Here’s the history: it all started with Google. Then Google bought Blogger, then YouTube, then Feedburner, then bought and sold two dozen other things. Then I opened a Gmail account.  I had so many Google usernames and passwords that every time I tried to go anywhere to do anything I was asked if I didn’t want to combine, or reallocate, or add this, or try again or restart or use Google+, all your friends are using Google+, and in a moment of fury and confusion I stupidly responded The only thing I want right now is Google Minus and I deleted what I thought was a useless account. Then one day last week I clicked on a link and found that I no longer had a blog feed, no longer had any blog subscribers and anyone who is reading this right now doesn’t even exist, and then I realized the terrible thing I had done, the awful irreversible crime which is to second guess Google.

I was rummaging around in my old and defunct important papers file—consisting of paper that really was once important and now is just quaint.  I found this impossibly out-of-date passport. It was my daughter’s first and as yet only passport. She was just six, and she is now 14, so there really is no use for this except its sentimental appeal. Don’t you still want to travel with this girl and her mom?

If the answer is yes, please consider the following:

1. Subscribe or re-subscribe to this blog. Subscribe using a blog reader by clicking here. Subscribe via email here.

2. Like my author page on Facebook. I spend a ridiculous amount of time over there talking to you.

3. Friend me personally on Facebook. Personally, I’m much funnier.

4. Follow me on Twitter, not that I’m going anywhere.

So let’s stay in touch. I’ve made some wrong turns, but I’m not gone yet.

Thank you.