The Ugly Truth

Your Dad hates those ties you give him every year.

I'm sorry to be the one to break this to you, but it had to be done. Think about it. Have you ever seen him wear one? Of course not. They're dreadful. And Mom? Do you honestly think she needs another holiday themed cardigan? Please. She looks ridiculous in those things. You know it and she knows it.

Allow me to save your Christmas. Get Dad a copy of the new book Camp Coffee by former Irish Fest president Bob Sullivan. Bob, also a former cowboy, has written a fascinating and funny account of the life of his former boss, Wyoming rancher Grant Beck. He'll love it. Why? Because Dads love cowboy stories, that's why. This is a scientifically proven fact.

For Mom, a DVD of the fantastically successful film Nelly Don: A Stitch in Time about Kansas City's own first lady of fashion, Nell Donnelly. Produced by Nell's great-nephew Terence O'Malley and based on his book of the same name, the DVD also features footage of a Nelly Don fashion show that took place at this year's Kansas City Irish Fest. Several Irish Festers, including my own beautiful wife modeled the vintage dresses that day and are seen in the footage.

Could this shopping thing get any easier? Sure it could. Because you can get both those things, and lots more at Kansas City's best bookstore and cultural center, Bloomsday Books in the Crestwood shops, just East of Brookside Boulevard on 55th Street. And as long as you're going to Bloomsday, go this coming Wednesday December 13th between 5:30 and 9:00 PM for Tom and Nancy's annual Bloomsday Christmas Party for a snack, a drink and some merriment with your shopping.

Okay? All set? You're on your own from here. I can't do everything for you.