Broke 'da Mout (Tasty Food)

The food fest continues. Thank goodness for Gwen (one my sister's best friends). My Grandma was my Chinese food partner, now that she's gone, I thought nobody would partake in Chinese dim sum with me. I was wrong; Gwen to the rescue. My tummy and taste buds are so thankful.

Got the munchies? Cure it with the one and only......

 It helps when your lovely sister drives you there, so you can jump out, get in line and get your hands on ...........

..... some of these. Of course I couldn't decide which to get so I got a variety, plain, haupia filled and cream filled. Yes, I made sure to eat them in even numbers (one for each thigh, I'm not stupid).

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!