2026 Birthday Swap Sign-Up
01-22-2026, 06:13 AM
#191
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Mn/ Winter Texan
Posts: 7,435
Sunday the very cold weather is supposed to hit us in South Texas. We have some frost covers for my hibiscus bush and crown of thorns, most of the other plants are in containers. Will grab the 2 wheeler and bring them all into the garage. Our biggest fear is losing power for multiple days. The power grid here is very unreliable.
The envelope shows it was posted on 1/5/26. Gosh -it must have taken a detour! Thank you!!
01-22-2026, 01:18 PM
#193
Member
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: near Seattle WA
Posts: 25
This might explain why envelopes are taking longer to show up…
For decades, the postmark – an official mark that shows where and when mail was accepted by the Postal Service – has been used in law as proof that an individual met a deadline, such as submitting a ballot by Election Day.
A USPS postmark used to indicate the date when mail was dropped in a mailbox or submitted at the post office counter. Now, USPS is clarifying in a new rule that the postmark will reflect the date an envelope is first processed by an automated USPS sorting machine, potentially days after it was dropped off – not the actual drop-off date.
The U.S. Postal Service's new postmark process could lead to late fees and penalties
The U.S. Postal Service is making new changes in 2026, including adjustments to the postmark process, which could result in late fees and penalties for anyone mailing time-sensitive documents such as tax returnsor bill payments.For decades, the postmark – an official mark that shows where and when mail was accepted by the Postal Service – has been used in law as proof that an individual met a deadline, such as submitting a ballot by Election Day.
A USPS postmark used to indicate the date when mail was dropped in a mailbox or submitted at the post office counter. Now, USPS is clarifying in a new rule that the postmark will reflect the date an envelope is first processed by an automated USPS sorting machine, potentially days after it was dropped off – not the actual drop-off date.
01-22-2026, 02:11 PM
#194
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Portage, Michigan
Posts: 9,461
I have been hearing about this too, Julie G. All the more reason for swappers to post here on our thread when they drop their envelope of candies in the mail. Also, I fear I am sounding like a broken record, but mail envelopes as soon as you can after the address is PMed. This USPS policy may also mean adjustments to when I send out the PMs with birthday information.
Thank you for keeping all informed, Julie G.
Thank you for keeping all informed, Julie G.
Last edited by WMUTeach; 01-22-2026 at 02:18 PM.
01-23-2026, 09:40 AM
#196
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: East TN
Posts: 2,857
01-23-2026, 04:27 PM
#197
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Portage, Michigan
Posts: 9,461
01-24-2026, 10:48 AM
#199
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Portage, Michigan
Posts: 9,461
Janice, I am smiling but not surprised at all. She is always ready for the PM and away it goes immediately. If I recall correctly your envelope of candies did not have too far to travel and that helps...
Hope all is well with the storm bearing down on so many of our group. Michiganders are just getting bored with cold, snow and wind. Today I woke to -12 degrees and tomorrow to be the same but with snow accumulation as the most northern part of the Big Weather Monster that is hitting the south just touches my area tomorrow. Just another day of cold winter sewing for me.
Stay toasty.
Hope all is well with the storm bearing down on so many of our group. Michiganders are just getting bored with cold, snow and wind. Today I woke to -12 degrees and tomorrow to be the same but with snow accumulation as the most northern part of the Big Weather Monster that is hitting the south just touches my area tomorrow. Just another day of cold winter sewing for me.
Stay toasty.
Last edited by WMUTeach; 01-24-2026 at 10:50 AM.
