The lavender season is extremely late this year and although the annual pilgrimage to Sequim was late, it still preceded the height of the bloom. After picking up Marika from the airport and her Florida internship, the Lynden crowd came to Southworth to join Esther for the weekend. I escaped to Lynden and left Calvin to fend for himself amongst the females. The ladies had a wonderful day in Sequim, taking pictures, picking lavender and strolling the farms. Ada insisted on bare feet and stole the photogenic show. While the ladies were lavendering, Bjorn and I installed their new dishwasher and sailed our dinghies on the light breezes of Wiser Lake. Much to my chagrin, Bjorn's boat sailed circles around my boat. However, mine is more stable and handles the strong winds better.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
31 years of Bulthuis service
I felt somewhat like a traitor today as I signed away the title to the Datsun 200sx. My father bought this car new in 1980 and it was the envy of all the students at the high school where he taught. When Dad went on to bigger and better several years later, it passed to my nephew in Olympia and then in time to two nieces. My brother-in-law Jack kept it in top working condition, even having the engine rebuilt by the mechanic students at the Shelton prison. Seven years ago Jack gave the car to Markus shortly after he got his license. Then it passed to Calvin. I suppose that I could have continued to repair it, but for two months of use each year and an eye sore to the neighbor, I decided it was time to let it go. At 247,000 miles, I am sure that it still has some life. That's less than our 98 Sienna with 251,000.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Trail of the Coeur d'alenes
We just returned from a three day getaway exploring some of the North Idaho bicycle trails. We spent two days on the Trail of the Coeur d'alenes. The trail begins up on the palouse, descends to the lake, then meanders along several lakes and the Coeur d'alenes River up to the town of Mulan near the Montana border (72 miles). Our time was spent on the lower portion from Plummer to Cataldo. Our longest day was 54 miles from Harrison to Cataldo and back. There is only one town on this lower portion, the lakeside hamlet of Harrison. It became our launch site and destination for daily rides. The trail is built on an old rail grade so it is relatively flat. We enjoyed the beautiful scenery of lakes, rivers, mountains and fields as we pedaled side by side talking and listening to the abundance of birds and occasional river traffic. The temperature was a very comfortable 80 degrees for most of the time. Our lodging for the two nights was a bed and breakfast in St. Maries. It was an unique experience in which we interacted significantly with the host family and other guests. It wasn't the most private of accommodations, but it sure gave us a strong feel for the local culture. Our last day was spent in and around Coeur d'alene, exploring the bustling town and checking out the east end of the Centennial bike trail (with sore bottoms).
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
A Family Fourth
This past weekend we had the chance to spend some great time with family. On Sunday, the Bulthuis clan, including my siblings and their children converged on a downtown Seattle condo for Brian Bulthuis' fiance Kate's bridal shower. Brian and Kate live in New York, but came out for the weekend. Kate's sister owns a spectacular condo on 2nd Ave. between Pine and Pike. The ladies stayed at the condo on the 38th floor overlooking the city while the men walked down to Safeco Field to watch a Mariner game. After the game we spent a couple of hours back at the condo visiting and enjoying the view. Then on the Fourth, Ellen, Jenny, Ada, Ruby, Markus and Steph joined us in Southworth for a great day. We enjoyed the great weather and went to Harborside Park and watched Ada enjoy the fountains. Ada and Papa took a couple walks to the beach and the 'gummywormer store' All have gone home and it is painting weather in Southworth.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Home for the summer
I am almost a week late in posting something about Calvin's return, but in the interest of my blog providing a journal of our doings, I better record the event. Calvin returned last Saturday. Josh and Alicia joined us, as well as Camille who drove up from Vancouver, WA to welcome Calvin. He spent a lot of time with friends on the weekend before we put him to work Monday morning on pressure washing and painting prep on the rental. True to form, Calvin has his summer planned out already. It is nice to have him home for a couple of months before he goes back to Japan for ten months. We will try to make the most of our times together. Esther finished the last bit of work obligations and is off until the latter part of August. We look forward to a lot of family time this coming weekend.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Another boat - you've got to be kidding!
It seems that I had just recently rid myself of all unwanted boats and I was going to be content with my Montgomery 17. Actually there are many reasons for my recent purchase. I have often wanted a rowboat for those calm evenings when the water beckons, but there is no wind. I would also like a little sailing dinghy for winter sails or distant lakes. In addition, when cruising with my M17, it would be nice to tow a dinghy. I have been keeping my eye open for a reasonably priced Minto dinghy which is rich in local history. Last week I came across this dinghy for sale in Port Townsend. It was made by Montgomery just like my 'big' boat and was also designed by the same legendary designer, Lyle Hess. I had never seen one of these available, so I had to at least check it out. A deal was negotiated, and I find myself in possession of another classic Monty. I am anxious to test it out.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
back on the hook for another season
My Montgomery 17 is back on her summer mooring, ready for play at her captain's call. It is an annual milestone for me to get her on the mooring -- first comes the sprucing her up with wax, varnish and paint -- then making sure all rigging and gear are functioning and on board -- followed by remaking the mooring with the necessary new chain, swivels and shackles. The final day involves dropping the mooring, using canoe and rubber raft; then off to the launch to rig the boat and drop her in the water. The weekend weather was cooperative and I was able to get her in the water on Saturday and then do some sailing with Tim on Sunday. Another sailing season has begun!
Monday, June 06, 2011
Sri Lanka meets Southworth
Yesterday we had the opportunity to meet Stephanie's parents who live in Sri Lanka. They are here in the Northwest for a couple of weeks to celebrate Stephanie's graduation from SPU. We had heard lots about them from Stephanie, so it was great to meet them in person. Ted and Renate are missionaries in Sri Lanka where they are involved in leadership training of local pastors. While enjoying a delicious salmon dinner from Esther, we soaked up story after story of elephants and monsoons. It was a great evening and we are thankful for the opportunity to visit. Today's somewhat uneventful birthday was placated by the enjoyment of yesterday.
Monday, May 30, 2011
A laid back Memorial weekend
After a busy Spring, we were ready for a quiet weekend in Southworth. Esther and I were able to get some much needed yard work accomplished and I pulled the boat out of storage and tinkered with it some. On Sunday night Mike and Marti came down for a visit on their way to pick up Marika from Canyonview in Oregon. Monday afternoon we went to Bremerton waterfront area and took a long walk. We ate outside at the new Bremerton Bar and Grill which we enjoyed. We were fortunate to have a dry Memorial weekend this year.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Dodging the bullet
As I drove to the coast through the steady rain early Saturday, I resigned myself to an inevitable wet camping experience with our fifth graders. We have been fortunate over the last ten or so years of Neah Bay trips to only have one or two wet experiences, and they were not fun. However, my fears were unwarranted as we evaded the rain once again and had a great trip to Shi Shi Beach and an evening camping at Makah Bay. My pessimism once again returned at 5 am Sunday as rain pelted the tent. But we dodged the bullet as it stopped raining and we enjoyed a great breakfast and hike to Cape Flattery. The students were great and the parents a great help. Another successful Neah Bay trip for the books.
Monday, May 16, 2011
MSP
Another year of MSP testing was completed today. This year was marked by the great pencil fiasco. On the first day of testing, all students in the school were given special pencils for the tests. Somewhere in the ordering process #2 1/2 pencils were shipped to the school and no one caught it until the students had started testing. Some of my students commented, but I figured that the testing coordinator would not have given them out if they weren't kosher. Anyway, once the mistake was discovered, it was school wide panic. Calls were made to the state testing office and we were told to have the students erase their answers and remark them with #2 pencils. District personnel scurried to the building, combing over each test to make sure the correct pencil lead was used on every question. We hope that the incident does not invalidate the tests. Most likely not, but it made the first day exciting to say the least. I have high hopes for our fifth graders who took math, reading and science tests. My collaborative 5th grade teaching buddies put meal wagers on whose class will have a higher percent of passage. It's a bit of a can't lose because winner buys the meal; but I hope I'm buying!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Ready for new tenants
The last couple of months have been consumed with fixing up our former residence for new renters. Seven years of negligent renters and pets left the place in sad shape. We totally resurfaced the inside of the house. All walls and ceilings were painted. All sills, trim, wood floors, baseboards and some cabinets were refinished. All the carpet and vinyl was replaced. It feels like a new house and looks inviting to move back into. Needless to say, all spare time not at work was spent working on the house. It is finally complete! The new renter moved in today with the help of her church small group. We are excited to have Tracey Robinson and her children, Ryan and Emily in our house. Tracey comes with several strong recommendations from friends that we trust. We are optimistic that it will be a good situation. The only thing that made it easy to work at the rental and miss out on spring boat preparations was the lousy weather that we have had the past two months. Now that I can enjoy it, I hope the weather finally turns.!
Monday, May 09, 2011
Discovery Park - Mother's Day
After working hard at the rental house on Friday and Saturday, Esther and I needed a break from Southworth for Mother's Day. We went over to Seattle and picked up Markus and Steph. We ate at an Indian restaurant in Ballard and then went on a hike at Discovery Park. The weather was just nice enough for a walk along the top of Magnolia Bluff and to the lighthouse below. We ended the afternoon at a Starbucks in Magnolia. Markus begins a new job this week downtown at a law firm transcribing claims. Steph is looking forward to graduation next month and seeing her parents.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Birthdays and Easter
Saturday's sunshine greeted the birthday celebrations of mom and Ada. Combined, their ages are 90, Ada 2 and mom 88. We celebrated with Mom at the Courtyard. Balloons were definitely a hit with the young and old alike. Mom really enjoyed batting the balloon back and forth. My sister Ellen was up for spring break so all of Mom's children were there as well as several grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ada's party was later in the afternoon and featured the color blue and pizza. Both sets of grandparents and various friends joined the Greenwood Gang to help celebrate. The next day was Easter and after a worship service at Oikos and a big dinner, Ada enjoyed her first egg hunt. She had a lot of help both finding the eggs and eating the treats.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Cannon Beach
We couldn't pass our spring break without a little getaway, so Friday morning we headed for the Oregon Coast. We were fortunate to have great weather on Friday and Saturday. We always take the 'backroad' to the Oregon Coast, avoiding I-5. For years we made it a point to make a meal stop in South Bend at the Boondocks Cafe where Esther would get her beloved hang town fry. Unfortunately, the place shut down last year, so we are searching for another spot. On the recommendation of friends, we tried the Rusty Tractor in Elma. It was OK if you're into Yak burgers, but I think we'll keep looking. Friday we spent the afternoon in 'sunny Seaside' (at least one day of sun). We soaked in as much sun as we could, walking the beach, promenade and streets. Since the building of the Trendwest resort, the town has really been transformed in the last ten years. The streets were filled with vacationing Washingtonians. Friday night was the thrifty night - dinner at Mo's and a stiff bed at Motel 6. Saturday was Cannon Beach day with an excursion to the small village of Manzanita. The clouds started rolling in during the afternoon, but the rain held off until dark. We enjoyed our room at the Waves Motel in town, walking to beach, shops and a dinner at the new LumberYard Grille. The patter of rain woke us up Sunday morning with the cold reality of life in the northwest and the end of another spring break.
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Paint Party
This year we are spending our Spring break a little different from our usual travel frenzy. A couple of factors played into this break from tradition. One factor is that our rental home is vacant and in need of a make over. The other is that Calvin is home from Japan for part of the week. With much reluctance, we will put him on the airplane back to Tokyo until late June. His final term of the year starts next week and he does not want to interrupt his course of study. It was a relief to have him home for two weeks. We trust he will be safe. He was able to join the paint party with Markus, Kay and Marti who came down to Southworth to help for a couple of days. We were able to paint the entire inside of the house (all ceilings and walls) in just a few days. A big thanks to Kay and Marti for their help. The rest of the break will see more work at the rental and maybe a couple of days to get away.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Home for now
After much emotional turmoil and anxiety, we decided to fly Calvin home from Japan while things stabilize after the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear radiation. Calvin was not anxious to leave his friends and adopted country, but we pulled the parent trump card. His trip went smoothly even though we insisted that he leave for the Tokyo airport 24 hours early, necessitating a night on the airport's tile floor. Oh for the bones of a 20 year old! He arrived Saturday morning to a rare sunny day. The entire family, as well as friends made his first 24 hours in the US exhausting. This week, Calvin is enjoying time with friends who are on college break, as well as visiting friends at Trinity and family in Lynden. He has a scheduled flight to return to Tokyo on April 6 for his next term, but that is contingent on conditions and his parent's comfort level. We are relieved that he is safe for now, but still very anxious for the people of Japan and Calvin's plans.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Safe Sons
The last couple of days have been somewhat anxious for us with the disasters in Japan. We are thankful that our boys are safe, but have sorrow for the many that are suffering. Calvin has an extended Spring Break (six weeks), so Markus decided to take a two week visit to Japan this month. Calvin planned a Bulthuis style tour of southern Japan, complete with youth hostels and internet cafes; little knowing how providential that would become. They visited Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka among other things. They were in Hiroshima when the earthquake hit and didn't even find out about it until several hours later. Their train trip back to Tokyo was blocked and they had to take a bullet train to avoid a two day delay. Safe back at the university, they will spend a couple of laid back days before Markus flies back home on Tuesday. For more details of the trip see the link to Markus' blog on the right.
