Today was the fourth bright-and-sunny day in a row. Last year, I had come to take such days for granted. This year, these are the first four summer days we’ve had, even though it’s now fall and nighttime temperatures are plummeting into the high 50’s.
I had an unexpected to-do today. I happened to look at Joulee the Free Salvage Tesla’s license plate and realized that her registration expired this month. I’d never received any notice, so I hopped on the computer and went to the DMV web site. It said I couldn’t renew because the registration had been expired for more than 10 months! I looked at the sticker again, and it clearly says “valid through September 2026.” I checked the registration, which also says valid through September 2026. I even looked up and found the receipt for the fees and verified that they were indeed paid. But the website was obstinate that the fees hadn’t been paid. I tried calling, navigated an awful-as-usual voice jail, finally was told I was being transferred to an agent, and the phone rang about 20 times and then hung up.
Early this morning I printed out all the paperwork and set out on the 40 minute trip to town. The DMV was “crowded” in that there were a handful of people in the waiting area, but I ended up being next up after only a five minute or so wait, so the others must have had special business. I told my story, and the DMV worker looked perplexed. She picked up the phone, made a call, waited on hold for 10-15 minutes and hung up, shaking her head. She typed. She typed some more. She looked at my documents again. She called to a co-worker and they talked awhile. She said it obviously was a mistake, so she’d just override it. But all-powerful computer say “NO! No can override because delinquent fees.” But, of course, there are no delinquent fees.
The DMV worker kept at it, and one point enlisting over half the available staff. I felt bad for the folks waiting. Eventually, though, she figured out a way. I paid my fees, got my registration and sticker, and headed out to take Luna the Big Dog™ on a walk around the Keck Telescope campus.
I did some chores after I got home, then L and I set about to finish the last little bit of the outdoor kitchenette: hot water. We installed a little camping hot water heater, tested it out, fixed a minor leak, and it’s done.
Now it’s back to town (ugh!) for an event, though this should be a lot more fun than a visit to the DMV.
—2p