Happy birthday Dad!

Every year, when we ask my dad what he wants for his birthday, the response always falls into one of two categories: 1.  Something having to do with world peace. 2.  An expensive gadget related to kayaking.

Now, my dad would be kind of angry at my brother or me if we were to really spend money on an expensive kayak gadget (really, he would) because we are both not as financially fit as we'd like to be.  And as much as I believe in the power of positive thinking, there's no way I could make world peace happen through happy thoughts alone.

This year, in keeping with tradition, I sent him an email asking him if he has a list.  He replied:

I have no list as I can't seem to get World Peace, and they're hammering the sh*# out of the environment, so I guess a b'day card would be nice.  You can take me to Penny's Noodles, or get me a gift certificate, so we can dine when I come to visit. 

Hope all is well, Love dad.....officially now "the Old Man".

I know...all kinds of adorable, isn't it?

I love a good gift challenge, so I decided since the world peace issue is on the back burner I would try and tackle the environment issue.  I did a little research online (like three minutes) and found the International Bird Rescue Research Center, a group currently on the ground on the Gulf Coast, working to save oiled birds.  Scenes of people gently washing birds in Dawn soap has always touched my heart.  My parents have two bird feeders in their very small backyard and recently added a hummingbird feeder, and NO JOKE, they love those creatures.  My mom gets especially excited when a cardinal or blue jay or Peregrine falcon finds it's way into their backyard, and my dad takes the replenishing of the bird feed very seriously.  They also leave nuts out for squirrels, after being annoyed that squirrels were trying to climb up the feeders.  My dad has a "pet" squirrel named Bob, who is quite fearless and fond of my father.  One time when I was home my dad said "Oh look...Bob's in the backyard..." to which I replied "Dad, is every squirrel named Bob?" and he replied, without missing a beat "No, only the ones in this neighborhood."

I contacted the IBRR and gave them a donation in my father's name.  I then sent my dad the following email:

Happy birthday Dad!  I made a donation in your honor to help the birds who've been slicked with oil due to BP's negligence!  We can't save the whole world but we can make a difference, one winged creature at a time. :)

Love,
Kristen 

What do you think?  Winner or no?