Dry, Three Olives? Thanks For The Life Lesson, Pop

My father taught me how to mix martinis at the age of 11. This meant that at cocktail hour, he could lounge on the couch while I served him an icy, dry vodka martini (three olives) and then relax as I played classical music on the piano. From his perspective, it's probably one of the most valuable things he ever taught me.

Earlier this week, I asked Patch Facebook followers about the most important thing their fathers taught them, and answers ranged from the endearing to the humorous to the cautionary. Read their fathers' lessons, then add your own in the comments section below.

• Sergio Silva: My father taught me about ethics and how a deal that starts off crooked will end up crooked.
• Marty Osborne Shugart: The love of fishing and camping and how to do both quite well....
• Kim Wurtenberg: Work hard....and don't complain, there are others out there that aren't as fortunate.
• Kathy McCabe: How to be responsible and as self-reliant as possible
• Beverly Young: That being a female didn't mean I was second best, it meant that being a female made me a better person and he also taught me how to play craps.
• Horte Acosta: My dad taught me my strong work ethics I have. He also said to always treat everyone well because you never know when you will run into them again! He has also taught me to be a responsible person!
• Pamela Moreno: My Dad taught me about community service, love of the Pajaro Valley and pride in my culture. He also sat my down in the kitchen and taught me how to cook .
• Sara Marie: Don't rely on any man, make your own money and when I was in high school he said don't get pregnant. Best advice ever.
• Bly Olivia Morales: My Dad always says to me "The truth needs no explanation" so he taught me to honest. And I'm forever thankful for that lesson... Love you Daddo
• Angela Elmore- Gallardo: My father taught me to fish the lakes and rivers, and how to slide down the side of a rocky mountain to get to the "good" spots! How to drive a 2 lane back country road, "the car is supposed to lean into the curves without feeling any pull".
• Cheryl Ford: My dad taught me how to drive a stick shift when I was about 13! I miss him very much!
• Inquiring Mind: My Dad taught me how to paint, gave me my love for art and nature. Camping and fly fishing too. When I was 7 we built a telescope and we star-gazed every night one summer and I learned about all the planets and constellations. He's been gone 7 years and I still miss him every single day.