Well, the Lompoc Christmas Parade is behind us, and Santa has made his deliveries.

Santa carbo-loaded Donner and Blitzen to help the other reindeer drag his heavy sleigh around the world. Not to be left out, Rudolph pounded energy drinks so his nose would be bright enough to guide the team toward your house. Thankfully, the Environmental Protection Agency rules concerning greenhouse gases didn’t sidetrack the mission.

So, what was my dream gift?

Like many people in my age group, I like to take it easy in the evening hours; no major decisions to make, after all there are lots of “Gunsmoke” and “Barney Miller” reruns on satellite TV. I try to avoid too much “news;” it’s always bad and won’t get much better as the talking heads try to find the most spectacular story of the day.
 
What I needed was a better recliner. My idea of the “perfect recliner” might interest others, so I’ll try to give you an image to consider.
 
First, it needs to be comfortable and surround your form with a mix of soft, but supportive seat and back support. To help adjust things, it needs some easy-to-operate-and-understand electronic controls to lift the footrest, recline, and adjust the lumbar support.

Nothing fancy, just buttons with big letters and arrows indicating which way the thing will move when you push the button.
 
Then you’ll need a cup holder for your favorite beverage. Of course, it should have an adjustment for either warm or chilled beverage depending on what you’re sipping.

In some cases, you may want an accessory such as a small fridge, popcorn popper, or coffeemaker on a stand within arm’s reach to avoid having to move too much to get your beverages and snacks.
 
Then there is the all-important remote console. In today’s world it wouldn’t be beyond belief to think that someone could figure out a wireless setup that’s adaptable to all makes and models of 75-inch screen TVs. It’s also handy for quickly switching channels. This size screen is essential for the Rose Parade, movies, and any sporting match you are watching.
 
Another must-have feature is a surround sound system built into the headrest or offered as headphones. This would block any external interruptions; and either a vibrator for those aching bones caused by years of hard work, or a heating/cooling system to maintain a comfort level that’s appropriate for an older person.
 
Of course, there are some drawbacks to this dream.

First of course is how much this contraption would cost. I am guessing in the multi-thousand range. Second is energy consumption; not human but the electric kind. And what if the power failed while in use; you’d need an auxiliary power source or an escape mechanism.
 
Well, I didn’t get a recliner, TV or accessory stand this year, so I guess my dream will have to be put on hold for a while. I’ll just keep the trusty manually operated recliner I have, and trudge back and forth to get my snacks and beverages.
 
I hope you all have a happy holiday season. Oh, avoid watching the news — it’s guaranteed to be a downer.