Update Now I Have Internet

Wednesday, July 9, 2008
I drove to Asheville by myself and found the driver’s license place, but discovered I needed my social security card to apply. I had not brought my phone and had to drive all the way back to Canton to get it. I went back, passed the eye test and the meaning of the signs. The lady told me if I was not sure about the answer on the computer test to pass and go on. I only needed 20 out of 25, so do the ones I knew first. I passed on five questions before I got one wrong. I thought the alcohol level was .05%, but it was .08%, so I had to try one of the five I passed on. I got it right.
The woman had me pick out a license pattern (I chose the NC state shape) and had me verify that all the information was correct. It was, but there was a NL on it and I had to ask what that was. She gave me a funny look and said non-Latino. I thought that was rather racial, but didn’t say anything.
I had to wait because the picture machine ran out of photo cards and while I waited I met the young woman next to me. She was moving here from Virginia, because she wanted a change she said, but she sounded depressed. I mentioned that things usually did change given enough time. We continued talking and it turned out she was born and reared in Springfield, IL near where I grew up by Washington Park! What a small world.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
The other day I went to the NC license plate facility in Canton and no one was there. I went back today with my NC driver’s license, car title, proof of Insurance and mileage only to find there was a huge line and the people at the counter took forever. As things started moving, the lady who does the work for businesses came out and offered to do my work. I followed her back. It cost $219.00 to get a NC title and license! Next year it will be $28. Then every year I need to get the car checked which will be about $30, she said!
Wow, hope I can afford to get the window fixed soon. I made a pot roast and sent some with Bobby for his supper tonight. My first big meal in my new home.
Friday, July 11, 2008
I went to the Biltmore with Bobby, Barbie, her mother (Grandma Carol), her brothers (Uncle John and Uncle Ian) and Lennon, the star of the show. We had an awesome time. Lennon wore his monkey back pack with a tail for a leash and was very good (and VERY cute.) Like Barbie said, if we need to leave you two (Grandmas)while we go get the car, we’ll leave you with the topic, How cute is Lennon.)
Afterwards we drove down through the estate and had a picnic under some beautiful shade trees near a wooded hill. Bobby and Barbie brought a blanket and Carol had some fold out chairs. It was elegantly casual.
When we got home I invited Carol in to see the house and we visited in my living room while Bobby and Barbie made a fire in the back yard fire pit, then we all cooked hot dogs made symores and talked until after midnight. I was a perfect ending to a perfect day. Chauncey got to be out with us and the conversation turned to books and movies, a nice relief from the constant gossip I have become accustomed to.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Today I worked on the music room, the last room to finish up before I start simple cleaning and reorganizing my books, although I have done the rugs several times, using a baking soda deodorizer today. I hung my dulcimer and turned the fan back around so it is blowing air into the house. I tried blowing it out to help get rid of the humidity, but then it gets too hot if I don’t turn it around the other way at night. I am still using the nails, screws and current holes for the time being. My piano is sticking on the E above middle C and the sustain pedal squeaked the first two hours I played. I may have to find a piano technician.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Obviously I had internet installed today! Nothing is easy here, though. The man hooked it up in less than fifteen minutes then spent over an hour and a half trying to make it work. He called Charter (the company he works for!) and they kept him on hold for that entire hour and a half. He finally left and I went to get a North Carolina Insurance Agent. It appears my insurance here may be almost half what it was in Illinois! I asked him to check closer to be sure. Now if I get the car inspected, the window fixed, and my deposit back from my old land lord, I can start paying off the moving truck.
Tonight Barbie made a fire in the back yard and we all made "shamoors" which Lennon is a big fan of. I feel like I should write some sort of great thot tonight, but instead I am just sending the entries from the past few days to update everyone. Moving has been so much fun and SO much work.