So, Neal and his dad are men of few words. They are perfectly fine sitting together in silence. That’s just the way they are. However, everyone that knows them know one thing can get them talking:

GAS PRICES.

Here is a typical conversation between Neal and his dad (might be slightly exaggerated for dramatic effect):

Bob (five minutes after stepping into our house): I noticed down the street that gas is $2.32.

Neal: Yeah, it was $2.37 on Tuesday. And at the Rutter’s a couple miles down on Route 30 it’s $2.29.

Bob: Oh, well it’s $2.85 in Thorndale and $2.93 in Exton

Neal nods his head.

They both stare at each other and then shuffle their feet.

Actually, ask Neal’s mom. I’m not even sure that is an exaggeration. Seriously, Neal and his dad know gas prices everywhere. It’s insane. It’s like some weird, unnatural obsession. That’s always THE FIRST thing they talk about. I swear that when Neal and I have children, and Neal’s parents will visit us in the hospital to see their likely first grandchild, Bob will say “Neal, did you know the Turkey Hill across the street has gas for $2.15?” And I guarantee that if the price is that good, Neal will probably leave to go fill up his tank.

Anyway, Tad knows about this and actually brought along a comic out of the weekend newspaper to show us.

Can you see it? Click on the picture to make it bigger if you need to. Best thing is that Tad felt the need to personalize it, HAHA. Oh man. Like father, like son.