BLOG INTERUPPTION....Just this minute, little Jack nearly got sprayed by a skunk! We just stepped out for a toilet break - Jack that is, not me - and over he ran at full pelt to a black and white bushy tailed creature in the back corner of the backyard, which somehow quickly stopped Jack in his tracks. Now this is unusual for Jack, who may be little in stature, but definitely not courage. Luckily I think the said skunk let of a warning shot prior to going for a full stink attack on him - I am not sure how their warning works, but thank god. I hear tomato juice is how you get skunk smell out, and strangely, I don't have any on hand. Put that on the next shopping list!
So, back to the story again - in arrived Jack and Brett. What a time to arrive - it's sure been a crazy few weeks here. Following Sandy, you'd think we were in a third world country. Tens of thousands without power for over two weeks, gasoline shortages (you should've seen the lines at the stations that were open - order had to be maintained by police), and transport chaos (in Brett's words, the longest queue he'd ever seen ...). With all of this, only one week after Sandy, in came a massive snow storm (massive by my standards anyway). This was my first commute home in snow. I had luckily bought a few weeks prior a pair of gumboots (with special socks that keep your feet warm in the boots) and that morning invested in another (about #5 within 1 year) umbrella - life time warranty this one. The trip was quite fun actually, bar the snow flakes hitting my eye lashes, and the gusts of winds. Seems the umbrella I bought is not too bad after all - this was the scene, not only on the outside of the bus terminal (where this shot was taken), but all along the streets. To be honest, it's a familiar sight whenever there is rain and wind. Mine, however survived!
Poor little Jack is now the object of my shopping fascination - no it's not an obsession - check out his new winter wardrobe.
We've also been hunting for a car, which has seen us venture to all sorts of places. After battling and being limited by public transport, we decided to hire a car this weekend. After a year of no car, it was such a feeling of freedom to be able to hit the road. We ventured down to central Jersey yesterday and checked out a few cars (there's one possible option that we're waiting to hear back from the owners, fingers crossed). There's another option Brett is checking out in Pennsylvania tomorrow.
Given we are buying a car, we also thought we should get a NJ licence. Down to the DMV we arrive to another massive line, about 20 long outside of the building, make our way in after around 45 minute wait only to find Brett can't get one because he doesn't have a social security number yet, and I needed a document that I had stupidly forgotten. I rush home (about 2 miles), get the right paperwork and go back and wait another 45 minutes, and after satisfying all of the ID requirements, take a set for another 30 minutes only to be told, I can't apply at this time because my immigration status hasn't been updated since I travelled last - it's supposed to only take 10 days, and it was now 15 days later. So, the next Saturday, first thing I make my way down again, this time the line twice as long. So, after 1 hour wait, I meet the first ID requirements, 30 minutes later, my immigration status is approved, and then after 1 1/2 hours I make it up to the window for another ID check before sitting my knowledge test. At this point, they do one final check to make sure I have an Australian Licence. I hand it over and I get the comment "but this is in a different name", I calmly respond, "I know, all of the ID checks I gave you were validated, this is just to show I had a licence in Australia. I know it's my married name, but it's clearly me". "But I can't prove it's you mam". "What do you mean, you can't prove it's me, it's got my photo on it". (completely ignoring me) "Do you have your marriage certificate?". "No, my marriage certificate is in transit to the US, but it won't be here for a few weeks". "Well, then you'll need to do a full driving test with your own car, but you will need to wait over a month". "But, I can't register a vehicle without a licence and I've waited for over 3 hours" (tears welling up at this stage). "I'm sorry mam". "No, but seriously how do I register for a vehicle without a licence". "Well, you don't actually need a licence to register a vehicle". "Then why did someone tell me I did - I wouldn't have lined up for a licence if I knew that!". "I don't know mam, but you don't need one"....
Whatever! What a waste of 5 hours of my life... What is it with me and public authorities? I'm just sticking with my Australian licence for now...
... and just to prove I wasn't over exaggerating...
Today, given most car yards are shut on Sunday (weird if you ask me), we had an adventure going to Walmart. Holy Crap! It was GIGANTIC. I don't think this shot gives perspective, but it is like twice the size of Bunnings at least...
After online shopping for so long, it was such a novelty to go to the supermarket and all the choices - I mean, without going to Walmart, how would I ever know that this ever existed...
After loading up with a huge trolley full of groceries (maybe being a little too excited I went overboard), we then went on a lovely drive upstate to Bear Mountain State Park, only about 1 hour north from home. Just gorgeous - the exact image I had of the typical lakeside camps (wish I was 12 years old again).
Here is one of the many deer that we saw.
It's thanksgiving this weekend, so only a three day week. I have my turkey, yams and cranberry sauce at the ready!
See you later everyone :)
Michele
