ANNA MONICA

Technology catches up

My sister Phyllis and B-I-L O’Neil can now be numbered among that big swell of the population that owns computers. After much urging and encouragement and through the efforts of their son, Randy, who ordered and installed the device, the Himel home has joined much of the rest of the technological world. We family members are excited about it n Phyllis and O’Neil are barely coming out of their state of shock. This couple was already involved with grandchildren when computers came into their own. They didn’t have their first exposure in the workplace as many of the rest of us did. But, theirs was a fighting spirit, determined to adjust, sometimes with much disgust, as they sought to understand this new equipment. For the rest of us who already had some computer knowledge, observing their reaction was very amusing although they won’t know that until they read this and will vow to ban me forever from their home. Their computer station setup is really nice with desk, chair, chair pad, lamp, etc. When I think of all of my equipment being crammed into my kitchen (why not, though, since I don’t use it for anything else?), I really envy them. Back to being amused. When either Randy, grandson Ryan, who is good with computers also, or I would go over to help them, Phyllis sat next to us, staring intently at the computer with O’Neil standing behind her, equally intent. They were quiet and solemn n and at a complete loss. Phyllis, though, would have her notepad in hand taking notes while her husband chided, “That’s right, we bought this computer so you could be writing things down on paper instead of on the computer.” Anyhow, the notes she took were used often because she was determined, although equally frustrated. We all tried to get them to realize that this was an entirely new venture for them since neither had touched one before so they shouldn’t be in a hurry or discouraged. Their confused situation has rapidly changed now. It has been a while since I got a panic call because “that stupid thing just wasn’t working right and we should send it back!” It seems that man and machine are making peace. I recently got an e-mail Phyllis sent all by herself, and I was pleased. She has reached out and touched relatives in Florida and Kansas City, too, and undoubtedly is pleased with herself. Phyllis is a great cook, and I should know because she feeds me regularly (although I strongly suspect that will cease after she reads this). She usually entertains herself by browsing through her many recipe books, so guess what her favorite site on the Internet has to be. The net has thousands and thousands of food and recipe offerings, and there is no doubt in my mind that sooner or later my sister will have visited each and every one of them n more than once. My B-I-L says “it’s her computer,” and he probably wouldn’t use it much, but I don’t believe I have ever been there when he wasn’t on it. He loves the games! Why not, because she says, “It’s his computer.” Ah, technology.