We have come a long way since the Pony Express, and now we don't even have to open our mailbox to know what mail we are getting.

Going to the mailbox used to be such fun. Will there be a letter from my sweetheart today? What about the latest issue of Dynamite or Bananas, or Sports Illustrated?

Of course, I'm talking about the 1970s when we actually wrote letters and didn't have email, messenger, or text messengers. My, how times have changed.

For me, going to the mailbox lost its shimmer a long time ago - probably decades - when I started to realize that the mail content on any given day was going to be 40% bills, 50% junk, and only 10% worthwhile. Nowadays, I'm doing good if I make to the mailbox three times a week.

Now, I have even less reason to go to the mailbox because I can find out what's in my mailbox before I even open it. Welcome to  Informed Delivery from the U.S. Postal Service.

WIth informed delivery, you can get a daily email letting you know about packages and letters that are on their way your mailbox. You can actually see exterior images of your mail.

If you want to take advantage of this free service you can sign up on line.

The first step is to determine if your eligible for informed delivery in your area. I've already confirmed that Grand Junction is eligible for the service. Next step is to find out if your specific address is eligible.

Next up,  you verify your identity and the next thing you know you are receiving notifications on your smartphone, tablet, or computer about your mail.

I can definitely see the benefit of being alerted of packages that are on the way, but, anything else, I'm not so sure. I think I would rather be surprised when I open my mailbox.

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