Once again, I didn't sleep well. I think the room climate (very dry air) was the main culprit but, added to that, my head was swimming with thoughts about establishing South Dakota residence for hours after bedtime. For weeks, I've been trying to decide if changing residence to South Dakota was a good idea or not. There were hours spent on online research at state websites, RVer message boards, phone calls to banks and insurance companies and assembling papers from several sources. Finally, just as I arrived in South Dakota yesterday, I decided that I'd try the process. If the plan worked, great - if not, that was fine too (I knew I still had lots of other options). Unfortunately, my brain was racing too much to be calmed by these logical thoughts... In the end, I was awake at 0530 with alarm and felt VERY tired (I probably only got about four hours of sleep). Regardless, I started teleworking immediately, with only a short break for breakfast in the lobby of the Microtel in Rapid City (0730). After that, I went back to work. Meanwhile, the outside conditions were cold (high 20s), clear and calm. At 0900 (after my first work meeting had ended), I left the hotel and drove to the Driver's License Exam Station on Catron Boulevard. For the next 45 minutes, I completed requirements from New Hampshire to South Dakota - I found the process to be much easier than I'd expected (because I'd done all the research) and I was assisted greatly by a nice gentleman who commented that we were the same age. When I was done establishing residency, I had a shiny new license (good until the summer of 2031!) but then learned I'd have to go to a different location to get license plates. With directions from the staff at the Exam Station, I next drove to the Pennington County Treasurer's Office (on Concourse Drive). Sadly, the wait times there were excessive. Fortunately, the staff there entered me in the queue and told me I was free to leave until I received a 30 minute warning that my appointment was imminent. This allowed me to return to my hotel (arrived at 1030) to continue teleworking. I had meetings for the next 90 minutes, with one short break in the middle. With this free time, I completed an online form that I found which would greatly streamline the process when I returned to the Treasurer's Office. Along the way, I skipped lunch. Eventually (1230), I received a text that my driver license appointment would occur within 30 minutes. Leaving the hotel again, I returned to the County Offices (arrived at 1300) and, almost immediately, was able to get to a counter for the services. The lady working there was very nice but this was the first time all day that I hit any snags - the State of South Dakota wanted to see my original car title (from Virginia) and I didn't have it. Fortunately, I still received the plates (with the faces on Mount Rushmore on them) and was told that anything out of order would be reported to me during the coming months. As a result of this stroke of luck, I walked out of the County Office with exactly what I'd been seeking - even better the plates are good until early 2027! The only downside of the entire situation is that I won't be eligible to vote in South Dakota elections until I've completed additional steps in the Sioux Falls area. Hopefully, I can take care of that in time for the 2026 (or, worst case, 2028) elections... I forgot to mention that the nice lady who'd handed me the pates also lent me a screwdriver so I could change out the plates in the parking lot. Unfortunately, my return to the outdoors coincided with the arrival of strong winds and snow flurries. Even though the temps were in the mid 30s, the wind made it seem colder. While struggling with the elements, I was able to replace the front license plate easily but was completely stymied on the back one due to corroded bolts (probably caused by New England winter weather). So, with one NH plate and one SD plate, I left the County Office (1345) and drove west in search of an AutoZone or Home Depot. Along the way, I noticed Courtesy Subaru (Dealership) and thought "maybe they can help me?" After checking with their staff, I was pleased to find that they were willing to graciously assist me. Within minutes, they'd removed the bolts and replaced them while I ate snacks in waiting area. They were so nice! (Later, I sent their Service Manager a thank you letter). With my new plates on the car, I began to really feel like a South Dakotan! From the Subaru Dealership, I drove a short distance to a nearby AutoZone and attempted to return the snow cables (i.e., "chains") that I'd bought in Carson City for the wintry mountain passes. (The idea of this return had actually been given to me by the staff at that AutoZone.) At first, they couldn't find my account in their system and this made returning the item without a receipt almost impossible. Fortunately, I knew exactly where it was and, minutes later (1425), I had successfully returned the cables. Feeling rather accomplished after my many completed tasks today, I returned to my hotel (arrived at 1430). During the driving today, I confirmed what I suspected about the drivers in Rapid City - they are a bunch of tailgaters! Added to that feeling, I'd noticed that people had no problem getting right into my personal space for minor tasks (e.g., throwing away trash). Everyone must be really friendly around here! Now that most of the work of changing my residence was completed, I extended my stay at the Microtel for one more night (updated them on my car details too). After that, I teleworked until 1500 (ultimately, I logged a half day, with the rest PTO). For the rest of the afternoon, I took care of a lot of administrative stuff (e.g., car insurance). Meanwhile, the temps dropped into the mid 20s and the spitting snow continued; sadly, the wind didn't depart, either... At 1700, I departed the hotel and drove to the nearby Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom location, where I hoped to get my first proper meal since breakfast. I sat down at the bar and had a nice conversation with the (lady) bartender. For dinner, I ordered a Jerimiah Johnson Amber Ale (tall glass, discounted because it was Happy Hour) and a Chicago 7 Hoagie (it was inspired by the restaurant's signature pizza toppings) - I also joined the restaurant's loyalty program and was immediately notified that I could get a free appetizer during a future visit. After getting done with my dinner (1815), I drove to the nearby Walmart and spent the next 75 minutes walking around inside the (expansive) building. Safe from the unpleasant elements outside, I logged over three miles inside before I was done. At 1930, I returned to my hotel and spent the rest of the evening watching movies on my tablet. Bedtime was at 2215. It was a big day and a huge load was taken off my mind. I regret that I couldn't stay connected to Hanover and New Hampshire but that town/state required a physical address for car tags while Rapid City only asked for a permanent mailbox. In any case, I've now joined the ranks of full time RV Nomads and other permanent travelers!
