[njbchbum]

lou and carolyn c. -

you posted, "...needless to say that by mid April we had decided that we would be needing the cable back on, because we planned an unexpected trip to the villages in May..."

if your service is like my friend's comcast triple play bundle [village of silver lake] your cable service is still connected and live when on vacation mode - BUT - it only offers the basic service plan. so if/when you have short, surprise visits to tv after your cable goes 'on vacation' and IF you can abide having only basic channels, you can disconnect the digital box and connect the cable directly to the television for service! no cost for reversing and restarting the 'vacation' mode and no need to call comcast during the short trip.

your 'on vacation' phone is also available for use to make outgoing calls - BUT - only in the local calling area - no long distance available!