Twice in recent years I spent an entire summer away from TV. Both times when I turned it on again, I couldn't believe the drivel. Including some sitcoms that I had enjoyed: Cheers. Golden Girls. Some other ones. The inanity was, well, just so silly.

Last spring, for this tourist season, I had turned over the entire apartment at the top of this house museum to the volunteer assistants and subscribed to cable TV for their benefit. (They're from Ohio and they watch!)

I've now moved back upstairs and haven't yet canceled cable. Last night when I turned on the TV there was absolutely nothing I wanted to watch. Couldn't even stand the news. Have you tried watching the bush??

Has anyone else done that? Been away from it and come back? I have no doubt that I could easily become desensitized but I think I'll go back to using the set just for videos.