University Calls {University of Puget Sound Campus Visit}

Visiting the old stomping grounds, the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, as the parent of a potential student seems slightly surreal.  And yet, that's my reality.  Zachary received his acceptance letter from UPS with the added bonus of a 4-year presidential scholarship, making it well worth the day trip to investigate the campus and sit in on a class.  Visiting the brick and evergreen campus where Tim and I attended undergraduate studies in the late 80's brought back fond memories for me and opened up exciting possibilities for Zachary. 

While on campus, I dropped in on my former advisor in the Communication Department, who happened to be at her desk preparing for a class.  She had no idea who I was, but it was nice to see her again and to introduce Joseph and Peter to someone who had such an impact on my life at university. 

Can you spot Zachary?

After joining an hour's talk introducing the university, we parted ways with Zachary, who spent the rest of the day touring campus, attending a class, sitting for interviews with the head of admissions and the head swim coach, as well as visiting the athletic facilities.  Joining students from California, Idaho, Colorado, and Oregon, Zachary was the lone Washingtonian in the group.  Interestingly, only two fellow visitors were admitted students; all the rest were probably juniors getting a head start on university discernment before the drop-dead decision deadlines approaching now. {Note to self: bring Joseph and Peter to visit campuses before spring of their senior year}.

Of note:

• While touring the athletic facilities, Zachary had to laugh when the mother of a swimmer from So Cal asked in wonder, "But where is the outdoor pool?
• While visiting the humanities class, Zachary volunteered to answer a question, "What was inside the acropolis?"
• Next stop: WSU campus visit
• One year ago today, we visited the Colosseum, Forum and St. Paul's burial site in Rome. 

Carport Roof Takes Shape {Zac's Eagle Project}

Scout volunteers & our pastor Rev. Qui Thac Nguyen

An early morning phone call on Sunday awakened Zachary to the news that his construction-savvy-adults were not available for the rescheduled work party after all.  Rather than cancelling, Zachary rounded up other adults with know-how and forged ahead with the plans for an afternoon of sawing and hammering to place roof supports for the carport.   A big pot of chili, chips and home made cookies kept the energy levels and spirits high.

A team of Scouts and adults enjoyed the sunny Sunday outside together, with sure signs of progress to show for it.  At the close of the afternoon session, almost half of the roof supports were in place.  The carport-in-progress has already survived winds in excess of 60mph.  Another work party will soon be scheduled, following a short break for a little traveling to visit local universities.

Joseph on the hammer

Tim covered in sawdust

Peter and Mr. O hold the roof beam in place.

Joseph: not hiding from work, but from the ever present camera.

 

Another day closer to Eagle = progress to celebrate!

Tree Trimming {Carport/Eagle Project}

 

Zachary vs the trees~

the saga continues...

Slated for removal or trimming per the architectural designs, then spared for the sake of not changing the landscape too dramatically, these trees simply had to be topped to make way for the carport roof.  With a good friend and fellow acolyte, Zachary spent a few hours on Saturday doing battle with the branches.

Zachary's core team of skilled, knowledgeable adult workers took a well-earned day off to go sailing and spend time with their families, offering to come back on Sunday for another session of constructing the carport.  In their absence the planned Saturday work party was rescheduled for after Mass on Sunday, and Saturday became a supply gathering, tree trimming, plan studying kind of day.

Zachary carefully studies the plans before placing a large lumber order.

Kevin takes a whack at the hedge while Father Qui Thac admires the amazing view of the Puget Sound and San Juan Islands beyond.

Tim delivers a custom over-sized lumber order, marked creatively for safe and legal travel.

Architect Scott Piper reviews the plans with Zachary and Tim. 

Father Qui Thac, home safely from the house-building mission trip to Mexico, checks out the progress. 

Zachary makes a final materials list before for a Saturday shopping spree.

Carport Going Up {Zac's Eagle Project}

After four years of planning and preparing to build a carport at the rectory at Sacred Heart, Zachary's Eagle Project grew wings this beautiful spring weekend.  Volunteer construction experts on hand with piles of tools and know-how~ Zachary's project finally took flight. 

As the group assembled to raise the carport, one small obstacle remained: Father Qui Thac's car.  Parked in the work zone (its usual reserved spot) the car might have prefered to wait for Father's return from the NCCM mission trip to Mexico.  A spare key could.not.be.found.  The work party, delayed for an hour or more, began to muse about using the forklift to relocate the vehicle, when fantastically, a spare key was located!

Serious man power was need to rotate the beams into position for raising.

Zachary tightens lag screws on the post.

Tim sets the post in place.

A meatless Lenten lunch served on Friday

Zachary, Peter, Joseph and Tim on the job site; some with steel toes, some with bare toes.

Mr. G expertly lifts the final beam with the forklift and sets it in place following meticulous hand signs from his co-workers to avoid upsetting a live power line overhead.

T+drill=skill

Zachary attempts a few pull ups on the new beam; punishable by splinters.

365 Days {Time Flies}

One year ago today, I wondered what to pack as we prepared to depart on our three week family pilgrimage to Italy.  Today I'm wondering if Zachary's Eagle Project construction really will begin tomorrow as per the (ever-so-often-revised) master plan.  With a few changes in the materials list at the last minute, Zachary made notes on the building plans and drove to three different building supply retailers to pick up 9 brackets, taking a break from his last final (take-home) exam from community college. 

New Chapter {Ezra @ Job Corps}

Working overtime, Ezra's guidance counselor convinced Ezra not to let his opportunity at Job Corps pass him by.  With her help, and a free bus ride sponsored by Job Corps, Ezra departed for a new beginning yesterday.  She stayed with him at the depot until his bus arrived, and personally asked the driver to assist Ezra with the transfer in Mt. Vernon.  He got on the bus holding his soccer ball like a teddy bear.

I met with Ezra briefly in the counselor's office at school before his departure encouraging him to put his best foot forward, and reminding him that he would be welcome to come visit us any time.  I told him that we have missed him these past few weeks and gave him a hug and a blessing. 

Ezra is now in the company of Keziah and Boaz, his Liberian cousin/siblings, who were anxiously awaiting his arrival and looking forward to helping him learn the ropes of the Job Corps way of life.

Your prayers for Ezra are greatly appreciated... keep storming heaven for him, will you?

the Hearse and the Cement Truck {Zac's Eagle Project}

One of our family's ongoing ministries at our parish includes serving at funerals.  The boys as altar boys, and I as sacristan, have served at many, many funerals over the years.  Almost every funerals comes complete with a hearse, but the most recent funeral also came with a cement truck... Well, the funeral itself didn't come with a cement truck, but Zachary's Eagle Project was cemented right in the middle of a funeral.  So half of the family was within, and the other half was without, and I floated in between capturing a few shots for the official record of this amazing and ongoing Eagle Project.

 

Ferndale Ready Mix to the rescue!

A hero of this stage of the Eagle Project is our dear and fellow Scouter Tom G., who has spent countless hours of his free time away from his family volunteering to complete some of the very technical aspects of the pre-construction form assembly and site prep.  With the help of a few co-workers and a very mellow dog, Tom anchored the cementing operation while allowing Zachary to play an active part in the 'mud' pour. 

Tim slipped away from work to be on site for the big moments, but stood back as a supportive spectator to let Zachary take the lead.

The beautiful sight of completed forms at Zac's Eagle Project almost overshadows the beauty of (nearly) spring blossoms... soon and very soon the carport will be truly built. 

After the cement pour and funeral Mass, Zachary updates our beloved pastor, Father Qui Thac Nguyen, over lunch.