Today, in St. Cloud MN, started overcast and windy with snow following about mid morning. By later this afternoon we were in the midst of a full fledged winter storm, with blowing snow, decreased visibility, and the prospect for single digit temps as the sun went down. Well we never saw the sun today, but we know from science class, it's up there. It's just hiding today.
We are getting our cards and packages out and I stopped by the main post office in downtown St. Cloud to get stamps and mail a stack of cards. I like the automatic machine they have, right inside the door, with a credit card slot and built-in scale. It reminds me of Robby The Robot except it doesn't talk. Here is the procedure; you hit the touch screen to order what you want, a book of stamps, mailing label for a package, etc.; then insert your credit card and okay the transaction; then, if you are done, hit EXIT, or answer the question "Do you want another transaction? Yes/No" No is the right answer.
This is what leads to the naughty and nice in Minnesota: I was behind a woman in line today, and after weighing 2 packages and paying for her postage, she went to the adjacent counter and affixed her postage, put them in the box and left quickly. This has happened before, and I tested the machine by hitting Yes, and following the prompts to get my purchase on the other persons credit card. It worked, but I stopped one step short and exited, going back in on my own card.
Today I had a moment of naughty thought. I looked at the attached scale and wondered if it went up the 185 pounds, and how much it would cost to mail myself to Arizona. After all, I had cold feet, and ice and snow to clear at home. Why not? Of course I was a non-regulation package, and would need "hand sorting". Liz and I don't like to fly because of the TSA "hand sorting", so that was one of the negatives. I opted to be nice and to stay in Minnesota. I cleared her out of the system to buy my stamps; to go home to my wife, the smell of Christmas cookies, and to shovel the drive while the dog ran through the fresh snow like it was some refrigerated drug!
When using the ATM, Stamp Machine, or paying bills online, Please Log Off or Exit fully to avoid having your data become vulnerable or your credit card used without your consent! Keep your Christmas Merry!
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