I can officially drive again

Today was the day to make the return trip to Sioux Falls, SD, to get my new driver’s license.  If you remember, I tried to do that last month, but had not brought the proper paperwork with me.  That was my error.  This morning I checked three times to be sure I had my Passport and Social Security Card safely in a folder in the car before setting off.  It was a day that entailed a round trip drive of 480 miles.  Thank goodness I only have one more 400+ mile day to go.  It was also a day where I gathered at least 480 dead bugs on my windshield and front of the car.

The drive there was uneventful, and I arrived at noon at the DMV office.  The same cranky lady was in charge of the check-in station.  She insisted on seeing all of my documentation before allowing me to fill out another of the same forms in order to get a number in line.  Then she dropped the bomb, “Where’s your evidence of mail with your name and address on it?”  What?!?  I assured her (three times in a row) that the examiner had told me last month that all I needed was my passport and SS card.  Finally, she grudgingly gave me the form to fill out and I was given a number and a waiting seat.  After waiting another hour and a half, my number was called, and it took all of five minutes for me to walk out with my new license.  It’s a good thing, because I think I would have had a coronary if they came up with something else that I suddenly needed!  

By this time, it was close to 2:00, and I still had to drive back to Kasson in time to take my son, Andy, and his family out to dinner before his wife, Kelly, and second son, Seth, had to leave for a meet the teacher meeting for his pre-school.  His oldest son, Joseph, had his first day of kindergarten today, so I wanted to talk to him about his exciting day.  I blasted back onto I-90 and headed east.  I made it in time, and enjoyed my brief visit.  Joey said today was the funnest day of his life, and Seth wanted to know when he could visit me in my camper.  Littlest Ruby babbled away at me in her as yet incomprehensible gibberish.  Grandkids are the bomb!

On my drive back to Kasson, I did stop for a few minutes in Blue Earth, MN, to visit the Jolly Green Giant.

As I pulled into the almost empty parking lot, another couple was about to leave.  When they saw me walk toward the giant, they returned and asked if I would like them to take a picture of me with him.  I said sure, and showed them how to use my camera.

This is the picture they took.  While I was standing there, I took a brief glance up for a peek under the jolly fellow’s leaves.  (I know, shame on me)  Well, I’m here to report that the Jolly Green Giant apparently has ‘cajonnes’ the size of little green peas.

                                         HO, HO, HO!  I’m surprised he has such a low voice! 

Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later,  Judy