The Best Fathers Day Gift. Ever.

I married one of the lowest maintenance men that walks the face of the earth.  Holidays roll around and he doesn't want anything, maybe a hammer.  No.  Seriously.  Birthdays roll around, nothing.  Or it might be cheesy, "you could get me some gloves to work in..."  Uh.  OK.

My husband had a mid-life crisis a few years back.  When most men have a mid-life crisis that can lead to all sorts of things ~ big, fast cars, a vacation somewhere expensive, big and fast cars...  When Rodger had his crisis we were a one van family and a small truck for him to drive.  After his crisis we were a double mini van family.  That's right people!  Two mini vans for your driving pleasure.  But fear not!  It wasn't just any mini van.  Oh no.  That just won't do.  I mean, we are in the middle of a mid-life crisis for pity's sake!  We went all out and opted for the "sport edition".

Heck to the YEA! Baby!  And let me tell you all about it.  We were riding in style, spoiler and all.

So you see what I'm dealing with here.  Simple is the key.

Until he got old.  It was like "old" just Fed-Ex'd in overnight.  When the package came, he lost his sight.  HA!  I only laugh because mine is on the way out too.  I think I have received a notice that my package was shipped.  It's coming on the 18th of October and it will equal four decades of fun and frivolity.  And no eyesight. 

So this past Father's Day I went out on a limb and purchased him the Nook by Barnes and Noble.  It only took me about six months of grilling everyone I know on why they liked their particular e-reader.  I received a ton of helpful hints from Heloise and in the end, Nook was the winner.  We have not regretted it at all.

When I married Rodger almost 18 years ago, he read two things: his bible and any manuals/engineering texts that were applicable for his work.  That's it folks.  Then, about two years ago, we were at a homeschool convention (gathering of the greatest geeks of all time, because we LOVE to learn...) and one of the speakers said something in his presentation that just clicked in his brain.  He came home with a new desire to read.  Since then he has read lots of books.  Uncle Tom's Cabin, The Underground History of American Education, News websites, and a host of other books that are over the Beatrix Potter level.

His eyesight was getting a bit touchy anyway because his job is to sit and stare at a computer all day long.  Hard on the eyes.  I would catch him reading with the book in the kitchen while he is sitting on the couch, "hey honey, could you hold that back just a bit more?"  Alright, not quite that bad but you get the idea.

So I surprised him with the Nook for Father's day and it has been the best thing ever.  He has been reading like crazy, and I'm enjoying it too!  We ended up going with the Nook Color and again, good move on our part.  I love the options you have, the internet, apps, search tools...  It is perfect.  Just remember that I got it for him.  Not me.  No.  I wouldn't dream of doing a little five finger pick up of his new toy. 

So just in case you are thinking of an e-reader, I highly recommend the Nook.  The color version is like the cherry on top.  The man or woman in your life might really like it ~ if they are a reader!  I might have to get my own, so he can have his and stop asking me where I had it last.

Finally got the awesome sauce gift,
Tammy