Fuses blew and circuit breakers snapped open. Such was my head when I learned that the only laundromat in town would not accept quarters. They wanted me to pay upfront for a card, and then use a credit/debit card to load up a balance on the card. The instructions were printed on the wall. About 16 steps were needed.
As an alternative, I could download an app onto my phone and pay that way. I was shocked to learn that the washing and drying machines were connected via bluetooth to the customers' phone, so no card was necessary.
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| from istockphoto.com |
There was a telephone number on the wall. Amazingly enough, a human being answered it. He explained that the former laundromat owner went out of business partly due to vandalism of quarters at the machines. The man who answered my call was a personable young fellow, and soon he had me in the mood to see this whole infuriating experience as a game to have fun with.
The app wanted me to set up an account and password. Groan. Recall the old Jimmy Buffett song ("Pacing the Cage") about "I proved who I am so many times... the magnetic strip's worn thin." But, almost unbelievably, the app turned out to be SIMPLE and intuitive to use. When the washing machine started up, I was so relieved and even a little excited.
By the time I left the laundromat, I had been won over. I came out to a whole new world where all things seemed possible. How about making this mood last? Perhaps I should go to McDonald's digital kiosk and see if I can order a senior coffee, black.
Comments
I wrote that I would not have to go to Yuma to get groceries but I did not mean that I would not go to Yuma. I had to go there on Sunday to do my laundry. I had gone to the Park office on Thursday to buy a ‘laundry card’, needed to operate the washers and dryers in this Park. I was told where to go to buy the card and gave it a try but failed. Without any meaningful instructions I managed to add the cost of the card on my Credit Card but did not put anything on the laundry card.
I therefore went back to the Park office and told them that the system seemed to be far to complex for me. There was a old time resident there at the time which was asked to take me back and get the laundry card value added. So, we go back and he tries twice to do that and fails both time; asked me if I wanted to try it again and I said no. It was that experience that caused me to go to Yuma where I could find a coin operated laundry to do my wash and dry.
Stay Safe and Enjoy!
It's about time.