Fueling Up for Dad's Day

Right now, department store ads have all sorts of suggestions for spectacular Father's Day gifts...nifty ties and cartoon-printed underwear, watches, key rings, wallets, and other heart-stopping items. If your dad doesn't exactly fall into the Macy's mode, or if these trinkets are just too exciting to pick from, give the gift that never fails to please: a home-cooked meal with all the trimmings.

You can fuel Pop up in the morning with a spicy Mexican breakfast, or satisfy his carnivorous cravings with a thick juicy steak, marinated in tangy flavors. If he's a dedicated beefeater, perhaps a new set of steak knives can add a surprising garnish to the meal (and they're probably on sale at a department store near you).

Even though Father's Day isn't until next weekend, it's not too early to start planning and shopping. By the way, did you know that it wasn't until 1972 that Father's Day was finally formalized, when President Richard Nixon signed a Congressional resolution? Until then, it was a popular observance, with origins dating back to 1910, though never officially recognized. But better late than never, I guess, which seems to be the case in most other countries of the world. While other nations share similar Mother's Day observances, very few recognize fathers with a day of their own.

Happy Father's Day!