Delivery
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We had a parcel delivery today. On the Reolink camera I saw the delivery man approach with the parcel and expected he would leave it at the door, so didn’t rush to answer when he rang the bell. He lingered, then tapped, then left, with the package under his arm. I decided I’d better go to the door.
By that time, he was back in his vehicle, but saw me and climbed out again. He told me he needed my date of birth. ‘You’re joking,’ I said, since, although everyone tells me I don’t look my age (thank goodness!) no-one could mistake me for an adolescent. He was serious, so I gave him the information, and he smiled and handed me the parcel.
It was light and addressed to Barry. When he arrived home with the dogs, he took one look and said, ‘Oh, that’ll be my axe.’
I had forgotten he was researching axes the day before. It’s a sign of extreme trust that this did not worry me. He needed to add a small hatchet to his array of sharp tools for chopping kindling.It’s a good thing I answered the door, or we would have been waiting for a redelivery.
‘Answering the door’ is a funny expression. It’s not as though the door poses questions or asks for explanations. It’s just there, providing a barrier between outside and inside, as well as a measure of insulation, and a means of easily identifying one house from another, so long as it bears a number or a name.
Yes, 'responding' would be a better word to use but I think answering is entrenched.
ReplyDeleteI think you're right!
DeleteIf the ax was addressed to your husband why did they need your date of birth?
ReplyDeleteThe person accepting delivery has to be over 18.
DeleteFlattering he needed to be assured of that!
DeleteHe was just 'following the rules.'
Delete'Extreme trust'! Now that gave me a giggle.
ReplyDelete😁
DeleteI guess the ax counts as a weapon and falls under regulations that require the DOB of the recipient, which in your case was you since you took the parcel, even though it was addressed to your husband. Not something the delivery man would choose to do on its own initiative, but a formality he has to observe.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely correct.
DeleteWe had to give our DOB for a parcel containing kitchen knives, it's illegal to sell such things to under 18's.
ReplyDeleteIt is nice to be asked, but a little ridiculous when we are clearly 'mature.' Still, rules are rules.
DeleteI get asking the age on certain items ordered but it wouldn't matter what your age was if your name is not on the package. Interesting though
ReplyDeleteI was taking delivery, so I had to 'prove' my age.
DeleteTo keep those fires blazing it's a good thing that you did not have to wait an extra day or two for a redelivery. All my life I've always answered the door. Never heard it say anything though, LOL
ReplyDeleteLOL!!
DeleteWhen you provided your date of birth are you completely sure that the deliveryman only "smiled" and did not have an uncontrollable laughing fit?
ReplyDeleteHe was very courteous and kept his opinions to himself.
ReplyDeleteMy apologies if the earlier comment caused offence. That was not intentional.
DeleteNo offence taken. 😁
DeleteNever had my age asked for a parcel delivery. We do have to sign for them sometimes. The other day when I was cooking tea, I heard a knock at the door but couldn't stop what I was doing. A couple of minutes later when I went to get the post (we have a little box at the front of the house) I saw a card in there that said a package had attempted to be delivered. I saw the postal van still parked outside Neighbour's house, so I ran out in my scruffy clothes and fluffy socks (hedgehog ones lol) to try to catch him. I did and had to stand there and sign my name, date and address before he gave me said package. I was glad I caught him though! Saved a trip to a miles away post office.
ReplyDeleteIt is annoying when you miss a delivery for whatever reason. A signature was needed because the item was a blade (an axe) and people have to be over 18 to take delivery.
DeleteWhat an amusing mix of formality and domestic comedy from being asked for your date of birth to discovering Barry’s new axe, it turned an ordinary delivery into quite a memorable little story
ReplyDeleteThe delivery man saw the funny side of it, too.
DeleteIs that why he needed your birthdate? Is there an age restriction on axes??
ReplyDeleteThere's an age restriction on any bladed item that could potentially be used as a weapon. Being over 18 doesn't guarantee responsible use, though . . .
DeleteYou had to prove you were over 18?
ReplyDeleteI did. At least he didn't ask for my birth certificate, though I suppose my driving licence would have done.
DeleteIt is amusing when those of us of a certain age are asked to give our date of birth! I remember asking mum how old she was and the answer was always the same - As old as my tongue and a little bit older than my teeth 😀
ReplyDeleteAlison in Devon x
Oh, yes, I remember that one. Children aren't so easily fobbed off these days. 😳
DeleteGlad the axe is delivered Christine cmlk79.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteHe's pleased!
Deletenow that you mention this, some say Get the door, will you? I am looking at answering the door in different ways already. the ax man cometh. he he he.. daddy had hatchets, axes, all different sizes and shapes. no research back then, just buy one when he saw it because he MIGHT need it...
ReplyDeleteWe have a houseful of 'might need one day' . . .
ReplyDeleteAx delivery...very suspicious. Lizzy Borden curiosity. Our garage and closets are also full of "this may come in handy sometime"...Now more than ever as prices sky rocket and tariffs imposed.
ReplyDeleteStocking up can become a mission in itself and take over one's life.
DeleteJust love the comments. I've got no axe to grind...
ReplyDelete🤣😂
ReplyDeleteI once had to show my ID when I ordered a bottle of olive oil from Amazon. lol
ReplyDeleteYes, answering the door is indeed a funny expression. Hmmm, odd that the man could not have just looked at you and determined that you were of age to receive that packet!
ReplyDeleteWhen you mentioned asking for age, I thought maybe the delivery was some alcoholic refreshment. An axe! Yes, you are trusting. If you miss a day of blogging, we are all going to worry now.
ReplyDeleteGood job you were able to catch the delivery man...
ReplyDeleteBarry must be delighted.
All the best Jan
The expression "answering the door" is so ingrained that I've never questioned it. There's a knock or a chime at the door and one goes to see what the source of it is. So one has answered to the sound. Yes, I think that is the right expression.
ReplyDeleteHere in Australia, in my state at least, there is a ban on owning blades of many types as too many idiots are using them as weapons in fights and robberies. People are asked to hand in long knives, axes, machetes etc, and they can be anonymous, no names and addresses are taken, I think the blades are put into a large sealed box by whoever is handing them in.
ReplyDeleteA light axe?
ReplyDelete