In Arizona the first step in registering a vehicle is to pull into the lane at the Motor Vehicle Dept. designated for vehicle checks. They don't do any inspections there, just insure the VIN on the title matches the VIN on the car. I was there at 7:45 to be first in line for their opening at 8:00. At 8:15 the guy came out and took the title from me, and then looked where the dash meets the windshield on the driver's side.
I said, "It's not there. This is a '66." A big sign said, "Do NOT get out of your car," and I'm not one to break rules, so I couldn't do anything more.
Before I could say anything he looked at the door jam on the driver's door. "It's not there, either."
At this point he looked a bit befuddled so I took a risk and got out of the car and opened the hood. The VIN plate is mounted on the top of the right fender well. He compared the two and said, "OK, you're fine.
From there I parked in the lot and went inside. The opposite of Disneyland, it's the Unhappiest Place on Earth. Two months later they called "J-586, station 13" and I went to find.... the same lady I worked with to register and get plates for the teardrop I built. I got the impression then that she'd never done anything like that before (no VIN, manufacturer...) and wasn't real happy to face the challenge.
Today...
"What kind of car is this?"
"It's a Rambler."
"A what?"
But we got it done and it only took about 45 minutes.
When I got home we headed up to Prescott and got there about 11:30. The plan was to spend the day walking the shops, maybe one of the trails, and just enjoy a day away. The old part of the town dates back to the mid-1800's, and was the original state capital and a mining town, so there are lots of old buildings with quirky shops. We had lunch at the Bistro St. Michael, which sounds a lot more sophisticated than it is. Pam had fish tacos she said were very good and I had a turkey/gouda croissant that gets a thumbs up.
While we were eating the storms rolled in. BIG flashes of lightning, LOUD thunderclaps, and POURING rain. After eating we tried to visit a few shops but it wasn't gonna work; we were just getting drenched, so we gave up and drove home.
Basically we drove 90 minutes for a good lunch and drove 90 minutes home. Oh well.
I'm surprised the DNC tonight is featuring Jimmy Carter. He got beat in his bid for reelection and is best known for his "malaise" comment. As an ex-Pres. he's got a rep for not playing well with others, including the current administration. Not exactly one of their shining stars.
Did you hear that the DNC organizers gave away tickets to students and others so all the seats in the convention center would be occupied? If the D'backs did that the entire ASU student body could attend their games.
Pam's mom has been in a rehab facility in Grand Rapids (MI) for about three months after breaking her tailbone in a fall. It looks like she'll get released the end of next week, but because she lives alone in a condo she'll need help. So Pam's going to go back and help out for the first 10-12 days.
It's that stage in life when we care for our parents. We both find it difficult to be so far away and I'm glad she has the freedom to make the trip.
But I don't like not having her here.
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