tis the season

we sent our son joel, who now lives in washington state, a christmas present that we shipped via united parcel service over a week ago.

since he likes spy stuff, the wife picked out what appears to be an innocent ball point pen. actually, the device doubles as a spy camera, which is located at the opposite end of the writing instrument. it looked like the perfect gift for our boy who loves the latest gadgets.

joel lives in an apartment in vancouver, washington. if you are not home at the time when a ups delivery truck arrives, the driver will leave your package with personnel at the apartment manager's office. all he requires is a signature, and then the man in the brown uniform flies away in a hurry.

joel had known for over a week to expect something from us soon, so yesterday he stopped by the office where he asked if there was anything waiting for him.

"look through that pile over there and see if you can find something with your name on it."

what a disappointment -- there was no such package among the whole lot.

he has since called ups to verify that the company actually did deliver it. they claim that they did, and the signature they have offers solid proof.

the office people only shrug and say it isn't their fault.

so our son is without his present this year.

me, i am about ready to suggest that he file a lawsuit against the apartment office. either that or we send him a new spy toy; one that will explode if opened by the wrong person.

merry christmas, everyone.