Sir, – Years ago, whenever the family car was packed and ready for the road, I enjoyed teasing our children by starting the engine, turning to the little folk in the back, and asking, “Before we go now, can you remember what you’re forgetting?”
Needless to say, my question always prompted a chorus that began with “Now, Dad . . . “, and as the average age of my rear-seat passengers increased, the chorus ended in words I’m not allowed to repeat here.
Funnily enough, now that I’ve crossed the three score and ten milestone, that same phrase has become one I use most often with myself, at least once a day and often more.
But all is not lost! Thanks to the marvels of modern technology, I’ve found a solution to my memory lapses in three simple steps:
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1) I take a quick photo or screenshot of anything I might forget, like a book I should read, a TV documentary I’d hate to miss, or an interesting tale I’ve heard that’s worth sharing with the lads during our walking group’s coffee break. Even the latest Martyn Turner cartoon might find its way into this archive.
2) Next, I send the image to myself via WhatsApp. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that there I was in my own contact list.
3) When I need instant recall, I simply check my WhatsApp inbox.
As they used to say in Carlow years ago: “Bob’s your uncle.”
No more head-scratching or hair-pulling for me.
Now, where did I leave my glasses? – Yours, etc,
NOEL SHANAGHY,
Faithlegg,
Co Waterford.