I hadn't thought of that.
So to pulse D1 low, then float, I would use:
pinMode(D1, OUTPUT);
digitalWrite(D1, 0);
delay(100);
pinMode(D1, INPUT);
I will give it a try...
I will revisit the serial I/O again, but the buttons are working now. It's October already, and we have other props to work on. (Halloween is my wife's favorite event and it gives me an excuse to design gadgets, and buy parts, for her props).
Thanks for the pinmode tip.