Tuesday, January 29, 2008

fafsa fun


January chore
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
Filling out the fafsa is one of those nagging chores to which all parents of college students must subject themselves. Remembering PINs, finding financial statements, making reasonable estimates, clicking the wrong button and retracing your work-none of it is at the top of my list of fun activities. But in an attempt to redeem a January 'snow day,' I completed the form to ensure a loan for Markus education next year. I can't imagine filling the thing out with paper and pencil and no help windows. Well, five years are completed, and five years to go! Like many of you in Western Washington, we get a 'day off' today (only to be made up in June). We have had no snow in Southworth and the sun has been shining most of the day. It kind of takes that cozy 'snowed in' feeling away.

Monday, January 21, 2008

bumming around bainbridge

We couldn't resist going for a ride on a sunny winter day. I have been cooped up for most of the weekend, organizing a visitation program for the church. A scenic drive was just the ticket. It had been a long time since we had actually explored the back roads of Bainbridge Island. (twenty years, in fact) Calvin joined us for the adventure since we had very little family time this weekend. Even though we can see Bainbridge from our house, it's a long drive away. We explored the perimeter of the island and drooled over waterfront property and million dollar houses. We wrapped up the day with a visit to the buffet at the Clearwater Casino. This evening we are stuffed and ready for a week of work tomorrow morning.

Sunday, January 13, 2008

make it two years in a row

The Seahawk's dismal loss to Green Bay was made a little more palatable yesterday as I also watched the Sidney Glen boys win the district wide championship. They won the championship last year as well. There are ten elementary schools in the district, and every year they have a tournament that lasts two weekends. Both the girls and boys teams from Sidney Glen usually make a good showing. A large part of the success comes as a result of an after school intramural program that CJ Scott (PE teacher) organizes every fall. The boys championship game was a barn burner. A last minute three point shot from one of our boys put the game into an overtime in which the SG Dolphins prevailed. Somehow, the loss at Lambeau Field paled in comparison as I screamed for a handful of eleven year-old boys.

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

A January canoe ride


A January canoe ride
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
Much to my chagrin, we had a snow day today. There wasn't even a drop of snow in Southworth, but I guess the hinterlands of the district must have had considerable snow levels. I decided to try to make the best of it. I quickly ran to school and district office in attempt to secure a personal day for Feb. 19 (snow make-up day in which we plan to be at Big White) Then I decided to take a winter canoe ride. Clad in my new under armor and wool, I launched the canoe from its ever ready Sebring beach storage and paddled my way to Blake Island. It was a rejuvenating mid-winter jaunt for a sea starved sailor. Though it threatened to rain, it held off until I got home. I had an interesting welcome back to Southworth waters when a snorting sea lion (8+ ft.) came barreling towards me, submerging 20 ft. from me, only to surface behind me, snort, and come at me again. I was a little unnerved, hoping he didn't realize how easily he could swamp my canoe! I didn't even dare stick around and get a picture:(

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

New Years Eve Red Hot Bash


red hot bash ladies
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
The Eide family celebrated New Years Eve in style this year. In an attempt to put a little celebratory life in the evening, we bought tickets to the Mars Hill Church Red Hot Bash. Mike had noticed the event online a month ago, and Jenny made sure we followed through. The festivities at Mars Hill started at 9:30. They had a very live and loud jazz band playing salsa and funk music. Just about everyone at least tried a little dancing. Mike and Marti made a good show for the older generation and Jenny, with some help from Bjorn, out danced us all. Needless to say, the celebration was out of character for a bulthuis/eide celebration, but I guess the new member of the family pumped a little life into the dutch/norwegian veins. All I can say is: it wasn't your typical church watchnight service.