(no subject)
We have been in Saint Louis nearly a month (excluding of course the random visits back to Tulsa). And today, for the first time, Terry and I caught a glimpse of the arch.
Needless to say, we did not see it intentionally, as we have not yet found time for sightseeing (unless frequent trips to the various stores in our area counts). We saw it only because we have been in the house nearly a month - meaning that the grace period for purchasing tags for our car is rapidly approaching an end.
So we had to go downtown to get proof that we don't owe property tax. This is one of the many inordinately complicated steps to obtain licenses and tags for the state of Missouri. In fact, that has been the sum total of what we have accomplished today, after running around since 10 am. And we haven't actually had time to actually procure the tags yet - we've only acquired all (we hope) of the necessary documation (as a sign in the DMV helpfully informs us). We'll go get the tags tomorrow, God willing. Acquiring my license required no less than 5 official documents (no copies allowed) and $20. In cash. Or check. But no credit cards. And a slightly less than two hour wait. I love Oklahoma.
On a related note, we had to get our car inspected (emissions and safety). The emissions inspection was only $24 dollars, and probably took about an hour (in blatant disregard for the estimated waiting time of 10 minutes on an electronic sign as we pulled in). The car passed the test. All in all, not bad.
But then, the safety inspection. Again, the car passed inspection, which only cost $12. However, the tires are nearly bald, and would probably fail the inspection if we added a day or two of driving. We already knew they needed to be replaced, but that is still an expense we don't need. Added to this, the housing around the front left axel has split open and needs to be replaced. We will seek a new estimate on this, as $250 for a piece of rubber (or plastic, or whatever it is) is rather a lot. And the tires should be realigned. And the air filter should be replaced. Oh, and replacing the broken housings for the headlights that are misaligned (causing extremely poor nighttime visibility) would be $400. I.e., the car that according to our insurance company is only worth $1000 salvage needs over $1000 in repairs. Blech. Again - seek a new estimate. And also wait until Mara is in town, so we can leave the shop while it is being repaired without having to rent a vehicle.
On a more positive note, Terry and I spent yesterday fixing up the house, and it is now almost presentable (aside from our continued lack of several crucial pieces of furniture).
Needless to say, we did not see it intentionally, as we have not yet found time for sightseeing (unless frequent trips to the various stores in our area counts). We saw it only because we have been in the house nearly a month - meaning that the grace period for purchasing tags for our car is rapidly approaching an end.
So we had to go downtown to get proof that we don't owe property tax. This is one of the many inordinately complicated steps to obtain licenses and tags for the state of Missouri. In fact, that has been the sum total of what we have accomplished today, after running around since 10 am. And we haven't actually had time to actually procure the tags yet - we've only acquired all (we hope) of the necessary documation (as a sign in the DMV helpfully informs us). We'll go get the tags tomorrow, God willing. Acquiring my license required no less than 5 official documents (no copies allowed) and $20. In cash. Or check. But no credit cards. And a slightly less than two hour wait. I love Oklahoma.
On a related note, we had to get our car inspected (emissions and safety). The emissions inspection was only $24 dollars, and probably took about an hour (in blatant disregard for the estimated waiting time of 10 minutes on an electronic sign as we pulled in). The car passed the test. All in all, not bad.
But then, the safety inspection. Again, the car passed inspection, which only cost $12. However, the tires are nearly bald, and would probably fail the inspection if we added a day or two of driving. We already knew they needed to be replaced, but that is still an expense we don't need. Added to this, the housing around the front left axel has split open and needs to be replaced. We will seek a new estimate on this, as $250 for a piece of rubber (or plastic, or whatever it is) is rather a lot. And the tires should be realigned. And the air filter should be replaced. Oh, and replacing the broken housings for the headlights that are misaligned (causing extremely poor nighttime visibility) would be $400. I.e., the car that according to our insurance company is only worth $1000 salvage needs over $1000 in repairs. Blech. Again - seek a new estimate. And also wait until Mara is in town, so we can leave the shop while it is being repaired without having to rent a vehicle.
On a more positive note, Terry and I spent yesterday fixing up the house, and it is now almost presentable (aside from our continued lack of several crucial pieces of furniture).