Another bump in the road today.
I had planned to sleep in this morning to fight my cold. My voice was just starting to return, but I thought a little rest would help.
But first thing in the morning, my cell phone started ringing. I had the option of ignoring it, but I am glad I didn't.
On the other end of the telephone was the manager of the credit union. I had been waiting for her call to set up my debit card to work in Mexico.
In a far-too-chirpy voice, she informed me that I had been misinformed. Debit cards could not be unblocked in Mexico. Security. Liability. Blah blah blah.
Kim of Boston had warned me that this might happen. Many credit unions are simply too cheap to install the necessary protections for their credit cards. Apparently, my credit union falls in that category.
My Nyquil-befuddled brain figured out I had a problem. As matters stood, I would have no cash access when I cross the border.
And driving to Tuscon every week to get cash seemed to be a bit counter-productive. Not to mention, the Homeland Security guys would most likely decide I needed a little talking to. And I do not like to talking to them -- ever.
So, up I get. And trundle off to the local branch of one of the few surviving MacDonald's-like banks in town. After an hour, I had my new account information.
I was going to follow Felipe's advice and open an account through CitiBank, but I could not get my cell phone to cooperate. Maybe another day.
I wish I could say it was a nice Spring day in Oregon for this errand. It wasn't. I ended up schlepping through rain and hail. Remember. I am walking to improve my health. By the time I got home, I was ready for bed.
Six hours later, I woke up just in time to get back in bed for the night.
I am looking forward to getting rid of this cold. But I am one day closer to wheels up on my runway south.
I had planned to sleep in this morning to fight my cold. My voice was just starting to return, but I thought a little rest would help.
But first thing in the morning, my cell phone started ringing. I had the option of ignoring it, but I am glad I didn't.
On the other end of the telephone was the manager of the credit union. I had been waiting for her call to set up my debit card to work in Mexico.
In a far-too-chirpy voice, she informed me that I had been misinformed. Debit cards could not be unblocked in Mexico. Security. Liability. Blah blah blah.
Kim of Boston had warned me that this might happen. Many credit unions are simply too cheap to install the necessary protections for their credit cards. Apparently, my credit union falls in that category.
My Nyquil-befuddled brain figured out I had a problem. As matters stood, I would have no cash access when I cross the border.
And driving to Tuscon every week to get cash seemed to be a bit counter-productive. Not to mention, the Homeland Security guys would most likely decide I needed a little talking to. And I do not like to talking to them -- ever.
So, up I get. And trundle off to the local branch of one of the few surviving MacDonald's-like banks in town. After an hour, I had my new account information.
I was going to follow Felipe's advice and open an account through CitiBank, but I could not get my cell phone to cooperate. Maybe another day.
I wish I could say it was a nice Spring day in Oregon for this errand. It wasn't. I ended up schlepping through rain and hail. Remember. I am walking to improve my health. By the time I got home, I was ready for bed.
Six hours later, I woke up just in time to get back in bed for the night.
I am looking forward to getting rid of this cold. But I am one day closer to wheels up on my runway south.
