George Jetson and Wilma Flintstone

 

A techie is a person who is enthusiastic about technology. Martin is a techie. He is also a Trekkie (Star Trek fan) but that is a discussion for another time.

 I appreciate computers and other technological advances once I have deemed them useful, but I am not quick to jump on the “fads” that he embraces.

 When we got married, he wanted to discuss the purchase of a microwave oven. I assured him I would never need to cook anything in 60 seconds. 50 years later, I no longer remember how we used to thaw frozen food, warm leftovers, heat up a cold cup of coffee or make popcorn without a microwave

 For a very long time, I used the Franklin Planner – a large binder that held my calendar, contacts, and daily schedule. Eventually I was nudged to Palm Pilot, an electronic planner. But Martin insisted that someone in my position (that sounds more impressive than it was) needed a smart phone. When my flip phone died, ATT said it was iPhone or nothing. I knew I was hooked the day I asked Siri a question and then said to myself, “Siri sounds tired today. I need to check on her later”

 When my radio-alarm clock was no longer able to do its job, Martin surprised me with a Google Nest. I was annoyed. And yet, in colder months as I get dressed, I ask “Google, what is the temperature” and when told “In Galena Park it is 64 degrees.” I pull out a sweater.

 We don’t park our cars in the garage, and I wasn’t ready to claim such infirmity that I couldn’t manage to open a door.  But Martin insisted we get a garage door opener and I very begrudgingly (and with many unkind comments about his need for another remote control) agreed. I thank C.G. Johnston every day for the convenience of pressing a button and having the door magically open and close without any assistance on my part.

 NOTE – C. G. Johnson invented the electric garage door opener in 1926. He had also invented the segmented overhead garage door four years earlier.

 My most recent defeat was a large screen television. Years ago, I held my ground when he wanted a flat screen and I offered to let him get one – with my life insurance money after I die. But when our old one went the way of all old electronics, there was no good argument. This summer, Martin decided it was time for a larger television. Much larger. We now have a screen that takes up most of the living room wall and I have adjusted to seeing life-size versions of our favorite television characters. But he still doesn’t know how to turn on the closed caption.

George Jetson now thinks we need a projector so we can have an outdoor theater on our patio. Someone, please help Wilma pull the plug on this one!

 

 

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-ND