Tay's Grad Card

Stationery Card

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Theo's Memories

OBW was the only one of the five siblings to go to college -- mainly because a woman in Richmond, Ill, the

nearest town saw potential in him and offered to loan him money (at 6%) to go to college
.

When OBW was at Beloit College, he lived at Professor Wright's house and shoveled coal (as was mentioned) toward the rent.  He later transferred to Univ. of Wisconsin, graduating as a chemical engineer. 

Sometime after he married mother Marjorie in 1920 (I didn't know that date), they moved to Niagara Falls, NY where he worked for the Carborundum Co. -- and I was born there in April, 1926. They drove across country with me in a clothes basket when I was just 7-8 months old, landing in Lompoc on a rainy night in December, 1926. 

He worked as a chemical engineer for how long I don't know, but became plant manager shortly before WWII, perhaps about 1940-1941. He was plant manager when Johns-Manville won the Army-Navy "E" award for good health and environmental and other safety practices (before our current laws) as part of the war effort. OBW was most proud of that -- they got it more than once during the war and it took a lot of ingenuity to get it -- labor was short and all kinds of problems like that.

I don't remember how much of this was in his writings, but these come from my memories as a kid growing up. He worked and saved regularly to have the funds to send all three of us to college and build toward retirement, and still have a good life in little Lompoc.

I think I have a picture of Marjorie teaching Sunday School to preschoolers that might be good for the blog. She taught that class for some 40 years at the Lompoc Presbyterian Church -- and OBW got J-M to donate the land that the present church was built on -- And I think Roger recorded many good things about OBW in the anniversary trip he wrote up so well. I presume you have a copy of that -- as well as I presume you have a complete copy of his writings??

 

The sunset from the point.

                                             View from the beach at night.

                                Many hay farms are located around Orcas!

                                                   Evening time.

                                      View of the beach from a boat.

 

Orcas Island is truly a precious place.

Seeing is believing

Kayaking from Deer Harbor

In the channel between Crane and Shaw

Another memorable sunset

Sunrise with reflecting moon

Crabbers in 'Claremont Jr.'

Taylor's Self Portrait

July/August 2012, Part 3

On Monday we walked onto the ferry boat (it's free!) and rode over to Friday Harbor to  poke around the 'big' town.  Cheryl got a massage while the rest of us wandered through the small shops and quaint streets.  We had a nice lunch and then figured nothing here was better than Westwoods so we took the ferry back to Orcas.  We picked up a frozen pizza at Orcas Landing so the kids could hang out while Cheryl and I wnet out for dinner at the New Leaf cafe -- it was excellent, by the way.  


Tuesday, we rented a motorboat in Deer Harbor and cruised over to Roche Harbor.  After circling the harbor looking for the county dock, we tied up and explored the village.  It is a charming little place -- definitely the busiest harbor in the islands but still small enough to feel like you are at an outpost of civilization.  

We enjoyed a nice lunch at the Madrona Bar & Grill.  This place has it all going on -- great location (sunny deck overlooking the harbor), good service (quick refills on water, orders taken promptly, drinks and appetizers brought quickly, friendliness all around) and most importantly great food.  My 'Cheeseburger in Paradise' was one of the best burgers I'd ever had (caveat: I was very hungry) and the kids polished off their meals with enthusiasm.  It wasn't cheap but eating on the islands rarely is.

We stopped by Jones Island on the way home, and then circled in the waters off Westwoods -- I will ask Taylor to post some photos later.  The kids each took a turn or two driving the boat -- something that got a few laughs and thrills.  

Wednesday was Taylor's birthday.  After a long 'sleep in', she and her friend Fiona loaded into the pickup truck with me and drove to the bookstore in Eastsound.  Later, we all went to Agave for dinner -- overall better experience for mexican food than Chiladas, but breathtakingly expensive. 

July 2012, Part 2

Saturday we hit the farmers' market in Eastsound, as well as fanning out to check the pulse of the other shopping options in town.  The farmers market is pretty small but has several food options (I had pasta with pesto, Cheryl had fish tacos) and there are several booths selling vegetables and flowers.  Musicians playing, kids running around the grass and people just relaxing and soaking up the sun -- life is pretty good here. 

In general, the island really has maintained its local charm, and the various arts and crafts on offer are mostly top-notch -- and very pricey.  Some of the gallery prices (Olga Cafe, we're looking at you) are as stratospheric as Carmel or Sausalito, but understandable since the local tourist season is so short.  There are no chain stores or restaurants on Orcas -- a refreshing difference from the rest of the world.  

Sunday, we undertook the trail from Lake Cascade to the top of Mount Constitution.  It turned out to be much more of an ambitious climb than I remembered, and after my repeated assurances that the trail gets easier "real soon", half of our party turned back to get the car and meet Jessica, Gigi and me at the top.  The trail *did* get easier literally 3 minutes after we split.  I have to hand it to the kids because we were all huffing and puffing and sweating and...well, it was a tough climb.


At the top, the view was glorious as always.  There was a volunteer guide who added a lot of good color.  He explained that Orcas was the primary supplier of fruit to Washington 100 years ago (before other parts of the state were irrigated.)  He said the island was almost entirely stripped of trees for many reasons: boxes and crates for the fruit, fuel for the lime kilns, fuel for shipping, firewood, fences and building for the locals, as well as logging for regular commercial timber.  I had always figured it was just the latter reason.

July 2012 at Westwoods, part 1

Well, it has been only 24 hours but we have already fit a lot in.  After flying into Seattle and taking the ferry boat -- probably the most scenic mass transit in the country -- we dropped off our bags and drove into Eastsound to meet Taylor's friend Fifi at the airport.  We had dinner at Chiladas and then dropped $400+ on groceries.  Ouch. 

Chiladas has changed names since we were here last -- it used to be called Bilbo's.  Here's what I would write on Yelp, if I was more motivated: the name hasn't made much difference.  It was an uneven meal (my tacos were meh, Jessica didn't like her quesadilla but Cheryl said the chile rellano was the best she'd ever had) and the food took forever to come to the table.  We were huddled under blankets at one of the tables outside as the place gradually cleared out.  Almost seemed like we were the last served.  Maybe that's the treatment off-islanders get?  The setting has such great potential, it is a shame it doesn't live up to it. 
 
Back at Westwoods, the evening brought that classic glassy calm over the water that makes it hard to believe this is part of the ocean.  I stopped by to say hi to Dawn and Rory -- they seem uber-nice.  After unpacking and getting settled, we pretty much all collapsed after a full day of travel.  The four girls slept upstairs, with two air mattresses complementing the two regular single beds.  It is a little tight but the girls seem to be loving it.
  
Today we spent the full day doing things on the property.  Cheryl went for an early run and had a nice conversation with Chris and his wife next door.  After power-sleeping and a good pancake and egg breakfast, the girls took turns going out on the little rowboat (no life jackets -- i winged it as lifeguard) and scouting the nearby woods and coastline.  They played multiple card games.  We all hoofed it up to the ridge and had a good time enjoying the change in scene.  Taylor and Fifi read on the deck for awhile. Jessica, Gigi and I played horseshoes -- nobody got killed but it was a close call.  We've recently finished dinner, cleaned up and are ready for a classic sunset at The Point.  At one point, Jessica asked Cheryl what we are doing on Sunday and Cheryl said "no plans, yet," and Jessica responded "can we just hang out here?"  It was a good day.

Photos from Summer 2009

Quick slideshow of Westwoods

Photos from Summer 2008

Joshua getting full attention from the girls

Seems like he's a hit!

Nana's Physical Therapy

In case you can't tell, they are playing Wii Tennis. I'd say her recovery is progressing nicely, wouldn't you?

New Addition to the Westmont family!

Joshua Scott Westmont

Old Patriarch

Karen's Birthday is May 3rd

This photo was taken during our trip last year.

Grandpa's Paintings

It's funny, even after all these years I still think about Grandpa. He just had a tremendously positive influence upon my life, and I also have small reminders of him around...like his paintings. These two paintings are hung in our garage -- hardly a distinguished location, but one that I end up seeing every day as I get into and out of my car.

Link to Jessica's Soccer Team

You can check out a web site dedicated to Jessica's AYSO soccer team by clicking here. Jessica's team is coached by a rookie, Coach Westmont. I am having a complete blast with it.

Latest Pics (Courtesy Karen Westmont)

The Big Finish

Here is a photo of David and his co-pilot David Van Houten after finishing the Transpac -- they look pretty happy to be back on dry land (although it doesn't look too 'dry' at the moment ;-)

Transpac Update

Getting close to the finish! (Click on the image to enlarge it)

Transpac Update

Dave is about halfway to Hawaii now as part of the Transpac yacht race. His boat, Serena, can be found on the nearby chart.

More details can be found at the official Transpac web site.

I bet the sight of land will be a pretty welcome sight by the time they're done!

Welcome to Westwoods! (Updated 7-4-05)

Westwoods is the name adopted by O.B. 'Westy' Westmont for the property he purchased in 1962. The Westwoods property includes over 35 acres with 800 feet of waterfront including approximately 175 feet of private beach. Westwoods is located one half mile north of the end of the Cormorant Bay Road.

For visitors, $250 per week will be payable in advance to co-owner Roger W. Westmont, 131 Bonita Avenue, Piedmont, CA 94611-3901. This charge will cover electricity, truck usage, cleaning, laundry and garbage expenses for your visit.

The complete Westwoods Book should be read by all family members. It is located in the living room of the main house.

Arrangements for the timing of your visit should be made with Roger W. Westmont, 510-658-0369.

The Westwoods Manager is Don Irwin, P. 0. Box 291, Deer Harbor, WA 98243, 360-376-2856. Don will help to open and close the house. Our Renter, Stacy McCray, POB 355, Eastsound, WA 98245, 360-376-2843, may possibly help with transportation. Telephone her ahead of your time at Westwoods if you think you need help with transportation when you arrive. Whenever Stacy is able to leave or pick up the truck at airport or ferry, visitor will pay a fee of $10.00 each way for that service.

Taxi service is available on Orcas, 360—376-8294 or 800-942-1926. Reservations need to be made in advance of arrival or leaving

One complete set of keys is in the desk. An emergency back—up set is under the house back porch. There should also be two sets of truck keys with post office box key, #101 Deer Harbor.

The westernmost green buildings comprise the compound for family use. This is now known as 1533A Cormorant Bay Road. (The rental buildings were painted matching green in 1999, to restore the original color. That house is 1533B Cormorant Bay Road.

The Annex includes a small shop at the west end. In the shop are chain saws, small outboard motor, life vests, weedwacker, and miscellaneous hand and garden tools.

The Center section contains a crib, outdoor furniture and a propane grill. (Please use only on cement.) We also store the new 8 ft ladder there.

The Pantry contains a garden cart, washing machine materials, vacuum, and crock pot, as well as many unidentifiable items that nobody seems willing to part with.

The Main house:
Heat: Electrical heaters are controlled by a thermostat near the organ. Trash burner in kitchen and living room fireplace are for wood heat. (Stop using one day before leaving. Dampers for both. Keep screen closed at all times.)

The bedroom closet contains sheets, towels, extra pillows, toilet paper, ironing board and iron.

Kitchen: The long door beside the stove should always remain locked. (Back up water heater; mice,) The primary water heater is located under the back porch.

Telephone: Seriously, please use a credit card for other than local calls. The telephone has an answering machine which operates when the electricity is on.

Important: The master electrical circuit breaker box is in the kitchen. (If you need to turn the electricity on, the two switches to the water heater must remain of f unti1Z’ water fills the heater completely.)

The 1993 Ford Ranger truck has optional 4 wheel drive. The instruction manual should be consulted about anything you need to know, and may be used as a flotation device in case of a water landing.

PLEASE USE THE TRUCK COVER EVERY DAY TO PROTECT THE FINISH FROM PITCH AND FUR NEEDLES. Upon leaving, the truck should be left in the garage. Please leave the gas tank near full.

Washer and dryer are located in the east room of the rental house green annex. Schedule use with renter, if possible.

Garbage cans (2) are located behind the main house green annex. The cleaning person will dispose of garbage.

Clean up and Closing

It is assumed that the house will be left in orderly fashion. Prior to your departure, place used sheets in bathroom hamper. Leave used towels on racks.

Please restock wood box on back porch for trash burners.

Thanks for keeping Westwoods in shape for all to use. We hope your visit will be a pleasurable one.

Updated Schedule (as of June 8th)

New dates! Steve and Ben will be going July 10-15, not July 13-22.
Unchanged:
July 23rd - 30th: Robert, Sam, Christina and Elizabeth
August 7th-20th: Roger & Lois

2005 Schedule as of mid-April

July 13th-22nd: Steve and Ben (revised from August 21st-31st previously)
July 23rd - 30th: Robert, Sam and possibly Christina and Elizabeth
August 7th-20th: Roger & Lois

Scenic landscape courtesy OBW

2005 Schedule as of early April

July 23rd - 30th: Robert, Sam and possibly Christina and Elizabeth
August 7th-20th: Roger & Lois
August 21st-31st: Steve and Ben

(Despite the date of this post, this is no joke!)

Details about Elizabeth...

For the history books (in which this blog will undoubtedly figure prominently), I thought it would be fun to quote Robert’s e-mail directly:

On Friday, March 19^th 2005, Elizabeth James Westmont was born at Virginia Beach General Hospital in Virginia Beach. Mom and daughter are great and should be released tomorrow. Christina was heading to class around 5:30 PM when things didn't feel right - it was the right decision. Elizabeth wasted no time once she decided to depart the warm, comfortable environment of the last 10 months. She entered the world an hour and 45 minutes after we arrived at the hospital - 10:38 PM, March 17, 2005. Of course this was St Patrick's Day and I'm sure we'll be hearing about that for decades to come.

Elizabeth weights 8 lbs, 7 ounces and is 21" long. I've uploaded several pictures to http://ncdesigns.net/westmont/elizabeth.htm, however most are not optimized meaning "large file size" at the moment. There shouldn't be a problem for those with broadband, but dial-up connections will take awhile until I can clean things up.

Marjorie

OBW