April 30, 2011

More of the local scenery.  I love the look of these grasses, trees and hills along the Waimanalo hiking trail.
Waimanalo, Hawaii

April 29, 2011

The boys and I went out for a nice hike with my Adventures Group today.  We decided to do the Koko Head Crater Trail Hike in Hawaii Kai near Waikiki.  Since I decided to relax and go with the flow of the group I didn't do a quick google research beforehand.  I also went for a standard 4 mile run early in the morning to ensure a decent daily workout before the day got away from me.   I learned a few new things today...... 1)The Koko Head Trail has approximately 1,100 steps, 2) The trail is affectionately nicknamed "Nature's Strairmaster, 3) My three boys can run up approximately 1,100 stairs MUCH faster than I can, 4)My three boys can run down approximately 1,100 steps MUCH faster than I can and (finally!)  5) I will, from now on, ALWAYS do a quick google research before heading out on a hike.  We did have a good time and the views were spectacular!
Koko Head Trail Summit, Hawaii

April 28, 2011

Sorry, more flowers.  But actually, these are weeds...  in my backyard.   I saved them today, along with my ginormous tomato plant.  Ginormous, by the way, is a real word now.  It was added this year as a 'new word' to the Urban and Merriam-Webster Online dictionaries.  Anyway.... back to my story.  The yard service crew came through today and (after sucking up all the leaves from my windswept tree!) starting the attack on my precious, almost ripe, fruit bearing gem!  That's right, I'm talking about the tomato plant I discovered a few weeks back growing (out of control) on the back slope of my yard.  I call them a fruit despite the fact the United States Agricultural Department has them classified as a vegetable.... it was a tax issue, honest.  But that's a discussion for another day.   The crew was ordered to take out any 'unsightly' weeds or plants on the back slope.  Caught in the nick of time.... I explained that I like the pretty pink flowers (and more importantly, my tomatoes), don't find them at all offensive, they don't block my view (I guess being tall helps) and would appreciate them just leaving things the way they are.  After a short discussion, a plateful of haupia (think coconut jell-o jiggler squares), a 20 minute break sitting in the shade on my back patio and they were happy to accommodate my request.  Thank you!
Kailua, Hawaii

April 27, 2011

It's another beautiful day here in Hawaii so I went outside for some photography inspiration.  At first it was the same old, same old and I didn't think I would have anything interesting to share with you, but after closer inspection of the windswept tree in our backyard, I found something new.  Well, okay.... I also stepped on (in bare feet, of course) some of the large, prickly pods that this tree is not only constantly dropping but also leaving big black marks on the patio and my outdoor furniture.  I then had to kick away a copious amount of  dead leaves that have fallen in just the past 5 days since the yard service crew last came through.... it sheds leaves year round since we don't have real seasons!  In essence, the tree is somewhat of a nuisance. Until today.  I looked up and saw these large, paper-like petal, yellow fluted flowers.  I even pulled the ladder out of the garage to get a closer shot.  My husband strolled by as I was climbing up toward the top wrung of my aluminum perch and I asked, gesturing with a head nod toward the tree, what he thought.  He paused for a moment to take in the whole scenario then as he turned and started walking away, casually stated, "I going inside now.  Don't fall off that contraption.  You might break the camera."
Kailua, Hawaii

April 26, 2011

Obviously, we have some (amateur?) big fish fishermen around here.   These pennants were flying above a fishing boat that was stored in the boatyard.  I haven't seen many of the boats come out of the yard, but lots of guys go in and hang out in there for the day.  Maybe this boat is the "man room" for some retired Navy or Marine guy here on the island......
Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

April 25, 2011

WIND!!!  Finally some good trade winds for the sailor boys!  Last week they were complaining about how bad the weather was for the week..... It's all a matter of perspective, I guess.
Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

April 24, 2011

Easter morning brought out my need to provide a special breakfast.  I found a fabulous recipe for doughnuts on one of the  websites I follow, thepioneerwomen.com.  Not only is The Pioneer Women a hoot, but she also provides so much useful information, creative ideas/solutions, amazing recipes and homeschool support.  My doughnuts don't look as good as Ree's do on here webpage, but my boys devoured a dozen without batting an eye and then went on to shower me with praise for my cooking/baking (in this case, frying) skills!  Silly boys.... just about any kind of dough tastes good when fried and then drenched in sugar glaze!  I'll let them believe I really am the most wonderful mom on the planet.
Kailua, Hawaii

April 23, 2011

Another beautiful day in Hawaii!  Dave and I decided to take the boys for their most favorite past time activity.... driving around town and looking at houses!  Despite the various wrong turns,  numerous deadend turn-rounds, and countless drive-bys the boys kept the complaining to a low grumble.  We rewarded them with a stop at the local juice bar in downtown Kailua, Lanikai Juice.  A much needed organic tropical cool down (multiple brain freeze!) refresher on a hot Hawaiian day.
Kailua, Hawaii

April 22, 2011

Today is Good Friday and Earth Day, so the public school system decided to take a furlough friday and not have school.  Because we home school, we don't need to adhere to the public school system, but our boy scout troop took advantage of it and scheduled a day long Medicine merit badge workshop for those who were interested.  As the big boys were groggily pulling themselves together this morning I reminded them that they needed to wear longs pants with their uniform shirts because they would be spending the day at the Tripler Army Medical Center.  Nate turned to me with look mixed with disbelief and disgust,  "You mean, like, long pants that go ALL the way down to our feet!?!?" he huffed, groaned and trudged away in search of an item he hasn't seen since we left Europe.
With the big boys out of the house for the day, Sam, Dave and I decided to go on a little adventure in downtown Kailua.  We didn't see much beyond the normal locals and tourists strolling the streets.   Just before heading home, we stopped by one of the many endangered animal sanctuaries to get a few pictures. Since it was midday and vey hot, most of the birds were in hiding, but we did see some beautiful blue fish in this estuary.  This big one was about 18 inches in length and pretty fat.
Kailua, Hawaii

April 21, 2011

Special Projects Patrol Squadron 2 (VPU-2) had their Change of Command Ceremony this morning.  This ceremony is an honored product of the rich heritage of naval tradition.  Custom has established that it be formal and impressive; designed to strengthen the respect for authority.  The heart of the ceremony is the formal reading of official orders by the relieving officer and the officer to be relieved. The passing of authority from one fine officer to yet another reflects the dedication of free men and women serving their nation proudly.
Kaneohe, Hawaii

April 20, 2011

I see these berries hanging from these palm trees all the time all over the base and think to myself, "I really need to get a photo of those some day," but I just keep on driving ... or running by.   Finally, today, between dropping the boys off at their sailing lesson (because 1 day per week is not enough... we must get at least 3 days on the water!) and hitting the commissary for the necessities for pizza night (Napoli pizza!) I found a few spare minutes to stop and get a few shots in.  I also had a long phone conversation with my brother Dave and his wife Dee.... it's always good to hear from family!  I'm not quite sure what these are called, but the birds are having a feast and they are very eye catching.
Kailua, Hawaii

April 19, 2011

The internet was down today due to a crash between motorcyclist and utility pole.  I'm betting neither one won because word on the street is the utility company had to work feverishly all day to get a new pole in the ground.  Anyway..... since the boys couldn't complete their schooling, they had some extra time on their hands.  I suggested 'free reading' time, but they had other ideas in mind.  Dave has some Architectural Buildings made by the Lego company that he has received for various holidays.  He corrects me every time I call them Lego sets..... "They're not Lego sets like the boy's toys, they're architectural significant buildings...."  Got it.  Well, this is a snapshot of Kazi (home planet: Metru Nui .... wherever that is!) ) doing his King Kong impersonation between the Space Needle (in Seattle) and the Empire State Building (in New York).  No girls in the scene because apparently "they just scream and get in the way."
Kailua, Hawaii

April 18, 2011

I went sailing with some ladies from the other side of the island today.  We rigged up the new American 18 and took it out around Coconut Island (Gilligan's Island).  Despite the calm winds, the day was bright, beautiful and full of activity.  He's a turtle cruising by, popping his head up to check us out.  We apparently we not very interesting to him because he soon dunked his head back in the water and went back to foraging for food.  Thanks for posing for my camera!
Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

April 17, 2011

Here's what the moon looked like at 4:00 am this morning.  I was up early getting ready for the Wahine 1/2 Marathon in Honolulu.  I had the pleasure to run it with my friend (and neighbor!) Laura Thoroman.  An okay start for jumping back into the racing circuit and a 3 year break.
Kailua and Honolulu, Hawaii

April 16, 2011

The trees on the island grow like crazy!  The community loves having all the trees and prefers to build around them rather than remove them.
Camp Smith, Oahu, Hawaii

April 15, 2011

Calling it a day.  We spent about 3 hours down at Officer's beach working on shelters, hunting for coral and shells, climbing over lava rocks, watching large planes practicing different types of landings and even getting some board time in!
Kailua, Hawaii

April 14, 2011

Kona winds today.  This means, muggy weather conditions,  no sailing from our marina and (air) traffic pattern reversal.  This is the Marine Corps MK-58 Hawker Hunter doing a touch and go.
Kaneohe, Hawaii

April 13, 2011

The tree trimmers came through the neighborhood today.  What are the essential tools needed to trim back these palm trees?  A machete and a coconut basket!
Kailua, Hawaii

April 12, 2011

The makings of a colorful, mouth watering dinner!  Now I just need some pasta, onion and..... maybe some capers.  Yum!
Kailua, Hawaii

April 11, 2011

Once again, out in the kayak during the home school sailing class.  It was a bit choppy. Ok, very choppy.  I might have to reevaluate my 'out on the water at least once a week' resolution....
Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

April 10, 2011

I'm so excited!  Despite the weed whack efforts taken by the lawn guys this week in an attempt (futile at best!) to curb their mutant like growth, I will have tomatoes in just a few short weeks!  I will say though, I'm envisioning Pacific Northwest zucchini-like growth rate......
Kailua, Hawaii

April 9, 2011

PATRECON WING 2 Commodore has returned.  It's been a long week without you, Babe.  Welcome home.
Kaneohe, Hawaii

April 8, 2011

Storm clouds have been building up and dissipating all day.  They are beautiful, but I'm ready for some sunshine without too high humidity.
Kailua, Hawaii

April 7, 2011

I visited the lap pool and diving well on base this evening to get some snapshots of the scuba diving class.  This is a shot of the edge of the pool with fins in the background.
Kailua, Hawaii

April 6, 2011

This (according to my 8 year old) is the Army's tandem rotor design CH-47 Chinook helicopter which has a maximum take-off weight capacity of 50,000 pounds.  How does he know these things?!?!
Kailua, Hawaii

April 5, 2011

Kaneohe, Hawaii, the H3 highway, Tetsuo Harana tunnel mouth and Ko'olau Mountain range taken from the MCB Hawaii marina.  Beautiful day today, but the storms are quickly heading our way.
Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

April 4, 2011

I've discovered (yet) another reason to hang out at our marina.... sea kayaking.  I like it!  I tried it today for the first time ever while the boys were at their home school sailing class and now I'm hooked!
Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

April 3, 2011

I'd been sitting in the backyard waiting for the Marine super-fast jets to return so I could get a cool picture to share with everyone as my daily post.  I finally grew impatient after about 90 seconds and decided instead to get some snapshots of pretty weeds and interesting bugs.  Much to my surprise, while on this bug/weed hunt, I discovered growing along the back slope of our yard, the largest (pesticide free!) tomato plant I've ever seen. Yeah!!!! Lots of tomatoes for Spring, Summer and Fall!
Kailua, Hawaii

April 2, 2011

Marine Corps Base Hawaii airfield and Hanger 105 taken from the H3 Highway.
Kaneohe, Hawaii

April 1, 2011

This is Kansas Tower hill.  Every once in a while (at least twice per month) I'll run to the top, with or without Marine Battalion accompaniment.  Yesterday I measured elevation change - 374 ft climb in .70 mile - not a bad warm-up.
Kailua, Hawaii