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