Yes, Mr. Postman, There Really is a 2 at the End

There are some definite advantages to moving next door versus anywhere else:

* The move was (is) virtually free, other than the $40 in takeout we've spent because we haven't been organized enough to find everything to cobble together a meal, including cold cereal (since rectified last night by putting away 85% of the kitchen "stuff" at 11 p.m.)

* One only has to carry things once. No loading, then unloading the truck with large, heavy, bulky or multiple items. Just lugging them across the lawn is enough.

I've discovered recently, however, one big disadvantage:

* The post office fails to recognize a one-digit change in address and continues to deliver mail addressed to our new address to the mail box next door at the Hobbit Hole's address.

At the moment, it is nothing more than a general annoyance, because we're still technically paying for (and cleaning and schlepping stuff out of) the Hobbit Hole. However, upon the arrival of new tenants, my general annoyance will likely grow into massive consternation.

The Hobbit Hole's address ends in -50. Our new address ends in -52. Apparently the dear postman feels he's doing us a favor by delivering mail to the Hobbit Hole that was mistakenly misaddressed. (Just like he's doing us a favor by delivering our mail to the upstairs neighbors or vice versa, or delivering all mail to former occupants to our box to deal with).

Yesterday I went to the post office and asked that they please make a note that indeed we have requested our mail to be forwarded. No, it is not a typo. Yes, we really did move next door. Yes, I relize it's easy to confuse one digit. No, after a year of mail issues, I'd rather not wait and let this "sort itself out."

Until then, if you want to reach us, send us an e-mail.