Wednesday, April 29, 2009

post WASL doldrums

'Doldrums' - 'a period of inactivity or a state of stagnation' The last two weeks have been filled with WASL testing. Our fourth and fifth graders have been buffeted with waves of reading, math, writing and science tests. It is always an emotional let down after testing. Both teachers and students subconsciously work to prepare for this high stakes testing. When it is over, there seems to be an energy burnout on the part of all involved. The problem is there are still six weeks of school left! It takes a little time for the breezes of motivation to pick up and get us sailing through the last sea of learning for the year.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Ada Lynn



Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
We have been enjoying our new granddaughter today. She came home from the hospital to the busy Eide compound. She is making the adjustment to all the family noise (though I guess she's been hearing it muffled for the past few months) By the way, I'll give you a little background on the name. Bjorn originally liked the name because one of the first mathematicians to be credited with writing computer language was Ada Lovelace. Also, the Norwegian pronunciation of 'Eide' is the 'Ada'. Lynn was Jenny's mother's name and Jenny's middle name; and 'Lynn-den' is her first home.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

She Arrived!


Ada Lynn Bulthuis was born at 6:15 pm tonight! Jenny and Ada are healthy and happy. Bjorn is a proud daddy. Esther is crying her way up to St. Joseph's hospital in Bellingham where 24 years ago she gave birth to Bjorn. Calvin and I will join the party tomorrow night. Pictures are sure to follow, so keep posted.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

a granddaughter is imminent


'Imminent' - 'threatening to occur immediately; near at hand; impending'. Though our granddaughter has been around for awhile, she is about to introduce herself to the world. The due date is April 20, and all systems appear to be go on the launch pad. The bedroom is painted, the diapers are ready, Jenny is on leave and Esther's bags are packed. It is so fitting that as the winter weather is finally breaking into spring, a new life will break into the Bulthuis family. We are so thankful for Jenny's good health and prenatal mothering. She is already a great mom! I don't think Bjorn will know what hit him. Esther is already enjoying her 'granny' status, and I am starting to get use to the idea. Anyway, we are all very excited and we would appreciate a prayer or two for the safe and healthy arrival.

Sunday, April 05, 2009

Goodbye Boston


Cape Cod Light
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
This morning we left Provincetown for a leisurely drive back up/down? the Cape back to Boston. We took the scenic route through small communities established four hundred years ago. Today is a bright sunny day and Spring is trying to spring but there is a cold wet week ahead for New England. We are awaiting our six hour flight back to Seattle. So I guess that it is goodbye to Boston, at least for the time being.

Saturday, April 04, 2009

the Cape


wharf on Cape Cod
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
We headed south for our final excursion of the trip. One of the places that we wanted to see while here was Cape Cod. The Cape is often the setting for articles in Esther's 'Coastal Living' browsing, and Falmouth, Buzzards Bay and Cape Cod Bay are regulars in small boat sailing lore. On our way to the Cape, we stopped in Plymouth and got the Pilgrim scoop. We also explored Falmouth and Hyannis among other spots as we made our way to the 'lower cape' Much of the Cape is shut down for the off season which makes it nice for getting around. But there are enough things open to keep it from feeling like a ghost town. Tonight we are staying at the end of the Cape near the first landing of the Pilgrims in Provincetown. To catch some local flavor we ate at a Portuguese restaurant as there is an historical presence of the fishermen here.

Friday, April 03, 2009

Reconnecting with old friends

While attending Denver Seminary in the 80's our best friends were Terry and Kathie Sharbaugh. Terry and I would debate theology over tennis and Kathie and Esther would stroll their little boys, Bjorn and Ben around Sloan Lake. After seminary Terry accepted a position at a church in New Hampshire (I applied too, but he beat me out in the interview phase) They have four children, the youngest who like Calvin will be leaving for college next year. They as well as we are still living in the place moved to from seminary. Terry pastors the Durham Evangelical Church. It was great catching up on each other's lives. Their oldest son Ben attended Gordon College, so we got a little of the inside scoop.

Thursday, April 02, 2009

Exploring Cape Ann


Motif #1 Rockport
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
Cape Ann is the neglected sister to the arrogant Cape Cod. Guarding the northern post of Massachusetts Bay with her historic Port of Gloucester and picturesque seaport of Rockport, she easily occupied a day of Bulthuis exploration and enjoyment. The weather was mild with some sun. The vegetation is still in winter hibernation with ground water still unable to penetrate the yet frozen undersoil. The landscape still has its beauty with rocky outcrops amid conifer forests. Tourist season is still months away, so there were no crowds to fight. Esther's favorite spot of the day was Rockport and Bearskin Neck Peninsula packed with quaint gift shops and fishing sheds. Peter's spot was the Essex shipyard. Calvin's was Halibut Point with the granite rocks and pounding surf.

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Gordon College


Gordon College
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
Today was the visit day at Gordon College. We spent the entire day at the school: taking tours, visiting chapel and a class, and meeting with a linguistic professor and other personnel. The campus is beautiful with many new and impressive buildings. The remote wooded setting beside a lake is quite a contrast from the suburban sprawl of nearby communities. The chapel is a huge traditional structure complete with pews, but the student led worship very contemporary. We had a great conversation with the linguistic professor who was very encouraging and engaging. One disadvantage of visiting these colleges is that I wish I were 18 again and do it all over again! Tonight we picked up Brian Bulthuis from the airport and brought him to his downtown hotel and spent a little time catching up. He will be finishing Columbia University in New York next month and came to Boston this week for a job interview. Today was a cold gray day. Maybe tomorrow will be nice.