February 29, 2012

I shouldn't be surprised by the things and happenings I witness around here but....  well, I was a bit surprised by this.   Along the back gate road to the commissary (next to the swamp) I spotted a couple of unique vehicles.   I took a few shots before moving on and then discovered this was a news crew doing a story.   The boys identified the vehicles as Marine Corps Amphibious Armored Assault Track vehicles.  They then processed to spew out fact after fact about them.  Too many facts for me to remember, understand, care about or repeat.   I just know to get out of the way when I see one coming toward me.
Kailua,  Hawaii

February 28, 2012

I wasn't going to go out on the water today while the boys were in sailing class because "I have too much to do."  Well... enough of the excuses!  It was a last minute decision and I only paddled for about 45 minutes, but it felt good to be out there.
Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

February 27, 2012

I think this guy was a bit surprised when the lumpy statue (that would be me) he was curiously approaching moved!  He obviously was taking flight before a possible disastrous event occurred.  I had no intentions of hurting or capturing him.  I just wanted a decent photo for my blog post.  I believe he's a finch, but I'm not very certain when it comes to the bird research.  I'll have to work on that!
Kailua, Hawaii

February 26, 2012

It's been a low key, gloomy kind of day.  Nate and I are a little under the weather, so this was a great day to relax and lounge around the house.  Dinner was also a no fuss, easy kind of set up.  French dip with au jus, chips and fresh pineapple.
Kailua, Hawaii

February 25, 2012

We started our morning early today.  Marine Corps Base Hawaii held their annual 5 mile team "Swamp Romp" through the Nu'upia Ponds.  This is a fun filled run literally through swamps, on the beach, over obstacle courses and much more.  Many of the teams dress up in crazy, outrageous costumes to make it more entertaining for the crowds on the sidelines.  This years winning team finished just over the 1 hour mark and were decked out in Speedo swim suits.  Zach and the 5 other young men (from boy scouts) of his team finished 5th for their age category.  Here is a shot of the "Silent Mimes" just waiting for their heat to be called to the starting line.
Nu'upia Ponds, Hawaii  

February 24, 2012

Bird on a wire.  Or rooftop.  How many birds does it take to make a gutter fall down?  1, 2, 3, 4, 5..... oh, wait one flew off.... 4, 5, 6....  too many fluffy balls with too much movement to count.  I guess we'll never know.  Anyway, some sunshiny weather with light winds today.  Thank you!
Kailua, Hawaii

February 23, 2012

This morning we woke to more stormy weather.  I don't mind a little rain for my runs, but the head winds were killing me!  Since I was getting sandblasted on the beach I decided not to stay very long.  Besides, Thursdays are usually pretty packed and are our busiest day of the week, so I needed to get home and start the day.  With the way our weather has been lately, I really though I would get a call canceling sailing class for the third time this week! As the day went on the sky cleared up and the winds died down.... a little.... so off to class we went.  This makes for happy boys, not to mention a happy mom. Anyway, back to the picture.... these Hobie Cats sit on the beach, rain or shine, year in, year out, just waiting for their owners (or renters?) to take them out on the water.  I rarely see them being used though.
Kailua Beach, Hawaii

February 22, 2012

"The Iconic Triple Decker Epic Sandwich!"  That's what the boys call their latest lunch fixings.  It's a peanut butter, grape jelly and Nutella sandwich, with 3 pieces of wheat bread.  That must be why lately we're going through 3-4 loaves of bread each week.....  Asking Nate to hold off eating for just a moment while I took a picture was similar to taking the food dish away from the puppies.  And for the record, he didn't starve (as he claimed he would) while I snapped a few shots.
Kailua, Hawaii

February 21, 2012

Sometime yesterday morning Levi did something to injure himself.   He started the day with lots of whimpering and yelping with every move he made so.... off to the vet we went to get some answers and   pain relief.   The vet determined Levi strained his neck muscles probably doing one of his crazy moves trying to snatch something off the sofa or a chair or tussling with Remi.   For now, the prescription is lots of rest, very little movement and absolutely no playing around.  Nate hates to hear him cry out and feels Levi does better if when he opens his eyes he sees someone familiar.  So..... wherever Levi settles for some rest, Nate settles down in front of him, nose to nose, until Levi gets up and moves again.  Such a dedicated, caring dog owner.  I love it!  But, Levi, please get better soon!
Kailua, Hawaii

February 20, 2012

At 4.... this morning..... we had the Kailua version of COPS in our front yard.  Our neighborhood wasn't the target, just on the get away route.  Regardless, the would be thief was identified, apprehended and carted off with the help of about 5 squad cars, 2 quad ATVs, 1 tow truck and about 10 officers.  Since we were all up so early, we decided to go to the marina and take Maia out for an early morning sail before the winds got too nasty.   This was our reward for being the early birds!   As my friend Karen said, "It never gets old."
Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

February 19, 2012

We had some erratic winds and rain squalls last night and into this morning making for some impressive waves down at our beach.  Kailua Beach is know for it's calm, kid friendly surf, but today wasn't as welcoming to the smaller, inexperienced individual.
Kailua, Hawaii

February 18, 2012

Early this morning Dave and I had to drive over to the Honolulu side to run a few errands.  Our first stop was here at his office on top of the hill overlooking Pearl Harbor.  In this shot is the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74),  the Aloha Stadium, the floating bridge to Ford Island (only two bridges of this kind in the US - bonus to the person who can tell where the other one is located!!!), the Mighty Missouri, the Arizona Memorial and the historic aircraft hangers and air traffic tower of Ford Island.  A(nother) tidbit of trivia... the red and white tower you see on the far right side is NOT the original tower.  This one was built for the movie Tora, Tora, Tora because the original tower wasn't very tall and dramatic enough!
Honolulu, Hawaii

February 17, 2012

Zach and I got a late start on a 5 mile, recovery run around the Lanikai Loop this morning.  When we returned at almost 10:00, Nate and Sam informed us that they had just finished their schoolwork for the day.  Well, I guess that's what happens when you have a combination of light school day and early start! Since Zach has a heavier than usual workload this week, the two younger guys and I decided to do some History Enrichment work.  Here is Sam with his Babylonian Baking Bread that he made from scratch!  Nate is preparing Falafel, Tabbouleh and Stuffed Mushrooms for our dinner.  Later this evening they will both place in the oven their Fruit Leather trays for overnight drying.   All of the recipes are from their History programs.  I love Home Schooling!
Kailua, Hawaii

February 16, 2012

I had to hurry up my run back to the house this morning so I could grab my camera to get this shot.  It was such a glorious sunrise, I just couldn't miss getting it on film.... well, digital memory card.  What a magnificent start of the day for my sister's birthday and the Change of Command for Helicopter Squadron Light, HSL-37.   Happy Day!
Kailua, Hawaii

February 15, 2012

Out on the water in kayaks today.  No stand up paddling because of the wind and chop.  And yes.... that is a rainstorm in the distance which Julie and I eventually ran into.   Still, another beautiful day in paradise.
Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

February 14, 2012

This guy is not looking his best today, but I think he's just happy to be alive.  While cleaning up in the kitchen, I found what appeared to be a dead gecko stuck to the resealable adhesive tape for the nearly empty scone container.  Upon closer inspection, I realized this gecko was NOT dead, but severely, incapacitatingly glued to the vessel.   I wasn't concerned with the tail because I know those can grow back, so I carefully, ever so gently and painstakingly either peeled sticker from gecko or removed gecko from tape.  In the end, he was a little shocked but eventually did scurried away.   The boys later informed me that this type of gecko can shed and regrow eyes and feet as part of their self preservation mechanism.  I don't think that would have helped this guy out of his sticky situation!
Kailua, Hawaii

February 13, 2012

We came across this photo shoot as we were finishing our hike this morning.  A beautiful setting to remember that special day.  Just make sure you can crop out the speedo sporting sunbathers, naked screaming children and the lifeguard rescue board!
Kailua Beach Park, Hawaii

February 12, 2012

Sundays are quiet days around our house and Sam seems to let his imagination run during this time..... What is it with this kid and the mustache?  Goofball!
Kailua, Hawaii

February 11, 2012

Sam and I had a Cub Scout bake sale in front of the base commissary this afternoon.  It was a productive event and positive celebration boost for Valentine's Day.  While we were on our shift, we got word of a large grass fire at the shooting range so we headed over that way to take some pictures.  Unfortunately for us, the fire was inside the crater and out of sight in a restricted area.  This does keep people out of harms way, but the firefighters were battling flames being whipped up by some heavy, gusting trade winds.   In the meantime, I got off some shots of the beach close by.
Ft. Hase Beach, Hawaii

February 10, 2012

A quick trip over the Pali Highway to the Scout Store brought me to this park.  It's a beautiful, lush, green park just across the street from the Aloha Council grounds close to the Queen Emma Summer Palace.  The trees here are so old and majestic that when you look up it's difficult to discern where one tree ends and another begins.  
Sending out a great big Happy Birthday to my wonderful father-in-law, Bob!
Honolulu, Hawaii

February 9, 2012

Finally!  The winds died down and switched back from Kona to Trade, so the boys were out in boats today!  It's a good thing because I thought for certain they was going to be a revolt if I made them do another yoga lesson with me for the day!  Here they are putting up some very soggy sails that took a dip in the somewhat cold waters.
Kaneohe, Hawaii

February 8, 2012

Another day inside and no sailing to break up the school workload.  So..... we started playing around with the puppies, letting them climb in and out of some of our empty supply baskets.   This red one seemed to be the favorite....  I think because it used to hold all of their training treats.  They climbed in all by themselves and had no desire to leave!
Kailua, Hawaii

February 7, 2012

The moon was very bright this morning.... at 4 A.M.  I was up because Remi and Levi have very small bladders and can't seem to make it through the night.   Anyway, the storms have been rolling in and out for the past 36 hours and are predicted to continue like this for the next 3 days.  I did notice while out for a run this morning that we are having Kona winds, which means no sailing or water sports for the boys.  Yoga for P.E. does not make for happy boys.
Kailua, Hawaii

February 6, 2012

The boys are in a testing phase again so I coaxed them into a Lanikai Loop walk to let off some steam.  Plus, after doing some training runs with Zach and Nate over the weekend, we needed a recovery day for the legs.  Sam tagged along on his bike because his legs just aren't long enough to keep up with our brisk pace for 5 miles.  Anyway, we got a little rain along the way to help cool us down.  This guy seemed to be enjoying the rain as well.  Nothing like a good scrubbing in some fresh rain water!
Lanikai,  Hawaii

February 5, 2012

An early morning walk on the beach brought me toe to sac with a couple of these.  It's the Portuguese Man-O-War.  According to Zach.... "It's named that because it's just THAT dangerous!  They can grow up the my height in length if you include it's stinging tentacles!"  This one is only about an inch and a half in length and dead, but it can still deliver a nasty sting.
Lanikai Beach, Hawaii

February 4, 2012

I first time I saw a blue stop sign on island I thought it was just unique for that particular shopping plaza.  I've come to realize though that blue stop signs are the norm for many of the small towns here.  This one in downtown Kailua even had some extra art work that apparently the city wasn't pleased with.
Kailua, Hawaii

February 3, 2012

I looks as if we are going to have a great crop of papaya this Spring!  Happy Aloha Friday!
Kailua, Hawaii

February 2, 2012

Another pigeon?!?!  No, same one.  We've named him Hector.  He's been recuperating in the backyard, living off the water and whatever food we toss out there to him.    So why another picture of Hector?  Happy Ground Hog Day!   And..... earlier today while playing outside, our cute little puppies rolled in a pile of smelly, gross yuckiness and needed a thorough scrubbing.   Because the boys left the back door to the house open (probably because they're being raised in a barn!) I think Hector decided he might like to take our friendship to another level and needed to check out the prospective digs.  Since he can't fly yet (due to a damaged wing) he must have waddled through the house to this perch (one of my foyer chairs), from the back of the house all the way to the front.  After being greeted (enthusiastically, of course) by two strawberry scented, squeaky clean fluff balls, I believe Hector has since done some soul searching and would rather spend his time outside.   I'm just thankful he didn't make a mess!
Kailua, Hawaii

February 1, 2012

I'm completely stumped... no clue as to what kind of tree this is.   One of the regular walkers saw me taking photos and stopped to chat.  He said this is what the locals call the pompom tree.  The blooms only last about 2-3 days, the birds hate them and larger insects steer clear of them.  They remind me of those stringy Koosh balls, but the boys are saying it's got to be something from Dr. Seuss.   I've only seen this one in my next door neighbor's front yard.  If I had to name it, looking at the flower in it's pod on the tree, I'd have to call it something like, "Frilly Pink Phallic Flower Tree."
Kailua, Hawaii