Friday morning is our last full day. It has been a GREAT vacation and we hate to see it end.
Hatha Yoga Flow with Carole started us off, very Ashtanga style today; many variations of the Sun Salutation. During savasana she turns the music off and sings to us:-)Dan greets we with a fresh ginger lemonade. It burns the mouth and throat in a healthy 'scorchin' way. Really refreshing. We had our last lunch in the sun at the Hanalei Gourmet. The salad has ahi on a bed of field greens and cabbages with bean spouts, dolphin bread croutons made with molasses and cornmeal and top that with blue cheese. G O O D!
Dan needed to make a last trip to the Lighthouse in Kiluea, where the whales were happily playing.



I made a reservation to tour the Kunana Dairy on Kapuna Road. We enjoy buying their cheese at the farmer's markets. The tour began with meeting the goats; pregnant ones in one are and Luther, the sole male in another. The goats that get milked twice a day stay in another field. They all have names like W.C. and Sweetheart. They all have goatees. The male stinks! They have an organic farm as well and fruit trees of every kind. The produce was really impressive. They also keep bees to pollinate the trees.
After the farm we settled on Anini Beach for a last long look. There was a wedding couple doing a lengthy photo shoot, we later saw the party at Baracuda where we met Mike and Nancy for a farewell dinner.
Dan says this was our best vacation ever. It was a good balance of art, yoga and sport.My highlight was meeting and getting to know my half brother who I first met at our father's memorial service last April. He was warm and welcoming and has shown me who my father was by example.
Dinner started with a Mojito and we enjoyed the same menu we had two nights ago adding the Mahi with white beans and arugula pesto ( Kanuna dairy), the scallop on lentils and the medjool date salad with celery,parmesan and balsamic. I brought Mike his own coral "L O V E" as a keepsake.

Happy Birthday Mirage. . . You are five years old. Recently I heard,"Dogs live in the moment," Thank God. When we get home we will have a proper celebration. I called GDB today asking Jeanine to give her a special day :-)
Dan and I slept in, enjoyed coffee and hit the road. We need to snorkel and I am "Timid", according to Dan. I thought I was afraid. . . We passed a pack of wild boars, who nearly crashed into our car and they thrashed along the road side. Kalua Pork on the hoof. Breakfast was late at the Olympic Cafe. We needed full tummies to snorkel.
Arriving at Lawaii Beach we contacted Mike and Nancy and stowed our gear. Snorkel Bob helped us out with the gear. Wading into the cold water we donned our masks and fins. Wow! what a teriffic array of tropical fish. So glad Dan gave me a nudge. After staggering out of the deep, we landed face down on the shore, panting, dizzy and wak. Well worth twelve dollars.
Up at the Moragn's we showered and enjoyed an early cocktail and continued getting to know one another.
Heading for home, we encountered more North Shore sprinkles. . .oh well, the sunset was breathtaking.
I whipped up some roasted garlic to add to the bow tie pasta and chichen. We have come to love the star fruit. Like a crisp apple.
A very good day
"In Lawaii Bay
Snorkel Dan and snorkel Sue
frighten pretty fish"



God Bless us all. . .Mahalo

Dan makes reservations at BaraCuda Tapas Restaurant.
The wine was a pinot noir sangiovese blend, a 2007 from Mishaud Vineyards in California
grapefruit avocado and roasted beets served with arugula in a horseradish vinigarette
roasted fingerling potatoes in a romanesco almond sauce
grilled lamb riblets saffron creme sauce and pepitas
pizzetta mozzarella,basil, blue cheese and sweet leeks.
pots de creme and a coconut macroon
Happily we shared each small plate.
We sang Happy Birthday to Mirage while the guesta at another table sang to someone :-)
We are Blessed

Upside Down!
This morning was rainy and now in the late afternoon we have clearing; the winds absent, yea!
Our morning constitution involved three point two miles on Anini Beach. I was looking for coral pieces in the shapes of L O V E, for our home. Dan could invent this font and we could be set for life, don't you agree?
We each enjoyed a fish taco at the Taco Shak and sat under the public lanai with some Palm Springs residents on a Movie Tour. (They don't eat seafood.)
As the sprinkles continued, we eased on down the road, committed to taking in all the local fare. Next stop, Red Hot Mamas for a Mahi Mahi Baja Burrito with avocado. Yummers! We attempted to settle on the beach to devour it, but the showers chased us back to our car.Off to the end of the road then and Ke e Beach. It was so crowded we couldn't find a parking spot.
Our next mission was to investigate Hanalei Happy Hours for Mike and Nancy. Photographing menus proved to be enough research after we tried a Steinlager.
Home again, Dan read and I painted.

The day began with a memorable Kiss. . . better than this blooming hibiscus on a sweet February day! And that's saying something :-)
Grey was the dominant color and so I began composing haiku at an accererated rate to share the experience:
Tropical grey hues
Taupe sand, slate sea, pewter sky
Hanalei drizzle.

No way around it grey and damp everywhere. We ate at home and headed South to do some shopping for the people we love at home. ( We love you all; that's why I bought Macadamia nut Hershey's kisses!)
Arriving at Kekaha in the sun, why didn't I wear a swimsuit under my clothes? Apparently I am not the optomist I thought I was :-)
We had a fine long 'explore' maybe three miles on a steep graded beach with lovely waves. We both had armpits ringed in wetness by the time we were done.
Waimea Brewpub awaited us. As Dan described, tired, thirsty and very hungry, no problem, we took it in our stride. The waitstaff was running. Babies wailed, people relaxed to the Hawaiian music and drew deep breaths when they could.
My intention this week was to practice Shani (taking that pause). Time for a bloom!
So we can respond in the way we choose to respond.



And then I blew it. I was so lost in the 'Ugly American' moment, my response was instinctive. A woman was harassing a slight Hawaiian server who was serving her as well as he was able. She was like a pit bull locked about his leg, arguing and smiling with satisfaction. She smiled at me engagingly. I spoke quietly, "Shut up." with no forethought at all :-( "You are being rude." She aggressively argued defending her position. "You are still rude" I insisted.
And I looked down to break eye contact. I was shocked by my unpremeditated reaction. I looked at Dan to confirm what had just happened. Oh, yes, that was me.
I layed down when we got home just to think it over.
Relax Deeply opened with a poem called' " I must tell you" by Rumi. I smiled to myself.Do you believe that every thing that happens is perfect and happens for a reason whether or not we understand it?
The poem explains that some people need words, they don't "GET IT". Was I just the messenger? OMG
Dan prepared a wonderful dinner Kauai yams ans greens served with a Roast chicken. Best husband ever!! He in fact was Proud of my reaction. Where's the shanti? I know where the Love is~

A Gold Star for Susan

Dan here.

After a week of fantastic weather, we awoke to a dreary day on the north shore. Wind, rain, we were in the clouds. We had a day planned up here, but quickly decided that it would be best to go south in search of warm, dry weather.

We found it on the beach in Kekaha, and walked for an hour, which qualified as exercise because of the deep sand. We were happy to arrive at the Waimea Brewing Company in Waimea at about 1:15.

And they were slammed. We've eaten at the brewery at least once on each of our trips here, and we've never seen it so busy. The parking lot was packed, and we had a short wait for a table.

Service was slow -- there were only two servers for maybe, oh, 30 tables. One of which had about 16 people, including two screaming babies. We were tired and hungry and thirsty, but tried to settle in with the situation since we know that service isn't always the best on the islands.

On the table to our left, however, there was some drama. Two couples, somewhere around 60, were grousing aloud about how long it was taking to get their food. After a bit, one of the women started arguing with the waiter: "You forgot our order." "We've been here an hour because you forgot to put in our order." He tried to reason with her, apologizing and saying they were very busy and there was a huge table that got in just before them. She continued to berate him, getting loud.

Then, Susan looked at her and said in a firm but loud whisper: "Shut up! That's just rude." When the woman tried to engage her, Susan said to her again: "That's just rude."

And that was that. After a few minutes, the outraged lady left the table and went outside to stomp around the property. The other three quietly and quickly finished their meals ... I'm sure they felt about 2 inches tall because of how rude their companion was. And as I'm sure all of you who know Susan know, she wouldn't say Shut Up to Satan himself.

After they all left, we called the waiter aside and told him we were sorry he had to put up with such a rude party. Another table did the same thing.

And I told Susan that I was darned proud of her, for sticking up for what's right.

She's a real gem.

After all that, Susan's brother Mike and his wife, Nancy, arrived after their hike in Waimea Canyon. We were finishing up our meal; we visited while we finished and they ordered and started their meal. And we all had a good chuckle out of it all.

Here's to Susan!

Groundhog's Day

Good thing Dan knew what day it was, we found the movie on TV at four and savored the holiday will Bill Murray. We own the film and forgot to pack it!
We had wind and showers through the night. Grey and moist this morning while I attended a Hatha Yoga Flow 1 at 10:15. Carole is a delightful teacher, tiny and full of laughter, she gave everyone lots of loving touches. We had a busy series of poses and even learned a few new ones. Krounchasana is heron Pose and very easy. I felt quite comfortable in this level of class. Relax Deeply is a good evening practice when combined with poetry and candlelight but morning sweat is also good.
Dan picked me up and I had an hour to paint.
Then off to the Dolphin for an ahi salad. Dan and I walked a few miles along Hanalei Bay. . .





Returning home we thought we'd head to a nearby resort for a swim before watching the Movie of the day. The pool was cold and the hot tub was not heated. Home again home again jiggety jig!
The rains continued but we love hearing the surf pound and palms rustle. Dan grilled a steak and we heated up the spaghetti from last night.
Once again our fridge is looking empty. Don't tell me the vacation is coming to a close. . .I still have two yoga classes and a snorkel date.

Superbowl Sunday

Everyday begins with whale watching from our first floor lanai. It opens onto a green apron that expands to the cliffs, Palm trees and a hammock frame the whales. Ten cups of Lion French roast coffee wake us sufficiently to hit the road towards Lihue. The weather has been perfect all week seventies. And no sun burn.
Church is always amazing. Singing in Hawaiian is beautiful. Today we read the psalmody responsively; the Steeler fans read the bold type, the Cardinal fans the light type.Pastor said he loves seeing us in the front row, Aloha .
Then we met Mike Nancy her sister Ellen and her husband Don at J J's Broiler for lnch. We left the boys to the superbowl and trotted over to the Marriot for pedicures,
That was Nancy's great idea. My toes were only nine days out so I did a little shopping at the Tantrum.



We met up for a Mai Tai and fond farewells with two minutes left on the clock. . ..
Dan and I had to exchange a pair of shorts for Dan at Costco, he is now a large!
Then off to Pizzetta for a whomping plate of Spaghetti.
Home towards the setting sun and in for the night. We watched America's Next Top Model and crawled into bed.

Saturday

Last night I slept deeply so refreshed; only 11 hours!
It was the grapefruit drops. . .vodka which I have never drunk. Yummy fruit.
Dan and I walked our daily three miles to the grocery in Princeville, snapping some flower photos-'resources'. We had a short grocery list and tried our first scoop of Lappert's ice cream ever. Coffe, coconut macadamia nut with fudge ribbons. Okay. . .it's thier signature delight.
We walked home to a warm sprinkle of rain.
I made tuna wraps and then Dan watched whales and I dove into my paintings.
Last week I only imagined painting. Now I am so ready!
After spending the afternoon in different wolds we went to the Westin for a martini and crab cakes which were delicious.
A trip to the cliffs to watch the sun set over Hanalei Bay and then we'll grill our opah or Moonfish.
No other plans for the evening that I can mention.

Friday
I called it my 'dying wish' which was a little extreme. Dan agrees to kayak after breakfast at the Polynesia Cafe.
The weather was just right but it was a lot of work paddling.





After two hours we hauled out of the Hanalei River and dragged our tired four foot long arms home.



Laying around in hammocks whale watching until we had the strength to eat pizza at Pau Hana in Kiluea and another trip to the Light house.
Dan grills a New York Steak and I carmelize some onions for it. We share a salad and watch Valley of the Dolls, a Hawaiinan classic. . . kidding.

Thursday
Manna from heaven or is the food coming from the cat lovers on the third floor?
Dan sweeps the 10 cats away. Who would put out a bag of chicken in the bone for feral cats?Off to Mo ola a Bay to read C is for Corpse and practice a few sun salutations on the beach.



Olympic cafe in Kapaa is great Kalua Pork for Dan, Kauai wrap for me.
Longs drugs for liquid bandaids, the aftermath of walking thre miles in thongs.
Aliomanu beach afternoon. . watch snorkeling, spear fishermen.
Nap
Relax Deeply w Melissa the key word is "Invite'.
Veggie curry from Pandas and a lemon drop

Wednesday
Coffee and whales
3 mile walk to Princeville Hotel which is closed for re model and back.




Kiluea Lighthouse meet my long lost family+sister colleen
Perfect day sun and no wind; lots of turtles and whales
Lunch at hanalei gourmet Wai oli Salad
Hike limahuli gardens
Return to cliffs for wine with Ohana, Colleen, Mike and Natalie




Watch sunset
Dinner lemon bowtie pasta, fish is Monchong, best yet
WOW whatta day

Tuesday

tropical aviary
Family of chickens he she and 4 chicks buck buck buck
Mother tucks them all under her winged skirt at one point. Sweet dumplings.



Cardinals doves Nenes
Coffee. Freshet cool air
Tunnels beach
Haena Beach park walk 2 miles-3
Hanalei Dolphin salads with cajun hebi keoni gold
Read at bay


Buy a sweet handcrafted hawaiian bag from this lady. . .
Farmers market shop list $20.00
Lemon
Grapefruit
Papaya
Lime
Pineapple
Avocado
Tomato
Greens
Basil


Grapefruit drop oh baby!
Yoga with Bhavani is a dream. Learn about the seven domes of the body.
Pizza with basil and Kanuna Dairy goats cheese.

"Is tomorrow OK for all of us to come over and visit? Is there a time that works best for you and Dan?
I know we're going to stop at the lighthouse and want to drive to Ke'e beach at the end of the road."
Mike

Looks like we're set up for tomorrow with my brother and family. Wahoo

Monday
Coffee on grass
Watching pod play
A slithery surf
Salty sudsy smooth
Shimmering salty suds
3 miles we walk
Lunch at hanalei gourmet waldrorf
Anini beach
Windy
No reception
Dolphin for snow crab sushi pupus
$ 12 organic Chardonnay. . .oops, I thought it was the 'special' (not Special.)



Intentions
Sun salutations am
Fruit plate half muffin
Yogurt or almond butter
Hike kayak snorkel swim yoga bike
Practice shani
Practice gratitude

Satan prince of darkness
Hiss & spat the whyte twins
Tort the tortoise shell
Grey beau

Sunday Awaken to an Aviary Adventure;
12 Nene, 50 doves, 1 rooster and a litter of cats oh so melodic
we attend Lihue Lutheran's 10:30 service
Pastor thinks we live on the North Shore and visit three Sundays a year.
Costco for steak, fishy and salsa. Also Dan's pants fell off when he removed his belt going through airport security. So we are shopping for smaller ones.
Olympic cafe in Kapaa is recommended by Nancy. We love it, trying the raps.
Foodland beer tortillas
Anini beach


Fish tacos incorporate left over hebi for a late dinner. Dan makes fresh guacamole and I enjoy a lemon drop
Last Templar

Saturday

Saturday
Sleep with doors open to waterfall
Ne Ne greeting a cross between a honk/ bray
Breakfast at Jo's on the Green
Dive into beach scene Doesn't Dan look amazing?
Stroll poipu village for b card
Lunch at brennekes with Mike Nancy Amanda and Natalie
Say our good byes, a kiss from brother Mike is deeply moving.
North to priNceville
Banana joes for fruit and veggies
Watched whales they abound
Unpacked
Grocery shop at Princeville's foodland
Cats!!!!! all over the place we count ten on the lanai
Grilled Swordfish and organic Kauai greens
Sleep on dans lap
Finish b is for burglar

Up at 5 30 dead
Great flight
Pesto rigatoni
Win at scrabble with formulative
Taco bell
Sheraton poipu

Exhausted + high
Call from mike and Nancy
Gingr ale a bourbon orange
Meet amanda 29 and Natalie 5
Dine at tomkats
Fish tacos mai tai
Home at 9
Amazing blessed brother love

I know it's time to go when. . .
1. The fridge is empty.
2. Mirage has returned to Guide Dogs for the Blind.
3. and I have a pedicure, this time a color called 'Mink'.

Eleven hours and counting down! The Blue Star bus will arrive to pick us up at 6:15 a.m. on Friday January the 23rd. Our bags are packed, we're ready to go. . . time to snooze :-)