Thank you, MHET.

I'm so sorry too.  I didn't know this was a recent loss.  Lots of warmth and hugs to you.

Thank you, lilybee.

Warm thoughts and condolences DIY Maven.

My dad worked for the highway department, so the scent I associate with him is hot tar. I love that smell and so do all my siblings! I know, I have to remind myself that I was lucky; I had my dad a long time. But I still wasn't ready to say goodbye. It's been a tough week. To say the least.

Oh my!  I know exactly how you feel about your dad's tools.  My dad was a custom homebuilder.  He had a fold out measuring tape made from wood.  I consider it one of the best things I could have inherited from him.  My brothers got rings, watches, etc. and I nabbed that measuring stick.  My dad died when I was only fourteen so I don't have adult memories of him.  One thing I'll always love is the smell of freshly overturned earth--as in digging a basement, the smell of concrete, and the smell of freshly cut wood. I think checking out jobsites was one of the few father-daughter things we did. 

To summarize, I have a really soft spot for old tools. Thanks for sharing your level with us.