As I unload my car of all its goodies from the move back home, Dad's
gardening in his usual get-up: pajamas with dress socks over the
pants, and older versions of the Rockport sneakers he wears to work.

"It is the best way to minimize skin exposure," he says.

My mortification as a teenager over my dad out in the neighborhood
dressed like a hobo has now turned into adult endearment and
amusement.

When they say Emergency Room physicians are quirky, they're not kidding.