A couple of weeks ago I crept a little closer to that elusive number “65.”
Years ago everyone recognized that as the magic number that brought on retirement. These days nobody knows the magic number because it falls somewhere twixt 50 to 70.
I must admit that at 64 I’m still working while many of my old high school chums are well into their retired years. Guess I always was a slow learner.
Of course, growing up a farm boy, I really never learned there was such a thing as retiring as my dad worked well into his 70s and my grandparents the same. Seems it’s hard to give up your connection to the land. Even harder to figure out what you are going to do to pass your days when all you knew was work.
I lost Pop 22 years ago last month. I find myself missing him more every day. He taught me plenty, I just wish I would have paid better attention because I could have learned plenty more.
I lost mom four years back. She passed on Aug. 28; pop passed on Aug. 29. If you knew them both that would not surprise you. They were the ultimate description of “team.”
So, I’m reflecting these days on all the lessons they taught me and all the ones I missed. Also the ones that came from a pretty good swat or two when needed. Those I remember.
Seeing how the pandemic has caused quite a stir on kids going back to school and learning; I hear many parents are considering home schooling as an option.
So, I reprint with pride an oldie but a goodie that reflects what homeschooling looked like to me some six decades ago.
Most of our generation were homeschooled  in many ways.
 1. My mother taught me to appreciate a job well done.
“If you’re going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.”
2. My mother taught me religion.
“You better pray that will come out of the carpet.”
3. My father taught me about time travel.
“If you don’t straighten up, I’m going to knock you into the middle of next week!”
4. My father taught me logic.
“ Because I said  so, that’s why.”
5. My mother taught me more logic.
“If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you’re not going to the store with me.”
6. My mother taught me foresight.
“Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you’re in an accident.”

7. My father taught me irony.
“Keep crying, and I’ll give you something to cry about.”
8. My mother taught me about the science of osmosis.
“Shut your mouth and eat your supper.”
9. My mother taught me about contortionism.
“Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!”
10. My mother taught me about stamina.
“You’ll sit there until all that spinach is gone.”
11. My mother taught me about weather.
“This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it.”
12. My mother taught me about hypocrisy.
“If I told you once, I’ve told you a million times. Don’t exaggerate!”
13. My father taught me the circle of life.
“I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.”
14. My mother taught me about behavior modification.
“Stop acting like your father!”
15. My mother taught me about envy.
“There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don’t have wonderful parents like you do.”
16. My mother taught me about anticipation.
“Just wait until we get home.”
17. My mother taught me about receiving.
“You are going to get it from your father when you get home!”
18. My mother taught me medical science.
“If you don’t stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that way.”
19. My mother taught me ESP.
“Put your sweater on; don’t you think I know when you are cold?”
20. My father taught me humor.
“When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don’t come running to me.”
21. My mother taught me how to become an adult.
“If you don’t eat your vegetables, you’ll never grow up.”
22. My mother taught me genetics.
“You’re just like your father.”
23. My mother taught me about my roots.
“Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?”
24. My mother taught me wisdom.
“When you get to be my age, you’ll understand.
25. My father taught me about justice.
“One day you’ll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!”