This week my Dad would have turned 90!  It is hard to assemble in my mind all of the things he has missed because he passed away so young.  Also I wonder about all of the additional Milkhouse Moments that would have been shared over the past 20+ years… and how many I could have then passed on to all of you via this TRIPLE III TIME blog format!?

Well in honor of my Father… and instead of trying to dream up what would have been the next Milkhouse Moments learning lessons, I have decided to offer you The BEST Of! those Milkhouse Moments that have been part of past TRIPLE III TIME messages.

**RESPONSIBILITY BEGINS EARLY**

I was assigned full responsibility for caring for calves born on our farm at a very early age.  Feeding, bedding, and nurturing were all “on me”.  Milkhouse (Learning) Moment: I learned early that I (yeah me) needed to set my own high standard for responsibility and performance.   Waiting for Dad (or a supervisor) to explain it to me would have lessened the learning… because meaningful Responsibility Begins Early.

**PARTNERSHIPS MAKE EVERYTHING BETTER**

During my entire time on the farm I watched and learned the value of multi-purposed partnerships.  Whether it was sharing equipment, working on a project together or just plain communicating on ag issues, partnerships were critical.   Milkhouse (Learning) Moment: I learned that in all personal and professional areas that Partnerships Make Everything Better. Asking for and offering help always creates opportunity, fosters creativity, builds service capacities, and facilitates a network of great communication.

** REMEMBER YOUR ROOTS**

I grew up on a small dairy and cash crop farm in rural Michigan with 7 brothers and sisters. Working hard until the job was done… was the rule. My Dad was a GREAT accordion player and as a family we all played an instrument in our well-respected polka band.  Milkhouse (Learning) Moment: I learned that you need to progressively take stock of where and how you grew up. Learning from tough experiences and expanding on the cool opportunities is the best way to Remember Your Roots!  Passing on the strong work ethic, benefiting from growing up in a large family (male-female) structure, continuing the musical heritage opportunity, and not shying away from trying new things (i.e. innovating) … are all areas to appreciate, share and take forward.

I hope you enjoyed this TRIPLE III TIME Milkhouse Moments – The BEST Of! Message.  I know there are/were many more.  Finally, thanks and Happy Birthday Dad.