Whats Up on the Treasure Coast?

Who doesn't love a day at the DMV?  

It's been a busy first week in Ft. Pierce...  I'm getting better at the 'moving and shaking' part of boating.  New town, new rules, new grocery store.  In the Bahamas they drive "on the wrong side of the road."  It took the entire time i was there to try to get my mind to flip-flop and look 'the wrong way' before crossing streets.  Towards the end of my four month visit i got better at knowing where cars were coming from.  BUT i still ended up on the wrong side of the road sometimes.  (riding my bicycle)  When i got back to the USA, my mind didnt have to think to know which side of the road.  Anyway, I'm back.  I have my car and my bicycle and I'm checking out the area.  

This past week was busy.  First i put the car into the shop for one new tire, rotation and front end alignment, plus an oil change.  I got a Ft. Pierce Library Card.  Put my laptop into repair and removed a malware.  Took my main sail and a broken zipper to Mack Sails for repair.  Made 2 trips to the DMV.  

My initial visit to DMV was just a 'site visit' to see what it was like and what i would need 'IF' i changed my license to Florida.  (my Texas auto tags expired requiring me to drive to Texas for an inspection to update.  Or switch the tags to Florida?)  All i needed was proof of Florida auto insurance.  Even though i had State Farm insurance for 37 years, it was in Texas.  Turns out you have to have auto insurance IN the state, that state.  I called State Farm of Florida and their price was $160 higher than Texas.  So i switched to Geico and saved a $100.  OK, i got Florida auto insurance, check.  Next back to DMV.  I just need to bring:  proof of Florida insurance, Passport, Social Security card, auto Title, 2 pieces of mail to the Florida address.  Nothing to it...  When i arrived at the DMV i was given a ticket with a number on it.  I was in the queue for service.  My number #516.  Then i hear over the speakers, "Now serving number 302."  I expected it to be a long wait, so i took my book and kindle.  Turns out i needed a pillow too.  Now dont let me make it sound too bad.  The DMV was just crowded, loud and very busy with several long lines wrapping around the room.  (one note:  i didnt see ANY beautiful people at the DMV.  Not a single person in a suit and tie.  No business casual.  Every person was dressed "blue collar" including me.)  At the window next to me was an older lady of about 75 who had to take a driving test and failed it. Her instructor told her she did everything well except the '3 point turn.'  She was crying because she failed it.  He said, "Mam you can come back on Monday and take it again.  You will only have to pass the 3 point turn."  Now i had seen it all.

DMV Done.

Next week - finish tying up the boat with every rope i own in case a storm heads this way.  Clear off every piece of equipment from the deck and tie down the dinghy on the bow.  In addition i am meeting with a Marine service company about painting the boat bottom mid july.  It's still not time to relax and play golf....

I hope you are NOT headed to the DMV this week!  

- safe driver Skip

PS.  i tried my best to get a good DMV photo.  i combed my hair, wore a clean shirt and smiled with my eyes open.  But it's guaranteed, NO drivers license photo ever looks good.  Oh well, i can retake the shot in 8 years.

 Barracuda

The best remedy for the DMV?  Apple Pie!