July 14, 2011

Zach and Nate sailed El Toros in the 1st day of Junior Olympics Regatta in Waikiki.  Since we don't have a chase boat our view was from afar.  The weather was beautiful and for those of us on shore our  perch could not be beat.  Our young sailors experienced 6 foot swells, puffs of wind (in between no wind), formidable rival sailors on their rough home seas and constant incoming/outgoing vessel traffic.  The boys are tired, but they had a blast and learned a lot from the experience.  Plus, we get to do it all again tomorrow!
Waikiki, Hawaii

July 13, 2011

Once again, out on the water with some of the girls.  Fun!  It was the last time we will sail with our good friend (and the kid's amazing sailing instructor) Donna.  She and her husband are heading back to the DC area... very sad here.  On the bright side, we had a beautiful morning on the water.  Well, except for the 15 minutes in a rain squall as we were rounding Coconut Island.  We had a good laugh when Karen started singing the opening song for Gilligan's Island.... the show was filmed on and around the little island.  R.I.P. Sherwood Schwartz.  Fair winds and following seas to Donna and her family.
Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

July 12, 2011

We've gone only 3 days without any rain and already the lawn is going yellow.  Just off in the distance you can see the rain falling on the ocean.  Unfortunately, we didn't get more than a misty spray up here at the house.  I guess this means the lawn service is going to need to hook up and put to use the large sprinklers.  They aren't much fun because they use non-potable water and they are too powerful for the kids to play in.   Come on rain!
Kailua, Hawaii

July 11, 2011

When we first moved to Oahu, a common question was, "Are you a part of the Cutter Ohana (family)?" Being that we have a large family, we innocently replied affirmatively.  Of course, after getting to know the island a bit better, we've come to understand the true meaning of that question!  Let me set the record straight.... We, the Cutter family of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, are not in any way, shape or form related to or part of the Cutter Ohana, owners of the greatest number of car dealerships on island.   The Cutter Ohana sells and services every make of car from Acura to Volkswagen on Oahu.  We own a Volvo.
Waikiki, Hawaii

July 10, 2011

When I woke this morning all was quiet, except the waves of the ocean below.   There were very few clouds in the sky and no threat of rain, so I decided to walk the beach for some morning exercise.  We haven't been down to our beach in a long while because most of the sand has been swept away, exposing the rocks and making the area too treacherous for swimming and I was curious as to how things were looking these days.  Well, it's still too dangerous for me, but there were a few brave souls out (beyond the lava rock reef) catching some early morning waves.   The colors were just so brilliant before the sun completely rose above the crater (out of this frame and off to the right).  Along my trek, I happened across a total of 7 new golf balls that had gone astray.....  Upon my return up the hill from the beach, I promptly gave them to Jeep and Shannon who were heading down to the golf course.  It's best to keep them in circulation!
Kailua, Hawaii

July 9, 2011

Since moving to Hawaii last year, the boys have been building a robust business in the pet care field.  Dave and I are allergic to cats and dogs and just can't have them in our home.  Plus, we have a tendency to move about every 18 to 24 months and that's hard on a pet.  Anyway, the boys have charges all over the neighborhood whom they happily and lovingly care for whenever needed.  This is Dobie.  He's a Dachshund who thinks he's a Great Dane!
Kailua, Hawaii

July 8, 2011

It took forever to find out what this tree is called!  This is the Sea Grape Tree which sits at the front corner of my house.  The Sea Grape is a native of Florida and the Caribbean Islands.  I just like the red vein of the rubbery round leaves.  Very pretty.
Kailua, Hawaii