October 31, 2012

This is one of the many Halloween enthusiast in my neighborhood.  There's a ghost, a couple of tombstones... one with a skeleton unearthing itself, a giant spider and even larger spiderweb on the front patio.  My favorite is the hands (only!) holding onto the swing chains.  The best part has been watching the kids move the headstones and various paraphernalia around the yard trying to get the perfect set up. Scary (Happy) Halloween to everyone!

Kailua, Hawaii

October 30, 2012

At one point I really thought I was going to blow my achilles tendon and I almost hacked up a lung (my mild cold is still lingering) but the reward was worth it!  After finishing the Insanity Cardio Recovery workout I thought I needed a bit more so I took off for a 6 mile road/trail run to the pillboxes.   This is the view from the first major climb up the backside of the trail.  It's an absolutely gorgeous Fall day!

Lanikai, Hawaii

October 29, 2012

Our latest baking endeavor is bagel making.  We all love bagels and decided it was time to learn the fine details of creating the perfect bagel.  This is our 2nd attempt batch.  It's just as good as the first round was, but I remembered to take a picture this time.  Our recipe makes only 8 bagels so we'll call that a small batch and set up for a large (double) batch next time.

Kailua, Hawaii

October 28, 2012

This guy has been walking up and down the street all day.  I'm not sure who or what he's looking for, but he doesn't appear to have been successful.  Maybe he's just a bit mixed up after last nights tsunami warning and evacuation.   I know we are.  It turned out to be not so big of a deal, but any time the tsunami warning sirens are going off every 15 minutes, it can be a bit unsettling.  After snatching up the boys from their shortened campout, we hung around the house until a quarter after 10:00pm.  At that point we loaded everyone in the car to drive to higher ground until the initial wave passed through.  Our house is one block over from the flood zone, but since the Fire/Police/Rescue units evacuated, we though it might be a good idea too.  The good news is, the surged was much less than the experts predicted and we were at home tucking into bed by 10:45pm.  A walk on the beach this morning showed just a bit more seaweed and a slightly higher tide, but no damage.  All is well in paradise.

Kailua, Hawaii

October 27, 2012

Boy Scout Camporee weekend!!!  This annual district wide campout was held on the Marine Corps Base Hawaii Boondocker Training field again.  It's hot, rocky and dusty, but it got the BIG obstacle course! Not only did they get to run the course (for time!) but there were static displays and classes from the Military Police and working dogs, the Explosive Ordinance and Disposal team, the Operational flightline Fire and Rescue team and the Investigative Services team (fingerprinting merit badge).  And that was just the first half of the day!  After lunch, several of the troops did fun games and races to help teach and enhance many of the skills the guys learn while in Scouts.  The evening was rounded out with a cooking competition between the troops and then (of course!) the campfire skits, chat and awards.   A hot, action packed day!! 

Kaneohe, Hawaii

October 26, 2012

So... I don't carry a handbag on a regular basis.  I use only a wristlet to tote my phone and identifications.  This is is about all I haul around town.  Just less likely to lose stuff or leave things behind.  The raffle ticket isn't a typical item.  We were at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii Marina Grand Opening at this time.  We didn't win anything.  Do I still have to keep this coupon?!?!

Kaneohe, Hawaii

October 25, 2012

Another day of running errands on the other side of the island.  Throughout my husband's entire Navy career, we have only had two duty stations in which he has had to commute greater than 20 minutes.  The first location was at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station (Washington) in which he drove 25 minutes from Anacortes down across the Deception Pass to Oak Harbor.  Not too bad of a drive.  The other commute is here.... a 20 minute drive through this, the Ko'olau Mountain Range.  I'd say it's a great way to unwind for the evening.

Kaneohe, Hawaii

October 24, 2012

It was another one of those eerie, but beautiful sunrises this morning.  We've had a spattering of rain on and off in our neighborhood so far and from looking at the sky, I think that's what we'll see for the day. That's alright with me.  Rain is good for the soul.... and my lawn.

Kailua, Hawaii

October 23, 2012

From the looks of it, I would say the American public is tired of the campaigning and ready to vote.
Kailua, Hawaii

October 22, 2012

Sam and I are working on US History for school and reviewing his Citizen pin for moving up to Boy Scouts.  Earlier in the year we purchased this miniature version of the iconic symbol of our great nation at the local drug store down the street.  My observant 10 year old brought it to me this morning for our lessons and pointed out an ironic detail.

Kailua, Hawaii

October 21, 2012

Pool time for the Webelos II Cub Scouts!!!  Since Zach and Nate are experienced swimmers and older Boy Scouts I asked (told) them to join us to assist the leader (me).  The reward for all of the water loving scouts after they checked off all the necessary tasks was fun time at the diving boards and water slide.  After a while, I had to ask some of the young men to sit out in the sun to warm up.  If you can't answer a simple "How are you doing?" question without full body shivers, chattering teeth and blue lips, it's time to take a break!

Kaneohe, Hawaii

October 20, 2012

The older boys are (once again!) up on the North Shore helping out with a(nother) scout weekend event.  This left Sam at home solo hanging out with Mom and Dad.  Most of the day was spent picking up around the house, talking with friends on the computer and playing with the puppies.  By late afternoon we were ready for some beach time.  The winds were up and the surf was perfect for the many modes of ocean recreational transportation.  By this time of the day there were only about a dozen kite surfers, a smattering of stand up paddlers, a few windsurfers and one Hobie Cat cruising around in the bay.

Kailua, Hawaii

October 19, 2012

Due to road construction and multiple detours we've had a significant increase in vehicle traffic along our street.  It's been going on for a full week now and I'm getting the impression some of the neighbors are tired of the somewhat obnoxious, higher decibel level screaming along our normally quiet roads.  I came upon this handmade sign just before turning from the main thoroughfare into our neighborhood. The best part is that it's made from some recycled campaign signs!

Kailua, Hawaii

October 18, 2012

A beautiful run this morning along the Lanikai Loop.  It had rained earlier but quickly passed on leaving the trail quiet with only the die hard runners and walkers.  I'm glad I got out early before the steamy, muggy air overtook the remainder of the day.

Lanikai, Hawaii

October 17, 2012

A day on the water filled with exciting activity!  Julie, Michelle and I set out from the marina on Stand Up Paddleboards for the 4 mile trip around Coconut Island.  It was smooth paddling out into the bay and around the backside of the island to Gilligan's Cove.  As we paddled toward the dolphin pens the trainers started the feeding, which got them jumping, spinning and flipping!  The show lasted a good ten minutes as we slowly made our way past them and headed back out into the now wavy bay.  On our return trip we watched the Navy HSL-37 (helicopter) squadron and Coast Guard practice rescue techniques close to the other end of the base, while Navy and Air Force planes practiced landings and take-offs and Marine Corps helicopters buzzed in and out of the mix.  Closer to us, a race was getting underway for a flotilla of 420's using colorful spinnaker sails.  An ultra light, super fast Moth (hydroplane sailboat type vessel) zipped by us several times, almost hitting Michelle on one pass.  Once we got to the mudflats we had smooth, easy paddling back to our marina and even spotted our regular friendly turtle.   Lots going on today!

Kaneohe, Hawaii

October 16, 2012

Really?!?!  At the end of last week, the boys and I baked up a couple of English muffin bread loaves just to try something new.  It was wonderful!  Light, moist and airy on the inside while crispy, crunchy on the outside.  Most definitely a keeper and a recipe to work into our normal bread making cycle.  As I was taking stock of the cabinets, refrigerator and pantry this morning I noticed we still had half a loaf of the scrumptious bread.  Around here, after 3-4 days our baked goods tend to start growing stuff, turn black and/or green and basically turn into the perfect lab experiments, so I knew what little bread I had left should be used today or go in the trash tomorrow.  Oven grilled Pepper Jack cheese sandwiches on thick slices of buttered English Muffin bread is what was made for lunch.  They were mouth-wateringly beautiful with their bubbling, lightly toasted buttered tops, golden crispy crusts and just enough gooey cheese oozing out the side when I finally pulled them from the over.  I was so excited to get a picture of them!  It must have been the irresistible aroma that beckoned the savages to the kitchen while I was getting my camera from the back room because this is what I found when I stepped back into the kitchen.  They were even trying to eat all the crumbs!!!  One would think I never feed my children by the way they were behaving!  All three of them scurried out of my sight claiming things such as school work needed to be finished, scout stuff had to be completed or French lessons should be reviewed..... whatever.  Not only did I not get a picture, I didn't even get half a sandwich!  Once again, happy for leftovers.

Kailua, Hawaii

October 15, 2012

Cleaning day.  Not really my favorite, but necessary.  While I was in the back of the house scrubbing floors the pups decided to explore the new furniture arrangement.  Here they are, caught in the act of having jumped all over the living room chairs and sofa to perch themselves up on the counter stools.  I bet they thought they were going to find something good to snack on.  Sorry boys, just stale crumbs!

Kailua, Hawaii

October 14, 2012

This afternoon we had the honor of attending (some participated in) an Eagle Court of Honor for fellow scout Brady.  I'm not usually in front of the camera, but a friend graciously offered to take a picture of our family.  Zach and Nate are awaiting word on their Eagle Boards of Review and Sam will move up from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts at the end of November.  Wow....  they grow up fast!

Honolulu, Hawaii

October 13, 2012

Well,  I guess we need to be more careful about where we toss the old coconuts we find that have washed up on the beach.  They seem to take root and grow quickly.
Kailua, Hawaii

October 12, 2012

I was wanting something Fall-like this morning, but it was too warm by 9am to do a pumpkin spiced latte.  The next best thing I could come up with was this.... a pumpkin pie smoothie!   Since the concoction didn't include coffee everyone was willing to trying it.  They loved it.  Drank it down all the way to the slurping straw empty bottom of the glass loved it!  I don't think I'll tell them about the spinach I added while they weren't looking....

Kailua, Hawaii

October 11, 2012

This adorable little lady is Carmel and her grandparents live next door to us.  She was outside playing in the yard, smelling the flowers and leaves, chasing birds and searching for butterflies.  I got a few snapshots of her hiding near the gate, but for the most part, she avoided my camera.

Kailua, Hawaii  

October 10, 2012

The people of Hawaii revere the honu, or turtle.  We see pictures, models and stickers of them on vehicles, in the shops, on kayaks, boats and boards, jewelry.... and worked into the landscape and sculptures.  I've seen several of these mailboxes around town with the lava rock honu perched on top.  I liked this one in particular because it also has a banana tree just behind it with a giant bloom and is almost ready for harvest.

Kailua, Hawaii

October 9, 2012

Even though it's been warm outside, it's feeling a little bit like Autumn around here.  It's smelling like it too since we baked this scrumptious looking pumpkin spice cake.  The only part that doesn't fit in is my blue fish plate.  Oh, well... at least it doesn't change the taste!

Kailua, Hawaii

October 8, 2012

I was out on Kaneohe Bay again today with some of the girls to do some paddling in the unusual Kona winds.  But since several of my most recent posts have been of the water, I thought I would go a different route... the Ko'olaus.   Dave and I hopped over to the other side of the island to do some shopping while everyone was celebrating Columbus Day at the beaches.   As we emerged from the tunnel back on the windward side of the island this is what we were greeted with.  Beautiful, lush-green, misty covered mountains peaks.  

Kaneohe, Hawaii

October 7, 2012

Today we had the Hawaii Youth Sailing Association Race #8 and final one for the season!  Another long, full day of being out on the water in Kaneohe Bay.  The winds ranged from crazy light to almost non-existent, making for a difficult race.  Sam took first and Nate took 2nd for the C2 category, while Zach jumped up to take 4th place in the C1 category.  A great finish of the season for all three boys!  After the race was completed our boys were the only ones who had to continue sailing to get back to their home port across the bay for gear breakdown and haul out.  As they were moving down wind over the long distance toward our docks they crossed paths with these much bigger, colorful J24 racers and got some friendly kudos on a job well done for their races. 

Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii 

October 6, 2012

We had race number 7 for the season out on our home waters of Kaneohe Bay today.  All day.  Nathan was not with us as he was up on the North Shore participating in his Boy Scout Order of the Arrow Ordeal.  Zach and Sam were two of the 48 racers.  These Open Bic boats were a new addition to the regular line up of El Toros and Lasers.  They have open end, self bailing hulls, allow the occupants to stand up and sail with one or two people. Very interesting set up.

Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

October 5, 2012

Yes, that's my ballot in the mailbox!  And a Netflix return movie (Battleship -- fun flick with the kids), but that's not the point I'm trying to make.   It's not just a right, but a responsibility.  For those who are voting by absentee ballot like me... the final step is actually placing it in the mail!!!

Kailua, Hawaii

October 4, 2012

I love leftovers for lunch!  Last night we had spicy lentil barley patties with a tropical salsa and fresh veggie salad for dinner.  I had only enough for one serving tucked in the fridge so I was the lucky person who got to enjoy it for a second time.  Yum!

Kailua, Hawaii

October 3, 2012

Anyone remember these?   In my house, at least three of them are consumed EVERY SINGLE DAY.  Lately, we've noticed an odd phenomenon... when we removed a new box from the freezer and open it up, not all of them are frozen despite being in the cold box for an extended period of time.  But when we lay them out on the counter, the liquid ones soon begin to frost over and solidify.   Pretty cool thermodynamics at work.

Kailua, Hawaii

October 2, 2012

I helped Dave run his errands today.  On the leeward side of the island.  Honolulu.  It's busier, with lots more people, more traffic.  At one point we had time to kill so we hit the big commissary for the weekly shop.  The Pearl Harbor commissary (military grocery store) is almost three times larger than the one we normally frequent in Kaneohe on the windward (quiet and less populated) side of the island.... and has an exponentially greater number of shoppers.   And even though the two said stores are run by the same corporation, they are not set up in the same fashion.   Peanuts and popcorn should be across the aisle from the cereals, just down from the candy.... cheeses should be in the dairy case, not in the deli.... and why do you not carry our favorite yogurt or Italian ice when the little store does?!?!   Well, I guess I'm a creature of habit and I don't do well with change.  I think that's why this valley, the mountains behind it and the puffy clouds over head were such a welcoming sight when I pulled off the H3 and headed toward home.  

Kaneohe, Hawaii

October 1, 2012

So what is this?  Well... once a month at noon on the first business day of each month our island does a Tsunami early warning test across the entire island.  This is our warning siren tower... just down the street atop our local firehouse.  We can hear it loud and clear.  

Kailua, Hawaii