Vacation

We are taking the girls this week on a little vacation. We leave Wednesday night for California. Our plans include Disneyland, visiting my sister Susie in Ventura, going to a baptism in Lompoc and also going to Universal Hollywood. We come back Monday night.

I hope to also see cousin Ruth Ann and my brothers Bill and Bobby. Maybe...

The girls (especially Michelle) are SUPER excited.

Gabe has to stay home cause he has rehearsal - his show opens in a week and a half. Hoping he behaves while we're gone - he is, after all - 16 now!

Super Hawk

Well Michelle did get to be the Super Hawk at her school...but not before a bit of trepidation. The Vice Principal forgot to announce her name. And Michelle, who knew she was going to get the award, looked forlorn. But then the teacher went up and whispered to the VP and the announcement was made - and there was even cheering from the audience!

It was supposed to be a surprise but her teacher told her about it. Actually she had been told that if she got x number of stickers she would be the Super Hawk. She knew she had the requisite number so it was not a surprise.

The photo below is blurry - but it shows you how little she is compared to other 6th graders - and she's also a year older than the other kids

A Surprise Tomorrow

She doesn't know it yet but Michelle will get a Super Hawk Award tomorrow at a school assembly. It's like an outstanding student award. They give them out quarterly. She's gotten it twice before over the years. So excited for her. She is a such a sweetheart. Here's a picture of her taken on Wacky Wednesday - they were supposed to come to school looking wacky. She wore her clothes inside out and asked me to do her hair.

Arizona

We had a great visit to Arizona. Our first day there was beautiful. Our second day was rainy but still beautiful.

The above is Montezuma's Castle and is a cliff dwelling north of Phoenix.

We also went to Sedona - but it was too rainy for pictures =(.

We stayed in a cute condo in North Phoenix and hired a personal chef who made this yummy dinner for us our first night.



It was a fast (and cheap) trip that yielded some great memories and a BUNCH of frequent flier miles.

Customary love shot.

Can't Believe It's Not Hot

So a couple of pictures (sorry blurry) of the raw food we learned to make (and that we ate last night)

This first one is crimini mushrooms and some noni pinenut alfredo sauce over zucchini linguine. All cold - all fresh - totally vegan (it could pass for the real thing don't you think?)

And it was DELICIOUS!

The second is basil tomato olive marinara on zucchini spaghetti. Again - all cold - all fresh - totally vegan.

And also, DELICIOUS!

The place to try this LUSCIOUS food is Liscious Dishes - they are at KCC Farmer's market once a month.

Raw Food

So a couple of week's ago I went to the KCC Farmer's market and tasted the most delicious Garden Burger I have ever tasted! It was from a booth called Licious Dishes. They specialize in raw food - food that is not cooked - I think mostly vegan.

The "Burger" was accompanied by the best homemade mustard and mayo! In the photo above it shows the onion flat bread (no wheat!) and the fries are zucchini.

I told my friend Rochelle about the find and she went to the Licious Dishes shop and proclaimed the "burger" delicious as well. She arranged with the woman to come can teach a class to a group of women.

So tonite's the night! I am very excited.

Birthday Boy

Today Gabe is 16!!!!

Watch out world...

His plans for the day

Woke up today at 5:10 a.m.
Did a little homework
Went to Seminary at 5:45
Hopefully at school now
Stay after school for Social Studies help til 3:30
Go to T-mobile to buy new phone with his birthday money at about 4:30 p.m.
Rehearsal from 6 - 9 p.m. (we'll take pizza)

Busy day for him - but its pretty typical.

He's a great kid and we feel so blessed to have him as a part of our eternal family.

Happy Birthday Gabe!

Prepared

There is a tsunami warning in effect for Hawaii due to a major earthquake in Chili. The state will not sound the warning sirens for another hour so the only way people know now is if they were up in the middle of the night watching t.v. or if someone who was called them and told them. I was one who received the news via the latter method.

Gene just went down to the bank machine to grab cash. He said the lines are nuts and the parking lot at Safeway is packed. It seems alot of people are up in the middle of the night watching t.v.

We are ready - thanks mostly to a church that teaches us to be prepared - we have everything we might need.

But I've often thought that its what you know in your head that is probably more critical than what you can carry in your arms and on your back.

Thankfully, again, the church programs have taught us much of what we need to know in emergency situations.

We should be fine - our home is in a safe zone - we're stocked and ready - we are healthy.

And, of course, no matter what happens we are being watched over constantly. What a peaceful feeling!

Busy Weekend

It starts tonight!

Gene's taking Gabe and some of his friends for an overnighter to Hilton Hawaiian Village for Gabe's 16th birthday (which is Monday). I'm staying home with the 2 girls and making cupcakes with sprinkles!

Tomorrow Gabe's got rehearsal and then tomorrow night we are going to a big 50th birthday party in Wahiawa (my friend's husband's bash). We're making homemade root beer (note to self - buy the dry ice!!)

Sunday is church then we are having a family dinner for Gabe's birthday and Carly and Lehua are coming over for dinner!!! YAY!!!

Then we move on to Monday and a new week - which looks busy as well...oh, and did I mention we are going off island on Friday? Going to Phoenix. Back Monday the 8th.

Farmer's Market

There is an outdoor Farmer's Market at the District Park near our home. Its every Thursday from 10:45 - 11:45.

You can get some good deals on veggies and fruits - not a lot of vendors - maybe half a dozen.

When I went today I realized something - when you look around the market all you see is gray and white hair...and mine is among them.

Same thing during my morning mall walk.

Funny how the top of my head looks old but my mind and spirit feel young.

Lost then FOUND!

Jesus Sanchez - he was lost...to me at least.

Who is he? A 3rd generation Vatican bookbinder and, according to some, the foremost bookbinder in the world today. I had read about him and had heard that he lived in Hilo.

Over the last 2 years I became almost obsessed with finding him and, eventually learning from him.

It was our daughter, Susan, who sparked my interest. You see, 2 years ago she gave us handmade books for Christmas. She had taken a book arts class in college and made these gorgeous hard cover beauties! I was intrigued!

I began searching for bookbinding workshops and classes online. I was willing to go anywhere to learn. That's how I first heard of Jesus Sanchez.

You might remember that I learned - quite by accident - that my neice Allie was into Book Arts. So last June I flew to Portland to take a 3 day workshop from her. I LOVED IT!

I loved the process - which requires you to take it slow. I loved the exactness required to do it right.

Allie taught me more (how to make a box) when she was here in November.

And through it all I kept thinking about Jesus Sanchez...

Every now and then I would google him to see if he was offering a class...once I saw that he was and signed up for the class...but it got cancelled.

In January of this year I decided to google him again. There was a link about him going to Cuba (he has a massive historical books project that he is doing for the Cuban gov't).

I clicked on the link and saw not a picture of Jesus Sanchez but a picture of...Tomas Belsky - husband of my cousin Moanikeala Akaka!!! Tomas had gone to Cuba last year with Jesus!

I got on the phone right away and called Moani. "Yes," she said "Jesus is a good friend of ours! he's in Cuba right now but should be back soon"

The connection was made - and yesterday Moani called to give me Jesus' cell number!

Haven't called him yet but I did call Allie and Susan to see if they'd be interested in maybe going over to Hilo and meeting Jesus and perhaps learning from him. They were both enthusiastic and ecstatic about such an opportunity. So am I...Can you imagine all the things we can learn from this master??

What a small world! And how blessed am I??? The person I had been trying to find for 2 years happened to be a friend of my own cousin. How great is that! Am I Heavenly Father's favorite or what????

Jesus Sanchez..FOUND!

Breakfast - Maybe

So its 4:40 a.m. and I am contemplating the new day - Sunday.

Traditionally its a day when Gene cooks breakfast - Michelle wakes up and asks for bacon, eggs and rice lately - but I don't think that request will be fulfilled today (we've cut back on meats of all kinds - not counting IN-N-OUT Burger).

So this popped up online and I've been thinking...

Should I?

Jacob

I haven't posted Jacob's letters or email lately 'cause although there have been quite a few, they are incredibly short as he is very, very busy. This week's email was 2 lines.

BUT -

• He is doing well!
• His address in the side bar is still good.
• He's gotten all of your letters, cards, boxes, etc. and says THANKS!
• He is still thoughtful and kind - he sent Gabe a new video game!
• He gained 15 lbs. then lost 5 (due to lots of bike riding and walking)
• He is, in his words, "working hard, playing hard"
• He said his favorite pudding is tapioca and his favorite jam is raspberry.
• He has had a steady stream of baptisms.

AND...(drum roll)...as of today...

He has been out for 6 months already!!!!!!!!

Time does fly!

Disaster Diverted

Thanks to Susan a terrible disaster was diverted.

Before leaving on our trip we had noticed that one of the chickens had laid 13 eggs right by our doorstep. Something needed to be done but Gene thought it could probably wait until we returned.

Fortunately, Susan took matters into her own hands and took all 13 eggs to her home in North Shore.

Not sure if she did it because she recognized the seriousness of the situation or she was just plain hungry...but whatever the reason I applaud her initiative!

And, let's be honest about it - it was the thought of free food that motivated her.

Thanks Susan!

Final Surprise!

So this whole trip was a series of surprises for Gene.

Surprise 1 - Destination! I only told him 2 days before.
Surprise 2 - Winchester House. We had heard about it but never gone to it!
Surprise 3 - Cottage - I knew he'd love our own little place!
Surprise 4 - Safari - He knows how I feel about animals so was totally surprised I booked this!
Surprise 5 - Redwoods - This was on his bucket list!
Surprise 6 - Hot Air Balloon - Knowing my fear of heights, he was in awe that I planned this!
Surprise 7 - Point Bonita - I know these ocean, cliff, fog things are among his faves!

The final surprise - Surprise 8 - was extra special and I didn't tell him about it until a few hours before.


While we were at Point Bonita I hired a personal chef to go to the cabin and prepare and serve our anniversary dinner.

The menu - I selected Gene's favorites:

Appetizers:
Mushrooms stuffed with spinach, bacon & goat cheese
Caprese Skewers

Soup:
Warm Tomato Soup with Basil Coulis

Entree:
Breast of chicken with Apricot/Cherry Sauce

Vegetables:
Stuffed Baked Potato
Glazed Baby Carrots

Dessert:
Apple Crumb with Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

When we returned from Point Bonita our cottage had been transformed into a romantic restaurant complete with flowers and candles.

I forgot to take pictures of all of the food but here's the mushrooms (or 1/2 of them at least)

And here's the chef, Elyse Bolton of the Brass Spatula, and her assistant Kathleen. Can't believe they prepared such an extraordinary meal in such a short time in our cottage!

And not only do they prep, cook and serve, but they also clean up too!!!

Gene thought the dinner was fabulous - and I was thrilled that I was able to pull off all 7 surprises and that he loved them all. I am so happy I made the WRIGHT choice 34 years ago!

THE END of the 34th Anniversary Tale
but NOT the end of our Story!

Stay Tuned..for Time and All Eternity

Point Bonita!

I had heard about this lighthouse that is only accessible via a rickety wooden bridge that only allows 2 people to cross at a time. I knew I would be soooooooooooo afraid and I knew Gene would love it - so it definitely was a MUST on this trip.

Point Bonita Lighthouse is located in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The hike to the lighthouse is steep in some spots but flat in others. And every great hike needs a tunnel!



It was a very foggy day when we went - which made the trek more exciting! The power of the ocean below the trail is unbelievable!

The bridge to the lighthouse is indeed wooden, rickety and scaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrry! (That's it in the background!)

I am so brave! The bridge sways with the wind!
And as you can see from my hair it was WINDY!

Love shot at Point Bonita!

Gene loved this place - and because he loved it - SO DID I!!!

More Balloon Pictures!

While hot air ballooning is quite expensive it is totally worth it. Because of fog in Napa Valley on our flight morning we were bussed to Winters for our flight.

Inflating the balloons

Preflight photo

Up, up and AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!


Instead of vineyards we saw orchards. Very beautiful.

During the flight the guy does a touchdown on water which is very exciting!
Beginning the deflation

Wow! Never thought I would have enjoyed it so much! Check another one off the bucket list!

Cottage

This is the adorable cottage we stayed in on our trip. It is called the Oaks at Olivet (it is located on Olivet Road in Santa Rosa and is within walking distance of 7 vineyards which we never walked to).

Here's the cute fireplace.

Kitchen/dining area.

Living room.

Bedroom.

Moon over the barn

Us at our little love nest in Sonoma.


The cottage was perfect! And only $100 per night!

Safari!

We signed up for a tour at Safari West is Santa Rosa. The place is an animal preserve. They take you on these big bus/trucks out into the fields where the animals are - you go right in the same field - no fences.

It was quite exciting - the truck ride on hills, up and down ruts and mud was an adventure in and of itself!

Those of you who know me know I do not like animals. Those of you who know Gene know he LOVES animals.

So going on this adventure really showed how much I'm willing to do for that luck guy!

The tour lasts 3 hours - which we were a little leery about at first - but it ended up being so FUN!

Our tour guide was a guy named Danny whose favorite word was "adaptation".

Gene was shocked that I would sit way up on the top bench - anything for you, babe! Of course, this is not a pic of our bus - we couldn't take a pic of ourselves! But on ours, I was seated right where the tall guy is.

While we saw many animals (cheetahs, rhino, etc.) Danny seemed most concerned about this male ostrich

This is the ostrich right next to Gene's shoe -
that's how close we got!
A big buffalo

This place has cabins that you can stay in overnight.
I had originally thought it would be fun to stay overnight - with the animal sounds going it would be like being in the jungle...
but then we saw that they had one species of animal that we could do without...

Its one of the reasons we came on this vacation - to get away from this!

I highly recommend this Safari West. Its pricey - and you must reserve weeks ahead - no walk ups. But totally a great experience ...even if you don't like animals.

BIG

Another place we visited on our 34th Anniversary Trip was Armstrong Woods State Preserve. It was located about 25 minutes from where we were staying.

Gene had always wanted to see some big redwood trees so this was it. Granted they weren't "drive-your-car-through" big - but they were plenty big for us!

We arrived shortly before 8 a.m. and followed the directions we'd seen in various guidebooks - park in the lot outside the park and walk in to avoid the park fee. The park was empty of people and full of fog ... ooooh - kinda spooky but really pretty! We hiked/walked maybe about 1 1/2 miles on various trails.

Gene lay on the ground to take this photo. The fog covered the top of the tree.

Weird stump with moss
and my eyes look crazy-person weird in this pic.


I have no idea who Parson Jones is but he sure has a BIG tree!

Finally, Gene let me take a picture of him - and as you can see
I am a sucky photographer - BLURRY!


Love Shot
What a GREAT morning!