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Random thoughts, life lessons, hopes and dreams.

We Can Accept That – #1LinerWeds

Dan Antion
2 minutes
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Maddie and I crossed the street to let this guy stay where he was.

As we continue the roller coaster ride that is the response to the Corona virus, we have experienced lows and not-so-lows. I’m not sure we have anything that counts as a high point lately. We have emerged from the shortages caused by supply chain disruption and hoarders. We have distanced ourselves from others and, at the request/demand of our government, we have spent most of our time at home. We have acquired masks and keep them at the ready. We have supplies of hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, M&Ms and beer – you know – essentials.

Last month, the State of CT began to allow some venues and businesses to reopen – a bit. Restaurants went from takeout only to limited seating. Non-essential retail stores were allowed to open. I was able to get my hair cut. Museums are beginning to open, libraries are allowed to open and State services are returning to operation. Still, everything is measured. Everything is proceeding at a pace that is slow and not necessarily steady.

One of the State services that is returning to operation is the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The service centers have been closed since March. There are backlogs of thousands of people who need licenses, registrations, titles, and exams. The DMV center near us will be reopening, with the following caveat:

“The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles is now offering in-person, appointment only services for specific transactions.”

Instead of arriving randomly at the center, standing in a long line to get a number that defines our position in a different line, we have to make an appointment. We have to arrive at the building at a specific time, wait in our car until we receive a message, enter the building, and conduct our business.

I think we can live with that.

This post is part of Linda G. Hill’s fun weekly series One-Liner Wednesday. If you have a one-liner, I’d encourage you to join in on the fun. You can follow this link to participate and to see the one-liners from the other participants.

Smokey on the move.
I’m guessing one of the birds left this behind.
Welcome home. This guy hangs out at the porch door.
“Why do you always book us in this bird & breakfast? The service is lousy.”
“Can I have a peanut?”
This is the bigger of the two baby bunnies in our yard.
Snoopy – looking for bugs for the kids.
Blue jay, snagging the squirrel’s peanut. This guy flew in from about 80′ 0″(24.38m) away – sharp eyes.
On duty.
Hi Snoopy.
Chippy, that peanut is bigger than your head.
ALERT – Walker Lady – ALERT!!
“Hi there. Maddie lets me hang out here.”
Jinx is heading out.
This is the smaller of the two bunnies.

75 responses to “We Can Accept That – #1LinerWeds”

  1. hilarymb Avatar
    hilarymb

    Hi Dan – you seem to have taken the prudent road and are coping with care to yourself and to others. Making appointments seem to be the order of the day for the moment – unless one wants to brave the crowds … the basics are relatively easily available. Maddie seems the least concerned! Stay safe – Hilary

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Hilary. Maddie appears unconcerned, only because she’s checked the last item of the day off her list – sitting in the late afternoon. I think the appointment-only idea is great. I’m sure it will have its challenges, but I’m up for it. I have to get a new license in November.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  2. Frank Hubeny Avatar
    Frank Hubeny

    Those long lines at the DMVs have always been mysteries to me.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I know! How have they never considered appointments before?

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  3. dweezer19 Avatar
    dweezer19

    One high point I suppose. Service make take longer to get an appointment but you likely won’t wait as long once you get to it. Sigh. Always cute animals. I love your little visitors.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Given that I waited 5 hours one night to register a utility trailer, the idea of even an imperfect appointment system sounds very good to me. I’m glad you like the critters. I know I post a lot of pics of them, but it’s all I got.

      Like

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      1. dweezer19 Avatar
        dweezer19

        Never too many pf Nature’s family Dan.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  4. GP Cox Avatar
    GP Cox

    I got a kick out of the essentials hoarded. Careful with the openings, my county has had the highest spike yet! So I don’t go very far very often. (I’d sure like to though).
    I looks like Chippy is going to have his hands full with that peanut!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      We are doing our best to move around a little but stay safe at the same time, GP. It’s a dance, but I think we’re getting good at it. I am always amazed when the chipmunks grab one of the big-boy peanuts.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  5. Rivergirl Avatar
    Rivergirl

    Wonderful group of shots. Bunnies!
    As for Corona, I’m afraid it’s the same as everything else. Some do all, some do nothing and we all deal with the consequences. 1 in 100 Americans infected. That’s insane.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      It is crazy, and so much could have been avoided – oh well, no one asked me for my advice.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  6. quiall Avatar
    quiall

    I love your menagerie! It gives me a glimpse of a gentle simplicity in an increasingly chaotic world. Made me smile too.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I’m glad I could help you smile, Pam. That makes it all worth it.

      Like

      Reply
  7. NewEnglandGardenAndThread Avatar
    NewEnglandGardenAndThread

    The last time I went to DMV I had to give up after a 2+ hour wait and went back the next morning an hour before it opened to get in line. I could live with an appointment. :-) I do find some of the rules interesting. For instance, I have a hair cut this morning at 10:30. To make an appointment between 9-12 you need to do it by calling. From afternoon to close, you can use the app. I even asked her to repeat it, I thought it was so crazy. Oh well, I want my hair cut so I’ll be in the parking lot 15 minutes before, attempt a call, and wait to be told to enter. :-) It’s definitely daylily season here too – enjoy. Maddie looks like she’s laying down on the job there, but she may need the practice for the heat and humidity that’s moving in. :-)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Maddie does a few minutes of guard duty, then declares “all is well” and nods off. The rest is up to me. It’s amazing how cool her little porch is, even on those hot and humid days. I guess I did something right when I decided to build it.

      I have to renew my license in November. I hope they get the kinks out of the system by then. I can also go to AAA.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. NewEnglandGardenAndThread Avatar
        NewEnglandGardenAndThread

        Okay, I need more info. Can AAA help with your license renewal?

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          AAA can process renewals in CT. There’s a small additional fee but it’s dirt simple. My wife always goes there.

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
          1. NewEnglandGardenAndThread Avatar
            NewEnglandGardenAndThread

            Oh, wow, that is such a good idea.

            Liked by 1 person

            Reply
  8. Joanne Sisco Avatar
    Joanne Sisco

    Lineups are a new reality, along with various shortages, long waits, and decreasing patience. The strangeness of this odd year continues.

    Toronto is now one of several cities in Ontario that has made face masks mandatory in public enclosed areas. Not surprisingly, some people are losing it because government control, blah, blah, blah.
    Funny. I don’t remember anyone protesting about the various government emergency relief programs introduced back in March/April to help people who had lost their jobs during this pandemic.

    Meanwhile, I continue to stay at home. Now, to my long list of things I’m grateful for, I’m adding air conditioning. It is HOT.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      AC has certainly been important this year, Joanne. We turned it on in May and it hasn’t been off since. I’m hoping for a little, careful adventure on Friday. We’re not certain it will happen, but I’m optimistic (there’s a surprise).

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      1. Joanne Sisco Avatar
        Joanne Sisco

        Oooo – a surprise! I’m in!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  9. Mike Powell Avatar
    Mike Powell

    For some reason, Dan, the squirrels and the chipmunk in your post today spoke to me. Perhaps it was their postures or maybe it was was your fun captions. As for the re-openings, I am still doing my best to avoid people. I did have to get my car inspected, which in Virginia can be done at almost any service station, and had some brake work done too, but that did not involve much contact with others.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I’m glad you like the critters, Mike. The heat around here has left them struggling to find food. We don’t mind feeding them. I took my wife’s car for an emissions test. Not too bad, but perhaps the scariest place I’ve been. I’m not sure when the waiting room might have been cleaned last.

      Stay safe!

      Like

      Reply
  10. House of Heart Avatar
    House of Heart

    Such a lovely and uplifting selection of photographs Dan. Here in Florida there is little to be pleased with. The Coronavirus is raging and the government says all is well. Have a wonderful day. Thank you for the beauty sent our way.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Florida’s experience is one of the reasons CT is slowing the pace of opening. We’re trying to find safe things to do, but always watching for crowds to avoid.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. House of Heart Avatar
        House of Heart

        We are definitely an example not to follow. We have the worst governor in the the U.S. (and the worst president). they are killing us.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  11. Brenda Davis Harsham Avatar
    Brenda Davis Harsham

    Thanks for those adorable photos and captions. Here in MA, many of us are staying home. Most wear masks when we get out. I’m still only doing what I absolutely have to do, which in my case involves working on my house. My range died, so my kitchen needs a remodel for many reasons too complicated and boring to get into. I’m terrified that I’m going to get partway into the remodel and then another shutdown will mean no kitchen for months. And I have two teen boys to feed. They eat a lot. Sigh. They also need the DMV as well as to finish driver’s ed. Honestly, I don’t know what our RMV is doing. My eldest is getting better at driving, but he’s not ready for his test yet. My second hasn’t asked for a permit yet. Thank God. Teaching one at a time is best.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Feeding teenage boys. Wow! I can only imagine why you don’t want to rely on takeout. Hopefully, things move safely forward. I can handle a slow pace, but I don’t want to move backward. Good luck with the remodel. I wouldn’t mind hearing about that 😏

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Brenda Davis Harsham Avatar
        Brenda Davis Harsham

        We’re setting up a screened gazebo on our driveway for outdoor eating. I sure hope the kitchen is done by the time it gets cold. :-)

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          Good idea. Good luck.

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
          1. Brenda Davis Harsham Avatar
            Brenda Davis Harsham

            So far, so good. :-)

            Liked by 1 person

            Reply
  12. Jennie Avatar
    Jennie

    CT seems to be doing most things right, including how the DMV will operate upon reopening. Love those bunny photos!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I think so, Jennie. I hope they get it all working smoothly by November. I have to renew my license.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Jennie Avatar
        Jennie

        November is a long way off. I have hope!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  13. Ally Bean Avatar
    Ally Bean

    That’s a wonderful improvement. I like the idea of an appointment with the DMV. Progress comes in odd ways.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Seriously. I’m not saying it’s worth suffering through a pandemic, but I hope they never go back to the previous mess.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  14. John W. Howell Avatar
    John W. Howell

    I wonder if the Walker Lady knows how famous she is. Super photos and the DMV arrangement sounds like an upgrade.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I would be surprised if she follows me, John. I think she would have asked for equal time to complain about maths way Maddie barks at her. She’s at least 100 yards away in that picture, but Maddie was going crazy. Maybe she used to work for UPS. DMV’s solution doesn’t sound like an improvement to me.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. John W. Howell Avatar
        John W. Howell

        An appointment sounds digfferent. Of course it may take ten years to get one.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          That’s true. I can’t imagine our DMV figuring out how to be efficient during the past four months

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
  15. bikerchick57 Avatar
    bikerchick57

    Perhaps that should be the new normal for the DMV – designated appointments and waiting in the car (not standing for an hour) until notified to go into the building. Sounds like a good plan for everyone.

    1,000 bonus points for beer. Although I haven’t had any in awhile, that IS an essential. I may need to celebrate (any reason will do) with one over the weekend. Have a good Wednesday, Dan!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I stocked up on Corona when they stopped brewing it in April. I am about ready to buy another 12-pack. I don’t actually drink that much, but I like knowing that I can. You know, for those days when the news makes you say, “I need a beer.”

      I hope this is a permanent change for DMV. I can imagine protests if they ever decide to go back to the endless line approach.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  16. loisajay Avatar
    loisajay

    Another great gallery, Dan. I got a kick out of the ball glove. Definitely one of the birds left it behind. Probably a crow….Ack!! The walker lady–not seen her in a while. Strange thing yesterday–while I was talking to the outdoor kitties before they made their way to the front porch for supper, a blue jay divebombed from my roof to the porch. He took some cat food from the dish and then flew away. Great. Just what I need–blue jays attacking the cats. Maybe I had better put out some peanuts and pray for co-existence.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Blue jays are every bit as mean as Maddie thinks the walker lady is. But our little Snoopy mom chases them away from her babies. I’m thinking Jinx left that glove there.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  17. John Holton Avatar
    John Holton

    It’s like going to the doctor or the dentist now, isn’t it?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      It is, John. Maybe it’s the next new thing.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  18. Teagan R. Geneviene Avatar
    Teagan R. Geneviene

    LOL “bird and breakfast” hahaha. Jinx made it safely back to Parliament, MS. Hugs on the wing!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Jinx was flying strong. I wished him a safe trip. People might think I’m nuts talking to my dog and a crow, but…

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Teagan R. Geneviene Avatar
        Teagan R. Geneviene

        I talk to them too. They listen better than most humans. ;)

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  19. Murphy's Law Avatar
    Murphy’s Law

    Love the “Bird and Breakfast” and the lone glove. Would love to see the bird who owns that glove!🤗

    Maddie has the right idea. Her work is done so why not nap? Too hot for anything else.

    Chippy and his peanut is hysterical! And Galloping Grandma seems to full of vim and vigor. Guess Maddie is never going to call a treaty with her!

    Slow and steady as it goes Dan. I’m not eager to rush in and be really sorry later.
    🐾Ginger 🐾

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I love it when the big birds show up at the Martin house. They look around and I can only imagine what they’re thinking. It was weird to see the baseball glove. There haven’t been any kids on the fields yet, just birds.

      Maddie’s “work” is convincing me or the Editor to go out in the heat and sit with her. In the afternoon, it’s usually me. I can deal with the heat better. And no, she’s not interested in normalizing relations with the WL. It seems Maddie has declared territorial rights that extend out a few hundred feet in all directions. The lady was a serious distance away from us, posing no danger.

      I am doing my best to move carefully. Stay safe, Ginger.

      Like

      Reply
  20. Laurie Avatar
    Laurie

    Sounds like a win/win to me!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I know! Don’t tell DMV that they’re actually doing us a favor.

      Like

      Reply
  21. robertawrites235681907 Avatar
    robertawrites235681907

    South Africa has reopened and everyone is getting sick. We are staying at home and being very careful. I love these pictures, Dan.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Our Governor is trying to avoid that, but he’s under a lot of pressure to get things open. I’m comfortable with his measured pace. I’m not one for crowds, anyway.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  22. circadianreflections Avatar
    circadianreflections

    I was able to renew Pearl’s registration online, but the system wouldn’t let me renew Crystal’s registration online. That boggled my mind. I was finally able to get it renewed a month after it was due. I think they had a Skelton crew working to get the renewals processed and get the tags mailed out. Yeah!

    Having both cars due the same day isn’t fun!

    The bunnies, birds, and critters look cute and happy. Oh, someone is going to be missing that mitt. It looks like a good one! I hope the owner gets it back.

    Wouldn’t it be great if the new appointment system at the DMV proves to move people through the process efficiently and quicker than the way it was.😀

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I’m glad you got your registrations taken care of. It doesn’t make sense that one would work and one not, but that’s the nature of DMV – I guess they’re the same everywhere.

      Our car registrations and licenses are far enough apart to not cause any panic. My license is the next thing that’s due. They are extending them for 6 years now, so I can wait a little time to get that. This has to be better than the old way of doing business. Nothing was as dysfunctional as that.

      I was glad to see the mitt sitting up on a post. Hopefully the person that forgot it (or his mother) will show up.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. circadianreflections Avatar
        circadianreflections

        Ours used to be months apart, but when we moved we registered both cars the same day.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  23. Suzanne@PictureRetirement Avatar
    Suzanne@PictureRetirement

    Dan, with so many things happening that are hard to accept, it is nice to have a few we can. Malcolm got a haircut today and my daughter got her DL renewed yesterday. The DL office is accepting walk-ins, and there were only 6 people in the place (4 were employees). The barber is by appointment only and everyone wears a mask. It’s all very orderly and civilized. Life as it should be :-)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      It’s funny to see some of these places nearly empty. I’ve been the only person in the bar at our favorite restaurant the past three weeks. The bar itself isn’t open, but there are two tables and I appear to have claimed one of them ;-)

      I have an appointment for my second haircut since February, this Friday.

      Like

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  24. sustainabilitea Avatar
    sustainabilitea

    I had to get an in-person well-visit recently for a big discount on our insurance and it was done very well and carefully. However, when I’ve tried to get in touch with the DMV or whatever initials it goes by here, I’ve been on hold for over half and hour and then just hung up. They have third party places that can do licenses, plates, etc., but the one I called didn’t take appointments. You had to stand in line and my husband said no way. I’ll try again when I get back from Wyoming, but I think it’s pretty careless not to take appointments.

    Enjoyed the photos,

    janet

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I hope you’re able to secure an appointment when you return (and I hope you’re able to forget about it until then). I had to take one car for an emissions test. They do those at different garages all over the state. In the past, I’ve been able to make an appointment. Although the State website says you can make an appointment, none of the garages were accepting any. I waited about 30 minutes, but I was able to stay a comfortable distance away from the other customers (more than 6′).

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. sustainabilitea Avatar
        sustainabilitea

        I got the e-checks and since you stay in the car almost the entire time, that wasn’t a problem. I’ll see how it goes once I get back. Perhaps one of the other third-party facilities takes appointments.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  25. JT Twissel Avatar
    JT Twissel

    You reminded me that one of the things on my very long list is renewing my driver’s license. Ugh. This time I have to prove I haven’t gone blind or senile. Don’t know if I can pull that off!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I’d be ok with the eye test 😏

      Like

      Reply
  26. Janis @ RetirementallyChallenged.com Avatar
    Janis @ RetirementallyChallenged.com

    I have never liked having a January birthday… until this year. I was able to take care of a lot of birthday-related deadlines and have a celebration get together that required no masks or distancing. We had no idea of what was to come… Restaurants, museums, and other venues opened up here then were shut down again after – who’da thunk – people started to get sick in record numbers.

    I know that Maddie isn’t happy, but it’s good to know that Walker Lady (I wonder if she’s a Ramp Person too?) is healthy and getting her exercise.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I am impressed with her dedication to walking. I try to avoid her. I don’t know what Maddie is afraid of, but she goes crazy.

      I’m hoping they have things working well before my birthday in November. I wish I could say I hope this pandemic is over, but even I’m not that optimistic.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  27. J-Dub Avatar
    J-Dub

    The gallery is fantastic. Wasn’t sure if you captured a chipmunk and a squirrel or just a squirrel. The little guy with the side stripes is a chipmunk right?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Yes he is. And he can shove that peanut in he chipmunk cheeks 😏

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  28. Wandering Cranes Avatar
    Wandering Cranes

    Your wildlife photos are the best! What a fun group of visitors.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I’m glad you enjoyed them.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  29. Paul Avatar
    Paul

    I’m just glad that shortages of things like hand sanitizer and TP are no longer a thing, for the most part. Sure, we all want the pandemic to be over, but we have to be smart about it and not rush it. (Glad that my state, Maryland, is doing so well.) Hope you and all of your readers take care, Dan.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Paul. Hopefully, if there is a second wave, everyone will know better than to start hoarding things again,

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  30. joey Avatar
    joey

    Absofreakinlutely! We recently got our tags by visiting a kiosk in a vestibule, one person only, a machine, voila! Mentor was not so lucky with her new license. Long line in the heat. They were allowing three customers at a time in the lobby. Appointments would have been so much better!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I have to get a new license in November. We’re lucky, in that I can do that at AAA.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

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