Of all the facets of residential construction, concrete work is one of my least favorite. But my neighborhood employer wants cement, and lots of it; so it's time to break out the knee pads, gloves and trowel. Markus and Calvin helped me pour four yards of concrete today. They moved it the 30 yards from the cement truck to the pad by wheel barrel. I supervised and made sure it got in the right place! Then the back challenging work of trowelling began. The slab ended up looking half way decent. Tomorrow, it's up on the roof of the rental to tear off shakes. Evenings are killing me, with sunny skies and great wind; and an anxious sailboat in the driveway. But I have to finish up some fix up details on the boat before trying her out.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
You did what?!!!
My adventure this past week might seem a little foolhardy. Driving a sixteen year old truck with 200k for 3500 miles to pick up a 30 year old boat and trailer would to some people seem like sheer stupidity; which is what I did feel at times. Leaving Saturday morning and returning Wednesday night, I drove to Carlsbad, New Mexico to buy a boat. You would think that there would be plenty of boats in the Puget Sound, that such action was unnecessary. But the lack of availability of this particular boat on the used market for a decent price convinced me to go for it. More about the boat will follow in future blogs. I purchased the boat from a Urologist who sailed it in a bathtub -- reservoir for the last ten years. The condition of the trailer made me very apprehensive about the return trip. I had the bearings repacked and hoped for the best. Unfortunately, though both tires had plenty of tread, they blew up in the heat of the road: one near Gallup, NM and the other near Baker City, OR. Other adventures of the trip included having my cell phone stolen at a rest area, being three cars behind a head-on collision with 2 fatalities, and having my mast break loose on I-5, forty miles from home. Needless to say, I am very THANKFUL to be safely at home in Southworth with my prize boat in the driveway.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Calvin's College Computer
It is a Bulthuis tradition to send their sons off to college, armed with the latest Mac laptop. Ever since Bjorn received his first MacBook Pro, Calvin has been anticipating the day when he would get his own Mac laptop. Well, the day has finally arrived! We snuck past the long line of iPhone buyers today to snag a 15" unibody MacBook Pro, as well as a free iPod Touch (college student promotion) from the Apple Store in University Village. Calvin is all smiles tonight as he is probably the envy of his brothers, since every three years you can get more Mac for your parent's buck.
Missing Mary
The end of our year at Sidney Glen Elementary ended on a sad note. One of our teachers died on the second to the last day of school. She was working on Wednesday and past away on Friday. She had been battling internal organ ailments for some time and fell unconscious of Thursday. Mary served as a Title 1 teacher, working with small groups of struggling learners. She had a tender and gracious heart that was full of love for her students. She always reminded me of my two Chicago aunts, Helen and Ella. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a tender heart of sympathy. Mary was at Sidney Glen when it began and she will be missed greatly in the years to come.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
biking with nieces
First day of summer break. Kay brought Kelsea, Bria and Lisbeth (from Norway) down to Southworth and we went on a bike ride from the Gig Harbor park n ride, across the Narrows and down to Ruston Way. We stopped to see Anna and Sovann's house remodeling process (digging a garage/basement under the house), then met up with Anna and Lucy in Old Town. We did have a pedal malfunction with one of the Greenwood bikes, but Anna was able to lend us hers to finish up the Ruston Way leg. Esther was disappointed she couldn't join us because of work, but enjoyed the evening as Anna came to join us all for supper.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
The Graduates
Big weekend! Calvin's graduation was Friday night. The Greenwood clan came down to celebrate with us. The ceremony in the Tacoma Dome was fairly short considering the near 600 graduates. Josh gave one of the speeches and did a great job. Saturday was a joint party with Alicia's and Josh's families. Bjorn, Jenny and Ada spent the weekend and Ada said that she loved being with her grandparents in Southworth. Sunday was the Biker Barbecue at Harper and we got a chance to show off our granddaughter. Monday morning Calvin and Corbin go with the Harper graduates on a week long houseboat trip to Lake Shasta.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Goodbye Blue Wing
Tonight I sold my faithful friend, 'Blue Wing' It really wasn't impulsive. I have been wanting to get a different boat for several years, but it's hard to buy when you have two boats already sitting in your yard. Now I have a good reason to buy a new one! Still, I am feeling a little 'seller's remorse' as she has been a great boat to me. She taught me a lot about sailing. She gave me eleven and a half years of inexpensive enjoyable sailing experiences. One consolation is that the new owner is a young man nearby who will probably want some sailing company at times.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Neah Bay Camp out
While Calvin and Esther were busy with the Prom details, I was with my class at Neah Bay. It was the largest group yet - 28 students and 24 adults. We were thankful for good weather and the tide was very low for our Shi Shi Beach hike, great for exploring tide pools and sea caves. The large group made it a somewhat less cohesive than earlier years, and I ran a little short on food; but everyone had a good time. The drive was extra long this year because the Hood Canal bridge is closed. (five hours each way)
Bulthuis tops Prom honors
I know it's hard to imagine, but a Bulthuis took the honors at the Prom Dance. Saturday was the South Kitsap Prom. Calvin's date was Nicole Patmos. They joined Josh and Alicia and another couple on a visit to Benihana in Seattle. The dance was in Bremerton. Calvin was voted as Prom King and his friend Alicia was voted Prom Queen. They had the first dance. Imagine that! Calvin and friends ended their exciting day at our house. Friday was also a special night as Calvin was honored at the Scottish Rite lodge with a dinner and $1500 scholarship.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Laurel's Night
This past Thursday, Calvin and his fellow scholars were honored at the South Kitsap Honor Society Laurel's Night. Calvin received a Rotary and Scottish Rite Scholarship as well as being recognized as part of the top ten GPA of the class. His hard work and strong study habits are producing pay back. Congratulations, Calvin. We are proud parents.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Mother's Day
Today was Esther's first GRANDmother's Day. Though this was our first weekend away from Ada, the little granddaughter was often in Esther's mind. Markus came home to help celebrate the day; and though the weather wasn't as nice as predicted, we went on a family outing to Hanesville.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Calvin's College Choice
The above title is a little ironic as Calvin's best friend Josh has made a 'Calvin College choice.' Calvin Bulthuis has made his decision for college next year. He 'threw a curve ball' at us in the last couple of weeks. Though he had not applied earlier to TWU, as he had to Westmont, Biola and Gordon, it was a school that he was considering. With sights still set on International Christian University - Japan in 2010, Calvin feels that a year at Trinity would be a good introduction to the college experience. The school has an emphasis in linguistics and a strong international feel compared to the other colleges he has considered. We of course are thrilled as he will be close to home and able to touch base with Bjorn on campus and the Lynden clan whenever he wants. Trinity is a great school and if Calvin's Japan plans change, he is in a great place to make other choices.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Greenwood County Fair
The rain held off (sort of) for Ada Lynn Bulthuis' baby shower. Actually, we were very fortunate as the heavy clouds held their peace until just after the last guests made their way home. Great Aunties, Marti and Kay put on a wonderful gathering with a county fair theme. "Greenwood' is the historic name of the neighborhood where the Eide compound near Lynden is located. The 'County Fair' included fresh squeezed lemonade, kettle corn, corn dogs, homemade pie and ice cream. Younger guests got to enjoy a petting zoo and hay stacks. The more limber guests competed in a diaper diving competition. Family and friends from as far away as Oregon, South Dakota and Alberta helped celebrate the event. Ada was oblivious of the whole scene as she was willingly handed off from guest to guest. A big thank you to all for your presence and presents. - homophone :)
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
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
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
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.
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