I have a mother-in-law file that includes stories about mom. Some are about mom and dad. This one is about dad.

I recently planned a trip to DC–taking my parents from NM and my husband and I from Austin and spending a few days touring the museums. Dad loves museums, but with his eye condition, he’s a lot slower getting around than he used to be. This means I have to plan trips where he can do things at his own pace. He hates getting on a plane, however. Or being in public where he might run into someone. Or…well he has a lot of excuses for any activity that is outside his immediate comfort zone.

But I plan the trips and he goes anyway. This morning, on the phone, I asked him if he was excited about the upcoming trip to DC.

“I’m not going there.”

“Yes you are.”

“Nooo, I’m not.”

As if he hasn’t been bragging left and right about this trip. Mom has already told me that he’s told all the neighbors and half the relatives.

A little while later in the conversation he asked, “How many days are YOU going to be in DC?”

Eye roll. I told him, “You’re going to be there 3 days.”

“I heard about this really great tour bus ride,” he said.

“What is it called?”

“Red (the neighbor) told me about it. It sounds like it would be neat.”

“What’s it called?”

“It’s a tour bus. It goes to a lake and monuments and all the places.”

Sigh. I’m sure there is only one such tour bus ride. Should be easy to find. NO PROBLEM.

I sent him a bedspread for an early father’s day present (he’s been asking for a new one. I got him a handwoven wool one from Spain.) When I asked if he liked it:

“It’s pretty, but I don’t know if I like it yet. Lots of blue.” For dad, there are no simple questions. Liking a bedspread involves how well it fits on the bed. How well he likes it over time. Is it warm enough? Is it too warm?

“Did you notice the other side is the opposite colors–brown/blue?” I asked.

“No, they are the same.”

“No, they are not.”

“I’m gonna check.” Pause. “Yup, they are the same.” Pause. “Blue and brown and…” pause… “There’s blue on both sides, but there’s more white on this side. Or maybe brown.”

Yeah, maybe.