Sometimes Gifts Come Early

My dad's birthday is in December right around Christmas.  Every year my brother and I connect with Dad and figure out what he wants because sometimes he wants one larger gift and it's best to combine, even though it's a historic downfall for those who have birthdays near holidays.

And this year it appears that gift not only got combined, but also came early.  Out of the blue I got a text from my brother.

Brother: We are getting dad a driver for his birthday

Me: Cool.

Brother: Shipping only takes a few days

Me: Cool.  Maybe there will be a sale for Black Friday

Brother: Sale now.  Arrives next week.

Me: *counting*....Sept...Oct...Nov...Dec....

Brother:  Yeah I know, but this way he can use it now and enjoy it.

Me: ....k....

Brother:  He knows and is excited.

Me:  Cool! Then totally on board.

And once we figured out the rest of the logistics, it turned out it arrived in a matter of days, Dad called, he's thrilled, and he is most elated to get use out of it this year.  

So, sometimes, a gift fits best off-season, and as long as the receiving party is on board, it can mean just as much if not more to have what you want or need when you want or need it.

A Well-Improvised S'more

 As someone who grew up in a home with electric stoves, I didn't think anything was weird about using the microwave to make certain things.

And then my husband decided he wanted a s'more, and he about fell over when I told him that instead of turning on the firepit at midday in 90 degree weather, he should just microwave it for 10-15 seconds.

Once we both finally picked his jaw up from the floor, I showed him by making my own.  I placed the graham cracker on a plate, the piece of chocolate on that and the large marshmallow on top.  I kept the top graham cracker in my hand and microwaved it for 15 seconds, watching it the entire time.  Mine only took about 11 before the marshmallow started ballooning and I knew it was time to pull it out of the microwave (b/c the marshmallow will basically explode).  Then I placed the top piece of graham cracker on the microwaved portion and handed it to him.

He, silently and looking at me strangely, took it, bit into it, and then lit up.  It had worked, he was elated, and he now had a means of making "s'mores on demand" whenever he wanted.

Hint: if you have a gas stove, you can 'roast' a marshmallow on the flame, but just be careful b/c it's an open flame in your home.

Enjoy!