I don’t mean to sound snooty but I really do not watch television. I watch “Squawk Box” on CNBC for perhaps 20 minutes while I have my breakfast. I will watch snippets of an occasional Chicago Bears football game (if they are in the hunt) or maybe a “Honeymooners” episode (see June 7, 2012).

Last year, Donna got video recordings of the first two seasons of “Downton Abbey.” She asked if I would watch with her. I said – quite flatly – “No.” She said “please.” I responded “I’d rather not.” And started to walk away. That’s when she pulled the “You know I would really like for you to watch – just an hour – of this program with me.” Now I am not quite as dumb as I look and I read into this request all that might lay behind it. So I  turned, smiled and said “sure.” And I watched.  The first hour of “Downton Abbey.” 

When she leaned over and said “do you want to watch the second episode?” I said (without much coaxing) “sure.”

I know some of you may not “watch t.v.” I can relate. However let me offer my observation that “Downton Abbey” is not just t.v. It is wonderful — and well-worth the time spent — programming.  I now can’t wait for Sunday night.  If you’re going on vacation, get the first and second seasons on DVD (so you have context). 

I still don’t watch television apart from the occasional Bears game, “Honeymooners” episode or “Squawk Box.” But I do watch “Downton Abbey.” WOW!