My earlier post didn't go through. Nice story, Mooh. Very sad, but nice.

My use varies according to the recipient. Mom needed a lot of rings to reach the phone, Dad caught it pretty quickly. After a while you get accustomed to what system is in place for people you call regularly. No hard and fast rule here.

Beggars can't be choosers when calling some businesses these days, though. My ex works in the federal building with a revolving system of goofy messages and methods of contact. You take whatever you can get and hope to leave a message a human will receive. Some agencies are untouchable as far as the phone. It has been years since I was able to call my local post office. You're routed through someplace else that places no importance on local questions being asked of local carriers. It's the global answer or no answer.

SRS