There's no such thing as a stupid question.... right?

Backgroud: Dad has always done my taxes. Numbers make me sad, so he always takes the bullet for me.

Me: Should I cash in my Canadian Savings Bond early?
Dad: You'll have to pay taxes on it. Unless you've been declaring the interest over the last 7 years.
[Beat]
Me: I don't know, have I been declaring the interest over the last 7 years?
Dad: Nope, I guess you haven't been declaring the interest over the last 7 years.
Me: Right.....

Forward planning

Dad: Man, that thing was heavy.
Me: How are you going to get the old tread-mill out of the basement?
Dad: [Beat] Hmmmm....
Me: Just leave it there - elephant grave-yard style.

I got this.

While paying for a tread-mill at Canadian tire:

Dad: Here, take the keys and go put the seats down in the back of the car.
Me: Sure.
Dad: Wait, do you know how to get them to lie flat?
Me: Come on. I have a Master's degree in an applied art, I'll be find.
Dad: [Beat] Yeah. Ok.

Cautionary Tale for Grown-ups

Context: Dad's picked his retirement date, but I've been saying for over a year that's not a good idea. He's the kind of person who needs to stay busy.

Me: Did you hear that Andy Rooney was hospitalized this week?
Dad: No, what happened?
Me: I don't know, I didn't follow-up. That's not the point. The point is, the man retired from his job then BAMB, 2 weeks later, he's hospitalized. Retirement is clearly dangerous.
Dad: Un-hun....

UPDATE - Andy Rooney died yesterday. Dad's getting an earfull today....

Perspective

Dad: We have a party that night to celebrate George's 85th birthday and 65th wedding aniversary.
Me: Aw man, wouldn't you just want to kill yourself at that point? That is just too long, on both counts.
Dad: [Beat] No, George seems like he wants to celebrate.

Out in the World

While paying for my selections at HMV....

HMV Dude: Did you see Sister Act 2 just went on sale?
HMV Lady: We should put aside a copy for Lisa.
[Beat]
Me: As a joke?
[Beat. HMV Dude starts laughing.]
HMV Lady: You 2 don't know what you're talking about - it's a good movie!

The Great Outdoors

Me: I'm thinking of taking a poorly planned hiking trip in northern England. One in which a helicopter rescue will be required. Interested in coming?
Dad: No, but on a related note, I'm thinking of going hiking at Tremblant this weekend. Want to come?
Me: Is there any chance that Price William might be available to rescue me if needs be?
Dad: No. No chance at all.
Me: Yeah, then I'm out.