Recommenders not responding - getting a bit nervous, possible follow-up options?

[tanker11]

I graduated about 3 years ago from an undergrad program (top 20). I've been reaching out to two of my professors for recommendations from that school from my school's still-alive email account.

I sent an email to these possible recommenders (I'm pretty sure they'll say yes and do remember me pretty well, and they have been recommenders for me in the past after college) last week with my portfolio, which is about 8 weeks out from the application deadline. I then followed up to bring it up in their email inboxes again just yesterday (now about 7 weeks out), but I still haven't heard anything from either one.

I'm getting a bit nervous since I haven't heard anything. I'm totally aware that professors can be extremely busy: for example, one of them has two classes this semester and another has one while also being a director. But I'd like to make sure that I give them sufficient time and if for some reason they decide they cannot, then I can formulate a backup plan.

Some questions:

(1) Am I overthinking this? Is 6+ weeks of lead time still ok for professors to write letters of rec without feeling pressured? I want to make sure I'm not at the point of annoying them.

(2) Would a phone call be a good follow-up here? I live about 6 hours driving from campus but am extremely busy these next few weeks with work and other commitments, not to mention that a flight there and back to just stop in during office hours would be prohibitively costly. Are there other options that others have found to be successful?

[fuzzylogician]

1. 6+ weeks is still enough notice. Less than 4 and I would begin to worry. You should really try and take care of it soon. 

2. A phone call might be a good next step. An alternative is to enlist the help of the departmental secretary, both as someone who should know if the professors are around and should be receiving their email as usual, and as someone who might be willing to help by checking in with the profs in person, if you ask nicely. 

[tanker11]

Thanks, fuzzylogician! Checking with the secretary is a great idea, and I'm going to reach out there as well.