Conquring Koko Head

Cousin time..... couldn't say "no" to this guy. When Rod invited me to head up 1000+ steps, I was in (you know, work off a bit of the calories I was inhaling). He's an inspiration.... he's climbed up in 14 mins..... wow!

Treated to awesome views. We lucked out, it was overcast on the way up - so we didn't over heat. 

 At the top, feeling like a champ.

 Kat, Rod and I.

A short video of the surrounding views from the top. My goal is to do it again on my next visit and get up there faster!!! It's not far (less than a half mile or so, but it's up, up, up!)

Breakfast of Champions

Pocho plate (Portuguese sausage, eggs and rice) - best breakfast (because it was prepared with lots of TLC by mom).

Cool Down

Every day is a good day for shaved ice. 

Goofing around.

 I did not eat two of them, one is for mom.

Spectacular Views

......and now back to your regular programming.  Took a stroll one morning..... the view. 

Close-up of Diamond Head.

 Towards Waikiki.

Special Announcement

We interrupt your regularly scheduled blog post with an important announcement....... the pack is alive, but we're a little cold. Here's the 6 am temperature for Monday, January 27..... I will NOT want to get out of bed. It is no better at 7:15 am when I have to walk from my car to my office (I will likely run and hope I don't slip on the ice). None of this may occur if my car doesn't start. Due to the last polar vortex, I had to replace the starter on my car (OUCH is another way of saying bye bye to $560).

My phone keeps alerting me to the situation we're; I receive weather updates like this:

 I understand the University of Minnesota (main twin cities campus) has cancelled classes for Monday, but staff must still report to work. No cancellations for us - bundle up, buck up and get in to work or class.

 And a second polar vortex wouldn't be enough fun, so throw in an explosion in Manitoba, Canada that has cut off the natural gas supply to the upper midwest.  Anyone want to visit? I have a fireplace and two really warm dogs (it's colder than a two dog night).

Spoiled

I'm not ashamed to admit how spoiled I am when I go home. Although Christmas was over, my loving sister still had a stocking waiting for me. In fact, she went way over board and everything didn't fit in the stocking.

.... and mom threw in the best caffeine! 

 Yup.... visiting home is about two things, spending time with family and eating my way through Honolulu. Got to have a sandwich from this place!

Sunday Lunch by the Beach

Food with the Ohana - da BEST! Major treat havin' lunch at the Waialae Country Club, oooooh- la-la. My blackened ahi, kale salad with jicama was delicious.

 Mom had the vegetarian eggs benedict....that was good too.

 Rob had the oxtail soup - yummy. Everything was good - I know it was, I tried a bite of everything!

 It was too bad they had the window shades drawn...... this was the view outside.

 Sigh.......how I miss ohana (family) and the aina (land).

Beautiful Things

Mom's orchids do so well in front of the house... she must have picked up the green thumb from her mom.

 Beautiful Sunday morning with this awesome lady.

Ringing in the New Year

My attempt to visit home in January 2013 didn't end so well. In fact, 4 days into the trip I became horribly sick, had to pay way too much money to change my plane ticket and return home.... massive bummer and definitely an epic fail. This year, I wanted a different ending. My first evening back home was awesome! After a long day of travel, dinner was simple and tasty. Rice, sashimi, tsukemono, and kim chee.  A winner!

 First day and lil' miss Erin (not so little at 9 years old) looked oh-so-stylin' in her new hat.

 And mom's yard still looked festive......

 ....... island style, LOVE IT!

New Foods

Saw a recipe on the New York Times, had to try it. Roasted apple, shallot, blue cheese tart. It's supposed to be an appetizer, very delicious and rich. The crust is made from white and whole wheat flour plus corn meal. I just love the creaminess of the apples and shallots with the punch to your taste buds from the blue cheese. YUM!

Snow?

Being half St. Bernard & half German Shorthair Pointer (GSP), it goes without saying, Pancho LOVES the snow. Here he is with his sad puppy dog eyes wondering if he can come in.

Sure you can come in, it's not dandruff and we're good with that wet dog smell.

Prints in the Snow

I love the snow! Not so fun to drive in but great exercise when you have to shovel. Love going out and finding critter prints in the snow. Guess who made these?

 Hey - they slip in the snow too. Yes, it gets icy and slipper.

 These are all deer prints - they look a bit like hearts.

They came through the yard to get some food. I can't really be mad at them for eating my greens, its so darn cold, you wonder how on earth they survive through winter..... simply amazing.



Craft Party II

 TWinter break is at an end and so is my vacation time.... it's back to work and updating my blog.  his lady here (a.k.a. Melanie or the awesome crochet instructor) has created a monster..... me; all I want to do is crochet.

 And its a lot more fun with friends, munchies and chocolate wine. I mean, let's get real, it's about being crafty, social and relaxing all at the same time. And this lovely gal (Jasmine) is my partner in crime at work. I'm so lucky because I get to see her more often now that she landed a part-time job in the same office!

I started to crochet an infinity scarf.... but this was just practice on the cheaper yarn.

Vet Appointment

Misty on the scale / examining table. She loves the vet because she gets attention and liver treats.

Pancho on the other hand, he tolerates the vet but doesn't like it.