P.G. Wodehouse, went straight to the point, βTo find a manβs true character, golf with himβ. Particularly useful is to see how he handles failure and frustration. What does he do after his third tee shot in a row goes into the lake? Or he three putts from 5 feet away for a bogey after a perfect drive and approach shot to the green, expecting to birdie the hole? What about honesty? Does he "forget" to penalize himself when required or count all his strokes?
Tom, you couldn't have selected a better activity for your family! Great fun (and frustration), but they can continue with it when they have to quit other activities. My father-in-law played golf (and beat me!) well beyond his 90 years of age.
Totally agree. I've asked many potential new hires to meet me on the golf course as part of the interview process. One day, I'd like to "break my age." A very lofty goal... but a good one if you think about it...
Just the other week I was thinking about how much I enjoyed your Postcards and miss them. So glad to hear you and your family are doing well living the adventurous life. Thanks for the update.
When I was forty I decided to learn golf. I took a few lessons and absolutely loved the game. Turns out however that it didn't care much for me. So I gave it up when I was fifty-five and went back to woodworking. Unrequited love is painful. Nevertheless, I thank you for your reports. Those of us too old to do wht you have done appreciate your wise words.
Looks like you're doing a good job with your teaching. The finish on Dusty's swing is real fine and he is balanced. Great. I loved doing basic golf coaching with kids. You got your reward when some little kid "clicked" and finally understood what was required. Your family are a credit to you and your better half.
My 4 kiddos are of the "un-schooled" variety, as well. I don't think I would have had the quality and quantity of time with them had we schooled any other way. Some of our friends were worried for our kids. How would they get into a decent college without high school?
That may have been the wrong question. Our 3 boys and 1 girl have unusual career trajectories, based on today's higher-ed model.
The 17-yr-old is an apprentice airframe and powerplant mechanic. Fixing planes to pay for his flight lessons.
The 15-yr-old remodels houses and lays tile full-time. He also does some fine leatherwork. He's enrolling in the local community college, because he is falling in love with chemistry.
The 14-yr old tends the pigs and has plans to join whatever military branch will let him blow things up...fastest.
The girl (age 11) is pretty sure she'll start her career by singing a duet with Dolly Parton. It'll all be easy sailing after that. ;)
Thanks for sharing this. What a great homeschool success story. Congratulations to you and your wife! I'm curious what your kids think about college at this point?
The eldest (17) has no college plans. He's working toward his 4000 hours to become a certified airframe-powerplant tech (AMT) while working toward his aviation license/certifications. He wants to fix them and fly them...and he thinks he can get there faster than the 2-year program at the college down the road.
The 15-yr-old has a diverse range of interests and is eager to take courses at the local community college to explore different topics. Algebra, Chemistry and English comp are up first.
The younger two (14 and 11) haven't any specific college plans.
So nice to hear an update on the Dyson fam! Are you updating more frequently somewhere (like you did with the Postcards)? I recommend my late father-in-law's "Happy Rules of Golf": if you don't like your lie, move it; If you don't like your shot, hit another; Never hurry; Let the impatient play through; Thank God for the good shots."
Tom, I'm really sorry to ask but is there any way to still get the discount rate on subscription? I meant to do it, was traveling, got distracted, and now it is too late. Have really enjoyed your journey as well as your insights on finance and life in general. (I'm the one who suggested the #11 spot at the South Dakota "Roost Resort" campground)
Our family does not play golf, maybe why we have endured marriage for 28 years π€£. Kidding aside, we do homeschool and enjoy many activities that a regular school regimen would not allow, just like you. We used to think that homeschooling was for the weird families, but we no longer believe that or we have turned weird. Iβm fine either way, we love it. As entrepreneurs and investors, we also love your work and that of the whole team. That you and the team!
Tom several years ago when you wrote Postcards from the Fringe, you listed the various apps used to homeschool your children, plus additional enrichment items. New readers may be interested in that same list. Thank you for the family update.
Enjoyed your family update I think you and Kate are doing an amazing job raising your children , thanks for sharing the journey
P.G. Wodehouse, went straight to the point, βTo find a manβs true character, golf with himβ. Particularly useful is to see how he handles failure and frustration. What does he do after his third tee shot in a row goes into the lake? Or he three putts from 5 feet away for a bogey after a perfect drive and approach shot to the green, expecting to birdie the hole? What about honesty? Does he "forget" to penalize himself when required or count all his strokes?
Tom, you couldn't have selected a better activity for your family! Great fun (and frustration), but they can continue with it when they have to quit other activities. My father-in-law played golf (and beat me!) well beyond his 90 years of age.
Totally agree. I've asked many potential new hires to meet me on the golf course as part of the interview process. One day, I'd like to "break my age." A very lofty goal... but a good one if you think about it...
Thanks Tom !
You reminded me of something I had forgotten.
Life is short and much to live for while at times it can easily be overlooked.
Just the other week I was thinking about how much I enjoyed your Postcards and miss them. So glad to hear you and your family are doing well living the adventurous life. Thanks for the update.
When I was forty I decided to learn golf. I took a few lessons and absolutely loved the game. Turns out however that it didn't care much for me. So I gave it up when I was fifty-five and went back to woodworking. Unrequited love is painful. Nevertheless, I thank you for your reports. Those of us too old to do wht you have done appreciate your wise words.
Thank you for the postcard update. I followed your family through your travels and enjoy each one.
Looks like you're doing a good job with your teaching. The finish on Dusty's swing is real fine and he is balanced. Great. I loved doing basic golf coaching with kids. You got your reward when some little kid "clicked" and finally understood what was required. Your family are a credit to you and your better half.
Nice to see a family update from you, Tom!
Thanks Tom,you and your family give some sanity to the World.
I love the family update, Tom.
My 4 kiddos are of the "un-schooled" variety, as well. I don't think I would have had the quality and quantity of time with them had we schooled any other way. Some of our friends were worried for our kids. How would they get into a decent college without high school?
That may have been the wrong question. Our 3 boys and 1 girl have unusual career trajectories, based on today's higher-ed model.
The 17-yr-old is an apprentice airframe and powerplant mechanic. Fixing planes to pay for his flight lessons.
The 15-yr-old remodels houses and lays tile full-time. He also does some fine leatherwork. He's enrolling in the local community college, because he is falling in love with chemistry.
The 14-yr old tends the pigs and has plans to join whatever military branch will let him blow things up...fastest.
The girl (age 11) is pretty sure she'll start her career by singing a duet with Dolly Parton. It'll all be easy sailing after that. ;)
Keep up the fine parenting, sir!
Thanks for sharing this. What a great homeschool success story. Congratulations to you and your wife! I'm curious what your kids think about college at this point?
The eldest (17) has no college plans. He's working toward his 4000 hours to become a certified airframe-powerplant tech (AMT) while working toward his aviation license/certifications. He wants to fix them and fly them...and he thinks he can get there faster than the 2-year program at the college down the road.
The 15-yr-old has a diverse range of interests and is eager to take courses at the local community college to explore different topics. Algebra, Chemistry and English comp are up first.
The younger two (14 and 11) haven't any specific college plans.
So nice to hear an update on the Dyson fam! Are you updating more frequently somewhere (like you did with the Postcards)? I recommend my late father-in-law's "Happy Rules of Golf": if you don't like your lie, move it; If you don't like your shot, hit another; Never hurry; Let the impatient play through; Thank God for the good shots."
No... I've dumped all social media and blogging... I only write at Bonner Private Research...
Who teaches them calculus and Critical Race Theory?
We do... with help...
University. And/Or College. Or Youtube. Or hundreds of websites around the globe.
That is, if they decide to follow those curricula. Don't remember seeing either of those in my high school calendar.
Tom, I'm really sorry to ask but is there any way to still get the discount rate on subscription? I meant to do it, was traveling, got distracted, and now it is too late. Have really enjoyed your journey as well as your insights on finance and life in general. (I'm the one who suggested the #11 spot at the South Dakota "Roost Resort" campground)
Hello Tom,
Our family does not play golf, maybe why we have endured marriage for 28 years π€£. Kidding aside, we do homeschool and enjoy many activities that a regular school regimen would not allow, just like you. We used to think that homeschooling was for the weird families, but we no longer believe that or we have turned weird. Iβm fine either way, we love it. As entrepreneurs and investors, we also love your work and that of the whole team. That you and the team!
Sincerely,
Hal Land
Tom - when back home give me a call
07771778224 - and Iβll invite you for a round at Burhill Golf Club at Walton on Thames, up the road from Chiswick
Tom several years ago when you wrote Postcards from the Fringe, you listed the various apps used to homeschool your children, plus additional enrichment items. New readers may be interested in that same list. Thank you for the family update.
Thanks, yes, I'll try to dig that out... or reproduce it...