Saturday, September 26, 2009

Pū'olo


In traditional times, it was a common practice among the native people of Hawai'i to present each other a gift wrapped in ti leaves as a gesture of aloha, ho'okipa (hospitality) and ho'omaika'i (appreciation). This practice has continued into the modern era, where we still honor our guests and special friends with a pū'olo to welcome them into our home and show them how much they mean to us.

Mahalo to Mr Rodney Ito, General Manager, Marriott Waikoloa Beach Resort & Spa

Our ti leaves contained pears, apples and banana bread!
 
 
 
 
Posted by Picasa

Last morning at the Hilton - moving on to the Marriott

We finally managed to get dressed and head over to the Lagoon Tower. After a short ride on the tram, we arrived and disembarked at a store called the Sandal Tree - yes a shoe store much to Don's dismay. Walking past it after a short detour we came to a glass enclosed turtle habitat. There were two of them looking much like desert tortoises. Then we came to a flamingo garden. (Garden in a very loose sense - a couple of plants and a lot of flamingos.) We were actually headed to the Lagoon Grill for coffee when we came across the most interesting place of the trip so far. Hilton has a program called Dolphin Quest. Three pools house a total of twelve dolphins and they have age appropriate programs set up. An oriental couple had signed up their twin boys (about 6-7 yrs old) and we watched them from their initial shyness to becoming completely comfortable patting, rubbing and interacting with the dolphins. It was really hard to leave but, alas, we had to begin the hike back to our room and leave for the Marriott.

The move took very little time since the resorts are virtually side by side. The Hilton is probably eight times larger than the Marriott. Each has it's own special character. Here we have a sand beach should we wish to swim in the ocean. The location is great. This afternoon we walked across the street to the Kings Shops and strolled Tiffany & Co, Louis Vuitton and other upscale stores. We bought postcards at Whaler's. Back to rest and relax. Tonight's dinner will be here since they have 30% off your entire check - you know how we like bargains!

We are going to try very hard to stay awake past 8:00 pm -- we'll see.


The Big Island - Waikola, Hawaii

Well, I haven't blogged in ages but decided to use this blog as our journal for this trip. We left DFW for Kona the morning of the 24th and, lucky us, got standby first class seats and had an absolutely delightful (but long) trip. Checked into the Hilton Waikoloa (thanks to John Bryson) and wandered off to find our "tower". We were in the Ocean Tower which necessitates a boat or train ride. Yes - this property is that huge! Our room overlooks several pools and the four acre lagoon. It takes lots of footsteps to go anywhere in the hotel but the property is absolutely beautiful. Exhausted, we walked a few steps to the Boat Pavilion restaurant and had a nice quiet (quick) dinner. I'm embarrassed to say but we were in bed by 7:30pm. Of course, this resulted in both of us being awake at 4:00 am. We definitley got an early start on the day. There are so many places to explore and that's exactly what we did. The afternoon was capped off by playing their 18hole, par 36, putting course. We each managed one birdie (one putt) and lots of bogeys. There is no reason to post the final score but let it be said I prevailed by one stroke!!

Dinner last night was at the Chinese restaurant, Kirin. It was very good. Don has moo shu chicken and I had dim sum. Then we picked up a couple of mai-tais and sat on the lanai and gazed at the ocean and the waning sun. There is nothing more relaxing than sitting and listening to crashing waves and the sway of the palm trees.

Today it's time to pack up our things and move to the Waikoloa Marriott for the next seven nights. It's 7:00 am and we've been up for about two hours. We still have lots of exploring to do here so we're off to visit the Lagoon Tower and all that is on that side of the property.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Summer

Where has the summer gone? It's hard to believe that it's already the 8th (I think) of August. We've had a fun time.......lots of pool time, Newport Beach with Christopher (almost 15) and Charlotte (9), family time in Bakersfield. There have been challenging times too - our annual budget work session. Everyone is going to be struggling a bit this coming year, including the City of Euless. Our staff did a great job on stretching all our dollars and planning contingencies for the coming years.


We're home for about a month and a half, then it's off to Hawaii ~ my favorite place on earth. This year we will be going to the big island for the first week followed by a week at Ko O'lina. It always feels like we're coming home when we arrive at Ko O'lina. Growth changes it a little bit each year but never so much that it ruins the ambience.


I've been spending more time on Facebook because it truly is fun to catch up with old friends, young friends, family and former co-workers! Thanks to all who take the time to blog and post on Facebook. Audrey Her wins my award for most gifted blogger. She has such a talent for writing. I truly appreciate her health tips and the smiles she always puts on my face. Thanks Audrey!


Well I guess I need to go and finish up my laundry.....hope Monday starts a great week for everyone!

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Blogging vs. Facebook

Okay gang...which is the way to go? Which is easier for you? I'm struggling to keep up with both. I love the instant gratification of Facebook. I love the thought and introspection of blogging. I'm at a lost -- please tell me your thoughts!

Friday, May 1, 2009

Okay...okay....here's a post - finally!

Okay okay...so I haven't posted in a while. I played in a golf tournament yesterday and am so sore I can barely walk so it's a good day for computer time. It was really a lot of fun, a lot of laughs - we won NOTHING but had a fabulous time. I bought 5 raffle tickets for $20.00 and - WOW - hit on 3 out of five. That's a great ROI....I won a "romantic" night at the Holiday Inn Express in downtown Hurst and 2 QuikTrip $50 gift cards....yippee. I love their coffee. I'm going to try to do some housecleaning today - yuk.

I am so proud of my nephew, Matt, who is a Councilmember in Cedar Park, Texas. Hill Country News readers just voted him the best elected official!!! http://hillcountrynews.com/content/current/front/cover/01.pdf
I am bursting with pride!!

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Jerrie's Birthday Celebration

What a girl's night this turned out to be! Seven of us went to Texas Star for dinner followed by a game of bowling (which most of us had not done for 20+ years)! First we had to engage the young people around us to help set up the machines since we couldn't quite figure it out, then the "game was on"! On my first turn, I decided that I could remember all those things I used to do and went out strongly .. taking my steps .. aiming .. swinging .. letting go .. falling .. falling .. rolling down the aisle. Darn it - if the ball won't take out those pins, I WILL do it personally. Fortunately I was able to crawl back off the oil slicked alley and, with Helen's help, stand up! Was I going to give up!?!?!? NO WAY. I came back and beat all the girls with a very strong 93! Nothing like humiliation to make you want to win. We laughed and laughed - as did those around us. Thank heavens Jerrie had a coupon for one free game for 10 people. I would hate to think we paid for the entertainment...people should have paid us! The ride home was another story in itself but I'll save that for another day (or year). Happy Birthday Jerrie - you requested a very energetic (?) exercise for us all.

Monday, April 6, 2009

How did it get to be April without me noticing?!?!?!

I can't believe it's already April! Obviously I've been lazy about posting but part of that is because my laptop is fried and I can't sit in my chair posting, surfing, reading, etc. I need to write Dell and let them know how I feel about the laptop I loved and lost all within about 15 months!

This past weekend was truly a great one. Friday we attended the Euless Police Awards Banquet and Saturday was the Euless Fire Awards Banquet. It is so great to see such deserving people recognized. Euless has the greatest first responders in the world!

Well....time to urge Don to start dinner. I'm hungry!

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Where do people find the time????

My life has been relatively quiet lately but I still seem to have a hard time finding time to blog. Good thing there is nothing vitally important to report. My laptop crashed and fried..it's only about 14 months old and I am not a happy camper. I'll be having some serious correspondence with Dell. Good thing the desktop is still fine.

I've been good about going to my water fitness class! The thin, gorgeous black girl, Tamara, who teaches on Tuesday nights makes you work so hard. It's always painful to move after one of her classes -- I don't move Wednesday morning -- I hobble!

Today's blog is because I'm trying to put off cleaning the house. Any excuse to delay it will work for me but I'm running out of things to say so I guess I'll actually go make an attempt at it! Hope y'all have a great day today...our weather is beautiful...hope yours is also.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Sunny California!



I'm in Bakersfield having a wonderful time with my kids. We are eagerly anticipating Charlotte's opening night tonight. She is performing as Little Cosette in a production of Les Miserables...what a talented little 8 year old she is. Every time I come I'm amazed at how quickly they are growing up. Christopher is a head taller than I am and turning 15 this year! Charlotte is a beauty - always moving - dancing, singing and "performing". It's so hard to go home and this trip I really only had a day and a half!!! Love my kids...the top picture is of Amy with Charlotte receiving her Student of the Month certificate. Below are Christopher, Heli and Charlotte in height order!

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

March 4th.......

Wow..it's already March 4th and what a glorious day it is! The sun is shining, the sky bright blue and the temperatures in the mid 70-s. All that beauty and I'm moaning and groaning in pain...went to my AquaFit class last night after ditching for months. Competitive as I am, I had to outdo everyone ... yes, I'm paying the price. My back is aching, aching, aching....I think I'll have to go see Dr. Witt tomorrow. He'll probably laugh as I hobble in. Well, off to try and walk to the kitchen - I'm thirsty!

p.s. It worked...Don took pity on me and is taking me to dinner at our favorite Italian restaurant, Cafe Sicilia. You can bring your own wine (no corkage) and have a fabulous home-cooked meal for a very reasonable price.

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Texas Craziness.....

I love Texas but the weather is absolutely crazy. Two days ago we neared record warmth - high 80s! Tonight we have freeze warnings - expected low 29. But, lest you think winter has returned, the forecast is in the 80s again by midweek! So what's a 50 degree temperature swing among Texans??? It's normal...;}

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Bunco Chix

Haven't blogged for a while now but I have to talk about our monthly Bunco Chix night last night. It was, of course, Mardi Gras! Katrina made a delicious chicken gumbo and 3 (yes count 'em 3) desserts! It was a wonderful night of true friends and great laughs! Julie Watkins brought us our belated Christmas gifts...those alone brought a ton of laughs. Hopefully someone will send me a picture to post but, remember, it needs to be "censored"! Then whomever in our Bunco group is messing with our minds struck again! On the front door were matching St. Pat's Day shirts for all us....Valentine's Day was pretty similar. Looks as if we have a lot of "pseudo-secret" sis things going on. We're all worried about Faye who has been suffering from stomach aches for some time now...we're trying to convince her to go to the doctor!! (Convincing her is really really hard work.) Faye--we LOVE you..please go see the doctor.)

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Blogging....

Oh my goodness....at age 62 I have heard a lot about blogging and Facebook and all that other "stuff" -- never did I image it would be a wonderful way to reconnect with people. Life is so busy and it's so hard to call, write and/or personalize contact -- Facebook is fabulous for a quick note to let someone you truly care about know that you're thinking about them.....just proves that you are never TOO OLD to learn!!!

Please pray and pray hard....

Please pray for Tammy Barnes. She is a 911 Dispatcher for the City of Euless and is in critical condition at St. Pauls Hospital in Dallas. Tammy had a double lung transplant about 3 years ago and was doing very well. (I saw her at LA Fitness getting ready to play racquetball.) Suddenly her body began rejecting the lungs. She is only 33 years old and is fighting for her life. We all know our God listens.....please pray for strength for Tammy and her family. If you would like to follow Tammy's progress it is being posting on their blog: http://tbarnesupdate.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Prayers for our friends.

What a difficult day this has been. I attended the funeral of my friend Becky Null's dad today. Becky spent the last months caring for her dad and making his life as comfortable and pain free as possible. I know her heart is breaking.

Tonight I learned that our friend Audrey's dad passed away. While I know she is deeply saddened by her loss, her faith in God will help her (and Xee) through this sorrowful time.

Our prayers are with all of our friends who are grieving the loss of loved ones. We have felt their sorrow and tears and pray for peace in their hearts.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Special Days......


February is an important month for us. Last night we celebrated Valentine's Day with our little group of 13 friends! Love and laughter go so well together and we had plenty of both last night along with a delicious dinner. Thanks to Susan and Jerrie for a great celebration.

Tomorrow we will celebrate our 24th anniversary. It's hard to believe so many years have gone by since we said "I do". Our lives have been blessed. I met Don 29 years ago and thought he was the nicest, most considerate, caring man and I continue to believe that. He's a great husband. The picture with this post was taken last year for our church directory.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Lots happening...


Lots has happened in the last few days! Don had major dental surgery resulting in our being confined at home for a bit. (He is the miraculous recoverer ... the last major surgery he was told he'd be in the hospital for about 3 days.. YIKES ..I was taking him home less than 24 hours after surgery.) Once again, this surgery involved lots of meds and pampering. Unfortunately Don was the recipient of both but that's ok, as Gloria Gaynor says "I will survive". Today we celebrated a belated birthday for my friend, Faye, with lunch at Texas Star. Faye, Jerrie and I had a great visit.

We heard about the tornado in Kapolei, Hawaii, which is very close to KoOlina (our vacation paradise). It was great to hear that our dear friends Xee, Audrey and Princess Phoebe are all fine and unaffected!

Our weather has been unbelievable...mostly in the mid-70s with lots of sunshine. I am a connoisseur of sunsets and we had one tonight that (almost) rivals my Hawaii sunsets. This photo truly does not do it justice. My photography skills need work!

Last note--hope everything is spelled correctly. I haven't figured out where the spell-check on this darn site yet!!!!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Meeting Amanda Higdon!


I can't believe I failed to mention the truly fantastic experience I had yesterday!?! Our PACS department learned we had a Euless resident returning on one of the R&R flights. They rounded up five ladies and off we went to MEET AMANDA! What a great experience that was. I ran into a very nice guy I used to work with, Joe Schneider, who was there with his very high tech camera. I quickly enlisted him to take photos of "our" soldier....she truly is special! After meeting Amanda, our greeters drove her home to surprise her family. It worked as planned and there was a whole lot of boo-hooing. We wish Amanda a wonderful time at home and look forward to greeting her each time she comes home to us again! God Bless You and Keep You Dear Amanda!

Poor Don........

Well, poor Don had major dental surgery today and is knocked out! It was another beautiful day in North Texas (in spite of major storms last night) with a bright blue sky and brilliant sun. I'm hanging around playing "Nurse Cratchett" (or whatever her name was) while enjoying the glory of the day. Hope all of you are having a wonderful day!

Thursday, February 5, 2009

WOW .. 2 days in a row...

Hope you aren't expecting anything truly exciting because that is so NOT happening. My question of the day is "how can 2 people manage to create 4 loads of laundry every week?". We are not dirty people but the hamper is always full. I am going to spend the coming week trying to analyze why we have so much laundry. Stay tuned!??!!

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Continuing Education.

Well, after I posted I realized that I had previous postings that I'd never actually finalized. Okay, some things are now redundant but if you are reading this, you love me and will forgive my learning curve. After all, I'm 62 and continually running after (and trying to catch up with) technology. Blogging is "Advanced Computering" to me!!!!!

Hope your life is way more than good -- may all your days be great days.

What good is a blog.........

What good is a blog if you don't blog!?!?! I asked myself that and decided if I was going to have a blog, I better blog! Euless is sponsoring the DFW Meet the R&R Troops flight this week. I went this morning and it is always heartwarming (and heartbreaking). Most of our troops are babies...they are so appreciative of the people meeting them. One young man looked each of us in the eye and said "wow - this is so great - thank you" while we were trying to thank them for their service. Another young man hugged each and every one of us. A third handed out the military flag patches they all have on their sleeves saying, "remember, this has been to Afghanistan". Makes one feels truly humbled and grateful for our freedoms and all the people who defend them. God Bless America!



Life has been pretty busy the last few weeks (ok, it's been over a month since I blogged) but I've had fun. California the middle of January was incredible. I spent time with my fabulous sister and her husband, Chef Charlie, my niece and her husband, Zane, and OF COURSE, my California kids, Christopher (14) and Charlotte (8). We went to movies, ate ice-cream and laughed...a lot!!!



My life is blessed and I really should blog more often just to say thank you to the Lord for all of my blessings. My God, my husband, my family, my friends and my life in general!

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Wow...where did January go???

I can't believe it's almost the end of January and I haven't posted anything. I had a wondeful visit to California to see "my kids". Christopher (14) and Charlotte (8) and I experience a weekend full of laughter and fun. They make everything worthwhile! Chris is about 5'8" and already towers over me. Charlotte is the "diva" of the family. She loves her acting, singing and dancing lessons and cannot be still for more than 2 minutes at a time. Amy and Zane are the perfect parents....nurturing but reigning in the excess. Don and I are blessed to have the family we have.


Okay...now I need to be serious and blog more often. I plan to put some great pictures of "my kids" on the blog very soon....maybe tomorrow?????

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Texas Crazy........

No wonder we are all a little batty here in the great State of Texas .. our weather does it to us. Sunday we all prepared for the winter weather and it did arrive - sleet, icy conditions, temps that stayed below 32 all day. We hunkered down at home and ate soup. Tuesday was pretty nippy too but it did get to the high 30s and low 40s. Today was in the 70s and tomorrow will again be in the 80s. Did I mention the latter part of last week we had a record high of 84? We love living in Texas but the weather is just a little too erratic for two California people! Just had to vent a little about the veracity of the famous Texas adage .. if you don't like the weather, just wait for five minutes.


We are looking forward to a great year of sunny skies, fun trips and great times with our family and friends. I'm headed to California on the 16th to see "my kids" (Christopher 14 and Charlotte 8)...we'll celebrate our Christmas a little late. We'll go to movies, out to eat, play computer games and laugh! They are my pride and joy and I can't wait to see them.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Here's to 2009!

We had a lovely evening at Susan's. Great friends and wonderful food. I look forward to 2009 being a wonderful year, full of laughter, good health, friends and family. May it be peaceful and happy for you too!