Zoo lights

Jeff and I went to the Zoo lights as it was 58 degrees and not raining.  We usually have a child with us, so this was a different experience. We decided now that Neil and Charissa have a zoo membership they would likely be the ones to take the kids.  The zoo added some different displays than they had in the previous years so that kept things interesting.  THAT must be what they did with the zoo levy! Anyway, it was nice to spend an evening holding hands and walking along with Jeff.  My favorite thing...whipped cream off the top of hot chocolate on the tip of my nose.  I highly recommend it!  Another favorite was this interesting photo of Jeff.  It's blurry but I think it's cool.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

A favorite pic that didn't really fit anywhere but happened as we were decorating the tree:-)!!

Allow me to state that I decided this year, that I was inspired to try a 7 course meal instead of the usual overstuffed pig-a-thon.  I knew that it might be challenging for Diz to sit through all seven courses, but one must have experience to succeed at any given task in life.  So, despite that we were pleasantly surprised with a visit from Dad and Stephanie, I stayed with my original plan.  I was hoping that the day and the meal would still be pleasant for all.  I was stressed, with the change, and the "change" coupled with knowing Dizzy would be out of sorts having gone to bed late, and dinner was going to be served during his necessary nap time, BUT I tried for once, NOT controlling the situation and watching as it unfolded.  Interesting, and probably created many more happy memories for all in attendance, myself included, than me trying to create a pleasant memory by controlling everything and everyone in the moment so that it would be pleasant for all when I realized that my stress and control efforts probably made everyone else remember it with more negativity than the memories I was trying to create in the first place.  

So the day unfolded with happy memories instead of those fraught with frustration in trying to control an uncontrollable situation.  Darned humans with their own free will anyway!

I started off the morning with a chat to Amy which was really nice as I was setting about preparing our meal.  No one had called yet or come over, so it was nice and quiet and I was able to listen to Amy without interruption, and I didn't feel like a bad hostess abandoning my guests.  Then before anyone arrived I turned the Macy's parade and watched two bits of while preparing the meal.

Everyone arrived within minutes of each other.  Jeff had been busily cubing brick cheese, ham rolls and salami rolls for appetizers.  I was grateful for his assistance.  I put the sweet rolls on for people to munch while watching the parade.  I saw a few things take place that normally I would have intervened on but resisted the urge.  Amazingly these things worked themselves out nicely.  Bean had been groomed on the proper way to behave around his elders whereas Diz was just Diz.  Ideally, I would like to have a happy medium of behaviors, but enjoyed the dynamics all the same.

SO, the rolls burned on the bottom, but still everyone ate one.  I guess they tasted okay.  I also had hard boiled eggs for balance.  It was nice to see everyone eating, watching the parade, and laughing and interacting during commercial breaks.  While I was finishing up the rolls and making sure everyone had something to tide them over, I noticed the cubed cheese on the counter with the rolls and eggs, I said to Jeff "Oh no, that was the 7th course!"  Everyone thought that was hysterical and became the joke of the day.  We had the 7th course 1st as part of the snacks.  Then it progressed to which course is this the 1st of the 2nd as we already had the 7th etc.

After the parade Bean got to play Cribbage with Grandpa Vergara, a game he has waited to play with him for 2 years!  Dad said "No" the first year that Brandon requested a game with him, and was too sick to play last Thanksgiving.  This year he got his wish while I made final preparations.  He was so tickled even though he lost by 6 or 7 points.  I am realizing that often times the fondest memories are those with which I have little to do.  I know that sounds really self involved, but I always thought everyone being at their best behavior was the best way to ensure a happy memory, and I am pretty good at getting people to behave a certain way, a trait I am not sure is wisest.

At 1:30 I served the first course, and by 2:30 the fourth course was finished.  The 5th course...not ready for 1/2 hour, so everyone took a walk except Neil and Diz and Rissy to was of great assistance in the kitchen.  I tried something new with the turkey.  I surrounded it with bacon, put it in a bag and let it cook.  I took it out of the oven and it looked gross!  SO I had to put it BACK in the oven with the bag open.  I am told that the bacon added moisture rather than flavor.  After the pumpkin pie disaster of many years ago, I hoped the opposite would be true that a yucky looking food could taste wonderful.  I heard no complaints so it must have been palatable, if not presentable. The remained of the meal progressed without incident.  

I decided, after hearing a great tradition idea on the radio, that I would start my own and asked everyone to write a message on a tablecloth, which I will embroider over the coming months and add to it each year.  Even Diz got to write on the tablecloth.

So, while I was treated to many helpers in the kitchen, and everything was cleaned up really quickly, I had the boys play with Play-dough and the big boys go down and get the Christmas tree, as is our tradition.  Dad had a rest in our room and felt better for doing so.  It turned out that the "adults" had as much fun as the children did with the Play-dough!

Stef got a nose job and did Jeff! 

We cleaned up the Play-dough and set up the Christmas tree.  Stephanie was amazed at how quickly our pre-lighted tree went up.  Each kid decorated their own part, and soon we all basked in the glow of the Christmas tree and of family together.  Soon after Dad and Stephanie retreated to their hotel.  Jeff sat unassumingly in his chair when he was attacked by both Grandkids at once.

 After just a few minutes Neil took on the boys in a wrestling match that would have dropped a lesser man.  It was such fun listening to the squealing, shrieking, and laughter...and the kids had fun too:-)  Before I knew it, the day had come to an end, and I had great memories, a lot of laughs at the very least 8 reasons to be thankful! Of course I know I have many more, but for those 8 closest to me in my life I am grateful!

The calm before the storm

Today was the first full day of Dad and Stef's stay.  Jeff got up early and went to work as usual.  I came home and did a few chores while awaiting a call from Dad and Stef that they were awake and awaiting ideas.  It turns out that despited my efforts not to control things, I was still the organizer, a distinction I didn't make until it was pointed out to me.  Once it was pointed out, then I felt better about taking on the responsibility of trying to make everyone happy and keep everyone involved at a pleasant and tolerable level each could manage.  So, we went to Me Too a restaurant that has a play area with sitter for kids, decent food, and fun food for kids, as well and unique dishes for adults.  Everyone seemed to enjoy it, and the kids playing offered the adults time to talk uninterrupted.  

I had a nice dessert of bubble tea and introduced Dad to them.  While Stef doesn't care for Bubble Tea, she did indulge in a frozen Mocha, which she seemed to like.  I ran out for he afternoon.  Jeff was waiting for Dad and Stef upon our return to my house, having left work early to maximize the time with them.  Upon my return I found that they had gone back to the hotel to rest.  I was pleased they had this option.  

Dad and Stephanie graciously offered dinner at Applebee's (YUM)for the whole gang.  They were able to wait for Neil and Charissa to arrive this evening as they were more on local time.  Jeff and I arrived at their hotel earlier and spent some time privately with them.  Jeff and Dad engaged in a war, commonly referred to as cribbage.  This is one of my favorite pictures, as it is a quintessential capture of a moment for which they always find time.  While Jeff and Dad played Cribbage, this gentleman walked through the room and said "He's cheating", then walked out to his car, and returned with something.  He had a fresh baked cookie in his hand when he walked through the first time as well as his return pass.  Someone said something to the gentleman, and a few minutes later he walked in with a tray of hot fresh baked cookies and napkins.  He was so thoughtful and grinned as he said "compliments of the hotel!"  What a fun and charismatic guy!  Dad, Jeff and Stef all said they were tasty.  So dessert was eaten BEFORE our meal...a prelude of things to come for Thanksgiving.

When we were at Applebee's they food was delicious, the kids well behaved, and a great time was had by all.  It was however quite late when we left, which meant that Diz and Bean were going to be sleep deprived for tomorrow...Thanksgiving.  Apparently, Diz wakes Bean before 7:00 a.m. 365 regardless of what time he goes to bed.  

 As I planned on being up early the next day we left them that evening fairly early in order to be well rested for the Thanksgiving storm:-)  

Bean/Neil/Neil Bean??

Yesterday Bean was leaning forward in the mirror trying to control his unruly hair before he put his shirt on.  It was literally a flash back as he was the spitting image of his Dad getting ready for homecoming.  He seems to resemble his Dad's looks more as the years progress.  I am curious to see what he looks like at 18, when I met Neil.  It will be interesting to compare, as he looks like him now, but may take on more of Charissa's traits as he matures.  That memory of seeing Bean is going to be a favorite for some time I think.  It just goes to prove, that sometimes it IS the small stuff that matters!

Thanksgiving visitors!

Dad and Stef flew in from St. Louis yesterday.  This is the first time, I haven't met arriving guests at the airport.  While it was weird, it was kind of nice in that once they got in, we were able to meet them at the hotel once they had settled in, and had a chance to rest a bit.  I am beginning to see that in some cases this might be wise indeed.  We went to Buster's BBQ grill as we figured everyone could find some kind of nourishment.  Stef looked radiant as always, and Dad looked dapper, well and fit as a fiddle.

Neil and Charissa were unable to meet us until later so the boys had eaten as we had them, and we'd eaten.  We were going treat them to dinner as well, but as they were later they declined as we'd all eaten and they didn't want to hold anyone up.  Diz, with a new audience was acting out a bit, so gave me a run for my money and we shared a lot of time in the time out area.  Still I was able to listen to the conversation, rather than lead it...kind of nice.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and I am a little stressed, hoping it will be a nice day, and that all will enjoy the food (which I am taking shortcuts with) and the company.  This is the first time I have tried a 7 course meal for Thanksgiving.

Lastly, Dizzy got me laughing yesterday as he was sat in Beans bathroom combing, combing, combing his hair with water.  I left him to it for a while, and finally I mentioned that his shoulder was soaked, did he want to stop?  He replied "No, it's still curly!"  Anyone who knows Diz, knows, nothing short of a razor and straightening perms, will take that curl out!

11.12.08

Today Jeff and I started out by relaxing on the beach, by the pool, shopping.  It was good.  Then early in the afternoon I went up to our room to start getting ready, ironing our outfits.  Jeff remained by the pool for another 45 minutes reading his book and drinking green turtles.  I took mine to the room with my and munched on my flower garnish for a snack.  After getting ready well ahead of time, we drove to Waikiki again.  We of course hit traffic, but still managed to make it to the hotel to collect Barbara and Mark (the grooms brother-in-law).  I didn't have the exact address for the chapel, only an intersection which we blew past and had to turn around.  We still got there before the bride!  We arrived to find Edward in the parking lot, looking nervous but oh so handsome!  The flower girls waited patiently for things to begin, looking darling in their white dresses with gold sashes.  Once we were seated Amanda and Derek began walking the isle.  Amanda looked stunning!  

The ceremony was beautiful and rather than the candle lighting ceremony, they did the san ceremony which was a very nice change.  It was symbolic of their individuality expressed by two goblets of colored sand, one each, combined and creating this lovely mixture, never to be as one again, but together as one.  

Following the wedding and photos the reception was in an adjacent garden with a beautiful view of Diamondhead.  The sun was setting, and the weather perfect.  The wedding fare was unique and so tasty.  Mike gave advice to the groom rather than tales of his childhood.  Derek, gave a lovely, well thought out toast.  It was difficult to bid them farewell after such a wonderful week!  I feel so fortunate to have been a part of such a special time in their lives.

11.11.08

We started the day with surfing lessons!  My one desire for this vacation.  Pictures coming when they are developed.  So for many years I have seen people surf and thought, well that looks fun!  One major thing I had to overcome.  One must surf amongst the water residents, the very reason I don't scuba dive.  Still, I decided that if I was going to enjoy this long desire, I was going to have to overcome my fear...temporarily.  So Conner our surf instructor started out by showing us how to carry our long, wide, soft boards.  Once down on the beach, he shook his head and said it wasn't his call to make, but that he would have taken us to a "SAFER" place to learn to surf!  WHAT! Safer in what regard!?!   He said the waves were really high to be learning on, but it wasn't his call.  In my mind I compared this experience to my 1st time mothers, there my be excitement, fear, trepidation, and in the end one has to trust, their body, the medical staff, me etc.  I was in a similar situation.  I listened to the advice Conner shared, tried to watch each and every nuance for getting upright on the board.  So there I was in the sand trying to learn to go from a prone position and "jump" to a standing position with my left foot at an awkward angle and my right foot pointing toward the shore.  Weird!  Before I knew it we were headed for the water and I was told to paddle out.  I was thinking that being a  strong swimmer this part ought to be a piece of cake... WRONG!  It was like trying to constantly bring your arms to your side while lying prone on a door!  WHOLE different set of muscles folks!  So I felt as though I was going nowhere, but I was positively happy to be ON the board vs. IN the water with the fish!  Eventually Conner tells me get up!  WHAT!  and I did, and it was an amazing rush!!! I highly recommend it to anyone!  Then I fell off the board.  I do believe I was the single fastest person to rebound from the water back to the board...safety from the fish not physical prowess:-)  I do believe I might have just walked on water to avoid the fish, eels and sea yuk.  Then I did it a second time and rode a bit further I think, then I was done!  I felt so ecstatic for pursuing a dream, and living to tell the tale.  I sat upon the beach while my gallant husband and instructor pulled the boards ashore and a wave hit me...board and all.  I relearned what it felt like to do the splits thanks to the forceful wave and board coming at me full force.  Yug.  I now have a new respect for surfers and sand in your shorts, and I have experienced both 1st hand!  Still I fared better than Jeff as he was stung by a jellyfish.  He did now know it until he jumped in the shower with fresh water.  He took a quick shower and quickly returned to the beach and salt water to remove the sting.  THAT is just one of the reasons I don't dive and that it took great gumption to go in the water in the 1st place.  He is still suffering from the sting.

That evening we were treated to the rehearsal dinner by Edward Sr. and Barbara.  She did not want us to miss it as we were the only ones in attendance not in the wedding, or indirectly needed for the rehearsal save our gracious hosts, so we benefited from the rehearsal dinner, without the the work!  Dinner was at the Hale Koa hotel, and we were to meet at 6:30 sharp as Edward Sr. had made reservations.  We got there early not wanting to risk being tardy for such an important event.  We were the first to arrive, giving us the opportunity to chat with out hosts.  They lead such interesting lives!  Once we were all in attendance, everyone enjoyed a great meal that was  superseded only by the company with whom we dined.

11.10.08

Monday was just delightful!  We were due in Waikiki at 4:30 for a Luau, but we got up, and got out early.  We moseyed our way up the east coast as suggested by Jeff's dive master.  

We found a beautiful park Kualoa Park.  We were impressed with the trees which seemed to grow in a fashion suggesting their harmony with the winds coming off the water.  Once we took the short walk to the beach Jeff found a coconut and grabbed it.

We continued along the east coast of Oahu and found an anomaly, red water.  The locals looked at us confused then gave us a variety of explanations for iron in the water to algae.  Now we wished we would have pulled off the road and got pictures of it.  It looked really weird!

We continued up the coast and turned to head toward Wakiki with the intention of hanging out there for the day prior to the luau.  We went for brunch at the very hotel we gifted to Charissa and Neil for college graduation.  They had a three story aquarium!  You were able to sit int he dining room which was one wall of the restaurant.  Jeff of course was chomping at the bit to gear up and dive in.  We settled for brunch and a look at the fish:-)  As we pulled up to the restaurant/hotel, we found ourselves a block and a half from where Nicky and Michael were staying.  We hoped that we were in time to have them join us for brunch, which they had just finished, but they joined us all the same.  We just had a delightful chat and a massive brunch.  Soooo much fresh fruit!  Yum!  After brunch we headed for their hotel room to have a gander at Amanda's exquisite wedding gown, the pictures Michael had shot etc.  Then we parted ways for the afternoon as they had things to do and Jeff and I had sightseeing...okay Dave and Buster's to see!  Jeff and I had a ball at Dave and Busters.  For those of you unfortunate readers unfamiliar with D&B's it is a HUGE video arcade with proprietary games that Jeff and I can dump $$$$ into, just to hear the clink:-)  We miss the D&B's in Ohio, so when we are on vacation in a city which has one, we make every attempt to visit.  We still had money on our power card so we returned after the luau and had great fun spending our winnings!

The luau was a bit wet, but our spirits were not dampened by the light rain and eventually it moved off.  They pulled a pig our of the ground, that had been marinating for heaven only knows how long to serve amongst the guests.

Everyone looked so festive,and seemed to enjoy the luau. 

Everyone had a laugh at my expense which started days before.  Jeff and I had dinner on the beach.  The ambience was lovely the food not to my particular liking that particular moment, so I ate the edible flowers.  Jeff laughed so hard as he said "Here, I take you out to a nice restaurant and you eat the flowers!" Once shared with that group, it quickly became the joke of the vacation.  Comment's like when Amanda throws the bouquet, make sure you just catch with your teeth!  I digress, so there were were at the luau and STILL everyone thinks it is great to pass down their flowers for me to eat and Nicky and Amanda also tried one and discovered they actually tasted a bit like pineapple and weren't bad at all!  I stepped away from the table for a short time, during which, Derek, not knowing my degree of vegetarianism put a flower on my plate that had previous been sitting atop his gravy or something smothered in animal!  I popped the flower in my mouth and though I was going to redecorate the tablecloth in my own unique way!  Gross!  He later laughed when speaking with me about my vegetarian choice and the bouquet I eventually ate over time.  I told him that I said nothing at the time but KNEW that flower had previously resided in gravy.  He had the most memorable grin, but said nary a word.  The dancing was good of course, and Jeff and I had a dance to the Hawaiian Wedding Song, as did all married couples in attendance.  Such fun!

11.09.08

Sunday found Jeff and I sleeping in!  A rare treat indeed.  We enjoyed breakfast in our room.  Then we took a walk to see the monk seal again.  We also visited the stables and pet the horses, and the resident cats.  All in all we had a lazy morning.  We didn't plan much as we were anticipating the group to arrive on the North Shore that day, but didn't have a time.

On their arrival Nicky (The brides sister) gave me a hug and said it was good to see me again. Strangest thing, I really like Nickie's company, and I have no recollection of ever meeting her.  It must have been brief, but she remembers details that corroborate  her memory.  Her explanation was that it would be more memorable for her to meet Amanda's American friend in England than for me to meet another British person in England.  I like her far kinder explanation, than my interpretation which is simply that menopause has affected my memory so deeply I wonder some days if I am indeed who I thought I was:-)  I did get to see Derek, Amanda and Nicky's, Dad again, meet Michael and see Edward, the groom again.  We had several things planned for the group to enjoy, but as their arrival was later than all of us expected we sat around the pool bar and had a chat, before heading back to  their side of the island for dinner and a tour of Edward and Amanda's beautiful apartment.  We had dinner at Chili's as Amanda was craving a fudge cake from there.  I tried some decadent browning with chocolate chips and coconut.  I had a few bites and had to pass it on.  It was funny that Jeff could not finish his chocolate volcano cake and passed it down.  Michael who was sitting in the middle tasted it, as he's ordered no dessert, then he felt obligated to taste mine, and siad it really grew on him, SO those who didn't order dessert actually got a little of everyone's.  Fun!

11.08.08

Today Jeff and I visited the Dole Pineapple Plantation which we have said we wanted to visit, each trip to Hawaii as we passed it on the way to the North Shore.  This time we actually made it.  It was worth it just to see it and taste the fresh pineapple and the Dole Whip which you can allegedly get at the Dole Plantation.  SO good.  The most fun was selecting a pearl from a collection of oysters.  This attraction they had conveniently situated  just outside the entrance.  While I knew they were cultured, and over priced, it was fun picking out the oyster, which had been dead for 1+ years, and I didn't have to touch it:-), hoping for the color pearl I wanted and seeing it revealed by the sales woman. See! Cool huh?

We learned that there are 28 varieties of pineapple, and somehow they grew differently that I had concocted in my mind, but they actually grow on top of a stalk, much like a flower. This shot was taken directly above t

he pineapple plant.

Jeff leaned to play the ukulele! This amongst others is available as you walk through the maze of various kinds of pineapples.  

I shot some nasty looking, greedy fish, which Jeff claims is postcard perfect...for fish lovers I guess.  You should have heard them making chompy., watery, squishy, gulp noises.  YUCK!  

After shopping for what seemed endless hours, ( I never could have imagined there were so many gifts with a pineapple theme!) we headed back for a bit of beach time in the later afternoon/evening.  I relaxed on the beach, listened to a combination of the waves and my I-pod.  VERY relaxing, I highly recommend it! Jeff took a walk and came upon a monk seal on the beach.  So cute!  He posed for me!

11.07.08

SCUBA

 I awoke at 8:00 a.m. and urged Jeff to call the dive shop and schedule the dive tour he wanted to do as we figured today would be our best chance of having the day to ourselves as there were still more people flying in for the wedding.  Jeff called the Dive shop and we were to be over there, a town away by 9:00.  We dressed more quickly than we ever thought possible, called for the car and flew to the dive shop.  While Jeff was filling out paperwork I went across the street and got Jeff breakfast from McDonalds :-P and myself some apple slices.  We did indeed make it, and were able to relax in the van which took us to the dive site.  It was a beautiful warm day.  

We climbed on board the boat and I completely relaxed while Tyler the dive instructor briefed everyone on safety and the two sites they were going to.  Jeff dove with a gentleman named Craig Fuji a photojournalist from LA who recently moved to Hawaii in pursuit of his passion...diving.  I enjoyed listening to his stories and had to laugh when reviewing his photos taken on the dive.  I mentioned that one of the photos was really good and he remarked that it wasn't well lit.  I told him that he could Photoshop it all the same.  He looked horrified ans said "I like them perfect in the camera:-)"  Gee, that never occurred to me, I guess that speaks of how far I have to go as a photographer.

I loved listening to Jeff exclaim his delight at seeing the Honu's. (Hawaiian for Sea Turtle)  Jeff took a few photos on the first dive, but left his camera on board during his second dive.  As Jeff surfaced we spotted a pod of dolphins.  LOVED this!  They are so beautiful and graceful!  I would have gotten in the water with them, just not he other nasty fish, eels, and heaven only knows what else!

I chatted with our captain while everyone was diving, and learned the basics of captaining a boat.  I will use this information hopefully in the future if Jeff and I ever decide to get our boat.

My personal highlight was on the return trip to the hotel, we were told where we might find sea turtles on the beach.  We did indeed! He was so cute and peaceful, and best of all they have volunteers that put up rope and ask onlookers to leave the turtles in peace.  By and large the requests are respected.  Sometimes you might see up to a dozen on a beach. What a wonderful relaxing day !

Aloha!

11.06.08

We left rainy Portland for a week in Hawaii!  We went for Amanda's wedding and had no expectations.  Generally when we go to Oahu we have our time planned out.  Tis time, as we didn't know when we might have time with the bride and groom we left our options open.  Jeff really wanted to SCUBA and I wanted to surf, see the bride, groom and her family and spend a bit of time in the sun.  We managed ALL of the above and more.  We arrived in Hawaii to a balmy 84 degrees.  We collected our bag and found Amanda and Edward awaiting us with Leis.  What a lovely greeting.  We had planned on going to lunch, but their plans changed when other flights were delayed.  So, Jeff and I moseyed out to the North Shore and got settled in our room.  We stayed at Turtle Bay Resort.  With the exception of being so far away from Waikiki it was ideal!  It suited us perfectly.  In my mind Waikiki was on the west coast; which we preferred to avoid, so we could either travel to Waikiki from the south or the north.  It would have been a good idea to look at a map to confirm my memory which was about as wrong as it could have been.  So, we had a drive of at least an hour daily to see everyone.  Still the drive was beautiful and relaxing.  Even more relaxing was the silver lining in the cloud of losing my purse. I got a new phone with a GPS which totally allowed me to relax while driving and enjoying the sights.

We went to dinner Thursday night with Amanda, Edward, and got the opportunity to meet Ed, Barbara, and Mike, Edward's parents and younger brother respectively. It was a nice dinner at the Hale-Koa hotel, though we were late the first evening as the traffic was nasty due to construction and traffic in Waikiki.  

When we arrived on Thursday it was the beginning of the surf season on the North Shore.  We learned that the storms crate 20ft waves in Hawaii in November and everyone gathers for the competition.  It was interesting to see the crowds, the waves and the surfers on the way to Waikiki.

Upon our return from dinner, we fell asleep to the sound of the ocean as we left the door to the Lanai open.  There is nothing so relaxing as the sound of the waves lulling you to sleep.