Passport

Went to the Courthouse, picked up an application for a passport. Never had one, never needed one. Never went any where. Ok, Okinawa in the Air Force. Didn't need a passport for that.  Now you need a passport to go to Mexico, or Canada. So I'm going to get one, in case I want to go to Mexico, Canada, or someplace else!
I wouldn't mind seeing Greece, Spain, Italy, France.
Next week, apply for a passport! $110 for the State Department, $25. for the County, $11. for the pictures, $146.00 to get out of the country, priceless. Especially if Romney wins. :)

Yeah, it been awhile.

I was thinking about why I like my adopted state of Oregon. Yes the scenery is beautiful, yes the taxes are low, yes the regulations are not overly restrictive. Car registration is not based on the value of the car. It was $45 for two years when I got here got here in 1994. It's $86 for two years now.
Oregon was the first State in the U.S. to pass a bottle return bill (1971).
Oregon was the first State in the U.S. to pass a vote by mail only initiative (1998)
Oregon was  the first State in the U.S. to pass the Death with Dignity Act. (1994)
Oregon is a progressive State, highly Democratic in the populated areas, Eugene, Salem, Portland. Highly Republican in the rural areas (where I live). Only very brave people would put a Obama/Biden bumper sticker on their car around here.
But in the 18 years here, I've seen a little creep towards the left side. Must be the other California ex patriots that have relocate here.
Oh, I almost forgot, no sales tax. Anywhere, for anything.
The roads are as good or better than any where I've been in any other State.
And my next drivers licence (2013) will cost me $60 for 8 years.
Not a bad place to live!