Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Merry Christmas (belated) and best wishes to all for a very Happy New Year!

Good luck with your resolutions, and take time to look back and savor the past year as well.

Gunner pointed out to me today that I had not posted in two weeks. Unfortunately life has been downright insane and I have just not been able to sit down and write anything. Between ...

Issues with Gunner's computer
MOVING
Christmas
Little sister getting married
And more stuff than I really want to list right now

I just have not been able to get much of anything done.

Never fear though, I do have a fascinating post in the works.

I just know you are all dying to read about my mother's boneless turkey!

Ha ha!

The Holiday Spirit

Pammy at Lollygaggin has these rules for the holidays, and finishes with this life philosophy.

Remember this motto to live by: "Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with
the intention of arrivin' safely in an attractive an' well-preserved body, but
rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, eggnog in the other, body
thoroughly used up, totally worn out an'screamin' "WOO HOO what a ride!"

I could not agree more!

Hanauma Bay

I have listed Hanauma Bay as one of the things you must do if you visit Oahu.

It truly is, as well as one of the least expensive. Hanauma bay is a nature preserve where you can snorkel among the reef and fish there. Just remember that the fish get Tuesdays off.

Admission $5 (if you are a resident there is no charge)
Rental of fins, snorkel, and mask $9-$12
Unlimited tram passes up and down the hill $2 (I really recommend it)

Bring sun block, and lunch. The only thing really expensive here is the concession stand.

When you leave take the time to register in case you do come back before you leave. It will let you skip the introductory film the next time around.

Some pictures!



Convict Fish


Surgeon Fish


Butterfly Fish

Purple Bread

I realize that anyone in Hawaii will recognize what this is, but most mainlanders will have no idea.

This is bread.

What? Bread is not purple? This bread is.

This is taro bread, sometimes called poi bread. It is made with the taro root which gives it its very interesting purple color. I took this picture at dinner, and it really does not do justice to the intensity of the purple. My flash kind of washed it out.

I looked up the recipe for taro or poi bread and here it is. You will need to click on the link for taro rolls. Thanks to the Polynesian Cultural Center for the recipe. There is food coloring in the recipe, but it is optional. All it does is make the color more intense than it is naturally. Also a bit more appetizing than it is naturally, as it would normally be a sort of muddy grey purple color.

It really does taste great!

This picture is from the evening show at the Polynesian Cultural Center. This is from the Tongan portion of the program. I just love watching this guy. You can tell that he is really having fun.

Hawaii - Continued

I promise I will post some pictures soon.

I had intended to post while on vacation, but circumstances dictated otherwise (the hotel had no internet connection, argh!). However I will make up the lack as soon as possible.

One thing I am going to make sure I do next time is get a hotel within earshot of the ocean. We were well inland this time, and while the hotel was nicer than the place we stayed at last time, I really like to hear the ocean.

My obligatory sunburn (I always burn) has started to peel and is about ready to drive me nuts but it was worth it.

Hello from Hawaii

Well, here I am at the Internet Cafe in Kaneohe. A nice town on the windward side of the island. If you are ever over here and going into internet withdrawal this is the place to be.

Anyway, the computer is acting up and I have not been able to get online so no pictures for the present. Will try again later.

First, my top 5 things you must do when you visit Oahu!

Hanauma Bay - Lovely place, a nature preserve where you can snorkel and fish watch. Absolutely beautiful, bring sunblock ... Lots of sunblock. I look like I was BBQed just about an hour short of done.

Aloha Bowl Flea Market - Bring money. You will spend a lot of money, but look like you spent even more. Great place to get souvenirs for your friends back home.

The North Shore - Go and watch the surfers. We were in luck as there is a competition going on right now. Additionally we have some excellent waves being produced by the trades. A must see!

The Dole pineapple Plantation - Two words - Dole Whip!

The Polynesian Cultural Center - I realize that this sounds like the standard tourist trap, but to get a real feel for the culture of the pacific islanders, this is the place to go.

I am having a truly great time. Just about finished Christmas shopping. You can rest assured that this years gift theme will be Polynesian.

I will be trying to post some pictures soon.

Aloha!