I got my dad a smart thermostat for Father's Day, thinking it would put an end to our ongoing temperature wars.

Now he just remotely adjusts the temperature from his phone and sends me a text that says, 'You're welcome, I've optimized the climate.'

My dad's neighbors think he's a professional landscaper

but really he just has a lot of free time and a riding lawn mower

My dad tried to teach me how to fish once.

After an hour of tangled lines and no bites, he finally just put his arm around me and said, 'You know, the best part isn't catching fish, it's just being here with you.' He still didn't catch anything that day, but he definitely caught my heart.

I asked my dad what he wanted for Father's Day.

He just wants an afternoon at the hardware store with no specific project in mind, just 'inspiration browsing'.