I had mine quartered across the plate with four totally different and delicious syrups.

You may have called this past Tuesday "shrove" but I don't even think that's a real word. You may have called it "fat" but that's just plain mean. If you can't say anything nice, you shouldn't say anything at all, so on the advice of IHOP, I called that Tuesday "Pancake Day."

Though their house of pancakes may be international this was only declared a "national" day. Only slightly more confusing is that they called it the "second annual" pancake day even though Pancake Day goes back hundreds of years.

I researched these peculiarities and found quick, surprisingly easy answers. This National Pancake Day was in fact the second one IHOP had hosted and, just like last year, all guests were treated to a complimentary short stack of pancakes just for showing up. Seriously, no trick. They just asked that if you enjoyed your free pancakes, and I'm still serious, they were really free, you would consider making a donation to Children's Miracle Network.

For a holiday hundreds of years old, it's impressive that somebody finally found a way to make it benefit today's children. It's a double benefit because it fills the budget that's otherwise stretched so thin, and also because it fills the tummies of patrons until our waistbands likewise stretch thin.

Left - This may be my "Seafood Diet" picture. I wasn't actually eating that way, but I was told to smile for the camera, and with a fresh bite in my mouth, this is just about the only way to do it. Certainly the only way to do it with any amount of class, that's for sure.

Charitable contributions and golden griddlecakes, what a great combination!

Although Pancake Day has passed it's not too late for you to bear it in mind. Maybe you were too busy to get out there or perhaps you didn't know about it until just now, or maybe you attended but forgot to be charitable. You can still make a difference, if you've got the love to share.

The best thing about the funds raised for Children's Miracle Network is that all of the money donated will remain in local communities. The money gathered in Washington stays in Washington, the money collected in Los Angeles stays in California, and the money received in Texas stays in Texas, where I hear everything is bigger somehow.

IHOP doesn't need your charity, they sell flapjacks like hotcakes. I'm sure they appreciate your patronage, but the children sometimes do need your charity and if you've been looking for a smart charity with noble goals, you've found your opportunity.

As a child myself I thank you in advance, even if just for your consideration.

Above - We knew since the night before we would go and have the pancakes, but we were still delighted (as you can see from Patrick, at left), confused as to how a spoon works on pancakes (as evidenced by Dominic in the center), and eager to slather my goody-foods with syrup (as shown by myself at right).

Above - What meal is complete without a balloon for each of the journalists at the table? I'd say none, but that's because I'm a journalist. Turns out they give these balloons to any kid who wants them, assuming they have them on hand.