For a few months I have had kind of an ax of sorts hanging over my head, in addition to the usual health issues...And it has been a problem that I couldn't see the way to solve....It was so very depressing to me because along with everything else that I have had "taken away from me" so to speak....losing this was more than I could bear. 
This is the birthday that I was to renew my driving license. I had recieved the notice that I had to take the written test, the eye test, and have my picture and thumb print taken. I got this notice in April and had not been able to figure out what to do about it. The reason being, as many of you know, I cannot go anywhere where there are a lot of people. The DMV in Hollywood is like the subway in New York at rush hour, even when you have an appointment. There was no possible way I could go in there, (or any other DMV here in Los Angeles) to take care of these things, given my lung problems.
When you reach a certain age, here in California, you have to redo these tests. Not the actual driving test, for me, because my record is very very clean, but you have to take the written test and the eye test----no matter what, every five years. I just knew they would tell me that the only way to take care of this was to make an appointmernt and come in there. And, I was right. I called the DMV and got a terrible woman who said there was nothing they could do...she had never heard of my problem and I would asbsolutely have to go in....When I protested and said there must be some accomodation for medical problems...she barely let me finish and said, absolutely not. I protested further and she said write the Governer. To say I was depressed was an understatement.
For me to not have a license was, in my view, one more 'nail in the coffin'. As of this coming birthday, June 27th 2007, I will have been driving for 60 years! SIXTY! I was part of the very first 'girls' driver training class in my High School, and I turned Sixteen just before I got my License. To be without a Driver's License now, even though I don't drive very much anymore, well....it just seemed too much to bear. And to drive here in Southern California without a license is more than foolish. It is dangerous beyond words, especially when you are considered 'elderly'. OY!
Okay. You get the picture. To make a long story just a little longer, a good friend, Mark Travis, saved the day for me. He came over to pick up some Theatre Tickets...(Oddly enough they were not for that evening, though I thought they were, having read the date wrong----that's how crazed I've been----but Thank God I did read it wrong, or this never would habe been resolved....) and he saw I was utterly distraught. I told him why and said I didn't know what to do and needed someone to help me with this....! He said, "let me see if I can help you right now". He is a Theatre Director and a take-charge-person, in the nicest calmest way. He made all kinds of phone calls to the AAA and then to Sacramento, and tha person gave him the number of another person, etc., etc., etc.
Finally, he got to a women who he said was terribly nice and I watched him and listened to him get her on his side! He was masterful. He explained everything in great detail and kept saying, "Isn't there some way we can make this happen for her"? Bottom line.....he made it happen with this wonderful women's help. So, without going into any other detail, except to say I was able to take all the tests and have my picture taken, etc, very very early Wednesday morning when no one----and I mean no one, was there except the person who administered all the tests, etc.
That Mark made this happen was a Miracle as far as I was concerned. Now, the next hurdle was that I had to pass the written test and the eye test. I had studied like mad and prayed that my eyes were still okay....I passed both tests and burst into tears. To know that I will still have a license for the next five years is such a relief----there are just no words. I came home and slowly began to unwind and napped, on and off, all the rest of Wednesday and Wednesday night.....and even on Thursday. I was so incredibly exhausted and relieved. These things that used to be a lot easier to handle just aren't anymore, and that weight being lifted, plus the worry....well, my body just fell apart.
And with the help of my little pal Sweetie, I slept and rested and began the recooperating process knowing that this worry was now behind me. Oh Joy!
And, this was the best best best possible Bithday present I could have given myself....with a lot of help from my dear old friend Mark....I know that there was no way this would have happened without him. Bless you Mark. Anyway, I hope to be back to my usual feisty self very soon. Meanwhile I am still somewhat 'in recovery', and that is why I have not been around to visit anyone....just trying to re-coop the energy spent on the worry about all this...now so wonderfully resolved! Yes....'sometimes there's God, so quickly'.....
More To Come.....
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had this to say:
I'm so glad to hear they could do something to accomodate you! My grandmother and her husband lived down in Escondido for awhile. She would just roll her eyes that they passed him when he went in to renew his license, because he could not see ANYthing! And I mean, he couldn't read a single letter, and the woman knew it but passed him anyway.
So why they felt you needed to be there in person is beyond me...but glad God sent you a knight in shining armour!- Friday, June 22, 2007 at 4:18:00 PM PDT
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Oh you poor dear, I was almost in tears just reading about your trials and tribulations; was shocked to see, that at a sprightly age of 16 you got your licence and even more shocked to learn you have had it for nearly 60 years, now that makes you, what... 21 (again) no??
Glad you have it for another 5 and then some more!
Here from Michele's this morning...
Bernie- Friday, June 22, 2007 at 4:35:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Your friend Mark was a Godsend. I know what you mean about being so stressed and then coming unwound when the issues are resolved. It's quite a crash, isn't it? :)
I am glad you got it resolved, Naomi.- Friday, June 22, 2007 at 5:19:00 PM PDT
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Hi. Glad there are angels like Mark around to encourage us and you gratefully expressing appreciation in this way. Thank you. Also, thank you for sharing insights and angsts as one grows older. Hope you're up and about. Cheerio.
- Friday, June 22, 2007 at 5:31:00 PM PDT
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Oh Naomi!! I know this would make you feel awful, because I can imagine the panic I would be in if I couldn't drive anymore! Major Major Panic!!!
I'm so glad Mark helped you get it done early before anyone else was there. What a dear friend!! What a relief and a burden off your shoulders!
I'm so happy that you got this resolved!!! Hugs to you!!!- Friday, June 22, 2007 at 5:53:00 PM PDT
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So glad youve got such a great friend! WTG MARK! WTG on passing your test! I hope you are feeling better soon!
- Friday, June 22, 2007 at 6:18:00 PM PDT
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btw here via michele
- Friday, June 22, 2007 at 6:18:00 PM PDT
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I am so glad that you were able to have that dear man Mark manage to get someone who was willing to make it happen ! Happy Driving after you are rested, Naomi !
- Friday, June 22, 2007 at 6:24:00 PM PDT
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I am so happy to hear that your problem was resolve, Naomi! Mark is really a great and lovely friend! I can imagine how much exhaust you are after that battle. And you win and you deserve all the best, my dear Naomi! I hope you have a lovely, nice and great weekend! Many hugs to you and to Sweetie as well!
- Friday, June 22, 2007 at 6:49:00 PM PDT
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Hi. In the Bible there is a verse that says, "Be anxious for nothing." It looks like you were being anxious for nothing, thanks to your very own personal "St. Mark."
Glad for you!- Friday, June 22, 2007 at 6:53:00 PM PDT
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Naomi, I know how stressful that has been for you, and that kind of stress can really drain you physically. I am so happy that you had a good friend who was willing and able to help. I dread the days when I will no longer have kmy license, although I hope that is at least 15 years away!
- Friday, June 22, 2007 at 7:06:00 PM PDT
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I am so glad that you're fixed up for another 5 years!
Sorry that I haven't been around commenting! I have been lurking but not saying "hi!". I'll be more vocal :)
Your place is still where I come to see the prettiest pictures!- Friday, June 22, 2007 at 7:08:00 PM PDT
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Yeah for Mark ( most men called Mark are great guys right lol)
I am so glad you got to do the tests and have your license for another five years. I have not been around much lately either.Today is my daughters 19th birthday oy vey.
I just saw Betty on an old Laverne and Shirley episode this afternoon which reminded me I needed to come and visit !
Winter here and most chilly, I spent 10 hours on a location shoot on Tuesday and we were outside, nothing like pretending it is summer and you are having fun when it is NOT lol.- Friday, June 22, 2007 at 8:26:00 PM PDT
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I'm glad that Mark was able to help you out with this...He sounds like a wonderful person. Nothing like a good nap.
- Friday, June 22, 2007 at 9:22:00 PM PDT
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Naomi, I am so happy for you that you had somebody like Mark to help you out, that you passed your test, and that you still have a license and can drive.
The people who work for the Drivers' License Bureaus are not the nicest people in the world or the most helpful. As you described your ordeal with them, I could picture it all. But now that is behind you and time, after your rest, to get back to doing what makes you happy.
God bless.- Friday, June 22, 2007 at 9:35:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
What a scary prospect! I am so happy it worked otu for you. I was one of those who didn't drive til late in life so the thot of being without my car, while inconvenient, is not devestating.
Happy for you.
~K!
Michele says hi.- Friday, June 22, 2007 at 9:46:00 PM PDT
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I'm so glad your friend was able to help you. He must be like a "whisperer"..just has a way with words and people. I wish we all had that talent. Hope your are re-energized soon!
- Friday, June 22, 2007 at 9:52:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
I'm so glad that you were able to be accommodated. Sometimes it feels like all the bureaucrats are the same and don't care, but if you find the right one, it's a different story. How good to have friends that can find ways to pull the strings for you. And I know what you mean about being exhausted with worry and stress. I'm glad the weight has been lifted and you're able to drive and don't have to worry about this again for a few more years!
- Friday, June 22, 2007 at 10:42:00 PM PDT
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Oh dear you N. When I saw the first "sign" here in your post - I bowed down in laughter.
Whar a crazy way to communicate - for safty in trafic - it stealed away all my attention to the rest of your post. Excuse me...
hugs from the Summerhouse. Cats indoor- heavy rain- Friday, June 22, 2007 at 11:10:00 PM PDT
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Dear Naomi- all yesterday and last night you were in my thoughts and I felt worried about you - I didn't know why. When I awoke this morning I felt I had to see if you were on line. Having read your post I now know what you have been going through, and I am so sorry. Believe me I do understand.
Thank goodness for Mark's kindness and persistence. We have a Mark as a son and we are very grateful for his support.
These happenings do take it out of you - not just physically but spiritually - every way, and you must give yourself time to get back on form.
Meanwhile I am so glad the problem has been sorted and send you love and a big, gentle hug.xoxox- Friday, June 22, 2007 at 11:11:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
WOW. This was very upsetting, but I'm glad it turned out good. I know people, 1 that couldn't see out of 1 eye, the other has no periphreal vision...both passed the vision test!
Jim's mom went to Palm Springs to take her test. I've also known elderly people to go to Hemet because they're nicer with older people.
That 1st ladies rudeness was so unnecessary! That really gets me mad. Thank goodness Mark came along, what a SUPER.MAN!
I cannot imagine being w/o a car & am glad you're set til your 81st birthday! Hoorah!
No wonder you were absolutely exhausted the other day. I was so worried about you, but am glad everything turned out okay.- Friday, June 22, 2007 at 11:21:00 PM PDT
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Naomi: I am so very, extremely thankful that this wonderful friend helped you clear all of this up. But I want you to know something, and I am completely serious here: Don't you ever let yourself get bamboozled like that again without telling me!!! There is no reason you had to go through that. Even though I am far, far away, I am an absolute genius at manipulating situations to my (your) benefit. I swear to you I would NOT have rested until that was cleared up. Even if I HAD to talk to Arnie himself. I feel so sad for you!! That you were going through all of this, with everything else.... just too much. Thank the GOOD LORD that He sent an angel your way to help you with that. But please, don't fret like that in the future. With all the friends you have (blog or otherwise) there is ALWAYS someone who will be in your corner....and knock whoever needs it on their ass. =) HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Big HUGS!!
- Friday, June 22, 2007 at 11:44:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
THANK YOU, MARK!
Sending you and your lovely friend Mark lots of love and hugs....
I'm sorry you've been so poorly, and I'm sending you cyber-love to get better now, with the help of your pal Sweetie....
Congratulations on passing your test too, my darling. Many more happy motoring years for you.
[hugs]
cq- Friday, June 22, 2007 at 11:56:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I so understand what you mean about your world getting smaller, and how losing your driving privileges would be just too much to bear. I really get it!
I'm so glad you have such a great friend like Mark who worked so hard to resolve your problem with the DMV. Now, would he like to take on Medicare for me? Oy!
Happy Birthday. Hard to believe another year has gone by. I remember last year's party so well!- Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 12:02:00 AM PDT
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I really wish that the woman who was so mean and unhelpful to you could read this post you have written. May be then she would understand that it is thinking and feeling people she is dealing with and not just paperwork and to them it isn't just a job. She had a real chance to make a difference and turned her back and that makes me sad as she caused you a lot of unecessary stress.
I am so glad that your friend and that other woman could make this happen for you - where there's a will there is always a way! So, congratulations on passing your test adn here's to another 5 years of mobile independance! Now recharge with that dear cat of yours in time to celebrate your birthday :) Hugs to you both adn if you drop my blog I am just about to post some good news of my own!- Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 1:00:00 AM PDT
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I know what it's like to be so overwhelmed by an insurmountable problem. I also know just how important it is to reach out to others and seek help, someone to share your burden. I'm so proud of you for doing so and for completing the tests successfully. Take your naps and rest, dear, you're recuperating from some mind stress. (hugs)
- Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 1:19:00 AM PDT
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Oh Naomi. I am so sorry to hear what you had to go through, and you know I understand where you are coming from with all this - my Mum actually gave up on going to get her license renewed just a few weeks ago, and it really depressed her because it's like another thing that's been taken away. In her case, I don't think she would have passed - but reading what happened to you made me SO angry, because in your case, it shouldn't have happened the way it did.
But you are blessed to have such a wonderful friend, and I am SO happy for you that it all worked out. Hugs to you!!! Lots of hugs!!!
And a big Happy Birthday too - with balloons on!!!
:)- Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 3:27:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
That's great news! How wonderful to have a friend that would do that for you :) Happy Birthday!
- Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 4:47:00 AM PDT
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I'm so sorry to hear about you're not feeling so well, but am happy that you're recuperating fast. Your friend Mark was God sent and that first woman was very rude. They should never hire such rude people in the government office. I'm glad everything turned well with you and of course what else is there to say than to greet you an advanced HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Greeting you in advance incase I can't open my computer again.
- Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 5:54:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
What a relief! I can feel it in my bones.
This story reminded me of one of mine. It was about getting nowhere with a tire store when trying to return a faulty tire. I was boiling mad and got nowhere. When I got Joe to come down and do the same thing, he got results. He was also calmer than me, but I also think, sadly, it was because he was a man.
Now you have set a precedent and in five years when you have to do it again, you won't have to worry as much.- Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 6:09:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
OH, what a story, Naomi! I can certainly understand how all that stress brought on SO much fatigue. Sometimes all that red tape and bureaucracy is beyond comprehension.
And what a great friend and person Mark is to help you like that. I can certainly relate to how you felt...in my years of nursing, it wasn't the illness that bothered my patients as much as the loss of their driving priviledges. I think unless somebody is facing that loss, it may be difficult to understand how vitally important it is.
I'm SO happy it all turned out well for you. Now keep resting and get yourself back to normal. Here's to the next five years!- Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 6:14:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
Thanks for your visit to my blog. You post makes interesting read.
- Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 10:14:00 AM PDT
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That is SO great!
Having a disability does NOT mean a person cannot drive and that 1st person was SO wrong to treat you like that! Each situation is different and accommodations need to be made to help people be as "able" as possible.
I get so mad at healthy, able-bodied people who make snide remarks about disabled parking, handi-capped restroom access, etc. They say things like "If the person is disabled, shouldn't they be home in bed? If they can get out, then they should have to walk as far or wait in line like the rest of us!"
Makes me SO MAD!!!
Why can't they be grateful for their health? And understanding that for someone who is sick, what a chore simple things can be?- Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 10:16:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi I'm so glad this was sorted out for you! It can be dreadful to have a seemingly insurmountable situation hanging over you. And it certainly will take it's toll. Happy birthday and happy driving for the next 5 years. Rest well.
Here via Michele today.- Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 10:18:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Amen! That is WONDERFUL! Oh, I just can't even IMAGINE having to give up your drivers license! I wrote a poem one time about growing old and losing your independence.... that's what it is! When you lose the license you've lost your independence. And that is too sad for words... I'm SO happy you GOT yours!!!
- Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 11:12:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
First of all, a very Happy Birthday coming up...my daughter is a June 27th baby! She will be 31.
Glad everything turned out wonderfully for you! I admire you for living in California - I know I could not stand the traffic...I am just a small town girl at heart!- Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 11:32:00 AM PDT
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Ah, that's a swell ending to the tale, Hills Lady.
I, also Old, are here from Michele's place.- Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 2:14:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
Oh this is most excellent news! You had me in tears for a while. Three cheers (and a lot more) for Mark! How wonderful you have such a friend as he. Congrats on passing all of your tests!!!!
- Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 3:39:00 PM PDT
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Michele sent me back to reiterate how glad I am that this all turned out happily in the ned. I do hope youa re feeling far more rested now.
My birthday is the day after yours :) Thanks for your congratulation son my exam result - it seems we both have something to celebrate now!- Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 4:09:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
That is nice to hear that all things went well. I think here in Norway the doctors check you when you around 70 once every year if you are fit to drive.
Anyway, there are always people there who are willing to help you being that you are one of the nicest person that I know. Truly beautiful inside and out!- Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 5:01:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
MAZELTOV! DEAR FRIEND.
- Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 5:08:00 PM PDT
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Oh my GOD! YOu pulled a Paris Hilton, Naomi. I'm very impressed and it's good to know that it's not something reserved for the young and rich. Since I'm neither of those your ability to get around some regulations gives me hope! LOL
Seriously, happy birthday Naomi. I'm glad that your right to drive wasn't taken away. Michele sent me!- Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 5:54:00 PM PDT
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It just goes to show, I suppose... miracles are real. I can imagine how tremendously relieved you are. As Atila said, if we can't find a way, we'll make one. Atila would be proud of you. ;)
~S- Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 8:51:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
yahooooooooooo oldold...i always said it aint who you are it's who you know...here in israel we call it protexia...bravo...wonderful post...great ending
- Sunday, June 24, 2007 at 12:05:00 AM PDT
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Lovely to have you up and buzzing again Naomi. The more I look at Mark's face the more sympatico he seems. A lovely friend to have. I hope you have a quiet restful week and give yourself time to thoroughly recover.
Michele sent me this time.- Sunday, June 24, 2007 at 2:55:00 AM PDT
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I just wanted to add my thankfulness for your problem solved to the mix. I have driven only twice in the past five years -- not at all in the past three, I'm afraid -- but don't want to give up my license. I still think I may want to drive again some day and don't want to have to start anew with the testing process when I do. I'm glad that you are set for awhile in that regard!
Have a great birthday!- Sunday, June 24, 2007 at 3:40:00 AM PDT
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How wonderful you found those angels on your path! congratulations to you! I would hate to learn for that written test myself... we only have a medical and an eye test... we are all so very,very proud of you!! Too bad you had those dark days before but All's Well That Ends Well, congrats again :)
- Sunday, June 24, 2007 at 4:17:00 AM PDT
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Ohhh Naomi.. I do know how stess gets to us of the "older generation" that just wears us out!
I am so glad Mark managed to help you! What a sweetie!!
I hope you are feeling better by the minute!- Sunday, June 24, 2007 at 7:43:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Mark's intervention on your behalf proves that angels still walk among us.
I've marked your birthday in my calendar, Naomi, and will smile a little extra on the 27th knowing that it's your special day.
A special day for a special person...I like that!- Sunday, June 24, 2007 at 9:31:00 AM PDT
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I am glad you were able to work that out and had such a good friend to help you. I remember when my mother lost her driver's license. She had come to driving late only learning and getting it in her 60s and then with macular degeneration, she lost so much sight that we truly didn't want her driving anyway but when I took her in for the test, she hoped to keep it. She even felt they had cheated her with the eye test. It was very upsetting to her as it had been a later in life accomplishment that she had great pride in having done. Old age is tough.
- Sunday, June 24, 2007 at 12:12:00 PM PDT
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Mark came to your rescue like a knight in shining armour!!
I am so glad that this heavy burden was lifted and the problem resolved.
Whew!
BIG sigh of relief for you, dear Naomi. :-)
Now you are all rested up to enjoy a GREAT birthday!
I may fly out to visit my brother the end of July.
He is currently in Europe. He is playing piano with a touring group. He gets home on July 7th, and I will make definite plans after talking to him again.
If it works out that I fly out there, I will make plans to come visit YOU!!! You will be the first blog buddy I have met in person. I'll let you know more when I know more. :-)
By the way, you can't refer to yourself as "elderly" until you reach age 80. You've got some time left as a spring chicken, so enjoy it!!!- Sunday, June 24, 2007 at 2:19:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
You have to give a thumb print for your license?! Wow!
Gord's parents had to do their drivers test in the past year because they turned 80. They were not pleased! Ha!- Monday, June 25, 2007 at 5:53:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
I hate I have been off the computer so much lately and missed all this. Bless your heart, I know you must have been so concerned but I am so thankful that you have good friends like Mark in your life to look out for you. Here too you must retake tests at certain ages. I had to take the vision for the first time since 16 when I turned 40.
I am so happy you got to keep your license and the independence that goes along with it!- Tuesday, June 26, 2007 at 6:56:00 AM PDT
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