Deb's place

Photos of Haley - March 2-7

2007-03-07T18:33:00.000-08:00

Daughter and Grandaughter are visiting

2007-03-07T17:51:00.000-08:00

It's March 2-12 and we are so pleased to have daughter and grandaughter here for a short while! I love it! I love seeing Haley and all her movements. I love seeing her awake from her nap with her wonderous eyes. I love to see her pouty mouth as she is about to cry cry cry..........She is a doll. Okay, maybe not such a baby doll when she crys for about an hour or two. H ha ha ha
Here are some photos.

I am a grandma!!!!

2006-12-25T17:56:00.000-08:00

Miss Haley Marie L. born 12/14/06 - Honolulu, Ohau, HI 8am 5# 10oz.

Closed Temporarily

2006-05-06T19:14:00.000-07:00

Last weekend of adventure

2006-02-19T19:35:00.000-08:00

I don't know what is going on, but I cannot seem to post any photos. Sorry,
I am feeling this blog business sucks. oh well, that is the way it goes. Just e-mail me if you want to see photos of beach and Diamond Head view. I am so dissapointed ....sorry

Saturday we went to Bellows Beach. I thought it was a great place. The sand was so fine and the beach was so wide and just plain beautiful. I am sure a great example of a lovely beach here in Hawaii. You could park your car like right at the edge of the beach area.....many tents.

Today is Sunday (vacation is just about over)....
We got up and went to Diamond Head
I made it to the top of Diamond Head!!!! I did it!!!!
Can you tell that I am excited!!!????
this is partially up the path looking to the inside of the crater (see parking)

the huffing and puffing was worth it!!!

My motto for this trip: No, I did NOT just take a shower, I just hiked up Diamond Head!

We left the house around 7:20....got there??? ummmm 7:50 ish???
Well, when we were finished with being on top....it was time to head on down. I must say there was alot of foot traffic! very busy for people going up.....Lots of huffing and puffing. I did not feel so bad for ME and my huffing and puffing going up. My knees were fine! I was kind of surprised. I guess my dd's stairs to her 3rd floor apt. are deeper than I think.
Well, the funniest thing....as we were ALL done and right next to the restroom...there were tons!!! I mean TONS!!!! of tourists heading on up!
there were FOUR!!! bus loads .....even if HALF the crowd made it to the top together , the top would not fit them all! I am so glad we got there when we did.

Afterwards, it was abou 9:12 when we were in car and heading out of area.
We were hungry! But we made a pit stop at Kapiolani Park right next to zoo. There were several vendors ....we roamed some. I did not have much cash at all, but did buy a few cards with such colorful prints on them for only a buck each!!!!

Then, we headed to Waikiki and found parking for $4 only and walked over to Perry's Smorgy Restaraunt on Kuhio very close to the Hyatt.
I feel this restaraunt has done a terrific job! to create a lovely atmosphere with a tropical setting amongst the tall jungle of hotels and condos!

That was my adventure for today. Went to NEX for some last minute boxes of macadamia chocolates.....dd had to take a long nap .....they are now
going to spend time at a local carnival set up at Hickham AFB for the community. I will relax, and watch Desperate Housewives!!!

My visit is coming to a close....not sure what we will do tomorrow.
I will need to get to airport around noon on Tuesday... sad to go, but I have spent quite a bit of time here and I guess it is time to head back to my boring town and work. (town is boring, work is not -I actually enjoy my work, crazy as that sounds)

Friday Night - Dinner and a movie

2006-02-18T08:58:00.000-08:00

Friday night we went to a place called Dave and Busters. This is a combination restaraunt and games (like Circus Circus or Chuck E Cheese).
I don't normally like those type of games...I get bored and ansy. But for some reason, Fri. night was fun! We ate downstairs, which is much more quieter than eating within the gaming area (way too loud). We had a nice dinner. I had the:

Bar Burgers
Four mini-cheeseburgers served on Hawaiian rolls with our secret sauces, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and pickles on the side. Served with French fries.
It was great!. Hawaiian sweet rolls are delicious! Then Audrey is getting ready to turn 21, so she convinced KC (or rather I, since KC dissapeard quickly to look at the game area) to order a "Scooby snack". Something with banana .....
she did not like it. hahahha I had a taste and it was good! I ended up ordering a Chocolate Martini. Yummmmmm It was delicious.

It was time to head upstairs to the games. I kind of roamed some with Martini in hand (there is a bar downstairs and then another bar upstairs right in the middle of the games....definitely not your Circus Circus or Chuck E Cheese). KC loves this place. Audrey has fun here too. I ended up buying a game card. Pretty much you swipe and play. At one point Audrey and I sat together at this horse race place. We created a horse, trained it and fed it and it was ready for a race....we lost. Played it for another race and lost. oh well, it was a relaxing sit down moment. Then, we noticed this lady (rather KC noticed) standing next to a particular game...and the tickets were coming out and no sign of stopping! Must have been a glitch in the mechanisims... She stood there like forever. Finally it stopped. She collected (later, she told us) 14,000 tickets. HA. Then it was KC's turn. He told the "repair guy" something was wrong, no tickets, he placed a new batch of tickets ready for play, and now it was our turn to have the tickets spit out without stopping. What fun! What a challenge! HA. They did not count how many tickets they collected, but it is a handful

http://images.snapfish.com/34634%3B938%7Ffp338%3Enu%3D3243%3E498%3E984%3EWSNRCG%3D323353%3A7%3A287%3Anu0mrj

I cannot seem to add any images right now so I hope the above will let you view the photo.

Today (Saturday, will be beach day ==not long, but fun in the sun)

FRIDAY - WIAMEA FALLS

2006-02-17T18:12:00.000-08:00

We drove to Wiamea Falls. It is just the prettiest place. So lush.....and tropical....

More photos

2006-02-17T09:49:00.000-08:00

We (cannot remember what day) drove to the Aloha Tower Marketplace.....This tower was built in 1926. In it's heyday, it was the tallest structure in all of Hawaii. But, of course, it is dwarfed by downtown Hawaii offices and condos. It welcomed boatloads of tourists arriving in Honolulu Harbor.

Thursday, we dove to Waikiki for a short roam and lunch.

Blech, here I am

few more photos

2006-02-17T09:32:00.000-08:00

I get frustrated with posting here at this blog.....sorry......

After seeing Dog the Bounty's place of work, we were just down the road from Punchbowl National Cemetary.

It lies in the Middle of the Puowaina (consecrated hill) crater - or hill of sacrifice. An Extinct crater. It was offically dedicated on 9/2/49 on the 4th anniversary of V-J day. 112.5 acres

AFter Punchbowl, we kept driving up the road, and saw this view...

Sample view of the drive....

Update (photos mostly)

2006-02-17T09:15:00.000-08:00

Today is Friday.....

Saw this ship in port. It is a 15 day cruise....starting in Los Angeles and then it stops at several of the Hawaiian Islands.

Then we had to check out where Dog The Bounty has his business. We were not the only ones checking this place out while we were there....

">

Just more photos of North Shore and Windward Side

2006-02-15T08:06:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to add some more photos....had some problem with posting....

See KC???

We make it to the Turtle Bay Resort

Here is a resident of the Resort

North Shore and Windward Oahu drive

2006-02-13T10:14:00.000-08:00

Sunday:

Went around North Shore and Windward side.
Just beautiful. I think pictures say it all.
Audrey is only 20 miles from Dole Plantation area...
Total drive was about 100 miles (give or take a few miles) and about 6 hours travel time
which included few stops, of course, and lunch at a local bar/food place on windward side

Several recommendations to come here for shave ice.

2006-02-12T07:33:00.000-08:00

Update....date: 2/12/06 Sunday morning

Okay, let's see....Thursday, 8th: I WAS going to tour island via THE BUS.
I chose not to and actually, it was a good thing. DSIL needed to visit Dr. (at Tripler Hospital). DD took DSIL around 10ish for a shot (shin situation).
He returned to work and would need to return to Hosp. later in afternoon.
So DD and I went to lunch! at Zippy's and then I tagged along for couple of her errands. Then it was time (2pm) for her to take DSIL back to hospital for them to take some photos. I tagged along. Got to go inside Tripler Hospital. So , I am glad I chose to stay behind, since I got to spend some time with dd.(no photos)

FRIDAY. This was a fun day. Lots of adventure for me. Tonight was going to be the Luau! (Germaine's).

But I cannot hang around an apt. ALL day .....dd was going to sleep in....so I knew this was definitely a lazy day for her .....so I walked to the bus stop (mile away)....and boarded #32 and then transfered to #2 to Waikiki. Walked in the Kuhio beach area.

Three boys just having fun.

I love this shot.

Here are those boys again.

Facing Diamond Head

Well, It was a short visit to Waikiki, but I enjoyed myself. Well, I returned home and then it was pretty much time to get ready to leave for Luau! (we left the homefront around 4:10, and arrived around 5pm)

The lady that Audrey befriended at her work (maybe it should be the lady befriended Audrey!)....and she must be a owner or part owner or whatever with Germaine's since it was free for us!
How wonderful was that. When we arrived, dd said her name is on a list, the lady said "oh, how nice, you know the boss to have it comped(sp?)"
We were very much appreicated.
It was pretty much easy to get there from Pearl Harbor. There were about 10 bus loads! , plus many private vehicles. Yes, it is next to an industrial park, but once you are inside, you see the ocean and it gets dark and thus, you are alllll alone on a special island in your mind. We enjoyed it very much.
Here are some photos.

Hunky hunks getting the pig out.....

Entertaining music....

Yum.....

gals learning the hula...

Saturday:

Today was fun and different for me! Unfortunately, I did not bring my camera (what a doltz..) Though i did meet a lady sitting next to me with husband and she said she would send me photos of event and even some of the pro bowl the would be attending on Sunday. I hope they don't lose my address i have them (e-mail) and if they even remember. LOL

Sunday is the Pro Bowl here at the Aloha Stadium just down the road from dd. I read that today would be Ohana Day -FREE and the Backstreet Boys would be there!. Well, "FREE" sure did sound good to me. I mentioned it to dd and what did she say? "it's over at noon?, yeah, I could come back and take a nap".... She never mentioned that she was interested when we went to bed Friday night, so I decided to head down their by myself and let them sleep in.....So I am up around 5:30....
I shower and dress....Now I am thinking, wait, this is a concert with the Backstreet boys! OMG, I am going to be the only 49yr old fart with a bunch of screaming neamies! I was saying to myself, 'what are you thinking'?
Well, I decided to go anyway. I make my way to the bus stop, but missed the bus by just a few minutes (that is what I get for hesitating).
So I decide it cannot be THAT far, and I walk. Well, it was not far at all!
My stroll took 20 minutes. I did NOT power walk. I got in line at 7:25.
Stood in Line for 1 hr.

Once inside, finally; we got our seats (just one side). It was WARM/HOT and sunny. Lots of music and fun! It was televised on ESPN. It was not a concert! It was sort of a practice (but it's not like they practiced HARD, they seemed to be out there for show sort of). the National League cheerleaders did their thing, and then they introduced the Nationa League Team and they stretched and practiced. LOTS of football fans with memorbilia that they hoped would get autographs, but no signing today. Then there were fun and games during commercials, and lots of interviews.
Just fun to be there and watch.

The American league team and cheerleaders did their thing.....

Backstreet Boys were there and did a simple and short acapella song....nothing much ....and then it ended with the Navy Seal Paratoopers!
they flew in and landed right there on the field. All 8 of them. That was the coolest thing ever! I have never ever seen such a thing!

Later, dd and I went to furniture store (she was bored) and she was looking for a chair and I took photos of the cool hawaiian pillows, and pictures. So pretty.

Today (Sunday) I am hoping to get dd out of the house before 2pm (actually KC is hard to get out since he can spend ALLLLLLL flippen day playing his PC games (World of Warcraft?).... and tour around the island and roam North shore! and find that Shaved Ice place!

That's it....I hope to have great photos tomorrw....

Culture on Wednesday

2006-02-09T11:37:00.000-08:00

Today was Cultural Day.

I boarded bus at 10:15am and arrived at Kahili Transit Center. I was looking for either Bus 1, 2 or A or B....but there were several loading area! I felt like a lost puppy.....
Finally saw where Bus #1 was loading ....got on and headed towards Iolani Palace , State Capitol area.

I got off and then went into Ali'iolani Hale: formerly Legislative Assembly & Supreme Court; now Supreme Court & Judiciary History Center.

Bro wsed around and then went across the street to the Iolani Palace.

I did not have a "reservation" but since I was single! I fit in with the tour that was JUST starting! (great to be single).
$20 for the grand tour of upstairs etc. It is a beautiful! building. I could not take any photos , just got post cards and don't have a scanner....sorry
But trust me, it is beautiful!

This is view of state capitol

I then went over to the Hawaii Museum of Art...

I was roaming on Fort Street? ....had a little bite to eat

I do ALLLL this, (get on bus at 10:15 am) and return around 3:45 and daughter was STILLLLLL getting her hair worked on. Lady does not take appointments and god forbid dd get to hair stylist earlier than 11am....
Walked up the hill and waited about 15 for dd to get to a point to pick me up (cannot enter without military person).
It was a FUN and adventurous (sp?) day.

Today is Thurs. and I WAS going to do something via bus, but decided not to.
not much happening today.....I guess, in order to get out and DO and SEE things, I need to get on my own and travel via bus.
Thanks!
aloha

Took the Bus!!!

2006-02-07T21:06:00.000-08:00

Today was a non-picture day, but still adventurous!
Audrey took car into a shop and returned home via taxi. She is NOT one to venture the bus system. I have suggested it, of course.....but you know how our children listen to us ... we are just old people who don't know a darn thing....ha ha ha ha
I did tell her that we can take bus to Pearl Ridge Mall (where she works) and where we were going to get her pedicure and my manicure done.

We walked out of the military reservation to the main street (civilian streets) which is a mile (hilly I must say!, leg exercise!).....we waited a whole half hour for the bus. Obviously we just missed the earlier one.
Got on the bus and it took us right to the mall. we walked into mall and JUST made our appt.
Here I am thinking, "Dang, I am here in Hawaii getting a Manicure"

We are thru, we take the little monorail to the other mall
DID YOU KNOW:
History/About the Center
Pearlridge Uptown was opened in 1972, with an expansion in 1976 to include Pearlridge Downtown. Between the two, separate shopping centers lies Sumida Farm, the largest supplier of watercress in the State of Hawaii. Home to the island's only monorail, customers can enjoy a scenic ride between the two centers while enjoying views of historic Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial. Anchored by Macy's, Inspiration Furniture, Sears, the State's only Circuit City & Toys R Us, Pearlridge Center is the largest enclosed shopping center in the State of Hawaii and is also home to more than 170 stores, restaurants and services. -NOW YOU KNOW

Roamed....and then waited at another bus stop for bus back to where car was being repaired. We waited it seemed like another half hour .
Got on and got off where we needed to, sat outside McDonalds with soda forever......DSIL had the ATM card and we had to wait until he got off work...
....then walked to Starbucks, bought a drink and sat more....
We finally walked over to the place and sat on some stairs (outside) and waited more. Finally at 5:20?? he showed up and we were heading home.

Not an exciting day, but I am glad I could be with Audrey, expose her to the bus system and did our nails together. This is what this trip is about.
being together.
Trust me, she was soooooo getting on my nerves just a year ago.! I was at one point saying "GO, GO to Vegas and get married and be gone with you"
DD is a fantastic person, but if you have older teens and know how they are in such a rush to grow up!!! you can only try and imagine.....
She is young, but now that she is with her fellow and married she is much more slower......Not in a rush to do this go here do that....oh well, I am rambling.....sorry.
Tomorrow Audrey is going to drive to Schofield Barracks to help a friend with her car problems so I may adventure on a bus and see where I can go.....

Aloha.....

Fun walking and bus adventure - Monday

2006-02-06T22:06:00.000-08:00

Today was an awesome day!!! Just Awesome! Audrey drove us to Hale Koa parking garage (across street from Hilton Hawaiian Village and Hale Koa). We got out and started to roam. Roaming is just not something that dd does. Just not her style. I knew that I was "forceing" her. But we went into the Hilton Hawaiian Village and strolled. We approached the beach area. Here is view of the beach area.

Then we found an "entrance" from beach walkway towards the Hale Koa.
Gosh , the grounds at this Hotel is just lucious! So much greenery!

This is a great view of grounds area of Hale Koa...

This is a view of the Hale Koa's reception area...

I knew this was as much walking that dd could handle. ha ha ha
So I freely suggested that she feel free to dump me somewhere and then pick me up afterwards when dsil's appt. is thru (3pmish) at Tripler....
She agreed, we got to car, and drove to the "main drag waikiki area".....
there was a red light right in front of the Moana Surfrider and I said this is perfect, she said as i was exiting "You sure you're okay with this"?
She had no idea how this is sooo FINE with me.
So I get out and mosey to the Moana Surfrider. SUCH a beautiful hotel.
they have rocking chairs on their "porch"....people rocking away and I say
I want to do that!!!! I go inside and a couple in wedding garb are having their photo taken ...I ask where I can get a paper....they suggest "over there" and I am getting my coin purse out and she said the paper is right over there ....for FREE!!!!! OMG, this is just too cool for me!
So I then mosey to the back area closer to beach area. I see so many beautiful chairs and people relaxing. I sit down and say to myself this is heaven! I then see a beachside bar and go over and get a cup of coffee.
I see a table right next to the beach area!

This is the view I had this morning with my FREE paper and cup of coffee . I kind of realize that this is meant for table service, so I am not that brave and head back to the other table. It is less breezy and fine with me.
So this is my view

Gosh, I think this is a beautiful 2nd rating view !

The married couple are over near me and I take a photo

So I am now thru with coffee and paper. I get up and head to the restroom and wash hands from newsprint. I roam towards the statue , call dh and tell him to take a look at me!

view of ocean, see the ship in the far off distance? (Don't forget to click on photo to see larger version)

Then I moseyed over to the Hyatt. There were three beautiful Asian brides (and their gooms of course)....had to take a photo
Here are two of them:

I took a photo of this hotel that dh and I stayed at way back in 1982! I would stay here in a heartbeat! Small, great price! and family owned

I then found a little park area (benches, etc) and sat for a bit..
what a view...

I then roamed over towards the Royal Hawaiian grounds

OMG, you have got to use the restroom at the Royal Hawaiian!!! it is so pretty!

Then I went over to the Sheraton and found an "express" type food area and got a Loco Moco!!!! VERY filling. Rice, (bottom) then hamburger patty and then egg on top with gravy. My boss told me to have one and I actually liked it!!!

now the adventure begins..I start heading up towards the Hilton Hawaiian Village and my goal was Ala Moana Mall! I knew it would be a walk....
Got over to the HHV and I saw that I was approaching a bus stop and looked at the various busses that stop here and saw #8 goes to mall and I look down and here it comes!!!!!!
I start rummaging for $2!!!! hurry!!!!!! whew, found it, get on and it is packed. No problem, I have commuted to my work on a bus. I saved myself some walking ... We arrive and I roam just a bit...
I am now looking for bus 54....I believe it is on the OTHER side of the mall,
I get there after roaming the mall and do NOT see the #54 on the signs.
A bus #43 was there and I asked about the #54.....he starts saying it no longer stops at the mall but at X$#$#T stop (OMG, I dont what he is saying)
I turn around like (I will just have daughter pick me up here), he calls me back and tells me to listen to him! OMG, am I in trouble with the bus driver??? He explains he will take me to that stop where I can pick up the #54. He is so nice and gives me back my transfer so I can use it on THAT bus. WE get there and he tells me what to do....(so nice)....and I wait and I end up seeing another bus with Arizona Memorial on the lettering and Aloha Stadium. These are VERY close to dd's house, so I get on that.
We are now approaching "home base" area and I see dsil's work! I get off at next stop. The drive remembered that I asked for Aloha Stadium and asked me where I was going and I said I was going to have DD pick me up, but I thanked him for his concern....aloha spirt.....
I call dd and she said her car's cooling system is worrying her. I say I can just wait for dsil to get off work and we can walk home....she said no, she will pick me up. she does.....

That was just a cool adventure. I was really worried about the bus system, and it was still ....what's the word.....worrysome, but still cool! That last bus I got on stopped at china town, and the capitol, and major sightseeing stops! very cool

okay, Tues, will be going to Goodyear with dd to see about car. no big adventure.....
What a fun day!!!!! I am going to do that again!
aloha
__________________

Sunday visit to Hillo Hattie Store

2006-02-05T23:50:00.000-08:00

Went to Hilo Hattie store today. Found to pretty scoop neck t's that are my size. Might as well get it now. I have not found anything nice/pretty/female looking for my size.
Sorry to say, this vacation is not the lounge on the beach kind of vacation.
I am too big to sqeeze into a swim suit and even if I DID bring a suit, I would scare off the locals. ha ha Ha ha Sorry, just aint gonna do it.

Saturday at Arizona Memorial and USS Missouri

2006-02-05T10:12:00.000-08:00

Well, like I mentioned Saturday we visited Arizona Memorial.
OMG! I normally wake up early (5:30) and that is ALWAYS!!! Sat, I woke up at 5:30 and visited restroom and tried to go back to sleep and I DID!!! I woke up then at 8:30! I NEVER sleep in like that! That was so awesome!
Okay, we drove just couple of miles to the Arizona Memoial area. We got the audios and roamed around learning much to be learned.
Then it was time for our "ticket" (12:30 time slot). They have a nice movie to see (did not have that back in 1982/1983). NICE theatre. Then boarded the boat and visited the Memorial.

We then returned and had some food at the food area. Then we boarded the Trolley to visit the USS Missouri. It was nice and quiet (not a slew of visitors). I had never been on this ship and it was such an honor to see the history!

Pretty much returned home, daughter made chili in crock pot and then around 6pm ish she and I went to the brand new Wal Mart in Pearl Ridge area. It so happens that it was opening weekend! It was quite crowded but also not that terrible. People were friendly in the aisles. I am one to vote for Wal Mart anyway .

Thoughts: I love , just LOVE , listening to Hawaiian music on the radio. I realize my daughter has better cutting knives than I do! I love being here and seeing so much more than I normally would. I love to see how my daughter lives, her hangouts, etc. I love Audrey's cats and want one again. hee Weather in February is close to perfect.

Photo of Momma cat and Tink

We then visited the Battleship Missouri. This is where on 9/2/45 the end of WWII peace treaty was signed.

This is the spot (again, if you click on the photo, a larger version will pop up.)

Friday evening in Waikiki

2006-02-04T12:02:00.000-08:00

I got to walk in the sand Friday! We parked at a garage right next to International Marketplace. roamed some (I will get my trinkets at Swap meet for better prices ). and then we found this restaraunt that DD and DSIL ate at with Mike's brother, wife and kids in the summer when they were visiting island. Big Kahunas. Nice tropical place. great sandwich! I had a Pina Colada! Then we roamed some more....lots of buildings and lots of people. We walked across the street to the statue , called DH and he and DS saw us! (I will share some photos tomorrow----DSIL's computer is not on and they went out just now for errand , or to get away from me .Then just to the left of the statue there was a stage area with hula dancers (community hula groups). so pretty. Such a beautiful site. Then we roamed across the street again to walk thru the Hayatt Regency. Then on up the street.

We walked up and found an entrance to the beach and walked there. When we arrived at the beach area this young gal greeted us and said Aloha and placed a non-smelling (but pretty) lei across us. Me and then SIL....and asked if we were with anyone else. I said my daughter who was in front of us. I then said to myself, oh she would want a few dollars tip. I get out my $3 (I am a cheapskate I admit) and then hand it to her but she keeps talking and said something about helping and her brother and $10.I then begin to remove the lei. ....my DSIL is getting out money! ....and I snatch my money back. I was NOT going to fall for that line....(making a $3 lei and getting $10 for it). Oh well, I am sure my DSIL will learn in a few years...he is only 22. We then continue along the beach up towards Royal Hawaiian and then past the Sheraton! So pretty, the water on the left and the beautiful hotels and beachside singing to the right of us.Then past the beautiful Halekulani hotel.....and then to the Outrigger Reef.This is where DH's bro and fam stayed. we walked thru it and then on to the main drag. When we were in the small alley way areas there were fireworks going off! beach area. Dang! we missed seeing fireworks (go off on Fridays at 7:30) by like only 10 minutes. Drat. Oh well.Roamed some more and headed back. Saturday we will be touring the USS Arizona and USS Missouri.

Thursday - Visit Ala Moana Mall and Driveby tour

2006-02-03T08:37:00.000-08:00

When Audrey returned, we left for Ala Moana Mall. Very beautiful mall, so much greenery.
Bought very cool bags...2 for $20 at ABC store. Purchased one for me and other for Audrey. (I am definitely going to need to buy at swap meet a larger suitcase )
My feet were getting sore....dang it......so we were pretty much thru walking around and then headed towards Waikiki.
OMG, I cannot believe the hotels and condos. It has been 23 years since I've been here....I guess they've sqeezed in a few more buildings.
(friends: If you click on a photo you can see a larger upclose view)

Here is an example of traffic! It is merely 2pm and crowded !!!

Had to take a peek shot of such pretty dishware in Macy's.

Ala Moana Mall

This is the closest I've gotten to the ocean so far! (view from 2nd floor of Mall)

This is view of main road down Waikiki

Here is view of the popular Duke Kahanamoku Statue. Right in front (up above) is a web cam!

http://www.co.honolulu.hi.us/cameras/waikiki_beach/waikiki.htm

We rounded the corner of the main drag towards the Zoo and headed on up and out of the area (again, LOTS of traffic, it was about 4:45pm) We drove by Leonards Bakery! What a treat! I really wanted to go here, but saw how out of the way it was and figured I'd never get over here, but we drove right past it! So Audrey was so sweet and found a parking spot block away in a tiny gas station and waited for me.

Masaladas:
Read and learn:
Every nationality or culture has its own name and slightly unique recipe for flavored fried dough. In the United States, we call it a doughnut. French scoff up their beignets with coffee. Canadians enjoy beaver tails. Mexico calls fried dough churros, and the Italians relish their zepoles. If your travels take you to Honolulu and your cholesterol level is not super-elevated, don’t miss the Hawaiian version of fried dough called the malassada. Served steaming hot directly from the Fryolator, these golden puffs of moist rich fried dough are drenched with delightful cinnamon sugar. Unlike some versions of fried dough that often weigh as much as a billiard ball, Hawaiian malassadas are light and airy producing the unfounded impression that they are non-caloric. You must order at least three per person because no one can resist the addictive power of these delicacies.

The ultimate malassada maker is Leonard’s Bakery located a just a few blocks from Waikiki Beach. Most of the time, Leonard’s is packed with malassada cravers so you must take a number and wait your turn to be served. But you will soon reach the front of the line and place your order with a short Hawaiian woman who mysteriously disappears through a door into the kitchen. Leonard’s continuously produces small batches of malasada throughout the day and each order comes quickly from the kitchen hot and fresh.

While Leonard’s also offers other traditional bakery items that look wonderful, why use up your caloric input count on anything but Hawaiian malassadas??

Audrey's "Momma Cat" was waiting for us.....

In Hawaii

2006-02-02T10:28:00.000-08:00

Wow, I am finally here! I cannot believe it. This is day 2 of 21 days.
I flew via Hawaiian Airlines. Very nice. Such pretty music to listen to! . Since I am not a size 4, the seats were quite snug, and rather diffucult to read my book. But I just kept saying to myself, " few hours and you will be in Hawaii"!!! So hard when person in front of you moves their seat all the way back..
I arrived in Oahu and tried to find my way to the Baggage Claim. I think it was a mile walk? Not that I don't mind a nice walk, but I don't enjoy it when I am not sure where to go! . Audrey and son in law (dressed in Army dress uniform) was waiting for me with a beautiful flower lei! . So pretty and smelly (in a good way).
Once we retrieved my luggage, we dropped SIL at his work. Drove towards her place but before we got there got a call from SIL to pick him up (was able to just go home for day). and relaxed. Got to see my grand furbabbies
Daughter and I then drove to Navy Exchange and roamed, browsed and had a happy meal.
She showed me Ford Island and I saw USS Arizona Memorial to the left of the bridge.
Later on we drove to Ala Moana Mall and had a bite to eat at the food court and browsed some.

Tuesday (day of arrival), Audrey drove us to the Swap meet at the Aloha Stadium. She lives just a mile or so from there! I really liked that place. Great deals! I got a photo frame for $7, 3 luggage tags for $5, T-shirt for dh for $5 (very large size to boot).....I am going to get a woven basket for my boss for $15 next time we go there. Tons of hawaiian themed items. so fun. Many sellers.

She then drove me around Pearl Harbor Navy base. Went "big" grocery shopping at Hickam Air Base. Home to relax. Later tonight going to Pearlridge to make appt. for our nails to be done. (heeee

Thusday, she and SIL will be going to Schofield Base for some military family training....I've decided to relax here....clean up....iron clothes....keep cats company (at least one cat) and maybe take a little walk. It is 1 mile from her home to the one gate entrance. The other gate entrance is another mile. I will walk to the back gate entrance/exit. There is a beautiful view...hope the sun is not shinning too much for photo taking.

THURSDAY:
I decided today I will stay back, do some cleaning for daughter and organize my mess, take a walk and there is a point where it has great view! of downtown/waikiki area. TOMORROW, I will get on the bus, I promise.

Went to Pearlridge Mall last night for just an errand (make appt. for nails) and gosh! the traffic! at 6:30 on freeway to Pearl City was terrible! packed! One does not see that when they are in Waikiki area only. (gee, what a priviledge? ).

Oh, and the NEX exchange is huge. I don't know if it is the largest, but it is incredible! and so beautiful when you enter! The main enterance has like a rotunda and when you look up they painted a beautiful mural with whales and all....beautiful!!! I did not have my camera, but will bring it next time.

Okay, here is a stupid thing I did on 2nd day there. Gosh,
I vacuum. You know, mom being busy and helpful... So it is a bagless vacuum (like I have)...and I am thru and take the garbage bag and the vacuum filter down to toss in and empty in garbage.... I get down to the garbage bin and toss the bag (with no problem) and then take the vacuum filter and put it in and start emptying and tapping (It was full!!!!!, geesh) and what do you know I drop the filter!!! Oh geesh, this garbage bin is the kind you have to climb in!!!! ,So I go upstairs to tell DD20 and she is so sweet "Oh, that's ok, we needed to get a new filter anyway" (actually, they could have gotten 4-5 more months out of this filter)
Geesh! dopey mom trying to help out.

HERE IS A PHOTO OF HOW CLOSE THEY ARE TO A BUGERKING. MILITARY ON BASE ONE, OF COURSE. I DON'T THINK THEY GO THERE TOO OFTEN. GAS STATION IS RIGHT THERE TOO. THEY GO THERE ALL THE TIME. $2.57 MILITARY COST. $2.78 OR MORE ELSEWHERE.

I bought this to try, and OMG, it was sooo good. the pineapple and coconut were not just flavoring!! But the coconut was huge!!! and hecka nice pineapple chunks! I was totally off guard...thinking "Oh, there will be just flavorings of pineapple and coconut. Next time I am getting the macadamia nut kind! ohhhhh

Photo taken from a book, but this is an overview of Triple Hospital. Such history!
Audrey and KC go here for their medical needs and she is going to take me here later for a little tour.

This is also from a book, but it is an overview of: Ko 'Olina Resort and Marina. It is on the West O'ahu shore. I've some nice reviews! and will try to go here too.

Coutdown! Doing the Single Digit Dance

2006-01-26T18:59:00.000-08:00

Can't wait! Leaving Tuesday 8:30am. Will be arriving in Honolulu around noon'ish.
Looking forward to being with daughter, getting to know son-in-law and roaming and exploring the island! How exciting.............single digit dance...........

This so speaks to me

2005-12-18T12:46:00.000-08:00

Firehouse Window

2005-12-15T18:29:00.000-08:00

Saw this window while waking to work.

Listen to Some Frank Sinatra

2005-12-14T20:31:00.000-08:00

Frank Sinatra Music

Just click this link and open up Window's media and listen away

Merry Christmas...........meow

2005-12-14T20:13:00.000-08:00

Aloha from Audrey and KC

2005-12-13T19:27:00.000-08:00

Funny card

2005-12-13T19:25:00.000-08:00

A friend gave this card to me for my birthday several years ago and I had to save it.
Everytime I look at it, it makes me smile.

2005-12-11T07:29:00.000-08:00

Holidays........

2005-12-05T13:40:00.000-08:00

I have the day off today and put up my Christmas decorations.

And I also love how I get to open up my plastic containers filled will all the decorations wrapped up so carefully from last year and I open up a bag filled with freshly purchased ornaments from day after Christmas! It is always a "surprise" !! Such a nice little treat.

Wow, I cannot believe how Neil has changed from getting his jeans at American Eagle.....to....are you ready for this?.....Wal Mart! Yep, we went today and got him two pair of jeans from WalMart (for Christmas). Now, granted, he was not THAT into getting "fancy" clothes like some young men I know of. Some require their clothings to be a certain brand from Macy's or wherever.
Neil was always good at getting a bargain, but this beats all!

Memories.........

2005-12-04T08:26:00.000-08:00

Awwwwwww.. I found this when going through a closet.........It is Neil's First Communion Workbook ---when he was in 2nd Grade...........

2005-11-27T17:15:00.000-08:00

Today is Sunday. Quiet day. Church......read paper.....
visit to PriceLess drug store......great store....love that store....

I am starting to read another book.....Lindell is loaning me
A Million Little Pieces. So far this is a great read! I am so in the beginning.....but a great read. She loved it and let another co-worker read it and now me.

Four whole days off.....gotta go back to work. It's all good. I am happy I like my work...........Get to deal with consumer's complaints about their visit to their beauty / nail shop. ....drives me crazy..........they complain about getting fungus but they go their all the time! How dumb is that?

Flea Market

2005-11-26T19:58:00.000-08:00

Went to flea market today for a quickie trip to get me a new suitcase. Audrey took my two when she left for Hawaii. Fine with me. Didn't like them too much LOL!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2005-11-24T11:16:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving! A day of ....many reasons......thanks, rest, family.....
Audrey with husband are cooking their first turkey. How cute..........miss her.............
Not visiting family this year. Staying home and staying away from traffic. Cooking a turkey and the fixings. Made a pumpkin pie. Watching the parade. Woke up at 4:00am!!! yikes.
Ready for a nap (geesh, it's only 11:20am)..............

Open your Heart and you will live a happier life.

2005-11-20T17:15:00.000-08:00

I have witnessed at least two people with somewhat similar family happings and yet the end result of their hearts are so different.
Mike and I have a family member (in the cousin branch).....their daughter was young (18 appx) when she became pregnant from a man of another race. She gave birth to a child. The father would not accept this child or his daughter. She then gave birth to yet another child from same man. This father could not open his heart....deal with what God has dealt him and thus he is so unhappy. His wife has chosen to accept and love her daughter and grandbabies. Her heart is happy. His heart is not happy. He chose not accept and love daughter and grandbabies.

I work with a gal whose daughter also gave birth at appx. same age out of wedlock to a lovely boy from a young man of another race. They are together, unlike the other young mother. This second young mother is also about to give birth to another child (girl!) in March to same young father. The difference of hearts. The second young mother's mother is full of love and happiness and acceptance of her daughter's children. She is full of joy....the daughter is happy (works with mom at my work).

I hope to learn from these people. I hope to have an open heart. I want to live my short life on this world with joy in my heart and full of happiness. God bless the person that has an open heart and accepts what life has plopped in their lap.

Mustard!!

2005-11-20T12:00:00.000-08:00

Back at you, Webchyck! HEE! LOL

Love you!!!, just not in a lesbian way.

LOL LOL LOL!!!!!

Mid-Week

2005-11-16T20:46:00.000-08:00

Mike got an invite from brother to drive to San Jose (a GOOD 2 hour drive) to see the Shark's Ice Hockey team play. Guess Mark got some free tickets and invited Mike, his older son and a co-worker. Have to wait for son to get out of school and then head on to the Bay Area--- 3:30 leaving Sacramento!!! Commute !!! ug. Reckon the game will start at 7:30 ish........wow, will get home pretty darn late.

I asked to get off an hour early....(4pm)....had Neil pick me up....went to bank to get a new PIN number for my ATM card then .....Neil wanted to get some groceries to make some smashed potatoes and some french bread he saw a tv chef cook. How cute! So we stopped at grocery store, got the needed items (that he so neatly wrote on a piece of paper)...
We got home and I did not have to do a thing.....He cooked the potatoes and all. (had some chicken with it all). yum. Good job son! You are the best. What a nice treat.

Tomorrow, get to go out to lunch at work to say goodbye to yet another co-worker jumping ship.

Today, Mike told his mom (after asking her last week if they wanted to come HERE for Thanksgiving, or if not, could we go there and make the food )....."nah...let's just see each other in December"....was her reply. Well, yesterday, she calls and says "daughter will be cooking, come on over!" "Nah", says Mike, "let's just see one another in December". heeeeee
Free day to relax and do whatever we want. See a movie....watch a parade.........woo hoo......
whatever we want to do! I wonder if I will find something worthy of me getting up at 4:30 to get in line to buy on Friday......hummmmmmmmm

Tidbit.............

2005-11-11T12:09:00.000-08:00

meteor caught on tape
This is so cool.

Check this site out.............Like to shop day after Thanksgiving?
I am going to just try and NOT shop. I don't want to get sucked into the shopping frenzy that stores WANT us to get sucked into..............and I will try my hardest to avoid ads and shopping. We will see how my willpower is.........

Workday..........

2005-11-11T07:51:00.000-08:00

up early --- too early for many
catch bus...relax and read.....
catch next bus....wild and crazy driver - fun ride....
arrive at work building....but just before I arrive I pass by some fellow walkers...and this young female felt that by the look of my face that I needed to smile! as we pass by one another I hear her gently say "smile".........excuse me? how dare you tell me to smile. If you knew my father--and I take after him, you would know that this facial expression I have is simply in "relax mode" and I am not purposely scowling!!! I am just relaxing! I want to turn around and cuss her out that how dare she think that I am going to blindly smile and act how she wants! I am in defense mode walking the streets. Did she not get the e-mail from her work to be more aware around our work building? Did she not hear about certain people trying to get into people's cars? I am in defense-mode...........I will start smiling away once I get inside and chit chat with people I know ........how dare she!!! - okay, maybe I will try and be not so grim looking............heee
get a fat free white mocha ---yum!!!
free bagel, thanks to co-worker!
Yum....
work........enjoy......enjoy co-workers........Shannon -makes me laugh.
lunch time........read paper..........comics (love my comics)
more work.........
off at 5pm......walk to light rail....wait...
sit down....listen to conversations..........
light rail driver announces like she is a wannabe Disney tram rider....makes me smile....
arrive at end of the line........
instead of hopping on bus I walk to Wendy's and meet my son....get food......drive home.
Watch Truman on DVD with son............relax.........

Random....

2005-11-05T17:11:00.000-08:00

I bought a book! I am not much for book reading. My tv usually is my entertainment. But now that I am commuting to and from work via bus and community light rail, I better start putting the time to good use. You remember Teri Garr!?!?.....she was in Mr. Mom (Michael Keaton) and Close Encounters....remember? Of course you do. In 2002 she announced she had multiple sclerosis. I hope it will be an interesting read.

I also purchased my ticket to visit Hawaii and see daughter and new son-in-law! It will be for 3 weeks. I sure hope I will be a good guest. I remember way back when....when I had audrey 20 years ago and my dad would come out to visit me about once or twice a year. (My mother passed away when I was 3 months pregnant with Audrey). I would so look forward to his visit. But by the end of the first week, I was ready to buy his ticket back home. I cannot remember why exactly....I mean come on....20 years! YOU remember why and how you felt 20 years ago? haha.....well , I just hope I will be a good guest and not be too much of a buttinsky....not too much. LOL! I hope to repress my innermost feelings and not tell them their toaster really should be on the left side of the kitchen rather than where it is.........or how come they fold their towels this way rather than that way. I suppose I will just be thrilled to see audrey FOLD anything. I never knew she COULD fold a towel. Okay, there I go..........gotta stop those feelings..............repress.......respress.........respress..............

Missing a co-worker

2005-11-03T19:47:00.000-08:00

Margie. She was with our unit at work for 5 1/2 years. Today was her last day. Our work is moving to another location here in Sacramento. This location is further away for quite a lot of workers. Several are beginning to find new agency's that are not so far from their home. We had lunch at Chevy's. I will miss her terribly. I remember when we discovered we both graduated in 1974 (different schools, of course). We had a 'bond'. She has been with the state for many more years than I. She was at a higher clerical level. I've learned (I hope) from her. I will miss her sharing such interesting vacations. She got to stay at the Bellagio in the biggest suite there! She had some terrific stories to share of her travels.
Good luck, Margie.

Took some time off

2005-11-02T16:58:00.000-08:00

I just knew I should have not gone in to work. What day is it? Oh yes, I felt "this way" a month ago. Gee wiz. I am just too old to have to go thru this! I am 49! I do not need to be fertile anymore! Just take "it" away and I will be fine! Just say: "It's over".........and you will have made my day. Oh well. Reality does not work that way. Since I have hundreds of sick hours in the "bank", I chose to take off at noon. Walked to light rail, got on...and headed to the end of the line and then waited for about 20 minutes for the bus to take me home. Took a nice little nap!
Feeling much better. Well, not really, but .............I am home and not at work. I never take any sick days, so I deserve to take a few hours now and then. I took 5 of them today.

Just getting Started

2005-10-27T17:45:00.000-07:00

Well, my goal is go become familiar with this (Blog) process and have it look good by the time I vist my daughter in Hawaii early 2006!. I hope to provide a daily (knowing me, hourly) journal of my adventures in my visit. Audrey married May 16 and moved with new husband to Honolulu June of 2005. Life is certainly different than when I remember my sister joined the Air Force back in 1976. We spoke on the phone and mailed letters. That was the "old school" version of communication. Now....we (society) are so in touch with one another with digital cameras and computer e-mail , let alone instant messaging! that's it for now