Well, it’s almost Father’s Day again. At least according to my editor daughter (it’s actually May 1st), GEEZ! But, as an obedient contributor, I will succumb to her will (she has gotten her way with me since day one ), yikes. I must tell you this Father’s Day is a little different. I am a proud Grandfather. My son and his wife have brought a baby girl into the world. Welcome to the NFL, son (New Father Lessons), ha! I cannot wait until she is walking and talking so she and I can solve the problems of the world. It’s gonna be good.
So let’s see if I can come up with some decent Dad stuff.
Jean Trucker Jacket | Trucker Jacket
I’ll start with the standby jean jacket. I mention it in almost every post, but it’s fail-safe. Classic and he’ll feel cool. We still like that.
I’ve been working on my cabin, and I’ve been swinging those tools. I have been using my baby sledgehammer a lot. It’s just a 3lb sledge, but I have used it extensively. I suppose at my age I just need a little extra umph (sad but true). The cabin is also old. That doesn’t help. They run about twenty bucks.
I have also found I am using clamps more these days. I like the trigger-style clamp. If I have to hold something in place to either nail or glue it, they are perfect. My hands were a little more nimble in my younger days, so now I’m clamping. Husky makes a nice four-pack.
Impact Duty Right Angle Drill Adapter
I’m not sure if I have mentioned my 90-degree drill attachment before, but for tight spots, it is great. Milwaukee makes a nice one. There are a lot of tight spots in the cabin.
Carhartt Men’s Workwear Long-sleeve Graphic Logo Shirt
Also, I don’t want to forget the long-sleeved t-shirt I wear when I am working. It’s made by Carhartt and does a great job of protecting my arms. Here’s what only old men know. Our skin gets thinner with age, and we bruise like an over-ripe apple falling off the fruit truck. Quite unattractive after a day’s work. Yuck! Long-sleeved t-shirts protect those arms. No woman wants to be wrapped in a man’s ugly arms (at least no woman in my arms).
So, out of the workshop and into the kitchen. I’m sure you have seen those old-style coffee grinders that you have to crank. I bought a vintage one at a flea market, and I use it to grind pepper, not coffee. When I am cooking, I just open the drawer and dig out the pepper with my fingers. It’s great. No cook uses a shaker to dispense spices as they are cooking. Always our fingers.
Silver Honey Pot Lid | Olivewood and Gold Plate Honey Drizzler
I was just in a department store in London by the name of Fortnum and Mason. I have never been there before. I must tell you it was a wow. Quality and unique goods everywhere. Needless to say, I spent some Do-Re-Me. In their honey department, I not only purchased some honey but also purchased a sterling silver lid for the honey jar (FYI, it will only fit their jars). It’s drop-dead beautiful. I also bought a butter dome to match the honey jar lid. Oh, and I also purchased honey drizzle to match the set. Now, these were not inexpensive items, but if your dad is a cook, he will be the only guy in town with either of these. They are breathtaking. They are on my kitchen table for the world to see. Ha! I suspect they will be a conversation starter also, in case I ever have boring people over for dinner. Wait, I do not know any boring people.
Camomile Infusion | Dungeness Wood Sage Honey
The selection of teas in that store was also extraordinary. Their honey is extraordinary, also. Flavors from all over the world. You can actually buy their products on Amazon too. I must admit it gets harder and harder to come up with new ideas.
My partner, Lorinda, got me into the habit of lighting a couple of candles every morning for coffee. I was amazed at how a simple candle calms the space. I usually put one on the table and one in a candlestick holder on the wall. Olive green candles are good for dads. There are many cool candles out there. A lot of cool candlestick holders also.
The Boston General Store carries a brass candle holder. It is simple and classy. Once you get in the habit, it becomes quite natural. Women are so much smarter than us (thank god).
That store also carries a soft-backed brush for the shower. I would guess that most men have a spot in the middle of their back that’s never had soap on it. Ha! Might as well get the Marseille olive oil soap to go with the brush. You have to cut it with a wire. Now that’s a manly soap.
As I am sitting here writing, I just looked up and said to myself, “geez, you gotta clean this joint.” Now there’s an idea. You can get your dad a cleaning service. Once a month would be plenty. Or maybe just one time. As a dad, I would not be opposed to that. When I was running my company, I would often hire single moms as my office managers. I just figured they really needed the job more. As a perk, my company paid for a monthly service to clean their house. One year, I had to tighten the belt around there and told them the perk might have to end. They said cut their pay, cut their hours, but do not take away their cleaning lady. Who knew? Yeah, it’s a nice gift.
Mini Vintage-Style Rechargeable Flashlight
I was given a small and stylish flashlight that I can leave out on the windowsill, and it looks great. It is made by Barebones. Always handy, always lookin good. It is also rechargeable. Lo got tired of my ugly flashlights that I would keep handy on the kitchen windowsill and bought me a good-looking one. She was right once again (hate it when she’s right).
OnX6 Straight Dual Control LED Light Bar
I couldn’t come up with something reasonably priced for the car or truck; however, I did put some fog lights on my Bronco recently. Because of my cabin, I found myself driving on dark country roads at night. Not a good scenario for me (can’t see shit). I bought the OnX6 light bar for my grill. It is made by Baja Designs. It is not cheap, but it lights up a dark country road like Times Square. I cannot tell you how it has helped me on that dark road of mine. It does not interfere with oncoming traffic, it shines on the road in front of me. I can justify the cost because it keeps me from waking up dead. Ha!
Finally, I am adding the picture above of how my kids view me. That’s how they envision me, all but one day of the year, and this is it. I’ll take it. I hope this post helps you in your shopping endeavors. I also hope you give some time to your dad. It’s all we ever want. Don’t forget about sporting events, music venues, and the like. If you’re on the East Coast, George Clooney was quite good in his portrayal of Edward R. Murrow in the production of “Good Night and Good Luck” in New York City. Us dads remember that guy. Happy Father’s Day, everyone.
– Jess’s Dad
