Maui--Day 6

We are now at Thursday of our trip. Duff and I slept in until 9:30. Unheard of for us. It felt really good. The morning was pristinely gorgeous. The sun on the ocean water was like glittering diamonds. (Kind of like I envisioned Edward Cullen's skin in the sun. Big disappointment in the movie...) Nertz, anyone? We got all these different playing cards to bring home.
These Aloha drinks are really good. I wish we could get them on the mainland.

This is one of the pools right below our condo. This is the brand new tower (Napili) and facilities that just opened last Friday, and here we are! We have been using the lounge chairs between the 2nd and 3rd umbrellas. This place is like Camelot or Disneyland. The facilities crews work during the night, so when you wake up in the morning everything is clean and perfect. You can't really tell in this picture, but the water is a very unique shade of turquoise. The pool travels to the left and winds through many gardens, waterfalls, etc.

Just one of the waterfalls and bridges. The bridge is such a piece of craftsmanship.

A close-up of the bridge.

Duff and I went early this afternoon to a presentation on time-shares. It was very informative and actually a good deal. We might consider it. We did get a lot of perks just from listening to the presentation. We'll have Richard tutor us on the art of time-share ownership.

This afternoon was spent at the pools and beach again. Oh the water is divine! The pools are saline, not chlorine, so very easy on the body, hair, and swim suits. The whales are out in droves. Some were in really close to shore. They are quite entertaining to watch. A mama was out with her babies. She would rise out of the water and slap her large 15-20 foot fin down in the water with a big splash. Then another one, and another one. This is telling her children to come 'right now'! Either they are lolly-gagging around or she wants them near because a boat is too close. I guess even oceanic parenting is not too far off that of we human mothers!

Sunset during this time of the year is around 6-6:30pm. This was tonight's, right off our lanai.

Another shot just a few minutes later. Quite beautiful.

And another shot again with the waves and shoreline.

We had a japanese teppanyaki dinner tonight at Kobe's. Very, very delicious.

On our way out of the restaurant, Patti noticed that one of the trees in the parking lot was an honest to goodness breadfruit tree, just like the quilt square I am doing! It was late at night, but the flash worked fine. Here is real hawaiian breadfruit!

Aloha, until tomorrow-----

Maui--Day 5

Today, we did....NOTHING...... We woke up to a beautiful sunny morning. Changed into our swim suits and headed for the water. ...had a pool waiter assigned to our area and had smoothies, lunch--which was vege sandwiches and kahlua pulled pork sandwiches-- and whatever else we wanted!
...view from the lounge chair. Pretty amazing, huh!

...another gorgeous scene from my chair....

...looking straight up from my chaise where I was napping...you couldn't create this if you tried...

...so spectacular...we sat in the spas, swam in the pools, then came back to lay out and dry off, read, sip smoothies, nap, and do it all over again....and just fyi: there is every body size and shape imaginable. Spider veins, varicose veins, dimples, tan, medium tan, no tan, lily white. Young, midlife, old, canes, crutches, pedicures and sandals to Sas shoes, waxed and buff to the hairy missing link, you name it they are here. No need for any conciousness... around 5:30pm Patti, Duff and I came back to the condo to shower. Richard was soon to follow. 90 minutes later after we were cleaned up and ready to go to dinner, we looked out the living room window and saw Richard 8 floors down still by the pool in the dark on his computer. Patti called him and he realized how much time had passsed and ran on up for a quick shower. That's what happens here: you don't really keep track of the time. It just escapes you...It's really quite nice to not be beholding to a clock!

We decided to go into Lahaina for dinner at Kimo's. Now this was very unique. You have a roof over your heads and the walls for the kitchen areas, but it's like you are eating on a private pier complete with tiki torches and all. It is right on the water! I will have to explain in another post how to order a fish entree, but suffice it to say I've not had a bad meal since we've been here. This is a picture of the sunset from Kimo's. The restaurant had a little gift shop and we found some unique dessert plates! They might just have something to do with a famous dessert here. The one that legend says the fishermen swam to shore for.... it's initals are: H.P. Any guesses?

Richard dropped us off right at the restaurant door so we could get our name in--which we didn't even have to do; it was no waiting for our party tonight--and went to park the car. He made the decision to park it all the way at the end of Front Street, so after our dinner we could walk and enjoy all the shops. It is a lot like Main Street in Park City, or Balboa Island with all the little lights and quaint stores and restaurants. At the end of the street where the car was parked is a Banyan tree that is over 100 years old. It was already dark when we got there, but I got this picture of it off google. There are no words to describe it.

Got home and Richard went to bed and we watched a show on Animal Planet about a collassel squid. It was pretty fascinating, especially considering we are in Hawaii where there are all things ocean. The whales continue to play and it is completely entertaining. The smallest things satisfy. Sounds like a good motto to live by!


Aloha and Mahalo!

Maui--Day 4

The Hawaiian winter weather continued through the night and we woke up to this scene this morning. Cloudy, very windy, chilly, and wet. Plan A, to sit out at the pool and beach was nixed and we implemented Plan B.

Believe it or not, it wasn't cold, but just not worthy to be 'outside'. Plan B entailed sleeping in, breakfast, watching some tv, Duff and Richard took naps, read books, took naps again. Patti and I had other things on the agenda!
This is an example of Hawaiian Applique quilting. Patti is a quilter. This has been her hobby for, well, she made her first quilt when we were seniors in high school, so a LONG time.

Hawaiian quilting when first seen, is rarely forgotten. It possesses a striking, beautiful pattern, usually only in two colors--one for the background and one for the design applique. It has an unexplainable quality that comes more from the spirit of the design than from the stitches from the quilters hand. They are more of an artistic expression than for necessity. Because of Hawaii's climate, they could make the quilts in a leisurely fashion rather than needing to hurry to finish to ensure warmth during other kinds of winters. This is good, because I learned that a full size Hawaiian quilt usually takes about a year to make!

Here are some batik fabrics that can be put in any kind of combinations. I ended up choosing the light blue and dark blue. I am doing a Hawaiian quilt square that I will eventurally frame and put in my house. She chose the pinks and is doing a hibiscus pattern and will make hers into a purse. It was really hard to choose a color. But I chose the blues because I'm in Hawaii and it reminds me of the sky and water, and blues are easy to put into any home decor.

You make the design by folding a square of fabric into equal fourths, and then into a triangle. Then like you would cut out a snowflake, you cut out your design pattern. Doesn't mine look awesome???!!! You place it on your background piece and baste the whole thing in place with large running stitches. Then you do a stitch called 'turn applique' all around the edges. It is not as hard as I thought it would be, but it does require patience and time. Next, you do what is called 'echo quilting'. That is where you have a piece of high loft batting and then a piece of backing fabric (usually muslin like) and outline the complete shape every 1/4-1/2 inch all the way around until you reach the edges of the background fabric. In the picture above, they have cross-hatched the white background. We will be doing the echo method. (It 'echos' the pattern.....)

The Hawaiians were born with a special relationship to the land and its products, and so with a natural gracefulness they bring these qualities to their quilt designs. The design I am doing is called Ulu, which means 'breadfruit'. History has it that this breadfruit pattern is the first pattern a girl can do because bread is the staff of life. There really is a tree here that produces a fruit called breadfruit. It is a staple in the diet. So it is fitting that I should do this for my first attempt at Hawaiian quilting! We worked on these most of the day as it stormed outside. There is a Hawaiian quilt shop here and I was in awe of the beautiful quilts. We are going to go back and take a closer look in the next couple of days, so I'll see if the store will let me take some pictures.

It cleared up a bit right at dinner time, so we headed out for the walk to Whaler's Village to eat at Hula Grill and Barefoot Bar. Richard joined us after his board of directors meeting finished. He sits on the board for a group that operates a 30 acre farm that childen and adults with disabilites work here on Maui. Dinner was so fun! What an ambience. I had some macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi and it just melted in your mouth.

Here is another view of the Hula Grill. We ate inside in the dining area, but inside just meant that there were only 3 walls and all the windows on those walls are open! No hula pie here, but a hawaiian version of an ice cream sandwich--a chocolate macadamia nut brownie with vanilla ice cream then another choc/mac brownie on top with raspberry sauce and whipped cream. Yeah--waaaaaaay good!

Aloha, until tomorrow!

Gaylord

Meet Gaylord. He has worked at the resort for 30+ years. He has known the Petersons for most of this time. We met him the first day we were here, and have seen him everyday since. So it was fitting to grab a picture. He received a promotion that he was very proud of. He is now in charge of loss security for the resort around the pool and beach areas. He watches for and catches the 'thiefs'. He said he liked what he was doing before better, but figured he ought to take a promotion when it was offered. He is full of the island spirit of kindness and love. Everyday he asks if there is anything he can do for us and tells us he would do anything for us and he really means it!

Maui--Day 3

I've been learning Hawaii geography. We pass through Lahaina to get to Kaanipali where we are. So Lahaina is the town just to the south of us. We are really in Kaanipali. Napili is to our north. We are also on what is called the windward side of the island. 'Windward' means the side that gets the wind. So the other side of the island is called the leeward side--or 'protected' side. The only time I have ever clued in to those terms was many years ago when Shaun was very little and loved to watch The Secret Of Nimh movie. Mrs. Mouse told her son to go to the lee of the stone. I never understood what that meant. Now I know that she wanted him to go to the protected side of the stone. Aha! It has become very windy. I couldn't get a good picture of the real trees practically sideways, so this will have to do. But you get the idea. We woke up during the night to this howling and the waves crashing. A storm, Hawaii style! Pretty cool!
The whales are completely amazing. It is hard to comprehend how many there are. I didn't take this picture, but this IS what we are seeing. We watched two friends play for about an hour together. They jumped up just like this and splashed down with huge plumes of spray. You could actually tell they were having fun.

Another seemed to want to join in. He was off to the north a bit and would come up and then dive down and splash his tail over and over again. Of course it makes sense, but they do have personalities. Ocean is obviously between Maui and Lanai, but space wise it is really just a 'channel'. The whales just play in this channel area and you can see them plainly. Very AWESOME!

We had breakfast down at the Beachwalk of the resort. This darling pirate ship play area/pool is a child's dream. The water shoots up and waterfalls down. There is a slide and the kids can play to their hearts content.

I finally GET IT! Everyone needs to do Honolulu at least once and on occasion go back to do the Pearl Harbor, Dole Plantation, Polynesian Cultural Center thing. But if you want to come to relax and regenerate, Maui is the place.

We sat out during the afternoon poolside/beachside. It is covered in these gorgeous Hibiscus gardens.

My poor little camera doesn't do these justice. Here is a bloom.

And here is another huge one. There are so many different colors. I remember my Grandma Davis having Hibiscus plants in big pots on her patio and side yard at the duplex in Manhattan Beach. I always loved them.

Richard stayed to read somemore and Patti, Duff, and I came back to freshen up a bit and headed for the grocery store in Lahaina to pick up a few breakfast and snacky things to keep in the kitchen. Did you know that the bellman unloads the groceries for you and brings them to your condo? I could get used to that!

Richard was back and we headed for dinner at the Cascades Grill down the beach.

Oh my! We had fresh lobster, scallops, shrimp, and ahi with rice and squash. It really does taste different plucked fresh from the sea! And of course, dad had to order some sushi. We had 3 different rolls, none of which we get at home and I just have to say--they were really, really good.

While we were dining, the wind increased and it started to rain. So on the walk back, we got rained on, not a downpour, but a light Hawaiian rain. Just enough to get you wet, and with the wind, a bit chilly. I had to remember: it is winter after all!

Aloha!

Maui--Day 2

Well, here we are on Day 2. This is the beautiful scene we woke up to this morning! Looking westward. The island you see is Lanai. I never realized Maui and Lanai were so close.
We went to church at 9 o'clock. It is the only ward in Lahaina. It was fast and testimony meeting. I was caught a little off guard with everyone beginning their testimonies by saying, "Aloha, my brothers and sisters." But when you repeat it back to them, it feels like a very natural way to greet each other, even from the pulpit.
The chapel is small. We met there for Sacrament meeting and Sunday School. They even make the visitors get involved. They hand out the quotes and scriptures to you and then you have to go to the front of the chapel and use the microphone! RS was held in the cultural hall. They don't even have a RS room. So they have big totes full of old patio cushions that the sisters can sit on for the folding chairs!

This is on the porch of the meeting house. Wouldn't you love that to be your view each time you came out of church? The only thing separating you from the beach is a two lane road.

One of the views from our room, straight down!

Another set of swimming pools.

We broke our fast at an outdoor setting while the superbowl was playing. Island pork ribs with rice. Oh, it hit the spot. Speaking of the superbowl--boohoo. Our AZ Cardinals lost in the last 2 minutes of the game. When we got back to our rooms, the bell captain was there to move us to the BRAND NEW condo tower. So we are now in the newest section of the resort. The condo is unbelievable. We are the first people to ever stay in this unit. The beds have never been slept in or the towels used. EVERYTHING is brand new. So now we have hawaii smell and new smell. I'm bruised from pinching myself so I know that this is all real.

Richard and Duff finished watching the game and then napped, while Patti and I sat on the sofa in my room and visited, chatted, talked, laughed, and then visited some more. All of a sudden it was 8 pm and the guys decided they were hungry. So we ordered out a pizza and watched a hilarious movie, Multiplicity.

So now it's off to bed. We have the slider opened to the lanai and are going to fall asleep to the lull of the waves.

Aloha, until tomorrow!

Lahaina--We Are Here!

We left early this morning, and Mike drove us and Patti and Richard to LAX. We got all settled and then had some breakfast at Chili's in the airport. The french toast was awesome. We've had this trip planned with them since last year and now it is finally here!

The flight was uneventful and smooth. But the plane was crowded and there wasn't a lot of leg room or elbow room for that long of a flight. Dad wants to upgrade on the way home. It is breathtakingly beautiful here. So different than Honolulu. Not that anything is wrong with that. But this is geographically different and so laid back in terms of 'energy'. RELAXING, would be the perfect word.

Our condo is like an apartment. Little kitchen and all. Our view from one side is the water, and the other is a mountain. Richard and Patti have been coming here for almot 30 years. Now we are seeing why they love it so much. Gorgeous! GREEN! The palm trees are swaying in the breezes.

We had dinner at a little place called Leilani's right at sunset. There was a band playing Eagles songs and it was fun to hear Hotel California while we ate al fresco. I had swordfish that was swimming this morning. Oh, was it delicious. And then of course we had their famous Hula Pie. Now I know what Meredith is talking about! Chocolate cookie crust, ice cream with hints of coconut, hot fudge, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and then roasted macadamia nuts on top. Yum. The restaurant is in a little place in the city called Whaler's Village. It's a pleasant walk from the resort. Good that we walked there and back so we could wear off some of that Hula Pie!

Good night everyone. With the time difference we are feeling like it is much later. I'm sure we'll adjust as the week goes on.

Broken

Isn't this wonderful! The message is so powerful. Enjoy!

Prayers Needed

This is not meant to be a downer/bummer. But the power of prayer is REAL, and is needed!

I just learned that Casey Vongasawad is in the end stages of battling cervical cancer that has now gone to her brain. If you have a facebook, you can get the details from Tyler's page. It is very serious and they are looking at a very short time for her, a matter of days at this point. I knew Casey when she was married to her first husband and remember her joy of learning she was pregnant and then Ty dying right after. She gave birth and raised Tyler herself with the support of family and friends. She finally found love again 20some years later and now after a short time with Mike, she is dying. I loved meeting up with her again when we moved here! She touched anyone she came in contact with. Please pray for her and her family.

Cousin, Heather Luedtke, is struggling with her battle with breast cancer too. It is now spreading. They are going to try some new treatments, but they are finding it in other key places in her body. She is so young and has those two darling babies. Prayers are needed here too.

Uncle Mike Davis lost his job with Avis this week. He was the manager at the SLC airport for goodness sake! But they are cutting out the higher paying positions. They just bought that home, will have to buy a car now (they always used the cars from Avis...). Aunt Jan is trying to pick up some more hours at the hospital.

Aaron has lot his job.

Our Mike is still unemployed.

Dad is working on some prospects with John H. and Mike K. Pray hard!

Prayer is the soul's sincere desire. Pray as if everything depended on the Lord, and then get up and do as if everything depended on you. (good quotes)

The One Where We Got A Lot Done

The windies came up again during the night. It is dry and warmer. I can tell because I have to use a lot more lotion and my lips are chapped. Allergies are kicking up.

Duff and I ran errands today. He was not too crazy about all the things that had to be taken care of. He said, "Is this what you do when you run errands?!" He couldn't believe all the 'little' ones that need to get done. He wanted to know if we could just do them later. I told him, once we're out, we're out, and you just make a plan and get them done. It was nice when we were finished. We stopped in at Costco to purchase a suitcase and our lunch date ended up being all the samples! By the time we were done, there was no reason to go to a restaurant!

We got 2 more 55 gallon drum water barrels for our emergency preparedness. Our ward ordered them and we got a screamin' deal. Now we need to rotate the others and refill them all.

I have been enjoying January. It feels good. I've been cleaning out and there has been time to do it. I haven't been able to get to some of these things for ages. I've been formulating a plan in my mind for the holidays at the end of the year. There are some things I want to start doing next month and tuck them away to reduce the stress later on. Wish me luck!

I found out today that a good friend of mine has some very serious health problems she is facing. You just never know. I was speechless.

Caught You Being Good...

Christine made a New Years Resolution all on her own to consistently say her nightly prayers and to read the entire Book of Mormon! I stopped in her room a few nights ago and there she was reading. She has not missed one day so far since January 1.

Way to go Chris! Love You!

(Spent a good portion of the day on the phone. Cleaned out the family room ottoman that has all the games in it. It was good to go through them and make sure all the pieces go to the right games. Threw some incomplete and old ones out.)

Tuesdays To-Do's

Today I was up early, showered and off to take Ruth to meet a new attorney for child custody. She is a darling young gal who was recently baptized and has an new baby. Got there at 8am only to find she had to cancel due to a conflict. She tried to call, but my phone was left on silent since church on Sunday. I sometimes forget to fix that.

Back home with the whole day now. I got a lot done. Especially when it comes to the garage. We went for so long without having a garage to park in that now that we have 2 of them, it makes me nuts when they are cluttered. Mike came by and helped me get all the totes back up on the shelves. Then I proceeded to clean out the decoration cupboards and reorganize them. It didn't take too long and it sure looks and feels good. I've decided that as each holiday comes around this year I'm going to do some serious purging of old stuff that I don't know why I've kept it! A good sweep and straighten and wah-lah!

I stopped over at Patti's for about an hour to return some borrowed books, a gift for Megan, and some sewing supplies Meredith borrowed from her mom. Also to go over some details of our trip together this coming week! She has come up with a 'project' for us to do while we are happily doing 'nothing' but relaxing. I needed to pick out some supplies. More on this later, but typical Patti, it is totally related to where we will be! She is so good at this. She was even like this when we were kids! I'm excited. (Hint: there is a clue in this post. Can you guess?)

The bus came about 10 minutes early today, so when Christine called I was still in Coto which would now make me late for car pool pickup. Oh, well. This is southern California, right? Everything is still gorgeous green. But today on the shady pickup corner it dared to be 59* and the kids were complaining how cold they were! Yes, we are wimps!

Homework, dinner, some quilt washing, and carpool to mutual for road show practice. We trade and share buildings with the other wards during this time so everyone gets a chance to use the stake center where the performances will be. Tonight it was off to another building for us. The 'girly' chatter and music choices were so fun. I remember those years of my own. So cool and so awkward. So full of learning and growing.