On top of it.

They say you should check the batteries of your smoke detectors when you change the clocks.

We just sprung ahead.

I went out and bought a new multi-gas gadget and one more smoke detector.

The old plug-in had very recently gone on the fritz, beeping and flashing when indeed there was no need.

This we know because my dear wife Karen came home to its sound and lights at lunchtime, whisked our cherished rescue mutt Ellie B aka Dogamous Pyle into her car in the driveway, and called the emergency people.

Two trucks arrived. Into our house they marched with their meters.

All clear, they announced upon departure. The detector had reached end-of-life. Karen had done the right thing by leaving the house immediately and calling.

All of this I discovered by text. Wow.

Safety first.

Here sits the new one, until my dear wife decides I should plug it in a less obvious but still relevant outlet.

By the way, the new generation of smoke detector hosts a 10-year battery that does not allow you to take it out and replace it with a new one. When the battery goes, you throw out the whole unit and buy a new one. Hmmm.