I had a great Father’s Day yesterday. We had a barbeque, to which most of our close family came; amazingly the weather stayed fine too. Once I’d finished cooking the enormous amount of food Louise had purchased, I got to sit around for most of the afternoon and chat with people. This might not sound much, but with two small children, this is a rare pleasure.
I was given some excellent presents from Ben and Jess. Firstly, an [Acer](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_Maple) — evidently I am drawn to trees and plants with pointy leaves, as I also really like [Palms](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palm_Tree) and [ferns](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fern). Secondly, a giant Yorkie chocolate bar. Proper giant: Over a foot long. You can beat big chocolate.
Lastly, I was given a copy of [Dancing Barefoot](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0596006748/ref%3Dnosim/wilwheatodotn-20/) by [Wil Wheaton](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wil_Wheaton). He’s the author, he didn’t actually *give* me the book. But that would have been cool. I’ve read [Just A Geek](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/059600768X/ref%3Dnosim/wilwheatodotn-20/) and really enjoyed it, so I’m looking forward to this book.
Talking of Wil, he’s posted about how being a stepfather makes him [feel like a backup goalie](http://www.wilwheaton.net/mt/archives/003301.php) on Father’s Day. My only comment would be that even when you’re a biological father, your children start out as total strangers and it takes time to get to know and love them. All we really get is a head start.
Reading Wil’s post again also reminds me what I should really be saying here — Happy Father’s Day, Dad!