Stuff I learned from my father

From time to time, I notice myself doing something I learned from my dad.

I got a heightened awareness of these learned habits when my stepson Austin was living with us, largely because he hadn’t learned some of the basic walking-around stuff that you pick up from your father. That’s because his father was generally absent for several formative years. I did my best to fill in the gaps whenever I noticed them.

So here are a few of the things I learned from my dad:

• Never leave the house without your wallet, watch and keys. Never.
• Cottage cheese is better with some black pepper sprinkled on it. Not paprika.
• Be a good listener.
• Always know which direction North is.
• Carry a pocket knife and a ballpoint pen.
• Treat your possessions carefully, so they will last a long time.
• Dedicate the top drawer of your dresser to neat stuff.
• Always carry a handkerchief.
• Know when it’s time to pay an expert to do mechanic-type work.
• Morel mushrooms are the most delicious thing in the world when battered and fried.
• Be sympathetic to the underdog.
• Root for I.U. and the Chicago White Sox. (I gave up on the Sox after they blew the 1957 World Series.)
• Don’t interrupt or talk over other people. Wait for an opening to speak.
• Always have a dog in your life.
• A nap with a dog at your side is a wonderful thing.
• Make sure your kids know you love them and are proud of them.
• Know your country’s history.
• Pay your bills on time.