When summer ends and the year wanes, the license plate pickings dwindle to almost nothing. One year I spotted my last new plate in July.
So I was pretty thrilled to spot Mississippi — one of the perennial hard-to-get states — in September. As fall wore on, I became more and more certain that this was it for 2014. A pretty good year, as years go.
So this past Monday I drove to Oak Bluffs in search of groceries, beer, and a copy of Lisa Bibko-Vanderhoop’s 2015 Vineyard Seadogs calendar. I parked on Circuit Ave., pretty close to Good Dog Goods, and what should I spot right in front of the shop but Nebraska.
Nebraska, another hard-to-get state, on the 29th of December.
I walked around the car, a smallish black sedan, to check that it was Nebraska fore and aft. It was.
So the tally for 2014 stands at 47, out of 51. (I count D.C. because after Massachusetts I’ve lived there longer than I’ve lived anywhere else.) Missing were Montana, Iowa, South Dakota, and (big surprise) North Dakota.
And here’s what the map looked like when 2013 came to a close. 2014 was better — but I still remember the thrill of spotting West Virginia in November 2013.
From the Seasonally Occupied Territories . . . 
Such a hilarious pastime, especially from my perspective here in Phoenix!
LikeLike
When you live on an island, it’s a natural. 😉 If you’re on Facebook, come on over and check out my winter pastime: dog dish ice art.
LikeLike
Pretty good score, Susanna. Really not bad at all. You are lucky, because in California it’s rare to see out of state plates. The most currents are from Oregon, Colorado and Arizona. They seem exotic to us!
LikeLike
Still missing Montana! Need to get my Outback out there. (It might happen, too…my family lives in Massachusetts, you know. A driving tour of New England is a good possibility.)
LikeLike
Aha, I didn’t realize you had family in Massachusetts. Subarus are totally at home on Martha’s Vineyard — the perfect island car, I think, which is why I drive a Forester. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I grew up in Acton – but have been in Montana for more than 30 years. Mass. is too crowded for me now!
LikeLike
Ha, did we discuss this already? My sister lives in Stow, a stone’s throw from the Acton line. One of my brothers is also in Stow, and the other one’s in Hudson. You’re right, Massachusetts is awfully crowded, and awfully expensive. But for me it’s home.
LikeLiked by 1 person