DL Trial and Persistence

 

        I don't know what it is like in other states or if COVID is to blame for the system or what have you - but just being able to land a test driving appointment is no small feat.  A person has to visit the site not only daily but multiple times throughout the day - hourly if possible.  Jaime started her search in June or July and finally landed an appointment with the Roseburg DMV on September 9th but continued her search until something opened up in Canyonville.  September 10.  Had we known then what we know now we would have just kept both.

We arrived a half an hour early to appointment.  The room was the busiest I have ever seen it. She wasn’t able to check in until 15 minutes prior to the appointment time.  We had proof of insurance but no expiration date.  She was dismissed and could not take the test.

We were given information for third party testing – which she did in Roseburg.  The instructor had her turn onto a one way street – which she has never done before.  She made the turn for the furthest lane over and was failed.  She didn’t know.

She was gracious about it afterward saying it was probably a blessing that she hadn’t been tested in Canyonville and had to learn about the one ways as Ashland is full of them and she would like Ashland to be a regular destination.

Meanwhile I checked DMV on a daily basis and signed her up for multiples.  Her first appointment was in Roseburg – their waiting room was a far cry from Canyonville – more empty seats – no waiting at all.  They took her before the allotted check in time.  She was told she ran a red light which she says she did not do.  Next appointment: Grants Pass. 

Grants Pass is what I consider the halfway mark between here and Medford Temple.  The drive was between 40 and 60 minutes.  When we arrived there was a line outside the doors.  Everyone was being turned away due to the servers being down.  The biggest problem – Jaime didn’t even want her license.  Why all this hassle for something she doesn’t even want?

The last test she took was in Roseburg.  Meanwhile I had booked four more appointments – three in December.  Thankfully she passed at her last appointment (third party taken Oct 7) and in an unfamiliar car. Another from the friend group received his the following day.  She thought she would be the last of her friends to get her license but had him beat by 25 hours. 

Yesterday she took her first long drive by herself.  She went to Medford to meet a group of friends and drove herself home after the activity.  I am so happy for her and pleased with her decisions.  She really is an awesome human being!

Busy Day

           Richard had a 9:00 appointment with his doctor this morning and I had a dentist appointment at 11:00.  With only one car we drove to Roseburg together in the pouring rain.  The rivers and creeks are always feast and famine. The rain has made them really high to overflowing.  I smile when I look at the murky brown color as I think of Jaime comparing it to chocolate milk.

         

          I haven’t been to the dentist for over a year and now have an abscessed tooth which will need to be removed.  I set up three dentist appointments for myself.  One in March and two in April.  Ugggh . . .

Every Day is Saturday: Days Two and Three

             Cow Creek was given a huge amount of vaccines for their tribes and those working at Seven Feathers.  By the first week of March it was announced that any friends or family of those employed at Seven Feathers.  The announcement said that candidates had to be at least 65 years of age.  But when we called to get Roland set up, it was learned that I could be vaccinated also.

Roland and I received our first shot on March 16.  We were given cards which provided a date indicating when we would be available for our second shot on April 13.  We hadn’t heard from the clinic and so went down to see if we could get in.  That’s when we learned that April 13 was not the accurate next shot date but the date of eligibility.  We still had to set up an appointment. The soonest we could get in was yesterday.

Now just to backtrack a bit.  If you are a faithful reader you will remember we spent Roland’s first day off washing cars.  The weather was HOT nearing 90 degrees.  Could anything beat the excitement of washing cars?  The next two days offered awesome weather.  Overcast skies, cooling wind.  Perfect yard work weather in my opinion. So here is a summary for the rest of days 1 and the start of day 2. 

Day 1

            After breakfast and a bit of TV, Roland went out to use whatever machine while I tried calling the bank and a pharmacy to see if we can schedule an appointment for Jenna to receive a shot as the state will now vaccinate anyone over the age of 16.  I felt like I was getting the runaround with machines talking at me and providing choices – but none applied and I wasn’t allowed to talk to a human.  Roland decided we would all pile in the car (except for Bonnie who we left at home) and drive to said places to talk to humans.

            Our first stop on the agenda was at the saw shop as Roland’s appliance needed fixing.  With mask over face, Roland went in while Jenna and I waited in the car.  It was small enough that the shop employees could take care of it without calling a specialized mechanic. They figured they’d have it ready for him within a day or two.

After that we ran to the bank.  Again, only Roland got out of the car while Jenna and I waited in the car while Roland knocked on the door of the bank to see if he could set up an appointment.  After that we went to Safeway Drug.  Roland took Jenna with him, but they returned in less than a minute.  Although Safeway does offer a vaccination drug, it is not that one that Jenna qualifies for and so we had another number,  name and website for another runaround.  At least we knew that we’d end up at the fairgrounds on Saturday but would feel better about getting that appointment scheduled rather than just show up.

After that Roland decided to treat us to A&W for lunch.  Enjoyed the rootbeer.  It’s been a while since I’ve had A&W.  No frosty mug.  Only 5 persons allowed to dine at once.  I don’t think the food was worth it.

 Day 2

The reason for our visit to the bank was to sign some paper work which required two signatures plus a notary.  We met our friends who were on their way to the coast for a few-day getaway.  I was grateful that they allowed us their time.  I’m certain that signing documents was not the highlight of either of our “va and stay cations”

I had told Jenna that I would take her out for a scavenger hunt as soon as I returned home (pictures to come) and Roland dropped me off in the driveway and backed up to the side and told me to take the Saturn as he would need the bigger car in the event that his garden tool was ready to pick up – which it was.  He left the house before Jenna and I got into the other car.

Most of the scavenger hunt could be done at home, but there were a few places that we needed to drive to.  I told Jenna to take different pictures from the ones that I took and we would each enter the contest.

Roland said he had knocked out some of what he had planned but was on the couch when we returned.  He took a couple of naps which I think is a remarkable way to spend a vacation.  I know he hasn’t slept well for whatever reason and so I am glad he is taking it easy. More to come.  Aren’t you excited?