hi everybody-- Sean,Phillip & Dad fishing out of Deep Creek. A perfect day to be on the water. Phillips first halibut caught with a rod. Both are following tradition with their first kiss! Dad out fished the both of them!
Monday, December 12, 2005
Fishing with the BIG boys
hi everybody-- Sean,Phillip & Dad fishing out of Deep Creek. A perfect day to be on the water. Phillips first halibut caught with a rod. Both are following tradition with their first kiss! Dad out fished the both of them!
Saturday, December 10, 2005
December doldrums
Hello my far-flung family!
The days are passing swiftly on toward the new year. Some days are more full than others and threaten to overwhelm me. Other days I barely have enough going on to keep out of trouble. Somehow a little voice in my head tells me that I should not admit things like this in an open forum, for fear of being put to work, but to heck with the little voices! They get their way too often.
I am still working on homework for this semester, but at least my big group project is behind now. That was a 30+ page survey of a local company's "knowledge management" activities, that ended with our recommendations to the company. It was a strain, to say the least. Somehow I ended up doing most of the research and writing, and had many late nights over the past two weeks trying to bring it together. I still ended working on it until 4:30 am the day after it was due in order to get it in. I wonder sometimes why I am paying for this torture, but at least I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. This semester is officially over in one more week, and then I have just one more to go. I expect to finish in May of next year. After that, who knows? Maybe I will actually get a job!
Susan and Megan went out the other day and picked up a christmas tree, so I guess the christmas season has now begun. We have such a small little living room that I really wonder where in the heck we are going to fit it.
As a family, we are spending less and less time together these days. With Zachary working at Fred Meyer and Megan being a social butterfly, they are not often home for long. And when they are they are usually talking with friends on the phone and computer, or making plans to leave again. We have to fight to get their attention for very long, but enjoy it when we do. They are both very interesting to talk with, albeit testy at times.
Zack wants to get his eyebrow pierced (a big negatory on that one, good buddy), and is angling to buy a car (save your money, son!). He has a film showing in the AIFF tomorrow, but is disdainful of it and doesn't even want to go to it. I, being the proud parent, will go anyway.
Meg doesn't seem to have many interests outside of her social life these days. Oh, she is involved in band and the other usual school stuff, but when she gets home it is messenging, TV, and telephone. I think it is she and her friends that keeps the electronics industry excited.
I had hoped to show you their latest school picture, but our scanner is so bad that I couldn't bear to post them. I will try another time. In the meanwhile, you can check out a photo from an outing at a lake near Big Lake last year.
GTG now. I still have several papers to write. Hope you are all well. Post some pictures!
Love, Jed
The days are passing swiftly on toward the new year. Some days are more full than others and threaten to overwhelm me. Other days I barely have enough going on to keep out of trouble. Somehow a little voice in my head tells me that I should not admit things like this in an open forum, for fear of being put to work, but to heck with the little voices! They get their way too often.
I am still working on homework for this semester, but at least my big group project is behind now. That was a 30+ page survey of a local company's "knowledge management" activities, that ended with our recommendations to the company. It was a strain, to say the least. Somehow I ended up doing most of the research and writing, and had many late nights over the past two weeks trying to bring it together. I still ended working on it until 4:30 am the day after it was due in order to get it in. I wonder sometimes why I am paying for this torture, but at least I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. This semester is officially over in one more week, and then I have just one more to go. I expect to finish in May of next year. After that, who knows? Maybe I will actually get a job!
Susan and Megan went out the other day and picked up a christmas tree, so I guess the christmas season has now begun. We have such a small little living room that I really wonder where in the heck we are going to fit it.
As a family, we are spending less and less time together these days. With Zachary working at Fred Meyer and Megan being a social butterfly, they are not often home for long. And when they are they are usually talking with friends on the phone and computer, or making plans to leave again. We have to fight to get their attention for very long, but enjoy it when we do. They are both very interesting to talk with, albeit testy at times.
Zack wants to get his eyebrow pierced (a big negatory on that one, good buddy), and is angling to buy a car (save your money, son!). He has a film showing in the AIFF tomorrow, but is disdainful of it and doesn't even want to go to it. I, being the proud parent, will go anyway.
Meg doesn't seem to have many interests outside of her social life these days. Oh, she is involved in band and the other usual school stuff, but when she gets home it is messenging, TV, and telephone. I think it is she and her friends that keeps the electronics industry excited.
I had hoped to show you their latest school picture, but our scanner is so bad that I couldn't bear to post them. I will try another time. In the meanwhile, you can check out a photo from an outing at a lake near Big Lake last year.
GTG now. I still have several papers to write. Hope you are all well. Post some pictures!
Love, Jed
Saturday, December 03, 2005
More job hopping
Hello All!
It seems like there is never a dull moment around here. The last time I was able to post anything, I told you that Susan had taken a new job at ASCG as a project accountant. I said at the time that it was "a bit of a stretch" for her. She had encouraged me to stop by the new jobsite and meet everyone, but I demurred, mumbling some remark about 'not wanting to get emotionally attached.' I think that I was applying a little foresight there. After one month on the job she decided that it was just not for her, and has already found another!
She has an amazing ability that way. Finding work for me is this painful process of searching for just the right sounding opening, imagining the politics of it and what it would be like to work there, how it would change things for the family, then agonizing over the resume, the interview, etc. Not Susan. She flips through the paper and circles three or four likely-sounding candidates, makes a few phone calls, and has interviews lined up and knocked out within a week or two. She is always so poised and charming that invariably they seem to like her, and she ends up with the enviable dilemma of having more than one job to choose from.
So after two weeks as an accountant she realized that it was slow death on a hot spit, and went looking for something else. She didn't have far to go. She was picked up to be a project assistant by an international environmental engineering firm by the name of The Shaw Group. They have locations all over the world and recently opened a new office here.
I have to admit that I think this is a better fit for her. She will be doing the usual admin assistant stuff, but will also get to do some writing and editing. I feel a lot better about it than the accounting grunt work she was faced with at ASCG.
I am still 7 papers away from finishing this semester's school, so as usual I am pressed for time. It is also the holiday party season. Since I have both skills with sound reinforcement (as it is called) as well as the church's audio equipment in my garage, I am now being called on to run out and set up for an event today.
I hope I can post some pictures next time. Love to you all.
Jed
It seems like there is never a dull moment around here. The last time I was able to post anything, I told you that Susan had taken a new job at ASCG as a project accountant. I said at the time that it was "a bit of a stretch" for her. She had encouraged me to stop by the new jobsite and meet everyone, but I demurred, mumbling some remark about 'not wanting to get emotionally attached.' I think that I was applying a little foresight there. After one month on the job she decided that it was just not for her, and has already found another!
She has an amazing ability that way. Finding work for me is this painful process of searching for just the right sounding opening, imagining the politics of it and what it would be like to work there, how it would change things for the family, then agonizing over the resume, the interview, etc. Not Susan. She flips through the paper and circles three or four likely-sounding candidates, makes a few phone calls, and has interviews lined up and knocked out within a week or two. She is always so poised and charming that invariably they seem to like her, and she ends up with the enviable dilemma of having more than one job to choose from.
So after two weeks as an accountant she realized that it was slow death on a hot spit, and went looking for something else. She didn't have far to go. She was picked up to be a project assistant by an international environmental engineering firm by the name of The Shaw Group. They have locations all over the world and recently opened a new office here.
I have to admit that I think this is a better fit for her. She will be doing the usual admin assistant stuff, but will also get to do some writing and editing. I feel a lot better about it than the accounting grunt work she was faced with at ASCG.
I am still 7 papers away from finishing this semester's school, so as usual I am pressed for time. It is also the holiday party season. Since I have both skills with sound reinforcement (as it is called) as well as the church's audio equipment in my garage, I am now being called on to run out and set up for an event today.
I hope I can post some pictures next time. Love to you all.
Jed
Sunday, November 27, 2005
I'm alive
Hi to all, I't nice to see that there are new updates to the family site. I have been checking it a lot but haven't had any time to update my self. Winter and it's related activites are in full swing. At the present time Christy & the boys are in Hawaii. Matthew is on the way back from Whitehorse after playing a 4 game turny against Whitehorses only team [made up of 24 players]. Matthews team arrived with only 13 players. They didn't do to well the first game [after traveling for 2 days] but they picked it up after that. The trip back took a turn to Haines because of the weather [heavy snow and ice] & the early darkness. I mis you all and would like to hear more from those of you that are so far way. Love to all, Adrian
Friday, November 25, 2005
dixon family brothers and sisters
happy thanksgiving from alfred and family to everyone we miss you all much we did have auggie for thanksgiving it was very enjoyable he went home with a ton of extra food and a big smile on his face :0 betcha hell be back for the next holiday feed. we love and miss you all hope to hear from you soon
alfred
alfred
Thursday, November 10, 2005
I Dunno, Who?
Sorry, Chelsea and family, I know I have been a terrible web moderator. Much has been happening in my life lately, and I have not been able to write. Please don't give up the ship. In about one more month or less I may be able to resume postings. For now, however, I will have to just send you our love and greetings. I love the picture, by the way! Where did you ever find it?! I can't believe how young we looked then...
Here is a sample of the news from my family:
After a turbulent summer, Susan has taken a new job at Arctic Slope Consulting Group (ASCG) as a Project Accountant. It is a bit of a stretch for her, but she is looking forward to the opportunities it will bring.
Zack recently learned that a short film he made was accepted into the Anchorage International Film Festival's roster of showings. I don't know the exact date of the showing, but I believe the Festival is happening this coming month.
Megan is continuing to perform with the Dimond Concert Band on piccolo and flute, and fills in the rest of the time messaging her friends, especially her new boyfriend Michael.
I am reaching fever pitch with this semester of school, and am praying that I will be able to finish with everything by next May.
That's all I have time for. I hope to post some pictures later.
Jed
Here is a sample of the news from my family:
After a turbulent summer, Susan has taken a new job at Arctic Slope Consulting Group (ASCG) as a Project Accountant. It is a bit of a stretch for her, but she is looking forward to the opportunities it will bring.
Zack recently learned that a short film he made was accepted into the Anchorage International Film Festival's roster of showings. I don't know the exact date of the showing, but I believe the Festival is happening this coming month.
Megan is continuing to perform with the Dimond Concert Band on piccolo and flute, and fills in the rest of the time messaging her friends, especially her new boyfriend Michael.
I am reaching fever pitch with this semester of school, and am praying that I will be able to finish with everything by next May.
That's all I have time for. I hope to post some pictures later.
Jed
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Saturday, October 08, 2005
WHERE IS EVERYONE?
HELLO?
WERE IS EVERYONE THESE DAYS? I MISS YALL SO MUCH WISH I COULD COME BACK. SOMEONE PLEASE UPDATE THIS THING WITH NEWS FROM AK. WELL WE MISS YOU ALL LOVE ALFRED AND FAMILY
WERE IS EVERYONE THESE DAYS? I MISS YALL SO MUCH WISH I COULD COME BACK. SOMEONE PLEASE UPDATE THIS THING WITH NEWS FROM AK. WELL WE MISS YOU ALL LOVE ALFRED AND FAMILY
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Friday, September 23, 2005
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Further help with pictures
Chelsea (et al):
Great to see pictures! We all love them. For future posts you might try pasting several pictures into one post, which would save you some hassle creating a new post for each picture. Also, if you have several pics to share with us make their size the smallest available. Each photo is pasted into the post as a link. When one of us wants to see a closeup we can just click on it and it will expand to a larger view. Just a suggestion.
Also, you need to work on your old Dad to train him up on how to get in an make his own articles. I think we would all agree that he is a big electrician weenie if he can't manage to figure that out!
Jed
Great to see pictures! We all love them. For future posts you might try pasting several pictures into one post, which would save you some hassle creating a new post for each picture. Also, if you have several pics to share with us make their size the smallest available. Each photo is pasted into the post as a link. When one of us wants to see a closeup we can just click on it and it will expand to a larger view. Just a suggestion.
Also, you need to work on your old Dad to train him up on how to get in an make his own articles. I think we would all agree that he is a big electrician weenie if he can't manage to figure that out!
Jed
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
ok thanx jed
hey everyone heres one of me but its not tht good:( but i will send one of xy and every one
How to post pictures
1. Once you have signed on to your Blogger account, click the button to create a new post.
2. The post editor will open. Fill out the title field and enter the text of your post.
3. Click the spot in the article where you want to place your picture.
4. On the editor toolbar, ensure that you are viewing the Compose tab, then click the Add Image icon (it looks like a little blue photo).
5. You will be given a choice of sources for your picture: your computer or a web page. Navigate to the photo and select it (if you can't do this on your own I can help you - for a small fee, of course). Make your Layout and Image Size selections, then click Upload Image. You should see your photo paste into your article, like this:
It may paste in at the top of the article or somewhere else. Left click and drag it to the location in the article that you want.
6. Pat yourself on the back. You are now a computer nerd.
7. If you want to import a photo of yourself to use in your personal profile the process is basically the same. Once you have pasted your photo into a post and published the article to the weblog, you can right-click the photo, get its url (web address) and paste the address into the url field of the profile page. But that's another story. I'll give you extra credit if you can figure it out from the hints I've given you here. Once you have done that you can go back to your Edit Posts page and (safely) delete the article.
Jed
ahhh@@@@!!!!@@@@
hey everyone its me chelsie again i was just wondering how to add a photo love yall chels!!!????!!!
p.s. someone please help!!
p.s. someone please help!!
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
OH NO ITS ALIVE!!!!!!!
hello everybody its me chelsie just letting everyone know that we have arrived. i am mostly on the computer and will be checking in queit often and also i will be sending some pictures. i have really missed alaska since i have been there. but i have beem getin' threw it all. school is going just fine and it is little play. i have been able to communicate with most of the cousins threw instant messanging, so if any of you guys have aol or msn messanging please give me your e-mail addresses. my adresses are chelzabells@yahoo.com or curlyqs123456@hotmail.com i like to gete-mails and things so write as much as you want i love all of you and hopefully will see you soon much love xoxoxox chels!
Monday, September 12, 2005
Update from Jed
Hello everyone,
I want to post a more extensive update at a later time. For now all I can say is that the kids and I had a great (though exhausting) time in Canada. They both made some very good friends at camp there and did not want to leave. Megan was so sad that she cried all the way back to Alaska (literally) and tried twice to convince me that we could "just move there". I did not expect that.
Here is a photo of the camp location. It is at the 5000 foot elevation in the Rockies, just a short distance above the Montana border. The photo was taken from the top of the nearby Table Mountain, at the 7000+ foot level. A very spectacular view.
I received the news of Odessa's death the first night I arrived in Edmonton. It is heartbreaking to even think about it. I was serving as leader of the group of 16 teens and 6 adults, and was very busy with daily travel and other needs. That made it very difficult to contact Barry and Maria because of being on the road and then busy with camp activities. Barry, I just want you to know that I am thinking and praying for you and Maria each day. I only hope that time will ease the hurt you both must be feeling.
I will write more later.
Love to all,
Jed
I want to post a more extensive update at a later time. For now all I can say is that the kids and I had a great (though exhausting) time in Canada. They both made some very good friends at camp there and did not want to leave. Megan was so sad that she cried all the way back to Alaska (literally) and tried twice to convince me that we could "just move there". I did not expect that.
Here is a photo of the camp location. It is at the 5000 foot elevation in the Rockies, just a short distance above the Montana border. The photo was taken from the top of the nearby Table Mountain, at the 7000+ foot level. A very spectacular view.I received the news of Odessa's death the first night I arrived in Edmonton. It is heartbreaking to even think about it. I was serving as leader of the group of 16 teens and 6 adults, and was very busy with daily travel and other needs. That made it very difficult to contact Barry and Maria because of being on the road and then busy with camp activities. Barry, I just want you to know that I am thinking and praying for you and Maria each day. I only hope that time will ease the hurt you both must be feeling.
I will write more later.
Love to all,
Jed
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Address correction
Alaska Dixon ClanIreceieve a call from on of Barry's collegues at Euroliva Sian Endicott. Barry asked her to call us with info on where to send things if we need to. Apparently his work address is the best choice and they will forward it to him.
the address is:
Barry & Maria Dixon
C/O Euroloiva, S.A.
Crta. De Almensilla 4
41927 Mairena del Aljarafe
Sevilla, Spain
Phone: 011-34.955609160
Fax: 011-34.955609712
In case you need a contact, Sian's numbers are:
Sian Endicott
Home: 011-34.955707859
Cell: 011-34.649.961081
Duan
the address is:
Barry & Maria Dixon
C/O Euroloiva, S.A.
Crta. De Almensilla 4
41927 Mairena del Aljarafe
Sevilla, Spain
Phone: 011-34.955609160
Fax: 011-34.955609712
In case you need a contact, Sian's numbers are:
Sian Endicott
Home: 011-34.955707859
Cell: 011-34.649.961081
Duan
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Mailing Info For Barry & Maria
I talked to Barry today and since many of you have been asking what the best way is to send something to them in Spain, I asked him and he gave me this address:
Barry & Maria Dixon
C/O Antonio Torres Linero
Calle San Eloy, N028, 2D
41001 Sevelle, Spain
They aren't at their home address very often, and they have the doorbell disconnected to prevent disruption. Antonio's phone number is 011-3495-4229567 in case the delivery people need to get ahold of him.
Keep Them in your prayers!
Duan
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Blame Canada
Hello Everybody!
The days have been passing by swiftly for me as I near the day of departure for camp in Alberta. Zachary, Megan and I are joining a group of teens and pre-teens from our church for nine days of fun activities like spelunking, rappelling, video production and more at a boy scout camp in the mountains near the continental divide. I expect that it will be a blast, once we can get there. Since I have been serving as the leader of the expedition I have been working my tail off trying to herd all the cats in the same direction. I am finding out that crossing the border into Canada is not as easy these days as it once was.
My business has also chosen this moment to reach fever pitch at about the same time as the final preparations for camp, so it is almost a laughable matter to say that I am feeling overwhelmed. Once the chaos of traveling to Edmonton is over I should be able to relax a little, but there is no guarantee of that. We will be attending barbeques hosted by our sister church in Edmonton, and visiting the West Edmonton Mall; the biggest mall in North America! It has a huge waterpark, an amusement park, a skating rink and several other attractions aside from the numerous stores all under one roof. It should be a unique experience.
Susan is looking forward to our departure as well. I guess that when the cat's away the mice will play. She is going to complete an oil-painting that she has been working on for the past year, and has grand intentions of also painting the entryway to the house. This is as close as we get to a vacation this year.
I hope you are all well. It would be great to hear some news!
Jed
The days have been passing by swiftly for me as I near the day of departure for camp in Alberta. Zachary, Megan and I are joining a group of teens and pre-teens from our church for nine days of fun activities like spelunking, rappelling, video production and more at a boy scout camp in the mountains near the continental divide. I expect that it will be a blast, once we can get there. Since I have been serving as the leader of the expedition I have been working my tail off trying to herd all the cats in the same direction. I am finding out that crossing the border into Canada is not as easy these days as it once was.
My business has also chosen this moment to reach fever pitch at about the same time as the final preparations for camp, so it is almost a laughable matter to say that I am feeling overwhelmed. Once the chaos of traveling to Edmonton is over I should be able to relax a little, but there is no guarantee of that. We will be attending barbeques hosted by our sister church in Edmonton, and visiting the West Edmonton Mall; the biggest mall in North America! It has a huge waterpark, an amusement park, a skating rink and several other attractions aside from the numerous stores all under one roof. It should be a unique experience.
Susan is looking forward to our departure as well. I guess that when the cat's away the mice will play. She is going to complete an oil-painting that she has been working on for the past year, and has grand intentions of also painting the entryway to the house. This is as close as we get to a vacation this year.
I hope you are all well. It would be great to hear some news!
Jed
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Saturday, August 06, 2005
Hello to all
Hello to all. I want to make my debut to the family site. I'm looking forward to more communicating from those near & far. It's great to see the things entered so far and feel that this will be a good thing with keeping up with the daily activities. The fall schedule is starting to gear up & the miles that accumulate with it. By for now, Adrian
Friday, August 05, 2005
I"m alive!
Just got the info from Jed to get set up on the Dixon Clan blog. What a gas!
So I'm now officially on line.
Just wanted to let everyone know. Will post something later when I have something brilliant to say. Have a good one, ya'll!
Duan
So I'm now officially on line.
Just wanted to let everyone know. Will post something later when I have something brilliant to say. Have a good one, ya'll!
Duan
Times Flies When You're Having Fun!
Barry:
I love the story! It summarizes nicely the feelings I have had for many years, though I have found it to be devilishly hard to say "No" to the siren song of material wealth. Yet I am only half-way through the life I have, so all is not lost. And I say "better late than never".
We are all up to our elbows with the trials of our respective lives, but that does not mean we can't help each other get a leg up to where this fisherman is. I believe that it may take some time for us to all get there, as we are traveling in different orbits, and for crying out loud even the planets take a while to get in line with each other! We just need to begin working at it.
Unfortunately it is summer in Alaska, and no matter what our intentions the fish care little for anything but their own schedule. Not that I am a fisherman, but the analogy is the same: in the summer, time is fleeting and packed with things to do. What I am trying to say is that Rita and I have not yet connected to work on the corporation info, but please believe that we will. She and her family are deep in the fish, and I have been distracted with other responsibilities. Things will settle down once school begins. I will keep everyone posted on this site as to our progress.
In the meantime I will continue to post what pictures I have of the family. Here is one of Chad's family.
Regards to all,
Jed
I love the story! It summarizes nicely the feelings I have had for many years, though I have found it to be devilishly hard to say "No" to the siren song of material wealth. Yet I am only half-way through the life I have, so all is not lost. And I say "better late than never".
We are all up to our elbows with the trials of our respective lives, but that does not mean we can't help each other get a leg up to where this fisherman is. I believe that it may take some time for us to all get there, as we are traveling in different orbits, and for crying out loud even the planets take a while to get in line with each other! We just need to begin working at it.
Unfortunately it is summer in Alaska, and no matter what our intentions the fish care little for anything but their own schedule. Not that I am a fisherman, but the analogy is the same: in the summer, time is fleeting and packed with things to do. What I am trying to say is that Rita and I have not yet connected to work on the corporation info, but please believe that we will. She and her family are deep in the fish, and I have been distracted with other responsibilities. Things will settle down once school begins. I will keep everyone posted on this site as to our progress.
In the meantime I will continue to post what pictures I have of the family. Here is one of Chad's family.Regards to all,
Jed
Thursday, August 04, 2005
THOUGHTS, FAMILY ORGANIZATION
Dear Family and Friends,
I am getting ready to leave for Spain this evening, and before doing so, wanted to send a parting thought about the purpose of our proposed family "organization".
Of course, the idea of having a formal entity to work with is based on a common philosophy of the individuals envolved. Therefore, I though I might pass on a story I received from a Greek friend a few days ago. All things considered, I do believe it actually does summarize the viewpoint of many, either consciously or inconsciously, and explains in part what we´re trying to do.
The story goes as follows:
A boat docked in a tiny Greek village. An American tourist complimented the Greek fisherman on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took him to catch them. "Not very long," answered the Greek.
"But then, why didn't you stay out longer and catch more?" asked the American. The Greek explained that his small catch was sufficient to meet his needs and those of his family.
The American asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"
"I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, and take a siesta with my wife. In the evenings I go into the village to see my friends, dance a little, play the bouzouki, and sing a few songs. I have a full life."
The American interrupted, "I have an MBA from Harvard and I can help you. You should start by fishing longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the revenue, you can buy a bigger boat. With the extra money the larger boat will bring, you can buy a second one and a third one and so on until you have an entire fleet of trawlers.
Instead of selling your fish to a middleman, you can negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe even open your own plant. You can then leave this little village and move to Athens, Los Angeles or even New York City! From there you can direct your huge enterprise."
"How long would that take?" asked the Greek.
"Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years," replied the American.
"And after that?" "Afterwards? That's when it gets really interesting," answered the American, laughing. When your business gets really big, you can start selling stocks and make millions!"
"Millions? Really? And after that?"
"After that you'll be able to retire, live in a tiny village near the coast, sleep late, play with your grandchildren, catch a few fish, take a siesta with your wife, and spend your evenings singing, dancing and playing the bouzouki with your friends".
Food for thought.
My regards to all,
Barry
I am getting ready to leave for Spain this evening, and before doing so, wanted to send a parting thought about the purpose of our proposed family "organization".
Of course, the idea of having a formal entity to work with is based on a common philosophy of the individuals envolved. Therefore, I though I might pass on a story I received from a Greek friend a few days ago. All things considered, I do believe it actually does summarize the viewpoint of many, either consciously or inconsciously, and explains in part what we´re trying to do.
The story goes as follows:
A boat docked in a tiny Greek village. An American tourist complimented the Greek fisherman on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took him to catch them. "Not very long," answered the Greek.
"But then, why didn't you stay out longer and catch more?" asked the American. The Greek explained that his small catch was sufficient to meet his needs and those of his family.
The American asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"
"I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, and take a siesta with my wife. In the evenings I go into the village to see my friends, dance a little, play the bouzouki, and sing a few songs. I have a full life."
The American interrupted, "I have an MBA from Harvard and I can help you. You should start by fishing longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the revenue, you can buy a bigger boat. With the extra money the larger boat will bring, you can buy a second one and a third one and so on until you have an entire fleet of trawlers.
Instead of selling your fish to a middleman, you can negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe even open your own plant. You can then leave this little village and move to Athens, Los Angeles or even New York City! From there you can direct your huge enterprise."
"How long would that take?" asked the Greek.
"Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years," replied the American.
"And after that?" "Afterwards? That's when it gets really interesting," answered the American, laughing. When your business gets really big, you can start selling stocks and make millions!"
"Millions? Really? And after that?"
"After that you'll be able to retire, live in a tiny village near the coast, sleep late, play with your grandchildren, catch a few fish, take a siesta with your wife, and spend your evenings singing, dancing and playing the bouzouki with your friends".
Food for thought.
My regards to all,
Barry
Saturday, July 30, 2005
ODESSA
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Dear Family,
Attached is a photo of my daughter Odessa.
When I received it, clearly it reminded me of something, but what?--the shades of mystery, the enigmatic expression, etc.. The question, what was she thinking? Finally, I realized it was another picture, a painting I haven´t contemplated (or thought about) for many years.
Life is indeed a mystery worthy of contemplation.
Warm regards to all,
Barry
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
NEW MEMBER - DIXONBLOG
Dear Family,
I´ve just been invited by Jed to join our new Dixon-Blog, and am posting this message as a first test so Jed can evaluate operations.
My Best Wishes to all, and I look for to using this as a means of communication between us in the meantime to having a general family website.
Barry
I´ve just been invited by Jed to join our new Dixon-Blog, and am posting this message as a first test so Jed can evaluate operations.
My Best Wishes to all, and I look for to using this as a means of communication between us in the meantime to having a general family website.
Barry
Monday, July 25, 2005
Mom and Dad's 60th Wedding Anniversary was a great time! It was great to see everyone and especially being able to witness our parents' celebration. We did something extraordinary too: meeting together for breakfast proved to be a momentous occasion in that it set in motion plans to establish both a family website AND start up our long-awaited family corporation.
Rita and I will be doing reseach over the next few weeks about corporation form and will report back as soon as possible to you all. I am beginning to design the webpage, which will take a while to realize. In the meanwhile, you can use this blog site to exchange pics and news.
Jed
Rita and I will be doing reseach over the next few weeks about corporation form and will report back as soon as possible to you all. I am beginning to design the webpage, which will take a while to realize. In the meanwhile, you can use this blog site to exchange pics and news.Jed