Happy New Year.
It’s Rosh Hashanah, the beginning of the new year, the High Holy Days, the most holy of holy days of the year.
This is a joyous time, celebrating life, health and happiness.
All I will say to you is what I wish for you this coming year. A happy, healthy, joyous and sweet new year.
L’ Shana Tova.
I had a very quick trip to Atlanta andI want to tell you all about it!
I arrived late on Friday night, crashed with ST and got to met his temporary roommate. First thing was to go to Waffle House! It was good to catch up, we haven’t seen each other in a few months. We talked work, travel, relationships, kids, I think we covered it all!
The next morning I went to my house to see it after the interior was painted, ran a vacuum, it’s definitely not my house anymore, that’s an interesting feeling.
Then, return the vacuum and head to see my kids, TYL and my newest grandbaby, CDL, her brother, CH and his wife, AH at the restaurant they all work at. Oh, what a doll baby my newest grandson, CDL, is! Smart, curious, sweet, happy, smells good and what a giggle! I’m so glad I get to be a part of his life and be in my kids lives again. What amazing human beings they are!
Get this…CH even cooked for me!!! He made me artichoke hearts with garlic and olive oil and let me tell you, wow and yum! He can cook for me anytime! Do I seem biased? You bet your sweet bippy! Every day and twice on Sunday!
When I left the kids, I headed to met SDL, MissA and DJL at our favorite Mexican restaurant. Last time we were there was the day before we left for Mexico!
Live music, good music at that, MissA was rocking out to a lot of the songs, she can get down! Good food, friends, conversation, laughs, silliness, Halloween costumes, the only thing missing, CKM! Unfortunately, she had plans last night, bummer!
Back to SDL’s house for a little more catch up and then… crash. Zzzzz Up today, grab the groceries and head out to see the rest of the grandbabies.
Unfortunately, LB and Baby L weren’t able to come, so it was just KLB, CS and the kiddies, BabyA and his sister ELB. I was in heaven, as you can imagine! We played, caught up, giggled, laughed, chased, BabyA crawled in my lap to show me his video game controler, I learned about Sonic the Hedgehog, Minecraft and MarioKart, all in a very short period of time! Then ELB was in my lap, then both of them, oh yes! Happy JJ! They both wanted to play with my watch and the rest of my jewelry.
Now, let’s go cook! KLB made pancakes while the kids played hide and seek in the cabinets, love it! Then BabyA and I cracked, scrambled and cooked eggs for everyone. How fabulous was that!
More chatting, laughing, giggling, rubbing. Let’s just say, thanks BabyA for giving me a lot of steps today! Oh, and the discussion of Halloween costumes! Then it was time to go with promises of a next visit.
Now, for my last visit, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens with TS. The Curious Garden. Wonderful! We walked the canopy in the trees, saw the lady in the water and smelled some fabulous smells.
Through the grounds, into the Chinese meditation garden. Through the archway to the orchid greenhouse.
What amazing creators orchids are!! Some even look like people. Different species and creations.
Then through the edible garden and a field of my favorite flower, sunflowers, sigh.
Then it was time to part company, I had to get gas in the retal car, return it, then catch my flight back to Chicago, teaching class in the morning.
Staying at a new hotel, I’ll tell you about it! Have a great night!
A pretty good day today!
I told you I tried to surprise the family on Sunday and it was a bust. Well, I got to Chicago, ended up doing some work at the hotel until about 3am, ugh, but…I got it done! SomethingI had been fighting with.
Then, of course, I couldn’t sleep! 5am I was forcing myself to sleep and I did! Did I get too much sleep last night?
But then the phone rang just before 730am, huh? But… so glad it did, it was my baby sister, GES. We talked for about an hour, well, she talked and I got more tired! I’m kidding, she was telling me about her weekend, the girls, school, work, the usual! It was great! We made quasi plans for the weekend I’m there, can’t wait to see them, this is the longest we’ve gone without seeing each other! Auntie needs her hugs and kisses and giggles!
Then it was work, which was gear, very busy all day, makes the day fly, then it was 7pm, what? But… bear part was catching up with DLP of course! Missed my work wife!
I ended the day on the phone with a seestah, CWB. I told you a little more about her last week with my post on her birthday.
It was great, we catch moments when we can and its wonderful. It really is like talking to a sister, she actually asks me some of the same questions, hmmm…
So, my day was pretty good, don’t you think. It started with my sister and ended with a seestah! I’m a lucky girl!
Today, my attempt to surprise my family didn’t go as planned…or at all!
PSM had a very early flight, so I got to sleep in, first time in a few weeks! Vacation in Hawaii meant up early, what? Yup, either up early for a tour or just the sun coming up! I didn’t even hear PSM leave this morning about 415am! I woke up at 515am, realized I was alone, confused at first! Then checked my phone and called PSM, then zzzzz until about 920am, wow!
Got up, showered, then the fire alarm goes off at the hotel, goody. Got back into the room, finished getting ready, packed and headed out.
I texted GES to see where they were, even threw in a phone call, no dice! I’m usually really good at surprises, this killed my record! I did leave them a great in the mailbox! I’m coming back in two weeks, I can’t wait to see them! They know I’m coming!
After I left their house, I drove into Boston and to Chinatown and went to a great vegan Thai restaurant for a good meal and got some food for tonight when I get back to Chicago, yum!
Then, off to the airport, return the car and head to my gate to hang until it was time to go.
Surprise…fail. Chinatown… win.
Chicago… here I come!
A surprise party it is and a surprise it was!
PSM’s best friend, KN, is turning 50 in October and his wife, DTS, wanted to throw him a birthday party, outside, so this was a great weekend for it!
As soon as I told PSM about it, of course I told him immediately! And no question we were going to be there! Just had to work out logistics. We were scheduled to be in vacation the week before the party. We had the hardest time scheduling our first two choices, Western and American Samoa or Saipan. Not difficult getting there, but the number of flights available coming back to Hawaii, not great. So… that’s when we decided to check out our new home state send go to Kauai, lots of flights in and out every day and only about 35 minutes. Sounds good to me!
PSM and I were talking a few weeks ago and hatched a plan! PSM then called DTN to see what she thought about PSM asking KN to go for a motorcycle ride the morning of the party. Perfect! Easiest way to get him out of the house! He called KN and said he was coming to Boston for work and how about a ride? Yes! I fibbed when he asked if I was coming…um…
We were all set, flights booked, for me, Chicago > Honolulu > Kauai > Honolulu >Boston > Chicago, tomorrow. For PSM Honolulu > Kauai > Honolulu >Boston > Honolulu.
After an amazing week in Kauai, with the chickens, roosters, sun, sand, surf and fun, home on Thursday for laundry and sleep! Friday afternoon, leave Hawaii, landed this morning, picked PSM up when he landed, went to the hotel for a minute. Yup, different flights, different airlines!
Then it was off to K&DTN’s for a party! So great to see everyone, all the usual suspects, fabulous! It’s a giant family! I love seeing everyone, getting to know them better each time. I’m not sure how they’ll feel about us after they try the spam flavored macadamia nuts we brought them!
It was great hanging out and catching up and a few false alarms “they’re here!” Nope, it was another Harley Davidson going by, which happens a lot by them!
On the last one, we all filed into the front yard to wait. After a bit, we heard them, the unmistakable rumble, this time , multiplied because there were several bikes coming down the road. Best part, we were all looking one way and someone said, wouldn’t it be funny if they came from the other direction. Guess what they did!
He was totally surprised! Even rode right past us and around the block! Then he came to the house and it was hugs and cheers by and for everyone!
Now it’s time to party! He was so thrilled and touched that we were all there to celebrate him. He couldn’t believe that PSM and I cut out vacation short to be there, but there was no where else we would be!
There was a great selection of treats for appetizers, a great Italian spread with pasta, meatballs, salad, bread for dinner and of course, a fabulous cake!
The weather was perfect, even a few kids in the pool! Eventually, there was a chill in the air and a fire got built, that was party central!
Eventually, it was time to head out, PSM has a very early flight in the morning. I’m going to sleep in… then, don’t tell GES, but I’m going to try to surprise the family with a quick visit! Fingers crossed I am successful! Then it’s back to Chicago for work.
What a whirlwind!
It just sucks when it happens on vacation…Kind of like a summer cold.
I know I owe you a few posts from our Kauai vacation, but as things happen, I am delayed, my apolgies.
So… the first thing that delayed me was Monday night. Apparently with too much sun and too much juice, I have no idea, can have a negative effect. Let’s just say, I had too much sun, got a burn and then at the luau, I honestly think I had too much juice, sugar, whatever, I think I got a touch of sun poisoning, bad combination, and passed out, among other things. Scared PSM just a wee bit, but he was great, taking care of me and making sure I got back to the hotel safely and putting me to bed.
Tuesday, we did stuff, but at a much slower pace, that mack truck that hit me wiped me out!
I had some connection issues, so of course, frustrating there.
Last grrr…I dropped my phone, for the thousandth time, it seemed like, and my screen finally cracked! Oh no!!! At least it’s only in the corner and the camera is just fine in the front and the back. I was just talking about getting a new phone, isn’t that always the way? PSM said I handled it well, what else could I do?
Oh yeah, the sunburn, ouch! Here’s what happened there… I’ve been in the Hawaii sun a bunch and after the initial tan, I’ll admit, I don’t put sunblock on every time. Shh… don’t tell my mom! Now, if I’m going to be in the sun for a really long time, I put it on, especially my face.
For the past few months I’ve been wearing a bathing suit that is shorts and a shirt, I’m sure you know what I mean. Well, Monday, I decidedI was going to wear a bikini, yup, me! It’s actually a top and bottom that you would wear to work out, so it fits well. At least I think it does and PSM liked it.
Since I was wearing something new and exposing more skin, and in new places, I applied sunblock everywhere, that you can tell my mom! Ha ha. Well… even though I applied it everywhere, apparently, I forgot my midsection! Or, I didn’t apply enough! I am burned, red- lobster red, oh my! And ooouuucchhhh!
Let’s just say, you can tell what kind of straps for me top and it looks like I was wearing a cummerbun for a tuxedo! Oh my!
I got some good lotion and cooling gel and I’m getting better. Some of it is already starting to turn brown, so I’m good to go! As I always say when I come home for a bit, when I go back to work I want to look like I’ve been somewhere! Mission accomplished!
So… overall, not bad, just not fun when these things happen on vacation, right?
Moving on, I have so much to tell you, tomorrow!
Happy, happy birthday CWB!
I wanted to wish one of my oldest and dearest friends a very happy birthday. Ok, not oldest, but someone I have known the longest. Apparently, as we get older, have to be more selective with how we phrase things!
We met in middle school, not even sure where, but we became instant friends and that friendship carried us through middle school, high school and college. We went to different high schools, but stayed together, every took driver’s education and our SAT prep together.
It was me, CWB and her twin sister, HW, we were like The Three Musketeers! Their mom would treat me like another daughter, I even remember one time when she would say “my girls” and they would say “and JJ!” I loved being a part of the family.
We would go to the theatre, dances, movies, dinner, into the city, which, when you live in/on one of the five boroughs that make up NYC, going into Manhattan.
We stayed in touch throughout and even a little after college. CWB moved into the city and I eventually moved to Georgia and as many things happen in life and with friends, we lost touch. Lives happen, people go their separate ways, not forgetting about each other, even thinking about each other, sending vibes into the universe.
With the introduction of Facebook, like a lot of other people, we reconnected. I think I’ve told you about some of our calls over the last year, picking up each time as if we hts spoke the week before.
She’s a fabulous mom and wife, sister, daughter, friend, great supporter of the causes she holds dear, a fighter for what she believes in.
I’m so happy that we found each other and we’re back in each other’s lives, I wouldn’t have it any other way. My friend, my seestah!
Happy, happy birthday CWB, I hope September 6th brings you all you hope for.
Day three Kauai. What’s our next adventure?!
Today consisted of driving up the Waimea Canyon Drive to the various lookouts, stopping along the drive at different scenic overlooks and a few hikes, or walks. I hope you’ll join us.
The next overlook stop was interesting and beautiful. Look at all the ‘people’ others have made stacking rocks. Of course we added us, mine has a red rock on top for the redhead I am!
The next stop was the Waimea Canyon Lookout. They say this canyon is the Grand Canyon of the Hawaiin Islands and its true. I know the photos don’t do it justice, but wow!
You know you’re on an island, and its not a huge island, but being up here, looking out at the vastness, it doesn’t feel that small, but you do.
There was another park overlook, Kokee Road, that we stopped at. This was looking over the Nopali Coast, where we were snorkeling yesterday. I took photos of this side of the mountain from down there looking up, just amazing!
Major props to PSM for sitting where he is! Like many, heights is not his thing, but he’s been challenging himself for a long time and the hikes he’s been taking since moving to Hawaii has been helping.
Next was Pihea Trail in Hanapepe. Some areas were mostly on the Hawaiian Red Dirt Hawaii is famous for and it looked like we were walking on another planet. Once on a while we geeked out feeling like we were on an episode of Star Trek!
It’s good we got there when we did, sort of. We had great visibility all the way driving up the canyon road and when we started down this trail, but the clouds had been threatening and then they started rolling in and when you looked to the left, nothing, literally, nothing.
The trade winds have left and this week is a little warm, even by Hawaiian standards, so when the clouds roll in, ahh. It’s like air conditioning and a mist machine all rolled into one.
We left just in time, as the rain started. Then coming down, it was as if it never happened!
Now, after all that hiking, time for some lunch. We found a little thai place that doubled as a shaved ice stand, treat shack and was attached to a clothing store.
Here are our breakfast and lunch companions. I don’t know if you remember me telling you that the chickens and rosters are all over Kauai, even at the hotel and in the restaurant since it’s open. No one bothers them and they don’t bother you, just pick up what you dropped. Who needs a dog…or a swifer!
After lunch, a trip to the beach at the end of the world! We went almost to the end of the island and took a left. Then, down a four mile dirt and jutted road with potholes, divits and bumps. As we’re driving, the clouds are slowly rolling in and just as we get to the beach, drip, drop, drip, drop. Doesn’t stop us from getting out of the car. What’s that saying? “A rainy day at the beach is better than a day at the office”. I would have to agree!
The people on the beach knew what they were doing, tents with flaps keeping out the rain. Or several open type tents with flaps next to each other creating a barrier against the rain.
We left the beach at the end of the world and headed back to our hotel, got two of our free mai tais and walked to the beach behind our hotel to swatch another amazing sunset.
Dinner at the hotel…with the chickens, who I continually promise I will not be eating.
Tomorrow starts early… another great adventure! Join us?!
Day two Kauai. What a day! We started the day at the hotel at a Kauai orientation breakfast. This was presented by a local company that tells you about Kauai, navigating around the island and then different options for tours and activities on the island. The nice thing about the orientation was having someone to book activities for us in one place, instead of us going to multiple sites to book. We’re excited about what we’ve booked, starting today! 
We started off on our day of adventure through the Tunnel of Trees, isn’t it fabulous!? 
Then we stopped in the town of Koloa, toured an old Hawaiian village, look at that monkeypod tree, planted in 1925 by Howard Yamamoto. 
Then we drove on and stopped at Poipu Beach and saw Ke Kahua O Kaneiolouma, a map of an authentic Hawaiian village designed by Henry Kekahuna. 
We were at Poipu Beach, how could we not actually go to the beach! How beautiful, yum! Toes in the sand! 
Then, on to Spouting Horn State Park. Spouting Horn is located in the Koloa district on the southern coast of Kauai. This area of Kauai is known for its crashing waves, these waves erode lava rocks on the coastline which can create narrow openings, as is the case with Spouting Horn. 
The Napali Coast was amazing! Caves, waterfalls, inlets, jutties, mountains, goats, private islands. 
Snorkeling! Love, love, love my Go-Pro, thank you family! 
What an adventure and what a way to end the day! What could tomorrow hold!?
What do people who live on an island do for vacation?
Why, they go to another island, of course! Aloha Kauai! We’ve been talking about where to go for a while and since we want to explore all the island before we move, Kauai was next on the list! PSM had spent some time here with his aunt and uncle a few months ago and wanted to share it with me now. Love that!
As you know, I got home last night, did laundry and this morning, up, pack and head to the airport. The beauty of inter- island flying on Hawaiian Airlines is that there are flights almost every hour and the flights are anywhere from 25-45 minutes. Up and down, nice. Not a bad view from the plane, eh? Then took a few shots after we landed on the way to lunch!
The nice thing about traveling for work is the points! We are staying at a Hilton Garden Inn on points, wahoo!
We went to Kapaa to a food truck that I saw the owner on Cooks vs Cons! But, alas, they were closed, off island for research, but they will be back on the 5th, we’ll go then! So, in search of food, we found Tiki’s Tacos!
It is a small place, tacos only, no chips on the side, as they say, tacos only, eclectic and the menu is written in chalk above the window to the kitchen. When you look for the menu online, its a photo of the chalkboard!
The food takes a bit to come out, could be why there are skeletons everywhere! Kidding of course, part of the Mexican ambiance, the one in the bathroom cracked me up, when the lights came on, disco lights! The food good, fresh ingredients and very filling.
No, the chickens in the parking lot were not used in the making of our lunches! The island is known for its population of wild chickens and roosters. They are every-where!
Off to find adventure!
We drove to a few fabulous lookout points, let’s be real, this is Hawaii, what isn’t a fabulous lookout point!
We went to see the Opaeka’a Falls, one of two waterfalls on the island that are view only. The others you have to hike or kayak to.
One of the overlooks we could see where some of Indiana Jones was filmed!
By now, it is happy hour time! We went to the Lava Lava Beach Club. This is a spot that is known for its happy hour, the view is amazing and the specials are the right price.
We started with a Gilligans Girl and Huggies Mai Tai. Not a fan of either, but, PSM enjoyed the mai tai, a few times. The tater tots and mango pineapple salsa was tasty.
Look at that view! We put our toes in the sand, mine in the water and said ahhh…
Not bad for a first day. I can’t wait to see what adventure awaits us this week!
Peaches Prattlings 