Ralph,
“Expedited” doesn’t mean fast, it just means faster and nobody said “than what?”. It takes 6 weeks to get a boat registration in Illinois and most of them arrive in about 12 weeks, but that’s alright because once you have the paper that you submitted the form, nobody cares. The rest of the Country, and now I guess Canada, hasn’t adjusted to how things are done in Illinois, but they are learning. 
I don’t think CT has teh Enhanced DL yet. I was going to apply for the wallet card passport. It has a handy RFID chip in it so if you are lost you can call the gummint and they can tell you where you are.
I drove to Albany NY today to get better proof of my birth. My original wasn’t acceptable. They must have a copy with a certified seal. The drive up took 2 hours plus 10 minutes to get the papers. The drive home took around 4 hours as I did some rail fanning along the way. I happened upon the Housatonic RR going through their Wye in North Caanan, CT. As they were going through one of the switches I was noticing the frog moving about 6 inches up and down with each wheel pass. A half hour later, while I was 40 feet away, they lost one axle of a covered hopper going over the same frog. The lead pair of wheels wanted to go right while the rear set and the rest of the train was going left.
The railroad re-railed and bad-ordered the car on the spot. I really doubt there was any problem with the wheels before the jumped the frog.
Expedited processing adds $75 each including overnight mail. I’m not sure we can afford that. At least the Card format is a lot less, $20 Vs $75 for a book. Of course there’s $25 for the person who executes the oath plus $15 for the photo, so even without the fee we’re talking $60 each.
Jon;
My birth certificate cost me $15, and my passport was $87…
Jon,
So glad to hear that you were certified to having been born. I know that was bothering you and, I’m sure, Marilyn was a little concerned.
JON…I THOUGHT YOU AND I were hatched…and came from the same half dozen…!!!
We decided to go with expedited service, but not overnight delivery. The agent said we should have the cards in two weeks. It might have made it in time the other way, but I didn’t want to take the chance. $80 each to the gummint, plus $25 each to the agent and $15 for a set of crappy pictures. Passports: $235, bar-b-que at Fred’s: Priceless
Sounds like the gbmt is trying to retire the national debt with increased passport fees.
This has gotta hurt US-Canada tourism.
For those American Invasioners:
It’s that time again to plan for the American Invasion. Between Fred Mills and myself, we have decided to have a big BBQ both on Friday night and Saturday day and night. Ric and myself are planning on bringing pork steaks from Illinois, (we’ve been told that easterners can not get them from the butcher without asking for a special cut,) and I’ve got corn on the cob coming from Ken Brunt.
Other things that we would like is everyone bringing items to go with the meals. Make it simple! Some examples would be anything from salads to chip and dips, plus bring your favorite beverage, and (of course) deserts.
Fred and myself will be headed to Cosco to get what we need on that Friday morning. So, I am asking for a money donation to go for the food. At this time, I do not know what that amount will be, but, I’m sure it will be alot cheaper than eating out. We will be getting most of the meat for the BBQ and condiments and anything else that is needed.
Please let Ric or myself know what you will be bringing so I can keep a list and know what to buy on that Friday.
It will be great to operate trains, be able to munch most of the day, and just be able to sit around and chat til the bugs come out.
Jan Golding
Regards the prices for passports and such …no wonder several million people have sneeked in across the border , wait a minute , several million people …how hard can it be ?
Anyone coming to Ottawa, that plans on attending the dinner at Doug Matheson’s place on Thursday July 16th, that needs directions; please send me a note at: [email protected] or call: (613) 723-1911
The “Agenda” for the Invasion has been posted, and I’m sure that Ric will place it on this thread as soon as he has time.
I’ll probably stop by Doug’s on my way by…
Fred said - “The “Agenda” for the Invasion has been posted, and I’m sure that Ric will place it on this thread as soon as he has time.”
So done -
Agenda for the American Invasion
Thursday July 16: As the early folks arrive after lunch and into the afternoon, steaming and running on the Northland followed by a SIMPLE barbeque dinner (menu will be chicken, salad and baked potato plus dessert and wine). Later, after dinner and hotel check in, gather at the IPP&W for a nightcap
Friday July 17: After breakfast at about 930. meet for a crew briefing at the IPP&W. A normal ops session for those on hand will commence at 10. An informal lunch will be served at about 12. Those wishing to see Dave McCurdy’s RGS empire would make their way to Carleton Place to arrive about 2-230 with operating and running on the RGS till early evening. Fred plus others who do not wish to go to Carleton Place to remain at the IPP&W to prepare for dinner and enjoy some quiet running. Dinner will be at dusk but roughly 830 at the IPP&W
Saturday July 18: After breakfast at about 930, meet at the IPP&W for a crew briefing. The formal ops session will commence at 10 and will run continuously all day. As there will be the visiting Invaders plus the OVGRS members on hand there will always be some crew in the “crew lounge” off duty. A SIMPLE lunch will be served. The ops session will end at about 4-5 in the afternoon to allow folks to shower and clean up. Dinner will be at around 7 at the IPP&W.
Sunday July 19: Some Invaders will depart Sunday morning for the drive home. Several have indicated they would stay on until Monday but would then as one Invader stated, drive straight home non stop. Sunday will be a day of informal train running on the IPP&W. Plans for breakfast and getting together will be made during the weekend.
Thank you, Ric…
Dennis Paulson said:Pulling 30 foot of hotel room behind you it can be a bit difficult :D
Regards the prices for passports and such ....................no wonder several million people have sneeked in across the border , wait a minute , several million people ...............how hard can it be ?
Ken Brunt said:Yup, me two (or me might be three). I need to talk to the teenager tonight. He wasn't too excited about coming North for "another train thing". More interested in being home with girls and cars. His only other choice will be Amtrack from Syracuse since I'm not detouring back to Danbury on my way North from Buffalo.
I'll probably stop by Doug's on my way by.....................;)
As soon as I have an accurate head count and itinerary I’ll be in touch with Jan and Doug. Should be before the end of the week.
Jan - We have an awesome source of Kansas beef here at Stew Leonard’s. He regularly sells uncut steaks (large pieces) for $3-4.99 a pound. If you want to add NY Strip or Rib-Eye to the menu let me know and I can probably bring some. I’m not sure I have the cargo (cooler) space for 1 each, but we could cut them up as samplers to go with the Pork and other fare.
Jon,
I passed your thoughts on to Jan. I’m figuring 18 pork steaks, cut to make 36 pieces of meat.
The US Gummint came through. Our passports arrived late last week and were much cheaper than expected since they refused the Expedite Fee. So assuming there are no new roadblocks, we will be there mid-week packing Kansas Rib Eye Samplers and New England Craft Brew Bheer
Looks like everyone is coming to the party…All is well
Drive safely everyone
How much beer can one take into Canada?
Legally, any one entering Canada can bring with them, 24 bottles of bheer, or a bottle of whine, or a single bottle of booze.
Those amounts are “Per person”, so each person in a vehicle can claim that amount. It is stated in the rule, as: “For their own consumption”.