When I was your age, we didn't have moccasins!

Buying gifts for old people is hard.

Most older people are trying to simplify in their golden years, and if they want nicknacks, they want to pick them out themselves. That's half the fun (or so I hear).

My grandmother lives in an assisted living home. She does not need nor does she have space for home decor, decorative soaps, clever doormats, afghan blankets, cook books, coffee mugs that say "#1 Grandma" etc. etc. Now the best gift we can give her is a "gift certificate" to the local casino - she loves her field trips there.

My best friend Jocelyn went to Quebec for her Spring Break (she's a teacher) last week. Before she left, she asked me if I wanted her to bring back any souvenirs for me. Remember what I said about grand parents and nicknacks?

Jocelyn: "I'm taking orders! What do you want me to bring you?"

Me: "I don't know, what do they have? What are you getting for other people?"

Jocelyn: "I don't know yet. I'm getting moccasins for my grandma."

Me: "Are you going to an Indian Reservation??"

Jocelyn: "No! What else would you get for an 80-year-old woman?"

Me: "True, Native American apparel is totally appropriate."