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