It is Monday morning and we could safely assume businesses are open; we headed for town early to get chores out of the way. We filled the propane bottle, updated the computers and picked up a very few things at Walmart.
For years we carried an ATT calling card. On this trip, we use the ATT calling card for pay-phones when cell-phone service was not available. The calling card is billed monthly and is usually some nominal amount. Recently, we received a letter from ATT communicating a new policy that directs calling card charges to a home phone number. In addition, calling card rates would increase. Well, we don’t have a home phone number — the cell phone is our only phone. After a 30 minute conversation with the helpful folks at ATT it was obvious the calling card was history. What to do? Once again, Walmart to the rescue! For $8.88, we got a 120 minute prepaid Walmart phone card, which is way cheaper than the ATT calling card. Hopefully, this will solve the problem.
After dropping off the groceries at the coach, the morning was still cool and we decided to go for a hike. On the way to town, we frequently passed a turnout for the Shaddox Hollow Trail — we decided to investigate. The trail turned out to be a loop-path through a densely wooded area. The trail followed a ridgeline before dropping into a secluded hollow. Along the way were caves, wildlife, trees and quiet. A occasional gentle breeze kept us cool. Having run in this hilly terrain for over a month, we found the walk was easy and perfect for a non-workout day. We very much enjoyed the experience.
In the late afternoon, we went to Faye and Don’s to visit and confirm the old adage: “Most problems in life are self-inflicted”.
Eventually, everyone got hungry and I suggested the Chinese Buffet. It was a big mistake. The six of us (including Don’s two aging cousins from Florida) piled into Don’s Cadillac and headed for town. Once again, dinner turned into a Twilight Zone experience. This episode was titled Dinner in the Catskills with Cranky Old People. True to the script, each dish had something to complain about: the ribs were cold, the Jell-O was warm, the soup was too hot, and on and on. Don was about to blow when I pointed out the humor of it all. Some of the locals sitting close by were enjoying the show. Eventually, Rod Serling came by with the check and we left.
Returning to the coach, we opened our weekly mail package before going to bed.