So I'm noodling around on the computer this past Saturday, when my bride asks me if I want to go yard sailing. Had to think for a minute; just about all of Briar Street was having yard sales. I was safely cocooned in front in my computer playing Words With Friends on Facebook, listening to Mozart. I'm at that stage in life where I could single-handedly throw the yard sale of the century. Oh well, happy wife, happy …

Some time ago I had left my lights on and my car had a dead battery. No problem, just pop the trunk with my key to get the cables. WRONG! Here I couldn't get into my trunk. Years of relying on the high-tech clicker made me oblivious to the fact my low-tech manual lock was broken. It's so easy to leave life to the microchip.Metaphors be with you …I was tempted to stay on my bum in front of this electronic seductress. I had forgotten the difference between high-tech and high touch. Glad wifey got me into actual reality instead of virtual reality that morning. Computers are a gift, but like any gift, they're meant to be used wisely. Had a great time, flapping my gums rather than tapping plastic. Picked up a DVD of two animated Dickens' Christmas Carols to add to my large collection.God bless us, everyone!John HazelPalmerton