Dockery Blog

based on Life's Little Instruction Book

Hunt! It's a long way to a grocery store and the meat isn't as good. Besides, Homeland doesn't have whitetail deer, wild boar, whitewing dove, or *wild* turkey.

Fish! (see hunting).

Stop and enjoy the beauty. Whether it's wildflowers, birding, or just the lakes, hills, woods, and valleys, you're missing the point if you just drive through.

Get involved. South Texas is home to fantastic arts and museums, watersports, roadways, and communities. Don't be a stranger.

Look at property. Don't you want to live or work here?

Part of the original instructions is here:

Sing in the shower • Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated • Watch a sunrise at least once a year • Leave the toilet seat in the down position • Never refuse homemade brownies • Strive for excellence, not perfection • Plant a tree on your birthday • Learn three clean jokes • Return borrowed vehicles with the gas tank full • Compliment three people every day • Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them • Leave everything a little better than you found it • Keep it simple • Think big thoughts but relish small pleasures • Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know • Floss your teeth • Ask for a raise when you feel you've earned it • Be forgiving of yourself and others • Overtip breakfast waitresses • Say "thank you" a lot • Say "please" a lot • Avoid negative people • Buy whatever kids are selling on card tables in their front yards • Wear polished shoes • Remember other people's birthdays • Commit yourself to constant improvement • Carry jumper cables in your trunk • Have a firm handshake • Send lots of Valentine cards. Sign them "someone who thinks you're terrific." • Look people in the eye • Be the first to say "hello" • Use the good silver • Return all the things you borrow • Make new friends but cherish the old ones • Keep secrets • Sing in a choir • Plant flowers every spring • Have a dog • Always accept an outstretched hand • Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life. • Wave at kids on school buses • Be there when people need you • Feed a stranger's expired parking meter • Don't expect life to be fair • Never underestimate the power of love • Drink champagne for no reason at all • Live your life as an exclamation, not an explanation • Don't be afraid to say "I made a mistake."• Don't be afraid to say "I don't know" • Compliment even small improvements • Keep your promises (no matter what) • Marry only for love • Rekindle old friendships • Count your blessings • Call your mother!