David Kapp said:When I'm home, I'm outside a lot, or just busy. If I can get to the phone before it goes to voice mail, or the answering machine picks up. I do answer. Ralph
What ever happened to answering the phone.
I’ll join the “drift.” We shut our ringer off several years ago. That line is only for the DSL. Sara and I Both have cell phones.
David Kapp said:Not really sure how this is relevant to the topic, but unfortunately you happen to be unaware of the longtime 'inside' jokes between Matt and I, and Ralph and I.
What ever happened to answering the phone. If you don't like who is on the other end of the line just hang up. It's like if it is someone you really care for is trying to get you and has to use an barrowed phone, how are you going to know if you look at the caller ID?
Ralph, I’ll give you a call next year 
-and if I miss you, I’ll leave my number this time!
Steve Seitel said:
Drifting off topic here, but....We’ve stopped routinely answering our phone because of the [unprintable] telemarketers. We now let the answering machine pick up, and if it’s somebody we want to talk to, we do. If not, we don’t. Works every time.
Steve
You guys all know about the do not call list right?
https://www.donotcall.gov/
Then if telemarketers call you when your on the list, they get fined! I’ve never had a problem since. Register cell phones too even though telemarketers are not suppose to call cell phones.
Craig
I HAVE registered with the “No Call” list and still got calls on the house phone. The house phone is now just a DSL line - simple. Cells phones are now the way our family communicates. Don’t miss the house phone one darn bit (nor the extra bill)!!!
Jerry
Jerry Sahnd said:
I HAVE registered with the "No Call" list and still got calls on the house phone.Jerry
Even if you’re on the “Do not call list”, any one you do business with, or their affiliates, can call you.
As can political parties, political action commitees, as well as “surveys”.
Surveys seem to be the telemarketers prefered “loophole”. They’ll start with a product survey and finish with a sales pitch.
Ralph
if you live anywere near rosenburg tx . go to the rr musuam next to rr tracks, center of town and thay have a runing v-12 ward lafrance .
(http://www.fotolode.com/images/SCWolverine/Farm/m.jpg)
1949 Farmall M with 3pt hitch. sorry about missed pics I screwed up my hosting