June 26, Winchcombe to Broadway

A perfectly lovely walk.  The picture says it all:  

    Got an email from last night's hotel telling me to call them because my credit card had been declined.  It would have been nice had they provided a number. Pero bueno. Called, couldn't get through, called credit card company, someone actually answered, I stated the problem, voice at other end directed me to a "specialist," specialist put me through a drill that even the FBI couldn't drum up, not to mention all the nonsense they have to read on the screen telling you how sorry they are and all.  You are ready to scream.   Finally the card is unblocked.  I tell specialist, "Please put a note in my account that I will be using this card in England until August 10,"  "No need, Madam, there is no need for preauthorization for overseas travel."  Mustering every ounce of assertiveness I don't have, I replied, "Yes, there is a need.  My card has been declined at least three times this past week, and I would like to use it while I am in the UK."  "Is there anything else I can help you with today?"  I really wanted to say, "Now that you ask, Dropbox on my phone is not performing as it should.  And my GPS keeps beeping to alert me that I am off course when I am not, and sometimes it doesn't when I am. Any suggestions?"

  

  Then I went out to take a walk along the High Street and buy an ice cream.

Since this is a slow news day, I would like to insert here a word about essential items.  A scissors.  You know all those little packets that say "tear here," only they never do?  A scissors is what you need.  Second essential: containers that are manufactured for a specific need.  I refer to humangear stax, for example, little plastic tubs with screw-on lids that keep your jam, butter, peanut butter and other essentials from spilling and making a mess in your suitcase.  

Alex and Alex have arrived to join the adventure for about ten days.  It was great to see them and if you want a really entertaining and informative account of what we will be doing for the next week or so, and what they have already done in London, I send you to:   <https://alexandalexacrossamerica.wordpress.com> 

(You may have to copy and paste the link, but do!)