My first Christmas in Hawaii

I survived Christmas by keeping busy and realizing that fact I'm able to be in Hawaii for Christmas!  I was able to talk to all the kids and even did some ichatting.  Almost like being there.  Im very much excited that Michelle is coming for a visit with her husband on the 7th to help celebrate the fact that I made it to my 60th birthday.

We went to the home of my new friends, Myra & Herman, for Christmas Eve dinner.  Delish!  This was the first Christmas Eve that I can remember where I had not cooked for my family.  I only had to make dessert (I did it from scratch!)  The new me!  WE also played Scrabble and the Dombrownski's were the champs.

One of the best things we were able to do is add three more geocaches to my finds in Hawaii.  These were all west of were we live in a very remote part of the island.  We climbed hugh bolders to a cache I found, we walked up and down a steep hill looking for this cache.  Forrest finally found it and it turned into the most unusual cache of the day.  One the way back, we found our last cache, which was an easy find.  We came back to house feeling like we had our exercise for the day!

Our first cache was overlooking this beautiful view

These boulders don't look big but we really did struggle to get to this cache.

WE found this one on a very steep cliff overlooking the ocean.  A funny story is associated with it.

Our last find.  Notice the clouds are moving in!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15 Years and counting!

Just recently returned from my first trip to Vegas since July, when I moved to Hawaii.  A whirlwind trip for sure.  I drove my rental car 450 miles!  I went from one end of the valley to the other several times.  I LEARNED that the Vegas road grid is wonderful. (I cannot believe Im saying this) I could find my way around easily and the roads are wide and straight.  In Hawaii, the highway system is anything but basic - 3 main freeways - and lots of curvy streets with names I cannot pronounce.


That brings me to the street names and the Hawaiian language:  The Hawaiian language is also very basic - too basic. Ive got Honolulu & Kapolei down, along with Hawaii but I dont pronounce them right.  Here is a link:  http://www.alohafriendsluau.com/words.html for some explanation of the language.  I just skip through the language and hope for the best so far.  You can easily do this but it does get hard when trying to find street names.

Ok, back to anniversary.

Janelle, Me, Forrest, April Suzy, Michelle, and Heather

Today

Here we are December 16, 1995.  This year Forrest and I just celebrated our 15th anniversary by exploring more of Hawaii with a new freind, Myra, through geocaching and out to a wonderful dinner.  Just think, when we were married we had 8 children and two grandchildren.  Now we have 12 grandchildren!  Ive watched all of our kids grew into wonderful, useful, loving adults.  When we first married only Kimberly was considered a true adult with two kids.  Its hard to believe that but everyone of them are heading in the right direction.  This summer we are looking forward to another wedding.  And this is very unusual now, no divorces!  Yes, some hard times, but they are got through it.  Both Forrest and I are very proud of "our" kids!  Here is a photo of Alex, are latest addition:(he was not in the photo below)

Newest Arrival - Alex Boelter 5 months

And here is a photo of the Vegas grand cousins:

Owen Davis, Mason Boelter, Haylee Zitello, Abby Davis, and AJ Zitello

  

Other family pics taken over that last 15 years.

                          Jerry and Aubrey(high school graduation), Kimberly,

                                    April & Heather

                                   Everyone in Vegas for Kimberly's big 40!

                                  April & Brian(engaged)

                                  Aubrey and Rebekah(sisters)

                                  Lexi & Madison(cousins)

I searched for some pics of Allie & Sierra but did not find any photos.  I got these off of blogs! Since we have moved the photos are scattered.

Then came our big move to Hawaii and retirement for me, I love retirement but you all know that!  I know Im still in the adjustment period.  So far, so good.
Life is good!







I do spend a lot of time on the computer.  I would be very hard not to have the computer connection with the mainland!  The holidays are a bit lonely but those are the days Im will be using ichat for sure!  Such a great invention!

Until next time...........

Loving my new piece of technology!

Well, I just learned that Im getting rewarded at $10 per day from my former employer for my unused sick leave.  After 25 years all those days I went to school to teach...........sick.........is paying off!.  Actually, my work ethic made me do it.  I did take some sick days (and mental health days).  But $10 a day????  Do you know how much I saved the school district by not taking those days???  Actually I really saved the school district tons of money because once I became a Gifted and Talented teacher, I just canceled classes and they did not get a sub for me(even when I was absent for 6 weeks for my eye surgery).  None-the-less, I should be getting a check soon and I will cash it.   I talked to a clerk and she said I may get $10 -15 for each day.............I dont know how they get away with it.  On a positive note, Im glad that I was able to retire!  Im glad to receive that check every month for the rest of my life (and Forrest's too)!

So, just as I predicted for several months, my computer was on its last legs.  It was over 5 years old.  It just stopped working, would not turn on, nothing (including the hard drive) stopped.  I have learned to back-up and lost nothing.  So I took the sick leave pay off that I havent received yet a bought my new iMac.  I ordered it from Best Buy online and picked it up at the store the next day.  They give you a $150 gift card so I got the new trackpad (dont bother - I like the wireless mouse - but it looks cool)and Word for Mac so Forrest can open up his spreadsheets from work and I can view powerpoint.  We plug it in and all goes very well until I try to download my iTunes.  Eventually I figured it out that I purchased most of my music with a different account. But I love the size of the monitor (very sharp and clear and the wireless keyboard and mouse! 

The very best thing about this computer is that it has ichat!!  I am now able to SEE my grandkids in Las Vegas.  It was very enjoyable on Thanksgiving day to actually see them.    I have LEARNED  I would of all ready gone crazy in  Hawaii if I was not able to communicate with my family and friends on the Mainland with all of my technology.  I can quickly with my kids communicate with family and friends via skype, facebook, and email.  The phone and mail would not do it for me, especially now.  So it has made my move less painful.  Plus, if you have a question pop into your mind, you can just goggle it, and the answer usually  appears!  I use my ipad, iphone, and iMac several times a day.

Ive also LEARNED a lot more about the Cultural Revolution in China.  Im reading a  book on my ipad: Mao's Last Dance.  I saw the movie and loved it and now that I have the book, it is even more enjoyable.  It is only a $10 download on your ipad and you learn so much of China during the Cultural Revolution.  I bought it for my Vegas trip but I probably will have it read before I leave.   Just google it if you want more info.  The movie is in limited release but if you every get a chance to see it - dont miss this one.

That is what I LEARNED this week.  Hope you all had a enjoyable Thanksgiving!

My first tour of the world's largest Shopping Mall-Ala Moana.

We drove back to Honolulu to visit Forrest's knee doctor.  All is great and he can now return to playing tennis.  (he failed to tell his doctor that he already been back on the court for two weeks).

We also had to stop at the Apply store at nearby Ala Monana shopping center.   Forrest's phone still has not dried out.  I LEARNED salt water verses the iPhone is bad.  Just dropping your phone in water is MUCH better than swimming with it in your pocket in salt water!!  In case anyone gets their phone wet...........you should be able to put in it into silicon gel (the stuff you use to dry flowers) for a few days.  He still hasnt figured out what to do to replace the phone.  I tell him to just bite the bullet and pay for another phone.

So walking from the Apple store, we landed in this very neat store that sells everything Japanese.  I mean this stuff is not found on the Mainland.  So many interesting things!  I bought a very neat purse (Elise Tran) that is manufactured here in Hawaii but distributed only in Hawaii and Japan.   It has all kinds of compartments (plus a sewn in Kleenex compartment) It converts into a backpack,  a big selling point for me.   I must admit I bought it because of the sales lady!  I LEARNED a good sales pitch is worth it.  This saleswoman (Japanese)  was so humble and she even would bow each time I had a questions!  Very professional!






After that we had wonderful lunch at Neiman Marcus!  It doesnt matter at what Neiman Marcus you eat at........they all have those excellent popovers & a great menu. The location at Waikiki is very beautiful overlooking the park and ocean.Click here to see a few more photos of the lunch





So that is what I LEARNED this week!

An Interesting couple of days...........

We just returned from our first Hawaiian vacation:  Click here to see the link to the hotel  A very cool hotel.  It is located about 25 miles from us in Waikiki.  We got a Marriott discount!

We explored Haunama Bay.  I have wanted to explore this spot since I learn about it many years ago.  It is a preserve so you see big colorful fish.  I LEARNED something new!  Click here for some neat history and photos 

I had hurt my knee playing tennis the day before but I went anyway.  There is this steep hill you need to walk down and then back up.  We had planned to take the shuttle but we had to pay $7.50 per person to get in.  We thought Forrest's work ID would get us in free (locals are free).  So we only brought $20 cash, plus I had $2.   With $1 to park and $5 for a locker.......we had only $1 left so I decided to walk back up. That did not help my knee at all. Then Forrest finally got in the water and forgot he had his NEW cell phone in his pocket.  So I LEARNED to keep your phone (especially in Hawaii) in a waterproof case.  We have ordered some silicone gel packets, hoping that will help dry it out.

But we did enjoy the variety of fish but it is the busiest beach Ive every been to AND you have to arrive early or later in the day to get a parking spot.  So Ive seen it and I dont have to go back.  Ive got much more interesting snorkeling here at Ko'Olina.

Back to the knee.......we decided to come home after two nights.  By now I could hardly walk and you really cannot explore Waikiki without walking.  We were both so glad to be back home, especially when you are not feeling well.  Today the knee is doing better but I probably will not play tennis this week.

This weekend Im going to my first Jazz Festival.  Its here at Ko'Olina!  We will see what I will learn next week.

The Humbacks are Back!

Every winter you can see these giants of the water in Hawaii.  You can see them all around the island but most of them are found off of Maui. We went on a whale watching trip two years ago and it was one of the best excursions I can remember.  So if you want to LEARN more about the whale follow this link::http://www.hawaiimagazine.com/blogs/hawaii_today/2010/10/21/first_humpback_whale_Hawaii_Maui_season
I also found another link that has some interesting facts about their behavior:http://sailhawaii.com/whales.html.

That is what I LEARNED today!!

Christmas

By looking around the stores Im getting the feeling that the holidays are approaching.  Im going to celebrate with my family in early December but its going to be weird not being together for Christmas Eve.  It is one of the draw backs of living a long ways from your family. So I ordered a lighted palm tree Christmas tree!  And I LEARNED that shipping to Hawaii is expensive.  Just think about it........no ground transportation!  So I just ordered it so I could have this unique tree.  I would probably had to pay for delivery if we bought it here so I just decided to have it shipped at my expense.  With just two of us, we will not have presents under the tree so this will work perfect.  It has to been narrow since we really dont have any space for a tree.  Forrest doesnt really care if we have a tree or not but I would miss it if we did not have a lite tree in the house.  I will bring back some of my decorations from Christmases past and hopefully I will make it through the holidays.

I

I also LEARNED my grandson is getting soooooo big.  Five months old already!  This photo really makes me smile!!

Im no longer mad that I did not see any turtles last time I snorkeled.  Yesterday I  saw two turtles right off the bat! One was right at the shore eating algae off the rocks.  So if you are interested here is what I LEARNED about sea turtles click:  Hawaii's Green Sea Turtle facts!

Yesterday, I LEARNED that Forrest really does not  like snorkeling very much.  He always complains about the mask not fitting, cramping, etc.  so we will see.  I had to buy him new equipment since he broke his last mask.  If he doesn't join me, at least I have anyother set for anyone else that might want to snorkel with me that doesnt have the equipment.

Thats what I LEARNED..............

Forget about the turtles....

I had another lesson for SUP which was not as fun today since we had too many people and not enough boards.  So I LEARNED how to share.......Forrest took some good video but its too long to post, which means I have to edit.........not in the mood.  I did have a better bathing suit on so I looked better.......so what, who cares anyway!?!

After that excursion I went snorkeling hoping to see a green sea turtle.  None were spotted so Im not going to report on the wonderful facts of sea turtles!  Im not teaching anymore so that can wait.

I also LEARNED I hate playing by the rules.  Interesting..........I dont mind playing by the rules if they make sense but if they dont make sense then forget it.  Example:  I was trying to make tennis reservations for 11/6 for 8 ladies to play Ko'Olina  instead of Pearl Harbor.  Which involves another person picking me up from my home and driving 18 miles, waiting in a parking lot for someone else to pick us up to enter the base.  You must understand NOBODY wants to pay for tennis in Hawaii!!   The Pearl Harbor Courts are free to practice on.  So I invited everyone out to Ko'Olina for a change of pace(for ONE day)...........they can drive the 25 minutes and then have lunch at Roys.  So I followed the rules by calling to make reservations and I was told that I could not reserve more than one court.  So I said my husband would reserve the other court.  No deal, that would not work.  So I said another residents name and he would not reserve under her name.  In fact, both of those people could, in fact, join us.  Now if I never called and just showed up with eight tennis players..........non the wiser.  These  courts are never busy.  Dont even get me started on other dumb rules.......I probably and very guilty of this during my teaching career.  Rules are rules.....but I thought rules were made to be broken!?  Enough.

Then Forrest took a nap and I went into Kapolei (a short 3 miles drive).  I LEARNED  they actually put summer clothes on sales here.  Very weird.  I also LEARNED that  stores here are  following rules that do not apply here.  I see  lots of winter clothing.  Dumb.  I have not had a jacket on since I lived here and cannot  image why they sell very heavy jackets, warm up suits etc.

I got Forrest out on the tennis courts today and I LEARNED that he is still a very good player even after a complete knee replacement and without being able to run!  He really is an amazing tennis player!  He is doing great and will start playing with my Sunday group this week. Just a set or two.

OK, I have also LEARNED that I like to blog!!  This is fun even no one reads this!

My First Post

I am having the time of my life in Hawaii.  I moved here about three months ago after living in the same place (on again and off again) in 1959.  I never knew I could be happy in this new and wonderful place.
Work can really consume you!  Go to work, come home, get a few things done (exhausted) get to bed, wake up and do it all over again.  In Las Vegas, I did play tennis in my spare time but that was about it.  Most of my friends, in fact, ALL of my friends were either tennis players or educators!  Wow I really never thought about that!

My big worry about moving to Hawaii is that I would have a hard time finding new friends and missing my family.   Keeping in touch with family is easy with skype, and facebook.   So the first thing I learned was making new friends!  Well, that was stupid because I do make friends easily!  I can talk to anyone standing by the ocean, sitting in the hot tub or playing tennis.  I live in an area that is mostly main landers----so I have plenty of things in common.

So in this blog, Im going to try to share with you things Im learning.  If I had been still working I would not be able to look at the world in such a different way.  I feel very lucky to be able to spend this time learning new things.

So far I never knew I could enjoy jogging!   I actually jog/walk 3-4 miles 3-4 times a week.  Many times I will  walk just to walk.  It is  always great weather.  I snorkel  2-3 times a week and play tennis 3 times a week in three different places and with three different groups.  The most exciting thing I have learned so far is to stand up paddling!  I took my first lesson last week and tomorrow is my 2nd time.  Here is some info:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-7rDavdJGs

If the link does not work just go to  you tube and search Paddle Surfing.

Thats is me!  I only fell three times before I was off.  Its like riding a bike in many ways.  In a couple of week I will join an excursion to the north shore.  This is a biggest board you can have but people use a smaller board to surf with.  Just tooling around is a fantastic core workout!

In my next post I will tell you about the green sea turtle!