Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Drivers License Screw-up

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

I went to the Chase Avenue DMV to get my drivers license renewed.  After having my photo taken, I filled out the form.

During the past year have you had a loss of consciousness or muscle control caused by one of the following?  I checked NO.  And then I crossed it out and checked YES and checked Heart.  I felt I had to admit that I passed out at the hospital when I had my leg treatment and now have a pacemaker. DUMB!

When I got called to the window, the agent asked about that loss of consciousness.  She said she'd have to call a supervisor.

She was on Hold, just like the rest of us.  When she got the answer, she said that I would have to have a form filled out by my doctor certifying that it was safe for me to drive.  The agent suggested dropping off the form for the doctor to sign and picking it up at my next visit, which was an September 26.

I picked up some cat supplies at PETCO, and then drove to Dr. Gundamraj office on Mayfair Rd.

The receptionist took my form for Dr. Gundamraj to sign.

Monday, September 22, 2024

I called Dr. Gundamraj office to see if I could move up my wellness exam from Friday to an earlier day, because I'd be driving without a license by Friday.  The receptionist promised to see what she could do.

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

I was able to see Dr. Gundamraj today at 3:00 p.m.  She completed the form and I got to the Grange Ave. DMV about 4:15.  I had to have my photo taken again because it was a different DMV and proceeded to Window 11.  Because it was so late in the day (closing time is 4:45 p.m.) I would not get my results until tomorrow after the DMV in Madison reviews it.  The agent thought I should have no problem, but he does not have the final word.  They will call me tomorrow.

Thursday, September 25, 2025

When I told the breakfast group that I had an appointment with the audiologist because my right hearing aid wasn't responding, I got a lot of comments about not driving with an expired drivers license.  Dwight Morgan said that if I injured someone all of my assets could be washed away.  I decided to call Lyft.

Dawn arrived with a Jeep and almost lost control when I told her that I was 93 and was able to get into the Jeep.  We had a lively chat and she got me to Dr. Martin's office on time, even after missing an exit.  That ride was $23.93.

My hearing aid was filled with wax and needed a cleaning and a new guard; I also got different tops

David picked me up at 11:55 a.m. and got me to SRS at 12:20 p.m.  That ride was $13.93; my transportation cost $37.68.

I was glued to my phone the entire day, expecting a call from the DMV.  I had so much anxiety, thinking of all the possibilities that my license would not be approved, mainly because of my age.

At 4:15 p.m., I decided to call DMV, almost resigned to the fact that I would not be talking to a person.  I almost fainted when a man answered and asked to help me.  I started explaining my situation, but he stopped me and said that I needed to talk to someone in the medical approval department; he connected me.

I talked to a most pleasant woman who seemed to be searching for my record.  She asked who told me that I would be receiving a phone call.  When I explained, she said a letter has been sent to me today approving my license.  I could have kissed her, I was so happy.  She also said that I could drive; my information has been entered.

The attention I received was commendable.  By the end of the day I'm sure agents have received numerous calls, probably from some frustrated or irate callers, and yet both agents that I was connected to were extremely pleasant.



Sunday, September 14, 2025

Sorensen Open House

Sunday, September 14, 2025

On a perfect summer day, Jay and Laura celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary, Laura's retirement from 50 years of employment and the 104th birthday of their home with a gala open house.


The backyard, with a background of beautiful flowers in the garden, was arranged with tablecloths in various colors topped with snacks.  On the patio was a buffet of vegetables, dips, sausages and cheeses, crackers and sandwiches.

Laura provided the desserts.


The guests included:
Annika with her friends Jakori, Brian and Lucas.


Jay and Claude with Seth Kiefer and his partner Art.


Ellen Meyers and Jay with Bob Ferriday and Barbara McMath


I'm sitting with Peter, Colin, Janice and Brad.

Other guests included Peggy Kegley and friends from the former Midwest Express.

And we were entertained by a wonderful trio of musicians.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16CpGfyKQp/

It could not have been a more perfect party.

Saturday, September 13, 2025

Incredible Honesty

 Saturday, September 13, 2025

After my hair I went to the ECU ATM for $300 in cash.  It asked to remove my card, but nothing happened.

I inserted my card again, and still nothing happened, so I left the ATM and went inside.  I told the teller that my card didn't seem to be working, so I withdrew $300 from my account in person.

As I parked in the garage, I got a call from ECU explaining that the ATM was slow in responding and I left without removing my cash.

The person behind me took out my cash and turned it in!  

The transactions were adjusted and I am charged with only the cash that I withdrew from the teller.

Thursday, September 11, 2025

Octoberfest at SRS

 Thursday, September 11, 2025

I had a black knitted strip on my flag to observer 9/11.

Peter came to the Octoberfest luncheon.  We were joined by Win Thrall and Cathy and Howard Kainz.  Everyone raved about the delicious food; Peter gave it his Munich approval.


Peter stayed and played dominos.
At 6:00 p.m. we had a Packer party with a lot of snacks and beverages; I had a margarita.
The Packers played the Commanders; I stayed for a half of the game and finished it in my apartment to put stitches back on a shawl.
Packers won 27 - 18.


Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Dinner With Annika

 Tuesday, August 25, 2025

Jay and Laura are still in Ely, MN, working on a forest ranger cabin, so Annika went to the Emperor's Table on Brady St. for dinner.  We both had shrimp dishes.

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

MARTA Luncheon/Tuesday Dinner

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

After a string of chilly days, today was sunny and warm.

Our MARTA luncheon was on Tuesday at the Bavarian Bier Haus instead of the regular Monday, since the Bier Haus is not open on Mondays.  We sat at a crowded table with Chuck and Bonnie Zahnow, and others.  There were two giant dahlias at my place setting.

The food was very good, followed by a saxophone player playing familiar music.  Peter and I danced one number.

Annika was too bogged down with studies to join us for our Tuesday dinner.  Laura asked if I'd like to invite Peter or someone from SRS.  I thought the latter would be interesting.  I asked Win Thrall who had a connection to Lawrence.  I made an excellent choice.  Win and Laura met like old friends with much to share about their common experiences and people they knew.  Even Jay shared common friends.  We munched appetizers in the pergola, but it would have been too cool to eat outdoors.

Laura served a grilled beef fillet, roasted mixed vegetables and a caprice salad, with M&Ms for dessert.

I had to pry Win away; they had so much to talk about on this enjoyable evening.  

  

Thursday, September 4, 2025

McGinnis Wedding Anniversary

 Thursday, September 4, 2025

Jerry led the group in a nice work-out.  

John and Mary McGinnis invited Peter and me to O'Donoghue's Irish Pub to celebrate their wedding anniversary that we missed on August 20.  Gail Trout was also included.  We sat in the back room which was nice and private.  Peter and I shared a steak sandwich with glasses of Guinness.  

Monday, September 1, 2025

Frank's Birthday

 September 1, 2025

A very pleasant day for the SRS Pot Luck with grilled chicken; I had other plans.

Frank Schmitz celebrated his birthday at Carl Schurz Park.  My GPS took us via Waukesha; some day I'll figure it out.  We got there early and Peter was expecting food to be served earlier than 4:00 p.m.  We considered leaving, but then decided to wait it out.  Adolph and Magdalena Meinhardt joined us which helped pass the afternoon.

The open bar flowed all afternoon.  Hamburgers and brats were plentiful along with potato salad and other sides.

We met John and Mary McGinnis as we were leaving