Follow-up. It turns out they finally did make a diagnosis on my friend: progressive supranuclear palsy. I hadn't talked to them about the disease in a few months so hadn't heard they'd found out. I mostly just see my friend and she can't talk well enough to tell me this sort of thing. We had smoothies again today. It was pleasant. I hadn't had a smoothie in years and now I'm having them all the time. I've tried all kinds of varieties and we've mostly decided we like blueberry the best as the primary fruit. I usually get them made with apple juice but we've decided to try coconut milk next week. Not sure I'm really down for that my friend seemed happy with that idea. :-)

And, sadly, at that point people desperate enough drive without a license or insurance. Sigh… :-(

/

Let me add my voice to the well-wishers. Happy birthday, Dave!

It does look rather sweet. Which appeals to me.

Huh. Looks tasty.

Part of the problem is that out here in the middle of the country, public transportation is not terribly convenient for most people. If you don't live close enough to a line or your job isn't close, you're screwed. You either have to drive or find someone who can give you a ride. So, people take risks. I'm guessing some of them can afford the insurance and resent having to pay for something they don't think they need but others are deciding between rent/food and insurance. It's not good. Most people, obviously, do have insurance. But, there are plenty of people who don't.

// @kdfrawg

Yep. Our brother has stayed at their house a couple of times in the past when they've gone out of town. They might have to try and go that route again next time. :-)

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@kdfrawg Yep. :-(

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It is a crime and you can go to jail. You are supposed to have proof on insurance to get a valid inspection sticker. If (big if) an officer notices you don't have a valid sticker you can be pulled over. Most people that can't afford the insurance just hope nobody notices. It's not a good situation. And, if you can't afford the insurance, you likely can't afford the fines/jail time. But, if you have to get to work and need to drive a car, many folks take the risk.

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It's required by law (at least in Texas…maybe not all states) but there's not much that can be done about people that drive without insurance. There's no way to take away their keys or lock up the car. It's very frustrating.

Kerri, I'm sorry to hear about the troubles. Hugs…

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