My favourite section of the CSA magazine has always been the Fun & Games page. However, I am disappointed in the summer issue. Two of the Number Teasers refer to something American (Zip Codes and States in the Union). Is this not a Canadian magazine? Would it be asking too much to make sure that the puzzles are Canadian?

Ruth Bailey
Lion's Head, ON

Although the CSA News is indeed a Canadian magazine, it is geared towards Canadians who travel, and many of our members spend a significant amount of time in the U.S. We thought that they may enjoy the challenge of some U.S. trivia.

We welcome any submissions to this or any other part of the magazine!

Dear Bird Talk,

I spend four winter months in Florida and am getting tired of the return drive. I'd like to fly and buy a car in Florida to keep there.

What rules about owning and insuring a vehicle do I need to consider in making my decision? How about my Canadian driver's licence, is that OK?

Thanks
Dora Nicinski

The drive does seem to be getting longer every year.

The first thing to do is to get a Florida driver's licence. This is very simple, as you can go to one of the licence offices in Florida and get one fairly quickly. They will need your Canadian driver's licence, your passport and a Florida address to register your licence and your future vehicle.

Buying the car is now just a matter of paying for it (and the Florida tax) and there are some excellent used-vehicle values in Florida. You must also insure the vehicle in Florida, and referrals for insurance companies can come from U.S. friends or the people from whom you purchase the car. As the liability limits required by Florida law are very low, you should request limits of at least $2 million dollars on your insurance protection. We would also recommend that you have an umbrella liability policy in Canada that provides additional liability coverage on all of your insurance policies.

Leaving your car in Florida tends to drain the battery over a period of time and we have found that disconnecting the battery cables helps. You can get cables that snap off very easily, from a Pep Boys or similar automobile shop. An even-better solution is to have a "trickle" charger attached to the battery while you are away.

The only future problem you may have is if you wish to bring the vehicle back to Canada, and this can become quite complicated. We recommend that you simply sell the car in Florida and buy a replacement one in Canada.

Dear Bird Talk,

We are planning a short trip across the border to visit with our daughter and her family. We intend to bring along our great-grandson. Can you advise us what we need in documentation for him? Friends have told us that a letter from his mother authorizing us to have him travel with us will suffice, naturally with his proof of citizenship. Incidentally, we will be travelling by car. Thank you for the info.

Larry Salagan

According to the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency Web site, the child's birth certificate (or proof of citizenship) and a letter from his parents or guardians granting you permission to travel with him should be sufficient. Please be aware that customs officers watch for missing children and may ask detailed questions about the child travelling with you - don't be offended, be glad that they are taking the time to help keep children safe!

The pertinent Web site is located at the following link, if you'd like to read the information yourself: www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/newsroom/factsheets/2003/july/holiday-e.html

Have a safe trip!

Dear Bird Talk,

Thank you very much for listening to my "It's Just Not Fair" complaint about Medipac rates concerning former Aneurysm patients. I have just looked at the Early Bird rates for this year's trip and I have substantial savings compared to the old policy. I am sure I am not alone in this situation and I hope you get many letters of thanks from grateful senior travellers.

Again, thanks for listening.
Peter K. Woodside

We are very pleased with the results of our discussions with our underwriter which provided eligibility to more members at greater rates than ever before. We will continue to work towards providing better rates to more members. Thank you for the kind words.