Like most mornings, I popped out of bed before 7am without any hope of falling back asleep. The rest of the household tried to lull me back to the soft pillows with their gentle snoring and sleeping puppy whimpers, but it was no use. The plant power has added a level of energy to my mornings that is both a blessing and a curse.

While tip-toeing through my slumbering home I remembered it was Father’s Day and instantly thought of Bar-B-Q. The two have gone hand in hand for so many years that for a moment, the last eight months were forgotten. I spent five seconds thinking about menu options before my consciousness intervened by politely reminding me that the routine had changed. It was an odd five seconds that was completely free of desire, and strictly focused on logistics.

Rather than sit quietly, I grabbed wallet, phone, and keys and headed to the grocery store. During the short drive I quickly decided that I had no desire to grill anything. I know that eggplant slices make a great fire-kissed meal. I also love roasting peppers and making veggie kabobs. Additionally, I have found so many Tofurky style grillable products that I am completely set for tailgating season this fall. I just wasn’t feeling the BBQ love today and before parking decided that there would be a new Father’s Day tradition starting today.

You should have seen the Moms and kids scrambling at 7:30 this morning! It was hilarious. The doughnuts, cakes, steaks, a frozen pizzas were flying everywhere. I had almost no competition in the produce section where I bought all the expensive berries, melons, and nuts I normally pass over. I’ve built some fruit and vegetable routines over the last many months and it was fun to shop outside of my rut.

I am back home now, on the porch with a laptop and a container of raspberries. As king for the day, I’ve decided that when the *still* sleeping zombies wake, we will be headed to a nearby trail. It will be a fun day of walking and eating that seems like the perfect replacement routine for this celebrated occasion.

Happy Father’s Day to you all- and especially to my own Dad, whose quintessential level of fatherdom continues to make me strive to be close to his league.