Lessons Learned From My Dad

It's interesting how family traditions change as life goes on. I used to send out several Father's Day cards each year - this year my brother and I exchanged cards. As a tribute to my dad on this Father's Day, here's a condensed list of stuff Bill Miner taught me through life. Some he told me directly, others I learned by example. I started writing these down a while ago; now I just recognize when one comes to me. Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there.

• Don't polish your shoes wearing your good clothes
• Use the right tool for the job
• A job isn't finished until your tools are put away
• If it doesn't fit, don't force it
• Put all the screws in a little before you tighten them all the way
• A good drier gets what the washer misses (when washing dishes with your brother)
• Be friendly but not nosy
• Stand up straight, shoulders back!  (with two hands behind me, gently pulling my shoulders back)
• Read the instructions
• Leave yourself extra time when you don't know where you're going
• Don't hesitate to introduce yourself
• Give a couple beeps of the horn when driving away
• Stay in touch with your mom and dad
• Going to Florida, take I‐22 through Alabama to Birmingham (it’s practically empty)
• Highway 44 always has less traffic than 40 (64)
• When you lead someone astray you give him a "bum steer"
• Don't take a "lazy man's load"
• People tell you important things indirectly sometimes
• Wear an undershirt under a white dress shirt
• Mince pie is made from mince ears (so don't have a piece unless you really like it)
• The 16 points of the compass
• Don't start eating until Mother has raised her fork
• Carry a pocketknife
• Sand with the grain
• How to use a miter box
• Look someone in eye when they're talking to you
• Play the devil's advocate sometimes
• You can fake it while you learn as you go
• When cutting wood, you can always take more off but you can't put it back on
• No need for nuts in brownies
• Don't let pride get in the way of doing what needs to be done
• Have a plan for your life
• If you fertilize your lawn it just means you have to cut it more often
• Road trips are awesome
• It's alright to use the lady's room if you really have to
• Don't pass up a chance to use the men's room
• Be a Cardinals fan
• How to fry eggs swimming in bacon grease
• How to use elbow grease
• How to sharpen an ax
• How to change a flat tire
• How to horsengoggle
• How to play cribbage
• Never drive fast in your own neighborhood
• Playing baseball, always think ahead what you'll do if the ball is hit to you
• Watch for hawks as you drive along the highway
• Be generous
• Be a contributor, if you join an organization
• Plan, celebrate adventures
• Be grateful