Not a good time for mailboxes

Thankfully, Zappos packages are delivered to my front door because anything heavier than a 1- ounce envelope will topple my mailbox with its rusted post.

My problem with mailboxes goes back a few weeks. I am sure I backed my moving truck into my neighbor’s mailbox, which began to tilt. My handyman repaired it quickly. It’s upright and looks like new. But now, I have another mailbox problem. Salt air on the Florida coast has rusted my mailbox post, and it’s tilting precariously. I have called my handyman several times in the past two weeks, but he’s not returning my calls. I’ve resorted to duct tape to hold the box onto the post.

House repair departments have mailbox kits that target homeowners like me. Little assembly required or needs no cement to anchor the posts. One type of box requires strength (and a level and hammer), and the other seems to have a very large screw that goes into the ground (again, a level and biceps), with prices ranging from $39-$79.

My handyman’s voicemail is now full. My options are to purchase the post and locate my tools or order Florida kitsch, which would probably be delivered and installed. For a price! But I am not sure I am ready for kitsch. And moreover, even kitsch is costly!