Nana & Bapa

Jackson Hole Wyoming To Yellowstone National Park

2011-10-11T06:09:00.000-07:00

Jackson Hole Ski Resort
This guy had just crossed the road
with these two trailing behind
The Autumn colors were in full gear. It was absolutely beautiful to see
Some Elk crossing the road in front of us....We haven't even entered Yeloowstone National Park yet
Another beautiful view. in the meadows there is a herd of Elk
As we climb to higher elevations we came across scenes like this one
In the Grand Canyon of of Yellowstone there are upper and lower falls. What I found interesting was this. Across the canyon from where we were was a staircase fastened to the side of the cliff. It went down to a great view point....I decided that I would pass this time....I'm not up to climbing that many stairs quite yet
This is one big Buffalo
This is a Grizzly and a big one. He was out in a meadow tearing apart a log and having a great snack. See he is looking off to the side. He knows there is a guy in the trees trying to get closer so he can get a better picture. And I thought we were too close.

Our friend Mark Bloxham having a fun moment
I wonder who this is
Another herd of Elk
This guy was up front and close to us. I wonder where he is going?
This girl was minding her own when I came up close and scuffed my feet on the ground hoping she would look up and she did
This guy is just munching away on the side of the road
and lastly heres Old Faithful...We were here a few minutes when it decided to blow

ITS BEEN A WHILE

2011-08-25T23:42:00.000-07:00

This has been an interesting year. In this post there will be no pictures,but lots of text.

Were going to call this year the H year....You will soon see why.

In January of this year we went to Hawaii as we always like to do. Some of our friends joined us over there and we had a wonderful time. We enjoyed the sun, the water and the company. Oh and lets not forget the food. Once home we had just unpacked we received a text message from my cousin. The son of my fathers sister Leoni. Her health was going down hill fast. After a few phone calls back and forth from here to Holland we decided to make the trip there. We had only been home 4 days. But it was important to do this as Leoni had helped in taking care of my Dad her brother when he was sick with cancer. She was there when he passed away. We arrived in Holland, rented a car and promptly went to the hospital. Leoni was dying of lung cancer the same disease that took her oldest sister and my Dad. We visited for several days and helped with arrangements. Leoni was euthanized on February 14th at 6:00 PM....Valentines day will never be the same. After 15 Days in Holland a country we have come to love, it was time to head home.

We came home and were able to stay home for a little over a month, then we were off to Honduras, Yes Honduras. Meredith our oldest daughter married a Honduran and created a wonderful little family. Only problem Marco was not a legal resident of the US. So in October of 2010 Marco returned home and Meredith and the kids followed a month later. It was hard to see them go but we needed to do something to get things right. They would have had to deal with the embassy down there anyways in order to complete the paper work.

So off to Honduras we went to meet Marcos family. Such wonderful people. They live in a town called Lepeara, its at the end of the paved road in the middle of the mountains of Honduras. It was and experience we will never forget.

At the end of our 15 days in Honduras we returned home with Meredith and children in tow. They would be spending a month with us then returning to Honduras.

Now this is where things start to get interesting. We brought Meredith and the kids to the Airport on the last day of May and then we stayed in Seattle because I was scheduled to have some major surgery.

For the last 32 years I have been living with a disease called Ulcerative Colitis. An inflammation of the large intestine. At times very painful, but I had figured out how to live with it in a way that enabled me to continue to work. Well about 15 years ago a specialist I was seeing said I needed to have my colon removed and I said no....I looked at the tests and there were no changes and they always told me the same thing. In December of 2010 I had another test and this time things had changed....Time for surgery. Did I want this surgery NO I didn't. But the specialist we had now is world known and I trusted him. Its a good thing to because once surgery was done we found out that things were very close to the cancer stage.

On June 2nd we went to the hospital to have surgery....maybe stay in the hospital for 5 days then head home....right....Things didn't go so well. Complications happened and now I was in the hospital for 22 days. Lisette being there the whole time, watching and seeing everything that happened. I can't even begin to imagine what she went thru. I was totally out of it. After making it thru some near death moments recovery was very slow.

Once I got home all I did was sleep, the pain medicine, the anti nausea medicine, the blood thinner and antibiotics were all I could come close to handling. It was Lisette who made sure I got the medicine when needed. About 5 weeks after coming home from the hospital I finally woke up....60 lbs lighter and no energy. Getting out of bed was difficult, let along trying to walk. Progress was real slow. Then a nose bleed and back to the hospital. We couldn't even come close to stopping it.

A week later we were back in the hospital, but this time for a kinked intestine. That was 2 days.

Now between these set backs I tried going to the gym to do some exercising. The first time I managed 5 minutes...a few days later 10 minutes.

2 weeks after the last hospital visit I had gone to bed and then the pain started, I had never felt such pain as I did during this attack. Off to the hospital again and this time for 5 days.... When was this going to end. So Saturday the 20th of August I got home from the hospital and on Monday following I had no energy to do anything. I lay on the couch or bed all day. Now the pain that I have had since the first surgery has been constant. Sitting up has been very difficult...almost impossible.

Today the 25th of August was the first day that I felt somewhat normal. I worked in my office, had a business meeting, mowed the lawn, drove for the first time, worked more in the office and then cut some more grass.

So from Hawaii to Holland to Honduras and then Home. So far a year of the H's

And our adventures continue as we purchased a Hotel, closed it and will now remodel it.

We will fill you in as time goes.

Empty Nesters....

2011-07-02T07:39:00.000-07:00

This is weird...I made potato salad with one potato...and there were left overs!

Beware When Grocery Shopping

2011-05-21T07:32:00.000-07:00

One day while in Honduras we went to this grocery story in Santa Rosa De CopanAs we walked into the store we were greeted by this guy. Sawed off shot gun and ready to use it
I would not suggest trying to shoplift here.....Now you might ask (How in the world did you get this picture?) Well all you have to do is ask...I'm sure he would have let us pose with him....but we didn't want to push it.

It was not uncommon to see guns like this or even more serious than this everyday

Honduras, Lepaera.....Market Place Day

2011-05-19T14:39:00.000-07:00

As market day moves along people come from all over and they setup all over the place. The green walled building belongs to Marcos parents and the yellow walled place belongs to Marco and Meredith Notice how the tarps are right against the buildings. Well at Meredith and Marcos place the front door is blocked.

THis picture is taken from the bridge at the bottom of the road from Merediths place. On Market Day (Sunday)the whole street is full. The Thursday market day is not as full...at least it was not when we were there.

Marco and Meredith getting their shopping done

Marco checking out some fruit and vegy's

And as I walk thru the market all eyes turn on me...must be my good looks.....Yup its getting thick in here.

Donkey loaded with firewood....to sell....or just passing thru, were not sure.

On Thursdays and Sundays the street in front of Merediths turns into a market place. People come from all over to sell what ever they can. Clothes, shoes..(non would come close to fitting me), fruit, vegetables, fish, corn and flour tortias. And a lot of other things. The street is so crowded it was a wonder that any cars could drive thru. They start arriving early early in the morning and by 7 AM the street is full. We decided to venture out into the market and everyone, I mean everyone was looking at us. They would come real close, maybe 10" away and just stare. I was white and I was at least a head if not 2 heads taller than most people. I even had one guy follow me around. Everytime I turned around there he was. My new best friend.

It was real fun to check out the market. All who were there were trying their best to make enough money to live off of for the next week..not an easy thing there.

Heres Jaun Valdez the coffee bean guy as I call him. His product like the guy with the firewood have come in on Donkeys. Other come by car, truck, back packing and others by balancing their stuff on their heads....I would get a sore neck

The average working person in Lepaera makes between 5 and 700 limpera a week. Thats like 37 US dollars a week. Not much. We here can spend anywhere from 30 to 100 dollars or more for a dinner for 2. There maybe 30 US dollars for a week or more worth of food.

People we won't Forget In Honduras

2011-05-16T11:40:00.000-07:00

Here Lisette works at keeping Maria entertained. Lisette makes alot of things happen as we visitAnd Heres Maria herself....She has taken over her mothers Sun Glasses....maybe to be the next beauty Queen
Marco the reason we head to Honduras. An opportunity to visit his family...Hopefully there will be more visits in the future. Here Marco is involved with the shopping

Ahh The cook or shall I say part time cook, and full time mother. Meredith trys her hand in making corn tortias....I think

Here is Carla, one of Marcos sisters. She cooked for us one evening. Food was good...but it was the first time EVER that I had fish that had everything there...It was looking at me while I tried to eat it.

And here is the youngest, making his mark in life. Cooper always happy except when hungry or tired....then look out the bear comes out

We can't forget Maria's little friend. Orfetto. Not sure if I spelt his name right. Lives next door to Maria and always has a happy smile on his face

Hmm who's the giant...or should I say who are the two ladies. The one in the pink shirt is Marcos mother. A very kind hearted but shy person. She doesn't have pictures taken of her very often...Last time was when she got married...at least thats what I heard

The other lady is Kristina. She comes and does the laundry and what ever else might need to be done in order to make money. She lives a long way from town and walks in to town every day and then home at the end of the day. I'll guess that it takes at least one hour if not longer ....and she walks fast

This here young man is about 12. He took to Lisette and made sure that she didn't get lost from the rest of us....I think we could say he became her private Body Guard. His name Kevin

That picture of me with Abuala and Kristina above...well I decided I was too tall so I shrank down to their size.

These and many more people that we met while in Honduras made our trip there special. The people are wonderful. They may not have much, but to see them you wouldn't know it. What we have doesn't matter. Maybe its how we use what we have. The people and family we met in Honduras made us feel at home.....except for that guy who followed me around. Every where I went I turned around and there he was.

To the people of Honduras, may blessings come your way

Here be two special people. They open their home to many people...including us. Marcos Father and Mother

We finally got them to sit next to each other for a picture

Honduras

2011-05-05T14:40:00.002-07:00

While visiting Meredith we saw many people hauling their goods home. Some people had donkeys. One guy reminded me of a comercial years ago to do with coffee. This guy has a donkey loaded with large bags of beans. He walks and is wearing a sombero. (Jaun Valdez leading a donkey loaded with Columbian Coffee bean)

Small taxis are everywhere. They have 3 wheels and work well. Sometimes these are loaded so much that people have to walk. They stop to pick you up, but then they see someone else in need of a ride and they stop to pick them up also. Before you know it there are 4 to 6 diffent people going to different locations. Smart taxi drivers. This taxi driver had a tarp so he could keep going while it rained...no doors on the taxis

Now because most walk, there a few people with trucks and I think these guys love to see how many people they can get in the back of their truck. I think the most we counted was 35 people in the back of a pickup. Most time it was less, but still a large number. I just kept waiting for someone to get hurt. They say there are many who get hurt or die, but they just keep on doing it.

Motorcycles may have 4 or 5 people on them...and the only person who might be safe is the one driving.

Honduras, Lepaera....Weather

2011-05-04T14:40:00.000-07:00

Lepaera is in the mountains of Honduras at an elevation

of 3,138 ft above sea level. During the time we were there Daytime temperatures were in the high 80S, a couple of days into the 90s. At night the temperature drooped into the 70s. It was mostly sunny with some haze. Into the 2nd week of our stay we started to have PM rain showers. At about 3:30 PM the lightening and thunder would start and almost right away following the first crack of thunder it would start to rain. Not like here. Rain it did. Somewhere between 4 and 8" in a 2 hour period. The street would become a river. If there was garbage up hill it was swept down the hill.

Jumping ahead here a little I don't recall seeing any dust pans. People had brooms they would sweep the floors of their home and all that was swept would be pitched into the street. The rain comes..washes the garbage down hill. Its put in a pile and then set a lite. Its burned If the garbage truck isn't due to come.

Honduras

2011-04-14T20:45:00.001-07:00

After being up all day we started our travels to the country of Honduras at midnight. From Seattle to Houston. A short layover there and then on to San Pedro Sula Honduras. The airport here is small, not like many of the large airports we have been to. It's smaller than the Lihue Hawaii airport for those of you who have seen that airport. After finally clearing customs....I often feel like herded cattle when I go thru customs. coming thru the gate where friends and family were we were met by Marco and his sisters husband. From there is was off to getting a rental car...what a chore that was. Not one rental care agency had our info so we ended up going with an outfit that was most helpful. Maybe that wasn't such a good idea...because the new car we were getting wasn't so new. It was dirty, it had scratches and dings in it, the antenna for the radio was missing, 1/4 tank of gas....what happened to full tank of gas....deisel. You could not even read the dash for miles on the car or otherwise....Welcome to Honduras.
It took us approximately 4 1/2 hours to get from airport to Lepaera and it wasn't because of my driving. Meredith told us that the roads were a little different....yup they sure are. First thing I noticed was no lines on the road. No speed limit. On these roads you drive at your own risk.did I happen to mention that the roads are not straight, they are constantly turning...and they have pot holes all over the place, or speed bumps, or even check points. The check points are police or military carrying submachine guns and you must stop when waved over. They may ask for registration of car or where you are going. Sometimes we smile and ask do you speak English, they say no and wave us on. One guy we even offered some nachos and he gladly had some then waved us on.
So between all the stops and potholes and cars passing in places they really shouldn't and our top speed being no more than 50 miles per hour we arrived in Lepaera.
Once there we we off road or at least that's what it felt like....I would say a gravel road, but that wouldn't be right. A rocky road with big potholes would be the right description. A few blocks of this and we arrived at Merediths home. She and the kids were waiting for us on the side of the road. An exciting moment for all of us.

WE HAVE ARRIVED AND SAFE

Sunny Days

2011-03-23T19:07:00.000-07:00

Sunny days.....wow when they come its nice. While some of get the sun every day we here in the Pacific Northwest feel like we never see it

From our Deck we see all the surrounding mountains. We haven't seen them in a while and look they all have lots of snow on them.
Isn't Mt. Baker beautiful. They have 231' base of snow at the lower lodge of the ski resort....They had to close it one day last week because of too much snow so they could move snow away from under the lift chairs.
And there goes the sun. What can we say another day in Paradise. And Paradise is where ever we want it to be.....Where we are

Dinner

2011-03-22T20:25:00.000-07:00

Hmmm Hmmm good food. Today as we were out the subject of dinner came up....What to have, is always the question. I thought why not Wanton soup and Lisette said Sushi. So guess what thats what we hadOnly a small twist to it was that it had to be home made.
Wanton soup with lots of noodles and pork filled wantons.
The Sushi.....deep fried prawns/shrimp, cucumber and avocado rolled in rice and seaweed
Once rolled and cut we dipped them in a little soya sauce with wasabe mixed in it

Kayla's Quilt

2011-03-22T20:16:00.000-07:00

Well its getting close to being finished, Kayla's quilt.Lisette has been working off and on, on this quilt for a long time. If we would just stay home long enough it would be done.So the top picture is the back of the quilt and the bottom picture is the front of the quilt
This weekend we head to Rexburg Idaho where Lisette will be able to put the finishing touches on it and place it on Kayla's bed.

We will take a picture and post it once its done

BICYCLES

2011-03-01T14:19:00.000-08:00

Bicycles are a wonderful thing. They allow you to transport yourself from here to there and then someplace else. The Dutch have taken bicycles to a new level. Because most of Holland is flat bicycling is easier. WHEN THE WIND IS NOT BLOWING.
I love bicycles. It is absolutely.....amazing the number of bicycles that there are. The population of Amsterdam is 750,000. The number of bicycles there are numbered over 600,000. Where do they put them all?Here is a parking garage that is devoted to bicycles. It is next to Grand Central Station in Amsterdam

Everywhere we look there are bikes. Young kids just starting out with older siblings or parents helping out by placing their hand on the back of tne one learning. Parents riding to work. Sons riding with mom sitting on the back rack, sitting side saddle with a cup of tea in one hand and reading a book with the other hand.

This here bike is used a multitude of ways. Filled with groceries, or people. Notice the recumbant front seat that is either for young kids or handcapped people or even adults. The one in front does not stear the bike the person on the back seat does. Notice the extra set of peddles on front near the recumbant seat....they are for kids and can be removed with a quick release lever. Who woulda thought

There are bikes everywhere...there are so many that hey have seperate roads for the bicycles with their own set of traffic lights. And it works so smoothly.

Looks like a covered wagon to me...It actually has 2 little bench seats (one faces forward and the other to the back) and they are equiped with seat belts. We saw one similar to this one only larger and it was designed for the handicapped. it was wide enough for a wheel chair and had ramps so you could push a person in the wheel chair up and take them to where ever they needed to go

Here is a bicycle that is made custom..you can not go into the store, buy it and take it home. The wheels are wood, the fenders are wood and the seat is wood and becuse it is custom made it is very comfortable to ride...This one is in the store front window, but we did see a guy riding one in a neighboring town...So Cool

Check out the double kickstand its there so you can get the person on front without having to hold beke up

And then we have a standard bike but with not just one but 2 toddler seats on the back and on front is a rack for carrying your goods from shopping.

Bicycles what more can I say...There are tons more different styles to choose from I've only shown a couple

More things to do In Holland

2011-03-01T13:26:00.001-08:00

Food.....more importantly Bread, buns and pastries

It doesn't matter where we go ...in stores, in open markets there is always a place where thay sell breads
And not just your standard breads. Breads that have all kinds of grains in them. Begals the size of a plate.

Pasteries to die for. Cream filled, jelly filled, light and flakey. Chocolate covered, fruit filled

And they have the stuff that goes with them....butter, cream cheese (many different flavors) Jams....etc

Weather you are in Amsterdam, Haarlem, Alkmaar, or Utrech there are bakeries with all the items that we shouldn't eat but do.

Time with Leoni

2011-02-28T14:53:00.001-08:00

Leoni

We were each able to spend time with our dear friend in her last few days with us. Time that we would have never traded for anything else

Son Ruud

Grandson DidierNephew PatrickLisette and Toyke

Leoni's room was on the 8th floor of the Lung disorders wing of the hospital

She had a private room with a small waiting area. In the waiting area they rolled a bed in for her son Ruud. He was at the hospital 24/7

Leoni's room had a view of the city of Haarlem with a canal just below.

Leoni had many visits of friends and family during her last days. They came from all over.

One of the things that Leoni was able to do was to keep in touch with family....family we have never met until this trip.

as Leoni was getting ready during her final hours Lisette did the nail polish thing on the toes and hands. It was touching to see the interaction between the two of them.

For those of you reading this Leoni had Lung cancer and there was noting that could be done anymore. She was confined to the hospital due to the fact that her lungs were not functioning properly anymore. Leoni would be Euthanized, it may sound horrible and not right, but I have changed my mind on that issue. Just because it is legal in the Netherlands doesn't mean that anyone can go thru with it. They have strict guidelines and must have the approval of several Doctors. There must not be any avaiable treatments left.

As we neared the hour when Leoni would leave us the Doctor came in, we left the room and the Doctor visited with Leoni. He made she that she was still OK with her dicision, which she was.

We were all invited back into the room. After a few minutes Ruud sat by his mother and Didier sat on the other side of the bed and held her hand. Leoni would spend her last minutes looking into the eyes of her son. A medicine was administered that would put Leoni into a deep sleep. This process took about 20 minutes, Once Leoni was in a deep sleep the doctor checked her pulse, looked into her eyes and determines that the 2nd and final phase of the process could begin. A 2nd medicine was administered. This medicine would relax all the muscles and her heart would stop. The process started at 6 pm on the 14th of February and at 6:45 pm Leoni was pronouced dead. A second doctor would come in to confirm that she had indeed passed away.

The atmosmosphere during all this was sombre, silent and very touching. The connection between mother and son, stronger than I had ever seen. Tears were shed. We were given time to be with Leoni. There were many flowers in the room from people who had visited, Patrick took a few Roses and placed them in her hand laying them accross her body.

We had to leave for a few minutes while the nurses did their job in positioning Leoni and then we were allowed back into the room for another short visit.

As we parted with Ruud and Didier that evening it was hard for us because we knew what emotions they would be having and knew that there was nothing we could do.

Our job now as family was to be there as support for Ruud and Didier. To help them thru the next week and a half.

UNPLANNED TRIP TO HOLLAND

2011-02-27T10:16:00.000-08:00

First off this trip is about family!!!! On Saturday the 5th of February we came home from Hawaii and on the following Tuesday the 8th we received a text message from A cousin of mine that lives in Holland. His mom, my Aunt, my Dads sister was not doing well. We immediately made plans to go to Holland. Wednesday Morning we were on our way to the Netherlands. Haarlem being the exact city.
Now we might not have done this for anyone but for Leoni we would. When my Dad was sick with cancer she came to help in his last days and was there for a while after he had passed on. We enjoyed a trip
with Leoni to Hawaii and we had been to her home a few times in preceeding years.
A wonderful trip this was....full of tears and laughs, memories that will never be forgotten. If it was an inconvenience that was the least of our concerns. We talked to Pat my brother and he in turn talked to Jackie and Odette our sisters. Pat made arrangements as did we to be there for Leoni and her family

Here we have Ruud my cousin, His son Didier and my Aunt Leoni. A great family.

Patrick, Toyke, Ruud and Leoni in front. With Lisette and Didier behind

Here Lisette and Ruud are using their G4 Iphones...It was a common thing during our visits.

Last Day in a Hawaian Paradise

2011-02-03T21:38:00.000-08:00

This is our last full day in Kauai.
Its been a fun vacation, filled with many memories

We got up and watched the sun rise...Thought it might be somewhat cloudy, but it was a great Sunny day.

Spent a little time on the beach, some time by the pool.

We did a little shopping and ate at a couple of our favorite places.

We watched some people in war canoes, a couple of guys paddling away on surf boards, a lady doing her yoga on the beach.

We even saw this Cruise Ship in port as we were taking in the last of the sun for the day

Tonight we get to swim in the dark and watch the stars....Oh I shouldn't forget all the Whales we saw today. An awesome spectacle to watch.

And for the last 2 weeks riding around in this Mustang convertible.

The trip has been great

The people have been unique and wonderful

The sights out of this world

If you haven't been Come to an Island getaway. Be prepared to part withsome of that hard earned money of yours. It will help to make the experience one you'll never forget.

I say that everytime I come

Walking , Riding and Jogging

2011-02-02T20:54:00.000-08:00

This is the bicycle path that goes along the shores for 4.3 miles. It starts about 1/2 a mile from where we stay. Now I was going to say everyone uses this path, but that might not be true. Lets just say a lot of people use it.

Donkey Beach
A good friend of ours who was with us for a week used this path to get her exercise in...and she even got her husband to go with her....I think she ran him into the ground....he got sore feet (chuckle chuckle)

Anyways yesterday afternoon we walked about about a mile and a half just beyond where there is a swimming pool. Its there that we picked up a couple of bike to see what kind of damage we could do to ourselves. And damage we did...In the morning after breakfast (1/2 of a grapefruit each) we headed off. We would ride to the end of the path, making a couple of stops along the way...You know there were people we saw so we had to stop and talk to them about important things.

Kealia each

Of course when we came to a beach we had to stop and take a picture

At one spot I saw this glimmering scene so I took the picture

Just on the other side of this rock out cropping beyond Lisette is Secluded Cove

We made it to the end of the trail, then had a rest, then it was time to return the bikes....Now we have been gone for 3 hours by the time we returned the bikes...Remember it was 1/2 a grapefruit we had for breakfast....I am dying.....no joke..Kerry remember me on the hike last year when the food is gone its gone. Well the food was gone, and I still had a mile and a half to go ON FOOT..... The weather was absolutely perfect 82, sunny, and slight breeze. We trucked along and made it in time to cool down in the pool...today the was was not yet warm.

To much to see and too short a time

Kilauea Light House

2011-02-02T20:36:00.000-08:00

On the North East end of the Island sits Kauai's one and only Light House

From the light house you are able to se the Albatros a large bird that needs a good size clearing to land and take off. The Red Footed Boobie is another bird that is there on the cliffs.

Today while viewing the sights we saw a group of 5 or 6 whales, some would breach, other blow. It was beautiful to watch. They were headed from left to right, going in the direction of Kapaa.

So after we got back to our place I looked again for these whales and sure enough they were there. Same number doing the same thing

The weather today was again the best

Tropical Dreams

2011-02-02T19:29:00.000-08:00

The clock sas open at 2 PM....aand what are they but closed. We waited till 2:40pm then went over to the Lighthouse.
After being at the Lighthouse we returned to find the place open.
The place sells ice cream and candies, and also rents videos.

The place "Tropical Dream"

Now I have had a lot of ice cream in my day, but never have I tasted ice cream soooo good
A waffle cone with Chocolate coconut mmac nut...One scoop, then one scoop of Mac-nut ice cream and to top it off a small scoop of salted carmel.....Don't even think it was bad.....because it was GOOD

This place is located near the lighthouse in Kilawea, but they are moving and will be in Kapaa a little later this year

It is more than worth the cost.

Lumaha'i Beach

2011-02-01T11:25:00.000-08:00

Lumaha'i beach a beach that is constantly changing. Its not a beach that you want to swim at as the undertow is extreme. We have never seen people swimming in the ocean here. They do however swim in the river. This is mostly a sunbathing beach

Where Toyke is standing he is about 10' away from where the beach sand slopes off steeply. It drops about 25' vertically to where the water is.

You know that area where Toyke was standing now Lisette is standing there and a wave....large wave came in and got to her. This picture that is the river coming into the ocean is real turbulent where water from a large wave has come in. The water rose about 3' in a matter of seconds, then retreated just as quickly

Another beautiful spot to visit

TUNNELS BEACH

2011-01-31T21:03:00.000-08:00

What a beautiful day. Here we are a tunnels beach and boy is the surf up. Its absolutely beautiful to watch

Lisette is walking along the beach a good distance from the water and a rogue wave comes in and gets her good and wet.

in this picture with the guy sitting on the beach, beyond him you can see a somewhat calm area. In that area is where we would norkel but today the waters are way too rough

Those 2 houses on the end that you see against the hillside,,,,what a setting

SUNRISE TODAY

2011-01-29T09:46:00.000-08:00

This morning with the clouds over the ocean that I would post a progressive sunrise. It is clear sky above us.

The sun rise here is about 10 minutes past 7 right now.

And it looks to be another great day here in Kapaa Kauai

Hope your day is as good as ours is

Shopping

2011-01-28T22:01:00.000-08:00

I don't think we should ever allow these two to be alone together...especially when shopping. They decided to try on some hats. As goofy as they could get them

Having fun.

Shipwreck Beach

2011-01-28T21:46:00.000-08:00

Shipwreck Beach.... The real on

Today while here at the beach its sunny and in the nid 80s

And then there were turtles near the base of the cliff

We enjoyed playing in the surf. It was great for body surfing.

We had a whale show where 4 or 5 whales did their breaching and coming down with huge splashes.

Then we saw a manta ray. It was about 6 to 8 feet across. Beautiful to watch in the clear waters

How much better can it get

Hanalei Bay, our 1st day by ourselves.

2011-01-25T22:01:00.000-08:00

Our first full day by ourselves and we spent it on the beach at Hanalei Bay, I think one of the most beautiful spots on the earth. We arrived around 10 am so got our pick of parking places.

We rented a couple of chairs from the place across the street that rents surf boards etc and got comfortable. My goal for the day was to get rid of the Coon Eyes that my sunglasses were creating. I think I did a good job. We stayed out in the sun for 4 hours. We did put on sunblock today, I used 8 and Toyke went for 4.

I find it interesting to see the different things in different countries that women will hold on their heads...I think this woman has a great idea.

When Glen Homfeld told Toyke that he needed a vacation and knew where he should go he hit the nail on the head. Toyke has been here 9 times now and knows how to relax.

Always something new to discover. This lovely little river that flows into the Hanalei Bay and wanders back along the road to the bridge is our new discovery for the day. It's been right here, we just have always turned onto the beach before getting here. I want to rent a stand up surf board with paddle and give it a go on this river, it would be calm enough to try. It would be nice to rent a kayak also...something planned for our next trip already, wait a minute, we still have 10 days!

The fish that didn't get away!

2011-01-25T21:57:00.000-08:00

The native Hawaiians that caught this fish were pretty darned excited. They even said something about getting into the news so this must not be an everyday experience.
They were fishing off the long cement pier and caught something...a humungous fish!!!
They pulled it back into the water to stop it from drying out then hauled it into the back of the truck, covered it with a wet towel and were off. I thought we could follow it to the local market and get some fresh fish for dinner!
I wonder what they were using for bait...probably their little brother!

Rooster roosters everywhere...but on a bike?

2011-01-25T21:49:00.000-08:00

We went into Safeway tonight to buy some vegetables....yes, we are eating vegetables. After all the shaved ice, fries and burgers, chocolate milk shakes, fish and chips...it's time to eat vegetables. But, that is not what this blog post is about. The Rooster... The bike was leaning up against the wall right in from of the door to Safeway. I was laughing, thinking that a rooster was nesting on the handlebars for the night. He was looking like he had hopped up there and was settling in for the night. When we came out of the store the bike and rooster were gone. I though, poor thing, he'd settled right in now he has to find another spot to roost.

Nope, across the parking lot came the man on his bike with the rooster still sitting on the handle bars! Of course, I had to stop and ask him about it. He said that he caught the rooster when it was young and he took a lot of time taming it and it just took time and respect. I said that as my Aracona roosters grew up they got mean. He questioned my respect for my roosters and said, "Well, have you even tucked them under your arm and taken them to bed with you, pulling up the covers to keep them warm?" Ok, that was it. I'm pretty non-judgemental but that's just plain crazy! Think about it, he is a guy riding around with a rooster so...whatever!

Evenings

2011-01-25T21:38:00.000-08:00

Once dinner and desert were had and once we were home again, out came the dominos and rook cards to fill the evening. Now while playing the games treats were needed. Several different types os chocolate, nuts, chips and dip, drinks and whatever else we came up with.

We all had fun

Shave Ice

2011-01-25T21:28:00.000-08:00

Here we are experiencing Jo Jo's Shave Ice in Wiamea.

All of us Mark & Karen, Mark & Kerry, Jack & Liz and Lisette and myself

Hmmmm Hmmmm good especially on a warm day

Coconut, pinapple, pina colada Mac nut ice cream on the bottom and coconut creme on top. Makes for a great treat

kauai 2011

2011-01-24T21:33:00.000-08:00

Hawaii here we come. Time to leave this rain and get some sun.
On the 12th of January we left on Hawaian airlines for a vacation part of which would be spent with some of our close friends
Lisette and I were lucky to get an upgrade to first class. It was worth it alone just for the leg space....but the other things that came with it made it better

The menu shows the food
Hmmm it was good too.

It took a little longer to get to Honolulu because of head winds. An hour later than scheduled, but we made it

Here we are coming into Lihue Airport.....Hmmm lots of clouds....from rain to rain...only warmer

These falls are normally 1/4 the size but on Tuesday they had 5" of rain and then more rain on Wednesday

Jack and Liz arrived late Wednesday evening

Mark and Karen were on the same flight as we were

Thursday morning after the water Falls it was time for breakfast. We had fried rice omlettes

Then it was off to the beach. First beach on the list was Anahola Beach. It always has good waves for body surfing. I believe this is Karens favorite beach. The little girl comes out in her. Is so fun to watch...and we all get into the fun after a few minutes

On Thursday afternoon Mark and Kerry showed up. Friday morning it was off to the beach. We decided to go to the very end of the road on the south side of the Island and visit Polihale Beach. Not many swim at this beach because of the strong currents that pull you out to sea. Many people over the years haven't made it back.

Polihale Beach is beautiful, miles of sandy beach and good sized waves crashing on shore. The end of this beach is also the beginning og the Napali Coast

Getting to and from this beach requires going thru some big puddles. It would have been great to have a few mud fights ....but we refrained from it this time....next time can't garantee it.

At one point Mark Bloxham thought he would use a flipper fin to throw mud on us....little did he know that with Lisette behind the wheel anything was possible. And sure enough she guns it and he realizes that he needs to get back in the Jeep and have the door closed before she gets to him or he is going to be covered in mud....I think I heard him squeel like a girl. What a laugh we had. Then on the way back with top down Lisete again decides to make a run thru the puddles.... The white jeep was no longer white

SOmebody was extremely happy with her accomplishment. See the towel wrapped around her, well it was used to protect us passengers from being splattered with mud. As it was it took Mark and Karen a good 20 minutes to clean the inside ot the jeep.

The car wash was pathetic as hardly any water was used in the cleaning process. In the end Lisette Mark and Karen washed the jeep once we got back to the condo. I think it took a good hour.

The Dreaded Dentist

2010-11-05T14:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to the dentist....Or should I say Lisette went to the Dentist. She hates Dentists with a passion. I was tagging along.

Now I need to say that our dentist took a little while to get to as his office is about an hour and fifteen minutes away. Lisette was there to have her teeth cleaned and checked....No cavities..she must be doing something right.

2 hours it took to clean...they must of been checking for gold.

Anyways while i was waiting I went outside and this is what I saw.

I always wondered how these critters got around...Now I know

The squirrel looked at me and just kept on doing its thing...defying gravity

My excitement for the day

Merediths Departure to Honduras

2010-11-04T20:03:00.000-07:00

It been quite a whirl wind these last couple of weeks. Marco had left for Honduras to get things ready for Meredith and the kids. So while he was with his family (mom, Dad, Uncles, and siblings) we were here helping Meredith get ready to go.

By the way Meredith was in denial...not thinking ...or hoping the the day would not come.

Meredith packed then brought the

suitcases into my office, where I repacked them. I couldn't believe the things she wanted to take....I guess I needed to consider where she was going. But I repacked the suit cases trying to get them to as close to 50 Lbs as possible. And there were 6 of them. Once they were done, there was loading them into the Hummer.....which is not as big as a Tahoe or suburban.

So 6 large suitcases, 1 double stroller, 2 car seats, a carry on bag (suit case), diaper bag, blankets, back pack for Meredith, and 1 for me, 1 for maria, 2 adults and 2 kids all in the Hummer.

It was a tight fit.

We got up at 4 AM on Monday morning and got ready to go...We got out the door at 5:50 AM

THe beginning of Meredith's new adventure. We were headed to SeaTac airport. 40 minutes into our drive Maria says up...up...we say no not until we get to the airport....she says up ..up and then blah...she let loose. Throw-up all over the place. Stop the car cleanup, change clothes and then on our way again.....By the way did I say it was pouring down rain.

3 hours later I am parked and we are checking into the airport.....Crap the bags are too heavy, so we do some adjusting.....now they are all around 52.5 lbs...better than 55 lbs. Checked in and now to go thru security...WOW all has to go thru xray...3 back packs, 1 carry-on suit case, diaper bag, computers, Ipads, watches, shoes, car seats, blankets, and humungous stroller...we used 13 trays and then all the items that did not go on trays. It was like 20 minutes just to get ready to go thru security, then another 20 minutes to put it all back together.

The flight to Houston went very smooth. Maria could not stay awake any longer...I was feeding her a fruit roll up one piece at a time. All of a sudden a piece didn't make it to her mouth and she was out...only 20 minutes left in the flight

When we got to Houston they told us we would have to get our checked in bags because our layover was over 5 hours...Hummm that was not going to work. The airporter that was helping us was very nice and worked the system in our favor and just told us he would take care of it. He then asked us what hotel we were staying in and called the shuttle service to pick us up.

Once at the hotel we went next door to get a bite to eat, back to the hotel room to bathe the kids and to bed.....WHAT a Day..I think its 8,9, or 10 oclock and we are exhausted. Lights out everybody is going to sleep and I hear Maria...talking and settling down. Then she say Love Mom, Love you Dad, Love you Cooper, Love you nana, Love papa, Love you nana. Out of the mouth of babes.

4:30 wake up call...get dressed, head to the airport...once at the airport I relize that i have forgotten my phone and charge at the hotel. They send the driver with the phone and charger to the airport where I meet and get them....The day is saved.

At 8:20 I help Meredith and kids to the gate. I wish I would have taken some pictures because it was some sight. It wasn't easy to see them walk away. They have been part of our house for the last 34 months.

So once they were out of site I turned around and ran the length of the airport so I could catch my plane back to Seattle.

4 hours later I was in Seattle and Meredith was in San Pedro Sula Honduras. Her flight was 2 1/2 hours. Family was there to greet her and then began an adventure she will never forget. Meredith arrived at her new home at 7pm...it was dark and she was exhausted.

I arrived in Seattle at 12:20 and drove home and was there by 2:30 pm

I would not have wanted to miss my time helping Meredith and the kids.

We will mis them, but at the same time we anxiously await news of how life is in Honduras

10-10-10 Doug's Birthday this year...

2010-10-15T13:45:00.000-07:00

Too bad I don't have pictures of him! The video I took wouldn't upload...so. Here's a picture of Tom and his girlfriend Aleta.

Tom told us that when they come down here shopping they tell the guys at the border that they're going to visit his Aunt in Custer and he gets through every time!!! Next time he should come visit his Aunt, don't you think!! Looking forward to seeing you Tom and Aleta.

Daddy's little boy.

2010-10-15T13:41:00.000-07:00

Marco and Marco Cooper are definitely father and son. No doubt.

Pictures for last post...

2010-10-15T13:15:00.000-07:00

Blog Sharing...YEAH!

2010-10-15T13:07:00.000-07:00

We're having a creative day today....Justine is sewing a top, Meredith a skirt, me curtains and Maria...well, the picture tells what Maria is doing...

Justine shared her friend's blog....haylieskitchen.blogspot.com...the Focaccia bread recipe...so quick and easy and really really good. Our hardest part was deciding what to put inside...thanks to Rachel (who text) we decided on fresh tomato and gouda cheese. It was good. We will have to go shopping for more sandwich ingredients!

PS...the pictures just don't come out right so I'll put just pictures in the next post...

August 23, 2010

2010-10-05T15:58:00.000-07:00

Toyke and Lisette August 23, 1980 to August 23, 2010.
Sometimes it seems just like yesterday but when I think of all the things we've done and been through it's a whole life time.Just last night we were laughing about living in foggy Port Moody. That was so long ago. I bet it's still foggy there!!!
We've spent some absolutely wonderful times together...been through a lot. Yup, there's a few things I'd change but only the medical incidents for both of us. But, it's been good to go through all these things together. I love him now more than ever.

Thirty years and counting...here's to the next 30!

Graduation

2010-08-19T19:48:00.000-07:00

Today I received a letter in the mail about my dad. Before I tell you what was in the letter I will tell a story that leads up to it.

On April 13th, 2008 my Dad passed away on complications due to cancer. One of his requests was that he be donated to science. I had done some preliminary research to see if it was even possible. To my surprise it was. SO when the funeral home was notified of his passing the University of British Columbia was also notified. They were happy to except Dad into their medical program.

Can you see where this is leading. Yes my Dad was going to medical school. The term would be about a year and a half to 2 years. During this time many would learn from him. Well we waited patiently and the 2 year mark flew by. It took an additional 4 months before we would hear anything.

Now since Dad was at University we would always joke that he was getting a degree. The letter came and we were told that he had served them well and we could come get him. So Dad graduated from medical school. Soon he will be laid to rest with loving wife.

Today I made the trip to the border and when I got there they asked specifically where I was going. I told them I was going to get my Dad in Vancouver.....They wanted to know where. So I said he's at Mount Pleasant Funeral home and waiting for me to pick him up.....Not a total lie....but not the total truth.

I made it to the funeral home and picked up Dad. The guy helping me was named Francis. He said my dad must have been a big person because he was heavier than most people. Dad was maybe 220 Lbs

On the way back I came to the border again and the customs officer asks me where I had been I told him Vancouver. That was ok that went well....but then he asks me if I was bringing anything back with me....I right away grabbed the container and said yes my Dad and showed him the container....He was a little flustered and after a little stutter he asks anything else. I quickly said no just my Dad. And he lets me go...crisis averted

Dad is here in this container...All graduated from Medical school

The day before the big day...

2010-07-29T09:58:00.000-07:00

There she is....the morning before the big day...my little girl...sleeping...how time flies...tears in my eyes...Sweet dreams Beaner.

What's important in life.

2010-07-29T09:47:00.000-07:00

I was still cleaning up from the wedding and someone got out the crayola washable finger paints...for a moment I thought - Holy Crow, we haven't got one thing cleaned up yet and here comes another mess!!! Then I paused, these are the moments that you enjoy in life, these are the ones that happen once and you stop and "smell the roses" Someone else has some good pictures of the girls handprints on each other's backs - maybe they can get posted somewhere.

Oh, how the girls enjoyed each other's company. They stopped for spontaneous hugs here and there and then had some good "2 year old arguments" too.

What is a Grandpa?

2010-07-29T09:43:00.000-07:00

I don't really know what it takes to be a good Grandpa but maybe it had something to do with nail polish.

Ready to go!!!

2010-07-29T08:06:00.000-07:00

Oh, the influence a child can have on a parent...TJ really wants a Harley so he and Toyke went shopping... It was fun to see them in the store checking out all the bikes... No, I don't think I'll become a Biker Chick...I smile too much. The ones I've seen are very serious.

Rick & Justines Wedding

2010-07-27T15:05:00.000-07:00

Samsons Winery is where the big event took place. After weeks of planning and a few days of mad work the place was set.

Rick and Justine after 2 1/2 years decided to tie the knot. July 23rd, 2010

Justine had been working on a quilt for her and Rick, a huge under taking. A lot more than she thought. Her mom Lisette helped out to get the finishing touches done....Turned out better than they expected.

Kala the flower girl came all the way from Eastern Idaho, a town named Rexburg to fulfill her part.....She was so excited to be apart of the wedding.

And here we have Andrew, Ricks son 6 years old and a very important part of the day. Not only do we gain a son in law but we gain a grandson.

Welcome to the family

And the people kept coming from all over the place. Aunts and Uncles. Cousins and niece's and nephews. They all came to join in the festivities.

All the grooms men had tuxes, cowboy hats, canes and aviator sun glasses. Cool idea. And it looked great.

The Brides Maids wore beautiful red dresses.

An out door wedding and the weather could not have been better. Reverend Jack performed the wedding ceremony.

Here Justine and her Dad walk down the isle.....See that smile on Dad's face....It has nothing to do with the wedding....This is the last daughter to be married. You should see him jumping for joy...(ha ha ha) Not really, he is happy for Justine and that she will be happy.

Here Rick and Justine exchange vows and become husband and wife

The Big Kiss....and they are off

The whole wedding party

Time to cut the cake

And then some dancing

and more dancing.

There was lots of food....hmm I wonder why no pictures of the food showed up. We had a BBQ (hamburgers, hot dogs, and lots of salads. A lot of different types of drinks also

The party was great. It could not have happened if it were not for all those who helped. I won't mention names, just be it known that your help was greatly apperciated

Just another beautiful day in the life of Lisette and Toyke

Accidents Happen

2010-07-18T14:35:00.000-07:00

Not to long ago we were visiting TJ and his family. While there we went on a few bicycle rides in the neighborhood. Now while we were out on our bicycles riding the street was clear except for this lone truck. Now let me tell you that the truck was minding its own business. Parked on the side of the road. So as we were riding we passed this truck, went around the corner and then came back. Kala was riding and was all over the place, which is normal for a 3 year old. Anyways the closer she came to this truck the more I watched...she's going to more over....she will move now....Oops she didn't move and bang. She was stuck. Thats right she drove into the truck and got stuck just as you see the picture. It was soo funny....But as you can see she was not to happy. So I got off my bike to help get her unstuck. It took a little to get her loose and then checked to make sure there was no damage to her, the bike, and the truck.

The next time we drove by that truck it was parked in the driveway....I guess they saw what had happened

The life and times of a 3 year old.

What brings me JOY!

2010-05-29T13:15:00.001-07:00

In China a man is selling his son...is that legal? Whale Wars are trying to stop the killing of whales...what about that dolphin slaughter bay... Sometimes it just gets too much for me and I feel a lack of joy and I have to stop and think about what brings me joy.

Going out to my chicken coop and finding 16 eggs brings a smile to my face

Playing the accordian (yes, I took 6 weeks of lessons and don't play well) and having Maria "lead the music" brings me joy. Cooper is our audience...

Looking out my window and seeing the radishes sprouting brings me joy....

If I was THAT kind of Wife....

2010-05-26T13:42:00.001-07:00

It finally happened! I was the kind of wife who when her husband called to say that he was taking two other guys out to lunch to Bob's Burgers and Brew...I could say, "Honey, why don't you bring them home. I just pulled some bread out of the oven and have some Meredith homemade Chili along with Chad & Rachel's homemade strawberry jam"

It certainly doesn't happen very often at all and that's what made it really sweet!

And for all you bread makers...this is Rachel's neighbor's bread...they call it Mama Bread. If you want instructions maybe Rachel will post them but here's the ingredients and essential information:

2T yeast

1/2 brown sugar

1/2 c warm water....together in bowl

1/4 c melted butter

3/4 c molasses

2 c warm water....put together and then add to yeast and then put into bowl big enough for all flour to be added

1 c white flour

1 T salt

6 c wheat flour... add 2 cups at a time until well mixed. You want the dough to be moist but not gooey...I had to add another cup of white flour to get it not gooey.

Rise in bowl...into pans...rise again...350 degree oven, 40 - 45 mintues cooking time. I put foil over top for the last 10 minutes as it was getting brown.

Considering this is a 6 to 1 wheat bread recipe....it's really really good.

Maybe you too could have one of those moments when your husband can bring home the guys for lunch!

Rachel's House

2010-05-26T13:24:00.001-07:00

It fun to go to Rachel's House...of course it's Chad and Lily and Eden's house too and its so great to see them all.

Rachel is fun because she has some great ideas that she wants to do...doesn't always know how to accomplish them but that does not stop her. She cut up a single down blanket and made two out of it...then wanted pink and red duva covers for Lily and Eden. Not having enough of the pink and red didn't bother her...we added the yellow and white and a little strip of all the colors! Cute cute cute...how fun...
another p.s....the crib sized day bed....Toyke made it when Justine was little and he's going to make another one for Eden and Maria...when he gets his wood shop set up - and it's getting close...

My Favorite Things....

2010-05-26T13:16:00.000-07:00

In my kitchen...on top of my new tile back splash that a FANTASTIC General Contractor installed for me...I have a new T-Towel!!!! Yeah for T-towels! Can't get enough of them...I love them. Heidi found this one in Holland - it's a circle with a tab in the middle for hanging on the knob....I love it! Heidi also brought me back some sugary sweet waffle cookies but I can't get a picture of them for you because....they are gone! They did come in a cute tin though...
and p.s. another of my favorite things is reusable grocery bags..."Australian Labradoodles" is my newest bag...thanks Heidi.

Birthday Time Again

2010-05-25T08:27:00.000-07:00

Yup, Happy 29th Birthday for the 23rd time...you do the math.

TJ called on his birthday and said...we're the same age now! 29 and holding.

I am thankful for my mother, who without her none of this would be possible!

I'm also thankful for Toyke and all my kids - yes, that's you Stephanie, Marco, Rachel and Rick along with all the little ones.

I'm thankful for friends who are sensitive about my aging!

I'm thankful for these beautiful flowers from Cindy...thanks.

Hi Grandpa George

2010-04-09T23:21:00.000-07:00

There he is in the picture on top...Rachel...how do I paint???

Once I learn how to insert a picture and then if I can remember how Rachel taught me to "paint" I will insert a picture and put a circle around a man dressed in light coloured (for my Canadian friends) clothes. His name is Grandpa George.

As Justine and I were waiting to get into the Rozengaarde Gardens to see the beautiful tulips there was a family behind us and the kids all called out "Hi Grandpa George" G.G. was already inside and waiting for them by a post. He heard them, took off his hat and waved it at the kids and had a big smile on his face.

He certainly wasn't young and it made me wonder how many more "Hi Grandpa George"s he would hear. It does come to an end...

I love being Nanna. I love my Hayden, Kayla, Lily, Maria, Eden and now little Cooper. I don't know how many more, if any, that there may be and that doesn't matter to me. I love them and I hope that I have many many more years to watch them grow. I'm being selfish but I want more than seeing them get their drivers licenses...I want graduations and weddings and great grandchildren!

I miss my Dad. I miss Wilhelmina. I miss Toni. It does come to an end.

I'm loving every minute.

Tulip Festival Mt Vernon Style

2010-04-09T23:19:00.000-07:00

now I have to figure out how to move pictures....Meredith...Rachel!!!???

This morning Justine said, "I want to go to the Tulip Festival" Well, of course I want to go too and I have for years so I jumped right on that. We have some pictures but I don't know how to insert them with my new computer....I'll work on it.

It really makes me want to buy tulips but with the Lawmower Men and goats around here I don't think I should bother. I should just go to the Tulip Festival more often.

New addition to the Family

2010-04-07T14:15:00.000-07:00

On Monday evening Meredith our oldest daughter who is staying with us came upstairs and informed us that she was having some dicomfort.....What is discomfort....Anyways it turns out that this dicomfort was the beginnings of labor. You got it...she was having child #2.....we know that this one would be a boy, but his name was still up in the air. They hadn't chosen a name. BUT Nana (Lisette has given baby X a nick name. During the Olympics we saw some speed skaters and one was from North Korea. His last name was Kwak....So that is what we named the baby.....Baby Kwak.

By midnight Meredith and Husband Marco were at the hospital and admitted. By 1:06 AM on Tuesday the 6th Baby Kwak was with us.....Meredith can give you more details.....I don't want to know. Talk about quick...lets get it done and over with....It sounded like bad pain was for maybe 5 minutes once water was broke.

So introducing the newest member to the family Marco Cooper Tobias Munoz weighing in at 7Lbs 9oz and 21" long.

While mom, dad, and new brother were in the hospital Maria was at home with Nana. Not feeling well and wanting to be held all the time. During one of the moments where she felt better Maria made her way to this spot.

Here Maria's favorite spot in the Kitchen....When ever someone opens the refridgerator door this is where she goes right away. She is eating some sliced ham here.

Maria was happy to see her mom and dad when they got home......she is a little leary of her little brother....thats more because she isn't feeling good.

Gilbert AZ Another Side Trip

2010-04-04T18:30:00.000-07:00

So we spent the last week in Arizona. Yup we bought another house.

This one is maybe a 5 minute drive to the Phoenix/Mesa Gateway Airport. A nice quiet neighborhood and close to all the amenities you might want. Besides enjoying the sunny weather there....this time we had to work hard all week. From early morning till late in the evening. We had to accomplish a lot of things. Things we did were: install new door knobs on all interior doors, new light fixtures, new ceiling fans for in the bedrooms, all new faucets throughout the house, painting of some areas allowing us to get toilets in place, cleaning of the pool, trimming and weed removal on the landscaping, repair of the airconditioning unit, ordering of new blinds (for ones that were missing), buying and install of new appliances, scheduling of painter and the ordering of new carpet. With all that we were doing there was not too much time to play. We had a great time taking care of all these things in a short time.

Our friends Mike and Chris Taggart (Realestate Agent also) helped us by leading us in the right direction refering people to use and providing us with tools to use. We did bring some on the plane, but the get heavy real fast.

We spent the last couple of hours on Friday enjoying the sun and the pool, then it was off to the Airport and off we went homeward bound.
Sometimes its hard to come home when we come to the cloudy,windy and rainy weather that is often here in the Pacific northwest
Here we are just getting on the freeway in Bellingham heading home.....Hmm 4 hours ago we were sitting by the pool.

Another New Beach

2010-02-21T17:25:00.000-08:00

Today we found a new Beach. This one has a little different use. Its a beach that the turtles come to for feeding. We have been told that sometimes there are more than a hundred turtles during a 15 minute period. popping their heads shells or fins out of the water. We saw 4 this morning in a short time.
Beach entrance The reason we didn't see anymore was these guys. A father and son collecting their net they had put out the night before to catch Lobsters. Their presence prevented more turtles from coming in to shore to feed.

Here they have collected their net and are ready to head home. They caught some stuff but they didn't say what.

In order to see the most turtles we needed to be there at the beach by sunrise. It was a beautiful sunrise.Oh oh...what do we have here....Lisette doing her salute to the sun.... Wait I may be mistaken.....Oh yes it is the anti aging exercises. These exercises wake up the skin making it feel alive

You slap your arms up and down, you swing your arms

And you put your fingers in your ears and then presto you take them out

Now that one confuses me.....Its just waked...I tried the class and laughed thru most of it

But I do see how it can wake the senses.

Only two more sleeps

2010-02-20T21:06:00.001-08:00

We are winding down this month long vacation and will have to go home after two more lseeps...sad I kniow...
We started the day off right with going to the airport 48 hours in advance a getting an exit row seat on the airplane!!! Yeah for nice Alaska employees who shall remain nameless because she wasn't supposed to do that. We sooo apreciate the extra leg room.
Breakfast at our favorite Hanalima Bakery. We both tried something different, chili cheese omlette with rice and a breakfast burrito we are getting smarter...we both only ate half!
Up to Annini Beach for more snorkeling and again we saw turtles along with the wonderful fish. I was amazed that I saw a couple

Napali Coast Hike

2010-02-16T21:30:00.000-08:00

Karen looks like she might not be totally convinced that this hike is the right thing to do...Mark??? You start out hiking straight up, pretty much right away...

But you get rewarded quickly with a view of Ke'e Beach below you...Karen looks like she's afraid to fall off the cliff...right down to the beach!The waves were really calm today so we saw people snorkeling.

Up the trail again, using the roots as steps...

Me and my honey...oops wrong guy!

What a view of the Napoli Coast...

There we go, I have the right honey now...
What a wonderful hike to share with friends...

more views along the path...for me the downhill parts are a real challenge so I have to remember that all the up have to come back down. I walk really close behind Toyke so when I have to take those steps that make my knee hurt I hold onto his back.

It sure is nice to be able to do it, even if it does hurt.

Toy ke and I went about half way to the beach, that was enough knowing that I would have to go on all the "downs" going back. Mark and Karen kept going and made it all the way to the beach. They have some great pictures of it. It's actually covered in big rocks, no sand.

We went back to Ke'e beach and did some snorkeling, reading and fed corn chips to the chickens...they ate right out of my hand... If I was good at this blogging stuff I would circle the two people that are inbetween the palm trees and say, that's Toyke and I. Pugmires took this picture and Toyke zoomed in on it and yup, it really is us!

Moloa'a Beach

2010-02-16T21:14:00.000-08:00

This is a beautiful beach that you have almost to yourself. It's at the end of a road north of Anahola and we found it last year when we were just driving around. I'm glad that we were able to find it again.

Mark and Toyke decided to do a little bit of rearranging of the riverlet...it was fun to watch them. I sat up on the rock and enjoyed the view from there

Toyke, Karen and Mark had a closer view of the ocean

There is a little dot at the top of the wave, it's Karen running along the beach. Mark joined her and they both ran back. How fun to run in the sand. On our way back we met two fishermen guys who were heading out overnight to go fishing. They were planning on catching a 100 lb fish - I don't remember the name of the fish but their shoes are pretty coool!

They have the separate toe thingie for stability and felt of the bottom for non skidding on the reefs. Pretty cool huh

Anahola Beach.....Body Surfing

2010-02-16T17:30:00.000-08:00

We love this beach.

When Jack & Liz were here it was so windy that there were kite surfers out...when Mark and Kerry were here we saw about 20 dolphins playing in the water...Mark and Karen...the waves were perfect for a little body surfing...

We caught some good ones and only got "some" sand in our bathingsuits!

Annini Beach

2010-02-15T21:06:00.000-08:00

Too bad we couldn't take pictures when we were snorkeling. We saw some great fish, a turtle and a yellow twisted pokadotted SNAKE! It was sitting there on the bottom of the ocean...waiting for us...eww..we hate snakes. Laughing, screaming in snorkels, panicing and trying to get away from it as the current was pushing us over it....Toyke got the worst of it, being smacked by flippers as we were trying to get away
I liked the mini submarine looking fish. I still don't know what it was.
Karen saw a sting ray, kind of large...I sure am glad I didn't see it. They still give me the creeps and my toes curl from the memory...
So after a strenuous snorkel we went to the end of the beach and relaxed for a few hours. This is the beach with the tiny little shells and I couldn't resist collecting a few more.

I think Mark managed to get some relaxing at the beach time this trip

Noodles -Good and Bad!

2010-02-15T20:25:00.000-08:00

We love Hamura Saimin - the noodle place we always go to. They told us that we can only get fried noodles in the morning. They open at 10:00 and when they run out, that's that, they are gone. We tried a couple of times when Jack & Liz were here but we couldn't get any.
Well...Monday morning we headed over to get the Kim Chee Fried Rice Omlette from the bakery by the Community College but tudah, it was closed on President's day so the next best thing...we thought...noodles at Hamur Saimin!

They serve the same thing during the morning as all day long, Toyke and I ordered some chicken bbq to go with our breakfast of fried noodles....then... The noodles come on a paper plate, wrapped in saran wrap, heated in the microwave. She said that they make them much earlier and then microwave them...much earlier...I think that means that they are the leftovers FROM LAST NIGHT!!! We tried soya sauce and mustard...it didn't help...

Check out Mark looking at his noodles...he was DISGUSTED!!! The three of us choked them down but Mark just couldn't do it! I really don't blame him...

We went directly to Safeway and bought raspberry cinnamon rolls, bran muffin, chocolate cake, apple fritter and milk. You can guess who ate what..it was all better than the noodles.

We never did get the Kim Chee Fried Rice Omlette (with gravy on the side) because we were wayyy too full from the Dukes dinner when we ate not one but two _____Pies (what was the name of it???)

Bike Ride/whale watching tour

2010-02-14T20:47:00.000-08:00

The bikes actually came free with the Kayak Adventure! What a deal...kind of. We had to go to Walmart (shhhh don't tell Dan) and buy handles for the bars because Mark's bike handles were falling off and very very sticky. But it was worth it anyway...
Up the road we go.. Here's my other favorite shirt...the Belize one...what more do you need in Hawaii?

We saw whales pretty much right away and there were some dolphins swimming around also. They do the jump thing but make a much smaller splash. At this lookout we saw a turtle.

This is the area where we saw the turtle...

Then up the coast to Donkey Beach. Marked climbed down to the beach from here. I think he gathered some shells for Karen. We sat there for a while deciding how many windows we'd put in the house we'd build on this point. We want a spout alarm also, so that we could be aware of passing whales.

Out to the end of the road, about 5 miles

Oh, look at the happy bikers!

Unbelievable...Karen actually got a picture of a whale jumping! This is the Mommy whale and there was a large dolphin sized baby whale jumping with her. It was sooo cool to watch the two of them playing, jumping and looking like they were having a great time. After a little bit the Mommy whale had her tail straight up in the air and was slapping the water with her tail. I think they do that to warn off other animals/people but I'm not totally sure

Yup, the whale is in this picture too...black dot above tall person on the left...

On the way back we saw a man walking out to the reef with some fishing nets so we watched him for a while

His wife told us that he was setting nets for lobsters and whe would be out the next morning to collect them. Toyke actually saw him the next morning through the binoculars.

This is a sneak preview of next year's christmas card!!!

Pugmires Hike while Meynders Read and play

2010-02-13T21:23:00.000-08:00

This is the Kulalauslusha Trail which starts up by the arboretum. Mark and Karen went on the hike but Toyke had sores on the top of his toes from the water shoes he wore on the Kayak Adventure so he was saving his feet for the Napoli. We were happy to relax and do some reading. Toyke actually took his sandles off and walked in the water...

I don't think that pictures can really give you the real picture of how beautiful it is on this island but we'll try our best. You might just have to come and see for yourself.

Karen, at the end of the trail or not...it's the beginning of another trail and they had to hike back where they came from!

Kayaking

2010-02-12T20:32:00.000-08:00

If this looks familiar, it is. This is the same place that we went for the kayak trip last year and yes, I'm wearing the same shirt...it's my favorite (maybe because I really like the one that Dan bought me in Belize - Palapa Bar- living the dream...) Anyway...off we go kayaking!

Yes, Mark has brought along his hat...geeks by association...but we are used to it now. We actually saw a geekier hat walking down the beach. We may have a picture...not sure... Anyway, beautiful day for a kayak/hike/swim...
Beginning of the river above...end of the river below...

Josh, our river guide. He's also a party animal but I don't know how to spell afrodeshiac party and it's a story at the Olympic Cafe/Bar with "Michelle" and other things so we'll ju st leave it that he is our river guide...
Here we are at the falls and you might ask yourself, "is the pool cold?" The answer - YES!!! If Karen hadn't fallen in she would not have gotten in...why did Mark go in??

There they are, the brave couple under the falls that were meant for the King and Queens of Kauaii.

Lunch (at 10:30) after a dip in the pool.

Hiking back through the jungle again...what's that we hear? Roosters of course, they are everywhere on this island!

Karen got some good shots on the river...way to go Ms. Photographer!

Kayakers on the left, motorboats on the right. We have to wait and cross the river together.

Two tired Kayakers after a long day...wait a minute it's only noon!

Oops, not quite finished. Toyke thru in some pictures from along the trail.

I asked him why he included the one below...he said..the frog of course....see it??

Shave Ice

2010-02-12T20:30:00.000-08:00

When you are on the south side of the island you go to Jo Jo's Shaved Ice. When on the north you go to Shave Ice Paradise. There is debate about which one is best. I did suggest that we finish our shave ice here and go directly to Jo Jo's so that we could do a taste test but they didn't take me up on the offer... Just a side note...off to the left of the picture is Bubba's Burgers...Liz and I had to stop and get french fries because it's such a long drive home and we were sooo hungry!

The Pugmires arrive and their first stop Farmers Market

2010-02-10T20:22:00.000-08:00

We are getting to know our way around a little more and found out that there is a Farmer's Market in Kapaa by the ball fields each Wednesday at 3:00. Of course this had to be the same time as the Pugmire's arrival so we snatched them from the airport and headed right over. They opened the market a little early because there was some rain but we were still able to get some oranges, bananas, grapefruit and alfalfa/brocolli sprouts (yes brocolli and they were a little strong but ok) We really like the little "apple bananas" as Mark calls them but we don't know why...

Yes, girls...I got a new shirt...it was on sale! Macys in Lihue!

Suited up and ready to go

2010-02-09T20:15:00.000-08:00

Here we have a pictures of Jack, Liz, Kerry and Mark suited up and ready to go. The great thing is that none of them got sick on their rides. I'm happy for them.

Ultra Lights....Lisette calls them Lawn mower engines with seats and wings.....That go 70 miles per hour. A nice used one will go for about $25,000.00 and on up to over $100,000.00

Lisette would like to buy one right away. But she said other things first.

Notice that all the above did not bring up anything that they may have eatin prior to lift off. But Lisette did....3 times

Let it be known...

2010-02-09T20:10:00.001-08:00

Don't let him fool you...Mark Bloxham does know how to do dishes!

Wialua_____ Falls

2010-02-09T20:08:00.000-08:00

Mark was going out of his way to get a great picture of the falls...I'm glad I wasn't taking a picture of Mark Falling...

This is what he was trying to get...I wonder what his picture looks like?

Mark, Nature man, Bloxham

2010-02-09T20:07:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure what mood Mark was in today but he just couldn't stay out of the trees...

Flowers In Paradise

2010-02-09T20:05:00.000-08:00

Wow, there are some beautiful and different pictures here in Paradise.

That's Toyke's hand in the picture...big enough for you?

Something from Alice in Wonderland

2010-02-09T20:03:00.000-08:00

We saw this yellow mushroom along the trail, hiking towards the Napali Coast. Interesting....

Don't flush what?????

2010-02-09T20:02:00.000-08:00

I understand most of the things on the list but the newspaper and wrapping paper confused me...Did you celebrate Christmas in this bathroom???

Pigs everywhere!

2010-02-08T12:17:00.000-08:00

I thought it would be hard to see the wild pigs but apparently there a re 5 pigs per person on the island. Survivor could never be filmed here. When we were on the ATV tour we stopped at one spot and the pigs hear the motors and come running! Troy and Kemo are prepared with a bag of grain to feed them. The Peacocks get in on the meal.
When you pick the pigs up they really squeel! Kemo makes them work for the chocolate chip cookies.

Beijing Anti-Aging Exercise Class

2010-02-08T11:56:00.002-08:00

Toyke is really having a hard time keeping it together during this "exercise" class...see' he's laughing while he does the pat your knee exercises...

One of the instructors is in the center of the room. I believe her name in Chen. This is the swirl your knees exercise.

He really lost it during this, the exercise your tongue section...you put your tongue between your gums and your teeth and move your tongue in circles. I couldn't look at him because I could hear him chuckling and really, this is serious stuff!

This is Ruth. She's cute. She remembered that Toyke was born in Holland. She's really good because when you do the running in place exercise she moves around!

This is Cathy, the main instructor....more about her below...

Toyke was not the only man in the class....this guy is 75 years old and had a nice long chat with Toyke afterwards...

So, here we have Cindy. We met her at the Thai Resturant with Bloxhams. She and her sister run the restaurant, they take turns cooking and waitressing. She came to our attention because she was talking and demonstrating her exercise class to some other people - while we were waiting for our food! Toyke was not too impressed because we only had half of our dinner! Anyway, we found out about the class so Liz and I went last week and had a great time so I dragged Toyke this week. I'm really sad that President's Day is next week so Karen won't be able to experience it.

The part that you don't see, is what we hear.....Chinese music...Authentic Chinese music. Through out the whole exercise this music plays in the background, and we are to exercise to the music...not so easy.

Anti Monkey Butt Powder???

2010-02-08T11:56:00.001-08:00

You never will be able to see everything and that's great because I love seeing new things...I just didn't know that it would be Anti Monkey Butt Powder...sold at Ace Hardware...

OK so were not sure what to use this powder for......so you figure out what it might be used for......

ISLAND FOOD

2010-02-06T22:45:00.000-08:00

We have been to all kinds of places to eat here on the Island...and lots of it has been to die for sort of speaking....Really good.

The following pictures show some of the food
Siamin Noodles with wanton
Hamburger with Fries

Fish and Chips

Shave Ice Pina colada with coconut cream and Macedonian nut ice cream

Hamburger and Fries, Nachos, Pulled pork sandwich and Salad

Turkey Sandwich

Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Skewered veggies and tenderloin steak

Ice cream pie with Hot Fudge and whip cream

Linguine and Steak

Prime Rib, Baked Potato and Salad

And theres tons more food....all good and I guess I should say some we won't try again

More to come later

Departure time is????

2010-02-06T19:00:00.000-08:00

Jack and Liz packed up and we had our last dinner at Dukes in Lihue and they were ready to go. We took them to the airport and did our good-byes, hug hug, smoochie and all that stuff. About 10 minutes later, we're not even 1/2 way back home and the phone rings. Jack says to come back and get them...yeah right, kidding of course because who really wants to leave paradise? Nope, not kidding...they couldn't check in because they were too early...how about 24 hours too early! Practice run.

So what do you do when you have an extra day in Hawaii....

4 Wheel ATV Time

2010-02-04T21:57:00.000-08:00

Today we enjoyed a day on 4-wheelers. Jack and Liz, then Lisette and I. It was great fun. And once again we saw a part of the Island we hadn't seen before.

Here is a swimming hole that nobody swam in. Lisette is cleaning off the mud she got all over her shoes and legs....or so she thought because when we got home and after a shower the mud was still there...the evidence was on the towel

Jack and Liz

Toyke and Lisette

Shes trying to kill me. It doesn't look so bad but whats infront of us says....Toyke you drive...I kept quiet and Lisette did a great job

We started the trip by practising in a confined area to see if the drivers were capable to do the trip. 2 people failed and had to ride as passengers with on of the staff. Good thing too as they were REAL BAAAAD. Jack drove and Lisette drove. I was a little nervous to start, but as we went along Lisette became more confident and tried all day to get me totally drenced in mud. The kind of mud that doesn't wash off easily. (more on that later)

I keep trying to rotate this picture but it always returns to the same sideways shot.

Great Fun

Hamura Saimin The Noodle Place

2010-02-03T14:54:00.000-08:00

We have come to this place a number of times. Its a hole in the wall place....You have to wait to get a seat most times and the prices are great.

Food choices are few, but the food is good.

A DAY ON THE BEACH

2010-02-03T14:38:00.001-08:00

Tuesday we went to the beach near Barking Sands Missile Range. The sun was warm....but the wind was blowing. I'm not sure that we have ever made it to this beach without the wind blowing.

And you find sand everywhere....places you don't want it. But we had fun

New Moon Rising...

2010-02-02T10:42:00.000-08:00

Mr High-Maintenance...where are you?
No only did we find a beautiful moon shining down on the ocean on Sunday night...

But we had a fantastic sunrise with the big thunderball coming out of the ocean, no clouds...

And then...last night a wonderful moonrise straight out of the black ocean, Wow...it was beautiful.

CRAB ANYONE

2010-02-02T10:39:00.000-08:00

Out on our beach there are little crabs that dig holes in the sand. They disappear into their hole and then come back out with a claw full of sand and chuck it away! It's pretty cool to watch them do their little routine. When they stop they disappear into the back ground...pretty cool little animals.

Farmers Market

2010-01-31T11:41:00.000-08:00

You can buy avocado, banana, flowers, tangelos, spices, lettuce, cucumber and much more at farmers markets and here you can also get homemade pie...and on top of that gluten free pies! It was a mango gluten free pie and it was pretty darn good (except for the edge of the crust - not so good) We also bought a piece of pina colada pie which was pretty tastie, ummm. Hey Kerry, is this the Farmer's Market or are there many farmers so it the Farmers Market???

Behind door #3, or was that door #2???

2010-01-31T11:36:00.000-08:00

It happend to us twice down in Belize...we were in our room and twice someone just walked on in, thinking that it was their room. We had to laugh when Mark came into our place laughing because he had just done that to a couple of women here! He walked in and it took that split second of time to realize that the two women there were not Kerry and Lisette....oops

Here Piggie Piggie Piggie

2010-01-31T11:30:00.000-08:00

No pictures of the illusive piggies...but... This island just keeps on surprising us. We've heard that there are wild pigs and sure enough we've seen them this trip.

Our first pig sighting was coming down Waimea Canyon after the big hike. It was dark and our headlights caught a pig running across the road. Those little piggie legs were really moving, it was a small pig.

Last night on our way home from the noodle place in Lihue we were coming up to the intersection where you turn left to Kapaa or right to the airport. On the left, standing on the side of the road in front of the tall grass were three big pigs, brown and black in color. Amazingly enough there wasn't any traffic so I turned around and came back, they were still there! Toyke was on the phone with Chad so couldn't get a picture before they scurried off into the bushes.

Chickens, whales and now pigs! This is paradise!

These are for you...Rachel and Chad

2010-01-30T17:17:00.000-08:00

and I'm sorry to say that there are more coming! The wacko couple at the Marriott Pool...

and at the salad bar at Dukes...

and at the Waikulealalalulukeepuu Falls...and as I said...more to come!

Mark's favorite trees - Norfolk Island Pine

2010-01-30T17:11:00.000-08:00

At home these are houseplants (which most of us kill off) but here they grow to great heights. No matter how I tried I couldn't get the tops of the trees in the pictures. These trees are over by Kipu.

Blogging takes time...

2010-01-30T17:07:00.000-08:00

No wonder why we didn't blog during the week...this takes time. At least I'm not getting bitten by mosquitos while I sit here. In Belize I had to try and cover up with my towel etc as I sat in the lobby. All we need here is a rainy day, which it is today, and we can do some blogging. We did go for an hours walk on the beach this morning and sent off the papers for selling the property in Rexburg so we have done something...just not alot.

Coconut leaf baskets...

2010-01-30T16:58:00.000-08:00

When we were up at Kauilalalululekuee (not really) Falls we ran into a man making baskets. He was doing missionary work for his church and if he felt inspired he gave his baskets away for free. He charged us $10...

He told us to soak the baskets in salt water for 4-5 minutes, let them dry out and then soak them again. Do this 4 times and then treat the leaves with mineral oil and the basket will last for 100 years. It is microwave and oven safe....I didn't ask about the dishwasher.

Kerry and I are soaking the baskets as instructed, we'll see if they last 100 years.

Kokee State Park and of course there are chickens!

2010-01-30T16:50:00.000-08:00

Chickens are everywhere on the island. At the airport, on the beach, at the shopping centers and these ones were at the top of Waimea Canyon. There's a great picture of Mark with the chickens but it's on their camera....we'll have to get a copy. Mark even heard chickens on his 8 1/2 hour hike out to the Napoli Coastline...they are everywhere.

Geico, Gecko...whatever

2010-01-30T16:44:00.000-08:00

This is a real little gecko without the english accent. The only problem was that we wanted to put the top of the car down and if we did the little fellow would fall into the trunk! Kerry was the brave one and picked it up and gently put it in the bushes...no she didn't, she grabbed it and flung it at a truck across the road!!!! She looked and it was okay, just a little confused because last time it checked Geckos didn't fly...

A Day For Hiking

2010-01-30T16:36:00.000-08:00

Today we decided to hike some trails at the top of Wiamea Canyon. Mark had some trails picked out, so we headed out.

Mark went off on his own ahead of us because he was going further than we were. Since none of us had done any hiking in the previous few months.....being in shape for this was a big Question.

As we started we all left together, after just a short distance Mark was off....almost at a run....and we plodded along at a much slower rate.

As we were walking I was thinking (we have to come back this way ugh its going to be hard) this is pretty steep, we better take it slow and thats what we did.

2 hours later we had gone as far as we were going to go. A strenuous hike it was. Many wet and slippery spots, not only that it was steep and narrow in many spots. Not your everyday hiking trail. we had gone maybe 3 to 3 1/4 miles.

The sites were beautiful. Where we turned around...which was not the end,,,,We could see the end, but that was another 1/2 hour of hiking and I wasn't sure we would be able to make it back....or should I say I was wondering if I was going to make it back.

The Hike back was tough, rough and just plain not easy. Uphill all the way. It took us 2 1/2 hours to get back.

Once back I filled up on some water....what ever water I could find......Everyone was wondering if I would even make it.

We were to meet Mark up the road about 2 miles as his finish spot looped to a different ending spot. So we waited......and waited.....and every move we made while waiting was painful. Our muscles were protesting big time. A little stretching, some water and some granola bars helped....but not much.

At 10 minutes past 5 PM I decided to go find Mark....I was worried. he had been hiking for 6 hours and was only going 9 miles....He should have been back by now.....Thing was I wasn't in that great a shape myself. Off I went with a can of diet pepsi.....I don't drink it....it was for Mark.

And some granola bars. As I hiked I came to several spots that my brain said if you go down there you'll never get back up...and off I would go until I got to another spot where I would again say If I go down there I'll never make it back up.

Well 2 1/2 hours later we walked out of the trail head and into a nice comfortable car. All of us safe with stories to tell. Each a little different.

A hike we will never forget.

Did I forget to say that while we were getting ready for our hike Lisette was doing this.

2010-01-30T16:28:00.000-08:00

Sunrise is about 7:15 each morning and when you can see it, it's well worth getting out of bed for. One morning we saw the sunrise along with a fantastic whale breaching show...it was the best combo show yet.

Thanks for taking this picture Toyke!!! We get out of bed and walk the distance from the building to the chairs and the beach is right there - you could almost get our toes in the picture. I don't think you can get a unit closer to the beach than this...

There it is, the big thunderball poking out from behind the cloud... Good Morning!

In Hawaii again! Where are Bill & Jim???

2010-01-30T14:32:00.000-08:00

No Bill and Jim this time but we do have Kerry and Mark and they are much better company than B&J. Toyke has pictures, Bloxhams have pictures but I'm just going to work with mine. I'll have to add more later.

So, let's set the record straight here and now...Mark does dishes!

The Mighty Snorkeler, Part 2

2010-01-28T17:20:00.000-08:00

The Mighty Snorkeler takes a right and headed back to the Super Pool and is almost at the water's edge... Don't know how he figured out to go backwards but he did!

The Mighty Snorkeler has arrived and he is sooo happy snorkeling...oh the things you can see when you snorkel!

(One day I'll learn how to get 6 pictures on one post...in the meantime part 2)

The Mighty Snorkeler, Part 1

2010-01-28T16:06:00.000-08:00

Yes, The Mighty Snorkeler has arrived on Kauai!!

Nobody told him that he should wait until he gets to the water to put on his gear but that's okay...The Mighty Snorkeler is able to walk in fins and dodge chickens at the same time! Down The Mighty Snorkeler fins to the water, there is nothing between him and the water but...he takes a left???? where is The Mighty Snorkeler going?

To the kiddie pool??? Stay tuned for Part 2...

CHRISTMAS PARTY AT CHURCH

2009-12-17T12:43:00.001-08:00

On December 10, 2009 when all was chaotic, Christmas showed up early. At least in our church building.

We had a Turkey dinner at the church, along with some entertainment. A whole lot of Nativitys were setup by friends Lynn and Bob Smith.

A good number of Nativities showed up from many people. Childern and Adults.

The evening was to be one in which we would share in each others company, eating good food, enjoying entertainment and have time to remember the Savior. I think we managed to get all those things in and more.

The decorating was headed by Meredith. She was helped by numerous people. Allie Roberts, Jesse Richins and Lacey Placstead. Husbands helped also. They did a big part in setting the atmosphere for the evening. It was an all day affair just to set things up.

The Food was headed by Karen Pugmire. She had the undaunting task of making sure there was food enough for 250 people. 9 Turkeys and all the trimmings. A ton of people helped here. Many people cooked....pies, green bean casarols, potatoes, gravy, stuffing, corn and more. It all came together beautifully.

The music or entertainment were also supplied by various members of the Ward. The Quist family playing the Harp, violas and I think Violin. They certainly are talented with those stringy insturments.

One of the missionaries sang. Lisette and Penny Walker played a duette,Lisette on the piano and Penny playing the Flute. Don Pringle read the account of the Saviours birth while being accompanied on the piano by Kerstie Leath. Everyone did a wonderful job. A nicer evening could not be had.

To top things off at the end of the evening a little jolly old fella dropped in to see us. Santa came in style. He visited with each of the childern...and even some adults.

Some of the Kids looked Santa right in the eye......Hmmm...you certainly have a white beard......Are you going to come to my house this year

Jannean Bryant helped us by giving out gift bags to each one of the children. It was nice to see her in action.

LAST DAY OF OUR BELIZEAN VACATION

2009-11-18T16:16:00.000-08:00

Our Bags are packed and we do not want to leave.

Us infront of our place here at the Belizean Shores Resort

Dan and Lisette...dressed for travel.....or are they dressed for the beach and town....

Close your eyes......what has she got on her mind.....A surprise stop at the airport on Caye Caulker......Its smaller than it looks
The Airport Terminal in Caye Caulker

Oh and look here....we travel at different times, with different Airlines and we meet up in the Belize City International Airport. From here we head to Houston and Dan goes to San Salvador, then onto Houston. By the time Dan hit Houston we were in the air again heading for Seattle.

The end of another great trip

A DAY OUT ON A CATAMARAN

2009-11-18T16:11:00.000-08:00

Today, Saturday the 14th of Nov. we decided to have fun by sailing some and snorkling. It was great fun to be out. We had just a small group of people, 7 of us on the catamaran. We have seen others with at least 20 people on board.

Pink Shoes Billy....One of the Belizean Shores Staff. Took us to our Catamaran......How did he get the name Pink Shoes????

We snorkled in Ho Chan Marine Reserve.

There we saw groups of fish all together bundled up like a big ball. Live lobsters crwaling around and one Baracuda. The water was crystal clear. You could see at least 40' down.

Stop number 2 was an Island called Caye Caulker. This Island is maye 10 niles from San Pedro. A very small and laid back place. The Island was split in 2 in 1961 by a hurricane. There is a gap of about 100' between north and south island. There were a few places to stay, a couple of restaurants, stores in which to buy your touristy things and then the local bar hang outs. We saw one bar that gave the perfect example of the Island life

Mandingo is his name and making people feel welcome is his game. If you ask him foe money.....Check out his ears. He keeps a coin dollar in each ear as he has no pockets.

See the boy....Hes doing a flip into the water. Several of the local kids were running to the end of the dack, jumping and then flipping.The warm Carribean Sea....The temperature was in the high 80's (that is of the water)

The last stop before hading home was shark/Ray alley. This is a spot way out from shore where the fisherman would always come to clean their fish. This would in turn attract the rays and sharks. Now when boats come into the area the sharks and rays immediately come to see what there is for food.

It was here that Dan (Lisettes brother) and I swam with these critters. What an experience. The sharks were varied in size from 3' to about 12' long.

The Rays were absolutely huge. Sorry no pictures from the under world.

Living the Life....Here a young couple have pitched their tent on the Beach just a few feet from the waters edge.

We had a great day

Nana & Bapa

Jackson Hole Wyoming To Yellowstone National Park

ITS BEEN A WHILE

Empty Nesters....

Beware When Grocery Shopping

Honduras, Lepaera.....Market Place Day

People we won't Forget In Honduras

Honduras

Honduras, Lepaera....Weather

Honduras

Sunny Days

Dinner

Kayla's Quilt

BICYCLES

More things to do In Holland

Time with Leoni

UNPLANNED TRIP TO HOLLAND

Last Day in a Hawaian Paradise

Walking , Riding and Jogging

Kilauea Light House

Tropical Dreams

Lumaha'i Beach

TUNNELS BEACH

SUNRISE TODAY

Shopping

Shipwreck Beach

Hanalei Bay, our 1st day by ourselves.

The fish that didn't get away!

Rooster roosters everywhere...but on a bike?

Evenings

Shave Ice

kauai 2011

The Dreaded Dentist

Merediths Departure to Honduras

10-10-10 Doug's Birthday this year...

Daddy's little boy.

Pictures for last post...

Blog Sharing...YEAH!

August 23, 2010

Graduation

The day before the big day...

What's important in life.

What is a Grandpa?

Ready to go!!!

Rick & Justines Wedding

Accidents Happen

What brings me JOY!

If I was THAT kind of Wife....

Rachel's House

My Favorite Things....

Birthday Time Again

Hi Grandpa George

Tulip Festival Mt Vernon Style

New addition to the Family

Gilbert AZ Another Side Trip

Another New Beach

Only two more sleeps

Napali Coast Hike

Moloa'a Beach

Anahola Beach.....Body Surfing

Annini Beach

Noodles -Good and Bad!

Bike Ride/whale watching tour

Pugmires Hike while Meynders Read and play

Kayaking

Shave Ice

The Pugmires arrive and their first stop Farmers Market

Suited up and ready to go

Let it be known...

__Wialua_______ Falls

Mark, Nature man, Bloxham

Flowers In Paradise

Something from Alice in Wonderland

Don't flush what?????

Pigs everywhere!

Beijing Anti-Aging Exercise Class

Anti Monkey Butt Powder???

ISLAND FOOD

Departure time is????

4 Wheel ATV Time

Wialua_____ Falls