Those were quieter, more peaceful times.

"World Wars", "Weapons of Mass Destruction" and "Home Invasion Robberies" were in the future.

No one had a glimmer of The Internet or TV. No spam or infomercials. Hardly anyone had a telephone - so no telemarketers. Junk mail? I don't think so. Though the mail order catalog had long since been invented (by Benjamin Franklin, no less!)

Were those better times? Actually, I rather fancy being able to go online in my jammies at 3AM and order that 18" long wooden shoehorn I've been coveting....