at the strike of midnight

There is something about the changing of the year that gives me hope.  I know better, but for this evening ... I WANT to believe in the hopes of a healthy & prosperous new year for those I love & care about.  I can't complain about 2012 in total ... there were many things for which I am thankful.  But the losses that overshadow the good times are difficult to set aside. (with good reason)  So in all honesty, I am looking forward to a calendar with a change in emotional venue. 
I am not one for resolutions.  They are for a select few.  I focus instead on 1 or 2 goals or commitments.  I don't preach or tout them.  I keep them to myself.  But I am not without "plans" for the coming year. 
HOWEVER, since the the change in digits is yet a few hours away... I do make one wish right now.... that my friends & family are safe & healthy to welcome the coming of 2013.  I wish it very, VERY much!!

memories, movies, mania, & my grandson

during many recent visits with close family & friends lately ... Pa (SirBil) has been mentioned.  His presence missed, knowing he enjoyed this time of year and was always so good natured about all the fuss.  Instead of the girly, white, fru-fru tree that usually has it's place in my craft room, I consciously used the one normally reserved for his living room.  It made me feel like he was hanging around.  On my side of the family, we've talked as well, about the feel of the holidays being affected by the passing of both our parents.  It's uncharted territory for all of us ... navigating the organization of a "family" get together ... without the two people who actually created the family?!  BUT- this time of year also brings us days & days of  Halmark movies that are filled with Christmas miracles, aha moments, great morals to the story and ... happy endings. We love them, & find ourselves serious Debbie Macomber junkies!  The season can be hectic, stressful, & overwhelming - to be sure.  BUT only if you let it ... which we are pretty good at avoiding whenever possible.  Most recently, done so by the added placemat upon our table for our grandson, Anthony.  He's been here for a few days, with an equal amount yet to go and through his eyes ... the world takes on a softer, gossimer, less defined form.  Our days can me as simple as pipe cleaners & glue sticks or as  _____ (insert your own word here) as building a jr version of a REAL pirate ship!  Christmas decorations still make his eyes sparkle, he still cuddles, his imagination soars, his giggles fill our hearts with joy and most important to me at this moment ..... his hand still fits in mine!!

So whether you hot toddy yourself to get through December, or you sit back & just let it pass on it's own ... do remember that there are many who would appreciate all that you have & they don't.  Be thankful for a warm bed, a meal before you, and someone to share a bit of time with you.  We are.

in the blink of Santa's eye ...

24 hours ago ... the Capt was doing some paperwork (or was it last minute internet shopping?), & I was playing WWF ... a ball of fur upon my lap- the only noise to be heard was taping on the keyboard & snores coming from the critter putting my legs to sleep.  HERE WE ARE TONIGHT, in what seems like the blink of an eye .... the living room is filled with giggles & remnants of holiday tissue paper!  We are the proud guardians of the grandkids for the next few days and just thinking about it fatigues me a bit- but more importantly ... brings tears of joy to me as one of them crawls into my lap & tells me he loves me!  (the other... already fast asleep)

yeah ... that qualifies as UGLY! (thank you)

our police association holiday party featured an ugly sweater contest.  It wasnt til a couple days in advance of the date that we found we could attend ... and the Capt was hoping to participate.  We spent a significant amount of time discussing the difference between an ugly sweater, & an decorated one that's ... well, UGLY.  They are pretty much the same thing- the rule of thumb being that the more obnoxiously & overly decorated one is ... the higher the ugly rating!  The Capt doesn't exactly want it to be funny looking ... just ugly.  I warned him that while I can certainly abide by his wishes ... he risks NOT winning the contest!  I started out modestly and found he would ask for a little more, but stopped short of what I would have loved to do.  Visually you can see the outcome and it netted him 3rd place.  IRONICALLY- his prize was peanut brittle (which he doesn't eat).  But it was all for the fun of it anyway!  Tis the season.  Ho-Ho-Ho exercised here.

the boat docks tomorrow

the Christmas elves have been really busy here lately. with their not so miniature hammers, & saws & shovels .
and tomorrow will be no different.
by end of day, they have promised to have a boat docked in our back yard! they have done much to prepare for this encore, & it will leave only the last of my garden landscaping in this grand scheme of backyard planning! give me a couple of unrainy days and I will have that chore nipped in the bud as well!
the ideas bloomed from a pair of little people who's imaginations concocted an entire pirate wardrobe & storyline from a couple rolls of tape, lots of crayons, & a bundle of butcher paper. Not long after that event ... our own thoughts centered around what we could do to encourage their creative endeavors. We have gone above & beyond cardboard and duct tape this time ... but it's for 2 of our favorite people in the world and we can't wait for the unveiling (this weekend).
stay tuned mateys!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

boy, that's really SIC !

well ... actually .... it's a real sick boy  :o(
The Captain- for the first time in probably 8 years ... is sick.  Oh, yeah- he's had some sniffles on occasion ... he's had a headache or two, his back goes out 3 or more times a year ... and there was that hernia surgery a couple years ago that had him on a leash.  But this time- well, he's met his match!  A symptom or two on Friday, aches & sore throat joined his germ party yesterday, all those & the kitchen sink by this morning!  His voice... when he has the energy to speak at all ... sounds like Bill Medley, and I think he has unvoluntarily started that diet he's always joking about!  Sleep is his best friend right now (actually it's third on the list to tylenol & cold tablets).  As a result ... our schedule for the week has taken a left at Albuquerque.  I was a no-show for my Christmas party with the chorus tonight, for fear that he would be worse yet on my return (and now I'm HUNGRY), and tomorrow's launch for our quartet+2 road trip has been nipped in the bud!  It's put a damper on my mood ... but 24 hours from now, I will have accomplished FAR MORE than I anticipated ... as long as I don't catch HIS BUG!!!!  that would  r-e-a-l-l-y  piss me off  :o( 
Stay tuned for further developments that I hope don't develope at all.

life can be a little fuzzy around the edges

it's LONG been said that time flies when you're having fun.  TRUE
I've heard that time passes faster as you get older. TRUE
and there are a few more of life's "truths" that I have experienced first hand as well;  things look darkest before the dawn, sometimes-things happen for a reason, what doesn't kill you-makes you stronger, and yes ... good things come to those who wait!
The Captain & I have just returned from a few days in so Cal- where (among other things) we visited  my youngest sibling (and fam) & visited Disneyland.  It was our first time at the park during the holiday season and I MUST SAY- it was worth the wait!  I've no doubt that kids of all ages were running amuck with narry a thought to the beauty surrounding them.  The atmosphere was positively magical.  Having done some reading beforehand as to how the decorating is done & the amount of preparation that's involved ... I totally appreciated every nuance and I'm sure I still missed a great deal of it!  We had a great time and loved the experience!!
AND- it seemed to pass by so quickly, it's practically a blur already ... just as we look in the snapshot I took of our reflections in the Christmas ornament.

thank you for your words, your time, your ears ....

I recently sat down with a couple of people who are dear to my heart.  There was no particular game plan or event planned.... just time together.  And we did just that.  It had been a while since we had the opportunity and we weren't even sure if we would be able to get together at all.  The time flew by and I, for one, came away with such a smile in my heart, I can still feel the glow.  TIME can be such a gift when you're with people you love!!
Appreciate every minute you have with family & friends ... they can be elusive.

grandparenting from the heart

today, the Captain & I spent a huge chunk of time ... running from store, to store, to store ... trying to find some Christmas pajamas as adorable as our grandkids.  Apparently (according to store associates), we were about a month late!  But onward we trudged & the outcome was less than admirable ... but we did find some cozy pjs that will have to do!  We have arranged & set up a whole line up of events, time, outings, projects, & meal plans for our upcoming visit with the grandkids that we feel like little kids ourselves!  If they have half the fun while staying with us as we have planning their stay ... it will be a huge success for all of us.
 Ho-Ho-Ho

these aching, throbbing, HAPPY feet!

We have just completed a total of about 21 hours of standing & walking ... taking into accoount that some of our 23 hours in the "happiest place on earth" was spent sitting on rides & the occassional meal.  I medicated at the end of the first eve .... ah, I can still remember the bliss when that tylenol kicked in!  On day 2 ... I took it midstream & it gave me the stamina to finish 6 more hours.  You could fit a small bunny in the arch of my foot & my feet DO NOT like shoes- but the wearing of flip-flops is not a smart move with a lot of clumsy people about !!  This was the first time I have ever been in the magic kingdom during the holiday season, so it was particularly festive & cheerful with all the decorations, music (400 voice choir with Lou Diamond Phillips narration about the origin of Christmas), AND snowfall on Mainstreet.    Might I say ... for the sake of hearing a "duh" or two ... We had a ton of fun!!   BUT- that level of ON MY FEET intensity is behind me on this trip & I will now look for other ways to abuse muscles & tendons now :o)

what is YOUR number ??

EVERYONE seems to have a number they are reaching out to, waiting for, or gaining ground on.... that somewhat intangible set of digits that will somehow make "it" right.  I suppose it's sort of goal driven, something to strive toward, something to give you purpose- at times.
BUT- how many people successfully reach the number & is it enough?  Is there yet a new number? a higher standard?  Does it enrich your life or self worth?  Is it soon forgotten?  Is the number (per se) in an everlasting, ever constant state of elusive-ness?  Is it an achievement or just ... a number?  Whatever it be for you ... keep in mind it is just that, for you.  Even if others understand your need for a number ... it will not be as important or as pivotal as theirs.  They may even see it as JUST a number and not as THE number.  SO whether it's a date, a weight, a balance, or a price .... in miles, sizes, membership, or FaceBook friends .... it REALLY is just a digit (or two or three) and it's not the boss of you!  Let it go, let it happen, let it rest in peace (sometimes)

upon this earth shall come a miracle

and boy do we need one!!  The Captain took a volunteer call out a few minutes ago to block off streets where a murder suspect has been cornered and the police are getting ready to close in. 

The world is a scary place these days ... doors must be locked (& bolted) Lights left on.  Alarms set.  Precautions taken.  Living in a nice neighborhood or a gated community doesn't stop serious or desperate criminals.  And the holidays often bring out the worst in such people.

EVERYONE is at risk, and it scares me.  Late night calls are the worst.  It's either the police or a loved one ... and the message on the other end is never good news.  I pray that all I love & cherish stay safe through the holidays and that 2013 brings peace in MANY ways!

your opinion, my opinion ... the right opinion

When I was in middle school (previously known as jr hi) ... I was "courted" by 2 boys at the same time.  Coincidentally, both name Craig, best friends, & church mates.  For a few weeks, we pal'd around ... the 3 of us, for school events & BOTH of them walked home with me everyday.  One of them.. clever, a bit plain- lived just a few blocks away, the other ... very cute, good dancer- lived a couple miles in the opposite direction.  Honestly, I was quite content having the company of BOTH of them .... infact, thinking back- I'm not sure I was ever with either of them- without the other??  But apparently their patience wore thin & I was asked to choose between the 2.  To make this long story a little shorter (?) ... I picked the wrong one.  I found this out at a time when we were all part of a larger group of kids at one of their church events.  Being from a different religious backround ... but interested in learning about those differences.  My "boyfriend" talked  about how there are many different ways to view/interpret the bible & not everyone has to believe in the same thing to be a good Christian.  All this sounded pretty open minded ... til he finished with a statement that somehow sounded like I would burn in hell if it wasn't the same way his church believed ... ouch. There is more to the story (though not more time to the relationship afterward) ...  but I find that even as adults, many people say, (but mean) ... in much the same way.  It's cool to listen to your opinions & you are free to express & have them ... but if they aren't the same as mine ... you're wrong!  I hope that I don't put own thoughts or opinions out that way ... but it's sometimes the way conversations are conveyed to me. 
Years ago, I learned as a manager/supervisor that I had to find a way to critique performances WITHOUT comparing them to how I would have performed the job.  Just because I might learn to do something after a couple of tries ... doesn't mean they would.  I needed to develop a way to judge the quality of their work by "themselves".   
At this point in my life ... with the years I have left lesser in number than the years behind me, I make decisions based on that fact.  It's my "life is short" mentality.  I still pick my battles carefully ... but more importantly, I am setting priorities for those people or things that mean the most to me or I am most passionate about-  not everyone is going to be onboard with my choices ... but afterall, that's why they are called "my" choices.    right?!

89 ... but who's counting ...

today was SirBil's birthday.  (11/25/23)
BUT THERE WAS NO CELEBRATION, no fanfare, no cake & ice cream ..... only a mention between two who miss him much ... and a long hug.  I have hopes that he is truly in a better place, surrounded by many who love him & without difficulties or worry.

in my own way ...

as would be expected ... our holiday celebrations have changed over the years.  MANY have been wonderful, most really nice ... none quite as sweet in my heart, as those we had when we gathered at my mom & dad's house for our traditional Thanksgiving meal.  The crowds were large back then, the noise level high, the love immense.  Mom would rise long before dawn to prepare the bird, fix a big breakfast to tide us over, & dramatically shoo us from the kitchen throughout the day while she cooked. By mid morning, 6-8 of us would be playing poker to pass the time ... then "shuffle" our chips into cool whip or tupperware bowls when duty called to set the table!  Every dish presented to the table was made from scratch ... with decade old recipes.  The meal was long, relaxed, & hearty ... sometimes a bit rowdy with home-made dinner rolls being tossed from one end of the table to the other.  Mom would chastise us ... but in ernest- I think she enjoyed every bit of it!  We would try to get her out of the kitchen during clean up- but she wouldn't have it ... so my sister Bev & I usually assisted by containing the leftovers and wiping down counters.  THANK goodness there was a 2nd fridge in the garage or we would have been peddling them on the corner!  After the food comas faded, the poker game would resume, with mom & dad joining us.  Youngin's would wander in & out of the family room & be chased off by their "granny" (even though grampa/dad was sometimes pulling them to his lap for a looksee)  As the little ones grew, families relocated .... tradition began to change and the numbers dwindled some.  Then one year a health issue kept mom on the down low & one of my sisters prepared the meal at her home.  It was lovely (she would have made Martha

Stewart proud) and we all embraced the holiday ... being especially thankful that mom pulled through fine.  Since then ... the festivities have moved a couple of times.  Family members wander in & out through the day, with work, in-laws, & logistics tugging at the length of the stay.  It was still pretty darn great, til 2010, when we lost mom less than a month before Thanksgiving ..... it was more subdued (although yummy as usual). This year?  ..... well, this year- the little train that could... stopped in his tracks and I'm thinking it's probably the turn around for many of us.  We lost dad in the spring and I can feel the difference in myself.  Of course there are schedules & travel & grandkids around the corner of time that are changing the dynamics of the holidays at this end of the calendar.  Right now, some of the "zip" is gone, and I'm thinking some new traditions are forming amongst us.

I suppose this is to be expected ... what with grown-ups who weren't even born when the above mentioned gatherings were the norm.  It just feels a little odd at the moment.  BUT- without a doubt or hesitation ... I DO have a great deal to be thankful for... one of them being that I can still hear the laughter of mom & dad during the family times of fall & winter !  I hope they will be with me always ... in the corner of my heart reserved especially for them.  HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

MISTAKES repeated ... I'm glad they're not mine!

Once upon a time there was a family.  A mommy, a daddy, & 2 adorable little boys. Life was good.  There were picnics & birthday parties, little league games, soccer tournaments, pizza Fridays & celebrations.  They were the perfect little family ... respected adults, well behaved kids, lots of social friends. 
Until they weren't. 
Somewhere, somehow it unraveled.  The daddy was "broken" & he didn't want to be fixed.  He walked away from his family ... leaving them sad, & frightened, & bewildered.  In time ... he made a new family that he shared occasionally with the little boys.  But it was never the same again, and the little boys grew into young men that wondered why he chose someone else, instead of them.  Truth be told, so did the mommy for a while.  But he never explained, never apologized, never made up for the hurt he caused.  The young men are long grown now ... one with children of his own that he has ALWAYS chosen above all else, and this mommy hopes he always will- for I see the scars it's left on his brother's heart.  The daddy has recently made a choice again that,s opened the wounds never fully healed, and it's hard to watch the pain it causes... particularly because I cannot mend the damage, I cannot make up for it.  I have done so before & tried many times over (more than they know) and there is only so much I can do.  It's frustratingly, overwhelmingly, sad to see what being selfish can do to others.  And I know, that it leaves a hole in one's heart to somehow feel you are unworthy or unimportant enough to be put first ... I know this, because I have been there myself.  Sometimes it can't be helped, although in ALL cases here ... it could have been.  I would hope it is never to late to heal.  I would pray for the same.

this picture's worth a thousand tears

one of the most precious things in my life are these little munchkids here! 
I logged on to facebook a few mintues ago .. to check in with a couple people before heading off to read in bed- and caught this photo posted by my lovely daughter-in-law, April.
It brought tears to my eyes.  I hope to see these two in just a few days.  It never seems soon enough.  never often enough.  never long enough.  I miss them, especially the first couple of days after they leave.  The house ... pleasantly in order & quiet at that point ... also seems empty and a little gloomy.  FOR ME- their laughter & hugs are better than chocolate!  This is a wonderful picture of Addy & Anthony ... it captures their sweet, mischievous, & cheery personalities so perfectly. 
Lucky, lucky me to be part of their lives !!

there has got to be a BILLION better ways ...

COULD WE NOT be just as compelled to vote for candidate A or B with only debates on TV ... could we not be BETTER represented by a "real" John Smith who is able to run because there is a reasonable limit on campaign spending?  AS MUCH AS I want to protect & honor "my" president ... does he/she have to live in a house (mansion) that costs over $30,000 dollars a day to run???  (and don't even get me onto the subject of paying & protecting them for the rest of their lives after they leave a 4 year job!!!!!!!!!!!!)  YOU WANT TO BACK A CANDIDATE SPECIFICALLY?  pay their back taxes, pay to investigate their personal life, pay someone to teach him/her what the people they are SUPPOSEDLY representing REALLY need, pay someone to teach them to answer a question in direct english!  Hand out a survey to the people that work for them in the private sector, & to the people they represented before.  Harder yet perhaps ... find an honest, moral, compassionate person(s) to advise them, not a staff of overpaid, often underworked "yes" people.
AND- kick everyone out of the senate & house that aren't present to vote on bills at least 90% of the time!  I PAY them to be there, and I don' appreciate them coming & going as they please, voting for their own raises, and IN FACT voting on issues they have no understanding of or that which will have NO AFFECT on them either!!  OMG ... I am sooooo not looking toward this election !!

come & gone

     SO much has come & gone the past few days ... some good, some not-so-good- the bottom line being that it always seems that the more difficult & sad memories seem to haunt us, while the joyful ones tend to fade away with time.  Most significant- was the anniversary of my mom's death.  Even here, I hesitate using the word death .... is sounds less sad somehow to use the word "passing". Though other events having passed lately are potentially far more enjoyable (and plentiful), it's mom being gone that returns to my thoughts on a regular basis. The heaviness of heart pops up at the most unexpected moments and oddly, not in the best of ways. 
     I believe EVERYONE wishes they had just a moment or two longer with a loved one once they're gone.  One more hour, one more conversation ... as do I.  I have so many questions.  Questions that were brushed away long ago, that I would have pushed for answers to if I had but a notion that mom was leaving this world so suddenly.  questions ... that no one else can answer now.  I am working at letting thes things go, with little progress ... but I'm trying.  BUT- it's not just for me that I wish there had been more time!  I wish it even more for my kids ... who adored their granny(& have lost ALL their grandparents now), & for my sisters who feel the hurt deeply, but most of all for my dad who needed to get used to the idea of losing his constant companion before she was torn away from his everyday life.  The 18 mos between events (he has since died) ... was nearly unbearable for him.  SO- I may have not made a big deal about the 2 yr date of her departure, she was in my thoughts- deeply rooted... and while I will never have the answers I seek ... my resolve to put them to rest will win out ... eventually!

why Katie Holmes should date my son!

I read an article recently that indicated that Katie might be looking OUTSIDE the entertainment field ... when she's ready to date again.  Given the fact that #1 ... I certainly can't believe everything I read and, #2 ... SHE certainly is NOT going to be reading my blog- I figured I could say pretty much whatever I want to say (like I don't already).  And THAT brought me to deciding that she (Katie) should REALLY consider dating my son! (Terry)  Although I posted an adorable picture of Katie ... this is not the best one of my cutie-patootie, but that's not the point here.  She should be going for substance VS beauty anyway.  and I don't mean the substance that is often abused by those with the money to load up on it- I speak of character, integrity, respect, compassion, and with regard to Terry ... you can add a wicked sense of humor on top of all this!!

 

He's hardworking & doesn't mind it having to be that way- to earn a living & pay ones own way.  Nothing's been handed to him in life.  He's had (more than) his share of heartache & is still in search of Ms Right!  At this point- he is used to having a lot of time to himself, although he has a huge circle circle of friends.  He's never been seriously involved with anyone ... partially due to his work schedule, partially due to the scars from his father's divorce from me.  But he's a great guy.  He's great with kids.  He's easy going.  He's loyal to his friends.  He's clever.  He's smart ... and ... as you might have guessed ... his mama loves him!!! 

KATIE- you better grab him while he's still available (and semi-trainable ... haha).  I promise to be a great mother-in-law!!

do come again ... soon

recently ....FOR THE 1st TIME since March 22, 2007 ... I was in the presence of M. Elizabeth Irwin.

I've waited for a long while (much to my surprise), but it WAS worth the wait.  Pa had mentioned numerous times that he felt mom was near or that he could "feel" her ... but til now, I had experienced neither.  Prior to our vacation departure ... I'd struggled with the possibility that this trip, (made possible in many ways by these 2 people that are now gone) .. would be emotional at times, but I was (still) totally surprised when mom "dropped by".... and it WAS emotional!  Let me tell you, it's not easy crying when wearing a snorkle & goggles. 
I learned on my first trip to the islands that mom loved moorish idols, so I've always seen them as "her fish".  Behold, on our first day in the water ... she was there.  NO, I MEAN ... SHE was there!  I called out to her involuntarily, and the tears started to flow.  I was happy & sad at the same time.  I could go on to describe the other visits too ... but the first & last ones were the most significant.  A few days later- we were breakfasting on the lanai when I saw a couple of tiny, colorful birds that I'd never noticed before.  Attracted first by their sweet song, I looked up to see a couple of them playfully tracing figure 8's between hibiscus bushes.  I pointed them out to the Captain, but I'm not sure he got much of look at them.  Later that morning, we visited our friend Sherri at her gallery/studio in Makawao.  We sauntered about looking at her newest creations and I was stopped in my tracks when the Capt pointed out a painting that he thought mom would have loved ... there they were ... the birds I'd seen that morning!  There's a lovely story behind how the art came to be ... but it was the fact that MOM was the connection between the 2 events that stuck with me.  (and the sculptured piece will be arriving here in the next couple of days!)  My heart is still full from her visits with me, but in the back of my mind ... I am hoping that I don't have to wait another 5 years for a repeat.  And yet .... inside ... I also know, it will be worth the wait!

even the 13th time was charming

a few days ago- the Captain called "our" anniversay restaurant to make a reservation.  He indicated to them that we have spent nearly every Oct 17th having dinner there and wanted to make sure we had a front row seating for the sunset dinner.  Not only did we get a great table, and many well wishes, we also were served a congratulatory flute of champagne!!

RIGHT ON SCHEDULE, the sunset was presented before us and we were not disappointed.  It lasted nearly 20 minutes and turned our champagne to gold!


Supper was as wonderful as ever and dessert? Well, see for yourself ! NOW- time to get some packing done for tomorrow's departure. Aloha to our 5 Palms Restaurant for another couple of

"you betcha" ... the abridged version

as is our tradition when we are here on Maui on October 17th .... this morning, we walked along the beach to reach our wedding house.  After searching around the beach for some hidden treasures- we stepped upon the grass, offed our slippahs and took our place in the circle of palms, where on this day 13 years ago ... plumeria & orchid petals were sprinkled about and we said our "I do's" ... CORRECTION ... I said I DO ... the Captain said "you betcha" !!

2 year years ago .. I knew I would feel just like this!

me .... 24 months ago when we gathered up with friends at the maitai party here at Maui Hill.  I have a smile on my face then, I have a smile on my face now, and I WILL HAVE a smile on my face again/still when we return 23 months from now.  THIS is my life ... not the cocktails, not Hawaii, but the smiles.  They are part of my every day life.  We have our struggles as we have lost loved ones, so there is sadness to deal with at times ...

BUT ... with every sunset,

there lies the possibility that the next day will begin with a wonderful sunrise.  FOR ME, with the amazing friends, family, & home environment I am surrounded by- I CAN expect a wonderful sunrise!! Our travels & good fortune is frosting on the cake ... Humor & respect are the key for the Captain & I.  We laugh every day, & respect the passion we each have that is not a common interest!  It has "officially" worked for 13 years!

doing things we could do without doing and enjoying the fact that we're doing it anyway!

whether it's 5 extra minutes at the beach under the topical sun to rub our feet in the warm sand ... one more walk along the length of the beach, kicking at the waves & picking up a few (more) little pieces of coral.

Or stopping for the 3rd time in 2 weeks for a shave ice.  adding ice cream to the bottom of the cup to mix with the fruity syrup as it melts.  (where the employee remembers that Ken likes a GREEN cup)


Or buying an extra bag of toasted coconut coffee, ANOTHER hawaiian Tshirt, decals for the car, a hibiscus printed Starbucks mug, ANOTHER Harley Davidson T (well, actually 2), a pair of flipflops, souveniers for friends & family (many), a papaya for EVERY morning, and undoubtedly other things I can't think of at the moment.....  it's all part of the vacation mindset game.  And we're playing it well! 

Our National Park Senior Pass was put to work today when we made the 49 mile, 1.5 hour drive from Kihei to Haleakala National Park- that took us from sea level to over 10,000 feet.  Needless to say .. the 89 to 60 degree temps is a SMALL example of the changes that occur along the way.  Plant life that lives in one place but cannot sustain in the other, birds plentiful in one place, unheard of in the other ... and the realization that from sea level to the peak is under 2 miles in actual feet- but it's still 20 miles from the base of the park to the top!!  We stopped a few times for kodak moments, and  

took the drive slow because a certan "princess" doesn't like living (or driving) on the edge .. but we had some tutoring from the park officals and experienced life above the clouds!  The clarity of the sky & air was amazing, the views were endless, and the arrival in one piece to the base of the volcano ... totally welcomed!  AND- I got a couple of stamps in my parks book too.

missed a wedding, but not an opportunity

 MANY months ago ... not too long after we had our flights booked for Maui ... for our usual time of 10/8-10/22.  Low & behold ... a few weeks later, I see a post on FB that my nephew officially decided on an Oct 20th wedding date.  dagnabit.  So, a few days later, we got in touch with the airlines and made changes to our flight to bring us home a few days early.  THEN, we contacted our timeshare mgmt company and changed the dates of our stay- to the tune of a couple hundred dollars.  I teased my nephew that this meant "we" were his wedding present!  Sadly, a month or so later, the wedding venue was altered & landed week earlier yet and, at the risk of another fee for making travel changes ... we were unable to attend the wedding ... which took place TODAY!   My son has texted a couple of pictures, so we don't feel quite so separated from the action- but I wish things had turned out differently.  

 HOWEVER ... having said that, we are here.. and that means we do what we do when we find ourselves in Paradise #2 ... & today, that meant a full day out & about!  It started with a yummy breakfast at a local hangout in Wailuku called the Tasty Crust.  Banana pancakes & bacon gave us happy opus and gave us a jump start for a few errands (ie:the Hawaiian Scrapbook store) then onward to Iao Valley for some walking/hiking/foto ops.  With the tradewinds back, there were skies bluer than should be legal without a fee, and the streams were full and babbling around every corner!

Still ahead was a "date" to meet our Livermore friends Bill & Veronica at the Maui Ocean Center.  It was a bit windy in that direction (Ma'alaea Harbor), but we saw it as an opportunity to beat the heat slightly and do without the pesky flies too!!  The sea critters were agreeable with our visit & we really enjoyed the outing... including a lunch at Seascape where we not only enjoyed some fresh fish - but also shared a HUGE slice of Maui Mud Pie!!!  We walked it off afterward .. then headed for the barn.  Day 12, over & out!!!

guess who came to breakfast ... and lunch ..

NOT that I would be feeding them on our lanai .. but if I did ... it would be kinda cool to have them show up  at breakfast time.  I could crunch up the crackers I bought for the seafood dip ... that I wasn't very happy with.  But that was IF I was going to feed them.  This guy (?) has been showing up for the past 3 days ... and he talks the entire time he is ... "not eating".  I love the little squeek, chirp, ticking sounds he makes!  On the other hand ... the little sparrows that are all lover the beach are getting fed- mostly by accident. 

While one nibbles on chips or whatever, the itsy bitsy pieces fall into the sand & disappear... or at least to the human eye ... these minature versions of  the aviary community seem to be able to find them .. all.  They will peck constantly if someone doesn't shoo them away.  They are persistant.  We weren't eating anything, so I'm wondering if he didn't show up just to find out if we were going to eat something soon!!!  Not only did he land on the chair across from me a few times, but he even landed ON my chair a couple of times too.   He hung around long enough for a few pictures  :o)

tanning & tantalizing

 as my skin gradually warms to medium caramel hue & my hair bleaches out to strawberry blonde ... I find my attitude mellows out with each passing day to the point of not giving much thought to what time or what day it is.  Morning arrives when I wake.  That's about the only thing I can assure you.   And this comes as no surprise to me, as it has been my M.O. for every trip to the islands for the last 15 years.  Our preferences & routines have changed over the years .... but the mental relief that washes over me within the first 24 hours is ALWAYS the same!  And also the norm- is my obsession with the flowers of Hawaii ... I have several hundred pictures of hibiscus alone in every color that exists. 

SO- with numerous days ahead of us and many more pictures to tuck under my belt ... I am also looking forward to pulling all the fotos up on my desktop monitor at home ... since it's at least 5 times the size of my laptop.  THAT will be the true test of the good, the bad & the ugly!

road trip to West Maui

Our schedule ... such that it isn't ... took us to a busier part of the island yesterday.  Without a specific game plan ... other than a meal at KIMO's, we hopped in the car when we got around to it, and headed up the road.  Along the way ... we must have mentioned Ma or Pa a half dozen times.  Remember when they went here, remember when they told us about there.  It was another reminder of all the things they have made possible for us over the years ... because of the choices they have made in their lives!  We have been blessed in many ways. )ur first stop ended up at Whaler's village ... where I gussied up my existing toe rings.  They've not been removed for at least 5 years!!  Now, I glance down and they look all shiney new again!!  A little color on one ... a little Hawaii on the other.  sa-weeeet

And when our appetites caught up with us ... but the supper hour had not- we decided that eating dessert first was just what we needed!  (and it was)  So a stop into Leilani's right on the beach, was the place to be for a weeee piece of Hula Pie.  It must have been a smaller piece than usual, since we polished it off with narry a groan (like you do when you have dessert AFTER a full meal).  YUM

fall in the islands ... sugar at our table

One of our favorite places to visit on Maui is the upcounty.  It offers a cooler climate, but more importantly ... it's lush green hillsides and island views can't be beat.  A few years ago we came across a farmers market/pumpkin patch that pops up in early fall.  It's a colorful & delightful place with a corn maze, cheery gardens, an eclectic array of Halloween decorations, and a bountiful field of pumpkins.  You can pull a heavy duty wagon down an S shaped road to pick your own soon-to-be jackOlantern!  The spooky-time holiday is very popular here and decorations are all about.  The trail of gourds you see here are for those not wanting to make the trek all the way down to the still growing crop below.  The walk down is no big deal, but I imagine it isn't as graceful a climb when you are hauling a 20# pumpkin (or 2) in a wagon that already weighs 40-50 pounds itself!  Our breakfasts include local produce of some type .. the fav of the Capt being their apple bananas.  This particular find were labled as "candy apple" bananas ... there is a different flavor to them, but I can't explain it ... (and it's not apple!)  Our outing to higher elevations took us by the Sherri Reeve Gallery in Makawao.  This talented lady has been a friend of the family for over 20 years ... beginning at a time when her watercolors were presented in art faires.  Her artful strokes recreate the colorful landscapes, flora & birds of the island, the underwater sealife, and all things Hawaiian. She paints with a little whimsy, often delicate lines, & a whole lot of love.  

We purchased 2 pieces this trip and feel as if we are bringing a little bit of our friend home with us in doing so.  Thank you Sherri - for your gracious personality & cheerful disposition.  You once told us that we were an inspiration of romance for you ... and you are always the welcoming presence for us.  Our visit would not be the same without a hug from you!!  SO, once again, as we settled in for the night ... I had to admit- it was another rotten day in paradise!  ahhhh.....

ah man ... another one??!

the best things is life are most certainly free.... and our evening scenery proved it!  We found out today that our friends from Livermore came to Maui a few days earlier than usual ... just like we did.  So we met up with them to exchange howdys & hugs- and stayed through the entire sunset (and then some)  THIS was the view from their unit.  GREAT PAY OFF for stopping in to say hi  :o)

I find this very alarming ...

Kauai has it's roosters, California has it's alarm clocks, New York has it's traffic, Chicago has it's fire engines ... Maui has these critters!  Neither the roosters nor the quails have any sense of time it would seem. You will hear them off & on throughout the 24 hours, but they seem particularly chipper at sunrise.  Their calls or chatter is difficult to describe.  The Capt has interpreted it as quail #1 chirping twice to signal an announcement coming, secondly- hiccup chirps indicating how many have gathered together.  These sounds are echoed across the yard, or at times off into the distance ... almost as if they are reporting back that everyone is "ready".  It's one of those sounds that by day 2 or 3 ... it's just backround music!

all in "my" day's work

this morning ... our toes hit the sand before 9am and minutes later we were dressed in our snorkle togs  & a hundred yards from shore.  Poseidon or Neptune must have favored us, as we saw a variety of artfully painted fish ... and 8 turtles!!   Timing is everything, cuz right before we entered and long after we returned to solid ground ... the sightings were few & far between.   The Capt confessed to me over our brown bag lunch, that while he loved seeing all the underwater critters ... he's found that he loves being ON the water even more than under it.  Although this, too, will pass at some point (he has his own phases...) I appreciate that he took today to spend WITH ME, beit on land or in the sea.

Following our 5 hour beach campout ... we took a drive south of Maluaka Beach.  It took us all the way down to the end of the road, along miles & miles of dark brown lava flow rock, piled up like rich, fresh soil. But this is neither fertile, nor pretty .... just barren and desolute.  However, on this typical clear & sunny day ... the water sparkles like a Sweet Adeline costume & I took a dozen great pictures just hanging the point & shoot out the car window as we cruised along.   As mom used to say ... It was another rotten day in paradise!

a picture is worth more than the words I have printed upon it!

breakfast BY the champion!

I should think that when one's HALF sticky bun is flanked by a half each of an apple banana, orange & papaya- & adorned with vanilla-mac coffee in a Hawaiian Starbucks cup .....

it would be fit for a princess !  Thank you Capt ... you are my champion this morning!