Praise then darkness, and creation unfinished

On my way home yesterday, I ran into the UPS delivery woman, who was bringing the last of many packages for our building for today.

She asked me, and the other neighbor she saw, whether we lived in 1-N. Neither of us do. Then she told me that, because there was so much stuff, they were making one attempt and then returning packages if they weren't deliverable/accepted.

One attempt. At a time of year when people are less likely than usual to be home waiting for packages, because they're less likely to know they've been sent something, let alone when it will arrive.

I'm fairly sure this is a violation of their contract with the senders, but even if you can get a refund, it won't be much comfort.

I'm going to use FedEx or the US Post Office, at least for a while.

No, I don't know whether this is everywhere, selected regions (all of Manhattan? Anywhere with apartment buildings?), or just my building. If I were you, I'd hesitate to take the risk. Even if you're having something delivered to a business, they might show up after hours (this happened a bit after six yesterday), or while everyone is in an offsite meeting or a holiday party.

Both FedEx and the post office did a fine job this morning, notably by delivering all my packages in the morning (rather than having me sit around until 4:58 p.m.)

The magic smoke came in four boxes, which are waiting for cattitude to get home. The FedEx man also brought an unrelated delivery, which has been stowed away until needed. And the post office brought a box from Cattitude's younger brother and his partner, both of whom I like: that one held a small box addressed to me, which I opened to find a rather nice dichroic glass pendant, and a larger package to Cattitude that he has not unwrapped but that looks very like a book. And, of course, the usual quantity of styrofoam peanuts.