Friday, December 28, 2007

a new 'cat' in the house

One of our gifts this Christmas was the new Mac OS X leopard family pack. We are all enjoying the new features which this new kitty brings to our computers. I especially enjoy 'stacks' - a cool way to keep your desktop clean, yet files and recent downloads a click away. Another feature that I have already used a lot is the new interface between mail and iCal/Address Book. Calvin likes the 'cover flow' feature. We will be discovering new features as time goes on. Mac users, if you haven't upgraded yet, do it. PC users, just hope that someday Microsoft will steal some of these features in a future OS.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Christmas Dinner at Benedict House

We took advantage of a somewhat quiet Christmas Day to help serve a dinner at the Benedict House in Bremerton. Our church, along with many others in the county, take turns providing meals for homeless men who are temporarily housed at the Benedict House. Esther and a couple of others spent the afternoon cooking up a prime rib roast, potatoes and veggies. The boys and I joined in serving and eating the meal. The men were appreciative and friendly. It was an added treat to drive through snow on Christmas Day.

Monday, December 24, 2007

bulthuis family gathering


bulthuis family
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
On Sunday evening, the Bulthuis family got together at Aaron and Jen's house. This was after a candlelight service at Bethel Church. It was great to see Karen who came from New York, and Rebekah who came from Michigan. We presented Mom with a digital photo display loaded with family pictures from us all. We hope that the continual visual exposure to her children, grandchildren and great-grand children will keep her memory of us sharper. We will spend a somewhat quiet Christmas Eve. with just the four of us.

Friday, December 21, 2007

first day on the slopes


the bulthuis boarders
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
It is rare for me to hit the slopes before Christmas, but with all the snow piling up and a prodding son, I began my snowboard season today. We were able to take advantage of some two-for-one ticket coupons that Markus snagged. Oh, it does a dutchman good to see his son pinching pennies! Calvin's friend, Josh deLacy joined us for the Crystal Mountain adventure, albeit on skiis:( It turned out to be a great day. Probably the only non-stormy day of a two-week stretch, with lots of powder and no crowds. Yesterday was a bulthuis-shop-till-you-drop day (downtown Seattle, Universtiy Village, Southcenter, Ikea and the Supermall) Today was a nice contrast to traffic and shopping malls.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

december decor for the classroom

The last few days before Christmas break, we allow the students to bring things from home to decorate their table. They like to make it a competition. The winners were obvious this year, with hanging Santas, lights, and pine streamers. The decorations added to the atmosphere of our December party. Today is the beginning of a two week break. It will be a pleasant change of routine for both the students and their teachers!

Sunday, December 16, 2007

definitely a 'God thing'


Angel Tree Dinner
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
Every year our church sponsors an Angel Tree Dinner. Children of incarcerated parents are invited to a dinner where gifts are given to the children on behalf of their parent. The incarcerated parent makes the request for their child to take part; and sends a note to be given with the gifts. The church buys the presents and puts on the dinner and then presents the gifts This year Esther and I had the opportunity to host a table. Guests are not assigned to tables but hosts greet families as they enter and then invite them to sit at their table. As families entered, I recognized one of my students in a large group of guests and knew it was my clue! As it turned out, not only my student but one of his cousins who was a former student, sat at our table. I was not aware that either of them had incarcerated parents. It was a special moment when the children opened up the notes from their parents before opening the gift. The church also helps pay for the children to go to summer camp. The custodial parent can sign them up. It looks like both of my students will be able to go this summer. It is humbling to be a small part of something that God is so obviously orchestrating.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

my wishlist

At the risk of appearing selfish, I have posted a Christmas wishlist for the use of my loved ones who can't think of what to get me. (See the link in the left column.) I often have ambivalent feelings about the Christmas gift exchange routine. On the one hand, it feels like a burdensome cultural obligation to spend excessive amounts of time in crowded malls, frantically searching for the right gift/s. On the other hand, it feels like a small gesture of kindness in expressing appropriate affections to our well-deserving loved ones. I often wonder if Christ is pleased with all the activity surrounding the celebration of his advent to earth. It does heighten the celebratory nature of the season, and encourages generosity and kindness, reflecting the great generosity and sacrifice of God at Christmas. I guess I'll stick with the program.

Saturday, December 08, 2007

finally complete


finally complete
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
A year and a half after installing the window, I finally have the inside trimmed out in sheet rock, plastered, textured and painted. We added it to let more light in the north side of the house. The fact that the rough-in didn't look that bad without trim, and that it was way up high, made it easy to let it go for such a long time. I picked at it this week in the evenings and finished it last night. In addition to my home improvement project, I also hung the exterior christmas lights and we procured a tree from Stocks Tree Farm. It feels like a weekend's worth of work done in one day. Esther has also been busy adorning the interior of the house with seasonal beauty. Markus came home last night as his quarter is over. He will head off to Whistler for a couple of days this week.

Friday, November 30, 2007

one down. two to go


tie day at Sidney Glen
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
Today marked the end of the first trimester at our school. It was also the end of the month and time to celebrate November birthdays. The school had a 'tie day' to encourage school spirit. We of course rocked out at our now infamous IMA monthly party. The down side of this academic milestone is that I will be spending most of this weekend working on report cards.

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Thanksgiving 2007

We enjoyed a family holiday with both the Eides and Bulthuis' We are fortunate to have so much family in Lynden. Jenny's family also came up to Lynden, so they joined us for the Eide turkey dinner on Thursday. Markus brought an SPU friend, Scott, from Colorado who joined us as well. Mike and Marti hosted the feast which included oyster stuffing for the hearty Norwegians. Instead of shopping on 'Black Friday,' we enjoyed a walk at Boulevard Park in the sunshine. In the evening, we celebrated with the Bulthuis' at Doug and Pam's. Jack and Sue were up with Aaron and Jen, and Ellen spent the week with mom. It was good catching up and celebrating God's goodness. We also visited with Anna and girls who came up from from Tacoma, and longtime friends, Frank and Cynthia. On Sunday morning we visited 'Vintage 242' Bjorn and Jenny's church that meets in a movie theater in Abbotsford. The church is part of the Acts 29 church planting network, and Bjorn and Jenny are very involved in serving - Jenny with children's ministry, and Bjorn with music, AV and developing the web site. It was great to visit with so many family and friends.

Monday, November 19, 2007

Qwest Field at last

Yesterday was my first visit to Qwest Field. Markus and I joined about forty people from Harper Church at the Seahawks/Bears game. We felt fortunate to catch the Hawks on a good day! From the nosebleed section, you can't see the game as well, but the atmosphere is great. To help add to the 12th man noise, I found myself belting out any kind of strange cry that my vocal chords could produce. The intensity in the stadium is so much higher on defense than on offense. The cheer over a completed pass is dwarfed by response to a false start. The crowd acts like they are an active participant of the defense (which they are!) My favorite play of the game was when kicker Josh Brown tackled the ominous Devin Hester. I don't suppose I'll get a chance to go to another game soon, so I'll cherish the feelings as I cheer on the Seahawks from my couch.

Monday, November 12, 2007

a new 'getaway' destination


our Astoria lodging
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
Every fall, Esther and I like to do a weekend getaway. We often go to Leavenworth or the Oregon coast. Last minute reserving insured that the bavarian village would not host our outing. Turning our attention to the coast, we were reminded that some Portland friends had recommended lodging in Astoria. With some reservation we booked a room at the Hotel Elliot, a renovated hotel that looked inviting. We were pleasantly surprised by our stay in the historic city. The town seems to be on the upswing, with galleries and boutiques slowly taking over abandoned buildings. We thoroughly enjoyed the dining options. Since the weather was nice on Saturday, we went up to the Astoria Column, which overlooks the whole northwest tip of Oregon. It was great! I enjoyed the Columbia River Maritime Museum as well. Astoria is close to Seaside and Canon Beach, so we were able to catch the coastal thing before returning home.

Monday, November 05, 2007

27 and still going strong

I faced a choice this month of whether or not to fix the brakes on the Datsun. Because of some unique features, brake replacement is a little more costly than most. After some hesitation, I went ahead and replaced the brakes. My father bought the 1980 200SX new and was quite proud of it. When he moved to a minivan a few years later, he passed it on to the Bishops. Jack kept exceptional care of it as it cycled through all three of their children: Aaron, Sarah and Rebekah. Jack gave the car to Markus, who used it for three years, and now it is under Calvin's 'protection.' My dad would be proud to know that his 'Datsun' has passed through five grandchildren.

Sunday, November 04, 2007

Lynden visit


spooky table decor
Originally uploaded by The Enforcer
We spent Friday night and Saturday in Lynden. One of the purposes of the quick trip was to see Bjorn and Jenny's Halloween decorations before they took them down. They had quite an event on Wednesday night. We wished we could have been there. Another reason we made the trip was to say good bye to nephew Zach who left Saturday for Colorado. He will work at the ski resort in Brekenridge for the winter. With Kelsea in Hawaii and Zach leaving for the winter, John and Kay were feeling a heavy dose of desertion. We were also able to spend a little time with my mom, taking her to an apple orchard to pick up some cider and other goodies. This afternoon, we went with Calvin and the DeLacys to a college fair in Seattle. Calvin has some new schools to scope out now.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

The Blake Island Challenge


first leg finished
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
Someday I'm going to organize a race that starts at Southworth beach. Contestants must padddle over to Blake Island. Once on the island, they must run the perimeter trail, and then paddle back to Southworth. This afternoon, Esther and I completed a gentler version. We canoed to Blake, hike around it, and canoed back. We did it in just under two and half hours. The canoe trip takes about a half hour each way depending on current and wind. The 4.5 mile perimeter trail took us an hour and a half. It was a great Sunday afternoon couple activity. Maybe we could make a couple's race!

Friday, October 26, 2007

new light fixtures


new light fixtures
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
For the last two years, Esther and I have been casually looking for some light fixtures that would fit our 'hearth room.' We found some this week at Home Depot, and I installed them last night. They definitely match the decor better than the seventies' white globes. It's that inside project time of the year again.

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Goodbye Bowser


Bowser's last day
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
He was a good dog. He had to be to survive his delinqent owners. As gentle as a dove; the only time that I ever heard him growl in twelve years was when another dog bit him in the mouth. He was a Basset with a hyper streak, not the mellow sedate creature of stereotypes. His tail twirled like a helicopter prop when he was on a track. Stubborn as a mule; he followed his whimsical nose rather than his master's voice. Bowser witnessed the growing up of three boys into men. He shared the family's affection with a succession of three cats. He transitioned as well as any of us in the move to a different house. But it was time to say good-bye to our canine friend. He was going blind and his back hips could not keep up with his eager spirit. We just couldn't justify making him suffer through another cold, wet winter in the potting shed. Today I brought him to the Humane Society for a long nap! Thanks Bowser, you are the only dog that could live out your days in the Bulthuis family.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

cleaning Blue Wing


cleaning Blue Wing
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
One of the costs of mooring a boat in the Puget Sound is the clean up when you haul it out. This past weekend I pulled 'Blue Wing' out of the water. I borrowed Tim's pressure washer, and spent an hour after work cleaning the scum off the bottom. This was the first year that I used a pressure washer. The growth came right off the part that had bottom paint. The sides were a different story. Well, it's clean enough to store for the winter.

Saturday, October 13, 2007

Family Day at the Shipyard


USS Alabama
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
For twenty years I have worked with them, played with them, worshipped with them, and taught their children; but their work world is as foreigh to me as the streets of Paris. "Code &, Radcon, 290, 457" are an alien language that my closest friends toss around. You can't live in Kitsap County without rubbing shoulders with shipyard employees, whose world is surrounded by fences and is filled with security codes and regulaions. Today, Esther and I stepped into their world and got a glimpse. Our good friends, Tom and Peggy Gilliard invited us to a kind of 'open house.' We had to be cleared ahead of time to be on the list of guests. This kind of thing does not happen very often, so we jumped at the chance. We obviously couldn't take a camera. Aside from seeing where Tom and Peggy worked (in the same building), the highlight was boarding the nuclear submarine USS Alabama. We waitied in line a long time, but it was worth it. To crawl through a working nuclear sub, the most lethal machinery on the planet, is a little intimidating. It was great having Tom as a personal tour guide, as he was stationed on a nuclear sub for four years, and teaches nuclear safety to shipyard engineers. I have a little more understanding now of the world in which so many of my friends work. Thanks, Tom and Peg!

Sunday, October 07, 2007

leaders hike

Every year, we take the leaders in our classroom on a hike. These students have proved themselves responsible, so we give them leadership in the class. With 51 students, we need a little help! The leaders assist in keeping their table on task. Because of the weather this fall, we decided to take them to the Dungeness Spit rather than Mt. Townsend. Taking advantage of 'the Olympic rainshadow,' we didn't get a drop of rain. There were 13 students and six adults on the hike. One group made it all the way to the lighthouse (5 miles each way) The other group (which I was with) took a more leisurely pace and made it about half-way. After waiting a while for the lighthouse group to return, I sent the group ahead to the Sequim swimming pool while I waited for the other group. As the hours passed, I found a warm spot in the sand and took a nap. On wakening from my snooze, I glanced at the water and took a double take as a male orca with it's tall straight dorsal fin surfaced and submerged. I kept watching as it repeatedly surfaced, sometimes spouting. There was no one to share this with as I was all alone on the beach. I wondered if anyone would believe me. Fortunately, the group coming back from the lighthouse had seen him too; as well as a female and some younger ones. We joined the earlier group at the rec center and enjoyed the warm pools.

Sunday, September 30, 2007

mexico mission report

Today in church the youth group gave a report to the church about the mssion they took to Mexico in July. I'm not sure why the report came two months after the trip, but it was encouraging to hear about the mission. Calvin was one of the youth who gave a testimony to our church about the trip. The youth helped a small church in Tijuana. They conducted a vacation bible school, a sports minisrty and a women's ministry, as well as conducting nightly evangelistic meetings. Calvin was on the children's ministry team. The first day there were seven kids; but by Friday, there were fifty-two kids. The Harper youth were able to boost the awareness of the church in the community and some ninety people made commitments by the week's end. Our church youth were humbled by witnessing God's blessing on their work.

Sunday, September 23, 2007

ready for another year at SPU

On Saturday we brought Markus over to start his second year at Seattle Pacific University. He has the same room, but a different roommate. Clinton is a friend of last year who is from Redding, CA. We trust that Markus will have another great year. The good-bye was a lot easier this year as Markus has lots of friends in the dorm already. We immediately feel his absence in our home however, and we are adjusting to life with just the three of us.

Friday, September 21, 2007

a more recent wedding


IMG_8064.JPG
Originally uploaded by The Enforcer
Check out the awesome photos of the wedding on Jenny's flickr. These are the wedding photographer's photos. The photographer was Rhonda Fast, a friend from their church. Just click on the photo and it should bring you to Jenny's flickr.

Monday, September 17, 2007

Thirty years ago


Thirty years ago
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
Thirty years ago two children embarked on an adventure into the great unknown. With two years of college under their belt, they spent their honeymoon checking out prospective colleges on the west coast. Finding none to their very finicky needs, they enrolled in a midwest college, and worked the fall quarter. The young man kept his hammer swinging and the young lady facilitated the serving of fine cuisine at a Mr. Steak. The 500 sq. ft. studio apartment provided all the space that this newlywed couple needed. Thirty years has brought numerous adventures and many, many blessings. If they are fortunate, good health and more adventures will bring them another thirty years.

Saturday, September 15, 2007

The Boating Bulthuis'

Bjorn and Jenny made a quick trip to Southworth for the day. They were hoping for a nice sail. Unfortunately, the wind did not cooperate; so we made the best of the situation. The whole family piled in the boat for a picnic lunch on Blake Island and a hike on the trails. After a leisurely log lunch we followed the very long and windy 'red trail' though the island. I think that it is longer than the perimeter trail!

Sunday, September 09, 2007

taking on tennis


the tennis champ
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
When we named our first son Bjorn, somewhere in the back of my mind was the anticipation that maybe someday he would take to the court like his namesake (re: Bjorn Borg) Little did I suspect that his younger brother would take up the racket. Calvin has joined the South Kitsap High School tennis team. He is enjoying his initiation to the organized sport. The school year got off to a good start this week. We are trying to enjoy the sunny weekend.

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

Bjorn and Jenny's new house

Bjorn and Jenny are renting a house in Lynden for the year. They moved off of the Eide compound and into a small older house in town. On Saturday we helped them move in. They are thrilled. The house has two bedrooms on the main floor in addition to a small basement and 'a hobbit house' on the second floor. They have already made the house feel comfortable. Esther, Markus and Calvin all slept over on the maiden evening.

Friday, August 31, 2007

week of meetings


week of meetings
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
What do teachers do the week before students arrive? One would assume that these diligent instructors are busy making bulletin boards, photocopying worksheets, planning lessons, and making name tags. A teacher has to find time to do these wonderful things, but not in the nine to five the week before school. No, the fare for the week is meetings, meetings, meetings. Meetings to pump us up to go teach. Meetings to decide who has bus duty when and when do my students have lunch. Meetings to decide how we will collectively help our students do well in reading and math. Meetings to learn how to use the new science kits. I could go on, but you are already bored, and that is from just thinking about what the meetings are about. I am anxious for next week to start, and the real action to begin.

Sunday, August 26, 2007

all good things got to come to an end

All good things got to come to an end, same with the Bulthuis road trip. We made the long I-5 grind with two stops. The Country Buffet in Medford seems to always be the ticket for a big meal between Sacramento and home. The 'Harry and David's' market provides a short diversion before getting back on the road and taking turns napping. That mattress in the back of the van is great! The other stop was the new Ikea in Portland. Esther wanted some particular spice containers only available at Ikea. The store was packed. I always feel like I am in a labyryinth. The mazes are maddening! - especially in a new store finding one item. It was good to get home, but sad to say goodbye to summer heat.

Friday, August 24, 2007

visiting sis in Sacramento

The final feature of our road trip was visiting Ellen in Sacramento. After a leisurely and nauseating (Esther) drive past Berryessa dam we met Ellen at her school as students were dismissed. It was good to see the buildings and people who are often in her stories. We ate at a restaurant on the river in 'Old Sac' By evening the 100 degrees had cooled off for a comfortable walk. We grateful to share the evenings' lodging with Ellen's 'kids' Charlie, Ebony and Princess.

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Walmart 'Sometimes'


Walmart 'Sometimes'
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
Sometimes, all you need is an undisturbed parking spot for eight hours. Sometimes, you need the convenience of unlimited toiletries next to your restroom. Sometimes, you would prefer your McDs breakfast without a morning drive. Sometimes, you want good directions to the closest Starbucks in a strange town. Sometimes, you prefer not to pay a dime for your evening’s lodging. Walmart – ‘Sometimes’

on the cheap


Napa Valley wine tour
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
We finally decided to visit the wineries. One was at a sparkling wine maker with views of the valley. For lunch we found one with a deli and picnic grounds. Our final visit featured a veteran politically incorrect tour guide with coached tasting. We learned a lot as we obviously don’t know much about wine. Next it was off to explore Marin county. We were determined not to cross the bridge into SF, since we have been there many times. We explored the picturesque towns of Tiburon and Sausalito. The cool down of the bay from the valley was drastic and we quickly donned sweat shirts. The sunset on the Golden Gate from the Marin headlands was worth braving the wind and chill. We called this our day ‘on the cheap,’ since we ended up getting two free wine tours with tasting, a picnic lunch, supper at In and Out Burgers and lodging at Walmart parking lot.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

another day in 'the valley of the moon'

A place must be special to keep these two from moving on. We decided to stay another night in Sonoma and poke around. We started at Jack London's estate in Glen Ellen. The famous author lived here most of his adult life as he cranked out the fiction. It was fascinating to learn of his love for farming, and his attempts in experimental horticulture. Most impressive was the ruins of the 'Wolf House', Jack's dream house that burned down just after completion, but before occupancy. He died three years later at the age of 40. Our next stop was Sebastobol on the western slopes of the valley. Esther read that 90% on the gravenstein apples were grown here, so it was off to find a fruit stand. Next we browsed the antique shops in Petaluma before returning to Sonoma to relax by the pool. Supper was shared with half of the town in the town square as farmer's market and the pinewood derby drew in the crowds.

Monday, August 20, 2007

Summering in Sonoma


Sonoma
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
We are enjoying the heat of the California summer. We even went swimming this afternoon; and for Esther to go swimming, you know it has to be warm. Ninety degrees plus, but it cools down very nice in the enening. We drove through the Napa Valley today and crossed over to the Sonoma Valley this afternoon. We had no idea that the two valleys were so competitive. Even though we drove past hundreds of wineries today, we haven't taken a tour yet. We found a nice inn in Sonoma and are pampering ourselves for sleeping in the van earlier.

Sunday, August 19, 2007

finding skallywag


finding skallywag
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
One of my two sailing vessels is a Venture Newport 23. For years, I have browsed websites of fellow owners. The most impressive makeover that I have seen is a boat in Eureka named 'Skallywag' I have long admired her brightwork and custom rigging. I mentioned to Esther that I would like to stop at the Eureka marina and see if I could find it. I not only found one, but two Newports, one of which was the jackpot. Esther watched as I drooled over them and emptied two rolls of film (just kidding - I love digital photos) I wonder if it will be enough to spur me to restore my Ellen Maria. After spending the morning on the dreary coast, we made our way in the afternoon to the sun and warmth of the Mendocino valley, settling on a Motel in Ukiah. Yeah, after two nights in a rest area, we figured we deserved it. We enjoyed an evening walk through Ukiah, even catching some local flavor at local music festival.

Saturday, August 18, 2007

A-Bandon-ed by the sea


Bandon by the sea
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
In true Bulthuis fashion, we started on our road trip at 9pm Friday night. We weren’t looking forward to wasting the better part of the daylight on the I-5 grind. By 1:30am, I was getting tired and we would soon be embarking on unfamiliar road. We pulled over at a rest area and cozyed into our ‘bed’ in the back of the van. A fairly good night's sleep was ended by sunlight and the idle of eighteen wheelers pulling out. The McD breakfast sat well on the road to the coast, despite an hour traffic jam due to a highway fatality. We arrived in Bandon shortly before noon and took walks to the end of the jetty and through old town. Lunch was fish and chips on the wharf. Our impression of Bandon was that it was a slightly a-bandon-ed tourist town. The surroundings were impressive enough with plenty of sea stacks and surf, but the town lacked the charm that we had anticipated. Maybe we are too accustomed to the Cannon Beach atmosphere. We are now in the town of Brookings, just above the CA border. This town seems to have a little more to offer and has an arts and crafts fair going on. We opted not to pay the high price for the available dumpy-trumpy in town and plan to spend the night in a nearby rest area. We rented ‘Wild Hogs” and will watch it tonight in the comfort of our van – a rare movie night for Esther.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

going crazy with concrete

Every summer I spend a little time doing construction projects, usually for the same neighbor. Since I have already built decks which totally surround the octagonal house, Jim wants me to pour cement slabs under all of the high decks. The house is built on a hillside, so this necessitates some hefty retaining walls. This past month I have been recalling basement foundation techniques from my building days and putting the boys to work on mixing and moving cement. Because of the inaccessibility of the pour site, we used all dry bags of cement and mixed them with a mixer. All in all, we hauled over 200 bags of cement from the lumber yard, through the mixer and shoveled into the walls. I have done enough damage for the summer, and Esther and I plan on taking a 'bulthuis road trip' before starting school. Stay tuned for the blow by blow.

Sunday, August 12, 2007

connecting with cronies


Doughtys and Heutinks
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
It is always fun to renew old friendships as the years pass by. This weekend, two friends from childhood and high school spent the weekend. Ed Heutink was a childhood buddy in Lynden from as early as elementary school. We ruled the streets of Lynden with our stingrays and minibikes. Ed and Tanya now live in Ferndale with an active family that ranges in age from 24 to 2. Rick Doughty became a close friend in high school as our home was a home away from home for this Mt. Vernon native. Our friendship in college developed around theological discoveries and he was the best man in my wedding. Rick and Sally live in Beaverton, Oregon with their three teenage children. It was a great weekend of sharing each other's life journeys.

Thursday, August 09, 2007

goodbye to Corbin


goodbye to Corbin
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
It was great to have so many friends make it to the wedding. The 'came from the farthest' has to go to Candy and Corbin Collins from Tuscon. They were our former neighbors, who started an expresso business in Arizona. Corbin spent much of his childhood with our boys, and every summer comes for a week to visit. He stayed with us after the wedding and hung out with Calvin and his friends. He starts a new school on Monday. Good luck, Corbin.

the honeymooners return


the caribbean sea
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
Bjorn and Jenny returned from a week in Cancun at the Grand Mayan Resort. They spent the week relaxing and enjoying the resort. Their biggest chore of the day was making the daily spa appointment. As soon as they returned, I helped move them up to Lynden, in time for Bjorn to start his job at Trinity on Wednesday. They will be temporarily living on the Eide compound (Esther's parents' house) until they find a place.

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

A lavender birthday


lavender lady
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
This summer is the summer of transitions for us. Not only did we marry off a son, both of us turned 50. We still have a month before our last transition of the summer - our 30th anniversary! Today was Esther's birthday. Though she hardly looks a day over thirty-nine, the calendar marks her at half a century. Her choice for the day was a trip to the lavender fields of Sequim. I spent the morning at John Wayne Marina with my latest copy of Small Craft Advisor, while Esther made the rounds of lavender fields. After a great lunch at The Three Crabs, she shopped in town as I went to Port Angeles on another boat gawking adventure. We ended the day with a beautiful walk on the Sequim bike trail.

Monday, July 30, 2007

The wedding


exchange of rings
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
The wedding was great! The weather was perfect, the setting was romantic, the ceremony was simple and sweet, the message was biblical, the music was classy, the reception was elegant, the food was delicious, the guests were gracious, the bride and groom were charming and God was honored. We appreciated so much the people who made the trip down to Blodgett to share in our special time. In the middle of the night (2:30) I brought the newlyweds to the airport where it was off to Cancun. After a day of visiting with family and friends, we made our way back home. Be watching my flickr photos for lots of pictures as I slowly get them from other people, since it would have looked tacky for the groom's father to have a camera in his hands. BTW If any of you blog readers have some good pics, please send them to me - bulthuisp@mac.com

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Calvin returns from Mexico

It seems like someone is always coming or going in the Bulthuis family this month. Calvin came home tonight from a mission trip to Mexico. He had a great time. They put on a Vacation Bible School for a church in Tijuana. The poor guy just has to get in the van and go right back south again. Tomorrow morning we leave for Blodgett and the wedding, and say goodbye to Eneko. He will be staying the last few days with some friends who also have a Basque student. It has been a great experience hosting Eneko. We have become very fond of him. It will be hard saying goodbye. We can only hope to see him again someday.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

three tired travelers


three tired travelers
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
Markus, Zach and Mikal returned from Norway this afternoon. Despite the long day of traveling east through nine time zones, they are pretty energetic. They are full of wonderful memories and new relationships. Their first reactions to the US was how inexpensive eveyrthing are compared to Norway. Their homecoming meal was Papa Murphy's pizza and rootbeer. Be sure to check Markus' blog tomorrow for his final entry of his trip.

Saturday, July 14, 2007

Bjorn lands a job at his alma mater

Yesterday Bjorn was offered a job at Trinity Western University. It is a one year contract with the responsibility of building web applications for various departments, but primarily the financial aid department. He begins August 8. Needless to say, this is great news. The wedding and honeymoon will be much more enjoyable with this part of their future made secure. Two weeks to go now for the wedding. Calvin left Friday for Mexico, and Eneko left this morning for camp. Markus will be wrapping up his time in Norway this weekend, and is due home on Wednesday.

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Norske cousins' adventure


inlet near cabin
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
If you are not following Markus, Zach and Mikal's adventures in Norway this month, you need to check out Markus' blog, and photos. From the sounds of things, they are having a great time experiencing the land of the vikings and visiting relatives. But I'll bet that they wish they had a little of Seattle's summer weather right now.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Sunny in Seattle?

While Bjorn and I were slaving away in the Oregon heat, Esther, Calvin and Eneko were partying it up with the girls. Kay brought Bria, Marika and Camilla down from Lynden to spend a few days enjoying the city life in the sun. Carmilla is here from Norway for three weeks. On both Monday and Tuesday, the gang explored the Seattle sights: Aquarium, Pike Place Market, Pacific Science Center and Woodland Park Zoo. They got their share of ferry rides, almost missing one after a mad dash from the Aquarium. Eneko went on a separate tour of the city with the other Basque students visiting Gameworks, the EMP and the Columbia Tower.

Saturday, July 07, 2007

a day on the farm

Bjorn and I are down in Blodgett helping get ready for the wedding. My assignment was to paint the barn. Greg likes the old bright red barn color. He had a hard time convincing the salesman to sell him some. I stayed on the shady side and got a good start today. Bjorn and Jenny worked on pressure washing and staining the many decks and stairs on the grounds. After supper, Greg, Jenny, Bjorn and I played a round of disc golf on the course that is set up on the farm. It is a great course and the Bulthuis' showed the host Christensen's how to play their own course:)

Friday, July 06, 2007

sailing again - at last!

This is the latest of the season that I have ever waited to get the boat in the water. Part of the reason has been the busy schedule this spring, but the other reason is that I needed to do some repairs after last summer's mishap (demasting - check July 9,2006 in archives) I reattached the mast tabernacle and fixed the guilty stay. While I was at it, I also spruced up the boat, refinishing the woodwork, painting a blue stripe and insignia, and replacing the running rigging. Except for the sails, it looks like a new boat. I need a new outboard motor, and while I have one on order, I was too impatient to wait for it. I launched the boat at Manchester this morning hoping for fair winds. The first forty minutes were great with a steady gentle breeze. Then at about a mile from Southworth, the wind died completely. I drifted for almost two hours before the afternoon breeze pushed me into the mooring. It feels good to have the boat in the water. It won't get much use this weekend though as I will be down in Blodgett helping to get the grounds ready for the wedding.

Thursday, July 05, 2007

Hurricane Ridge on the Fourth


the hikers
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
In an attempt to absorb the warm fourth of July in Washington, we drove up to Hurricane Ridge and hiked Hurricane Hill. As we enjoyed the beautiful alpine setting and panaramic views, we wondered why we didn't come here more often. Eneko seemed to enjoy the mountains and he told us about his father's adventure of hiking through the Pyrenees Mountains of Spain. We capped off the day with watching the Port Orchard fireworks from the Olson's house above the city.