Saturday, March 20, 2010

removing a rusty centerboard

The warm dry Saturday gave me an opportunity to do a major project on my sailboat. My boat has a shoal (shallow) keel with an iron centerboard that swings down when sailing. It looks like the 170 lbs. cast iron board has not been removed in 35 years. After putting the trailer up on wheel ramps, I chained the trailer to the truck and the boat to a tree. Then with a come along, I slid the boat back on the trailer to allow the centerboard to drop behind the axle. It worked like a charm, except that the boat wasn't high enough to allow the centerboard to drop all the way. Nothing that a quick hole in the ground couldn't solve. I was surprised to have the board out and ready to be sandblasted in one day. I still have a few more projects to complete before I am ready to put the boat in the drink.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Jenny's Birthday


Jenny's b'day
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
This past weekend we got to see our granddaughter (oh yes, and her parents) Ada is changing so fast. She is still a tiny thing, but she is crawling, standing and feeding herself (with fingers of course) Saturday night we met Bjorn, Jenny and Ada, as well as Markus in Seattle and went to a 'fun Asian restaurant' - Wild Ginger, that Jenny found. Then Esther and I took Ada home while Bjorn and Jenny went to a concert. They came to Southworth late that night and went to church with us in the morning. We celebrated Jenny's birthday before they headed off to Lynden for another party. Well, at least we got our Ada fix.

Saturday, March 06, 2010

a new chapter in Esther's career


Esther's new job
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
This week was Esther's first week in her new position as office coordinator's assistant at East Port Orchard elementary. The last two weeks have been stressful. Saying goodbye to Orchard Heights was very emotional for her. After seven years, her relationships at the school were wide as well as deep. The OH staff was very gracious and understanding in their farewells. The new job has many of the same responsibilities, but with different personnel and procedures. It all takes time to make the adjustment. Esther is feeling more comfortable every day, though she does miss Orchard Heights. We feel confident that she did made the right decision. The position involves more hours per day and is a step up in salary schedule. With impending budget cuts in the distrit, her old position would likely have been affected next year. In time, I am sure that she will enjoy her new environment.