Father knows best!

One time, when I was a teenager, I was walking across a parking lot beside my Dad. I was doing the thing that a teen does best... slouching. Dad put his hand in the middle of my back and said, "You have a nice straight back. Straighten your shoulders and carry your head up... you never know who will be looking to you for an example!" I have passed the same words along to my two sons. They walk tall and proud, shoulders square and their head up.

Look a person in the eye when you talk to them!

A handshake IS a contract!

Stealing 6 cents is as wrong as stealing 6 million dollars!

Teach RESPECT, and all other things will fall in place!

One time I was driving Dad's brand new '74 Chevy truck (the first new truck Dad had ever bought up to that time), six months after he purchased it. I hit some ice and spun into the ditch, curling the rear bumper under. I was scared to tell Dad about it, but I gritted my teeth and faced the punishment. Dad was in the shop and looked up from his workbench when I told him the news... I was floored when he replied, "Well, I guess that is what insurance is for!" Then he resumed his work. I remembered those words when MY sixteen year old son came in to the shop and shakingly said, "Dad, I had a little accident with your truck!" I told him that when his son comes in and says those words... he can do no less!

Believe it or not, it just about applies to anything that you do.

"Watch out for people that kids and dogs don't like"

"Don't smoke or drink" I didn't listen and I still battle with the old nicotine adiction and it took 3 DUI's before I quit drinking. Been clean and sober now for 20 years.

I miss Ole Pop, he passed away 6 months ago. God bless his soul!

I told my daughter "If you keep driving like that your'e gonna have a wreck." She did.

My dad said "if you don't straighten up your wife is gonna leave you." I didn't and She did.

My dad said AGAIN "if you don't straighten up your wife is gonna leave you." I did and She didn't.

Ha I finally outfoxed him.

two things I always told my son (He's 37 now)
You should wash your butt every day Your as good as anyone in the world, The president and the pope put their pants on one leg at a time, just like you and me

1. Did you go to college to become stupid? (The implication here was a little common sense and hands on goes much further than a book)

2. Is there a brain in there or is that just a fancy hat rack? (same as above only that was used during my high school days)

3. Do you really think I bought this piece of equipment/tool just so you would have something to fight with? (let the equipment/tool do the work.....let the equipment/tool do the work....)

As you can probably tell from these I too learn way too much the hard way.

1. When you plan to start a project double the costs and half the income.
2. Always pay a bill the day it comes.
3. You hit what you look at so don't watch your thumb.
4. Always wear a hat, take your gloves and pocket knife, and pack a water jug.
5. Never try to be the first one finished... (plowing, cutting hay, cutting tobacco, etc.)
6. Slow down!
7. If you get a chance to stop and eat, do it.
8. Steaks taste better medium.
9. Cut hay when your sickle's sharp.
10. Always, always keep a roll of toilet paper in the glove box.

Thanks for letting me walk down memory lane :-)

Mahalo,
Howard

Only thing you can do with mitts on is mess your pants.

But seriously the most important thing he taught me was to give my all at all I do. And NEVER say you CAN'T do something. (I could go on forever because my father has taught me more than anybody could imagine.)

As for other people's mistakes - Don't try to clean a lawn mower chute with you foot while the mower is running. Buddy dang near lost a toe doin that one.