Life's Too Short!: Hugs, Man Caves & the Crab Feed

By Debra Dingman

Since I have a love of writing, and since I am now officially an ‘empty nester,’ I decided it was time to start up my column again. I've written a couple years now off and on for the Dixon Patch and I will work to share news around Dixon--whether it be about business or about folks! I welcome your tips and suggestions through the DixonPatch.com or email me at TheWriteMind@hotmail.com

The Hug That Works

A couple days ago, there was a talk show around Valentine’s Day that had a brief on making marriage last, suggesting that at the end of a workday, couples hug three to seven minutes.  I thought of the daily hugs we have had for years in our family called, ‘the family hug’ and it usually took place when Dad got home from work and right before dinner. Yes, it lasted about three minutes but had long-term effects.

Then, my husband and I went about a week breaking the tradition after our last son moved to his own place and we began our journey into being ‘without child.’  It really felt like the two of us were disconnected somehow so I re-implemented the hugs. Even if it is just my husband and I, I decided, those hugs are therapeutic and really make me relax. I get re-focused on home-- and my man--in my mind and heart.

I also want to remind folks, that pets and even soft teddy bears can help a person get a similar feeling. When my husband was on one of his military trips, my woman friends got me a pillow in the shape of a man’s chest with an arm. It was hilarious…and soft.  I hope everyone found someone to hug on Valentine’s Day.

Chamber News

On the business news front, Solano Windshield Repair, a glass repair company owned by Ted and Angel Kavorik of Dixon will host this month’s Dixon Chamber of Commerce Mixer on Wednesday, February 27.  It will be held at the Chamber office /Transportation Center, 220 North Jefferson, 5:30 – 7 p.m. and the cost is $5 for members but guests are always welcome at $10.

I have learned much about windshields from Ted and know that the best time to call him is when you first get that little star-shaped break from a rock on Interstate 80. That’s when he can fix the glass and you won’t have to replace the entire windshield.

The first couple times it happened to us and this was over a period of a couple years, Ted handled the phone call to our insurance while I stood there and was amazed at the whole process. I thought my insurance would not cover a small expense but they did because—as Ted explained—they would rather cover a small expense than the cost of a whole new windshield. Then, another time, it was later in the evening so I waited until the next morning to call him. Unfortunately, and to my shock, the next morning the crack in the glass had spread a foot across the windshield. When I called Ted, he explained it was caused by the temperature change in the night. I don’t wait anymore.

Mixers always provide food, fun, and friends for business people. They are usually on the last Wednesday of the month but check the Chamber website to be sure for dates and locations.

Don’t forget this weekend is the deadline to submit a ‘Citizen of the Year’ nominee and/or a ‘Business of the Year’ nominee. These are super honors in our hometown that will be awarded on March 9 at the Dixon Fairgrounds.  I know there are plenty of hard-working volunteers that don’t seek stardom but seek to serve. These are the kinds you can nominate by going to the Chamber and filling out the nomination form. If you have questions, call them at (707) 678-2650.

Man Caves in Dixon?

The Downtown Dixon Business Association is looking for men with ‘Man Caves.’ The tour of local homes that have special rooms dedicated to man hobbies such as fishing, hunting, sports, etc. will be part of a tour slated for June 15, the day before Father’s Day.

We’d like to have a tour of about six homes and right now, we have one. Are there any guys out there willing to open their home to help men get some decorating ideas?

Tickets will be $20 per person or $25 for a couple and will include a free beer or discounted dinner coupons at downtown bars and restaurants so folks can come downtown afterwards and complete their fun evening out. For more information, contact the DDBA at downtowndixon@hotmail.com or call (707) 678-8400.

Feeling crabby?

Thanks to some engineering of facilities by the Dixon Rotary, a hundred additional seats have been added to their popular Crab Feed on February 23 at the Mayfair’s Madden Hall from 6 to midnight. This event is always a sell out so it’s great to still have an opportunity to get in on the fun.

There will be dancing by the ‘Time Bandits’ after the dinner until midnight. Tickets are $45 per person and dinner will start at 7 p.m. but if you don’t like crab, there is plenty of pasta as an option, they say. Proceeds from the event go back out into our community. For tickets, go by Dixon Florist and Gift, Farmers Insurance, or Dixon Hardware and Lumber.