Edison Doesn't Live Here
While I was off my feet, several people sent me cards, emails, or called to check on me. Thank you! I love you guys.
I have to apologize to those who tried calling me. Apparently, I am one of the hardest people in the world to reach by phone. When the real estate agent brought us to this property, we thought it odd that we couldn't make a call when we were in the house. We dismissed it as a bad signal and didn't think about it again.
I have to apologize to those who tried calling me. Apparently, I am one of the hardest people in the world to reach by phone. When the real estate agent brought us to this property, we thought it odd that we couldn't make a call when we were in the house. We dismissed it as a bad signal and didn't think about it again.
I came back to the house a few days later to make a checklist of things I needed done in each room. While I was there I also brought a list of phone numbers for utility companies and other services we wanted started.
Imagine my surprise when I realized every other word was a crackle. Weeks later, Greg bought me a signal booster but it only helped marginally. Since the day we bought this house, if I wanted to have any substantial conversations, I had to go outside.
We could install a land line, but since neither of us like to talk on the phone much, it seems silly to add another monthly bill.
We could install Magic Jack, which uses the computer--only if you've followed me long enough, you know even a slight breeze knocks out my satellite connection (like all this week). No computer, no phone.
It's inconvenient to talk outside, but at least I don't have to climb a telephone pole like Eddie Albert did on the old tv show, Green Acres.
I don't really miss phone conversations, but my mother is horrified that I live this way. She gets even madder when I cut our conversations short--especially when it's hot, or rainy, or cold. Sorry, mom.
So if you want to contact me, use email. It's not immediate, but with few exceptions, it's more reliable than the phone.
Country living has some definite disadvantages. Communication is at the top of the list. Having to drive long distances to shop or visit friends is a close second. But when we list the pros and cons, I'd gladly give up the phone for the chirp of birds and the occasional crazy woman yelling at a coyote to get away from her chickens. (Oh, wait. That's me.)
Could you live without a phone? Would you want to?
Could you live without a phone? Would you want to?
Comments
Now onto the phones. I could probably live just fine without a phone. I do most of my phone talking in the morning on the way to work because it's an hour long drive and I get bored. Besides that, the phone is pretty useless to me.
Angelina: Thanks, hon.
Greg does the same. He calls me at a set time everyday, (so I know to be outside when he calls) and we chat on his way to and from work.
Angela: The land line is the only reliable form of communication during most storms, but when we had our hurricane in east Texas, the only thing still operating were the cell towers. We still lost connection regularly, but the land lines were completely severed.
In the end, the one thing we counted on was a hand-cranked radio to know what was happening in the outside world and where to find supplies.
A new cell tower is going up near their property...and they're hoping to finally be able to use their cell phones when home! When I travel to visit family, everyone now knows that I will not receive any messages/calls/texts until I drive about two miles or so from his home. Then my phone starts 'blowing up' with all the missed contacts...Ha! ~ Nadja
Email is my preferred mode of communication too, but more because if you call me we likely won't be able to have a conversation over the wee beasties :) We just got rid of our land line. Oldest beastie is getting a cell for his birthday next week and the others can use mine as needed. Even then, we use the text feature on the phones more than making actual calls, LOL
Of course, that was in the 70s, so we weren't so reliant on technology then. Not sure if I'd like to live that way again, but at least I know that I *could*.
Glad to "see" you back!
you sound more chirpy - metaphorically. Not hinting at any chicken tendencies. Keep your chin up.
Texting is a godsend imop
Raelyn: That makes sense to me given your brood. You have other responsibilities. I'm the same way in that I will be out of pocket for hours at a time. I can't simply stop what I'm doing to chat. Everything has to be scheduled.
Marianne: I've always envied that experience of yours. Like you, though, I find the older I get the more I'm willing to limit the off the grid experience.
Sarah: I am not savvy enough to text. My kid brother texted me once to tell me his baby had been born. It took me two days to figure out how to call up the text.
Linda: See above. I've never tried texting. Hope I never need to either.
I'm such a spoiled rascal. May EMPs not be used by any persons to reboot the world.
Glad to hear you're improving! At least enough to chase the coyote. :)
Angela: I come from an era where we went whole days without knowing what our friends were up to. I kinda miss having that sort of isolation.
Dru: I think you and I come from the same era. :)
Cate: It does sound rather ridiculous when I say it out loud. At first it bugged me, but I got used to it. At least it's quiet in my house.
I could easily live without a phone. My friends and family would go nuts, though, if they couldn't reach me. The answering machine usually picks up around here.
Hope your week is going well.
I'm with your Mom on this one my youngest daughter has ONLY a cell phone with texting. No calling. I freak out that I cannot talk to her or my granddaughter's. I am sad that they have had to cut back so much and her husband is VERY proud and will not accept help. I may have to get them a cheap land line or something for Christmas!!
Barbara: That's just it. We are so used to accessing people instantly that we forgot the old days (which weren't that long ago) when we depended on snail mail and regular phones without all the extras.
Doreen: A phone is a great gift. My kid brother bought my mother a cell phone (and pays her bill) and it's one of her favorite gifts.
E-Mail is great, too but I like to hear the voices of my loved ones.
When I lived in Anaheim, CA I had to either go outside or sit on the bathroom counter and contort. It was either or.
Glad you're feeling beetter!
Now don't you know that would be a TERRIFIC scene for a book. I'm glad I'm not the only one having to do contortions to hear people.
Though I suspect I'd get a whole lot more writing done under those circumstances...