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.
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