Enhanced Driver's License works...

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

 

 

Well, it better work after all I had to do to pass the requirements! I will make this story very short as many of my readers know about it. I was directed by WA Licensing that I had to get a "revoked or suspended" license issue in the state of Hawaii cleared up. I had a serious accident when I lived there -- it was my fault and I had no idea about my license being suspended. That was 45 years ago!!! After that amount of time one might think the books would be cleared and this issue waived? Not so. I made many (redirected) phone calls, had to fax (first find a fax machine -- thank you Bette-Ann) my personal info, receive documents by fax that I had to complete, have notarized, and mail them and a check for $20 to Hawaii to be cleared of this long standing revocation. Returning to WA Licensing I found that the issue had not been cleared on the computer, and the official letter I had in hand from Hawaii would not suffice. Huh? I got on the phone right there at the counter (much to the dismay of the attendant) and made my three redireced phone calls to the correct one and finally had it cleared properly and was handed my Enhanced License (by the not so nice staff person who seemed to resent something).

(So it seems that not much is going my way: Enhanced License issue, Visa kerfuffle, flat tires by the bundle, and who knows what is to come!)

But here I was, in Canada with no passport necessary.

Lake Osoyoos is about 10 miles long, and about a third of it is in Canada. When Susan and I stayed at the state park, we saw mainly Canada license plates, so this is a popular summer destination for Canadians. They say it is easier to find a spot here and is cheaper (camping, groceries, gas, etc.) than in Canada. The Canada border is five miles from where we are and the "wait time" seems to permanently say 25 minutes. We found out why! We were "selected by the computer" to be searched. Pull in over there, get out and walk into that door and wait. They took our documents and went to the van for what seemed like a quick peek before releasing us.

In another five miles we were in the town of Osoyoos and made the stop at the Visitor Center.

Inside the center, I am not sure if this is worship of the wine bottles.

 

Outside the Center

This visit was reminiscent for me of the bike trip that Vickie, Gerry, Cheryl and I did here a couple of years ago, and visited this very Visitor Center. We continued into the town of Osoyoos, found a bike shop for a new tire (had to order one my size to be picked up the next day -- I will be back in Canada), had lunch and then the five of us found the Gelatto Stand for dessert. Jaydon and Lucy's first experience with Gelatto and they seemed to like it. We then headed home to greet the newcomers and have some fun in the water.

Jeremy took Lucy and Jaydon for a raft ride

 

Greg took newly arrived grand daughter Clara for a swim

 

Jaydon went fishing

Clara's dad, Adam, searched for fish

 

Rebecca, Adam, Jaydon and loyal Jake visited on the dock

While eight or so of us were swimming, floating and diving, a Vee of Pelicans (pelicans?) flew overhead for a highlight.

After dinner we had a little entertainment and a family history presentation.

Cousins Jenny, Cheyene (with Clara) and Sarah (out of focus) gave us a karaoke performance to beat all!

 

Linda and assistant Neil gave an in depth history of their family dating back to the mid 1800s, and Linda says she is not done yet. What a thorough task!

Now it was time for the family double elimination Cribbage Tournament. This family has grown up playing cribbage and this was a highlight for them. Although Susan at least knows how to play (I don't), neither of us, nor Diane or Neil, participated. There were plenty of people with cribbage boards going at all times.

I arrived a little later than usual to my coffee shop this morning and boy! Is it busy right now. A couple of families with kids on bikes arrived for ice cream and the place is now filled up and loud. So much for my quiet time!

Expressions Espresso (I wish there was a better photo op, but this is it). At least we can see the lake in the background.

 

 

 

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