December 31, 2011

I really thought I would be saying something profound or enlightening for my last post of 2011.  It has been an interesting, adventurous, eye opening and occasionally tedious task I set for myself, but I've truly enjoyed it!  Although I'm still not at the professional level in terms of photography, I feel as if I've learned a great deal and gotten a bit better.  I most certainly have room for improvement, so I think I'll just keep posting for a while longer.
I would be remiss if I didn't talked about my big Christmas present.  This is Fancy.  She's a hot pink, single speed beach cruiser with a removable front basket.  Perfect for running up to the market or just cruising around town.  Give a little wave if you see me out and about!
Kailua, Hawaii

December 30, 2011

The colors just as the sun was rising and before the rain showers hit were awe inspiring.
Kailua Beach, Hawaii

December 29, 2011

The maiden voyage for Maia today.  Dave and I had some gorgeous weather for a sail out in the bay while the kids honed their racing skills closer to the marina.  I think we're ready to venture out to the sandbar.... maybe.
Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

December 28, 2011

Not a bad way to spend the holiday, right?   All I got from them when I suggested this trip was,  "It's too windy.  I'm too tired.  I hate getting all sandy.  Do we really have to go to the beach today?"  I finally lost my patience and told all three, "Well, it's snowing in Vermont as we speak!  We ARE going to the beach today, we're going to enjoy this beautiful weather AND we're going to have fun!"  We did.   To John and Karen... I hope you make it home safely from driving in that Vermont snowstorm.
Kailua Beach, Hawaii

December 27, 2011

The boys got their first opportunity to help with teaching the beginner sailing class.  I got a beautiful day in a kayaking on the water with my daughter and her friend.  And some random guy got his picture taken while paddle boarding through our group.  All in all, a true blue Hawaiian day today!
Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

December 26, 2011

After bleaching all surfaces, de-naming her, fixing a few leaks, taking some measurements, choosing and ordering the name decale, polishing wood, chrome, plexiglass and/or fiberglass and finally waiting for a non-windy day, she is officially named and blessed by King Triton (with a full bottle of champagne)... Maia, floating peacefully in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.  We're now ready to sail the open seas.... or at least in the bay!
Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

December 25, 2011

Remi Etienne is on left and Levi Noir is on right.  They are still too young to ween from the momma, but the breeder let us have them for few hours for the Christmas surprise.  Merry Christmas!
Kailua, Hawaii

December 24, 2011

I think we're ready for Santa!
Kailua, Hawaii

December 23, 2011

Tea at the Westin Moana Surfrider this afternoon for some of the ladies.  Absolutely gorgeous hotel, amazing view from out patio seating, scrumptious foods, aromatic teas and wonderful conversation.  So fun and relaxing to be with good friends.  Thanks to Laura for setting up a magnificent day!
Waikiki, Hawaii

December 22, 2011

It's Nate's 13th Birthday!  Since the boys finished their school work yesterday, Nate spent the day playing around, relaxing and sailing. We celebrated his big day by having dinner at The Counter in Kahala, indulging in Cold Stone ice cream cake, opening presents and watching Pirates of the Caribbean III.  Before we left the leeward side of the island, we stopped in at the Apple store for some fun.
Kahala, Hawaii

December 21, 2011

The Cup of Gold flower from Mexico is an off-beat member of the tomato plant.  These purple lined golden blooms are some of the largest I've seem (so far!) measuring approximately 9 inches in diameter -- about the same size as a small serving bowl!  In some regions this sweet smelling flowers appear year round, but the peak blooming season in winter.
Lanikai, Hawaii

December 20, 2011

So... how many boys does it take to change a tire?  Apparently, 3 young men are needed to do the work plus 1 big sister to supervise and question their every move.  Actually, Jordan only stepped in when the older boys were standing back snickering at Sam while he jumped up and down on the tire iron, trying to loosen the lug nut.  And now I've reached the end of my limited auto repair vocabulary.  Anyway, it was great experience for Sam's Cub Scout Handyman requirements and the older guys now want to do the Auto Repair Merit Badge for Boy Scouts.   I'd like to say, "Thank you gentlemen for repairing and changing my flat tire."
Kailua, Hawaii

December 19, 2011

The boys are in the final testing phase for the calendar year.  These phases take about 3-5 days to complete covering 8-10 subjects depending on the grade level.  We have eight per school year.  Today for P.E. testing we decided to take on the full 6 mile Lanikai Pillbox trail hike.  Here's a shot from the highest point of the climb (778 ft above sea level) looking toward Seal Rock and the Mokapu'u Lighthouse.  After seeing the building storm clouds our goal of "just finishing the hike" changed to "finishing the dirt trail portion of the hike before the rain showers hit."  With a stepped up pace we did accomplish our goal and even made it to our street before the sprinkling began.
Lanikai, Hawaii

December 18, 2011

I love how this tree has been shaped by the homeowner.  They must have been working on it for years!
Kailua, Hawaii

December 17, 2011

This morning started with a trip over to Honolulu to check out the swap meet and then a quick stop at the Navy Exchange.   23 minutes for the return trip to home, just to change into scout uniforms, grab our brownies (baked before we went to Honolulu) and head over to the Marine Corps base for our bake sale.  Sam and I were closers, so we sold as much as we could and then folded up shop.  After everyone had left for various locations we noticed smoke billowing from the garbage can.  The Fire Department was called in to handle the situation.  Since things were under control quickly, the crew let Sam donn a helmet and join in with putting out the fire.  Very cool experience for him!  Note to those who partake in tobacco products: please don't toss your smoldering butts into regular trash cans.
Kailua, Hawaii

December 16, 2011

The bright red Christmas berries are considered highly tolerant of drought and neglect.   That's my kind of shrub!  Since red-berried holly is rare in Hawaii, it has become traditional to gather the dense, bountiful clusters for holiday decorations, wreaths and floral arrangements that last indoors for several weeks.  Anything to help make it feel more like Christmas!
Kaneohe, Hawaii

December 15, 2011

French, Science, French science, Art, History and Art history.  Wow, what a day!  The second half I can handle in my sleep,  but the first section of the day was a doozy!  We did thermodynamics in the kitchen for science today.  Glad that's over.  And... after a delayed flight out of Seattle, we'll be picking up our girl in a few hours!  She can help with school tomorrow.....
Kailua, Hawaii

December 14, 2011

I attended the Kaneohe Officer's Spouses Club Annual Christmas Ornament Exchange this morning.  Lots of laughs, great conversation and scrumptious food!  It was good to catch up with friends, but I sure did miss our Navy spouses.  Here's what I (finally!) got to walk away with; a festive glass globe with Kailua sand and beach shells.  Thanks ladies!
Kailua, Hawaii

December 13, 2011

If the wind is right, they'll sail in anything!  Fortunately for the homeschool group, the rain let up as they were dropping vessels into the water and didn't start up again until we were all comfy, cozy in our family vehicles carrying us to our humble (dry!) abodes.  The lower atmosphere was so heavy with moisture just waiting to fall that the clouds were tinged with a light flowing kaleidoscope of colors.
Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

December 12, 2011

Our hike this morning was out to the Makapu'u Lighthouse and Ki'awa Trail.  After heavy rains last night and even more predicted for today, I thought we would all be a tad bit soggy by the end of the venture.  As luck would have it, the precipitation held off and we had a breezy beautiful climb.  Julie decided to joined us for the adventure and some much needed time outside!
Makapu'u Point, Hawaii

December 11, 2011

Yesterday while Sam and I were at the Ice Palace cooling down and earning our ice skating belt loop, just 1/2  block from our house, the water main burst.  Fortunately for us, our abode has not been affected by this unforeseen incident.  As you can see in this shot though, many people have been dealing with road closures, water overflow (flooding), excess mud build up and no running water.  To make matters worse, a slow moving storm rolled in with torrential rains, whipping winds and lightning.  Despite all this, these guys have been working around the clock to get everything back in order.  Several times in the middle of the night we heard the incessant droning beeps of the backup mechanism for the large construction trucks and felt the earth shaking from the coming and going of these beastly work vehicles.  We look forward to having our neighborhood return to its normal peaceful cadence.
Kailua, Hawaii

December 10, 2011

Were you really expecting something other than this?!?!  Actually.... I thought I was going to have to use something else because of our weather conditions.  I woke early to get the perfect set up only to have a cloud laden sky and soon after a heavy downpour.  After the rain let up, I got off a few shots in between the swiftly passing clouds, attempting to get my timing just right.  A few shots have an eerie blue ring around the red-orange globe, but this was the one I like best.  Now for a run and another cup of coffee before I have to put my smile on for a Cub Scout ice skating holiday party.
Kailua, Hawaii

December 9, 2011

I ran the Lanikai Pillbox Loop early this morning and then later hiked it with the boys.  These beautiful butterflies are out in force right now.  It's a Gulf Fritillary butterfly and it devours (as a caterpillar) Passion Vines all over the island.  I don't have any Passion Vine in my yard, so we don't have any of the butterflies around our house.
Lanikai, Hawaii

December 8, 2011

On my way home from the leeward side of the island after running many necessary errands.  I'll take this as a positive sign.
Honolulu, Hawaii

December 7, 2011

The Marine Corps Band down on the flight line performing during a Commemoration ceremony honoring the 18 Navy servicemen and 1 civilian killed at this very location on that fateful day 70 years ago.  Kaneohe Bay Naval Air Station was the first attack point for the Japanese Imperial Forces before heading over and around the mountains the bomb the ships nestled in Pearl Harbor.  Freedom isn't free.
Kaneohe, Hawaii

December 6, 2011

I came across this tree while out running errands this morning.  Tree?  Yes, a tree.  A Poinsettia Tree!  I've never seen anything larger than the 9-inch potted specimen I purchase almost every year, then process to kill off before we ring in the new year.   I guess they don't have much of a dormant period around here...
Hawaii Kai, Hawaii

December 5, 2011

I love getting up early to turn on the tree lights and play some holiday music!  Yesterday was spent cleaning up from the campout on the boat, rearranging furniture, decking the halls, napping and just plain relaxing.
Kailua, Hawaii

December 4, 2011

Last night the guys camped out on the boat.  They ate MRE's, played games, read books and went to bed early.  Despite the tossing and turning of 4 people camping on one small boat, they had fun.  This morning the crew got to work perfecting the pancake and coffee making process while afloat.  They're hoping Mom will join them next time!
Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

December 3, 2011

We started the morning with the Kaneohe Christmas parade.  Zach and Nate helped out as Boy Scout representatives with Sam's Cub Scout troop.  In front of us was the Marine Corps Marching Band, providing plenty of holiday music.  Here's a shot of the group behind us.  Very happy, festive and colorful indeed.  Very Hawaiian.  They are some of the dancers from the "HA: Breath of Life"show at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Kaneohe, Hawaii

December 2, 2011

So I walked into the living room to see Sam studiously working on Spelling.  "Hey Sam, what's that on your lip?" I ask.  He looks up and matter of fact like replies, "It's a piece of electrical tape I found on the floor.  I didn't want it to get stuck to something accidentally and lost."  "Ahhh..." I responded as I quickly darted down the hallway and out of earshot.  I didn't want him to hear me snort as I attempted not to laugh out loud.  You see, Sam has a knack for delivering his perfectly logical explanations for unusual events with such a dead pan face.  He truly believes what he's saying.  One of my favorites was when he wore swimming goggles around the house for a day so that he could keep water from getting in his eyes.
Kailua, Hawaii

December 1, 2011

This is the front gate entrance to Marine Corps Base Hawaii.  The only unusual aspect of this picture is that there isn't a long convoy of camouflage vehicles.  I jokingly asked the guard if he checked ID cards for the vehicle in front of me and he seriously responded with, "Yes, ma'am.  It's 100% ID check, ma'am."  Note to self (again!): Sentry guards check their humor at the door when they go on duty.  I always seem to forget that one.....
Kaneohe, Hawaii

November 30, 2011

Here is a shot of my neighbors lily pond.  It's not really a pond, but a large decorative flower pot placed along the side of their driveway.  They have a few of them with various water plants, but this is the only one with blooming flowers (at this time).  I like the natural but lower lighting for this shot.   It had just started sprinkling as I was stepping back toward my house, and was mostly cloudy with an ominous dark wall heading our way.   I think hot apple cider will be brewing up for the afternoon....
Kailua, Hawaii

November 29, 2011

The big guys had a Court of Honor for Boy Scouts this evening.  I've done a picture of this type of event before, but this one is was bit different.  All year long the adult leaders have been assisting these young men in transitioning their troop from parent lead to scout lead.  This was the first Court of Honor run solely by the guys.  Here Zach is awarding 2 Merit Badges to his younger brother Nate.  Zach then made a quick turn and had the same Merit Badges presented to him.  It's heartwarming to watch them shifting into adulthood.  Congrats and keep up the good work!
Kaneohe, Hawaii

November 28, 2011

Remember my post about the Imu oven we got to help build and use Thanksgiving eve and morning?  Well, I used some of the smoked roast on our pizza this evening.  Here's a Napoli style pizza with BBQ pork, caramelized onions, roasted tomatoes and blue cheese.  WOW!  What a great use of leftovers.
Kailua, Hawaii

November 27, 2011

Since we haven't done any formal P.E. since Wednesday before Thanksgiving, the boys and I decided to get a nice hike in.  A 4.5 mile Old Pali Highway was the hike chosen for the day.  Here are the boys trying to take a break at the Pali lookout close to the Honolulu side of the island.  It was a tad bit windy.  In fact, the older (larger) boys had to hold on to the little one so we would lose him!   Maybe this was one of the (numerous) reasons for creating a new road and tunnel through the mountains...?  Our side of the island is called the windward side!

Nu'uanu Pali Lookout, O'ahu, Hawai'i

November 26, 2011

I'm not much of a shopper.  In fact, I thoroughly, with a deep passion, absolutely detest shopping.  Black Friday (which is really now Black Weekend) is probably my most disliked day (weekend) of the year.  This being said, Dave and I ventured over to Honolulu to pick up some much needed items for the boat.  Fortunately, our shopping needs could only be fulfilled in the industrial warehouse and shipping district on our island..... nowhere near any of the malls.  Little did I know there is a fabric store down there!  Here are some of the new pieces I purchased in preparation of a few sewing projects I have lined up.  I was so inspired, that when we returned home I decided to whip up a little elephant!  I can't wait to get started on some of the other things!
Kailua, Hawaii

November 25, 2011

This weekend we have our boat tied up to the transit pier rather than on our mooring buoy so that we can get some work done on her.  We are hoping to get her named officially so that we can sail her!  Until then, no sailing... and no pictures of her either.  We wouldn't want to make King Neptune angry!  While I was sitting on the dock waiting for Dave and Nate to tow her in I got some pictures of the sealife growing along and around the side of the docks. Very pretty corals,  flowing anemone and little stripey fish.
Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

November 24, 2011

After running the oven for over 4 hours during the midday, our house was warmer than usual.  We don't have air conditioning.  So this year our Thanksgiving feast was held outside on our front lanai.  We had the traditional bounty of roast turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry and Hawaiian sweet potatoes.  Later in the afternoon, the Ramsden family joined us for some magnificent desserts and long overdue casual conversation.  Happy Thanksgiving friends!
Kailua, Hawaii

On a special note:  Welcome home to Sean Charney!  I'm so thrilled for you and your family to have a moment of alone time to start sharing, face to face, some of your more recent past adventures!

November 23, 2011

In Hawaiian imu means oven.  Throughout the Hawaiian islands this evening there are hundreds of imus being prepared and stoked for the grand Thanksgiving feast.  The Hawaiian people tend to go over the top with a warm, welcoming, friendly attitude and today was no exception.  Our Boy Scout troop was invited to help build and use this imu by some new friends in Waimanalo.  By the time we had arrived, the 8-foot diameter pit had been dug, fire was burning and lava rocks were heating up.  The boys got to prepare the banana tree stumps, banana tree leaves and ti leaves that would be used later on in the process.  Here is the final shot of the 70+ pans of beef, turkey, ham or anything that fits in a pan before we covered it up with many layers of the prepared leaves, then water soaked cloth, a layer of heavy plastic sheeting and finally a layer of dirt to seal in the steam.  It will cook through the night until we return tomorrow morning.  I can't wait to see how it all turns out!
Waimanalo, Hawaii

November 22, 2011

In between subjects (also for Science and Home Ec) the boys made our Thanksgiving dinner desserts.  We've got crumble topped pumpkin pie, country apple crisp and decadent chocolate pecan tarte.   Nicely done gentlemen!  Thank you.
Kailua, Hawaii

November 21, 2011

The family that owns the house with the star fruit tree also have this bizarro tree in there yard.  It's called the Sausage Tree.  I kid you not.    It originates from Africa and blooms clusters of beautiful, fragrant cup size blossoms only at night.  The long sausage shaped fruit (hence the name) are poisonous to humans, but are a real treat for monkeys, elephant, hippopotami, wild boar, giraffe and porcupine.  The boys say it should be called something such as "Giant Peanut Tree."  
Kailua, Hawaii

November 20, 2011

Sam and I camped out last night at the Botanical Garden in Kaneohe.  We went on a 3 mile hike, pulled weeds for a service project, played games, sang songs, roasted marshmallows over a campfire and had a great Cub Scout time.  Here's a close up shot of the Ko'oluas taken from our meeting pavilion.  The cloud covered peaks are now lush and a vibrant green due to the recent rains.  I think the majority of precipitation fell last night.  On us.  In our cozy, little two-man tent.  A HUGE thank you to Paul and Rachael Mancinelli for hot water and coffee!
Kaneohe, Hawaii

November 19, 2011

Sam and I are heading over to Ho'omaluhia Botanical Gardens in Kaneohe for a Cub Scout camp out.  Before heading out I snapped a shot of this beautiful huapala plant.  They are a fast grower from Australia that usually blooms in January.  Here in Hawaii it's considered a common roadside plant that blooms year round.  Old timers say planting the huapala near the front door puts a curse on romance.
Kailua, Hawaii

November 18, 2011

We started the morning at the U.S.S. Missouri for the Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Change of Command.  At one point I thought the tents were going to take flight it was so gusty!   The cloud pattern in the shot was a sign of more to come.  
Honolulu, Hawaii

November 17, 2011

The Alien Fruit tree.  No, not really, but that's what the boys call it.  It's really the Noni Fruit tree.  This fruit is all the rage for high end specialty face soaps and scrubs Hawaiian style.  The fruit is also edible, but I don't know why anyone would eat this thing.  It looks unappealing, smells vile and has the same texture as sticky paste.
Kailua, Hawaii

November 16, 2011

I went out kayaking .... again.  This time I took Julie along with me.  The water wasn't too choppy and the wind was light, making for a nice steady trip around the backside of Coconut Island.  We only saw one turtle, but it's always pleasant to be on the water when the weather is agreeable!  Thanks for joining me today, Jules!
Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii
Happy Birthday to my wonderful mother-in-law, Linda.  I hope you've had a low key adventurous day!

November 15, 2011

What a find!  Board shorts are on sale at the Marine Corps Exchange anywhere from $3-20 per pair.  I know, silly of me to get excited about this..... but when you have 3 young (growing) men who spend more than half of their waking hours in, on or under the water, it's big news.   I have inadvertently started my Christmas shopping.  Now for the slipper (flip flops for those on the mainland)....
Kailua, Hawaii

November 14, 2011

It was a perfect hiking day.  The boys needed to get in some P.E. time and (more desperately) wanted some time away from our French immersion day.  We decided to jog/hike the Lanikai Pillbox trail because it's relatively safe, short and fun.  It turned out to be bright, brilliant and gorgeous!
Lanikai, Hawaii

November 13, 2011

After my workout and waxing Maggie the Super Honda, I decided to work on a project solely for me.  My beach mat had started fraying a needed to either be repaired or thrown out.  Since I had yards of this material in my scrap stack (thank you Jordan!) I went with the repair route.  With the mat stitched up in some stylish beachy material, I figured I was on a roll and just whipped up a new tote bag large enough to haul my wares.  Now Dave wants a matching mat!
Kailua, Hawaii

November 12, 2011

A new boat means plenty of boat projects.  It's a good thing we have 3 able bodied sailors to help out!
Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii