it was expired...Of course she mentioned that I had to be able to show that I was a US citizen.  I gave her my birth certificate which was met with some skepticism because it's not notarized.  I told her that it was the one given to my Mother; however it still needed a supervisors approval and I was asked to give proof of my married name.  Thank-you Carl for thinking that I might need that marriage license.  Both were approved and I had my number and was now going to get to wait...again.   

~Rudi~

Finally my number was called, and I repeated to the DMV employee my reason for being there.  She looked at my license and told me it was expired and I needed to show that I was a US citizen.  I gave it to her and mentioned that my birth certificate was an original but wasn't notarized but had been okayed by the other clerk and a supervisor and I gave her my marriage license.  She told me that she would have to get an approval from a supervisor because my birth certificate wasn't notarized...There was something that I really wanted to say to her, but I thought it best to just let it go. 

Finally after several more minutes everything was approved--I am now able to drive legally again!!  The punishment and fine, or rather the fee for coming into the DMV and not doing it online was increased by 5 dollars and my license will arrive in about 10 days. 

It'll be good for 8 years.  I wonder if I'll remember next time to renew early or wait until the last minute?  

The Weekend is in Sight!

Summer is really in full swing, and the July 4th holiday weekend is in sight!  Today is my last day of work until next Tuesday.  Carl however goes back to work for two more days.  We have no plans for the long weekend, but the town we live in is having a street fair and since we've never gone, we may have to go this year.  We'll see.  

 

The dogs are still getting used to having a puppy around the house.  Being Goldens they are pretty adaptable and don't seem to really mind the change in the routine and energy.  However Charlie remains in a real snit!!  I guess Todd knows that they are both terriers because despite what Charlie may be telling him, he remains undaunted and wants to make friends with his cousin, but Charlie will have nothing of it!  I am pretty sure he'll get over it, but he has to make a show of it first.  The cat and Todd have had a couple of encounters--Todd who is a little smaller than the cat is giving her the respect she commands, so she has given her tentative approval and warning that he needs to stay away from her--I think they'll be just fine!  I hope your Wednesday is 'just fine' too!!   I'll look forward to catching up on your blogs later today! 

~Todd & Sam~

The Little Things

I'd like to thank-you all for your ideas to tempt Rudi to eat something.  Since Saturday evening she's been eating what are called 'Satin Balls,' which are considered a total canine diet.  They can be fed by themselves or as a supplement. Rudi seems to like them, and that's what's most important.  But I know that may change at any time, so the next trick I have up my sleeve to get her to eat is all ready, which will be baby food.  

This is the tenth day of grace with Rudi.  She seems to be feeling pretty well, because last evening she got the cat food bowl off the kitchen counter.  I know it may sound silly, but it's the little things like that, that I've missed her doing the most.  Yesterday for the first time she grabbed a frisbee off the work bench in the garage and wanted to play a round.  But knowing she would overdo it, as she always does, and with the heat, I reluctantly told her no.  I've decided that at times like this, it all comes down to the small and sometimes trivial things, that you didn't think meant much at the time, you suddenly realize you miss them the most.

I really do love the little things...

And this 'little thing' too!  Enjoy your Tuesday!

Reggie the Mother Hen

Its been exactly a week now since Reggie came to Golden Pines.  Her transition into our household has been seamless.  There has not been a moment of trouble from her and she has shown time and time again, what a nice dog she is.  Reggie seems to know things like sit, down, stay which makes me think that at one time she must have been a treasured companion--Why that would have changed is anyone's guess.

Reggie has adjusted the routine and has made herself right at home.  She continues to always wag her tail and does seems to be happy and content.

There seems to be a connection between Reggie and Todd.  Any noise that he makes, Reggie is right there checking on him.  When we're outside, she is never that far away keeping a watchful eye on him. Todd is always close to her too and when he sees her he'll run over to her.    

We decided that we're going to keep Reggie here for now.  And when her medial issues are all resolved, which won't be for a  few more months, we'll try to find her another home through the rescue, (does anyone really believe I'll do that??) Besides, I think she and Todd might miss one another.