Dad was generous to a fault with his family and friends, but pinched pennies in unlikely places. He cheerfully paid his taxes, lavished gifts on all of us, donated heavily to charity, but hated road tolls.
All tagged Dad
All They Want For Christmas Is You
When I arrived, they were thrilled to see me in the way only your parents can be.
Road Trips With My Father
Together, the Dougherty family set out to see America, while facing their fears and growing stronger.
Think Outward Bound in a battered station wagon.
Flying The Flag For A Friend
On the morning of the Fourth of July, on a leafy side street in Trenton, N.J., a tall, gray-haired man with a mustache will open his front door, step outside and solemnly hang an American flag.
Father Knew Best Where To Vacation
It took World War II to get my dad out of New Jersey.
Thanksgiving. More Than A Chic Centerpiece.
My absolute favorite Thanksgivings were spent at a wobbly card table covered by a freshly ironed bed sheet.
Dad's War Diary
Merchant marines died at a rate of 1 in 26. The highest rate of casualties in any branch of the military. Yet it wasn’t until 1988 the men who served were recognized as veterans of World War II.
Cars and Commitment
Maybe this is the year I get a new car, I think. Knowing that this will most definitely NOT be that year.
Safe Keeping
For years my father drove around with a beakless duck decoy on the back seat of his car, as he searched for a replacement part.
Tax Refunds Are Interest-Free Loans To Uncle Sam
“A refund?” he repeated in disbelief. “You overpaid your damn taxes. You’re an idiot.”
BOGO Medicine
My parents were going to a doc who advertised on a radio station that once aired a two-man comedy show that had amused my father in the 1970s.
Adventures In Lubrication
The workers, er technicians, are polite and don’t look like they’re on parole.
Life With Dad Was Never Boring
Growing up in our house was like buying a ticket on a high-speed crazy train. Sometimes that ride was exhilarating. At other times, it was frightening.