3 IN 1

Three dates in 1 week with 3 different girls.

Guess who?

Stop by tomorrow for picture proof.

Now A Word From Our Sponsor

Tune in next week for the continuing saga.

Sympathy for a Four-Legged Neighbor

Our neighbor's dog barks all day long.  The owner, Paul, is a great person who takes good care of his dogs.  But he's off island for I think 6 months.  This means his brother Mike is in charge of the dogs.

I think Mike must be deaf because he's home all day but doesn't seem to mind the dog barking.  Mike makes the dogs stay outside 24-7.  Paul would let them come in and out as they wanted.  Mike doesn't walk the dogs.  Paul walked them every day and even took them on car rides.

My girls love the dogs next door.  They call them Angel and Naughty.

I am sure it must be Naughty who is barking all day.  Poor thing.

Can't wait til Paul gets home.

West vs East

So who makes better movies - west or east?

Let's see...

Started the film viewing day on Monday with this American film.

Liberal Arts.

Written, directed by and starring some guy from t.v. who stars on How I Met Your Mother (not the Doogie Howser/Brian Ryan guy) and Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen's sister.

35 year old falls for 19 year old when he goes back to visit his college alma mater.

You get the drift.

Boring.

1/2 stars.

But then the evening got WONDERFULLY better because of...

This unbelievably beautiful and touching film.

Romancing in Thin Air

will

take your breath away.

Touching story that will bring you to tears.

Joy, despair, laughter, heartache, regret, hope, triumph.

Strong female character!

Absolutely wonderful.

Scenery (remote forest mountains of China I think) is gorgeous.

Acting is spot on.

It'll stay with you for a long time.

Do something for yourself - SEE THIS FILM.

5 stars.

So the verdict?

East - by a mile.

Double Feature

Saturday was a busy day.

Saw 2 films.

This one - Ace Attorney

A Japanese film that, to me, felt like a cross between Power Rangers and the old Batman t.v. show. I think it is a big cult hit in Japan because a lot of the audience knew all about it and cheered at the mere mention of the character's name (Phoenix Wright).

In my opinion - SKIP IT.

I give it 1/2 stars.

(I forced myself to fall asleep during it).

The other movie was a gem.

A Simple Life

I believe a Chinese film.

A low-key, moving story about a maid who works for a family for 60 years who then finds herself in the situation of being cared for by the youngest family member as she becomes ill.

Loved it.

4 stars.

Film Festival - Spring Showcase

It began last Saturday with this...

Always.

A very sweet Korean (I think) story about love, sacrifice, acceptance and redemption.

I give it 3 stars.

All Good News

Another Prom - Saturday - at Le Jardin. I don't know the girl.

Good News - He's just going to wear a vest and tie with church pants and white shirt. SAVES ME $100 tux rental!!!!!

More Good News - He broke up with last week's prom date and he really doesn't care.

Even More - I think we are having a grad party for Gabe at Bellows on May 26.

And finally - Taxes weren't that bad.

I Will Miss Them

Jacob is moving to Nixa, Missouri on May 31.

Susan is going to Catalina Island for 2 months on May 3.

It's their time to fly! Such adventures.

Senior Prom

Gabe and Tori.

Mamaw

Love you Mamaw

Grandma Aileen

A loving, kind and sweet grandma.

Love you so very much.

Wanted to come to your funeral but couldn't get on the only 2 flights that would have gotten me there in time. So sad to have missed it.

Can't imagine what it will be like going to Louisville and not seeing you.

Families are Forever.

DIETZ, FRANCES "AILEEN," 90, of Louisville, went to be with her Heavenly Father Tuesday, April 10, 2012.

She was born in LaRue County, KY, November 10, 1921, the first of six children, to John and Fannie Meers. Aileen's days were long and full of loving patience and service to others. Aileen was the Christian leader of her family, teaching Sunday School to children and adults for more than sixty years. She held numerous leadership positions of service in her church, at West Broadway and Midlane Park Baptist, including being ordained as a deacon in 1996 and member of Buechel Park Baptist Church.

A faithful member of Brilliant Star Chapter for more than 55 years, she served in the office of Worthy Matron, and secretary and treasurer and Chapter mother.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Henry Dietz; children, Donald Ray and Joyce Kay and great-grandson, Sky Narcomey.

She is survived by siblings, Boyce Meers (Eva), John T Meers Jr. (Genrose), Phyllis Eckerle, Paul Meers (Roxy), and Harold Meers (Shirley); sons, Larry (Helen) Dietz and David Dietz (Vicki); daughters, Sharon Kauka and Doris Vincent (Kenny); grandchildren, Jackie Guthrie (Todd), Jenni Ridge (Chris), Leilani Luke (Ryan), Tony Dietz, Mindy Dietz, Jason Rivera (Jennifer), Robert Kauka, Ginny Wright, and Kanani Kauka; great-grandchildren, Ryan and Gavin Guthrie, Jordan Ridge, Tori, Ethan and James Tyler Dietz, Cory Marshall and Shelby Rivera, Susan, Jacob, Gabe, Michelle, Hannah Wright, Brandi and Scott Lawrence and Rene Richard; great-great-grandchildren, Avery and Brayley Lawrence, and Noah Narcomey.

Aileen served as a mother figure to many, was loved and respected by family and friends. She taught by example and her lessons live on in our hearts and lives.

Her funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 12, 2012 at Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Rd., with burial in Magnolia Cemetery in Magnolia, KY. Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Wednesday at Highlands.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Eastern Star Home.

Through Thick and Thin

So I posted this on Facebook yesterday:

My daughter Michelle had to give her first talk in church. She wanted to be brave but at the last minute she froze in her chair. Her big brother Gabe got out of his seat, gently took her by the hand, guided her to the podium and stood next to her providing loving support while she spoke. So humbled and proud of both of them.

I started thinking - it's true - they may fight like all get out BUT they do love each other.

Remembering about 17 years ago - Jacob and Susan were staying on the Big Island with my friend Nancy and her family while I was recovering from surgery. One day Nancy's son Ammon told Susan "You can stay but your brother's gotta go." She replied, "If he goes - I go."

:)

Thankful

For my Savior Jesus Christ.

He Lives.

And because He does, I shall too.

Worst News EVER

Our mechanic is moving to the mainland!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rest of the Gang

Michelle is home today - sick.

Hannah just bounced off to the school bus.

Jacob worked til 1 a.m. at the movie theater.

I just talked to Susan and asked her to ask George if he'd cook the turkey for Sunday.

Everything is going well in the Wright family!

HONK!

The name of the play Gabe auditioned for.

Manoa Valley Theater.

He got a call back!

Triple Threat

Yup. That's what they're calling him.

I was offended at first.

Then I found out it means he's an

"acting-singing-and dancing threat".

Awesome at all 3.

Now if he would just keep his room clean...

Last Weekend

Final performances of Anything Goes.

Tonight, Saturday & Sunday.

Ron Bright Theater

James B. Castle High School

Starring - Gabe Wright as Billy Crocker

Nicole Enos as Hope Harcourt

(These two played opposite one another in last year's Brigadoon)

Rain

Seems like its been raining for weeks and one of the results of it (besides beautiful waterfalls along the Koolaus) is that our church sustained damage (it was in the process of getting a new roof when the rains came).

We have not been able to meet there for 2 weeks. Last week we went into Honolulu for church. Today we were assigned to go to Kailua and join the Kailua 3rd Ward. It was really great meeting. I went to help in their Nursery - they have some cute kids but our little Nursery kids are cuter :)

Not sure how long before we are back in our own meeting house.

And it's still raining.

Gabe' TV Performance This Morning

Click Education Week to see Gabe's mini performance this morning on Hawaii News Now.

Karma - no

Some call it Karma some call it luck some call it destiny.

I call it God. I believe he has a plan for all of us. Sometimes we might not understand it. Sometimes it might not be exactly what we think is best for us. But it always is.

He knows the beginning and the end.

Trust is the key.

Always has worked for me.

Gabe

Got accepted to Chaminade!

And got a partial scholarship.

Not sure if he'll go...but it was an ego booster for sure.

Growing Up

I had a GREAT meeting withe Michelle's school staff regarding her transition to HIGH SCHOOL next year. Can you believe it???? High School!

She is reading at an 8th grade level - can spell 8th grade words - she is doing so well!

She loves being a teenager - and when she think no one's watching, you can spy her dancing to tunes on her ipad. So cute (and funny).

Tomorrow

This one turns 18!

Renewed Sisterhood

So I have a friend whom I've known 20+ years. She now lives on the East Coast. She's one of those that even though you haven't seen them in years, you can get together and pick up right where you left off.

She was here on vacay and we had lunch yesterday.

It is such a BLESSING to have her in my life. Even though we only talk once a year - if that.

I can tell her anything.

LOVE her.

More Great Wall

Gene and his old men friends on the wall.

I am so proud of them - only one flashing the shaka.

Re-Admit

Elvis goes back to his hotel suite at the Kaneohe VCA Hospital today for a 2 night vacation.

I am sure Elvis is excited to live in the lap of luxury even if for just 48 hours.

Surely a bath and manicure were included for the price we were charged.

Oh - and real dog food - not dried stuff like he gets from his owner's (read abandoner's) parents.

Your Wish is My Command

My cousin was nagging me saying I never change the banner photo on the blog. It is hard to get everyone together to take a photo these days.

So...this new photo banner is for her...so she'll stop nagging.

Of course Gene will choke when he realizes HE'S the focus of it all - haha!

That's him on the Great Wall!

We're Back

And have been for more than a week but my cousin reminded me I'm not keeping up!

We had a great time in the Bay area. We stayed near San Jose - did a little hiking and saw some sights - mostly out of the city - we hate cities.

It was great spending time together for our 36th anniversary.

Here is a photo of us on the little walk to Point Bonita lighthouse. Unfortunately the lighthouse was closed for renovation so we could not go across the scary bridge.

Notice Gene's fine european handbag (aka my purse).

Here's a photo of us taken 2 years ago in about the same spot!

I even have on the same clothes ;)

Bound for the Bay

36th Anniversary.

Leaving Thursday night - back on Monday night.

Thank goodness I was able to farm Hannah out to Jill and that Jacob and Samantha will watch Michelle and, most importantly, Brandi will be controlling Gabe's leash.

Heard my cousin Cliff Ahue died. He was a year younger than me at Kamehameha. Really a nice person. Services on Feb. 22

The King is Back

The King (Elvis) is back from his stay at his Presidential Suite at the VCA Hospital. He must have had the Presidential Suite - cause it sure was expensive.

He's now on more medication than Hannah.

And in 1 month he has been invited back for another 2 night stay.

Wish they'd give hotel points for it.

Another $100 tonight for his meds.