There was a snafu in the transport of Christmas presents between here and Pittsburgh. Genius and Friend first left our Pennsylvania lottery tickets at their hotel on Christmas Day, so gave them to us when we met at the casino the next day. Even more mortifying for Genius, some actual wrapped gifts had been left behind in Pittsburgh.
"I really hate it that we don't have your gifts. I'll mail them to you when we get back."
First there was the question of where to send them. Here to the Mansion, or in town to The Pony's house. My vote was for The Pony's house. I don't always trust that we'll get a package here, having had to track down Farmer H's medical supplies three or four times, at assorted locations. Or the time our Christmas Amazon packages went to a guy up the road who came out of his garage carrying a bloody knife. Or when Genius's acne soap was stolen out of EmBee. Or that time I found my box with new shoes sitting on top of Mailbox Row.
Anyhoo... Genius said he was leaning towards UPS as the shipping method, rather than USPS. But gave us the choice. It didn't matter. Whichever was easiest for Genius to deal with. So it was UPS.
The box arrived on Wednesday. The Pony brought it in the house, with plans to open it, and give me our presents, and the checks to reimburse our lottery wins, on Thursday during Errand Day.
Thursday, I saw a picture of The Pony's gift from Genius. And The Pony carried out a wrapped give for me. The tag said, "To Mom. From Genius."
"I guess that's all he sent, Mom. I didn't see anything else in the box."
"That's odd. You'd think he would have sent something for Dad. Are you sure?"
"Pretty sure. But I'll go back in, and take out the packing stuff again, to make sure."
The Pony did. And there was nothing else in the box. My gift was a book. So I knew it was not intended for me to share with Farmer H. I sent a text to Genius, just to make sure.
"Thanks for the book. It looks like something I would choose to read. Was there nothing for Dad? Except the lottery money?"
The next morning I got a reply: "No, I'm sorry, I couldn't figure out what to get him that wouldn't just sit around :( "
I'm not faulting Genius. Farmer H is hard to buy for. But even an extra $5 lottery ticket might have brightened his spirits. Farmer H was surprised and sad that there was nothing for him. He will be sadder when he hears the reason why. But he'll get over it. No hard feelings. He can buy something with his $150 lottery winnings.
That is sad, and I agree even just a lottery ticket would be better than nothing. Or a gift voucher for a store that Farmer H likes to shop at.
ReplyDeleteRiver,
DeleteYes, an incident like this might not seem like much to Genius's generation, but it makes old people sad!
Knowing his dad likes to go to the casino and regardless of his scratcher or lottery success, it seems Genius would have thought this would be a viable gift for Hick. I hope Hick just shakes it off. I know it made him feel left out and sad, but don't take it to heart.
ReplyDeleteKnowing how he enjoys doing the house flips, I would have bought him a gift card for Lowes. That would definitely be put to use and knowing Hick, he would utilize it to his best ability on some discounted items that he can turn into something magical. Ranee
Rae,
DeleteYes, ANYTHING would have been acceptable to Farmer H. Just knowing that he was remembered. A Lowe's gift card would have been well-received, and it's something Genius could get online. Or a poster or small piece of Coca Cola or beer or gas station/oil company/tool memorabilia for his vast collection over in the BARn. It would have been different if we all just got the scratchers. It was sad because The Pony and I received a gift as well.
I know what you mean! I am easy to placate, but Drew is awful to shop for. He was a drummer and I got him one of those flat drum sets. I thought he would love it and here it sits still in the box. I think I could actually return it and he would be none the wiser. Our son gave him a guitar several years ago, even tuned it for him and offered lessons. it is safely tucked away in the case. the only child who manages to give him anything he likes is the youngest, but she has always been able to pick out great gifts. maybe your weekly letter before Christmas next year should include a list of possibilities for Hick.
ReplyDeleteKathy,
DeleteOne year Genius got him a beer-making kit! They both worked on making a batch while Genius was here. I'm not sure if Farmer H ever tried drinking the finished product.
Yes, I might need to drop a hint. We don't expect gifts, but it should be all or none of us.