November 26, 2012

It's been this way all day today... overcast skies with a chance of rain.  I think it's Mother Nature's way of trying to prepare us for the Pacific Northwest.
Kailua, Hawaii

November 25, 2012

A new addition to Kailua town!  This guy takes in old rusty bikes and turns them into functioning vehicles.  Since things rust quickly here in Hawaii, I think we have quite a collection we could take up to him!

Kailua, Hawaii

November 24, 2012

Even a trip to get topsoil is beautiful here.  Today was topsoil and seeding day, but before we could do that we had to thatch the remaining grass.  I went for the first pick up run, but after that I was too busy with the rake to go for the others.  I think they went another 4 times.  Wow, that's a lot of dirt!  I'll share a picture after we have some growth.
Kailua, Hawaii

November 23, 2012

Zone 4 of the newly installed sprinkler system.  It works perfectly!  Dave and I have spent the last three weekends digging trenches, making Home Depot and Hardware Hawaii runs, cutting PVC, hooking up sprinkler heads and finally filling in trenches with (not enough) sandy soil.  A muscle aching, strenuous, sweaty and dirty job, but very rewarding in the end.  What's that I hear off in the distance?  A huge electrical thunder storm... perfect timing!

Kailua, Hawaii

November 22, 2012

So, we did the Imu yesterday and picked up early this morning.  All my guys were standing around very excited about picking at the pork roast.  Vultures!  We got everything sampled (many times), packaged and in the freezer so we could start on the next cooking project - Smoked Turkey.  Our neighbors, Charlie and Diane, built this beautiful, large smoke cabinet for special occasions -- such as Thanksgiving.  A dozen turkeys, variously prepared, went in on a shelf for the six hours smoke time.  Ours is the bacon wrapped bird and Charlie said he wants it up front so he can watch it.  I think he really plans on sampling the bacon every time he checkes on the oven contents!  Happy Thanksgiving!

Kailua, Hawaii

November 21, 2012

Thanksgiving Eve.  The boys are not only helping to prepare the Imu, but Sam and fellow scout Luke are preparing this turkey!  They eventually removed the innards and wrapped the bird in ti leaves in order to get the perfectly steamed turkey.  We go back in the morning to dig up the pit and remove all the wonderful dishes.
Waimanalo, Hawaii

November 20, 2012

Sirens, police cars, fire trucks, jet skis and a helicopter overhead were our early morning wake up call.  Apparently, this morning (around 1A.M.) a group of kids, after celebrating most of the night on the beach, decided to go for a swim out to Flat Island (the flat island on the left side of the picture).  When the group awoke at sunrise, they discovered one of their party was not with them.   That is when the Search Team was called in.  The obvious place to start looking was on the beach and in the waters, but the searchers also had to walk and forage through all the backyards for at least a one mile stretch as well.  By the time I finished my walk and was heading home nothing had been discovered.   

Kailua, Hawaii

November 19, 2012

Remi and Levi turn 1 year old today.  Happy Birthday boys!  I tried to get a picture of them eating their Pup-pie, but they were too excited to pose for the camera.

Kailua, Hawaii

November 18, 2012

Early morning outing with my beloved.  Who knew Home Depot opened at 7am?
Pearl City, Hawaii

November 17, 2012

This tells us it's Fall here in Hawaii.  I saw berry changing from dark orange to black about this same time last year.  I'm not sure what it is, but it certainly says Autumn to me.

Kailua, Hawaii

November 16, 2012

The internet was abuzz all day today regarding the closing down of Hostess Bakery.  Sad, devastating news for America -- that would be sarcasm there.  I'm not worried.  We make our own baked goods.  And they're so much better in so many ways!  Bye bye Twinkies!!!  I never really was a fan anyway.

On a much brighter note -- Happy Birthday to my wonderful Mother-in-Law!!! 

Kailua, Hawaii

November 15, 2012

Sunrise this morning was breathtaking.  There were a few brave souls out on the water early doing their best to capture the strong winds.  I didn't stay long to watch because it was just too darn cold for me!  I'm now back at home wearing long pants and a sweater and having a hot cup of coffee.  I don't know how I'll survive when we have to leave Hawaii!

Kailua, Hawaii 

November 14, 2012

I've been away from the water for a while and I've missed it.  The weather has been cooler and off and on stormy today, but I did find a dry time to get out for a walk.  Stormy weather usually means rough waters.  Yep.  There it is... rough waters.  Still such a beautiful sight.

Kailua, Hawaii

November 13, 2012

We just never got around to carving the Jack-o-lanterns.  We're hoping to get these guys gutted, carved up, roasted and put in the freezer for later use.  One of the best aspects of Fall (for me) is the smell of pumpkin wafting through the house.  Pumpkin breads, scones, butter, smoothies, cookies, pies, cheesecake, roasted seeds and soups.  I've recently tried combining some puree with apple cider and spices to make mulled Autumn cider for the kids....  and apple pumpkintinis for the (brave) adults.  Since it's getting so cold here I prefer the warm cider!

Kailua, Hawaii

November 12, 2012

These may not be an every day fruit in your market, but here in Hawaii the dragon fruit is common.  Just because we see it on a regular basis does not mean it's affordable.  Even during peak season these tender beauties are still somewhat pricy -- about $6 per piece.  It's about the size of a large apple.  My next door neighbor, Susan, decided to beat the market at their own game and grow here own this year.  Her gardening friends told her first year plants NEVER produce any fruit, just the pretty white flowers. Really?!?!  Well, Susan... you grow girl!!!!  She said when she harvests she would bring over a few slices so I could taste it.  In the meantime, I'll have to be content with the two giant avocados she asked me to pick off her tree to share with my family.  

Kailua, Hawaii 

November 11, 2012

Happy Veteran's Day.  I am humbly thankful to my family members and many friends who have selflessly served our country or still do so.  There just aren't enough words to express my admiration.  Thank you. Thank you.
Honolulu, Hawaii

November 10, 2012

Finally a weekend without Scouts or work related activities.  We spent the day working on the yard, raking up leaves (darn mango trees!), cleaning out flower beds, relocating some plants, digging trenches for the sprinkler system and scrubbing my many planter vessels.  We don't have a dormant season here in Hawaii and I didn't kill off the plants, but it's time to start the clean up.   My military friends will understand this process.   After the clean up we had a quick rain shower come through to make certain I got all the dirt and grime off.

Kailua, Hawaii

November 9, 2012

Party on the front lawn!  Well, it's not really a lawn right now because we've torn it up to put in the sprinkler system.  The birds in the neighborhood seem to be enjoying the dirt and easy bug hunting.
Kailua, Hawaii

November 8, 2012

It's a convergence kind of day.  I don't usually run out of everything on the same day, but this week I did.  So we're grinding wheat, baking sandwich bread, bagels and pizza crusts and making peanut butter in the kitchen.  The laundry room has machines thumping away with the dirty clothes and I still need to hit the market for the fresh fruits and veggies!  Busy.  It's a good thing we're in a testing phase in which I don't teach new materials but the boys review what they have recently learned.

Kailua, Hawaii

November 7, 2012

I do believe this is the understatement of the day.  Or maybe the next few years.
Kailua, Hawaii

November 6, 2012

Have I said today how much I like my new camera?  Well, I do like it!  There are SO many functions and options available for each shot I take.  I'm still in the process of reading the owner's manual, but here's a picture of a pink orchid plant perched atop my neighbor's fence.  I used the close up flower mode to get that crisp, clear shot of each bloom.  The blurry green folliage in the background makes it stand out that much more.

Oh.... and happy voting!

Kailua, Hawaii

November 5, 2012

Tearing up our toys and chewing on ink pens is some tough work!  A nap on the comfy leather chair is a must.  These guys live a rough life.
Kailua, Hawaii

November 4, 2012

The boys and I went over to the Hawaii Convention Center for the coin collecting show and Boy Scout coin collecting merit badge workshop.  They had so much fun talking about different currencies and browsing through the many beautiful monies.  This statue of a native water bearer welcomes people at the front entrance to the gorgeous glass and stucco open air building.   Much mahalo to Patricia from the US Treasury Department for flying out to our little island on her own dime (pun intended) for this  convention and workshop!

Honolulu, Hawaii

November 3, 2012

Look what was delivered to my house last night!!!!  I was so excited I almost kissed the UPS delivery guy.  I'm sure he thinks I'm a bit off, but I don't care because I have my new camera!
Kailua, Hawaii

November 2, 2012

The moon rising over Kailua Bay this morning (super early!) was just beautiful.  There were a few clouds, but the bright moon and stars shone through to reflect upon the smooth waters.

Kailua, Hawaii

November 1, 2012

With the flurry of activities leading up to and going on for Halloween I haven't been able to share the news (brag) about the two latest Eagle Scouts!  Both Zach and Nate sat (individually) for their Eagle Boards of Review late tuesday evening.  Once the board members made their decision and signed the paperwork the young men officially earned their Eagle Scout ranks.  Mom and Dad now have the honor of organizing an Eagle Court of Honor so the troop can present the ranks and help celebrate.  In the meantime, they both still have jobs within the troop not to mention a younger brother who will be starting his journey soon.... so it's back to work for them.  Congratulations!

Kailua, Hawaii