I had planned to spend most of the day getting the boat out of the water, but the conditions were just too tempting to pass up a sail. Since there was a nice breeze out of the southwest, I headed down Colvos Passage. It is always hard to make much progress at the north end of the passage, as the current is pretty strong. Eventually I made southward progress and enjoyed a sack lunch before heading back. Since my keel winch is broken, I tried to retract it using the 'grounding' method close to the beach; but it didn't work. Plan B is going to be an attempt to replace the winch at anchor. I need to retract it before I can get it on my trailer and out of the water for the winter.
On a different note, our friend, neighbor and music pastor, Steve DeKorte is very ill. They can't seem to identify the problem. He spent last night in the hospital and they ran several tests; but as of yet, they don't have a diagnosis. Please pray for him and his family.
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Misplaced Innovation
Sometimes I think that Apple has forgotten that it is a computer company. I am using a five year old iBook and don't feel like Apple has produced a significant laptop to compel me to upgrade. On the other hand, in the same amount of time, Apple has released atleast ten versions of the iPod. I jumped on board with an iPod mini about two years ago and I already feel like it's outdated! The newest release (Tuesday) is the much anticipated video iPod. While watching a movie on a 2 inch screen seems ridiculous, Apple has tried to highlight a more appropriate use of portable video. With their latest version of iTunes you can download TV shows, video podcasts and short movies. It will be interesting to see if this catches on. SInce downloading iTunes 6 this week, I have discovered the pleasure of viewing video podcasts, which are basically short video broadcasts on a variety of subjects. If my daily routines didn't place me next to a computer all the time, I would probably be very tempted to buy a video iPod. While I don't blame it for riding the wave of success with the iPod, I can only hope that Apple will put it's creative genius back into computers soon.
Sunday, October 09, 2005
The mystery of a woman's soul
I am leading a study of this book in our parenting teens Sunday School class. The book is very thought-provoking and we have a lot of great discussions. So you're asking: what is a father of three sons doing teaching about fathering girls? To put you at ease, I'm just the facilitator of a discussion group. What's really ironic is that the authors' don't have daughters either! This is the woman's counterpart to the men's book: "Wild at Heart" The authors postulate that every woman's heart longs for three things: to be romanced, to play an irreplaceable role in a great adventure, and to unveil beauty. They base this on social and cultural observations as well as on the creation account in Genesis. Whether you think that it is hogwash or revelation, the book makes for great contemplation and discussion.
What is that?
I thought antennas went out with black and white TV? Well, in an effort to economically experience high definition TV, I hoisted one of these ugly things on my roof. (the only house with one as far as I can see) Since we are situated directly across the water from Queen Ann Hill, reception is at a premium for the distance. It works great! We get about a dozen stations, six or so which are HD. Actually, the antenna is experiencing a new surge in popularity as more and more stations have a digital broadcasts. The nice thing about digital is that there is no 'snow' or fuzziness. You either get the signal or you don't. So dust off those antennas and join the Jones'.
'Kaysadila' feed
What's a man to do when seven hungry teenage boys show up at his door-- and his wife isn't home? Panic! Then heat up what frozen burritos you have left and shred up some cheese for some quesadillas. Esther is gone for the weekend to a conference: 'Women of Faith,' and the boys and I have had a fairly quiet weekend until Sunday afternoon rolled around. Church always gives the boys the opportunity to make connections with their friends. I value the friendships from church which all of our sons have made over the years. While they each have casual friends outside the church youth group, their closests friends have always been buddies from church. Empty refrigerators are a small price to pay for the social and spiritual stability of your children!
Friday, October 07, 2005
Super volleyball
Sometimes all you need is a slight variation to a common game to add a little excitement. On Wednesday evenings I help out with our church junior high youth group. This week we played blind vball with an exceptionally large ball. The teams couldn't see eachother because of a makeshift wall, which added to the fun. We have been having a great turnout of about 45 kids each week. While I enjoy the evening of interaction with this high energy group, I'm thankful for my elementary classroom! Hats off to junior high teachers.
Monday, October 03, 2005
Carrie's Classic
This past weekend we moved this piano from Esther's parent's house to our living room. Much to my chagrin, Esther insisted that this heirloom be transported and installed in our house. No one in our family plays the piano, but Esther would like it to stay in the family. It was Esther's grandmother's (Carrie) piano. She was a piano teacher and it was her intention that her only granddaughter should take possession of it someday. In order to move it, we rented a Uhaul trailer and arranged for masses of teenage boys at both ends. The toughest part was going down the steps to the living room. I'm hoping that it will stay here a LONG time.
A visit to Langley
We spent Sunday in Canada with Bjorn and Jenny. We got to see Bjorn's new living arrangements. He lives with four other guys from Trinity. It is a four 'bedroom' apartment on top of some commercial property. Bjorn's room is really small, but he loves it. He found a loft bed and is using a small fold down desk that he got from Esther's folk's house. We also saw Jenny's apartment, which is in downtown Fort Langley. It is a very unique living quarters behind a restaurant. It is very handy as there are a lot of amenities just a short walk away. We spent a couple of hours enjoying the shops and setting of Fort Langley. We were almost envious of those 'college days.'
Saturday, October 01, 2005
Dinner with mom
We came up to Lynden last night and I rented a Uhaul trailer this morning. Markus and a bunch of his friends came up separately to visit a friend at Western. So they all came over to the Eide compound for brunch. John grilled pancakes on the outdoor grill. In the afternoon, we went over to see mom and take her out for dinner. We took a drive to Blaine and ate at an Italian restaurant. She seems to be doing well. It's funny how she enjoys talking so much, after being out-talked by dad for 50 years.
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Pasta Party
Last night, Esther and I went out to dinner with my sister Susan and husband Jack. (Sorry about the photo, Jack) It was great to catch up on one another's lives and families. Their quiver of grandchildren is growing, and they are thriving in the grandparent role. Sue had recently made a couple of custom photo books feauring the grandchildren using Snapfish. We commented how much Dad would have enjoyed seeing his new great grandchildren. It has been just over a year since he passed away and we miss him much.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
New Life for old iBook
I recently purchased a 17" high definition TV/ PC monitor. It's primary purpose is a TV for our bedroom. About the only thing Esther and I watch is the nightly news; and with such a monster of a bedroom, this will give us a little more reason to spend time up there. I purchased a high definition tuner on eBay, but I haven't received it yet. It is a widescreen and works great with DVD. It also doubles as a computer monitor. It has breathed new life into my four year old iBook. 17" beats 12" though the lazyboy is a lot more comfortable than the desk.
Sunday, September 18, 2005
September Sailing
The 2005 sailing days are numbered, so when I have a free afternoon and favorable conditions, I am on the water. This afternoon, Josh DeKorte joined me for a relaxing sail to the central sound and back. Josh is always eager to join me and he is a great deckhand. Conversation is never lacking as his inquisitive mind keeps the dialogue active.
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Anniversary
28 years of marital bliss! Well, almost. Today, Esther and I celebrated our anniversary by going to Port Townsend for the day. She enjoys poking through the shops, and I enjoy poking around the docks. We decided not to make it an overnighter this time, as the Texas trip is still fresh in our minds. We are thankful for an adventurous and rewarding life together so far.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
A Dastardly Duo
It's one thing when your son needs a haircut and you can't convince him; it's another thing when your teaching partner needs a haircut and you can't convince him! Seriously, I am very blessed to work side by side with a colleague who shares a faith, a value system and a vision for education. Few teachers work in as close a relationship to eachother as we do. We share the same classroom, the same students, and same teaching responsibility. While we do have points of frustration while working together, we value the benefit of the team which we create together. We are excited about this school year. We have a great bunch of students that need our encouragement and direction to experience significant academic and spiritual (shh) growth. Thanks for putting up with me, Don.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Lunching with Larsons
This morning the worship service consisted of the youth presenting their mission trip to Mexico. Markus and Calvin along with the other youth shared their experiences of how God worked through them. Luke and Amy came over for dinner and a sail. Esther and Amy joined us for the nautical adventure. The wind was mild but steady and Ellen Maria performed well. Luke and Amy are still looking for an apartment, so we took a little drive in the evening and toured the area. We found one that Esther liked on Beach Drive, and I'm a little worried she might move in if they don't take it.
Saturday, September 10, 2005
Back to School
It was good to get back to the teaching routine this week. Don and I have fifty-four students this year, half of whom were with us last year. It's nice to have all the fifth graders used to the routines and able to help the fourth graders adjust to their unfamiliar new setting. We know that there is a purpose that each child is in our class, and we have the opportuntiy to help shape their life for two years. The school year started with an open house the night before classes started. About two-thirds of the parents showed up, which is much better than typical open houses. It seems that every year some parent is uncomfortable with this 'multiage thing' and pulls their child. This year it has not happened, though a couple of new parents were a bit skeptical at first. We look forward to a great year!
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Weekend in Whatcom
We spent Sunday and Monday in Lynden with Esther's family. It was good to catch up on eachother's summer activities. Bjorn and Jenny spent Sunday afternoon with us. He had been in his first accident that morning. Fortunately, it was a minor accident and it wasn't entirely his fault. His bumper is all messed up, but it doesn't effect performance. On Monday, the adults went to Anthonys and then for a walk in Fairhaven where we made and interesting aquaintance with a young man. (see Flickr pic) The weekend was a nice getaway before the school routine begins.
Saturday, September 03, 2005
Wedding at the Woodmark
Last night I had the opportunity to officiate at a beautiful wedding. Nicole Yoder, daughter of some long time friends of ours, was married at the Woodmark Hotel, on Lake Washington in Kirkland. I enjoyed counseling Nicole and her fiance, Ben for the last few months. They will be moving to Eugene, where Ben will pursue a masters in sports business. The ceremony went well and the reception was extravagant, including a chocolate fountain. Esther and I were given a room to stay in for the night. It was quite a contrast from the 'budget' motels that we were accustom to on our Texas trip. I didn't get any pictures of the ceremony since I was occupied and my photographer was too self-conscious to take any pictures. This morning, we walked around the point and enjoyed the setting.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Ellen Maria makes it to her mooring
After waiting all summer to get in the water, Ellen Maria (a.k.a. Piccina II) finally gets to sit on the mooring line. Hopefully, she will get to play in the wind and waves occasionally before I dry her out again in mid-October. After school meetings today, Bjorn and I took her to the launch. I was a little concerned about her through holes, as they leaked a little last time she was in the water. I had placed a fresh sealant on the joints and was hoping that would do the trick. Unfortunately, as soon as she was in the drink, water seeped in by the joints. I agonized about whether to haul her back out. After waiting a half an hour, I decided to go for it. As we motored over to Southworth, we didn't seem to take on any more water. I will have to keep an eye on her the next few days.
Saturday, August 27, 2005
The 'cost' of 'free' mooring
I am determined to get Ellen Maria (the bigger boat) into the water this year. But that necessitated the retrieval of Blue Wing (the smaller boat), and cleaning her up. The Puget Sound is a healthy aquatic environment; and mooring for four months produces an abundance of marine growth on the hull of a boat. The bottom paint protects the bottom pretty well, but where the waves splash the sides a 'scum line' grows. After hauling the boat home this morning, I spent the afternoon scrubbing Blue Wing and getting her ready for winter storage. Hopefully, this means I will get Ellen Maria out on the mooring in time for a month or two of sailing before winter.
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