July 30, 2011

We ventured out to the flea market at the Aloha Stadium in Honolulu today.  As Dave would say, "There were lots of fleas at the market."  It was crowded and very hot with almost no wind, so the flavored slushies were greatly appreciated.  It's good to be back on the windward side of the island.
Honolulu, Hawaii

July 29, 2011

This is a week with lots of entertaining.  Earlier in the week we hosted a sit down dinner with several friends.  This evening we have another dinner with visiting Japanese Navy members.  Although we aren't hosting tonights soiree, we are have a pre gathering at our house.  Here's a snapshot of what I've whipped up.  Prosciutto, hazelnut and onion stuffed mushroom caps and framboise pots de creme.  Bon appetit!
Kailua, Hawaii

July 28, 2011

Looks like a good start to another day in Paradise!  Today is a day for being on the water.  The boys have sail racing class, so I thought it was time for me to get the Ramsden family (minus the dad because he's learning the new job) out in the sea kayaks.
A shout out of  'Thanks' to last nights dinner guests for tolerating my later than usual dinner service.  It was wonderful to catch up with friends from long ago!  Safe travels to the Cramer family as they venture home to DC.
Kailua, Hawaii

July 27, 2011

This is the well known 'awapuhi (the w is pronounced like v) flower, also know as the shampoo ginger.  It really became a household name after famous hairstylist Paul Mitchell used it in his hair products line. The mature flower head is used for it fragrance, the slimy juices for shampoo and to quench thirst and the leaves to flavor meats or for medicinal purpose.  It's a very versatile plant and pleasant to see!  It also happens to be all over the place on the islands.
Kaneohe, Hawaii

July 26, 2011

Finally!  I got a jump on the yard maintenance crew and snapped a picture of my beautiful back patio planter bougainvillea before they came around and trimmed it up.  They usually butcher it back to nothing but a few sticks and leaves, making it naked and unrecognizable for most of the time, so that we won't get scratched up by thorns.  I do appreciated the concern and caution, but I would also like to enjoy the beautiful of the flower laden shrub.
Kailua, Hawaii

July 25, 2011

I debated on posting this photo today because I've already shared so many from this vantage point.  But.... really, how could I pass this up?!?!  Sunrise this morning was magnificent!  Apologies, but I do hope you can enjoy!
Kailua, Hawaii

July 24, 2011

Jordan's not feeling so great today (wisdom teeth) so I decided to make smoothies for lunch.  Really, I can always come up with an excuse to make smoothies.  This beauty was made with blueberries, strawberries, a banana, spinach, almond milk and a few ice cubes.  I topped mine with those luscious Rainier cherries that cost me a mint but I couldn't pass up.  Good stuff!
Kailua, Hawaii

July 23, 2011

Our long time friends, the Ramsden family, arrived last night.  They are moving to the island from Washington DC and will be replacing us sometime next year.  To help with their jet lag, we decided to take them out on a couple of boats to the sandbar for some fun in the sun!  The last time all of these kids were together was when both families met up in the British Virgin Islands.  They all have grown up so much, but are still such kids in the water!
Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

July 22, 2011

Red dirt is the norm here in Hawaii.  It's everywhere and it gets into everything.
Kailua, Hawaii

July 21, 2011

A silly looking coconut that washed up on shore at Hilltop beach.  It looks kind of like a hedgehog to me!
Kailua, Hawaii

July 20, 2011

Today was our first day of standardized testing.  Home school families don't usually use and/or rely on these tests to measure student/teacher abilities.  We decided to sit for the Iowa test this year just to make sure we are still on track with our education goals.  The boys and I were very nervous at first because these are timed test and (really!) who likes those?  Thankfully, after the first section the attitude was, "No worries, all is good." Very Hawaiian.  The boys breezed through each section (7 for today) and mid-way were even joking with me about the testing instructions.... they are all the same regardless of the section.  Only 2 more days of this and we're finished (totally, officially) with school for a few weeks!  Well, except for French....
Kailua, Hawaii

July 19, 2011

So why a picture of an old ugly building?  Well, after the lawn service guys remove the shrubs and trees, this structure is coming down.  It was the home of our local dive shop and our bathrooms, lockers and outdoor showers.  Over the next several months we will see the new marina building going up.  Very exciting!  Maybe I'll be able to keep everyone updated as to the progress of this fine facility.
Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

July 18, 2011

This is the flower of the Monkey Pod tree.  These grandiose, majestic trees have been been a favorite ornamental tree in Hawaii for over a century and are know for their natural umbrella shape and innumerable pink, powder-puff blossoms.  It's not uncommon to see the specimens foliage spreading out over a space of 150 feet across, providing some much desirable shade in the many public parks throughout the islands.
Kailua, Hawaii

July 17, 2011

This morning the scouts took a field trip to the Bishop Museum in Honolulu.  The younger scouts were working on the Jurassic Patch and Geology belt loop or pin.  The older scouts were working on the Geology Merit Badge.  We toured the dinosaur display, visited with a geologist in the geology department and viewed the astronomy planetarium.  Lots of activities to keep young men (and accompanying sisters and parents!) very happy and busy.  We finished up at the museum with enough time to make it for the Sneak Peak preview of the soon to be released in theaters 'Captain America" movie.  I must say it's a REAL must-see action packed flick!  Hint: one must stay until after all the credits to see what is next to come.  While the boys and I were sitting in the air conditioned cinema, Dave and Jordan were sailing around in Kaneohe Bay in an 18 foot American day sailboat.  Not a bad alternative!  Rounding out the day is a backyard barbecue with the family.   All in all, another beautiful day in Hawaii.  Oh, how I love this place......
Honolulu, Hawaii

July 16, 2011

The base is hosting the annual Bay Fest Weekend.  They bring in topsy turvy rides, carnival games and horribly bad for you but oh so tasty food.  I only splurged on a corn on the cob, but the boys sampled hand dipped corn dogs, pizza,  giant soft pretzels, fries and some pink cotton candy.   I get nauseated just thinking about it.... at least they refrained from trying the fried twinkies and oreos.
Kailua, Hawaii

July 15, 2011

Well, same fabulous perch as yesterday... only with a little bit of rain.  Here are Karen, Sam and Jordan trying to stay warm and dry with Diamond Head in the background.  Josh had hunkered down in a crevice in hopes of avoiding all precipitation. No such luck for him.  Anyway, today's regatta brought 10 foot swells, but stronger, more consistent winds.   Our guys felt (almost) right at home and performed more to their liking.   Ah.... now a break until September!
Waikiki, Hawaii

July 14, 2011

Zach and Nate sailed El Toros in the 1st day of Junior Olympics Regatta in Waikiki.  Since we don't have a chase boat our view was from afar.  The weather was beautiful and for those of us on shore our  perch could not be beat.  Our young sailors experienced 6 foot swells, puffs of wind (in between no wind), formidable rival sailors on their rough home seas and constant incoming/outgoing vessel traffic.  The boys are tired, but they had a blast and learned a lot from the experience.  Plus, we get to do it all again tomorrow!
Waikiki, Hawaii

July 13, 2011

Once again, out on the water with some of the girls.  Fun!  It was the last time we will sail with our good friend (and the kid's amazing sailing instructor) Donna.  She and her husband are heading back to the DC area... very sad here.  On the bright side, we had a beautiful morning on the water.  Well, except for the 15 minutes in a rain squall as we were rounding Coconut Island.  We had a good laugh when Karen started singing the opening song for Gilligan's Island.... the show was filmed on and around the little island.  R.I.P. Sherwood Schwartz.  Fair winds and following seas to Donna and her family.
Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

July 12, 2011

We've gone only 3 days without any rain and already the lawn is going yellow.  Just off in the distance you can see the rain falling on the ocean.  Unfortunately, we didn't get more than a misty spray up here at the house.  I guess this means the lawn service is going to need to hook up and put to use the large sprinklers.  They aren't much fun because they use non-potable water and they are too powerful for the kids to play in.   Come on rain!
Kailua, Hawaii

July 11, 2011

When we first moved to Oahu, a common question was, "Are you a part of the Cutter Ohana (family)?" Being that we have a large family, we innocently replied affirmatively.  Of course, after getting to know the island a bit better, we've come to understand the true meaning of that question!  Let me set the record straight.... We, the Cutter family of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, are not in any way, shape or form related to or part of the Cutter Ohana, owners of the greatest number of car dealerships on island.   The Cutter Ohana sells and services every make of car from Acura to Volkswagen on Oahu.  We own a Volvo.
Waikiki, Hawaii

July 10, 2011

When I woke this morning all was quiet, except the waves of the ocean below.   There were very few clouds in the sky and no threat of rain, so I decided to walk the beach for some morning exercise.  We haven't been down to our beach in a long while because most of the sand has been swept away, exposing the rocks and making the area too treacherous for swimming and I was curious as to how things were looking these days.  Well, it's still too dangerous for me, but there were a few brave souls out (beyond the lava rock reef) catching some early morning waves.   The colors were just so brilliant before the sun completely rose above the crater (out of this frame and off to the right).  Along my trek, I happened across a total of 7 new golf balls that had gone astray.....  Upon my return up the hill from the beach, I promptly gave them to Jeep and Shannon who were heading down to the golf course.  It's best to keep them in circulation!
Kailua, Hawaii

July 9, 2011

Since moving to Hawaii last year, the boys have been building a robust business in the pet care field.  Dave and I are allergic to cats and dogs and just can't have them in our home.  Plus, we have a tendency to move about every 18 to 24 months and that's hard on a pet.  Anyway, the boys have charges all over the neighborhood whom they happily and lovingly care for whenever needed.  This is Dobie.  He's a Dachshund who thinks he's a Great Dane!
Kailua, Hawaii

July 8, 2011

It took forever to find out what this tree is called!  This is the Sea Grape Tree which sits at the front corner of my house.  The Sea Grape is a native of Florida and the Caribbean Islands.  I just like the red vein of the rubbery round leaves.  Very pretty.
Kailua, Hawaii

July 7, 2011

This is the Red-Vented Bulbul.  They can be found throughout the Hawaiian Islands and in particular (for some strange reason!) always on my front patio.  This guy seemed to think the patio was his and refused to fly off even when I stepped out and was standing only a mere 4 feet away.  After doing a google search, I discovered this bird species is included among the world's worst invasive alien species.  Yeah.... I can see that.
Kailua, Hawaii

July 6, 2011

This was in the late afternoon, just off our back patio.  I was captivated by the red tint reflection on the water and the orange in the clouds.  Just a gorgeous evening!
A big shout out to my brother Dave..... Happy Birthday!!!!
Kailua, Hawaii

July 5, 2011

Yesterday I made a 'quick, hurry-up, throw it in the freezer' blueberry sorbet for this evenings dessert.   With all the Independence Day merriment going on in our neighborhood, I didn't have an opportunity to sample the sorbet.  So.... I took it upon myself today (after eating my lunch, of course...) to make sure this frozen treat would be sufficient.  Well, it most certainly passes my scrutiny!  A simple, light and fresh indulgence that will compliment and round out our Rogan Josh and rice dinner.
Kailua, Hawaii

July 4, 2011

Sam and I got to march in the Kailua Town 4th of July parade with Cub Scout Troop 225.  The procession began around 0930 winding down one of the main roads for about a mile toward the heart of downtown.  By the time we made it to the finish, we were out of candy, very hot and quite tired.... some were ever crabby!  All in all, it was a great small town parade and the boys took a great deal of pride in just getting to participate.  Dave and the other kids cheered us on toward the end of the line.
Kailua, Hawaii

July 3, 2011

Here is another one of those gorgeous trees that is in bloom all around us!  The Rainbow Shower Tree is a tropical hybrid with Asian parentage.  The official tree of the City of Honolulu, it can be found along the highways, in the many parks and all over the island of Oahu as well as throughout Maui, Kauai and the Big Island.
Kaneohe, Hawaii

July 2, 2011

I snapped this shot of Kaneohe Bay as we were returning from a camping night at the Pupukea Boy Scout Camp.  Zach and Nate had a fabulously productive Boy Scout activity packed week with their troop and several others from around the island.  On our return, we were discussing how today marks the 1 year anniversary of our arrival to Hawaii.  Technically, the kids and I flew out of Amsterdam at 11:00 am on the 1st of July and landed in Honolulu at 11:25 pm that same day.  Since we didn't get to Kailua until after midnight on the 2nd of July, we've decided to count today as the official celebratory day.
Kailua, Hawaii  

July 1, 2011

For the longest time I thought the yard guys were trimming and pruning these trees to fan out flat like this.  Wrong.  The Travelers Palm is related to the Bird of Paradise and bears feather-like flowers that flare up from a beak-like case.  Rainwater gets concentrated at the hollow base of each huge, sail-like leaf.  Hence the common name - parched travelers can find reservoirs of thirst quenching water here.
Kailua, Hawaii