What are you doing or did for Father's Day?

There are a number of BS “Hallmark Holidays”, but I always think of Father’s Day as a real holiday. Not because I am a Dad, but because my Dad is, IMHO, the best Dad in the world. Tough as nails, never missed a day of work, treats our Mother like a queen and was always there for us during the good times and the not so good times. The kind of fellow you would want to have a beer with, IF you could tolerate him telling stories about the “old days.”

I called my Father today to wish him a happy Father’s Day. The conversation was brief, but I told him that I appreciated all of the sacrifices he made for us kids. In typical fashion, he shrugged that off and said that he never thought of them as sacrifices. What a Dad! When I asked him what they were having today he said he was going to slow roast a rosemary and garlic studded rack of lamb while my Mother was making kalamata olive tapenade, feta and basil tartlets, greek goddess slippers (I think I posted the recipe on the old FLDG) , tzatziki (also posted on the old FLDG) and baklava for dessert. My stomach was growling just listening to that line-up and really wished I could have been there to share the meal with my family.

But an hour later and a few thousand miles away, I was eating in a Chili’s restaurant with my girlfriend and her parents. We offered to take them anywhere, but it was her Dad’s specific request that we go to Chili’s. The food was dreadful and my (one day Father-in-Law?) ordered his steak “EXTRA, EXTRA WELL DONE!”

“Waitress, may I have another margarita?”

Well, the first thing we did was send my younger daughter off to camp this morning! Then we had a leisurely brunch with some friends who had just sent their daughter off to the same camp. My older daughter called to see what I wanted to do, but I hadn't really thought about anything so we'll go for supper later this week.

Tonight, I'll roast a chicken I got this morning from a local "pasture-raised" poultry place I've been meaning to try. I'll have some veggie-type of item and mashed potatoes with blue cheese and caramelized onions to go with.

And I'll call my dad.

Had two daughters and their families over. I smoked a turkey; minimum effort. Soaked apple chips last night; washed, dried and put turkey and chips into smoker for five hours; and carved it. Others took care of all else. Enjoyed an Anthony Road Riesling with it (see wine forum).

[Jenise]

I sealed the tiles in the kitchen we laid as a platform for the new range, and washed, dried and sorted another 200 square feet of same. Because it was Fathers Day I let Bob help --that is, after he worked on the garage refrigerator which isn't chilling as well as it should. Later he'll be forced to watch the DVD the kitties gave him as a present--it's the only way they get any face time with him.

You're very lucky to feel the way you do about your Dad, David. I've never known that kind of love and respect for my father; haven't spoken to him since 1993.

Well, the first thing we did was send my younger daughter off to camp this morning! Then we had a leisurely brunch with some friends who had just sent their daughter off to the same camp. My older daughter called to see what I wanted to do, but I hadn't really thought about anything so we'll go for supper later this week.

Tonight, I'll roast a chicken I got this morning from a local "pasture-raised" poultry place I've been meaning to try. I'll have some veggie-type of item and mashed potatoes with blue cheese and caramelized onions to go with.

And I'll call my dad.

WHAT??? You fathers don't just get to lay around watching ESPN while your kids serve you breakfast in bed and wash your car while your wives rub your back and cater to your every whim all day long?

There is actually cooking and other work involved? On Father's Day?? I will have to rethink this fatherhood idea.

You're very lucky to feel the way you do about your Dad, David. I've never known that kind of love and respect for my father; haven't spoken to him since 1993.

I'm sorry to hear that, Jenise. Jody's biological father bailed on her and the rest of the family when she was still a child. Probably for the best because it sounds like he was a horrible man.

Gene finished painting the master bedroom, so we had the closet to put back together, plus the rest of the room, furniture, etc. He requested one of his favorites, a prime rib roast. I made him a dinner fit for a king, plus a delicious omelet for breakfast. We had an extra long walk this morning with a delightful 58°. The dog loved it.
Our youngest son has called and talked with his dad, two more to go. But if they don't it is OK. We have told them how we feel about "Hallmark" holidays. They have been taught, as we were, to love and respect your family all year long. We live 2 1/2 hours away from our sons, but our daughter is in Ohio. She is the one who calls all the time. Can't wait for that prime rib!
Oh, young son could not figure out why we painted our closet....too funny!

I was blessed to have all 5 of my sons here for Fathers Day (still here from the surprise Birthday party on Friday), along with their ladies and my grandchildren, so along with a few other relatives, we all went out for a chicken wing feast.

Our youngest son has called and talked with his dad, two more to go. But if they don't it is OK. We have told them how we feel about "Hallmark" holidays.

Do you consider Mother's Day a Hallmark holiday as well?

Very good question, and yes I do. I was going to bring that up, but did not want to ramble on and on. Since we talk to the kids all the time, and see two of them on a regular basis, if they miss a phone call on Mother's Day, it is no big thing. I must confess, however that much to my dismay, I do feel a bit neglected, silly to feel that way. Hallmark has us, don't they?

While it is true that we should honor our mothers and fathers throughout the year, the days set aside especially for that were not invented by Hallmark. Mother's Day was established by Anna Jarvis, whose own mother passed away in 1095. She campaigned for a way to permanently honor not only her mother but mothers everywhere. Mother’s Day became a national observance when President Woodrow Wilson signed it into effect in 1914.

There is a similar story behind Father's day. Credit is given to Sonora Dodd, whose father raised his 6 children by himself after the death of his wife upon the birth of their 6th child. In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father's Day, but it never became official until 1966 when President Lyndon Johnson signed the presidential proclamation that set aside the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's Day.

Father's Day

Mother's Day

Nice story about your dad, Dave. And their meal sounds great- do you have Greek roots? Sorry about Chilis, but if its what her dad wanted you did right thing.

I sent my dad a card and a present (I renewed our annual subscription to the NY lottery- my dad is the single most conservative money person I know- tithes 10%, saved 10%, avidly reads grocery sales so he can stop at 3 stores- yet loves getting a single lottery ticket). As the dog and I walked to office Sunday AM, I called to wish a Happy Fathers Day and talked to him for 10 minutes (an eternity- on phone he generally asks how the weather is, what Betsy and Dave are doing, and then is ready to get off phone). Yet he still called at 4 PM as he does every Sunday, without fail, for 15-20 years (if I tell him I won't be at home on Sunday afternoon, he usually still calls at 4 and leaves a message). He's not otherwise compulsive as far as I know!

I got Betsy's dad from airport Sat night. A dinner (both Father's Day and his birthday was last week) Sunday with her sister's family. Some king crab legs, grilled Copper River sockeye, spaghetti with a "pesto" made with garlic scapes, etc. Everyone enjoyed, but frankly her dad is a great eater, but the least discerning diner I've ever met. He'd truly eat anything you put in front of him.

David gave me 130 pork casings (Betsy had a few months earlier given me a grinder attachment to Kitchenaid), I'll have to search here to see if any sausage recipes. Lucy the hound gave me a couple venison sausages, local cheeses, and smoked pork chops (apparently Betsy felt Lucy wanted to give me a FD present when she pulled towards certain tables at farmers market).

[Jenise]

While it is true that we should honor our mothers and fathers throughout the year, the days set aside especially for that were not invented by Hallmark. Mother's Day was established by Anna Jarvis, whose own mother passed away in 1095. She campaigned for a way to permanently honor not only her mother but mothers everywhere. Mother’s Day became a national observance when President Woodrow Wilson signed it into effect in 1914.

Nonetheless, it has been taken over by the Hallmarks of this world and is widely observed by many out of fear of retribution or hurt feelings if they don't make a fuss vs. the genuine feelings of honor you describe. Growing up, I loved making things at school for my mom, but at the same time I watched my father bring home a lot of creepy gifts (5 lb boxes of See's chocolates, a necklace purchased in a bar) that had zero genuine feeling attached. Which meant mom had to then fake being pleased with the gift. I'd prefer not to celebrate these holidays (and I don't) than suffer through being on either end of that.

While it is true that we should honor our mothers and fathers throughout the year, the days set aside especially for that were not invented by Hallmark. Mother's Day was established by Anna Jarvis, whose own mother passed away in 1095. She campaigned for a way to permanently honor not only her mother but mothers everywhere. Mother’s Day became a national observance when President Woodrow Wilson signed it into effect in 1914.

Nonetheless, it has been taken over by the Hallmarks of this world and is widely observed by many out of fear of retribution or hurt feelings if they don't make a fuss vs. the genuine feelings of honor you describe. Growing up, I loved making things at school for my mom, but at the same time I watched my father bring home a lot of creepy gifts (5 lb boxes of See's chocolates, a necklace purchased in a bar) that had zero genuine feeling attached. Which meant mom had to then fake being pleased with the gift. I'd prefer not to celebrate these holidays (and I don't) than suffer through being on either end of that.

I understand your reasons for not participating, and I agree that Mother's and Father's days, like all holidays or days of remembrance have become far too commercial. I did think it would be nice to consider how they came to be. I wasn't aware of the origins, and this thread prompted me to find out.

[Jenise]

Hey, Linda, that's okay, I understood your intentions and didn't mean to be a drip.

Hey, Linda, that's okay, I understood your intentions and didn't mean to be a drip.

You were not being a drip at all. I understand your thoughts on the subject because many years ago when I was getting to know you, I asked one Valentine's Day if you and Bob were doing anything special. You told me that you and Bob do not celebrate Valentine's Day because the two of you treat each other like every day is Valentine's Day. While you did not intend for that to be relationship advice, I certainly took it to heart and carry it out in my own life.

Nice story about your dad, Dave. And their meal sounds great- do you have Greek roots?

Dale,

Glad to hear you had a nice weekend and yes I do have Greek roots. I am German and Greek. My Maternal Grandparents were first generation Americans. They could not even speak a common language when they got engaged on one blustery day in Chicago decades ago. Hmmmm...must have been some sort of physical chemistry between them or something.

I was very lucky to spend the weekend with my Dad--who is 84 and is still as active and fiesty as ever-- (and Mom and several siblings) at an old (extremely casual) resort in Florida. We arrived back from golfing the first day and my brother and his family were waiting for us in the lobby. They had driven up from Miami to surprise us. (We weren't expecting them!) Turns out he just returned from a fishing trip in The Keys and brought a bunch of fresh Mahi Mahi with him that he grilled for us by hotel's pool. It was delicious (so fresh!) and such a nice surprise to see him.

[Jenise]

I was very lucky to spend the weekend with my Dad--who is 84 and is still as active and fiesty as ever-- (and Mom and several siblings) at an old (extremely casual) resort in Florida. We arrived back from golfing the first day and my brother and his family were waiting for us in the lobby. They had driven up from Miami to surprise us. (We weren't expecting them!) Turns out he just returned from a fishing trip in The Keys and brought a bunch of fresh Mahi Mahi with him that he grilled for us by hotel's pool. It was delicious (so fresh!) and such a nice surprise to see him.

I'm so envious of all of you who have great families to spend these holidays with. I probably wouldn't mind them so much if the designated persons in my life were worthier.

And how neat to have such fresh fish. I was once staying with friends on a boat and given the task of going to the store to buy fish to grill--before I could even get off the docks, I met some guys with a whole boatfull of albacore they were just unloading (like 50 or 60 of them), and they gave me one. Cleaned and grilled just an hour later, it was the best fish I could ever remember eating, and though I've had a lot of classier preparations since, nothing eclipses the impression made by a free, fresh fish grilled on a little boat hibachi on a warm San Diego night.

I was very lucky to spend the weekend with my Dad--who is 84 and is still as active and fiesty as ever-- (and Mom and several siblings) at an old (extremely casual) resort in Florida. We arrived back from golfing the first day and my brother and his family were waiting for us in the lobby. They had driven up from Miami to surprise us. (We weren't expecting them!) Turns out he just returned from a fishing trip in The Keys and brought a bunch of fresh Mahi Mahi with him that he grilled for us by hotel's pool. It was delicious (so fresh!) and such a nice surprise to see him.

I'm so envious of all of you who have great families to spend these holidays with. I probably wouldn't mind them so much if the designated persons in my life were worthier.

As you know, I don't live near anyone in my family so the visits are not as frequent as I'd like, but after a few days of such "closeness"--while not taking away the fact that I love them all dearly--I realize that sometimes a little space is a good thing!

I'm so envious of all of you who have great families to spend these holidays with. I probably wouldn't mind them so much if the designated persons in my life were worthier.

With the exception of perhaps Christmas every other year, I do not get to spend time with family on the holidays. But I often consider that a blessing.

[quoteAs you know, I don't live near anyone in my family so the visits are not as frequent as I'd like, but after a few days of such "closeness"--while not taking away the fact that I love them all dearly--I realize that sometimes a little space is a good thing! ][/quote]

A little space is, indeed, a good thing. Our sons live 2 1/2 hours away and with their busy lives, it is difficult to see them as much as we'd like to. Our daughter lives across the US in Ohio and it is almost impossible for her to come out here. It is always wonderful to see them all, and nice to get back to just a household of two. We have the Sacramento grand kids here now and then for several days, and one such visit is coming up. Thanks goodness for the pool as they spend hours in it, which means one of us has to be on duty, watching, the entire time. We are totally exhausted when they leave but the visit is always sweet.