roof makeover

roof makeover
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

I have been anxious for several weeks now about re-roofing the backside of our rental house on the Thanksgiving break. Will the weather hold? Is there enough time to complete it? Well, after an iffy day yesterday, we decided to go for it today. We had lots of help with Tim and Josh deLacy helping and we completed the whole thing in one day: shake tear off, plywood sheeting and roofing. The fact that our current renter is a roofer helped make it go quick and smooth, especially when it came to shingling. We will wait until sumer to do the front half of the house as the shakes are not in as desperate shape. Thanksgiving was spent with the Bulthuis family at Doug and Pam's. It was a great afternoon and evening, and we were able to introduce Rob Nelson to the Lynden connection. He and his family just moved to Lynden as he has a new job at the border.

Norwegian birthday party

Norwegian birthday party
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

Esther's brother Mike and sister-in-law Marti both turn 50 this year, so Kay organized a big surprise party for them. It was a Norwegian dessert party with lefsa, krumkaka, marzipan cake, etc. About 50 guests came to the afternoon festivities. Mike and Marti were completely surprised as the friends that hosted the party pretended to pick them up for an afternoon in Vancouver; but after picking them up, pretended to have left their passports at home, dragging them to their house. The plan worked well. Thanks, Kay. On the way back from Lynden today, Markus and I joined a Harper Church tailgate party and Seahawks game at Qwest Field. For a while it looked as though the Seahawks might stay with the Redskins, but all to no avail as they choked with a last minute possession.

PLCs

The educational world is notorious for its in vogue jargon and acronyms. A current one is 'PLC' - Professional Learning Community. The last two days, I have been in Seattle with hundreds of other educators being instructed and inspired in how to develop PLCs in our schools. Essentially, PLCs are teams of educators (grade level teachers or subject unified teachers) that work together to analyze existing student performance and develop strategies to improve student learning (how's that for educationeeze!) More simply, it's teachers working together rather than just working in their own 'kingdoms.' Research shows that schools who have developed strong collaborative teams are having significant improvement in student performance. I actually enjoyed the conference and believe that our school will benefit from more structure in our collaboration. I got to experience the Seattle commute for a few days. The Vashon foot ferry makes it convenient for me to walk out my door onto the ferries which puts me downtown. It was about a half hour walk to the Weston Hotel, which was enjoyable exercise. I'm sure the commute would get old eventually; especially considering the hour and a half time each way.

Leavenworth

river walk - Leavenworth
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

This past couple of weeks have been a little hectic and I hope to get back in a regular blogging routine. My MacBook is back from the Apple store after having a hard drive replaced. I have been a little disappointed with the frequency of 'issues' with this laptop. The other four Apple laptops that I have purchased for the family in the last seven years have not had any 'issues'. Esther and I went on a day trip to Leavenworth last weekend. It was damp and cold, but we did get our Bavarian fix for the year. We also had the opportunity this weekend to visit Quest Church in Seattle where Markus attends. It is a merger of a Korean and Covenant Church near the Ballard bridge. The congregation is predominantly young and Asian. Pastor Cho had a very good sermon. He is a passionate and articulate communicator.

my beautiful bl?..brunette?

my beautiful bl?..brunette?
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

The scariest thing that came to our house Halloween was already in it! In honor of 'crazy hair day' at Orchard Heights, Esther gooped up her locks. I much prefer the blonde, but maybe it's just my familiarity. My accomplishment for the weekend was hauling my sailboat out of the water for the winter. Blue Wing is now cleaned and securely 'moored' beside the garage. Much of the last couple of weeks has been spent at our former house. The past renters of five years (has it really been that long?) moved out and we needed to get it ready for the new renters. Well, the new renters are in this weekend. They are a young couple with two young children. As we were cleaning this week, we decided that if we had to, we could move back. The 'lightness' of the main living area has a strong appeal for us.

The Intermediate Multiage Monsters

Mr. Moore and Mr. Bulthuis are having a very enjoyable year teaching 61 adorable students. To some, our children may appear strange, almost peculiar; but to us they are stunningly stellar students that fill our hearts with joy. You can check out our pool of pupils here.

another Buthuis?

a family weekend
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

The whole family came home to Southworth for the weekend. It was somewhat of a celebratory event as we were rejoicing in the announcement of a new Bulthuis entering the world next spring. Yes, you read it right, Esther and I will be grandparents! Though the young couple was not expecting the pregnancy, they are excited about the prospect of becoming parents. Jenny is doing well so far in the pregnancy; a little morning sickness, but otherwise, feeling pretty good. Her work in the early childhood program at Nooksack Elementary is going fine as well. Markus broke away from his busy college life to join us for Sunday. Esther had the additional treat of connecting with longtime friends who live in Montana and Bellingham. (she gloated in her 'gramma' status)

the year of the boat

the year of the boat
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

I recently read a book that I really enjoyed. Unlike my usual fare of epic sailing adventures, this book was about a local writer who took on the challenge of building a small wooden sailboat. The author is Lawrence Cheek, who lives in Seattle and writes travel books and magazine articles. With the skill of a wordsmith, the author describes his frustrations and joys of the boatbuilding project. It is not a book of building technique, but a diary of self-doubt and determination. He often digresses into philosophical musings about life which emanate from his boatbuilding. An added connection for me is his interaction with 'my boating world': the Puget Sound, Wooden Boat Festival, Sam Devlin boatyard near Olympia - settings with which I am very familiar. I have often contemplated building a wooden boat, and though I can't say that this book has inspired me to get started right away, it has given me a clearer picture of the challenges and rewards of taking on such a project.

Foothills Trail - 'take two'

September view of Rainier from Orting
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

This past June, Esther and I took along a couple of boys we were babysitting to the Foothills Trail near Orting. We didn't make it very far as it was quite hot and the boys were young. We loved the trail, and were anxious to explore it again someday. Well, we took the opportunity today to ride the entire 30 mile round trip trail from Puyallup to South Prairie and back. The weather was perfect: sunny, but a little cool. We thoroughly enjoyed the trail. It starts in farm country, goes through Orting and then follows the Carbon River and the foothills to South Prairie. This is definitely our favorite trail so far. Esther did great on her clunky old cheapo Murray. We've decided that she has earned the right to a new bike. Next spring we will have to go bike shopping for her. In other eventful news of the day, Markus departed Southworth for another year at SPU.

Leaders Hike

our classroom leaders at the lighthouse
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

Once again our annual classroom leaders hike took the bad weather alternative to Dungeness Spit. On Saturday, Don and I took a dozen of our classroom leaders on a hike. Several parents also joined us for the ten mile round trip hike to the lighthouse and back. All of the kids made it; and in pretty good time! I think the lousy weather kept the kids from poking along on the beach too much. After the hike, we hit the excellent swimming pool in Sequim. We have a great bunch of fifth graders who help manage the 60 students in our classroom. The hike is something a little special we like to do for them. On Sunday, I had the opportunity to preach at our church. I spoke on the conscience: 'God's ally in the human soul.' By Sunday night, it felt like I had a seven day work week!

a sea of students

a sea of students
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

This school year has gotten off to a great start. The school climate is filled with positive anticipation on account of our new principal. We have a large class (59), but we are enjoying it. We don't seem to have a usual cadre of behavior problems. Having returning students who help with classroom management is a real advantage. Our students did relatively well on their WASL scores last spring, so we are feeling pretty confident. (Beware! "Pride cometh before the fall") The district is implementing new writing and reading curriculums this year, so these two old veterans have to do things a little different. That's good, because it keeps us sharp and falling into a rut.
On a completely different subject, we received a message from our sister church in Haiti. They are suffering much because of the hurricanes: homes and crops destroyed. The road is cut off to incoming supplies. Our church is working with RMI to get rice, beans and oil to the church. Hopefully, the road will be repaired soon, though these things don't happen quickly in Haiti.

wind + water + sun = great September sailing!

sail and sky
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

This week was a great first week of school. Our students are seem wonderful and our staff is fired up for a great year. I will blog about my class this week some time. This morning I poured a little cement for my neighbor and then spent the afternoon sailing. I couldn't pass this opportunity up as my 2008 sailing days are numbered with fall approaching. It was a satisfying sail! The wind freshened and the clouds dissipated as the afternoon wore on. At first, I was just going to sail around Blake Island, but after beating my way up to the north end, Rich Passage looked very inviting. I sailed to Watauga Beach and took some pictures of the house I worked at this summer. There was a strong breeze by then and I had a quick broad reach back to Southworth.

Lynden again

Sunday brunch at Chuckanut Manor with the Eides
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

We went back up to Lynden Labor day weekend, helping Bjorn and Jenny move as well as a little vacationing with the Eides. Esther's parent's home is now occupied by Bjorn and Jenny. It's quite a bit larger than their previous rental, so they probably feel like they are rattling around. We also relaxed Sunday and part of Monday at the cabin at Cain Lake. Instead of the traditional oyster barbecue, we ate at the Chuckanut Manor, where the Eides got their oysters. School begins tomorrow for Esther, Calvin and I. Our school is pretty excited to begin a new year with our new principal.

visiting Lynden

Bulthuis picnic at Birch Bay
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

We spent this past weekend in Lynden doing some prep work on the Van Dyk Rd so Bjorn and Jenny can move into Esther's parents former house. It involved getting rid of the last of the furniture and repairing a vinyl floor. At the same time, we got to see my sister, Ellen who went to China this summer to teach English. She had a great time and wants to go back. The Bulthuis family (my mom, siblings and spouses as well as nephew Aaron and family) had a picnic at Birch Bay. It was a nice evening at the state park and we enjoyed views of the bay and Canadian mountains and an evening campfire. We also got to spend some time with Esther's family. Bjorn and Jenny came back from Mexico and Esther and I went back to school today. Another summer is over!

biking seattle

gas works park
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

We always say that we should take our bikes on the ferry and ride all the way into Seattle. Well, today we did it. Esther and I took a morning ferry over to Fauntleroy, then biked along the Beach Drive to Alki Beach where we enjoyed fish and chips (well oysters and chips in the case of Esther). Refueled, we went on around Elliot Bay to the Seattle waterfront. Taking a detour around Hempfest (which was set up at SAM sculpture park), we went around the east side of Queen Anne to SPU and Fremont. We decided to push it a little further and go on to gas works park before turning around. On the way back we went around the east side of Queen Anne and through some back streets downtown to get back to the waterfront and retrace our route back around Alki to the ferry, stopping again at Alki for supper. The nice thing about this route is that it is pretty much flat the whole way. I don't have an odometer, but I'm guessing that we rode between 30 and 40 miles. We both have sore rears. Well done, Esther!

Big Wedding for the Little Man

Frank and Sheri Carlson
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

Our friends Frank Carlson and Sheri Hitch were married this afternoon despite a downpour of rain. Frank has been a bachelor all these years, patiently waiting for the Lord to give him a partner. Sheri is a gracious loving woman who is basking in Frank's affection. The outside wedding was attended by about three hundred guests. The weather was precarious, and just as the ceremony started, it began to rain (hard). The joy of the moment overshadowed the discomfort. Frank could not resist the opportunity for the spectacular as a team of vikings delivered Sheri's ring in a treasure chest. A picnic complete with roast pig finished the festivities. Fortunately, it stopped raining.

Haiti Trip - day 13

In the morning, we did some last minute shopping. Key West shopping has changed since we were here six years ago. Last time it was filled with tourist trinket shops, all with seemingly the same inventory. Now there are more galleries and upscale specialty shops. We headed out of the Conch Republic late morning bound for Key Largo and the snorkel tour at John Pennekamp State Park. We both enjoyed the snorkel tour very much. It was a somewhat rough day on the waters, so they took us to a reef about five miles off shore. We snorkeled for an hour or so just inside the reef. The coral and variety of fish were amazing. It felt like we were swimming in a giant aquarium filled with beautiful fish. We cleaned up at the campground showers as we decided to forgo a motel for the night and spend another glorious night in the Miami airport. Our flight left at 7am, so it didn't make much sense to get a room for a couple of hours, just to get up at 3am, bring the rental car back and get to the airport. We chose a spot about ten feet away from our last 'carpet suite' and caught a little shut eye between interruptions. The flight home was direct and we were in Seattle by 10am.

Haiti Trip - day 12

Despite the heat, we decided to rent bicycles to get around Key West. Mopeds and electric cars are also very popular rental items. In the morning, we took a long ride all the way around the key. We got a little overheated, but refreshed ourselves at Camille's restaurant, a funky local favorite. Then it was off to rent a sailboat for an hour. I wanted to rent their Hobie 16, but they were a little lazy, since it wasn't rigged yet; so they talked us into the Hobie 14. It was fun to be on the warm water. Hobie sailing is definitely a wet experience, so it is obviously not a Puget Sound favorite. Esther enjoyed laying on the trampoline and getting splashed with warm water. In the evening it was back down to Mallory Square to enjoy the sunset. Tomorrow, we head back to Miami.

Haiti Trip - day 11

After a long night of sleep in air conditioning, we started down the Keys. We stopped in Key Largo at Pennekamp State Park and reserved a snorkel tour for our return trip. We were amazed at the traffic in the upper Keys, mostly coming out. There were lots of pickups pulling fishing boats; must be some kind of season opening this week. We arrived in Key West mid-afternoon and checked into the Chelsea House, an old historic house turned hotel-very cozy and right in the middle of things. Town is packed with tourists, despite it being off season. There are many Europeans as well as those from the Midwest and Northeast. Everyone heads for Mallory Square at sunset, which was pretty much a dud tonight. The town parties until 4am, but we turned in at 10pm.

Haiti Trip - day 10

Ah, the joys of travel in Haiti! We checked in early at the Les Cayes airport and waited a couple of hours. It was hard to say goodbye to the RMI missionaries and staff. They make so much effort to make our stay a pleasant one. We are able to have these trips only because these people believe in the importance of this ministry and sacrifice their comforts to make it happen. Check them out at http://www.rminet.org/ Once we got to Port au Prince the fun began: Keeping track of bags while being hounded by porters, standing in endless lines, going through security three times, handing your passport over five times. The three hour ordeal ended successfully, with all people and baggage aboard. We are now safely in Florida, spending the night in Homestead; and tomorrow Esther and I embark on our adventure in the Keys.