The new blog I have set up for the Mayo Clinic trip is:
http://mayomecca.blogspot.com
I doubt it will be as fun a read as I hope the Hawaii blog was for you, but at least you will be updated on Heidi's condition and will get a sense of how the Mayo people handle our case, and i'll delve into some of the other things we have tried over the course of the past two years.
Peace,
Bill
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
End of this blog
Hi all that make it here. Since we are coming up on the 1st anniversary of departing for this trip, I figured I'd bring this blog to a close. I am taking Heidi to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN beginning this Saturday for as long as they want us there with the hope that someone at "Mecca" can help us figure this out and get on the road to a cure. Once I have that set up, I will post the blog address here in case you want to follow what happens on that trip and any new information about Heidi's condition.
The memories of this Hawaii trip will live forever in our hearts and hopefully the years will not dull the times we had there together as a family.
Best to you and yours, Happy New Year. May 2009 bring you everything you hope for.
All the best,
Bill
The memories of this Hawaii trip will live forever in our hearts and hopefully the years will not dull the times we had there together as a family.
Best to you and yours, Happy New Year. May 2009 bring you everything you hope for.
All the best,
Bill
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Back in "The Ranch"
Hi all, sorry we have not been updating the blog lately. We arrived home in Denver last night at about midnight. The last couple of weeks have been super busy and with lots of travel and moving around. We never quite seemed to get settled and of course had to cram as much fun stuff to do in as possible which generally left us all worn out at the end of the day and not too interested in blogging.
I'll try to figure out a more efficient way of getting a bunch of photos out on the web using flixter or shutterfly or something in the near future.
Just to give you a sense of where our minds are at right now...yesterday we had mixed feelings about leaving Hawaii. We love it there and it holds a lot of nostalgic feelings for us from "back in the day." The green fields and mountains, the gentle tradewinds, the blue and turquoise ocean (full of fish!), the great weather, the sand with its unique beach-to-beach characteristics, the sunsets over the water and of course the friends that we re-connected with and the new ones we made. What's not to like about that. Now of course, we have a whole new set of memories that we will treasure and that will draw us back to the islands once again.
That being said, it was also great to come home to a neighborhood full of wonderful people that are so awesome, to Colorado which is getting ready to "Spring" and our house, into which Heidi has put so much good work, making it our home. We are still trying to figure out how we can make this place work (with the stairs and no main floor bedroom or shower.) So far my "sherpa" skills are woking, so I don't think we are under TOO much pressure to do anything about it.
Out for now. B.
I'll try to figure out a more efficient way of getting a bunch of photos out on the web using flixter or shutterfly or something in the near future.
Just to give you a sense of where our minds are at right now...yesterday we had mixed feelings about leaving Hawaii. We love it there and it holds a lot of nostalgic feelings for us from "back in the day." The green fields and mountains, the gentle tradewinds, the blue and turquoise ocean (full of fish!), the great weather, the sand with its unique beach-to-beach characteristics, the sunsets over the water and of course the friends that we re-connected with and the new ones we made. What's not to like about that. Now of course, we have a whole new set of memories that we will treasure and that will draw us back to the islands once again.
That being said, it was also great to come home to a neighborhood full of wonderful people that are so awesome, to Colorado which is getting ready to "Spring" and our house, into which Heidi has put so much good work, making it our home. We are still trying to figure out how we can make this place work (with the stairs and no main floor bedroom or shower.) So far my "sherpa" skills are woking, so I don't think we are under TOO much pressure to do anything about it.
Out for now. B.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Back on Oahu
Hi guys,
We made it back to Oahu the other day and have been settling back in. Really like our location here on the beach. Have I mentioned that before?
Since the last blog entry we met up with our friends from Highlands Ranch, the Bova family who were staying next door to us over that the Fairmont Orchid. We had fun hanging out with them on the Mauna Lani Beachclub beach and then had an EPIC day over at Hapuna beach, which is by far the best beach that we have been to on any island. Props to Mr. Agasa for pointing us in that direction because the beach is beautiful, the water was amazing, the waves were great for the kids and the whales were pounding the water just offshore with their tales. We all got a great opportunity to do some body surfing. I rode the waves with the girls on my back, which was really fun.
So we have been hanging out mostly here at the house, but we did get out for a surfing lesson for the girls yesterday with our old friend Gaby. We met her at good old Zippy's and followed her over to the beach at what used to be Barber's Point NAS and is now public beach. She's a teacher so naturally was good working with the girls. They went "tandem" with her on a big soft-top board and all of them got up and surfed with her help. See attached photos. It was a magical day. I even got to go out and paddle around for a while. I say that because try as I might to catch a wave, the photo you will see of me on my blog is about as close to surfing as I got. http://billshiblog.blogspot.com
Tomorrow we are going to have a couple of friends over in the afternoon for some beach time and a little barbeque and then have a BIG surprise for the girls tomorrow evening.
'til next time!
Bill
We made it back to Oahu the other day and have been settling back in. Really like our location here on the beach. Have I mentioned that before?
Since the last blog entry we met up with our friends from Highlands Ranch, the Bova family who were staying next door to us over that the Fairmont Orchid. We had fun hanging out with them on the Mauna Lani Beachclub beach and then had an EPIC day over at Hapuna beach, which is by far the best beach that we have been to on any island. Props to Mr. Agasa for pointing us in that direction because the beach is beautiful, the water was amazing, the waves were great for the kids and the whales were pounding the water just offshore with their tales. We all got a great opportunity to do some body surfing. I rode the waves with the girls on my back, which was really fun.
So we have been hanging out mostly here at the house, but we did get out for a surfing lesson for the girls yesterday with our old friend Gaby. We met her at good old Zippy's and followed her over to the beach at what used to be Barber's Point NAS and is now public beach. She's a teacher so naturally was good working with the girls. They went "tandem" with her on a big soft-top board and all of them got up and surfed with her help. See attached photos. It was a magical day. I even got to go out and paddle around for a while. I say that because try as I might to catch a wave, the photo you will see of me on my blog is about as close to surfing as I got. http://billshiblog.blogspot.com
Tomorrow we are going to have a couple of friends over in the afternoon for some beach time and a little barbeque and then have a BIG surprise for the girls tomorrow evening.
'til next time!
Bill
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Hi Everybody, It's Bill giving an update
Hope everyone out there reading this is doing well. I would like to say that we really miss you guys and are looking forward to seeing everyone in late March.
We concluded our stay on the Hilo side of the island and drove over to the Kona side (actually the Kohala coast, for those who know the island) on Wednesday. Soon (not tonight) I'll post some photos of our last few days over there. (color on the othe blog)
We had fun going to the tropical botanical gardens north of Hilo and to Akaka falls that same day. For me, the highlight of that trip was at Akaka falls where the ramp down was "under construction" and so we had to leave Heidi at the parking lot...UNTIL...this really cool dude offered to help me get her down the 50 or so steps to where the path began again. He carried the chair and I carried Heidi down about 40 of them and she walked down the last 10 or so and then we rolled her up and down the crazy trail out to the falls.
We got a nice family photo out there that i'll post. On the way back up the stairs, she got a Queen's ride up the stairs with two guys on the sides and me on the back handles with her in the chair right to the top. There are lots of good samaritans out there and we find well wishes and help wherever we go, it seems. I hope that these types of things will be good lessons for the girls. The seemed to really dig the whole thing with Mom acting out her best Queen Lili schtick.
We may even have a photo of that ride. If so, i'll post.
Back at the gardens, we saw all manner of tropical plants and another beautiful waterfall scene. Heidi has been snapping photos like a madwoman (or directing me to) and so we have way more than we can post...but then again how many photos of exotic orchids do you really want to see? The girls also spotted a giant jumping spider, which looked REALLY gnarly. Giant fangs and the works. Big green sucker. I got a photo of him, but I figured he was a jumping spider, even before the manager told us so, and I didn't really want to get all up close and personal, so even the "macro" shot is not all that close. You don't get a good appreciation for the fangs in the photo, nor the ominous potential of a full face sucking jump-and-bite.
The next day we went over to the public hot pool on the coast and to Kapoho lagoons, which are really cool protected lava tidepools that harbor all manner of fish in crystal clear blue-green splendor. Unfortunately for me, the hunter, this area is a marine preserve and so I couldn't bring my spear and get dinner. I think the girls might have gotten a photo or two with their underwater camera provided for them by their teachers, so we shall see.
The next day we drove over to this side of the island and enjoyed a little stop in Honoka'a and a leisurely run through Wiamea. Nothing all that great on that journey except the views and the fudge we picked up at a little shop in Honoka'a.
The last few days here we've just been Chillin' like Villin's and hitting the beach club at the Mauna Lani. Today we toured down the path to the beach and checked out the lave tube cave and the ancient fishponds. Heidi felt like she was on a ride at Elichs' due to the ups and downs of the path over the lava and me running pushing the chair like one of those old school baby buggies, but without the shocks and the big wheels.
Of course more color commentary on "the other blog." ;-) http://billshiblog.blogspot.com
Peace out.
b.
We concluded our stay on the Hilo side of the island and drove over to the Kona side (actually the Kohala coast, for those who know the island) on Wednesday. Soon (not tonight) I'll post some photos of our last few days over there. (color on the othe blog)
We had fun going to the tropical botanical gardens north of Hilo and to Akaka falls that same day. For me, the highlight of that trip was at Akaka falls where the ramp down was "under construction" and so we had to leave Heidi at the parking lot...UNTIL...this really cool dude offered to help me get her down the 50 or so steps to where the path began again. He carried the chair and I carried Heidi down about 40 of them and she walked down the last 10 or so and then we rolled her up and down the crazy trail out to the falls.
We got a nice family photo out there that i'll post. On the way back up the stairs, she got a Queen's ride up the stairs with two guys on the sides and me on the back handles with her in the chair right to the top. There are lots of good samaritans out there and we find well wishes and help wherever we go, it seems. I hope that these types of things will be good lessons for the girls. The seemed to really dig the whole thing with Mom acting out her best Queen Lili schtick.
We may even have a photo of that ride. If so, i'll post.
Back at the gardens, we saw all manner of tropical plants and another beautiful waterfall scene. Heidi has been snapping photos like a madwoman (or directing me to) and so we have way more than we can post...but then again how many photos of exotic orchids do you really want to see? The girls also spotted a giant jumping spider, which looked REALLY gnarly. Giant fangs and the works. Big green sucker. I got a photo of him, but I figured he was a jumping spider, even before the manager told us so, and I didn't really want to get all up close and personal, so even the "macro" shot is not all that close. You don't get a good appreciation for the fangs in the photo, nor the ominous potential of a full face sucking jump-and-bite.
The next day we went over to the public hot pool on the coast and to Kapoho lagoons, which are really cool protected lava tidepools that harbor all manner of fish in crystal clear blue-green splendor. Unfortunately for me, the hunter, this area is a marine preserve and so I couldn't bring my spear and get dinner. I think the girls might have gotten a photo or two with their underwater camera provided for them by their teachers, so we shall see.
The next day we drove over to this side of the island and enjoyed a little stop in Honoka'a and a leisurely run through Wiamea. Nothing all that great on that journey except the views and the fudge we picked up at a little shop in Honoka'a.
The last few days here we've just been Chillin' like Villin's and hitting the beach club at the Mauna Lani. Today we toured down the path to the beach and checked out the lave tube cave and the ancient fishponds. Heidi felt like she was on a ride at Elichs' due to the ups and downs of the path over the lava and me running pushing the chair like one of those old school baby buggies, but without the shocks and the big wheels.
Of course more color commentary on "the other blog." ;-) http://billshiblog.blogspot.com
Peace out.
b.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Hilo Side - Big Island
Hi Everyone,
Well, we made it to the Hilo side on Wednesday afternoon and it's Friday night. The Coque Frog dating scene is really uh...hoppin' (sorry, but I couldn't resist.)
We had an interesting day yesterday (which I'll blog a bit more about on my other blog at http://billshiblog.blogspot.com) and today was even more so.
Yesterday, we went into town to grab some lunch and got a good 'ole country lunch in Pahoa to go. We took it over to the Lava Tree State Park for a little picknic. Well, I got a flat driving into the parking lot, so the girls enjoyed their lunch while I called around trying to get some help, and eventually just figured out how to change it myself...fun fun fun. Anyhow, we managed to get a photo of one of the lava trees with the girls which is posted here.
Today, we drove down Highway 130 to where Kalapana USED to be. Wow. We really got a first hand view of what madame Pele can do when she's angry. A historic Hawaiian town is essentially gone. There are a few houses that were spared the lava flow, only to be declared "fine" by their insurance companies even though they exist in an area that no longer has any support...no electricity, no water, no sewer...nothing. I'm sure those folks wish that their houses burned with the rest of them. Also posting a couple photos of the lava flow.
We drove down to the end of the road and walked out to visit the new black sand beach, which was created at the end of the lava flow back in around 1990. I visited Kalapana back in 1989 as the flow was taking it, and had an opportunity to visit the "old" black sand beach there, which was amazing. It really is a shame that it was covered, but that's how this island works. Over here when you look at real estate there is a thing called "Fee Simple", which means that you own the land that your house is located on and "Leasehold" which usually means that it is owned by one of the big Hawaiian trusts or is "Hawaiian Homeland" land and does not belong to you outright. Well, I would submit that there is another type of land here on the Big Island, which is "leasehold from Pele" which means that even if you THINK you own your land and do so according to public record, that all this land really is on loan fro Pele and she can take it back at any moment. The good folks of Kalapana learned that back in 89 and 90.
We then drove up the beach road, which is beautiful and very rugged, not sure why they call it a beach road though, as there really are almost NO beaches around here. We stopped for lunch at a nice overlook and went for a short hike down to near the shore so we could feel some sea spray.
The girls are watching Lilo and Stitch... a classic, realistic Hawaiian film. (yea right) I'll try and get them to do some blogging soon. Tomorrow I think we will head off to the Volcano National Park and see what's up on the other side of the flow.
Aloha,
Bill
Well, we made it to the Hilo side on Wednesday afternoon and it's Friday night. The Coque Frog dating scene is really uh...hoppin' (sorry, but I couldn't resist.)
We had an interesting day yesterday (which I'll blog a bit more about on my other blog at http://billshiblog.blogspot.com) and today was even more so.
Yesterday, we went into town to grab some lunch and got a good 'ole country lunch in Pahoa to go. We took it over to the Lava Tree State Park for a little picknic. Well, I got a flat driving into the parking lot, so the girls enjoyed their lunch while I called around trying to get some help, and eventually just figured out how to change it myself...fun fun fun. Anyhow, we managed to get a photo of one of the lava trees with the girls which is posted here.
Today, we drove down Highway 130 to where Kalapana USED to be. Wow. We really got a first hand view of what madame Pele can do when she's angry. A historic Hawaiian town is essentially gone. There are a few houses that were spared the lava flow, only to be declared "fine" by their insurance companies even though they exist in an area that no longer has any support...no electricity, no water, no sewer...nothing. I'm sure those folks wish that their houses burned with the rest of them. Also posting a couple photos of the lava flow.
We drove down to the end of the road and walked out to visit the new black sand beach, which was created at the end of the lava flow back in around 1990. I visited Kalapana back in 1989 as the flow was taking it, and had an opportunity to visit the "old" black sand beach there, which was amazing. It really is a shame that it was covered, but that's how this island works. Over here when you look at real estate there is a thing called "Fee Simple", which means that you own the land that your house is located on and "Leasehold" which usually means that it is owned by one of the big Hawaiian trusts or is "Hawaiian Homeland" land and does not belong to you outright. Well, I would submit that there is another type of land here on the Big Island, which is "leasehold from Pele" which means that even if you THINK you own your land and do so according to public record, that all this land really is on loan fro Pele and she can take it back at any moment. The good folks of Kalapana learned that back in 89 and 90.
We then drove up the beach road, which is beautiful and very rugged, not sure why they call it a beach road though, as there really are almost NO beaches around here. We stopped for lunch at a nice overlook and went for a short hike down to near the shore so we could feel some sea spray.
The girls are watching Lilo and Stitch... a classic, realistic Hawaiian film. (yea right) I'll try and get them to do some blogging soon. Tomorrow I think we will head off to the Volcano National Park and see what's up on the other side of the flow.
Aloha,
Bill
Sunday, February 17, 2008
new photos!
Hi everyone,
I'm posting some new photos to the blog for your enjoyment.
We have had a lot of fun in the sun the last few days. I've also recently shaved my face clean, to which the girls said "why did you do that, I liked it the other way!" Oh well, first they tell me I look old with my grey goatee, and now they don't like it. I just can't win!
I'll pick one photo for the side, but there are several below at the end of the posts.
Peace, B.
I'm posting some new photos to the blog for your enjoyment.
We have had a lot of fun in the sun the last few days. I've also recently shaved my face clean, to which the girls said "why did you do that, I liked it the other way!" Oh well, first they tell me I look old with my grey goatee, and now they don't like it. I just can't win!
I'll pick one photo for the side, but there are several below at the end of the posts.
Peace, B.
Notes from Rachel;
Hi guys,
Thanks to the people that commented to me. I like to read your comments. I wish I could give you a comment back. Can you give me more? I miss you guys.
Today we were swimming for the whole day. I didn't see any turtles today, but my dad did. Mom and dad also saw some whales. Dad said one of them looked like a submarine coming out of the water in the movies. The waves have been really small the last few days so that means that we can go look at the little thingys in the tide pools like sea urchins. A few days ago I held one. Today we went to Turtle Bay and had a ginormous lunch. Me and my sisters mostly had sweets 'cause dad said we could have almost anything we wanted. I had very creamy oatmeal and two icecream cones and coconut cake. One of the healthy things I got was Poke, which is raw tuna. I loved it. Thanks, Bye. Rachel
Thanks to the people that commented to me. I like to read your comments. I wish I could give you a comment back. Can you give me more? I miss you guys.
Today we were swimming for the whole day. I didn't see any turtles today, but my dad did. Mom and dad also saw some whales. Dad said one of them looked like a submarine coming out of the water in the movies. The waves have been really small the last few days so that means that we can go look at the little thingys in the tide pools like sea urchins. A few days ago I held one. Today we went to Turtle Bay and had a ginormous lunch. Me and my sisters mostly had sweets 'cause dad said we could have almost anything we wanted. I had very creamy oatmeal and two icecream cones and coconut cake. One of the healthy things I got was Poke, which is raw tuna. I loved it. Thanks, Bye. Rachel
Post from Jillian:
I am watching American Gladiators. It is a great show!! I have been doing a lot of swimming in the ocean and it is very very fun. The water is warm. I saw a camelion but I couldn't catch it. I had a nice brunch today at Turtle Bay. It was awesome because I had three ice creams.
Rock On.
Jillian.
Rock On.
Jillian.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Comments From Shelby
Hi Everyone, I'm having such a great time in Hawaii!!!! The waves have been pretty big here on the north shore. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY !! Ahh... The love Holday , bye, shelby
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Comments From Shelby:
Hi all, I havent posted in a long time. Did you people see the pic of the turtle running away from us because Jilly Bean touched it? I wonder how it felt. It's been high tide for a long time now. I miss everyone, I hope everyones having FUN back out there, bye Shelby
Monday, February 11, 2008
Monday update
Hi everybody,
Well, the weather here has flipped completely over. The last few days have been amazing. Light trades, sun all over the place. There's still a big swell coming in, though it never got gigantic last week. The weather said maybe later this week it will hit the 25 ft. mark. We shall see. We are learning that wave height predictions are similar to how the weather predictions used to be before the satillites and all that jazz. Not too accruate.
The girls have been doing a great job keeping up with their schoolwork (at least we think they have) and having a good time too. We looked into a surf lesson for Shelby today.
Also, I HAVE to say just how NICE people are.
**I have met people on the beach that have offered us to use their beach stuff, kayaks, boogieboards, etc.
** I made a post to a person that owns a place at the Mauna Lani and he asked quesitons about what's up with us (i.e. why we are here for two months with the kids out of school, etc.) and he rented us his 3br 2ba luxury condo for an amazing price. This is a link to his place, and if you ever want to stay there, all I can say is that the owner is a good person and certainly more than fair. http://www.vacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/38630.html
** I made a post looking for a fishing buddy and have found two. One of them i've already posted about our trip, so thanks again to Tony, the other is a guy that owns a local tour company called Hidden Hawaii, Inc. and has offered to take me out for the cost of expenses on the boat. I'm planning to go out with him on Thursday so will post more about that later.
I'll post some more sort of fate related events on my other blog at http://billshiblog.blogspot.com
Peace, Bill
Well, the weather here has flipped completely over. The last few days have been amazing. Light trades, sun all over the place. There's still a big swell coming in, though it never got gigantic last week. The weather said maybe later this week it will hit the 25 ft. mark. We shall see. We are learning that wave height predictions are similar to how the weather predictions used to be before the satillites and all that jazz. Not too accruate.
The girls have been doing a great job keeping up with their schoolwork (at least we think they have) and having a good time too. We looked into a surf lesson for Shelby today.
Also, I HAVE to say just how NICE people are.
**I have met people on the beach that have offered us to use their beach stuff, kayaks, boogieboards, etc.
** I made a post to a person that owns a place at the Mauna Lani and he asked quesitons about what's up with us (i.e. why we are here for two months with the kids out of school, etc.) and he rented us his 3br 2ba luxury condo for an amazing price. This is a link to his place, and if you ever want to stay there, all I can say is that the owner is a good person and certainly more than fair. http://www.vacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/38630.html
** I made a post looking for a fishing buddy and have found two. One of them i've already posted about our trip, so thanks again to Tony, the other is a guy that owns a local tour company called Hidden Hawaii, Inc. and has offered to take me out for the cost of expenses on the boat. I'm planning to go out with him on Thursday so will post more about that later.
I'll post some more sort of fate related events on my other blog at http://billshiblog.blogspot.com
Peace, Bill
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Comments from Rachel
Hey everybody its me Rachel, I have ben doing a ton of stuff, today at the
farmers market me and my sisters found a......PUPPY!!!!! He was so CUTE,(saying that dramatically)Plus yesterday we found a turtle on the beach. It was really cool, but Jillian touched it and dad got mad at her because noone is supposed to touch turtles and it scared him away. Dad might put a picture of it on the blog. We have gone body surfing a LOT. A few days ago we went in the Kayak. My dad caught a wave that was really big and the front started tipping over and getting water in it, but it was fun. Last night we found a ton of humongous sand crabs. Today my dad might use them for bait for fishing. Hopefully we can keep one. Last night we also roasted marshmellows. The waves today are HUGE outside our house, but my dad said I can't go body surfing in them because they are too big! Thanks for commenting me.
Thanks, Bye. Rachel
farmers market me and my sisters found a......PUPPY!!!!! He was so CUTE,(saying that dramatically)Plus yesterday we found a turtle on the beach. It was really cool, but Jillian touched it and dad got mad at her because noone is supposed to touch turtles and it scared him away. Dad might put a picture of it on the blog. We have gone body surfing a LOT. A few days ago we went in the Kayak. My dad caught a wave that was really big and the front started tipping over and getting water in it, but it was fun. Last night we found a ton of humongous sand crabs. Today my dad might use them for bait for fishing. Hopefully we can keep one. Last night we also roasted marshmellows. The waves today are HUGE outside our house, but my dad said I can't go body surfing in them because they are too big! Thanks for commenting me.
Thanks, Bye. Rachel
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Eh, You da Kine, uh!
Seriously, this was the name of a show we saw on TV. Absoultely hilarious if you are not from here, but very "local" if you are. It is a show that features local events and "feel good" types of stories. Even had its own little song to go with it with the same name as the show. Basically, it's this rotund local guy with the thick Pidgin accent interviewing people about local stuff. Classic name though.
I knew the surf was coming in last night because every time I woke up it sounded like there was a freight train out on the reef. All day, the train shows up about every 7 or 8 minutes for a set or two. Plus there's lots of Helicopters all over the place, I guess both filming the surf and looking for people to rescue. Seeing the sun and the huge waves, we went to Pipe this am and it was going off. Epic waves. We saw a few snapped surfboards, and Heidi saw a dude go out on a stretcher with some type of nasty injury. We hope he's OK. It is amazing to see these guys, both the boogie boarders and the surfers on these waves. The ones that make it look so cool, and then you see someone get pounded or go over the falls and it's like...ok, that's why I don't want to do that. Heidi heard that the waves are going to keep getting bigger this week! That means that Waimea might go off, which is a very cool and rare thing to get to see. I'd say the biggest waves today were 18-20, and really they need another 5-10 before Waimea gets really going. We'll see!
Also, you probably know that Jilli loves penguins, so she got to see a few yesterday at the Hilton.
It was georgeous this am, but is raining now, so here I sit on the blog! SamCamo the lizard is next door ---->, and some pix of Pipe from this am below the other posts...
Cheers, B.
I knew the surf was coming in last night because every time I woke up it sounded like there was a freight train out on the reef. All day, the train shows up about every 7 or 8 minutes for a set or two. Plus there's lots of Helicopters all over the place, I guess both filming the surf and looking for people to rescue. Seeing the sun and the huge waves, we went to Pipe this am and it was going off. Epic waves. We saw a few snapped surfboards, and Heidi saw a dude go out on a stretcher with some type of nasty injury. We hope he's OK. It is amazing to see these guys, both the boogie boarders and the surfers on these waves. The ones that make it look so cool, and then you see someone get pounded or go over the falls and it's like...ok, that's why I don't want to do that. Heidi heard that the waves are going to keep getting bigger this week! That means that Waimea might go off, which is a very cool and rare thing to get to see. I'd say the biggest waves today were 18-20, and really they need another 5-10 before Waimea gets really going. We'll see!
Also, you probably know that Jilli loves penguins, so she got to see a few yesterday at the Hilton.
It was georgeous this am, but is raining now, so here I sit on the blog! SamCamo the lizard is next door ---->, and some pix of Pipe from this am below the other posts...
Cheers, B.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Wednesday update:
Hi Everybody,
Well, we finally had a BEAUTIFUL day here on Oahu. The sun was shining the wind was down and we had a blast. I took the girls all out for turns on the "quickraft" kayak that they have here at the house for use. It was fun. We did some "whipping" out there for papio, but didn't get any luck. Rachel and I caught a wave and had a bit of excitement. Mostly we just paddled around and threw out the lure a few times. I would throw it out and then let the girls reel it in. Jillian was not into the kayaking and decided to dig a big hole in the beach instead. hmmm...
The girls have been having fun. They caught a chamelion (sp?) yesterday and named it Cammy, and then they caught "another one" today in roughly the same place but named him Bob. They were sure that it was a different lizard, but me, not so much. I will post a photo of the soon to be famous "CamBob" in a bit.
The highlight of their week last week was doing the video conferences with their classes in CO.
Also met today with a good dude named Harrison who has volunteered his 25' Donzi sportfisher to got out and try to get some offshore fishing in. I think we will wait until next week though as the weather pattern is supposed to be mo' betta. He also has some interesting business ideas to discuss, and T-bolt might be able to help him out too, so now I can write off my whole trip...Just kidding John.
This afternoon we went over to the Hilton Hawaiian Village (my fav. Oahu hotel) and hung out for a bit. We had dinner at Benihana, and the girls just loved the way the Chef prepared the dinner. I've had that type of dinner about 5 times and this guy was the best i've seen. The way he flipped the food around (even flipping the rice bowls full of rice) and he made an "onion volcano" fully flaming with lava and the works.
Also, don't know if you have heard, but there is big news in the ALS realm. Aparrently, Lithium has been proven to slow the progression of the disease, which is very good news. Heidi was ahead of this curve based on her internet research and following of the ALSTDI discussion groups, and has already been on Lithium for about 2 weeks. Let's all pray for everyone with this terrible diagnosis that this will be helpful to them, and at least delay progression long enough to find a treatment that will stop the progression and begin to heal. You can find out more about this on this link:
http://www.pdfdownload.org/pdf2html/pdf2html.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pnas.org%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F0708022105v1.pdf&images=yes
Peace.
Bill
Well, we finally had a BEAUTIFUL day here on Oahu. The sun was shining the wind was down and we had a blast. I took the girls all out for turns on the "quickraft" kayak that they have here at the house for use. It was fun. We did some "whipping" out there for papio, but didn't get any luck. Rachel and I caught a wave and had a bit of excitement. Mostly we just paddled around and threw out the lure a few times. I would throw it out and then let the girls reel it in. Jillian was not into the kayaking and decided to dig a big hole in the beach instead. hmmm...
The girls have been having fun. They caught a chamelion (sp?) yesterday and named it Cammy, and then they caught "another one" today in roughly the same place but named him Bob. They were sure that it was a different lizard, but me, not so much. I will post a photo of the soon to be famous "CamBob" in a bit.
The highlight of their week last week was doing the video conferences with their classes in CO.
Also met today with a good dude named Harrison who has volunteered his 25' Donzi sportfisher to got out and try to get some offshore fishing in. I think we will wait until next week though as the weather pattern is supposed to be mo' betta. He also has some interesting business ideas to discuss, and T-bolt might be able to help him out too, so now I can write off my whole trip...Just kidding John.
This afternoon we went over to the Hilton Hawaiian Village (my fav. Oahu hotel) and hung out for a bit. We had dinner at Benihana, and the girls just loved the way the Chef prepared the dinner. I've had that type of dinner about 5 times and this guy was the best i've seen. The way he flipped the food around (even flipping the rice bowls full of rice) and he made an "onion volcano" fully flaming with lava and the works.
Also, don't know if you have heard, but there is big news in the ALS realm. Aparrently, Lithium has been proven to slow the progression of the disease, which is very good news. Heidi was ahead of this curve based on her internet research and following of the ALSTDI discussion groups, and has already been on Lithium for about 2 weeks. Let's all pray for everyone with this terrible diagnosis that this will be helpful to them, and at least delay progression long enough to find a treatment that will stop the progression and begin to heal. You can find out more about this on this link:
http://www.pdfdownload.org/pdf2html/pdf2html.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pnas.org%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F0708022105v1.pdf&images=yes
Peace.
Bill
Monday, February 4, 2008
Comments from Shelby:
Hi Everyone, It's me Shelby, I feel bad for you all in those snow jackets when were in a tropical paradise, but we have lots and lots of rain. That's fair enough wouldn't you say? Well I have to get going bye , Shelby
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Mud Bowl and Super Haku Leis
Hi everybody,
Just a note to give a quick update and post some photos.
We went to the Punahou carnival yesterday and with all the rain we have been having, it was an absolute muddy mess. I wish I would have gotten some photos of the mud, but missed the opportunity.
The girls got to do a couple of rides and play some of the games. They got to find out what the nature of the word "rigged" means. I hate the way that they make the games look easy but make them so hard. The old throw the dart in the star and win a price, but, uh, only in the RED part of the star, not touching any of the black outline, or throw the ball in the hole that is only 3.5 feet away but the hole is a triangle and the ball is, of course round, so the hole looks much bigger than it is. Shelby actually won a little stuffed doggy a that one. Oh well, it was still fun and wow what a crowd. I'm surprised Punahou has to charge any tuition at all with all the fundraising that was going on.
Heidi just "HAD" to have haku leis for the girls, so we got a couple photos with them on this am and am posting them here. Also, of course note the very fashionable new swim suits that the girls picked up at Splash the other day in the Ala Moana mall. Let's just say it's been an expensive week here in paradise!
B.
Just a note to give a quick update and post some photos.
We went to the Punahou carnival yesterday and with all the rain we have been having, it was an absolute muddy mess. I wish I would have gotten some photos of the mud, but missed the opportunity.
The girls got to do a couple of rides and play some of the games. They got to find out what the nature of the word "rigged" means. I hate the way that they make the games look easy but make them so hard. The old throw the dart in the star and win a price, but, uh, only in the RED part of the star, not touching any of the black outline, or throw the ball in the hole that is only 3.5 feet away but the hole is a triangle and the ball is, of course round, so the hole looks much bigger than it is. Shelby actually won a little stuffed doggy a that one. Oh well, it was still fun and wow what a crowd. I'm surprised Punahou has to charge any tuition at all with all the fundraising that was going on.
Heidi just "HAD" to have haku leis for the girls, so we got a couple photos with them on this am and am posting them here. Also, of course note the very fashionable new swim suits that the girls picked up at Splash the other day in the Ala Moana mall. Let's just say it's been an expensive week here in paradise!
B.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Fishing tomorrow:
Hi All,
I'm finally going out fishing tomorrow, so will hopefully have some fun on the high seas. The weather is still not optimal, but hopefully it won't be too bad out there. The swell is down, so that won't be an issue, but the wind can cause some problems.
Also, Heidi and I went to an ALS TDI meeting tonight in Honolulu at the Queens Medical Center. It was encouraging. That group is spending a lot of money on cure research for ALS and seems to have their program together in a great way. They are looking to raise funds and are hitting up the Federal Govt. and especially the DOD because veterans seem to have a much higher incidence of ALS than any other group. So far, their funding has been limited, but they are pressing hard for more. If you have any contacts in the Govt, or the DOD that might be able to help, please reach out to me via phone or email and I will make the necessary connections to the group. Heidi and I both met the President and the Chief Research Scientist tonight. The way that they presented it, there is light at the end of the tunnel and hope for a cure that has not been there before, so that was very nice to hear. You can find out more about this group at www.als.net if you are interested.
Hopefully some good photos tomorrow!
Best,
Bill
I'm finally going out fishing tomorrow, so will hopefully have some fun on the high seas. The weather is still not optimal, but hopefully it won't be too bad out there. The swell is down, so that won't be an issue, but the wind can cause some problems.
Also, Heidi and I went to an ALS TDI meeting tonight in Honolulu at the Queens Medical Center. It was encouraging. That group is spending a lot of money on cure research for ALS and seems to have their program together in a great way. They are looking to raise funds and are hitting up the Federal Govt. and especially the DOD because veterans seem to have a much higher incidence of ALS than any other group. So far, their funding has been limited, but they are pressing hard for more. If you have any contacts in the Govt, or the DOD that might be able to help, please reach out to me via phone or email and I will make the necessary connections to the group. Heidi and I both met the President and the Chief Research Scientist tonight. The way that they presented it, there is light at the end of the tunnel and hope for a cure that has not been there before, so that was very nice to hear. You can find out more about this group at www.als.net if you are interested.
Hopefully some good photos tomorrow!
Best,
Bill
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
The Latest
Hi folks, Just posted a few pics here. One over there ---> and a few of the girls down below the posts. We miss everyone. Who's going to be the first to come and visit? We have an extra room and there's a tent in the storage closet. For that matter...there's a storage closet.
You can check out the "adults" blog for your entertainment purposes at:
http://billshiblog.blogspot.com for an important (not) update from me.
Peace.
B. (aka Dad.)
You can check out the "adults" blog for your entertainment purposes at:
http://billshiblog.blogspot.com for an important (not) update from me.
Peace.
B. (aka Dad.)
Monday, January 28, 2008
Comments from Shelby:
Hi everyone, It's me Shelby. how is everyone? I'm fine. Guess what we went to pipeline beach ( a world famous beach ) and watched the surfers dudes. It was NARLEY !!!! Thay were really good. The waves were a huge 20 feet. The water was so deadley you could not even swim in it any time. You could die any second if you swam in that water. It's only for surfers. People (surfers) come all over the world just to surf there, that's why it's world famous.Surfing is such a cool sport i'm going to start soon!! When your a really good surfer you go really really fast against the waves then you fall over.It looks so fun. Well I better get going bye,Shelby
Jillian here...
Hi it's me. I found a hermit crab at Sharks Cove. He was colorful. It was awesome and we found a sea cucumber and it was squishy and it squirted water. We got to hold two sea urchins. They were different kinds. We will post pictures of them. Is it snowing there?
Sincerely, Jillian.
Sincerely, Jillian.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Comments from Shelby:
Hi Everyone, It's me Shelby guess what my daddy's friend Marcus ate a alive ghost crab. And do you know how we knew he stuk his tounge out and we saw it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!YUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Soon we might go to sea life park and swim with the dolphins!!!!!
Bye, Shelby
Bye, Shelby
Comments from Rachel:
Hi Everybody, It's me Rachel.
We are here in Hawaii and there is a calipiter tree that has a ton of calipiters on it but you really can't touch the tree very much because the tree is poisonous. Yesterday we went to Sharks Cove and went swimming a little bit, explored the tide pools and held sea urchins. I'll post a picture. A few days ago we found 8 ghost crabs but the gross thing is that Daddy's friend Marcus ate one alive. We know he ate it because he showed it to us on his tongue after he crunched it up. YUCK! I was gonna try a baby but I didn't want to. He said it tasted like normal Crab. And we alsowent snorkling ,there are rocks that have stuff on them that make them look like marshmallos that got colored very brightley I think im done for today. Comment me!!!
BYE
We are here in Hawaii and there is a calipiter tree that has a ton of calipiters on it but you really can't touch the tree very much because the tree is poisonous. Yesterday we went to Sharks Cove and went swimming a little bit, explored the tide pools and held sea urchins. I'll post a picture. A few days ago we found 8 ghost crabs but the gross thing is that Daddy's friend Marcus ate one alive. We know he ate it because he showed it to us on his tongue after he crunched it up. YUCK! I was gonna try a baby but I didn't want to. He said it tasted like normal Crab. And we alsowent snorkling ,there are rocks that have stuff on them that make them look like marshmallos that got colored very brightley I think im done for today. Comment me!!!
BYE
Friday, January 25, 2008
Quick update for Friday
Hi All,
Yesterday we finally kicked back on the beach caught a few rays (me just a few too many.) I took all the girls snorkeling one at a time (Heidi included) and except for Rachel raking her nail across my back when I pulled her off and told her to stop riding me like a "water horse", things went very well. I caught a good size hermit crab which was worth a solid 20 minutes of entertainment and found a few more lead weights on the reef to stock my surf casting endeavors (which have been fishless to date.)
As for today, here on the tame blog, i'll just say that we had a pretty uneventful day.
We got our school work done early. I think Sheby figured out the whole 1/2 = 2/4 and 5/6 =10/12 thing, which is sweet. Conquering things that vex you is a triumphant feeling, I know.
Things vex me all the time and occassionally I conquer one...but now i'm starting to sound like the spoiled emporer in Gladiator and he was such a twerp.
One of my buddies from the old days, Marcus stopped in to say Hi after he got stood up for an appointment in Wahiawa, so it was good to see him. If you ever meet Marcus, he will NOT have any interesting stories to tell you about me when I was young(er) and we lived in an apartment in Waikiki. I promise, so don't ask.
We took off for town out of sheer stir-crazyness this afternoon and ambled around the Aloha Tower Marketplace and had dinner at the classic old Hawaiian stalwart Gordon Biersch. Let's just say it probably was not worth the 90 or so minutes in the car. You can read my Dennis Leeryesque musings here:
http://billshiblog.blogspot.com.
Tomorrow it is off to the Farmer's market and an official whale counting party at Sunset beach. I'm sure the girls will have plenty to talk about after that.
Thanks again for those of you who have commented.
Peace out.
B.
Yesterday we finally kicked back on the beach caught a few rays (me just a few too many.) I took all the girls snorkeling one at a time (Heidi included) and except for Rachel raking her nail across my back when I pulled her off and told her to stop riding me like a "water horse", things went very well. I caught a good size hermit crab which was worth a solid 20 minutes of entertainment and found a few more lead weights on the reef to stock my surf casting endeavors (which have been fishless to date.)
As for today, here on the tame blog, i'll just say that we had a pretty uneventful day.
We got our school work done early. I think Sheby figured out the whole 1/2 = 2/4 and 5/6 =10/12 thing, which is sweet. Conquering things that vex you is a triumphant feeling, I know.
Things vex me all the time and occassionally I conquer one...but now i'm starting to sound like the spoiled emporer in Gladiator and he was such a twerp.
One of my buddies from the old days, Marcus stopped in to say Hi after he got stood up for an appointment in Wahiawa, so it was good to see him. If you ever meet Marcus, he will NOT have any interesting stories to tell you about me when I was young(er) and we lived in an apartment in Waikiki. I promise, so don't ask.
We took off for town out of sheer stir-crazyness this afternoon and ambled around the Aloha Tower Marketplace and had dinner at the classic old Hawaiian stalwart Gordon Biersch. Let's just say it probably was not worth the 90 or so minutes in the car. You can read my Dennis Leeryesque musings here:
http://billshiblog.blogspot.com.
Tomorrow it is off to the Farmer's market and an official whale counting party at Sunset beach. I'm sure the girls will have plenty to talk about after that.
Thanks again for those of you who have commented.
Peace out.
B.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Comments from Shelby:
Hey all, thanks for commenting me. That really really means a lot. I hope you are all having fun back there. Today were just going to play all day on the beautiful beach.Bye,Shelby
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
new blog here
Hey all,
Here's a link to my more, shall we say, descriptive blog.
http://billshiblog.blogspot.com/
That stands for "Bills Hawaii blog" by the way.
Enjoy (hopefully)
B.
Here's a link to my more, shall we say, descriptive blog.
http://billshiblog.blogspot.com/
That stands for "Bills Hawaii blog" by the way.
Enjoy (hopefully)
B.
Dad's post Day 3
Hi folks.
I have created a different blog for parents vs. the kids. I think my posts are a little longer and more PG-13 than we want for the mixed audience that is accessing this one.
I'll post the link to it here in a bit.
Scroll down and check out the new posted photos of the stuff discussed in the girls' blogs.
B.
I have created a different blog for parents vs. the kids. I think my posts are a little longer and more PG-13 than we want for the mixed audience that is accessing this one.
I'll post the link to it here in a bit.
Scroll down and check out the new posted photos of the stuff discussed in the girls' blogs.
B.
Comments from Jillian:
Hi I am Jillian (w/ Daddy on typing duty)
We are in Hawaii, it is so fun. I pretty much go on the beach three times each day, I catch ghost crabs, you know. Why they're called ghost crabs? Because they are white and blend in with the sand. There are these centipedes and they are so poisionous that if you step on one you will pretty much have to go to the hospital. And then there are the coconuts, if you leave them out side all the bugs get on them. There are also gekos. You know what geckos are? They are little Hawaiian lizards and if you have them in your house in Hawaii, it is good luck. It is a Hawaiian thing. We only have one bathroom and three bedrooms, but our house is really great. It is right on the beach. Love Jillian.
We are in Hawaii, it is so fun. I pretty much go on the beach three times each day, I catch ghost crabs, you know. Why they're called ghost crabs? Because they are white and blend in with the sand. There are these centipedes and they are so poisionous that if you step on one you will pretty much have to go to the hospital. And then there are the coconuts, if you leave them out side all the bugs get on them. There are also gekos. You know what geckos are? They are little Hawaiian lizards and if you have them in your house in Hawaii, it is good luck. It is a Hawaiian thing. We only have one bathroom and three bedrooms, but our house is really great. It is right on the beach. Love Jillian.
Comments from Shelby:
Hi it's me Shelby Guess what we already saw six turtles !!! We also saw four rainbows. I think were going to have a RADICAL time here. Soon were going to go to waikiki. I cant wait to learn how to surf it's going to be awsome. It's so beautiful here with all the waves and everything. Were also going to see a friend his name is Marcus. On Saterday we are going whale watching and we have to count how many times thay jump. OMG there are so many bugs here there was this one centapide that if you stepped on it , it would hurt more than a bee sting ouccch. I've been takeing lots of pics with my own camera.
Thanks for reading my blog, From Shelby
Thanks for reading my blog, From Shelby
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Rachel's first post:
Hi it's me Rachel, were in hawaii we have already seen 1 whale 8 turtles and five rainbows!!!!!!! But I wish I have eaten some cocanut. Our house is right on the shore it usally meidum waves. We have eaten a lot of star fruit,and mangoes. WRITE ME SOME LETTERS SINCERLY, RACHEL
Monday, January 21, 2008
Day one...stingers, flappers and a cockadoodle doo.
Hi Everybody,
Mahalo for your comments, we like to hear from you too!
Weather: High 81 today, sunny and breezy; occasional rainbow.
Surf: Big. probably 15 Ft. breaking on the reef outside our place.
Well, we made it. It was a long day yesterday, but we finally arrived at our beach house at about 2am Denver time and didn't have much in the way of an eventful trip which is a good thing. The only thing that the airlines lost was Jilli's booster chair, and we are living without it for the time being. I was thankful that the luggage fit into our Crysler Minivan, which is new and nice enough, but certainly not good for my beach dude image, which I have so carefully cultivated over these last 20 years. LOL.
Our house is very cozy and comfortable here on the beach. It is about what I imagined. We actually have an extra bedroom because the girls are all sleeping in the same room on a twin and a double. It is amazing how after living in our house in Highlands Ranch with all the "square footage" that you can be comfortable in something about 1/3 the size, and even have an extra bedroom.
After hitting the sack, I, your resident light sleeper was so pleased to find that very nearby our friends are raising cock-fighting roosters. While cock-fighting may be considered inhumane by some, what I find inhumane is that the ridiculous creatures start talking to each other via very loud cock-a-doodle-doos at about 4am. I was so flabbergasted by it that I had to laugh, but it was one of those "not really funnly" types of laughs. Fortunately for them, the all the girls slept right through it. I was thinking that maybe Michael Vick would like to re-locate to the N. shore of Hawaii when he gets out of the clink, because apparently these cock-fighting rings up here seem to operate with relative impunity, from what I hear. Either I will have to get over it and begin to sleep better, I will have to lock all the windows and suffer the stuffy hot room, or I will have to buy a high-powered pellet gun and do a stealth mission rooster hunt. Channelling Bill Murry's character in Caddy Shack now..."Oh Mr Rooster, Its just your friend of the harmless mongoose...,etc."
Now, the stingers are as follows...I found a gigantic centipede on the lawn this am and took a photo of it next to my flipflop. I will post it tomorrow once we get our batteries for the camera replaced. Fortunately no one got stung by it. The other stingers are the dadblasted mosquitoes, which ate both of my ankles raw tonight sitting outside for dinner.
The flappers are two things...the turtles, which live right outside our backyard in the ocean (the girls probably saw about 6 or 7 of them this am) and the Monarch butterflies which are coming out this time of year here. There are many caterpillars on the crownflower plant in the back yard and some of the are cocooning and many are flying around. Pictures to follow.
Other random notes from the day...We had lunch at my favorite place to eat a burger on the planet...Kua Aina burger in Haleiwa. It's not quite as cool as it used to be in it's old location with the grill out back, but its still a good burger. We then drove around getting some supplies...and um... just FYI, Hawaii residents love Costco. I think they were all there today. Either that or MLK day is aka Costco day on Oahu. We went for a swim in the ocean, the girls dug a hole in the sand, I met the neighbors who were fishing for O'io (bonefish) which are apparently in season, (though they were baitfishing and I wonder if they eat them here)...
The girls crashed about 20 minutes ago and it's only 7:40 here. Of course it's 10:40 there and I don't think I've ever seen Shelby so tired. Hopefully I can get some comments from them tomorrow.
As they say here in the islands, Pau (done) for now. Laters.
Mahalo for your comments, we like to hear from you too!
Weather: High 81 today, sunny and breezy; occasional rainbow.
Surf: Big. probably 15 Ft. breaking on the reef outside our place.
Well, we made it. It was a long day yesterday, but we finally arrived at our beach house at about 2am Denver time and didn't have much in the way of an eventful trip which is a good thing. The only thing that the airlines lost was Jilli's booster chair, and we are living without it for the time being. I was thankful that the luggage fit into our Crysler Minivan, which is new and nice enough, but certainly not good for my beach dude image, which I have so carefully cultivated over these last 20 years. LOL.
Our house is very cozy and comfortable here on the beach. It is about what I imagined. We actually have an extra bedroom because the girls are all sleeping in the same room on a twin and a double. It is amazing how after living in our house in Highlands Ranch with all the "square footage" that you can be comfortable in something about 1/3 the size, and even have an extra bedroom.
After hitting the sack, I, your resident light sleeper was so pleased to find that very nearby our friends are raising cock-fighting roosters. While cock-fighting may be considered inhumane by some, what I find inhumane is that the ridiculous creatures start talking to each other via very loud cock-a-doodle-doos at about 4am. I was so flabbergasted by it that I had to laugh, but it was one of those "not really funnly" types of laughs. Fortunately for them, the all the girls slept right through it. I was thinking that maybe Michael Vick would like to re-locate to the N. shore of Hawaii when he gets out of the clink, because apparently these cock-fighting rings up here seem to operate with relative impunity, from what I hear. Either I will have to get over it and begin to sleep better, I will have to lock all the windows and suffer the stuffy hot room, or I will have to buy a high-powered pellet gun and do a stealth mission rooster hunt. Channelling Bill Murry's character in Caddy Shack now..."Oh Mr Rooster, Its just your friend of the harmless mongoose...,etc."
Now, the stingers are as follows...I found a gigantic centipede on the lawn this am and took a photo of it next to my flipflop. I will post it tomorrow once we get our batteries for the camera replaced. Fortunately no one got stung by it. The other stingers are the dadblasted mosquitoes, which ate both of my ankles raw tonight sitting outside for dinner.
The flappers are two things...the turtles, which live right outside our backyard in the ocean (the girls probably saw about 6 or 7 of them this am) and the Monarch butterflies which are coming out this time of year here. There are many caterpillars on the crownflower plant in the back yard and some of the are cocooning and many are flying around. Pictures to follow.
Other random notes from the day...We had lunch at my favorite place to eat a burger on the planet...Kua Aina burger in Haleiwa. It's not quite as cool as it used to be in it's old location with the grill out back, but its still a good burger. We then drove around getting some supplies...and um... just FYI, Hawaii residents love Costco. I think they were all there today. Either that or MLK day is aka Costco day on Oahu. We went for a swim in the ocean, the girls dug a hole in the sand, I met the neighbors who were fishing for O'io (bonefish) which are apparently in season, (though they were baitfishing and I wonder if they eat them here)...
The girls crashed about 20 minutes ago and it's only 7:40 here. Of course it's 10:40 there and I don't think I've ever seen Shelby so tired. Hopefully I can get some comments from them tomorrow.
As they say here in the islands, Pau (done) for now. Laters.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
T-Minus one week
This blog is meant to keep those that are interested up to date on what is happening with us as the Sedgwick Family heads to Hawaii for our two month adventure. As you might know, the main reason for the trip is to get to an environment that is more conducive to healing for Heidi, but I don't plan to cover that path in detail on this blog. I will cover that in a different blog that I'll post a link to here later. This one is more for updates on what we are up to on a day-to-day basis.
Overall, our plan while in Hawaii is to eat healthy, fresh food, have lots of fun with the girls, enjoy the ocean and soak up some sun. I, of course, will try to figure out a way to go fishing and bring fresh fish home for dinners, so am looking into boats etc. We might buy a beater car rather than rent a car to save some money, and our plan is do do a lot of provisioning when we get there vs. trying to take a bunch of stuff with us.
The Place: The house we have rented is on the North Shore of Oahu in a town call Waialua. It is a small three bedroom bungalow that is one level, has no stairs (which is important for Heidi) and is directly on the beach. We have stayed near this place before, a few miles down the beach, so are familiar with the area. There is a barrier reef about 150 feet offshore, so the water is calm on the beach. i'll publish a photo of the house here. We hope you enjoy the blog!
Right now, we are in preparation mode...talking about how we'll keep the girls up to date on their education, discussing the plan with my clients and our friends, etc. This coming week will be doing more of that and packing etc.
If you would like to send a letter to the girls, look up the location or something while we are there, the address is:
Here is the mailing address:
The Sedgwicks
c/o Jayne Higa
68-221 Au St.
Waialua, HI 96791
Overall, our plan while in Hawaii is to eat healthy, fresh food, have lots of fun with the girls, enjoy the ocean and soak up some sun. I, of course, will try to figure out a way to go fishing and bring fresh fish home for dinners, so am looking into boats etc. We might buy a beater car rather than rent a car to save some money, and our plan is do do a lot of provisioning when we get there vs. trying to take a bunch of stuff with us.
The Place: The house we have rented is on the North Shore of Oahu in a town call Waialua. It is a small three bedroom bungalow that is one level, has no stairs (which is important for Heidi) and is directly on the beach. We have stayed near this place before, a few miles down the beach, so are familiar with the area. There is a barrier reef about 150 feet offshore, so the water is calm on the beach. i'll publish a photo of the house here. We hope you enjoy the blog!
Right now, we are in preparation mode...talking about how we'll keep the girls up to date on their education, discussing the plan with my clients and our friends, etc. This coming week will be doing more of that and packing etc.
If you would like to send a letter to the girls, look up the location or something while we are there, the address is:
Here is the mailing address:
The Sedgwicks
c/o Jayne Higa
68-221 Au St.
Waialua, HI 96791
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