Mom’s 93rd Birthday
@RichardMeister (5328)
Otis Orchards, Washington
October 6, 2017 1:03am CST
Today, October 5, is my mom’s 93rd birthday. She wanted to go to the Department of Motor Vehicles to get her I.D card renewed. I tried to talk her into having the woman who runs the home where she lives do it online but she would have nothing to do with that.
So we went to the DMV and ended up sitting around for about 40 minutes. It may have been the better thing to do because they wanted to take a photo of her. She did start to get a bit antsy but I told her that I had warned her beforehand it would take up to an hour. After we left Mom kept saying, “I’m glad that’s over with.”
They charge $54 just for an I.D. card. If she wanted an enhanced I.D. card (they put a chip in the card so you can cross over the boarder into Canada without a passport–I don’t know about going into Mexico, but I think it works there, too) the cost would have been $74. Mom’s not going to be crossing any boarders so no thank you.
Anyway, we took her to dinner. She picked the restaurant. My brother tried to talk her into going somewhere else but she stuck to her guns. Mom is that way. She wants what she wants and sometimes we end up taking her to several stores before she can find exactly what she wants.
We had a good meal at a fairly reasonable price. We have been there several times in the past and she really likes their chicken strips. Then she got free Pie à la Mode for her birthday. She was quite happy with her meal. We were all happy with our meals. And it’s quite nice to go on a weekday because there is less people out running around so the restaurant was very quiet.
All in all a nice day.
22 people like this
24 responses
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
6 Oct 17
Not really. One day we took Mom to buy something (I can't remember what it was). Anyway we went to one store and she looked at the item. She didn't want it. Then we went to another store and looked at the exact same item (brand, style–everything the same) and she wanted it. I think it even cost a bit more at this store than the first store. My brother and I tried to tell her that but she would have none of it.
4 people like this
@JudyEv (326170)
• Rockingham, Australia
6 Oct 17
@RichardMeister She sounds a feisty lady! She must be a strong character. Good for her - in a way.
3 people like this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
6 Oct 17
@JudyEv She can be feisty.
2 people like this
@petatonicsca (7070)
• Japan
6 Oct 17
Free pie! I would say turning anything over 90 deserves a whole free meal, but it was nice with free pie.
4 people like this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
6 Oct 17
She got a free meal because we paid for it. The free pie was the restaurant's contribute to the meal.
1 person likes this
@rebelann (111263)
• El Paso, Texas
6 Oct 17
Mom was an active gardener until she was about 90 but it was getting harder for her @RichardMeister unfortunately she was already exhibiting signs of dementia
1 person likes this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
6 Oct 17
Yes, she gets construction paper, tape and glue and makes things because she doesn't want to just sit around and watch tv.
2 people like this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
7 Oct 17
@rebelann Sorry to hear that.
1 person likes this
@Jackalyn (7559)
• Oxford, England
6 Oct 17
@RichardMeister I did think "gosh that is old to be a driver."
2 people like this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
6 Oct 17
@Jackalyn Here in Washington state we go to the DMV for an I.D. card.
2 people like this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
6 Oct 17
No, my mother is not driving, It's just an I.D. card to prove who she is. Matter of fact, I don't think Mom has ever drove. At least I have never seen driving.
3 people like this
@LadyDuck (459312)
• Switzerland
6 Oct 17
I am glad that a free pie was offered for her birthday. $54 is a lot of money for an ID, we only pay about $10.00 for the ID, it is mandatory to have one, but you only cross the border with the European states using the ID, to cross outside borders you need a passport and the passport costs about $ 90.00
3 people like this
@LadyDuck (459312)
• Switzerland
7 Oct 17
@RichardMeister Our ID card is for 10 years, the passport is for 5 years.
1 person likes this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
7 Oct 17
@LadyDuck I have no idea when a passport has to be renewed here. You do get a much better deal. Here in the state the amount charged for an I.D. card depends on the state one lives in–same with a driver's license.
1 person likes this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
6 Oct 17
She actually got a free meal since my brother and I paid for it. The free pie was the restaurant's offering. I forgot to mention the I.D. card is good for 6 years so that's $9 a year.
2 people like this
@Morleyhunt (21736)
• Canada
6 Oct 17
Many seniors should not drive. My father gave up his licence about 4 years ago at 87....he missed two stop signs in a row because he could seem to push on the brakes. The number of building that have turned into drive ins as a result of senior drivers is frightening.
Happy birthday to your mom.
3 people like this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
6 Oct 17
She was not getting a driver's license but a I.D. card. We go to the DMV for I.D. cards. Actually I have never seen my mother drive. Even when I was growing up in a foster home someone always drove her out to see us.
1 person likes this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
6 Oct 17
@Morleyhunt They used to be valid for 5 years down here but when they up the cost they up it to 6 years.
2 people like this
@Morleyhunt (21736)
• Canada
6 Oct 17
@RichardMeister that's a relief. I'm not sure I know what the ID card costs here. I do know it is valid for 5 years.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (157674)
• United States
6 Oct 17
At 93 she should have what she wants, within reason, of course.
3 people like this
@much2say (53944)
• Los Angeles, California
6 Oct 17
Oh, I missed it by a day . . . well a happy birthday to your mom! 
The DMV is never fun . . . here if we make an appointment, it usually goes quite fast . . . the last time I went I was waiting for maybe 15 minutes tops. I didn't realize ID cards were that much (I suppose everything is going up!).
Mom gets to do want Mom wants to do on her birthday (or any day 
).
Well I'm glad you all had a nice dinner together! It's definitely better on a weekday . . . less crowds, less waiting . . . and sometimes even better specials!
The DMV is never fun . . . here if we make an appointment, it usually goes quite fast . . . the last time I went I was waiting for maybe 15 minutes tops. I didn't realize ID cards were that much (I suppose everything is going up!).
Mom gets to do want Mom wants to do on her birthday (or any day ).
Well I'm glad you all had a nice dinner together! It's definitely better on a weekday . . . less crowds, less waiting . . . and sometimes even better specials!2 people like this
@much2say (53944)
• Los Angeles, California
8 Oct 17
@RichardMeister Here, I would never go to the DMV without an appointment . . . I've seen the lines running well outside the building. I think there are other places now that deal with some DMV matters (I think AAA does), but I haven't needed to go. We just got our licenses renewed - but we did that through snail mail . . . now I remember last time I had to go because I had to take an updated photo. I hate sitting and waiting in places like that. Yah, it does irk me when others who come later get to go before me . . . but I have to convince myself they have a reason that I have no idea about (otherwise I would be pretty upset!).
1 person likes this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
8 Oct 17
@much2say There are only 2 DMV locations in the Spokane area. I imagine in the Seattle area you can make an appointment. When I looked online it told how long the waiting time was at that minute at the office you had brought up to look at.
1 person likes this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
6 Oct 17
Here, at least in Spokane, you can't make an appointment. You go in and get a number then sit and wait to be called. I forgot to mention the I.D. card is good for 6 years. We can also get our driver's license online until we reach 70 or if they call us in to get an updated photo and to make sure we are still alive and no one is using our driver's license illegally. I think I had gotten my driver's license 3 times online (they were good for 5 year but when they up the price then are good for 6 years) but the last time I had to go in. I got there before they opened and was the 3rd person in line. I was in and out in about 15 minutes. But it was still a bit upsetting because people you came in after I did was getting their photo taken and out of there before I was. It wasn't first come first served even though my number was 3. I got to talk to someone right away but then it was sit and wait. That is when I noticed people who came in after me were getting their photos taken and was out of there.
2 people like this
@hereandthere (45651)
• Philippines
6 Oct 17
i agree. i thought it was expensive. it would be nice if seniors were given a discount.
2 people like this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
6 Oct 17
@hereandthere and @jstory07 I forgot to mention the I.D. card was good for 6 years. That breaks down to $9 a year. But I still thought it was a bit high and no, they do not give senior discounts.
2 people like this
@JESSY3236 (18953)
• United States
6 Oct 17
I payed 13 for my ID and I didn't have to wait long to get mine. I will have to get the new improved ID in a few years and it is the same price.
3 people like this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
6 Oct 17
The I.D. here in Washington state is good for 6 years which is $9 a year which I think is a little high.
2 people like this
@kobesbuddy (74796)
• East Tawas, Michigan
6 Oct 17
Gosh, those prices keep going up, imagine charging a 93 year old woman $54 for an ID card, that's terrible. Anyway, your mother's Birthday was exactly what made her happy, which made you and your brother happy, also:) My 90 year old mother had a mind of her own that never gave in, for two short minutes!
2 people like this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
6 Oct 17
The one thing I forgot to mention is the I.D. card is good for 6 years ($9 a year). But still I think it's pretty costly. And I think senior citizens should be given a discount.
1 person likes this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
6 Oct 17
@kobesbuddy Yes, and one thing Social Security does is if the cost of living raise is, say, $10.99 the law is they must round down. So instead of getting an $11 increase they get $10. Also when the government figures the cost of living, gas prices are not included because senior citizens don't drive (at lease according to the government).
1 person likes this
@kobesbuddy (74796)
• East Tawas, Michigan
6 Oct 17
@RichardMeister Exactly! Seniors live on a fixed income, that doesn't usually go up, when the prices rise. My parents like as poor people, after working hard all their lives:( They do deserve a discount, on many things they have to purchase!
1 person likes this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
6 Oct 17
Yes, 7 more years and she will be 100. Can you imagine living that long?
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40246)
• United States
6 Oct 17
That ID card with the chip sounds cool. Sorry there was a little hassle there. I'm happy mom got her way. After all it's her day :-)
2 people like this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
6 Oct 17
The hassle wasn't anything big. Yes, it was her day so I felt she could choose the restaurant even if it was McDonald's (which it wasn't).
2 people like this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
6 Oct 17
@FayeHazel That is funny. Mom isn't McAddicted. But she seems to be a chicken addicted. She always orders a chicken dish wherever we take her. She likes going to KFC but she also like Skipper's (a fish place) but there she orders the one piece fish and one piece chicken.
2 people like this
@FayeHazel (40246)
• United States
6 Oct 17
@RichardMeister Funny you say - my dad would choose McDonalds. He's McAddicted. lol. He goes there 6-7 days a week. So we gently suggest he can choose something better on his b-day. Usually he goes somewhere with a free meal. :-)
2 people like this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
13 Oct 17
@RichardMeister Maybe you should ask her and share it with us here.
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
16 Oct 17
@RichardMeister Wow, she really got a strong willpower to quit smoking one day. 
1 person likes this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
13 Oct 17
Yes, she still has a sharp mind. She walks with a walker. I have no idea what here secret is.
1 person likes this
@prashu228 (37525)
• India
6 Oct 17
Happy birthday to your mom. Hope she enjoyed her day.
2 people like this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
6 Oct 17
She thanks you and she did have a good day.
1 person likes this
@hereandthere (45651)
• Philippines
6 Oct 17
happy birthday to your mom! it would be nice if they had an express lane for seniors.
2 people like this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
6 Oct 17
I have never seen that here.
2 people like this
