Christmas Day 2018

We packed a lot into this day leaving for Hilo at 8 am.  The new Saddleback Road makes traversing the middle of the island possible now without 4 wheel drive.  There are no services so you must be gassed up, fed and have no need of bathroom facilities for at least 1.5 hours.  We had to make two stops though, one for Cassie and one for Larry.  Nature doesn't care about "facilities."

Our first stop was Rainbow Falls but alas there were no rainbows.  

We climbed up above the falls and the kids tried swinging on a vine.

We went on to Ken's Pancake house for a meal, some for breakfast, others for lunch.  They are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.  

It was a short drive to Liliuokalani Gardens in Hilo.  Cassie and Morgan both like Japanese things so we  scheduled a stop just for them.

We watched a boy trying to locate some fish along the river.  He had his net all ready but we never did get to see him throw it.  Slow fish day!

We traveled on to Volcanoes National Park.  Hilo is the wet side of the island and it was raining when we arrived.  To add insult to injury, only one mile of Crater Rim Road, passing the steam vents, was open.  Ted and I have been here frequently so we opted for a short snooze in the dry car while the others ventured out into the moist rain and hot steam.  The rest of the roads were closed due to the government shutdown.  

Not to be detered, we continued on, circling the island by heading south and then west to Punululu black sand beach, another must see for Morgan.  

The weather dried as we approached sea level so this visit was more enjoyable.  Everyone took off their shoes to walk in the powdery sand, Larry went out into the water and sea turtles were resting on the sand.  Another Morgan must see!  Note the turtles in the upper left hand corner.

A good shot with a better camera I guess courtesy of Kristin.

These are colored photos but it is very hard to tell.

From there we headed home which was another 1.5 hours away.  We arrived just after dark and after a quick bite, I headed to bed.  It was 8:00!  

Day Four and Five

The kids had booked us all to go Fluming the Ditch, a kayak trip down the irrigation canals and through tunnels to the fields.  When we read the waiver it said no one on blood thinners or with back problems should go.  That left me, Ted and Larry out!  They had a great time and saw the NW part of the Big Island and had a very unique experience.

They stopped at a beach up that way and spent a little time perusing the area.

Ted, Larry and I went into Kona-Kailua to visit the shops and historic buildings ending with lunch at the historical Kona Inn.  We could watch swimmers, parasailors and even the submarine surface, change passengers and then disappear down again.  

We made the daily run to the grocery before coming home to get the meatballs and sauce Kara made on to heat through and the water boiling for the spaghetti.   It sure was good!

Having been out and about for a few days, we decided to stay close to home on Christmas Eve.  Some of us went to the pool and others went to different beaches.  Pat and Larry went snorkeling and we got things ready for our Christmas dinner and dressed for church.  

The Hula Ministry danced twice to Hallelujah and Silent Night.  It was absolutely breathtaking.  As we left church the main usher who we had talked with extensively said Nancy Pelosi had been there and her Security had parked on the grass in the No Parking zone!

And Christmas Eve, 2018 was a wrap!

Day Two and Three

With 11 people to feed, we hit Costco and Walmart for a bundle before the last family arrived.  We stopped at Annie's for lunch which came highly recommended in our condo booklet.  Kara's family stopped to get pizza upon arrival and the rest of us had "grab what you want" and everyone turned in early.  We have two 3 bedroom, 3 bath condos for the 11 of is.

Saturday was a trip to the City of Refuge, Greenwell Coffee Farm and St. Benedict's Painted Church for Mass.  We found the National Park Service not staffing the park but everyone was still walking in and using the App on their phone for the tour!  For free!  

The kids loved the tide pools with yellow tangs and lots of sea urchins.  

Afterwards we headed to Greenwell Coffee Farm where we learned everything you would ever want to know about coffee growth, harvesting, roasting and grades.  I tried their Macadamia Nut flavored and it was very good!

The Painted Church is St. Benedict's and is a very historical landmark.  We chose to attend Mass and were warmly welcomed by the Deacon and congregation, small as it was.  

The inside is painted with perspective making it appear that the building continues on behind the altar but it is a flat wall.

As is Catholic tradition, walls are painted telling Bible stories and were used to teach Christianity to the Hawaiians.

It was a full day and we had seen a lot.

Where To Begin?

We left in plenty of time to get to the airport and park.  The shuttle bus was there and away we went.  Our first disappointment was they would not check our bag through to Kona because Hawaiian Airlines is not part of the Star Alliance any longer.  So we were going to have to claim it, check it back in and go back through security.  TSA pre-check actually worked unlike our fun trip going to Rome!  

We had been advised there wasn't food service, only things to buy, on this 8+ hour non-stop flight.  What did I want for $1100?  Our seats were comfortable but we had no screens to watch the advertised movies.  You had to download their app, provide your own headphones and clip your phone to the seat in front of you!  I kid you not!!  Since I was in a bulkhead seat I had no seat in front of me and we have a whole basket of airline headphones at home but none with us.  None were offered at any price.  I read on my Kindle and Ted played Solitaire on my I Pad.

We waited 1 1/4 hours for late passengers before we took off.  Then we were put 10th in line since we hadn't used our allotted take off time.  Just as we moved into first place, an elderly woman was on her phone and her husband got up to use the restroom!   They didn't speak English so the attendant got their son from coach to get her off the phone and him out of the bathroom!  We barely made it before getting pushed back to 10th again!  I told Ted we could kiss our connection goodbye.

They brought drink service and I had a cup of coffee with a package of 6 thin wafer cookies.  A bit later they were back asking if we wanted to purchase any food.  I asked if they would come back again later and he said there wouldn't even be any food for the back passengers so if I wanted something to order it.  I asked for the $10 grilled chicken wrap and received a chicken Parmesan because they didn't have what I wanted.  No one asked if I wanted something else. They just handed it to me and moved on.  It was microwaved in a brown wrapper which caused hard spots on the corners.  Oh well!

I had packed some apples, oranges and pretzels so we weren't going to starve.

We agreed Ted would wait for our bag and I would go ahead to Hawaiian Air to rebook our flight to Kona.  There is a shuttle but it just pulled out so I decided to walk, from Baggage Claim 30 to 1, then cross the street, go upstairs, pass International to Inter-Island.  I could not rebook until Ted was there.  He eventually arrived having walked the whole way without ever seeing a Shuttle.  Then we were directed to A16 where we did not make standby.  Not to worry, go to B2 and wait for the next standby list.  We made it!

Our arrival in Kona was now in the dark, our bag had arrived before us, so we proceeded to the car rental and received a nice Altima.  We drove to the resort complex, got through the gate, found our unit and got inside with no problems!  It was very nice, very well equipped and roomy with beautiful landscaping and views.  Finally, things worked as they should!

Side view, we are next to the pool.

From the second story balcony.

In the front yard.

Shortly thereafter we had to return to the airport to pick up Larry and Kristin, awhile later Cassie, Kelly and Pat arrived having rented their own car.

Getting to where you are going is the hardest part of the trip, second only to getting home.  I hope things improve but I am not expecting much out of United Airlines.  To me they are a flying Greyhound bus!

Countdown to Aloha!!

Friday and Saturday were spent cleaning, shopping and cooking.  I dug out the Christmas linens and dishes.  To encourage people to stay out of my kitchen while I cooked, I pushed the table in the breakfast area back against the sideboard and removed the chairs from the long side and used it for the bar and appetizers.  Food usually attracts them!  That and the Texans were on TV in the adjacent family room.

We baked the ham for an hour just to warm it and, leaving it in the foil, placed it in the cooler to keep it warm.  Next up was putting the sweet potato casserole into the oven, when it came out I put it in the electric roaster on about 225 and put the bacon wrapped asparagus into the oven.  While that baked, I made macaroni and cheese in 5 minutes in my Instant Pot.  I had a mandarin orange and spinach salad with homemade citrus dressing and golden raisin sauce for the ham made ahead of time.  Last up was popping the rolls in the oven.  It all came together hot and ready to be served.  I love when that happens!

Everyone cleaned their plate and partook of Blue Bell peppermint ice cream accompanied by the Grinch cookies I made for dessert served with coffee.  We forgot to offer the after dinner chocolate dessert wine!  

We sat until after 10:00 talking and laughing.  We had such a good time!  I gave John and Terry each a container of mac and cheese to take home.  They both love it and apparently don't get it often.  Neither one declined!  

We had to go to church Sunday morning and then went to Walmart to pick up a few things.  Ted went shooting in the afternoon and I put all the dishes, crystal and silverware away and laundered the linens.

That evening we joined with Connie and Jeff in attending a dinner hosted by John and Sherida.  Two big dinners in two days is playing havoc with my Weight Watcher points!  It was just about 11:00 before we got home.

In the meantime on Monday I continued my mission of getting my email changed in more places.  I am making progress and the old one has been suspended.  That will allow me to peruse the 20,000 or so that have jammed my mailbox.  My electric bill came to my new email so that was a good sign!  

Tuesday and Wednesday we did laundry, finished packing, went to the bank, printed out boarding passes, put away what little I had out for Christmas inside and left a few things outside.  We made a reservation at the airport parking lot for the time we are gone.  Two years ago only reservations were allowed into Hobby, no room for those without.  We didn't want to leave it to chance.  We didn't ask anyone to take us for two reasons.  First, everyone is very busy right now and many are traveling themselves, and second we arrive home at a very early hour.  If I can't afford to park, I shouldn't be going, is my feeling.  

Since my last weigh in was 11/30 I had to weigh in for December or find a meeting in Hawaii to cover the month.  After three large holiday dinners and three parties, I was wondering if I could hold my number.  I was ecstatic that I weighed my lowest number yet.  I am not trying to lose anymore and I have enjoyed the food served at meals, paid close attention to party foods but did have an occasional  glass of wine.  Now I have to keep up the good work while cooking for all of us for 10 days!

We leave early in the morning so I will wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Hold On - Busy Week Approaching!

Friday we made a long delayed trip to the jewelers with several things for repair.  I needed a second link removed from the watch Ted bought me for my birthday.  They removed one link when he bought it but then it became necessary to remove another.  His Augusta National Masters watch band came apart and needed to be repaired.  He has no plans to part with THAT watch.  I had an earring post come off a gold earring and I wasn't sure if they could repair that or if it would be worth it.  I can't remember where or when I got them.  At first he asked if they were a favorite pair and I expected bad news.  I told him not necessarily and he said it would be $60 to fix.  He then said they were worth $250-300 so I am having it repaired!

That evening we met Barry and Gerre for dinner and I returned her canning jars filled with candy along with the two cookie cutters I borrowed last year.  I wrapped them like a present and we had a good laugh.  We had agreed to stop birthday and Christmas gifts because neither of us need a thing.  

We saw Seussical the Musical and the young cast did a tremendous job.  Such energy!  They will all be exhausted when the 3 weekend run is over.  Santa was in the lobby.  He didn't even ask what we wanted for Christmas but did his impersonation of Howard Cosell!

Saturday was double duty church day.  Normally if a holyday falls on Saturday or Monday, the requirement to attend Mass is waived.  But not on the feast of the Immaculate Conception.  Since we were at the theater Friday night, we went to Mass at 10 am on Saturday,  it was cold and misty and I expected less than a crowd at church.  Wrong!  It was SRO!   Was pleasantly surprised to see so many still attending these celebrations.

We went to the store and came home to make some cookies and then at 5:00 went off to Mass again.  There are different readings for the second Sunday of Advent than we heard in the morning.  Right after, we went to play Shanghai with our group.  What a spread our hostess had.  She really outdid herself.  Neither of us won at cards!

Sunday was laundry day, started working on the Christmas cards, balanced the checkbook and got the Christmas dishes out for next week's dinner.  I decided I need red chargers, the gold ones just don't hack it with the tablecloth I am using.  Irene said I should borrow hers and not buy any.  I haven't been able to find any in stores so I am taking her up on it.  After Christmas they will be available probably or I will have time to have them shipped.  

Monday was a double duty day again.  I had to be at Canasta at 1:00.  Michele had quite a spread too.  I ended up in the middle of the scores as always.  I arrived home at 4:00 and had to dress to leave at 5:00 for Forum's Christmas dinner.  I rode with Sue Ann and Donna and traffic was stop and go all the way.  I was able to visit with many ladies I haven't seen in awhile 

and the food was delicious!  

Ted had returned home from his busy day when I arrived.  I forgot to ask him what he ate for dinner!

Tuesday I played 3-13 again, a new card game.  This was only my third time playing and I came in second.  We eat lunch there and I didn't eat again all day.  When I got home I did the ironing and finished setting my table for Saturday.  Ted went to his shooting league.  A quiet evening was appreciated!

I stayed home Wednesday cleaning and getting ready for our weekend dinner party.  Our neighborhood birthday/Christmas luncheon was Thursday but I forgot to take a photo!  I spent a good deal of time both days shutting down my old email and setting up a new one.  I was spam blasted and have thousands of emails to join every website in the world!  Getting your accounts changed to the new email is the hardest part.  They know the website that started it.  Some black listed place in a foreign country.  They had no other info, just the email address, thank goodness.  I apparently have requested joining Tommy Hilfiger's website over 100 times!

Enjoy all this season has to offer!

Rest In Peace #41

I spent a good part of the day watching the funeral of President Bush.  Not much got done except what had to to be.  Ted arrived home about 7 pm having been caught again in the funeral motorcade.  He was in it on the way south on Monday as they left for Ellington Field and then again Wednesday as they arrived back at Ellington and headed for the church. I thought it fitting since George's motorcade caused a huge backup in Detroit in 1982 as both it and Ted made their way to the Silver Dome to see San Francisco trounce Cincinnati in the Super Bowl.  

Thursday was our CWJF trip to the Design Center and we had to drive the highway next to the tracks the 4141 would travel on.  Every sheriff, constable and police officer it seems was standing guard at intervals along the way.  I have never seen such a security presence.  Houston made us proud that day in handling the logistics with such respect, dignity and safety.  

Once everyone was where they needed to be we made our way to our destination.  The Design Center features all kinds of furniture, fabrics, decorations, outdoor furniture, etc. to make your home beautiful and your wallet lighter.  Their focus this week is on tablescapes for the holidays.  I have never had vodka for breakfast but there is a first time for everything.  Here are a few of the creations.  The first one featured Baccarat Crystal.

This was all live plants.  The centerpiece was a roof gutter,

Happy New Year

Very pink.  Pretty but too much.  You wouldn't be able to see across at your dining guests.

A mantle in the room where we viewed a slide presentation on chateaus in France.

It was a sad beginning to the day but a nice middle and end.  

The Celebrations Are Starting

First thing Monday morning I took Ted to Enterprise to pick up a rental car.  He was driving to south Texas to call on the McAllen Monitor and chose to not drive his truck.  He will return Wednesday or Thursday depending on shooting skeet with his buddies before he heads home.

I was on call to take my walker to an 80 year old neighbor who fell and cracked her pubic bone and was now being discharged.  She lives alone and I didn't know what else, if anything, I might need to do for her.  She called telling me she was not being discharged until 3:00 which gave me time to go to the Container Store and buy some drawer organizers for my kitchen.  With only six drawers I have decided I am tired of hunting around trying to find things. A little organization would help.  

I spent the rest of the morning emptying and cleaning drawers and then used the organizers to optimize the space.  I think it will work pretty well now.  Then I tackled the pantry and in the process put together a bag of groceries to take to the church pantry.  No one can see what I did but that doesn't dilute my sense of accomplishment.  I even washed every potholder I have.  

At 3:00 I received my phone call and went to Anisa's house.  She had a nurse accompanying her, driving her home and getting her settled in.  I helped her out of the car and onto the walker.  Once she was inside and lying on her bed, I left her with the nurse.  I had asked if she needed dinner and she said she had it covered.  

Ted called saying he arrived safely and had visited Sue and Niles, Trudy and Don as well as rescued my Christmas napkins left in the coach house last year.  He texted me later saying he had eaten and was heading in for the night.

Tuesday I went to my happy place!  It was the Christmas party for the seniors in Tomball.  I took my two bingo prizes, donned my little Santa hat, put a bell around my neck and drove right into backed up traffic from a bad accident.  I called ahead to let them know I was on my way and they were getting my table set up when I arrived.  I had a very lucky table of bingo players and everyone won a prize.  

The entertainment was a group of Spanish dance students where our Volunteer of the Year takes lessons.  They were so good, and a nice change from just music and singing, that they received a standing ovation,

Lunch was chicken and dumplings, green beans, cornbread and spice cake.  Once they eat, the hall clears quickly and we can begin clean up which doesn't take long.

I had not seen some of these ladies in quite some time because doctor appointments and our trip to Florida and San Antonio had gotten in the way.  We had a great time catching up!  

I stopped by the thrift shop and because I had on my uniform they thought I came to work!  I was looking for a new toy to take on Thursday but they didn't have anything I was interested in so I went elsewhere and bought a pop-up tent.  After a drive thru trip at Chik Fil A, I made it home.