Thank you all for your prompt responses.

Well, I'm still struggling trying to make this touch circuit to work. I have tried different circuits with op-amps and ne555 chips but the main problem with these circuits is that your body must be grounded for the switch to work and this is not what I'm looking for.

I read Peterdeco1 suggestion about using a QT102 but that chip is too expensive ($20+ at mouser.com) and it would add more components to the final design. I will give it a try to Darrel Taylor's suggestion of using a 16F726 with a "capacitive sensing module" but I'm afraid that for this technique to work is going to require that your body has to be grounded.

Any comments on this issue or any related topic?????

Robert.