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

November 11, 2011

"Who's making all that ruckus while I'm trying to concentrate on my yoga practice?"  It's a bird fight in my backyard.  It looks as if someone is going to get a slap across the beak...  They did finally break things up, but only because I stepped out there.
Kailua, Hawaii

November 10, 2011

Happy Birthday Marine Corps!  "A Tribute To All Who Have Served And Continue To Serve Our Great Nation."
Marine Corps Base Hawaii

November 9, 2011

Well, another day for kayaking out on the water while the boys were sailing.  I have to say, despite the sunshine and aqua blue waters it was the roughest day I've had on the water.  I was hoping to get a full 3 hours out there, but had to call it a day after two because of the rough conditions.  20-25 knot winds with  nasty gusts and white caps made the marina staff nervous for their 2 sole vessels on the water... me in a kayak and 10 home schooled kids and 1 instructor on a 22-foot sailboat.  Even the kids, while out on the refurbished, sturdy Rachel Kay stopped short at the 2 hour mark due to the erratic, switchy winds.  Here's a shot from when I took a quick breather at the ski dock.  These crazy birds didn't bother flying off when I climbed aboard.
Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

November 8, 2011

Another neighborhood stroll and I found a Starfruit tree.   Apparently, the rule in Hawaii is "If it's hanging over the wall on the street side, it's up for grabs."  Cool.  I still think it would be best to ask.
Kailua, Hawaii

November 7, 2011

This morning I stepped outside my front door to the sweet, luscious smell of this tiny flower.   It took me a moment to figure out from where the smell was originating because I couldn't imagine these petite clusters could pack such a powerful scent!  It's the mock orange shrub that runs the length of my driveway.  I discovered (from the scent trail while on my run) that they are in bloom and happen to grow all along the Lanikai Loop.  My research tells me this plant has made the Top Invasive Plants of Hawaii list, but I can't determine if this is good or bad.  These blooms also happen to be the number one choice in Hawaii for Wedding leis and bouquets because the overall aroma is so pleasing.  
Kailua, Hawaii

November 6, 2011

Today we worked on cleaning up the new boat and all of her gear.   Our stroll to the beach for some much needed boogie boarding was pretty late in the afternoon, but the lighting was perfect.   The wind was brisk and whipping up good!  Dave and I counted 23 kite surfers and at least a dozen wind surfers.  Nice way to finish out the day.
Kailua, Hawaii

November 5, 2011

This was the remains of breakfast and I had to fight for it!  The chow line began loaded with 2 packages of crisp bacon, 18 scrambled eggs with cheese, a 9x13 pan of cinnamon rolls (the big fluffy kind!) and half gallon of orange juice.  I got maybe a quarter of one cinnamon roll, half of a strip of bacon and about 1 egg.  No juice, not a drop.   5 very hungry, lean, mean sailing machines.... growing boys.
Kailua, Hawaii

November 4, 2011

We have the Charney boys at our house this evening while Karen (the Mom) is hanging out with the PWOC group.  I love these boys.  I LOVE (even more) having them around my boys.  But.... when you get 5 young men together, with all schoolwork completed for the day, on a drizzly friday afternoon, playing video games...... well, let's just say a neighborhood walk was a welcome venture.   This is a shot of a neighbors cactus.  I'll admit, I've been meaning to get some photos of this, but just haven't had an opportunity.  I guess that's another reason to like those Charney boys.... they help me to step outside my normal, boring, everyday routine.  I'm going to do this a bit more this month because of some of the treasures I discovered this afternoon.  I can't wait to share!
Kailua, Hawaii

November 3, 2011

A few weeks back I was joking about the Fall foliage around Hawaii only being a bunch of large dead palm fronds.  Well, I humbly stand before you to correct that impression..... here is a much more precise example.   Absolutely gorgeous fire red and orange leaves changing for the season.
Kaneohe, Hawaii

November 2, 2011

After dropping the boys off for sailing this morning, I decided to take the long road out toward the back gate to go home.   Wouldn't you know.... there was traffic.  But wait, it's some of our Marines on a regular patrol exercise.  They were coming from the Fort Hase Beach Trail.  Not your everyday walk on the beach.   For my friends who live on base, this is nothing new.... in fact, it's probably a daily sight.  This could have been one of those silent exercises because not a word was spoken or a sound uttered as they approached me.  Within 8 seconds of spotting my movements to take some pictures  EVERY   SINGLE   MARINE  in this group made eye contact with me, 3 changed the position of their weapon, their formation changed and tightened and the young Marine (front and center) put his finger on the trigger.  Ready, willing and able.  Thank you.
Marine Corps Base Hawaii

November 1, 2011

Four sails.  One main, 2 jibs and a ghost jib.  Our latest purchase.  Oh.... they come with the 22-foot Columbia sailboat which is at this moment happily bobbing around on its mooring buoy in Kaneohe Bay.  Looks like we've got some cleaning to do, but the durable boat is solely for junking around the bay.... no hauling out for a new paint job in her near future!  More pictures another day!
Kailua, Hawaii