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.
Saturday, March 06, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
a SMART classroom
It seems like I never win any raffles or drawings. I always watch other people get excited over their new unearned prize. Well, No more! This year I was one of two teachers to win a SMART board in a schoolwide drawing. After patiently waiting four months for the promised wonder gadget, it finally arrived! We are having a blast getting to know it. Many schools around the country have already been using them, so there are lots of interactive websites to utilize. If you are not familiar with a SMART board, they are a giant interface with the computer's 'desktop' Instead of using a mouse or trackpad, you use your hand or 'pen.' The really handy thing for education is that you can build transparencies over any screenshot and then save them. The one drawback in a class of fifty-six students is that only one person can interface at a time. For now, the novelty of the technology is enough to hold their attention.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
A day in George's city
I hope that it is OK to celebrate George Washington's birthday in George Vancouver's city. Instead of our annual Big White ski vacation, this year we did a Dutchman's Olympics day. In addition to celebrating Bjorn's birthday, we watched a lot of the Olympics and went to Vancouver one day to take in some of the free sights. We spent a long day in the city doing the tourist thing. Leaving Lynden in a downpour, we expected the worst in weather; but were blessed with sunny skies. It was quite a challenge to keep 15 people moving in the same direction and not losing each other in the crowds. We spent much of the evening watching the big screen at David Laim Park. We felt a little out of place cheering the USA on in the midst of a Canadian crowd. At 11:30 at night the line at the The Hudson Bay Olympic store was short enough for us to do some souvenir shopping before catching the skytrain back to Surrey. Some of the group also went to Abbotsford on Saturday to watch Russian figure skating practice. It was nice to be close to all the action, though the event coverage is a lot better on a couch at home than the streets of Vancouver.
Saturday, February 06, 2010
War on thorns
I feel like I did battle today. The enemy has left me scratched and weary from a day of combat. Blackberry vines can reach 20 feet or more. Once you slice them, they come back to get you again and again, until you finally subdue them by reducing them to footlong sticks you can trample under foot. The battle with these Northwest pests came as a necessary step in my occasional tree cutting routine to protect our view. Now is the time to do the nasty chore, while winter has the foliage somewhat sleeping. I now have a chainsaw at my disposal as a neighbor bought a new one and made a deal that he would keep it up for us, if I would do the grunt work for both of us. The weather felt more like Spring as I hacked and sawed my way to the cliff. Well, I got a good start on the war and am licking my wounds.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Peter's new toy
My Christmas gift from Esther this year was a handheld GPS unit that I can use while hiking, running, cycling, boating and driving. I have been experimenting with it in many venues this past month, but finally had the chance to bring it on the water. The Garmin Oregon 400c comes preloaded with a coastal navigation map, meaning that it has detailed info and maps for all salt water locations in North America. I took advantage of a sunny afternoon and jumped in the canoe. The device works like a charm. It was interesting to watch my speed over ground fluctuate as I paddled against or with the current. It is something that you can sense by watching the water and surrounding landforms, but becomes painfully or pleasurably obvious with a GPS. One of the very nice features of this Garmin unit is that I can sync it with my computer and have detailed analysis and maps of the route which can be stored and catalogued. Speaking of 'electronic toys,' this week is the announcement of Apple's long awaited 'iSlate' Will it have the same success as the iPod and iPhone?
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Haiti in Happier Days
Having had the opportunity to visit Haiti twice in the last ten years, the images and stories on the news feel doubly painful. The sights, sounds and smells now return, not with nostalgia, but with a pathetic sadness. While our sister church and the people we know in Haiti have been spared from death and injury, there are so many who are obviously in grief and unimaginable pain. A family in Port Orchard mourns the loss of their daughter who was working in an orphanage. Fortunately, a good friend from church, Rebecca Miner, is safe in Cape Haitian. It is difficult to understand how a country so close to the US can be so deprived and now devastated. It is likewise difficult to comprehend God's purposes in natural disasters. We can only trust in His wisdom. We can also hope that in the rebuilding of this country, social and political dynamics will change to allow the people of Haiti to rise up with dignity and hope.
Friday, January 08, 2010
Christmas at New Years
OK, I'm a little late on the post, but last weekend we had the Christmas Eide bash in Southworth. In addition to the now 16 members of the clan, Jenny's sister and husband and son also joined us before going back to Georgia. That made 19 in the house for two nights! Surprisingly, we all fit without too much inconvenience. Jill (Jenny's sister) and Marcus (that's with a c and talks with a southern drawl) took some pictures of the whole clan. We had planned some beach shots, but the weather was awful and we had to settle for inside shots. I'll post one when I get them. We had a great time. Marti provided a variation of the white elephant game that was a lot of fun. Special this year was the presence of Ada and Jackson. The two babies received large amounts of adult attention. I'm sure that they had to recoup this week. Life has almost gotten back to it's routine here in Southworth; Calvin will leave tomorrow for Trinity, leaving the empty nesters to push feathers around and take long winter naps.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Ellen
We were able to spend several days with my sister Ellen from Sacramento. She was immersed into the Eide compound, sharing in some heated Wits and Wagers games. We made a few trips to the Courtyard to visit Mom in her new environment. Later, Ellen accompanied us home to Southworth where we shared a couple of days of post Christmas relaxation. The weather was great and we spent an afternoon in Gig Harbor enjoying the winter sun. We always have plenty of shop talk to share as she is a sixth grade teacher. She was a little apprehensive about flying, given the recent events; and she is happy to be home with Charlie and Princess.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
back to the Courtyard
The joy of this holiday season has been tempered by the sudden move of my mother to an alzheimer's care facility. Just two months ago we moved her to an assisted care section of her retirement home. Last week we were informed that she could no longer live in the assisted care wing; thus another move was necessary. The new facility is in Bellingham and is the same place that Esther's parents lived out their last days. It's comforting to know that mom is in a place where she is understood and treated accordingly. It was hard to take her out of her beloved Lynden, but it was the best option. We hope that she can begin to feel at home as time progresses. Both the Bulthuis' and Eides are beginning to think that it might be a good idea to buy a timeshare at the Courtyard.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Bulthuis Christmas gathering
Merry Christmas! Today was a treat as my siblings and their families gathered together. It had been twelve years since all of the cousins had been together. My brother Doug's kids are in town from New York, Washington DC and Illinois. My sister Susan's kids from Michigan and Renton, and sister Ellen up from Sacramento were all gathered. Two new granddaughters, Ada and Rachel, added a special touch. My nephew Aaron and wife Jen hosted the event. It was a little bitter sweet as the thrill of catching-up was tempered by the reminder of our mother's deteriorating mental health. She moved to a new facility this week and we are all dealing with the transition. In spite of this challenge, we are grateful to God as a family for His rich blessings.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Handel's Messiah
For years I have been wanting to take the family to the 'full deal' of Handel's Messiah. This afternoon Bjorn and Jenny left Ada in Lynden and joined the four of us as we went to Benaroya Hall for the first time and witnessed the Seattle Symphony's rendition of the musical classic. We were not disappointed; and it was well worth it. The hall is amazing and the production was first rate, at least from our perspective. The Messiah is such a monumental oratorio. It is thrilling to hear the gospel so clearly presented in such a piece of art that is appreciated year after year for hundreds of years. We all enjoyed the experience and were able to enjoy dinner and some shopping at University Village before calling it a day.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
babysitting Ada
Esther and I had the opportunity to take care of Ada for two nights while Bjorn and Jenny went to Harrison Hot Springs. She adjusted well to a couple of old folks, though at times it seemed that she looked at us and thought, "my parents sure got old fast." Ada is such an easy going cheerful child; she is very content as long as the necessities of food, diaper and sleep are attended to. She slept through the night the second night, which almost alarmed Esther when she woke up in the morning. It was good to spend time with the Greenwood gang, especially Kelsea who returned home from Bible School in California.
Sunday, December 06, 2009
early December chores
Every year I hope for nice weather the first weekend in December. There are a host of December chores that need some cooperation from the weather. This weekend has been cold, but at least it has been dry. I raked all of the fall leaves, mowed the lawn, cut down a Christmas tree and put the lights on the roof line. Having lived in the house for six years now, I have the system pretty much down, though each year I add just a little more. Esther has started on the inside decorations which will probably be complete by the end of the week. It was a little sad going off to our traditional tree farm without any boys, but I insisted on getting my candy cane. I think that it is the only candy cane I eat all year - driving the tree home.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Gray Saturday
The dismal rain of Saturday morning reflected the mood of Greenwood. After a joyful family Thanksgiving, the inevitable death of a long-loved pony hung over the compound like the drizzly clouds. 'Little Bit' was given to Marika twelve years ago. Little did we know that his presence would spark an equestrian explosion on the Eide compound. It wasn't long before Little Bit's hooves could not compete with Marika's riding fever. More proficient horses were added to the family, but Little Bit held prominence in the affections of his owner. He was lovingly cared for in his retirement. At thirty-eight, he had outlived many of his peers, and had a good life, as ponies go. But time had taken it's toll on Little Bit's hooves and his feet were in constant pain. It was an agonizing family decision to put him out of his misery. Before the vet put him to sleep, it was decided that Ada needed to have her first 'horse ride'. She was all over the hairy mane and was not her usual photogenic self. After the grim deed was done, we consoled ourselves with a family trip to Ikea and a 3D Imax experience of 'A Christmas Carol' On the brighter side of the weekend, there were hours of good family time and visits with the Kangs, Peakes and Haehnels.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Sleepy in Southworth
I was going to entitle this post: 'blogless in Southworth', as it has been a few weeks since the last post. For some reason I couldn't come up with anything blog worthy; which is not to say that anything on this site is 'blog worthy.' Anyway, Esther and I did have some excitement yesterday as we found a replacement for our bed of 32 years, which was actually Esther's for 45 years or so. It was her grandmother's bed set, and seemed a bit of an antique and good enough. (not that we didn't replace the mattresses a few times) Esther has been keeping an eye on craigslist canopy beds for some time, and so it was inevitable that she would eventually find one and negotiate a dutchman price. We drove to Bellevue and even rented a trailer to bring the prize home. Although we've prided ourselves in being content with a full size bed all these years, a 50 year old wife with hot flashes makes me appreciate the extra few inches a queen size supplies. (Some nights a king wouldn't be big enough). Well, our new bed sleeps well and I can only hope we'll still be around to enjoy this one for 32 more years!
Monday, November 02, 2009
Grandma Shower
Esther was given a few surprises this weekend. Her friends had planned a surprise 'grandma shower' on Sunday, with Ada and Jenny coming for an unannounced visit. But as the time approached, the thought of only seeing Ada and Jenny for a couple of hours seemed too much to bear; so on Saturday, Bjorn, Jenny and Ada came for an 'unplanned' visit. The shower was a big surprise for 'Farmor,' and she had a blast as they told stories and presented gifts for grandma's stock pile of granddaughter equipment. Meanwhile, as the ladies partied, Bjorn helped me haul out my boat and mooring system for the winter. We had a beautiful afternoon for our endeavor on the water, and were successful on all accounts.
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Project Doubtfire
Don's curly locks will be disappearing this weekend; but not before the girls in our class had a chance for 'Project Doubtfire.' In preparation for the harvest carnival Friday night, the girls bought supplies for a 'makeover' of Mr. Moore into 'Ms. Moore' Don played along as they fussed over attire, accessories and make-up. The result was pretty impressive, but He makes a pretty ugly woman
Monday, October 26, 2009
moving mom
Dealing with the transitions of aging parents is one of those inevitables of life that is neither enjoyable nor easy. This past weekend my siblings and I joined hands and moved my confused mother to an apartment with greater assistance. Though her body is as strong as an ox, her mind is weak, and she has become a threat to others as well as herself. Her new home will provide her with increasing care as she slips slowly away. It is a pathetic reality that loved ones must helplessly stand by and watch. There are some comforts that accompany this condition. The simple things of life bring great pleasure: a peppermint candy or a ride in the country bring raving accolades – “I love this” or “I am so thankful.” Mom is also quite vocal about her faith and reports visits from Jesus. Her devotional, always turned to the correct date, must be read dozens of times a day, each time a fresh experience. Though the weekend was difficult, it was enjoyable to spend time with both of our families as well as Calvin. Esther had the unexpected opportunity to get together with her high school friends.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Lutefisk anyone?
You can't be around Norwegians too long before the subject of lutefisk comes up. For all the talk and fuss, you would think it was a weekly event. Instead, it is an annual ritual, usually in the late fall or December. The proud Scandinavians don their Norwegian sweaters, gather in halls and gymnasiums around the country, and pig out on traditional foods, all the while swapping stories of recipes and family history. Saturday afternoon, Esther and I joined the newlyweds, Frank and Sherri Carlson for the annual pilgrimage at First Lutheran in Poulsbo. Sherri was introduced to the delicacy for the first time, with negative results. By now I have acquired a tolerable enjoyment of the fish jello, as long as there is plenty of melted butter and cream sauce on it. The famous dish is supplemented with potatoes, meatballs, lefsa, salad, krumkake and lots of coffee. Esther and Frank were in their glory of course, while Sherri and I acquiesced to the hoopla. We brought our happy spouses back to the Carlson big screen where we watched the Husky game and allowed Dennis Erickson and the sun devils to put a damper on our evening.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Connecting with College Sons
Calvin came home from Trinity Western this weekend since it is Canadian Thanksgiving. He is having a great time, busy with friends and enjoying his studies. He admitted that he missed us, though. We went to Seattle this afternoon to meet with Markus and go to his church: Quest Church. Pastor Eugene Cho is a passionate and articulate speaker, and we enjoy his sermons very much. The collegian brothers enjoyed sharing their academic joys and challenges.
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