Recently Andy brought home my traditional birthday present, a balloon:

I was surprised at his choice, but I thanked him and said,
My favorite action figures.
He said he hadn’t looked at the pictures. It said Happy Birthday and had bright colors.
I thought it was sweet, but I had to satisfy my curiosity about the figures. I had heard of Hulk, the green one. And I figured the fellow above him with the hammer had to be named Thor, but I hadn’t a clue about the other two. It said on the balloon they were Marvel Avengers, so I tried searching for a list of names and pictures of them but didn’t have any luck. So I asked Perplexity AI. It suggested I try to find the name of the company that made the balloon. I found something better: a couple of sites that sold ones exactly like mine. And this site told me the names of the other two figures:

So, the other two are Captain America and Iron Man. How cool is that?
Later Andy told me about his experience buying it. Usually he uses a cashier, but it was only one item so he went through the self serve line. Except he didn’t know how to scan the balloon. He asked an employee who said he didn’t know either but would go off and find out. Then the fellow behind Andy said he could help…Andy didn’t have to wait. He scanned the balloon, and paid for it himself. A reminder that there are still a lot of helpful, caring people in this world.
December 20, 2025
Awesome adventure
🙂
What a fun gift. That’s funny that he just saw happy birthday and bright colors. I’ve heard of all but one of those superhero’s but I’m not familiar with them. Superman, Spiderman and Batman are more my time.
🙂
…may all of your adventures be good ones.
🙂
I am laughing hysterically over the bright colors and its a balloon. I only new Hulk, none of the others. Happy Birthday, sorry I missed it.. good to know there are helpful people, I have met quite a few in the past year. I also have helped quite a few this past year. the only gift I have wanted during our over 40 years marriage is to NOT HAVE TO COOK on my birthday or HIS birthday or holidays.. it worked great and we were both happy, but since our incarceration at home this year, both birthdays were subs from Publix.. still happy, I rather drive there and pick it up than COOK
That’s a great present! 🙂
Because I live with a six year old, and another six year old in a 64 year old body, I know exactly who the figures are:)
How did a balloon become the go to for your birthday present?
My youngest daughter loves helium filled balloons.
Actually this is a beginning of a new tradition. I wanted something simple for him and he suggested the balloon.
How fun! I love balloons. I only recognized the Hulk as well, and none of the others. But I know about the Avengers movies! Of course nothing like the original Avengers in the 60’s.
I wasn’t even aware of the Avengers in the 60s — completely clueless. 🙂
I guess the guy who helped Andy scan the balloon was an action figure, eh?
To the rescue! 🙂
Happy Birthday!!! 🙂
Thank you. 🙂
Happy belated birthday!
That balloon tradition is so cute.
Thank you. 🙂
That was sweet. Happy Birthday from all of us!
Yes, a very Happy belated Birthday to you! The balloon is delightful! What a sweet gift and gesture.
Thank you. 🙂
Happy birthday. I did recognize some of those figures because of my grandson.
Thank you. 🙂
Happy Birthday!
Thank you. 🙂
That is funny that he didn’t pay attention to who was on it. Hope you had a Happy Birthday!