Second Step Scary No More

This isn't exactly the very first time Joey conquered her fear of the 2nd step (in our pool), but it is maybe the 3rd or 4th. I'm sure there will be better videos to come.

Watch the video.

One Hour at the DMV

As many of you know, Roy and I got a new electric scooter (SO FUN) a few weeks ago. Well contrary to what the sales guy said, we feel it does require a M2 license and perhaps even a M1 license. Being responsible people and general rule followers, we set about getting ourselves in order. Roy called AAA to see about insurance (that is a story in itself) and I made appointments at the DMV.

My appointment was today, 2:50pm. First lesson I learned is that everyone has to check in and get a number, BUT if you have an appointment, you get to go in the short line. I didn't realize that at first. The very efficient, nice lady behind the check-in desk gave me a form DL-44 to fill in while I waited. Basic stuff, name, DL number, check the box that you are adding to your current license, check the box to be a donor, register to vote (last two optional), etc.

They called my number and I yelled "Keno!" and ran to window #5. "Joe Montanna" (he was wearing the jersey) punched in my info, took $28 in fees from me and told me to go to window #16 to get my test. He explained with great exasperation that I would have to take a 15 question drivers test as well as the 18 question motorcycle test and this was because it has been over a year since my last test. That was the second thing I learned. Thanks Joe!

Window 16 turned out to be a popular window that served various purposes. Not only could you get your tests there, get your tests corrected there, but you could also leave a thumb print, and get your photo taken. Lots of people were waiting for window 16.

When it was my turn, I surrendered my paperwork which was reviewed thoroughly. I was then directed to stand back for my photo, no, come forward for your thumbprint, no step back for the photo, no come forward to sign the electronic pad, no step back for the photo. etc. and oy. Thankfully the photo I took was only for my photo receipt, not for my license, because I looked like I was robbing a Kwiki-Mart.

I got my test and joined the others in the boxed-off area complete with lots of signage about how you are not permitted to talk to others and use of cell phones is punishable by death. I did the test questions for the regular license first to gain confidence. When I started on the motorcycle test, I quickly realized that thumbing through the manual once may not have imparted all the information. Question #2:
Most crash-involved riders:
A. Overbrake the rear tire.
B. Underbrake the rear tire.
C. Were experienced riders.

I have NO clue. OK skip it for now. Get to question #4 - no clue, not good. Question 9, 10, huh? This is bad news, you are only allowed to miss 4. I start to look around to see if there is security in the testing area. Will they notice if I make a call? Who would I call? Roy is out of town.

I make my best attempts at trying to think like a DVM question writer and I join my friends in line for lucky window 16. Long story long, I missed two (including the above question, which was "A") and I proudly took home my new learners permit!

Sophie Is In Remission

We took Sophie to the vet earlier this week to recheck her bloodwork and vitals. She has been on Prednisone and Azathioprine to manage her AIHA and we have been taking her in every 2 weeks to recheck all her values and reassess her treatment plan.

Sophie continues to do well. Her PCV is holding steady and the reticulocyte count is low indicating a stable remission of the disease. She gets to dial back even further on the Prednisone and will recheck now in 3 weeks.

As you can imagine, we are over the moon about this. When we first took her in and got the AIHA diagnosis, we were preparing ourselves for the worst. But in fact, just the opposite has happened. Sophie is bugging us all day for food, ball, pool, trips, walks, you name it. We are all doing our best to keep up with her. It's so nice to have her back!

New Toy!

You may remember a year or so ago Roy and I were investigating getting a scooter. We looked at Vespa, Honda, Paggio and others, but finally concluded it was too expensive, we didn't have a place to store it, and we didn't want to get the M1 license we were told it required.

Well throw all that out the window. There is a new place in San Carlos that sells electric scooters, cars and other vehicles. Say no more, especially since I had just returned from the gas pump and celebrated my first $100+ charge. Yay. I'm now considering getting rid of my car, getting a Smart car, and another scooter so Roy and I can scoot together.

As you can see we selected one in a nice minty green (you can click the photo to see the enlarged view), we really liked the red one but thought I would catch the eye of the police. Frankly, the color does not matter. The only thing either of us can tell you about it is that it is SO MUCH FUN to ride!! We take it to the health club, we take it downtown for errands, we take it up Hull just to see how it does. There is definitely a learning curve (Roy dumped it over once - no injury) and the throttle is touchy, but we are eager students.