The first time I spent the night at the Mader’s, Ellen promised I’d wake up to one of her dad’s famous breakfast creations. From the moment heaps of ice cream landed atop my freshly made sourdough waffles, I knew I had a lot to learn from Mr. Mader. I will never go on a backpacking trip without a bag of reese’s pieces for the hike up. And although “a small musical instrument” is on the optional packing list for such a trip, my backpack will never be packed without one. I shouldn’t leave the bunny slopes before I know how to maneuver a snowboard, but when I do, at least stay close to a seemingly professional skier who can drag me across the mountain with his ski pole when I get stuck. Christmas just isn’t the same without an appearance from My Pal 2. Buttermilk can last 2 weeks past its expiration date. Nothing beats the smell of freshly made bread in the morning. Nothing. Except time spent with family, and friends can be family. Thanks to Mr. Mader, I wake up to the smell of freshly baked bread on a weekly basis, and every morning is that much better because a memory of him is attached.