The feds passed the Real ID law several years ago. Maryland issued Real ID drivers licences but failed to scan identity documents required by law. Now everybody in MD that has a Real ID drivers license (such as me!) has to go to the MVA with identification papers. I need to prove who I am (passport or birth certificate), where I live (utility bills, etc.), and that I am using the SSN issued to me. This last one is tough. I could use the original letter sent by the SSA, if I had it. Or I could use a 1099, if I had one with the full SSN printed on it. Unfortunately, my 1099s haven’t had the full SSN printed since 2014. Fortunately, I keep 7 years of tax records. On paper. My appointment is Monday. Maryland has done a good job of setting up centers to accept the ID papers. I expect I won’t have to wait long.

I also visited the SSA office, on the theory that it’s probably a good idea to have that SSN issuance letter. I couldn’t believe how fast the SSA was. When I went, they had me fill out a form that said I would need my birth certificate. The office is 5 minutes from home, so I went home, got my birth certificate, and came back. By the time I got back, they had already called me. It turns out I didn’t really need my birth certificate. But I only waited a few minutes for my second call.

Danita’s birthday is this week. She has done an outstanding job of getting freebies. So far, she has:

• $5 off a bottle of wine
• $10 off at the restaurant Cinco de Mayo
• A free entree at Houlihan’s
• A free entree and desert at the Silver Diner
• Another free entree at First Watch
• Free pancakes at IHOP
• A free desert at Tino’s

We don’t think we’ll be able to use all of these before we leave for Italy, In part, that’s because we also have 5 neighborhood parties. Who knew retirement is so hard?

I hope this finds everybody doing well.