You know, I could have gone all out in searching for souvenirs from Rome to give my two young adult sons. Art reproductions, fancy models of landmarks, Italian-made Man Garments.

But, instead, I settled, along with a few other geegaws,  for a pen into which is constructed a model of St. Peter’s, surrounded by a liquid of some sort, in which a tiny figure of Pope Benedict floats up and down.

Because I’m classy that way.

And do you know what?

Oldest son swears that his fine grades since March are totally due to his use of the Pope pen.

Son #2 is, judging from the away message his got on his IM account, deeply distressed because he’s misplaced his – he’s posted twice about it over the past day.

See, I know my children. As I said, we’re a classy bunch. Get ‘er done.