July 7, 2011

This is the Red-Vented Bulbul.  They can be found throughout the Hawaiian Islands and in particular (for some strange reason!) always on my front patio.  This guy seemed to think the patio was his and refused to fly off even when I stepped out and was standing only a mere 4 feet away.  After doing a google search, I discovered this bird species is included among the world's worst invasive alien species.  Yeah.... I can see that.
Kailua, Hawaii

July 6, 2011

This was in the late afternoon, just off our back patio.  I was captivated by the red tint reflection on the water and the orange in the clouds.  Just a gorgeous evening!
A big shout out to my brother Dave..... Happy Birthday!!!!
Kailua, Hawaii

July 5, 2011

Yesterday I made a 'quick, hurry-up, throw it in the freezer' blueberry sorbet for this evenings dessert.   With all the Independence Day merriment going on in our neighborhood, I didn't have an opportunity to sample the sorbet.  So.... I took it upon myself today (after eating my lunch, of course...) to make sure this frozen treat would be sufficient.  Well, it most certainly passes my scrutiny!  A simple, light and fresh indulgence that will compliment and round out our Rogan Josh and rice dinner.
Kailua, Hawaii

July 4, 2011

Sam and I got to march in the Kailua Town 4th of July parade with Cub Scout Troop 225.  The procession began around 0930 winding down one of the main roads for about a mile toward the heart of downtown.  By the time we made it to the finish, we were out of candy, very hot and quite tired.... some were ever crabby!  All in all, it was a great small town parade and the boys took a great deal of pride in just getting to participate.  Dave and the other kids cheered us on toward the end of the line.
Kailua, Hawaii

July 3, 2011

Here is another one of those gorgeous trees that is in bloom all around us!  The Rainbow Shower Tree is a tropical hybrid with Asian parentage.  The official tree of the City of Honolulu, it can be found along the highways, in the many parks and all over the island of Oahu as well as throughout Maui, Kauai and the Big Island.
Kaneohe, Hawaii

July 2, 2011

I snapped this shot of Kaneohe Bay as we were returning from a camping night at the Pupukea Boy Scout Camp.  Zach and Nate had a fabulously productive Boy Scout activity packed week with their troop and several others from around the island.  On our return, we were discussing how today marks the 1 year anniversary of our arrival to Hawaii.  Technically, the kids and I flew out of Amsterdam at 11:00 am on the 1st of July and landed in Honolulu at 11:25 pm that same day.  Since we didn't get to Kailua until after midnight on the 2nd of July, we've decided to count today as the official celebratory day.
Kailua, Hawaii  

July 1, 2011

For the longest time I thought the yard guys were trimming and pruning these trees to fan out flat like this.  Wrong.  The Travelers Palm is related to the Bird of Paradise and bears feather-like flowers that flare up from a beak-like case.  Rainwater gets concentrated at the hollow base of each huge, sail-like leaf.  Hence the common name - parched travelers can find reservoirs of thirst quenching water here.
Kailua, Hawaii