Haiti Trip - day 4

After a few hours of sleep, we awoke to a little cooler temperature and breakfast calls. Breakfast was boiled eggs, bread, and spam spaghetti. Our first activity of the day was to hike two miles in the mountains nearby to a satellite church. The hike had beautiful views of the valley and sea. This church had had its bamboo structured church building destroyed in a storm. They are renting a small house to worship in. The pastor is very cheerful and a blessing to see. Our team has fallen in love with this little church in the mountains that has so little. After returning to Les Irois, we had a great lunch with fish,avocado, rice and beans.Excellent! Our afternoon activity was a trip to another satellite church. The parsonage is falling apart and our church presented them with some funds to build a new one. They were very appreciative. When we got back to Les Irois, we walked a little around town and down to the beach. One of the girls braided dreadlocks in Esther's hair. She says that it is much cooler. Supper consisted of various fried vegetables bread and rice. After supper, we had a planning meeting. By the way, it is quite hot because of the humidity. The nights are the most difficult because the rooms have no airflow.

Haiti Trip - day 3

I am lying in a sleepless swelter on our first night in Haiti. The sound of raucous music from late night partiers is not putting me to sleep, so I thought I would journal. The flight to Port au Prince went well. The shock of Haiti comes quickly as the plane lands over the sprawling slums of the city. The tarmac is furnace of hot wind that welcomes you to the Caribbean summer. After some delay in waiting for luggage, it was off through the mob of belligerent porters, to a bus to transport us to the other side of the airstrip for a flight to Jeremie. The chaos of the check-in system came to a crescendo when the airlines refused to put on Esther and my personal luggage. Fortunately, we had half planned on the possibility and will be OK for a day or two-if our bags come later. The flight to Jeremie was in a small fifteen seat prop job that smelled of fuel. It was a short flight, and we were happy to be on the airstrip in Jeremie. The drive to Les Irois took about four hours. Driving the roads of Haiti is definitely an experience. Since motor traffic is sporadic, the road is the main walking path for the people. You have to share the road with motorcycles, bicycles, donkeys, cattle, goats, pigs and thousands of people. You do get to see Haitian life in process, everything from bathing to partying is all done along the road. It was dark by the time we got to Les Irois and the church was ready to welcome us. It was good to see some familiar faces from the last trip. It is wonderful to be here. The frustration of the language barrier is evident in everyones faces, but we are determined to make the best of things. The accommodations are superb by Haitian standards as each couple has their own room in the parsonage. Tomorrow promises to be an adventurous day of touring some of the district churches.

Haiti Trip - day 2

After a morning nap we took a walk around the hotel. When we got back to the hotel, Dave and Kim were there with a rental car. We had a great afternoon exploring Miami in a convertible. We saw Kim's childhood home and school near University of Miami. Then it was off to downtown, Little Havana and Little Haiti. We ate at a Hatian restaurant to help climatize our stomachs. I had goat, and it was great. We ended the evening connecting with other team members. Tomorrow will be a big day.

Haiti Trip - day 1

We are enjoying an afternoon tropical thunderstorm from the comfort of a Miami hotel. Yesterday was a travelthon with delayed flights and layovers. We landed in Miami at 1:00 am. After searching the unsecured areas of the airport for the best accommodations we set up camp for the night near the rest of the vagabonds. It reminded me of disaster shelter pictures with every family setting up their territory on the floor. After a couple hours of reading and trying to get comfortable, we drifted into a series of naps, interrupted by intercom all calls and passing service carts. By 7:00am, the airport was filled with departing travelers jockeying their luggage into long lines. After a fast food breakfast in the airport, we caught a shuttle to the hotel, hoping to check-in early as we wait for the rest of the team to rendezvous. Fortunately, we were able to check in at 9:30 and enjoy overstuffed beds for a two hour nap. We woke to an afternoon thundershower which put a damper on our poolside plans. So for now it is chillin in the cushy hotel room, waiting for our coming adventures.

packed and ready to go

Tomorrow Esther and I embark on our Haitian adventure. We brought Calvin to the airport to spend a week in Arizona with Corbin. So Markus will be holding down the fort. We fly to Miami tomorrow and Port-au-Prince on Friday. After a week in Haiti, we will take a few days to enjoy the Florida Keys. I will be attempting to blog when I have a chance, but no promises. Please pray for our safety, health and a fruitful time of ministry, both through us and to us. BON VOYAGE

Markus' 21st birthday

Markus' 21st birthday - Thai Kitchen, Queen Ann
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

We spent most of the day in Seattle, celebrating Markus' birthday. After a great meal at a Thai restaurant, we went downtown to the Bose store for some birthday headphones, then walked down to the waterfront and sculpture park. Downtown Seattle was abustle with summer tourism. Esther and I are getting excited about leaving for Haiti in three days!

wonderful work setting

the deck is an extension of the patio
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

I just finished a deck for some friends from church. They have a beautiful beach front home near Rich Passage. They asked me to build a small deck near their bulkhead. I built the support structure out of cement so that they can face it with rock later. Trex decking of course. This deck will last! It was a gorgeous setting to work at for the last couple of weeks. I watched boats pass by all day, including a nuclear sub. And the weather was great as well. I think this will have to be my last project before the Haiti trip next week. Esther and I are getting anxious.

summer saturday sailing on the sound

Tim at the helm
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

This afternoon Tim de Lacy joined me for a sail around Blake Island. The wind was good with just a couple of lolls. The scenery was great with clear skies and lots of sun. After the sail we took our wives out to dinner and a stroll through the Chris Craft boat rendezvous at the Port Orchard marina. A well appreciated summer day on the sound.

Cleaning out the homestead

garage sale madness
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

Please excuse the lack of blogging for the last week or so. My Mac went on the fritz! I had to send it in to have it fixed. All is well again. In the meantime, we had a working fourth of July week/weekend. Esther spent the entire week in Lynden, working with her brothers and sister-in-laws, sorting through everything in her parent's home. There were at least three generations worth of collected stuff. Some of it had some value as antiques, some of it was just junk. But Esther and her brothers are quite sentimental, so every piece needed to be reviewed and items distributed amongst them. We worked hard on the fourth, preparing for the garage sale/antique sale on Saturday. The sale went OK, with lots of customers. The remains went off to Value Village.

foothills trail

foothills trail with Conner and Collin
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

Esther and I got some practice at being grandparents this week. (Not that anything is happening soon, nor are we anxious) Conner and Collin Snell have been staying with us the last part of this week, as their parents are with the youth trip to Salt Lake City. Today we decided to include them in our new biking hobby. We checked out the 'foothills trail' that passes through Orting and several other rural communities in the Puyallip River valley. It was a hot day and one of our young riders got overheated, so we just got a taste of this wonderful trail. The 30 mile trail is impressive, and we plan to explore it some more later. We enjoyed an hour in Orting City Park watching the boys play on the Big Toy. It brought back lots of fond memories:)

summer employment

retaining wall for neighbor
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

The last two weeks of 'summer break' have found me working hard! I poured a retaining wall using fifty 60 lbs. bags of concrete mix, poured a slab of concrete (4 yds.) and power washed a neighbor's roof for two days. The change of pace from the classroom is invigorating and I enjoy working outside in reasonably nice weather. However, when the end of August comes, I will be ready to get back in the classroom. Calvin left for Challenge (church youth conference) in Salt Lake City and Esther finally got to start her 'summer break' on Thursday.

skipper jenny

skipper jenny
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

Jenny dropped by last night and this morning we brought her to the airport for her flight to Atlanta to visit her sister. We had time in the evening for a quick sail. The wind has alluded previous attempts at taking Jenny sailing; and it looked like it was going to again. When we left the house the wind was lively, but by the time we got the sails up it had died. To complicate matters, my safety cord fell off my outboard, rendering it inoperable. Not a problem, unless your becalmed in front of a ferry! After a little sweat and ingenuity, I jerry rigged a solution with popsicle sticks. The motor sputtered to life and we were off. In a few minutes the wind picked up nicely and we had a great sail. Jenny learned how cold it can get on the Sound on a hot day. But that was only minor discomfort compared to the headache she got after I dropped the boom on her while taking down the sails:(

Scott Pierson bike trail

tacoma narrows
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

For our Sunday afternoon bike ride Esther and I rode the Scott Pierson bike trail in Tacoma. We started just on the Gig Harbor side of the bridge and followed the trail to its east terminus near Sprague Ave. The paved trail skirts Hwy 16 and only crosses a couple of streets. The weather was great and we really enjoyed the ride. Surprisingly, there were very few people on the trail, despite it being a sunny Sunday June afternoon in the middle of the city. The trail is named after a Tacoma city planner who was passionate about cycling and making Tacoma bicycle friendly. It's really quite amazing. Using the Cushman trail in Gig Harbor and the Scott Pierson trail, bicycle commuters can easily commute from Gig Harbor to downtown Tacoma or Tacoma Community College. With rising fuel prices and bridge tolls maybe it will become more popular.

a day for Elliott Bay

sailing to Elliott Bay
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

After a week of manual labor, this old body needed a restful day of sailing. I don't think I have ever sailed into Elliott Bay from my home port of Southworth. So, since I had the time for a long day sail, I ventured north to the bustling bay and got a look of the city by sail. It was an overcast sky, so everything had a grey look to it. The emerald city was still impressive. The homeward leg brought a freshening wind, so it was an exhilarating, though chilly ride home.

summer and cycling

new bicycle
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

Do I really need another recreational hobby? With some hesitation as to whether it will 'stick', I have begun an interest in cycling. With the gas crisis, I longingly considered the motorcycle option, but my loving wife poured a huge bucket of cold water on that idea. I have decided to give bicycling a try. We don't live in a setting conducive to bicycle commuting, but I enjoy a long ride for recreational purposes. I have been combing craigslist for the past couple of weeks, and last night I went down to Olympia and bought a nice used bike in great condition. It even came with clip-in shoes that are my size. I took my first ride to Manchester this evening-everything works great. On a more domestic note, I completed a small carpentry job for a neighbor and received my first summer pay check.

Father's Day Fun

bulthuis bikers
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

This father's day I chose to do something separate with each family member. Since I share certain pleasures with each, which are not necessarily shared by all, I broke up my day. I played basketball and watched the NBA finals with Markus. I played tennis with Calvin; and I went for a bike ride with Esther. It worked great, and every one enjoyed their day without having to spend the whole with me. Yesterday I dusted off the our bikes and fixed some leaky tires. I convinced Esther to do Beach Drive for our ride today. At first she was reluctant because of the traffic, but it turned out to be manageable. The weather was great and we had a great ride. Tomorrow is the last day of school!

Windy Weekend in Walla Walla

Whitman memorial near Walla Walla
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

Last weekend we took a quick getaway trip to Walla Walla in search of sun and warmth; instead, we found cloud and wind. We had heard a lot about Walla Walla recently as an up and coming destination, and we wanted to check it out. The town has definitely been influenced by the influx of wineries in the valley. There are lots of Bed and Breakfasts and a really cool renovated downtown hotel, called the Marcus Whitman. We enjoyed a self-guided stroll past turn of the century homes under a canopy of wonderful shade trees. The downtown shops are starting to come, but still have a ways to go. We explored the Whitman Mission grounds and some of the history of this unique town. We would give the place a four out of five stars as a getaway destination.

Pete and Repete get awards

Pete and Repete get awards
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

I guess this is my year for teaching awards. This morning I was honored along with other teachers in the district by receiving the Rotary Students Choice Award. The elementary school teacher awards are selected from seventh grade student nominations. Pete Darragh, friend and colleague, also received the award. I feel doubly honored as this is the same award that Don and I received last year.

sailing at last!

sailing at last!
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

With the lousy weather this spring and my mooring buoy gone, it took me longer to get the sailing started. Yesterday, Calvin helped me launch the boat and drop a new mooring anchor system. This afternoon I went for a three hour sail down Colvos Passage. The wind was moderate to slight - good conditions for the first sail of the year. Another first today was a craigslist purchase. Esther has been looking for end tables on craigslist for quite some time. She saw some she wanted, so it was a quick call and trip to Mercer Island. It was good to be home this weekend and get some things accomplished.

Makah Munchkins

Shi Shi Beach
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

I feel like I missed the Saturday scorcher in Puget Sound. But I'm not complaining, because we had a great time in Neah Bay with the students and some of their parents. Our annual trip to the Northwest tip of Washington was once again blessed by nice weather. Saturday, which holds the bulk of our activity was sunny, though not extremely warm. It didn't stop the kids from enjoying the water. No low tides this year to explore tide pools; but there was a heavy surf, which enhanced the spectacular setting of Shi Shi Beach. (which was accessed by a three-mile muddy trail) Our campsite was at Hobouck Beach which is much flatter and more conducive to beach games. Sunday morning brought in a cold fog which chased the kids to a campfire while they waited for their bacon, eggs and pancakes. Then it was off to Cape Flattery with it's fog shrouded cliffs and caves. We topped the trip off with a visit to the Makah museum which so tastefully depicts the ancient culture of these 'people of the Cape.'

'new' principal for Sidney Glen

Orchard Heights hat day
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

After an intense two weeks, the new principal for our school was announced. Jason Shdo is a veteran teacher at Sidney Glen and a long time friend. He is currently the Assistant Principal at Orchard Heights, where Esther works. Our gain is their loss, so it is a bitter sweet announcement for our family. After teaching at Sidney Glen for fifteen years, Jason taught and was a dean at the high school. He has been at Orchard Heights for two years, but couldn't pass up the opportunity to take a shot at his old stomping grounds. Our staff has been very excited at the prospect of his return and leadership. Just goes to show that sometimes a prophet does have honor in his own country. Congratulations, Jason!

mother's day

mother's day
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

Esther had a warm Mother's Day despite the winter in the air. Markus came home for the day. Bjorn and Jenny called and wrote a nice daughter-in-law blog. Dinner was Kim's teriyaki take home and we went for a cool walk. Different this year is the need for a cozy fire in the fireplace.

Dolphin Dash

Dolphin Dash - 5k - 22 minutes - second place :)
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

Sorry about the blogage shortage. I have been preoccupied lately with the selection process of a new principal for our school next year. As part of the interview team, it has been pretty intense. We are down to two candidates and we should know next week. Today was the first annual Dolphin Dash at Sidney Glen. The PTA sponsored a 5k run/race with a carnival afterwards. I had decided that it has been about 15 years since I took a race seriously, and I was curious what this 50 year old could do in a 5k. There were about 200 participants and I thought there might be some competition. I started strong off the starting line and took the lead. I could hear someone behind me and assumed I was leading a pack. After about a mile, a teenage boy passed me. I decided to look back. There was nothing else there! I tried to keep up a strong pace for the rest of the race and finished 2nd, well ahead of any other competitors. My time was a little over 22:00. Then it was into a cold dunk tank at the carnival. By the time I got dried off, I was in the initial stages of hypothermia.

Mom celebrates her 85th birthday

birthday girl at 85
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

On Sunday we celebrated my mom's 85th birthday. Mom is physically strong, but suffers from the growing confusion of Alzheimers. We had a family lunch and then an open house. Some of the residents of Meadow Greens stopped by, as well as many people from mom's church - Bethel Christian Reformed. It was enjoyable for me as well, as I was able to visit with many of the folks from my childhood church. The weekend was filled with lots of good family visiting on both sides of our family.

dual awards

outstanding student and teacher
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

On Saturday, both Calvin and I received recognition at an award ceremony. Calvin was nominated by his teachers to receive the outstanding junior award, and I was nominated by my principals to receive the outstanding teacher award. Neither of us were selected for 'the grand prize,' but the Bulthuis' made a good showing at the district wide event. It was an honor which both of us appreciate.

woes of WASL weeks

the WASLing is over for another year
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

My apologies to readers for my lack of blog material the past few weeks. I think that I was burned out of blogging for a while after the trip. Life seemed so routine and uneventful. Also a little depressing with the lousy weather. The past few weeks of school have been dominated with WASL testing. Our fifth graders had eight days of testing. Each section of the test usually takes an hour or less for the students to complete, but the state only allows us to administer one section a day. Our fifth graders take tests in math, reading and science. our fourth graders take them in math, reading and writing. The writing and science test are definitely the most difficult. Though many of the questions seem subjective, the scorers are very particular in what they expect students to produce. Next week will begin the task of motivating the students to further learning as they tend to let up after the pressure of WASL testing.

College Road Trip - Day Eight

Ellen and Charlie
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

This morning we awoke to the warmth of the California sun. After a leisurely breakfast with Ellen, we got on the road and followed the steady stream of returning snowbirds up the Sacramento Valley. Our final college stop was Simpson University in Redding. The campus has wonderful views of the surrounding mountains, including Mt. Lassen and Mt. Shasta. All the structures are new since it is a new campus. There is a noticeable absence of large trees. The admissions office was closed, but a staff member graciously gave us a tour. The school has a relaxed family feel to it. The two main areas of emphasis seem to be Christian ministries and education majors. The long trip home from Redding was interrupted only by our traditional stuffing at the Home Town Buffet in Medford. Oregon greeted us with the familiar Northwest drizzle.

College Road Trip - Day Seven

Yosemite Valley
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

We have long wanted to go to Yosemite, but haven't taken the time to do it--until today. The crowds in the summer have kept us away, but the spring is a great time to go. There were relatively few people and the weather was great, though a little cool. We were able to see the main sights and take a small hike to a great lookout. Tonight we are back in Sacramento with Ellen.

College Road Trip - Day Six

overlooking LA at Getty Center
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

Our final southern California college on the tour was Biola University. We had the most extensive visit at this school with a couple of conferences, a tour and a free lunch in the dining hall. (Now that'll go a long way with a Dutchman!) The school is similar in size to Azusa Pacific and the student body seemed very similar. Biola is more blatant about it's christian emphasis and requires all students to minor in Bible. Of interest to Calvin was a cultural linguistics program and a unique honors program that has a separate track of tutor style classes which fulfills all the core Bible and Humanities requirements. By the this time we were all about 'toured out', so we decided to do some sightseeing. We headed up to the Getty Center with its beautiful architecture, museums and gardens, all overlooking the valley. Wow! what a view. Fortunately, it was a clear day and we could see the whole valley. The museum and grounds are free of charge except for the parking. We all enjoyed the experience, though our legs were tired from being on our feet all day. Tonight we are in Bakersfield ready for our next adventure tomorrow.

College Road Trip - Day Five

Harvey Mudd College
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

We woke up to the sounds of a busy street in the San Fernando Valley-buses, horns, peeling tires and the occasional siren. Our first stop for the day was Simi Valley and Eternity Bible College which we heard of through Francis Chan, a speaker at Challenge youth conferences. It is definitely a low budget operation. Occupying a corner of a strip mall with a hundred students who all commute, it was certainly a contrast to Pepperdine. Our next stop was Master's College in Santa Clarita. We had a conversation with an admissions officer and Esther was our tour guide. She found her freshman dorm room. Then we went to Azusa Pacific University and caught a tour. It is a fairly large school with many opportunities. The last school for the day was Harvey Mudd College, a prestigious liberal arts college that specializes in the sciences. All students major in science and the academics are very rigorous. We were able to join an extensive tour of the campus, much of which is underground. One peculiar feature of this campus was the abundance of skateboards. Two thirds of the students we saw were on some form of wheels- longboards, scooters, bikes and even unicycles. It was easily the most unique school that we have visited. We've camped tonight at a motel in La Mirada, poised to visit Biola in the morning.

College Road Trip - Day Four

Pepperdine
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

We spent last night in a Motel 6 in San Luis Obispo (No, not Walmart parking lot) After a hearty breakfast at Mickey D's, we drove to Santa Barbara and found Westmont College. We found the admissions office and were given some helpful info and they even arranged a tour for us. The campus is very nice, located in ritzy Montecito, with beautifully landscaped pathways. The college seems to focus on a strong relational christian liberal arts education. It has a relatively small enrollment which is kept that way because of the town's restrictions. After a late picnic lunch at the Santa Barbara mission, we quickly cruised off to Malibu to catch the admissions office open at Pepperdine. Fortunately, Andy Olson, who attends the University was available to spend the evening with us. We weren't too impressed with the admissions office-"here are some pamphlets and you can watch interactive video tour" But it was great to have Andy there who gave us an inside look at the campus. He did a great job of explaining his own appreciation of his education at Pepperdine. The campus is amazing. It reeks of wealth - BMW's Mercedes, Lexus, architecturally unified buildings on a breathtaking piece of property overlooking the Pacific. The students which we met through Andy seemed to be very friendly and appreciative of their opportunity to study at Pepperdine. After a late supper in town with Andy, we were off to the big city of LA to find lodging for the night. Esther was a little worried as we raced through Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, but we headed for the San Fernando Valley for some 'reasonable' housing. We stumbled onto Sepulveda Blvd. and found a suitable 'has been' motel and turned in at 9pm.

College Road Trip - Day Three

Monterey
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

If you would tell me to leave Sacramento at 9 am, drive to San Francisco, drive through China Town and down Lombard St., walk the Wharf AND be out of SF by 12 noon, I would say that it couldn't be done; but we did it (SF tour on FF) We next headed for Monterey and Cannery Row, enjoying calamari on the wharf. The last two times that Esther and I have driven the Big Sur Coast, she has been miserable, so this time I insisted she take some dramamine. It worked great! We all enjoyed the spectacular scenery in the brilliant Pacific sunshine.

College Road Trip - Day Two

Calif. capital Sacramento
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

Sunday morning in Sacramento greeted us with warmth and sunshine. So it was off to Ellen's church in shirt sleeves. Christ Community Church of Carmichael is a large Reformed Church which just finished a new auditorium. The youth groups had just completed spring mission trips, so the worship service consisted of testimonies and a challenge from the youth pastors. After church, we toured the capital grounds and Old Sacramento. Later in the afternoon, we took a walk around Ellen's neighborhood. It was great strolling North Sac in the warm sunshine, with the scents of spring and the 'sense of danger.' The spring day was topped off with steaks on the barbee.

College Road Trip - Day One

college shopping
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

We set off on a Snowy Saturday morning, stopping at Powell's Books in Portland to stock up on reading material. Calvin's friend, Josh deLacy is on the adventure with us. We had to drag him out of Powell's, but not before he grabbed seven books. We stopped at both George Fox and Corban colleges. Neither one had any activity, because of spring break; but it was good to walk the grounds. Corban has a disc golf course through the center of campus. Then it was the long haul down to Sacramento, arriving in the late evening. It was good to see my sister Ellen. She, along with Charlie and Princess made us feel right at home.

the basement

the basement
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

Today our church celebrated Easter through the presentation of a drama entitled 'the basement' The play closely followed the events in the lives of the disciples between the death and resurrection of Jesus, only changing the setting from a first century 'upper room' to a twenty-first century basement. The drama focused on the contrast of the despair of Saturday morning to the joy of Sunday. The characters of Peter and Thomas provided an emotional link to the audience. I played a minor role as the disciple, Matthew. It is good to be finished with the rehearsals, and we trust that the Lord used the presentation of 'his'tory to draw people to himself.

A Nissan for the Newlyweds

Bjorn and Jenny's new car
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

Last month Jenny's Dodge Intrepid bit the dust (surprise, surprise) They have been looking for a good used Toyota Corolla, but they have either been snatched up or unsatisfactory. I found this '98 Nissan Sentra for them in Port Townsend. It is in very good shape and has 90,000 miles. Jenny will enjoy the power windows and keyless entry. Bjorn will enjoy the 5-speed transmission and 40+ mpg. So this weekend, Bjorn and Jenny came down to buy the car. Esther and Calvin went with them as I had play practice all day. After spending a week on the phone arranging a vehicle inspection and negotiating a price, I was subjected to endless abuse as a 'Dutchman' by the car dealer. Now they just hope the Rabbit stays together.

Mom and Ellen

mom and Ellen
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

My sister Ellen is on spring break this week from her teaching in Sacramento. This past weekend she spent a couple of days with us, along with my mom, who came down from Lynden. We also got to spend some time with my other sister, Susan and her husband, Jack who are from Olympia. Mom didn't join in much of the conversation, but I'm sure she enjoyed being around her children. She and Ellen went to church with us and Mom really enjoyed clapping with the worship songs. Ellen just bought a pink EEE PC, so I was able to show her a few things about them. It didn't take her long to be off and running with it. Markus was also home as his spring break is also this week. He is off now to Colorado spending a week with cousin Zac in Breckenridge. It was a busy weekend for me, trying to squeeze in play practice and then report cards.

'All good things gotta come to an end'

'All good things got to come to an end'
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

Twenty years ago when we built our first home on the grassy hillside of Southworth Estates we knew that someday the beautiful view would be obstructed by a house across the street. After years of enjoying the view and keeping the trees trimmed, the fateful day has arrived. The views of the sound and ferry will only be slivers, though the territorial view and neighborhood remain. Our consolation. of course, is that we no longer live in the house, and the one we now enjoy will probably never lose its view. However, being the owners of the other house, we will bear the financial consequences of this 'view veiling' Speaking of 'view veiling', I better get busy on some 'tree trimming' before the spring budding starts!

Cruz the Blues

the 'cruz the blues' gang
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

Once again the Eide clan took the annual pilgrimage to Big White Ski Resort for Presidents Day weekend. We missed Zachary and Kelsea this year as they are in Colorado and Hawaii, respectively. The weather was very clear and the snow conditions were good for the most part. We spent much of the time on the slopes getting our passports stamps on different runs. Every year the resort puts on a 'cruz the blues' activity where you can see how many intermediate slopes (blues) that you can ski in the weekend. There are about 35 blue runs in the resort. It is somewhat like a treasure hunt. The whole group got into the game. We even took a passport for the non-skiier. Bjorn got the most for our group with 30 stamps. At the end of the weekend, there is a party and they give everyone Tshirts and door prizes. The activity gives some direcction to the days on the slopes. In the evenings, we ate, talked, played games and watched movies.

the computer that Apple should have made

Eee PC - 6 1/2" x 9"
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

In the last twenty years, I have purchased a lot of computers. I won't tell you how many, lest you question my frugality. Every one of these computers has been an Apple Macintosh -- until now! I was hoping that Apple would complete their line of laptops with an inexpensive subcompact laptop. Instead, they put their energy into yet another high priced sleekingly thin MacBook Air. Meanwhile, several other companies have been producing small entry level laptops. I am lured to a small inexpensive laptop because of its extreme portability and its potential use in the classroom. I was tempted by OLPC 'One Laptop Per Child' but its operating system didn't seem to be too versatile. After a little research, I decided on the Eee PC. It is made by ASUS, and runs a version of the Linux operating system. (Free open source) It is a full functioning computer complete with wireless internet, the ability to view movies and videos, email, skype, etc. All this in a 2 lb. package the size of a medium size book and the price of an iPod Touch. The computer comes with some basic education and office software. I have already been using it in the classroom. Now I just have to find someone who wants to donate a dozen to our classroom! I really think Apple missed the mark in not joining the market.

celebrating bjorn's birthday at macaroni grill

celebrating bjorn's birthday at macaroni grill
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

We met Bjorn and Jenny in Lynnwood, and Markus joined us as well. Jenny's car bit the dust and they are looking for something to replace it with. We celebrated Bjorn's birthday, which is actually on Tuesday. It was our first time at the Macaroni Grill. Jenny took my truck home to use until they can find something.

reuniting at renoir

Kevin and Martha Waiters - Tacoma Art Museum
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

We spent the day yesterday with longtime friend Kevin Waiters and his wife Martha. Kevin attended both college and seminary with me, and since he lives in Tacoma, we keep in touch as the years go by. Kevin and Martha are Renoir fans and invited us to join them at the Renoir exhibit in the Tacoma Art Museum. It was good for this old country couple from kitsap to get some culture. The exhibit focused on the artist's printmaking work which was very interesting. After the museum, we enjoyed dinner and conversation at the Point Defiance Anthony's.

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.

bumming around bainbridge

Fay Bainbridge State Park
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

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.

make it two years in a row

Sidney Glen boys - district champions
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

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.

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:(

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.