The gift was a little bit heavy, a little bit on the odd side in the shape department. After the down throw, jammies and slippers from the sister and bro-in-law and sweater from Mom I wasn't expecting much more.

But there it was, with my name on it.

I ripped off the paper and there it was...a brand new 12" Stoneware skillet. I was as excited as an 8 year old with a new bike. Then I stopped and thought about it. God I'm getting old. A skillet gets you that excited? I said to myself.

Yes, said self. You've got a problem with that?

No, I said. It's just that, well, isn't that rather a mature thing to get excited about?

Yes, Yes it is.