August 2013

I see the end of Summer fast approaching.  Although endless summer is our lot in Hawaii, it is a boon for me because I am walking almost normally after a 2.5 year ankle injury that has been so deblilitating.  TG for the essential oils.  No wonder I have heard the reference to being an "OILER".  I could study all day and not get bored.  Balance and order in my day is becoming so necessary for a sense of accomplishment and improved health.  We are consulting and learning and aligning ourselves with so many wonderful like minded folk who pursue a clean, green, healthier lifestyle and that inspiration and encouragement from one another is so satisfying. 

Personal discipline is not my forte.  Neither in the areas of routine, and same, same every day.  That will be my Waterloo! 

FALL (is) Back 2013

Turning 69 in Sept. was a day I could forget.  Benjamin softened the blow by asking what we were going to do this year for my "Birthday week" since he knows I usually  "milk it" for all it's worth. 

I had to chuckle to think that he finally got it a little late.

 

I actually feel the change in the "seasons" here, though they are subtle. It must be old programming from 30 years on the East Coast. By Sept. as the Earth's tilt causes a change in our exposure to the sun and the air becomes more misty and school starts the entire feeling changes. Mornings are cooler and I start thinking about Fall and my memories of teaching and hearing the kids on our little lane hurrying and piling into their parent's car remind me of so many great experiences. By October, I am looking for excuses to change my household decor and ready my "Hazel witch" for her big reveal. I have my mother's antique cauldron and Hazel sits atop a Pumpkin with her broom(s) and autumn leaves (fake). This year I added a big ceramic Toad from my garden. A sign behind her reads. "Witch parking only, all others will be TOAD!" I really need to learn how to add photos and stop relying on Benjamin. It rains on cue every Halloween so that adds to the Fall feeling. Now the leaves are falling off my Plumeria trees and the Palm fronds are adding to the debris on the ground. The air changes throughout the day. August is our hottest month and I welcome Sept. What I love best is that the evenings are balmy and have a slight breeze and we can sit on the lanai and relax 'till all hours with friends. By November it is still comfortably warm and we enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner with the doors open and never feel a chill. I have planted my Fall flowers and changed the colors from the Vinca pastels to the oranges and russets of Chrysanthemums and marigolds along our walkway. December is already getting cooler with more rain. We call it Island snow and it is so fine, it glistens as we drive at night. Sadly, all the stores are completely decorated with Christmas now. Our grandbaby Ken will be two on Dec. 22nd and I want to decorate this year since I abandoned the thought last year. He'll have his first distinct impression/ memory of Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Instead of "over the river and through the woods" it will be over the mountain and rivers and through the tunnel and up the Windward Coast to Grandparent's home in the country by the beach! Just talking about it has gotten me all enthused about the Holidays. Mahalo for the reminder of seasonal change, Hawaiian style. <3 font="">

 

Two of my college roommates from the mainland, Barbara (Tony) and Sherron (Terry) as well as Ronnie (Clarence) from Makakilo have been spending a lot of time together since Barbara and Tony have rented a home or a month nearby. 

All of us got together at Wet and Wild yesterday.  That capped off our Summer fun!

 

 

A Borrowed sentiment beautifully expressed

The Armor We Can Give Our Children

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Rachel Macy Stafford

The ocean water was barely 55 degrees, but yet my daughter ventured out each day of our vacation bravely pushing aside her fear of hungry sharks, poisonous jellyfish, and chattering teeth to ride the waves.
And she wanted me to watch her.
The girl who had packed her own suitcase, applied her own sunscreen, and made strawberry smoothies for the entire family that very morning still hungered for her mother’s eyes when she battled the waves. There was no denying this child had changed since our last trip to the beach, but there were still remnants of the little girl who needed her mom.

Later that evening, my daughter’s upper body ached from her innovative boogie board maneuvers so I gently rubbed her shoulders. That’s when she asked me the meaning of a specific profane word. It was a heavy, heavy word that opened doors into an adult world. I had anticipated this moment, but yet I stood there feeling dry-mouthed and ill-prepared.
My eyes nervously darted to a generic picture of seashells that hung on the wall above my child’s head. I thought about subtly switching topics. Even though she’s almost ten, I knew I could still distract her with talk of rescuing beached starfish or the making of saltwater taffy.
But I glanced back at my child – who was looking less like a child with each passing day – and saw an open window. She was letting me in. Her eyes were looking into mine for answers.
I sat down on the edge of her bed, and as much as I wanted to avoid her gaze, I didn’t. I looked straight into chocolaty brown eyes alive with curiosity and told her the truth. The words felt awkward coming from my lips, as if I were speaking a foreign language. But I told her what she needed to know, in words she could understand.
Surprisingly, my child did not look away in embarrassment as I did when I learned such things. Her eyes rolled upward thoughtfully as if reaching back into her brain to make sense of it all.
I assured her that when my parents educated me on these important life topics (sometimes referred to as “the birds and the bees”) I felt a little awkward. But it didn’t appear that she felt the least bit uncomfortable. In fact, my daughter asked more questions—openly, maturely, frankly. I had read somewhere it was better to address these uncomfortable topics when children are not so self-conscious or easily embarrassed. This notion seemed to be true with my child. The window was open—and she had invited me in.
As I slowly doled out bits of information, I envisioned each one as a piece of armor—each fact making her a little stronger, a bit more aware, a little more prepared to navigate a fast world that could be devastating, alarming, and cruel to young people trying to find their way.
And since the window was open, I offered more—more armor, more substance, and more wisdom to equip her.
I said, “I believe knowledge is power. I don’t want you to be the person sitting in the group who doesn’t know what other kids are talking about. I don’t want you to be unaware of the dangers that come with risky behaviors. Because sometimes kids are misinformed. They might tell you something that they think is true, but it might not be. If there is something you don’t understand or a word someone says that is unfamiliar, you can come and ask me. I will tell you the truth. I will give you the facts. Because when you have the facts, you are more likely to make smart choices with your body and your life.”
I described some real life examples from both the news and my own personal experience when young people’s lives drastically changed because of the choices they made.
I smoothed a few of her fly away, sun-bleached hairs and concluded our talk with the most important thing I could say to my child. “No matter what circumstance you find yourself in, know that your dad and I will always, always love you and we will face any problems together.”
She smiled warmly, “Okay, Mama.” And then as if to tell me that was enough information for one night, she whispered, “I’m sleepy now.”
I held my breath as she climbed into bed and pulled the covers to her chin. I feared that this new knowledge would instantly age her.
“Can we go to the beach again tomorrow, Mama? I want to catch a big wave on my board!” But just like that, she was nine again.
That night I had trouble sleeping. Our talk had drudged up painful memories from my own preteen and teen years. I reviewed our discussion in my head hoping I had made it clear that she could come to me with anything. As if on cue, a scream of “Mama!” violently punctured the silence of our vacation rental.
But it was not the voice of my oldest child; it was my 6-year-old. I ran to her bedside and instinctively put a cool hand on her forehead. “What is it, honey?” I asked softly.
“You know that little tiny elf that visited Grandma and Grandpa’s house last Christmas?” she asked in a semi-delirious state.
I nodded. How could I forget? I had never seen two children so delighted by the sight of a semi-creepy doll unexpectedly perched in a high, humanly-unreachable location.
“Do you think the elf will come back next Christmas?” my child asked earnestly.
I couldn’t help but smile. In contrast to the questions her sister asked mere hours before, these questions were quite enjoyable—even at midnight. “Yes. Yes. I do believe the elf will come back,” I said with absolute certainty.
And with that peaceful assurance from her mother, the curly-haired child drifted back to sleep.
I felt my eyes well up with tears. Yep. The line is mighty fine. You know, the line children cross when they go from believing in all things magical to facing the harsh realities of the adult world, including drugs, alcohol, pregnancy, and peer acceptance—just to name a few critical issues.
As I watched my youngest child’s dark lashes flutter in the midst of a whimsical dream, I was never more certain of my role in my children’s lives.
When they cross over from the child world to the adult world, I want to be there. I want to cross that line with them, or at least be there to accept the invitation when the window is open and they ask me to come in.
So I will watch her when she asks me to count how many waves she rides.
And I will talk to her while she makes her strawberry smoothies.
And I will rub her back when she has trouble falling asleep.
And I will give her truth when she asks questions that have no easy answers.
I will try my best to be a constant presence, an every day parent, not just showing up for performances and holidays.
My child is going to have to brave the world whether I like it or not. I wouldn’t expect her to battle the ocean without proper skills, knowledge, and equipment – and I won’t expect her to navigate the world without them either.
Therefore, I vow to give her many pieces of protective armor—armor that comes from daily offerings of parental presence, wisdom, and unconditional love. So that if one day, God forbid, she finds herself drowning, she’ll have the strength to call my name.


*********************************************************
When I think about today’s culture that our children must grow up in, it is difficult for me not to become angered, saddened, scared, and frustrated. Arming my children with knowledge, support, and love is what I’ve chosen to do instead of simply feeling helpless. I often refer to a line I wrote in a post entitled, XO Before You Go: “While I cannot control what happens once they leave my side, I can control what happens in those sacred minutes before we say good-bye.”
What are the ways you have prepared your children (or will prepare them) for the adult world? How were you prepared? I cherish your presence, insight, and encouragement on this journey to grasp what matters in life. Thank you for reading my stories and being a part of The Hands Free Revolution. I am grateful for each of you.
 
 

I was only ten years old also when I first heard about the "birds and the bees" from a fellow patient in the Children's Country Home in Westfield, N.J.  Those were  my first steps into the adult world and I remember how sweetly and simply my mother explained the truth to me, the real truth.  I remember saying Yuck!  and then went on to be Bonnie the ten year old child.  TG for intelligent, practical minded parents like mine who kept life simple and in persprective.  This article so reminded me of my youth at age ten, reveling in the sand and sea at our Summer Beach home on the Jersey shore.  Collecting giant blue claw crabs, with a safety pin at the end of a heavy string with my trusty net.  Returning home to my Mom's boiling pot, ready to recieve my bounty.  Such sweet youth and a doorway to the adult world.  What a journey!

Coutdown to Wednesday April 3, 2013

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday and actually it is 2:37 AM on  March 31.  Need to get ready for Wednesday and showing up at 1:30 at Kaiser.  I hope that I have made the right decision.  This is another big step in the journey.  I am committed to sustaining the program.

Yes, we have been in town all day. Kent had a 9 AM appt. with a client on a house he has sold and another signature was needed. By 10 AM we were in Bed, Bath and Beyond looking for some items on my list. We got out of there unscathed! then off to Anna Miller’s for breakfast, but the lines outside were terrible so we ended up at a breakfast crepe place that couldn’t hold a candle to the one we enjoyed in Manoa a few years ago.

 

The day slipped away quickly and we ended up by noon at Home World, looking for a Lamp with enough light for Kent’s desk. found it! the salesman drove me crazy, hovering around us like an annoying gnat. He was really getting on my nerves, especially since I told him the second I walked in the door that I was not looking for anything in particular, knew the store well did not need anything but wanted to update, take inventory and enjoy walking around with my husband. He kept chiming in and making comments and trying to engage us.

For some reason, I nearly lost it. I finally turned to him and as politely as I could told him that I had expressly requested that he leave us to enjoy looking by ourselves, and that his following us around was really unsettling to me since I had already requested and made it clear that we wanted to be by ourselves. He was never impolite but just there at every turn. He apologized and said that management gets on his case, big time if he does not show his customers around and be nearby to answer their questions. I jokingly told him that he should be reassured that if I wanted to purchase something, I would definitely request him and not go to another sales person. So, I said “SIT” right here on the couch. He said he could not do that. And we continued to shop without his hovering. He found another customer and when we needed him for the lamp we went to him. I asked Kent if I was polite enough just to check myself and he said yes. Boy, I would hate to be a salesperson in that store.

 

 Anyway, we got to Mike’s house and met him just as he was returning from a flight and then taking Hiroko to work. We were pretty tired by this time. Kent sat on the couch and he was finished. He wakened by 4 PM, Mike has fallen asleep next to the baby on their bed while feeding him a bottle. I lingered in the rocking chair and watched their newly installed DSL service. Kent woke up, I took his place on the couch and slept till 5:45 just as the kitchen design team arrived to measure for their kitchen cabinet wall that will extend into the living room. I got up, did the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen and then we went to dinner at Angelo Pietro’s a Japanese, Italian combo that we have loved forever. Before you knew it, it was 8:50 and time to get Hiroko. Geez, we don’t know how the time flies. We decided to drive home and meet up again on Tues. to help him with the linen closet he is reconstructing. Their new fridge is in, the door to the bedroom from the kitchen and a lot more put away. They have as much clutter as I do with the many possessions we just can’t seem to part with. So easy to get rid of someone else’s stuff.

,

I find it curious that Matt indicates according to my friend, Jan that he has not heard from us. I think of him often, and sometimes have my hand on the phone to call him or to send him a FB request, but then pull back because he was so adamant about being disgusted with us and really did not want to have anything to do with us anymore. I took that as a signal to leave him alone until he was ready to make contact again.  This will be the third time in his life that he has alientaed himslf from us.  Once was for four years!  What is that?  He said that he would keep in touch, but I have never heard anything from him, nor has Benjamin. Kent received a funny joke type email from Matt about 6 months ago, so I responded a few months later with a neutral joke and passed it along, but no response from him. He always wants us to solicit him and come to him.

I feel sorry for him but have had to protect myself from the yoyo emotions that ensue when he gets into my soft side. He has accused me of horrible things that are not true and does not hesitate to recount his litany of accusations to members of the family, his brothers and my parents when they were alive. He knows that Michael has always been a soft touch and Mike is now grown and sees through Matthew and as a result Matt no longer is a big brother to Michael in that he no longer admires or looks up to him because he has seen too much. Interesting, because Mike brought up the way Matt is tonight and basically said that it is so sad that Matt is so twisted. He puts on a good act for most people. He had me convinced of his stability and maturity for a long time and then he blows up in our faces.  I don’t need or want the drama, none of us do. I asked him if he would keep in touch and he said he would. I guess, again, he realizes that in the end, all we have is our family or adopted friends to take the place of a family that does not suit us. I appreciate you letting me know that Matthew is still around and OK, but I don’t know if he will ever examine himself enough again to make things right with me or us. I love him, he is my precious first born who I fought tooth and nail to protect and give every opportunity for success in his life. The ball is in his court. He knows how to call, email, and invite me to join him on FB, but Matthew is still Matthew. I have no reason to believe that he is not still unstable and volatile and steeped in the belief that I have in some way harmed him, drugged him and God know what else. I don’t want the pain or the hurt he has repeatedly caused me. Sorry, you know that I am a very soft and loving person and turn myself inside out to help my family and children. I can’t take the grief anymore. As with forgiveness and making peace in our lives with those we love, sometimes we can do that and not pursue a continued relationship. I know it is best that we remain comfortably apart and cordial but no longer close ( were we ever or was that just my illusion) as I had always wanted with all my children. Michael and Hiroko are so natural and easy to be with and they too have their opinions and feelings that differ from ours but we are easy with each other and accepting, not critical or judgmental. Benjamin does not brook any interference that Matthew has tried to throw in his path. He feels as does Mike that Matthew has belittled them, intimidated them, bullied them psychologically and demeaned them in sufficient ways to no longer want to relate to him. I wish this were not so, but that is our reality.

I know that this is really inappropriate a letter but I am a communicator and it has felt good to remind myself of why we are not in touch with Matthew. It is a relief to not have the unsettled and eggshell relationship of the past. Why renew something that has meant nothing but pain?

 

I wish my son a life of peace and happiness.  That can be pursued without us being a part of it.  Only God knows why.

 

May the memories or understanding of Jesus suffering on our behalf guide us to be more appreciative,  better human beings each and every day.  This journey through life is feeling like it has come too close to the end for me.   I can see the Valley below and the downhill slide is increasing.  We thought we would be forever young and now I know that it is through Jesus Christ that we will in fact be eternally young in the next estate. 

 

Bonnie

Spring has Sprung

Here we are again welcoming Spring, the Easter Bunny and Easter this Sunday.  Mike and Hiroko will celebrate their fifth anniversary on March 27.  Baby Ken is walking more and more each day but often resorts to crawling.  He really is a willful little boy and gets easily insulted when we try to divert him from one activity or handling something that we want to get away from him.  He has four top teeth and four bottom and two 1st year molars.  He sure knows how to curl his lip to move from happy little boy to wounded and so hurt.  How can such a young human being learn so quickly to play on our sympathy and make us feel guilty for calling his bluff.  He has us fascinated and "gobsmacked".
Kent has, after three months finalized the negotiations for M and H's new Condo in Waikiki.  What an ordeal.  The contract from Hell.  The mainland bank and brokers were inefficient, strung them along and dilly dallied in their negotiations.  The aggravation is behind all of us now and many lessons learned.  Our son and daughter are making headway with renovations, a new 12' mirrored closet, doorway through to the bedroom from kitchen, thanks to Dave Hafele.  Ripped out cabinets on one kitchen wall and designing a 16' transition from Kitchen to Living room design.  Wow, it is so fun, yet exhausting doing all the running and planning.  I really should have been a designer.  So creative my juices do flow!  I need to keep the bit in my mouth and pull back on my own reins.  Their house, Bonnie!!!!!!
Benjamin may continue his employment with Oceanic or not.  The next four month bid leaves him with a split four hours on four off and four on again.  Saturdays and Sundays off.  It is a terrible schedule and torture.  Longs is openeing in July.  He could easily start with them and not have the long drive.  Money saved at the get go.  Life ain't fair.
I am having my WLS on Wednesday the 3rd of April.  I am hopeful for a great and sustained succesful outcome.  My overall health will improve if I survive.  No kidding, there is that risk.  I love my family and am so thankful for all of them, the lessons I have learned by being Kent's wife, Matthew's mother.  Benjamin my precious son who is so bright and capable and a square peg in a round hole.  There must be a square hole in this world somewhere for him.  He is brilliant in so many areas and has not found a fit for himself.  Mike who has accomplished a lot with his education also and thankfully can teach flight students.  I love my sweet natured and rosy baby boy who always had a smile on his face when he wakened in the morning.  Both degreed and both not working in their fields as the pilots they dreamed of being.  Matt will find his way through this earth life, but regrettably not in the fold of our family's love and concern.  He does not care for our way of life and the way we think or function.  He is content in his own realm and we in ours and I think we all finally figured out that never the twain will meet, again.  He needs to know that he was loved with all that I had to give and I never wished him or perpetrated any ill upon him.  I hope that someday he will come to know that truth and believe that.  His mind has been poisoned by an evil doer.
Baby Ken is baby Benjamin reincarnate.  Amazing genetic mix.  When I love him and hold him he feels like the baby Benjamin that was so darling.  I am so lucky to have been able to have three uniquely individual sons.  I love you all, and my most darling Kent.  How could God have blessed me so.  Even with all our differences and trials, I adore you, you are so precious to me and I feel that I am in the arms of my Heavenly Father when I am with you.  We were saved for each other, I believe that with all my heart.  Please forgive me for all the angst and disruption I have caused in your life.  I know you would have been so content with a simpler wife.  I never could have survived this life without you.  I hope that I have contributed in some positive ways to your growth and experiential range.  It has been an exciting run.  Thank you for loving me enough to risk the roller coaster ride.
I don't mean for this to sound like an ending, but hopefully a new beginning.  Renewed health and vitality will be ours in a few months when I am able to exercise and swim and walk and change the way we eat.  So with this long letter, I will add more in a while, probably in mid April.
Sayonara!
      

Pre- Christmas happenings 2012

What an amazing day we had on Friday, Dec. 7! Morning hunting for our son and daughter-in law's first home and making an offer with Dad, their realtor, in the afternoon! Parting company so the kids could attend their church Christmas party and Kent and I going to The Cheesecake factory in Waikiki, to enjoy Chicken Madeira and a slice of original cheesecake was our time to unwind. As we strolled...

back to the Royal Hawaiian where we parked, we noticed that the roads were blocked only to happily discover that the Pearl Harbor Day parade was about to begin. We had seats from a perfect vantage point and enjoyed all of the visiting bands from the mainland, the local armed services and of course our beloved, Royal Hawaiian Band! The Polynesian Cultural Center wowed the crowd with their amazing dancing and singing as did the Chief's Luau with fire knife dancing. It was the show of shows. We are so blessed to live in Hawaii, to be able to enjoy the glam and glitter of Waikiki and still live in the country near the North Shore. To honor our fallen soldiers and those still fighting for the freedom and values we hold dear is not the least of those blessings. What a way to start the weekend. We are slow to get the Christmas decorating done. though. Our rooftop airplane and landing strip needs more work! We'll miss being able to fly over the city to enjoy the Christmas lights, taking our little tours with friends and family again this year. Four more years of no fly zone and interrupted income for our sons' business. Thanks a lot big O.

SUMMER IN HAUULA

July 2012  Halfway through Summer

Summer is half over and I am still waiting for it to arrive.  I have come to the conclusion that as I slow down in life and am losing my perpetual "SPARKLE"  that Kent is falling in behind me.  He is a workhorse and thinks little of fun, play or entertainment since I am the one who has always been the creator and instigater.  I am not complaining mind you, but in a way I think that he is relieved and not even aware of it.  Always the dutiful husband and father, he is glad to come home, eat dinner and settle in to his scripture studies.  He teases that he is a facbook widow and I am now becoming the text widow.  Editing and adding are his pursuits at the computer.
We occasionally get to babysit our little KenKen who is very vocal now and totally attentive to everything around him.  He is eating squash and peas, and maybe more has been added this week.  He lets you know that the food is not going in fast enough.  His sounds are accompanied by louder complaints as we move from dish to mouth!  He rolls over and is working very hard to get his knees under him so he can propel forward.  Two little bottom teeth have broken through as of the last week of June.  He'll be 7 months old on July 22.  He would really love a turtle with wheels or a skateboard to drive himself around.
I want to digress to last Sunday when Kent said he was going to be speaking in church.  He often does not share what I think are important details about his life.  I asked who the other speakers are and he said the High Priests quorum presidency.  That went right over my head.  It turns out that he was called as a first counselor to President Martinez and so we had a very nice group of talks on the power and responsibility of the priesthood.  My attention was riveted for a change.  And there were no screaming children nearby.  We came home to our pre-cooked chicken dinner.  And I continued to assist Benjamin in getting over his 3 day battle with the flu, only to waken on Monday morning myself with fever and terrible sore throat.  I doused myself with the appropriate natural meds and doTerra oils and rested all day with little forays up and about to keep from becoming weak.  Feel rotten today with no fever so am restless to be up and functioning.  All in good time.  Kent said he would come home early.  Blessings.
Our son, Mike and Daughter Hiroko are at a loss as to what to do about their future.  He is not getting an airline job.  He has been called to teach Math again at Mc Kinley.  He has a flight student and expects to have more in the next few weeks, so that will become his second job.  Hiroko wants to purchase a home but first get out of Hawaii.  Focus is on a less expensive but affordable home.  She can transfer to Hilton in Vegas for example.  Her picture of married life has taken a decidedly distorted view from "Dad working and supporting and Mom home with the babies."  Moreover her Japaneses thinking and culture dictates that the man is the breadwinner.  It's difficult to let go of the dream and see how most people really live and survive.  We all like to remain in our mental bubble.
Accepting the alternatives is a bitter pill to swallow.
Simon as a doggy pet has become so mellow.  He will walk alongside us without a leash and get into the car after a few obligatory sniffs and markings.  No more is he inspired to dart to the beach with our futile calls and whistles after him.  We have concluded that he can read our minds.
Our home is a big responsibility and is feeling more and more like an insurmountable mountain.  I guess this has come about in the last year or so since my speed under foot is cut way down and endurance is nil.  Kim comes twice a week to deliver her amazing massages to keep my muscles relaxed and circulation flowing.  She is starting her Spa very soon and I will be her technical advisor and supervisor over the operation in exchange for the massages.  What a deal!..I love helping new, aspiring entrepeneurs.
What will be will be, Que Sera, Sera as Doris Day used to sing.  And on that note, Aloha until the next burst of writing inspiration flows to the top.   

April 14, 1979

WE CELEBRATED YESTERDAY'S TEMPLE ANNIVERSARY TODAY. IT WAS AN ESPECIALLY WONDERFUL FAST AND TESTIMONY MEETING THIS MORNING. MESSAGES FOCUSED ON THE EXAMPLES WE NEED TO BE FOR EACH OTHER AND HOW WE CAN TURN TO CHRIST AS THE PERFECT EXAMPLE OF HOW WE SHOULD FUNCTION IN LIFE. TSUNAMI ANALOGY WAS REALLY GOOD. SOME TAKE THE WARNING AND MOVE TO HIGHER GROUND, OTHERS IGNORE AND TAKE A RISK, HANGING OUT AT THE SHORELINE AND SOME FOLLOW THE WATER OUT TO SEE WHERE IT IS GOING AND WHAT IS ON THE DRY NEWLY EXPOSED SAND. WE CAN ALL IDENTIFY WITH HOW WE REACT TO THE TEMPTATIONS AND RISKS IN LIFE.
MIKE AND HIROKO ARE LIVING A STRESSFUL LIFE RIGHT NOW. BABY NEEDS GRANDMA SO HE DOESN'T HAVE TO GO TO THE BABYSITTER. I'D LIKE TO GO IN TOMORROW BUT THE COORDINATION STINKS. IF I STAY UNTIL 4 THEN I CAN PICK UP KENT FROM WORK. AT LEAST THERE IS A BED FOR ME TO STAY OVERNIGHT. WE HAD GREAT CHEESEBURGERS AND HOMEMADE POTATO SALAD AND CHIPS. NOTHING LIKE MAMA'S BURGERS. I MUST SAY, MINE ARE THE BEST. KENT AND I ARE NEEDING MORE TIME ALONE FOR EACH OTHER. BEING TAX WEEK AND MAY SAFE BOATING WEEK COMING UP WITH MEETINGS, HE IS SWAMPED WITH REAL ESTATE AS WELL. I AM LAYING LOW WITH ALL THE COMPANY WE'VE HAD. IT IS GOOD TO HAVE MORE QUIET TIME AND DO SOME MORE GENEOLOGY RESERACH. KEEPING RECORDS IN THE RIGHT PLACES IS A CHALLENGE. SO GOOD NIGHT SWEET WORLD. TAKE A CRACK AT YOU AGAIN TOMORROW.

March 25, 2012 A SIMPLE SUNDAY

Happy Sunday,

The chicken is in the pot (oven) The squash is going to be a tasty addition and I'm wishing I had remembered to get green beans yesterday. A good salad with basil, mozzarella and balsamic will be yummy too. I know, I know, Bonnie has unusual food preferences. Thinking of making a "Blondie" as well. Guests are arriving today at 1:30 and sweet Kent reminded me yesterday that we have been married for 435 months. Wow! Is it because he cares so much or is it that he just loves numbers! You guess. I know the answer.
Our genius son, Ben fixed the TV. The cable signal was bad and the tv shut off suddenly. After fooling around for a while, we gave up. The quick trip breaker is the first thing Ben thought of and sure enough, the booster went out because the breaker tripped. We're back on!

Ligia came to visit today and I was not in the mood to see anyone. She is such a sweet friend and I am in such a slump. Too sleepy in the morning. Now, at least I will have dinner for the family.

Maybe today we can watch the tapes on the Hopewell theory pertaining to the Book of Mormon geography. Very compelling argument.

We are going to have a peaceful family day. <3

HAPPY MARCH 21, 2012..tHE MIDNIGHTHOUR JUST TURNED TO THE 22ND. BABY KEN IS THREE MONTHS OLD, HIS MOMMY HAS THE FLU,BEING A GRANDMA SO I AM DRIVING IN TO TOWN TO SPEND THE DAY WITH THEM AND LOVE ON OUR LITTLE BOY. HE IS SO PRECIOUS AND WE ARE SO THANKFUL FOR HIM. NOTHING CAN COMPARE TO THE JOY OF BEING A GRANDPARENT. THIS IS A GRATEFUL LETTER TO MYSELF. GRATEFUL FOR~~~~~~
BEING A GRANDMA, HAVING A LOVING TENDER HUSBAND AND TWO SONS WHO LOVE THE LORD.
A HOME AND SOFT BED TO SLEEP IN
FRIENDS WHO CARE
THE GOSPEL IN MY LIFE AND THE BLESSINGS THAT ARE OURS BECAUSE OF IT
MY PARENTS WHO WERE GOOD AND FAITHFUL
BENJAMIN, WHO IS ALWAYS WILLING TO TALK AND SHARE HIS IDEAS AND TEACH ME HOW TO USE THE COMPUTER.
MY ANKLE THAT IS GETTING BETTER FROM APRIL, 2011 WHILE WLKING TOO FAST THROUGH MACY'S
THE NEW BUDS ON THE TREES AND FLOWERS. HAWAII DOESN'T WAIT TO REBIRTH AFTER IT'S PSEUDO WINTER
TWO DOGS, SIMON AND OLLIE AND CALLIE THE CAT WHO SHOW US THEIR LOVE AND NEED FOR US TO CARE FOR AND LOVE THEM.
LIFE IS GOOD AND I AM THANKFUL FOR MY HEALTH.

OOh Baby, Baby!

AS YOU MAY GUESS, WE ARE ALL ABOUT "OUR" BABY BOY, KEN MITOME RICHARDS.
8 LBS. 15 OZ. AND 21 1/4 " LONG. HE LOOKS A BEAUTIFUL JAPANESE LEANING, PERFECT DARK HAIR AND GROOMED TO BOOT. ROSY RUDDY COMPLEXION AND BOWED LIPS LIKE HIS MOM, SMALL EARS LIKE BOTH OF THEM AND JUST ADORABLE!

HIROKO WENT HOME ON CHRISTMAS DAY AFTER SUNDAY OR WAS IT MONDAY? TIME HAS FLOWN AND HE IS NOW, ON MARCH 6 ABOUT TO BE 11 WEEKS OLD. HE FOCUSES ON ME WHEN I SING TO HIM AND TALK TO HIM AND HE LETS OUT A LITTLE HUH AS I SPEAK TO HIM. HE COPIES STICKING OUT THE TONGUE AND LOVES HIS FAVORITE SONG, "NIGHT, NIGHT BABY NIGHT, NIGHT, NIGHT NIGHT BABY BOY" ETC. I'VE HAD A LOT OF PRACTICE WITH THAT ONE. HE ALSO ENJOYS SQUEALING AND PRACTICING WITH HIS VOICE.

HIROKO IS RETURNING TO WORK IN THREE WEEKS, AND MIKE IS TEACHING AT McKINLEY. THIS COULD WORK. WE ARE IN TOWN AT LEAST TWICE A WEEK SO BABY KNOWS US.

MATT CAME HOME FROM NEW ZEALAND ABOUT FIVE WEEKS AGO AND OF COURSE I WITH MY MOMMY BLINDERS ON WANTED TO BELIEVE THAT HE WAS MORE MATURE AND SETTLED. ALL FELL APART ABOUT A WEEK AGO WITH A BLOW UP, TOTAL REJECTION OF US AND WORDS THAT I DO NOT CARE TO REPEAT. WAKE UP BONNIE. HE IS 42, A GROWN MAN AND OBVIOUSLY WANTS TO ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF THE FRUITS OF OUR HEARTH AND HOME BUT CANNOT BEAR OUR OPINIONS OR INTERJECTIONS ON ANY SUBJECT. HE LEFT IN ANGER AND RETURNED TODAY TO COLLECT THE REMAINDER OF HIS BELONGINGS. NO JOB, NO MONEY AND YET JAN CALLED ME FROM MAUI TO SAY, "GUESS WHO IS COMING OVER TONIGHT TO GET HIS TOOLS?" I SAID GOODBYE TO MATT THIS AFTERNOON, ASKED HIM IF HE WOULD KEEP IN TOUCH AND HE SAID YES AND PARTED WITH A HUG. HE WOULD NOT LOOK INTO MY EYES. I AM DONE. HE IS LIVING WITH THE HOMELESS GROUP ACROSS FROM HANO HANO HALE. CAN'T VERY WELL BE COLLECTING WELFARE, FOOD STAMPS AND MEDICAL CARE AND LIVING WITH HIS AFFLUENT FOLKS NOW CAN HE? MAYBE THAT CHOICE IS WHAT HE HAD TO MAKE TO GET THE DOLE. WE ARE THE RECIPIENT OF HIS ANGER AND "DISGUST" TO QUOTE HIM. SO SAD. HE IS NO LONGER MY MATT, THE SON I FOUGHT FOR AN TRIED TO BRING TO A RIGHTEOUS MANHOOD. HE IS THE MASTER OF HIS OWN SHIP. ACTUALLY HE STARTED FIGHTING FOR HIS OWN CONTROL AT 13 AND FOURTEEN. IT'S BEEN A TOUGH GO.

THE RAINS HAVE RETURNED TO HAWAII. WE WERE PLANNING TO FLY TO THE BIG ISLAND TO ENJOY A WEEK AT A VOLCANO CABIN, BUT THE STORM CELLS WERE TOO PREVALENT IN OUR PATH AND MIKE DECIDED TO WAIT UNTIL MORNING. GIVEN THE STORMY CONDITIONS AND UNUSUAL THUNDER AND LIGHTENING ACTIVITY, I FEEL BETTER ABOUT FLYING IN THE DAYLIGHT AND ARRIVING WHEN WE CAN SEE WHAT IS GOING ON.

BEN WILL DOGGY SIT THE FOUR DOGS AND CALLI THE CAT. OUR HOME IS A MENAGERIE! ALL OF THEM GET ALONG JUST FINE WITH A MINIMAL OF POWER, POSTURING. SIMON GETS A LITTLE TERRITORIAL AT TIMES.

MY ONE YEAR MARK FOR THE INJURED ANKLE COMES UP THIS MID APRIL. STILL NUMB AND CHARLEY HORSE PRONE, BUT BETTER THAN SURGERY! I REALLY BABY IT AND ON MY FEET TOO LONG REAPS LOTS OF NIGHT TIME TROUBLE. THAT'LL SLOW A GAL DOWN.

MARCH HAS TRULY LIVED UP TO ITS NAME. IN LIKE A LION AND WE ARE COMING UP ON HALFWAY THROUGH. LET'S HOPE FOR OUT LIKE A LAMB.

APRIL WILL BE A SPECIAL MONTH IF WE CAN RETURN TO SAMOA AND RENEW OUR TEMPLE VOWS ON THE 14TH. OUR ETERNAL ANNIVERSARY.

HAPPY SPRING. THE HIBISCUS HAS BLOOMED ALL "WINTER" AND THE BUDS ARE ON THE FRANGIPANI AGAIN! I LOVE HAWAII. RAINBOWS AND WATERFALLS!

December 2011

IT LOOKS LIKE I GO IN SIX MONTH CYCLES. SO HERE WE ARE READY TO MAKE 2011 A BANNER YEAR WITH THE ADDITION OF A NEW FAMILY MEMBER, BABY BOY RICHARDS PRODUCED BY HIROKO AND MICHAEL. "THELAST SHALL BE FIRST" IN THE MARRIAGE AND BABY PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT. WAY TO GO KIDS!

WE ARE HAVING SO MUCH COMPANY IN DECEMBER THAT MY HEAD IS SPINNING. WHEN SOMEONE LEAVES IN THE MORNING A NEW GUEST ARRIVES THAT EVENING. THIS MIGHT BE THE SECOND YEAR THAT CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS WILL BE MINIMAL. THOUGH I LOVE IT WHEN KENT AND BEN PUT THE FLYING SANTA ON THE ROOF WITH THE RUNWAY LIGHTS. THE OCEAN BREEZE KEEPS THE WINGS FLAPPING AND OF COURSE THE PROP IS ALWAYS SPINNING. JUST NEED A COUPLE OF POTTED POINSETTIAS ON THE FRONT ENTRY WITH THE SPOTLIGHTS AND THE FOUNTAIN LIT AND WE'LL BE ALL SET.

OUR BABY JESUS WILL BE LIVE THIS YEAR AND THE KIDS WILL STAY WITH US FOR A MONTH TO LET MOM REST AND ENJOY HAVING HELP WITH THE BABY. ARE WE EXCITED? OVER THE MOON!

AFTER THE MACY'S ANKLE DISASTER IN APRIL, MY ANKLE IS ALLOWING ME TO WALK WITHOUT PAIN BUT RESIDUAL PROBLEMS PERSIST. A FEW ALLERGY COLDS WERE A SET BACK AND THIS ONE JUST BEFORE CHRISTMAS HAS CONVINCED ME TO ELIMINATE ALL SOCIAL ENGAGEMENTS. FEAST OR FAMINE AND WE ARE USUALLY THE FAMILY OFFERING THE COMMUNITY FEAST AND OPEN HOUSE. IT WILL BE JUST TOO MUCH WITH A NEW BABY SO THIS YEAR IT IS ONLY FAMILY FOCUS TIME.

"BONNIE'S BABIES AND BEARS" WILL HAVE TO WAIT FOR ANOTHER YEAR AND A NEW CROP OF PRIMARY KIDS WITH WIDE AND EAGER EYES. FINDING DOLLIES AND BEARS AND RECONDITIONING THEM AND DRESSING THEM UP IS ALWAYS A HAPPY PROJECT. THE RIBBONS AND BOWS AROUND THEIR NECKS AND TRIMS ON THE DOLLS IS WHAT REALLY MAKES THEM SPARKLE.

WE ARE SO THANKFUL THAT OUR FAMILY HAS MEANINGFUL WORK THAT WE LOVE AND KEEPS US WITH A ROOF AND FOOD AND SOME OF THE EXTRAS THAT ARE MISSING IN SO MANY OTHERS' LIVES. IT ISN'T JUST AT CHRISTMASTIME THAT WE NEED TO FIND WAYS TO HELP EACH OTHER AND LOOK FOR WAYS TO SERVE. iT ANNOYS ME THAT IN THE NEWS THE BIG PUSH IS TO APPEAL TO EVERYONE'S SENSE OF GIVING FOR THE NEEDY AND POOR, WHEN THEY STARVE THE REST OF THE YEAR. TO THINK THAT EVEN IN HAWAII WE HAVE SO MANY HOMELESS, IS A DISCREDIT TO OUR SOCIETY.

IF I FAILED TO MENTION THE SUDDEN APPEARANCE OF "OLIVER" ON THE 13TH OF THE MONTH FOLLOWING THE 13TH ON THE PREVIOUS MONTH OF TJ'S JOURNEY OVER THE RAINBOW BRIDGE. HE WAS CURLED UP IN A LITTLE BALL ON MY SIDE PORCH AND HE ACTED LIKE HE BELONGED TO US. AND SO HE DID, ALMOST INSTANTLY. AFTER A LOT OF CLEANING UP, FLEA BATHS, HAIRCUTS AND GROOMING, HE WAS ALLOWED INTO THE HOUSE AND HAS TOTALLY TAKEN OVER TO THE EXTENT THT SIMON THINKS HE IS HIS BROTHER. AND THE CAT, CALLI SIDLES UP TO BOTH OF THEM WITH A KISS FIRST AND THEN A VISIT TO THE WINDOWSILL. OLLIE IS OUR BOY NOW.

OH TANNENBAUM EVOKES SWEET AND VAGUE MEMORIES OF GOING TO GRANDMA BECK'S HOUSE ON HILLSIDE AVE. AT CHRISTMAS. THERE WAS A SENSE OF BEING GROUNDED AND BELONGING TO A LARGER FAMILY. I LOVED THE COOKIE JAR IN HER PANTRY OFF THE KITCHEN. I STILL HAVE THE YEARNING TO RECREATE THOSE MEMORIES IN OUR HOME, BUT I OFTEN WONDER IF THE MEN REALLY APPRECIATE IT. THEY NEVER AT LIKE THEY ARE THRILLED WITH ANYTHING. I NEED GIRLS AROUND. WOMEN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE IN THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT. MAYBE A FEW MORE DAUGHTERS-IN-LAW WOULD HELP. OR WE FIND A FAMILY THAT NEEDS A LITTLE CHRISTMAS. THERE MUST BE SOMEONE WE CAN ENTERTAIN ON CHRISTMAS EVE? MAYBE THEY WILL BE SENT OUR WAY. MORE FROM US LATER.

June is Bustin' Out all Over!

Aloha,

Before the entire year slips away. Looks like there is a little catching up to do. It's going to take some serious thinking to see (remember) where we have been and what we have been doing. So in order to jog the brain we'll start with this month and work backwards.

June has been relatively quiet. We lost our beloved TJ who snuck out while Kent was bringing boxes into the house later in the evening. After searching for him all the next day, I found neighbors who were witness to his being hit by a van and his poor little self was picked up at midnight and taken away. His spirit was long gone, but I mourn his passing still as I daily pass the place just around the corner by the bus stop. He was our "regal" doggie. He alway gave us "the paw" gently to remind us that petting him was his #1 priority. He is missed and his brother Simon is learning to find other friends to play with. Namely, Mike and Hiroko's two Poms, Kuma and Pelo. They spent four weeks+ with us while Mike was in training in Ohio and Hiroko worked. The distraction of two crazy young pups certainly kept his mind off of being at a loss. They had a great time bonding and having doggy fun.

Kent had a trip to Las Vegas and I stayed home. That killed me but the shows I wanted to see were out of sight,pricewise. Fortunately, one, Terry Fader with his puppets was on a PBS special. So good! Best ventriloquist I have ever seen. Kent was gone only a few days and Vegas does not "call" to him. One of his buddies won $2000.00. He went on a boring 3 hours river raft ride and said that had I gone, I would have jumped out of the boat before halfway through.
Their big treat was sandwiches on a rocky beach and a bucket with a lid to go into the "woods" for a bathroom break. Not my idea of a week in Vegas!

If I missed something in May, I'll add it later. I think it was recovering from our trip to SAMOA in April.
Kent has been to Samoa twice before and this time it was for the April 17th flag day ceremony and requested trainig and inspiration for their programs.
We arrived in the dark and went straight to our hotel. Junior Tuisuasopo and his secretary Emma and Malu met us with beautiful lei and the official Marine safety patrol cars that we would be able to use during our stay. It was "warm". Our hotel, conveniently located to all the activities was cockroach infested. We chased down 11 of them before calling the front office and having our room changed. Good thing we are already acclimated to Polynesian bugs, but that was a bit much. The next room was clean. Breakfast overlooking the harbor was delicious and we were slated to participate in the official village boat races. So off we went to the marine harbor, boarded the rigid hull inflatable and headed out to the mouth of Pago Harbor to accompany the media boat, other rescue boats etc. to be on hand for any emergency when the seven participating village canoes began their race to the shoreline. I was wary, knowing that as long as the vessel was moving forward and I, like a dog hanging out the window had air blowing in my face all would be fine. We got to our destination and turned around waiting for the canoes to line up. I held on as long as I could and then it hit. I turned to Kent and said MOVE!, I'm going overboard. He said, No, you're not! I fed the fish as quickly as possible, freshened up with some water and sat quietly until the race started and all was fine!
The race was amazing and the High School kids came in Second! What a coup for them when another village usually wins. That memory of the race will always be a highlight among many others. Emma and Malu were my guradian angels. I am so thankful for them. They treated me like their elderly Tutu which at that point I felt like. The sprained ankle from the week before was killing me and it was hard to walk normally and not feel pain. Still 11 weeks later it is still very sensitive and I cannot stand for very long in one spot. Must have really ripped something good in there!
The girls and I toured the island while the men did official things and then we joined them for a late lunch. This trip would never have been so wonderful had it not been for the overwhelming generosity of the marine services and Junior allowing his wonderful support team to entertain us/me. We were blessed beyond anything I could dream. We also met Isa Ieremia who is with the commissioners office and she too joined in the fun. I truly felt like I had sisters to play with!!!!!
I could go on and on, but some I will keeped tucked in my memories. Not to forget the additional jaunt to Western Samoa and the spiritual and touching visit to Sauniatu. Wow, It was like going to the Celestial Kingdom. The Spirit of God is so present there. The Samoan Temple is gorgeous and I got a beautiful photo of it.
Kent and I were gifted with a beautiful outfit from the ladies and we need to get a photo of us in it to send to our very special friends In fact, Junior is coming on business next month and I was hoping he would bring some of our lady friends. But it looks like a different kind of training this time. We can't wait to treat him to the blessings of Laie! and send him back with more goodies from Hawaii. I will never forget the love and genuine caring shared by our dear friends in Samoa, Danny and Denise in Saleiapaga and the overall varied and rich experiences. We were in sensory overload and still are even when we reminisce. God has blessed the peoples of Samoa with a spirit that is unique above all others.

Benjamin turned 33 on April 6. He just let it slip by. Nothing much he desires or lusts after, so we fed him and wished him well.

At some point, Mike and Hiroko let us know that they are expecting their baby in December and we have seen photos of the little one who is "looking" like a boy. We are cautiously excited and hope that she is well throughout the pregnancy. God must have a plan for them because it looks like Michael will be here teaching at his Alma Mater, McKinley for the Fall season. And certainly she will have to stop work by November. It is difficult to have a major career change when you have never gotten the career off the ground in the first place. Being the pilot of his dreams may not be what was intended in the long term. March was their 3rd anniversay and we took them to Kai Market at the Sheraton. After dinner we went to the Federal Bldg. because I was not feeling well. I got very sick, threw up and went home to recover. No more Kai Market for me! And it used to be my favorite place.

January and February is a blurr because we were involved in the big NaKamalei fundraiser. It was a success for publicity reasons not because of the funds raised. It set a precedent for future events and keeping our name in the community. As the President of the board, it was a feat of impossible proportions to reproduce. Next year someone else will spearhead this event.

I'll add more as inspired. In the meantime, cheerio and all good things for the last few days of June. July is going to be a festive month starting off with a comemorative train ride to Ko'olina with the family on the 4th of July.

Six Month Hiatus, Happy 2011!

Well, The last six month sure disappeared fast. We jumped from August 2010 and our summer's end vacation slipping into a very unexpected trip to what was going to be Guam and Saipan. Our ususal Bonnie's Birthday trip each Sept. with Kent's CG conference. Mike and Hiroko (still on maternity leave) decided to leave for Hokkaido on the 11th and Kent was slated to go on the 17th. Last minute flight changes required he route through Japan. Manna from Heaven! Our kids in Japan, Kent returning through Japan and I changed my trip to Guam and Saipan to meet up with them in Tokyo. It didn't quite work that way but regardless, we all found each other. I braved the bullet and local trains by myself and was on my own for three days until M and H met me at Bandai Atami near Koriyama. What an adventure. We spent a week in Nozawa at the Mitome farm and then finished our trip in Tokyo at Disney Sea. I would love to go back someday. We still have free hotel in Tokyo to use and our ITravex points. With all that traveling and returning in October, we decided to just chill for Christmas. This is the first year I did not decorate and what a relief. We spent more time together, ate at Ciao Mein at the Hyatt for our 35th anniversary. We are limited in our restaurant choices in Laie area so going to town and trying new places is like going to NYC and partaking of the many fine dining venues.
So here we are again with the possibility of another Guam/Saipan trip and if routed through Japan, I'll meet Kent there and do Kyoto or Osaka. All by ourselves and more relaxed itinerary.
Matt is in New Zealand and it looks like he will be able to stay being that his profession is among the "critical need" categories. Ben has just been hired by FEDEX and Mike is interviewing with Skywest in SLC in Feb. Time for some serious prayers. We'll go to the temple this Saturday as a family. Such a joy to have our Temple so close by.
January has been a bust for me. I hesitantly attended a New Year's party with 5K fireworks donated by our friend's older brother. To say impressive would be an understatement. I hid in the house to avoid the smoke and watched through her picture window. I got a good dose of smoke inhalation and have been on death's door for three weeks. No more 4th July or New years events for me. For two days now, I am no longer coughing my brains out and the sinuses are almost clear. February is our big Nakamalei ( www.nakamalei.org) fundraiser at Surfin' Tacos.
That will be the highlight of the month and then our trip to Savannah in March. So much for Semi-retirement. It feels like it is busier than ever.

Home is where the Heart is!

"Home again" the folks would say as we drove into the drive after a long time away. And that is exactly what we said as we saw our turn into Kahikole Place approaching. It was great fun to play at being a farm girl, mountain adventurer, cold weather camper and all around good sport way out of our comfort zone. Just wanted everyone to know that Hawaii is the best of all.

NO KA OI! Good to be warm again, the fragrance of the flowers and surf. Happy doggies and Cali greeting us and lots of stories to tell our chldren who remained behind while we took Benjamin on his graduation trip. More later, we're off to Honolulu to visit more kids and do our "weekly" foraging. Love these three day weekends with my Honey.

Park City, Utah and Family Reunion

I wonder if anyone reads this BLOG? It's a great journaling tool if nothing else. Well, here we are in Park City. Kent finished his four day conference with the Coast Guard. We stayed at the Yarrow, a perfect central location. Two fold trip, we piggy back a vacation with the conferences he attends and enjoy a new location a few times a year. This trip fortunately has three wonderful "reasons to Smile". Family reunion with the Richards Clan in Riverside as well as celebrating Benjamin's graduation from Embry-Riddle U. He is now an official professionally degreed pilot. No job yet but that's next.
Mike and Hiroko stayed behind while she recuperates from losing their first baby ( a boy ) three and a half months into the pregnancy. We found out on a Sunday, in June and we cried all day and it truly felt like a death in the family. We already loved that little guy and wonder where he is and where he is going next. More than a few of us had dreams that he was a boy even before anyone knew! Mike is taking teacher prep classes to sub in the Fall in case an airline job does not "materialize".
So after a glimpse of Park City, a nice intro, though cold, we managed to see a few sights. Stein Erikkson's resort at the top of Deer Valley, the ski lift, (too cold and rainy), the Olympic Village. Performances only on Sat. (we're gone by then) We always miss neat things by a day or two. The official Park City Summer kick-off is on the 18th of June and of course we are leaving for SLC to pick up our RV today, Thurs. June 17th. Oh Yeah and the Montain Man Festival is this weekend too, in Soldier Hollow. the drive-by on the back way up to Timp Cave was neat. And the quick visit to Kathleen's and BYU was really nostalgic. Ben's mission home, Kent's, Amanda Knight which in my time was the men's Frat house. And my old home on 230 E. 800 S. just up the street from Heaps a Pizza now Brick Oven. A too busy day for me which exacerbated this asthma based cold and cough. TG for the RV, my new "viewing station" and security blanket as we adventure our way through northern Utah, Idaho, Montana and down through to Wyoming to see Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, visiting Temples and sights on the way. Our family reunion is on the 19th in Riverside and from there we head North to the KOA at Hot Springs.
Today we outfit the RV in SLC and head up to Marilyn's in Ogden. So many friends to visit, so little time. I like the idea of the "old days" when folks traded houses for the "season". Or Summered by the sea. (That's us!) Change is nice but for an extended period of time. Let's see what adventures the next few days bring.

Six plus months have flown! New Mexico was fantastic in October as was the food, the scenery and the amazing jewelry finds. Meeting up with old friends who we knew in Hawaii in the 90's who later moved to NM and have moved on again was a blast. Our worlds collide. Our once babies are grown and friends kids are having thier own babies.

After working like kids for one week on a balloon crew, early rising in the 50+ degrees morning and then cooking by afternoon and still going by 7 PM was a full day of activity, breaking bread at some of our old favorite restaurants, chasing our balloon pilot in the brush of indian reservations and jumping over railroad tracks. We finally got our "ride" at the best time. We took off from Intel and floated over our old home on Oakmount and the golf course, over new territory for us, a short landing in an arroyo, up in the air again and over a large framed structure being built (later to find out it was the new stake center). A perfect landing in the green grassy soccer field of the new H.S. Boy, has Rio Rancho changed. We got our old friends, Blaine and pat Emms in on the act too. they got a tethered ride because the winds in late morning were picking up.

Great memories of SPA time at the Casino, Bien Mur and fantastic buffet food. Better than Sandia Casino. Seing buffalo again and the drive down our favorite Bosque area of Corrales made the jaunt to Old Town reaally special. We covered every square inch of ABQ. Even ate at the OWL, 50's diner with a juke box at each table. The green chili was espeacially hot this season. Old town brought romance with our engagement anniversary at High Noon. Food and ambiance was superbe and the same family owns it after 35 years! We talked with the native jewelers, visited the Indian Pueblo Cultural center. Most special was sharing family hitory with thre Navajo and Pueblo cultures.

Our drive to San Pedro was poignant. The property that we dreamed of buiding an A-Frame on is still there, undeveloped. the view of the Continental divide on a gloomy overcast day felt erie. I went pine cone crazy collecting my treasures. Our "rock" marker outcropping was found and faint traces of Matt's "tree house". The beautiful lake that spread in front of our property was dried up. We found out from neighbors who live there that there are water wars. Other rancers have diverted the water on the other side of the divide. The old adobe house down the road was being remodeled and we went inside to say hello. It really is an LDS church, once someone's home donated to the church and and part of the Rio Rancho Stake. Amazng to think we spent 13 years in that region and could have raised our kids there instead of Hawaii.

With all our best intent to return next year, I don't think I could muster enough to chase again. I broke my toe, not from adventuring, but from Kent putting a metal chair in my path in the late night in the dark bedroom. I limped for the entire week and couldn't put my tennis shoes on. It was a matter of driving for the finish line. In retrospect, it was a miracle that a girl like me was able to tough it out due to sheer grit and determination.

These are the most recetn memories to date: more will come later.

Now March the second year of Mike and Hiroko's marriage brings us to the 27th and just be Beyond that, on April 6, Benjamin's 32nd. Last class, Aeronautical Psych. coming up and Kent off to Florida at the end of the Month. Mama is staying home.

Guests have been pouring into the suite, thank goodness. Hope we have it all filled up for Summer.

That's it for now.

The last third of Summer, August

Boy, this summer has flown. We are finally giving in to our heat intolerance and having AC installed next weekend. Happy August, Sept. and Oct. our most stifling months. Kent is out walking the dogs. They know that when he comes home and changes into his jams, they get a "walk" on the beach. So overjoyed were they that they carried their leashes around the house while waiting for him to change. Our evenigs are short with little light given our location on the sphere. Night falls quickly, and by 7 pm it is almost too dark to see.
I spent last week with Matt in Maui and managed to get Ben to fly both ways in Pueo. It has been so long since I've had a chance to fly. It was wonderful. The islands are beautiful, each so uniquely different. Airborne for a short time and then another island appears on the horizon. Of course our little winged owl only goes about 150 knots, not really speedy. Matt is studying for his pre-reqs in chiropractic. Change of career due to his Union injury. Had his last orthopaedic exam today and they may (AIG) finally budge after a year and a half and offer a "legal" settlement. He finally will be able to use his maximum intellect in his new field. We're praying for his success and well being. Kent and I will travel to Texas in the latter part of Sept for a CGconference and then on to ABQ for the famous balloon festival. It will be great. Can't wait to taste the favorite foods we left behind. Hatch grenn chili, huevos rancheros,etc. I'm lining up all the good restaurants. Goodies was a goodie. More later.

Day after the Fourth/Business as usual

Our dogs just returned from what we call the "selfwalk". The gate was cracked open and out they went, returning later with a pleased as punch look on their faces. They are happily lolling and rolling in the grass, nice and cool. They manage to retain enough sand in their short cropped fur to distribute enough sand in our home, requiring a daily sweep.

That's what I get for adding two, No! four sets of two legs,(that makes four, four year old kids, right?) They act more like four year old boys than the claim of dog experts that they only have the mentality of 18 mos.

A phone call from, Althea was a nice Sunday surprise. She is our very dearest friend who lived with us and shared her love and nurturing with Mom during her decline. I miss her caring nature. She has a special gift in her soul and devotion to our family. If a had a sister, she would be my choice. Her daughter, Tennille came for a weekend visit recently. Her new boyfriend, Fa'a is a sweetie. I hope she has a good life too. Don't we all wish that for our children?

That's all folks!
Bonnie

July 4, 2009/ Happy Holiday

One third of Summer is gone, or should I say we have two-thirds left! Our June was insane, with tons of company, lots of meetings, road show coming up, job hunting, finishing school and doggy events. That's the family collective assessment report.

We have jumped from Memorial Day to the Fourth of July. Last posted on May 22, our oldest son, Matt's 39th birthday. We are debating whether we will fly over the fireworks in Honolulu or just have a nice supper at Buzz's steak house on the beach in Kailua and fall onto our beach blanket to enjoy the "works" among the silky grains of sand and all of Kailua's finest citizens. Bite my tongue, but I am inclined to opt for the latter. I've lost my front seat co-pilot status now that Mike has his #1 flight companion.

Kent had a restful conference trip to Boise, Idaho, highlighted by a wild water raft excursion and a good, but short visit to see his sister in Salt Lake.
He was looking forward to returning home except for having to fall asleep with the TV on!

Of course, when the cat's away, the mice will play. Or when Dad's away, things break down. The guest suite TV gave up the ghost and though we had sound and a fuzzy picture, the sound went out completely and our repair specialist said it was not worth fixing. So, Benj and I went to do some comparison shopping and found one at Sears. The plasmas are quite reasonable now. Home for four days and it croaked. Back it went and we came home with a 50' puppy.

I remember when 50' seemed large. I guess we are home movie candidates. These things are coming in giant size now. Do we watch too much TV?- not with the Church/BYU channel on almost all the time.

Highlights of July coming up are the Church Road Shows, Coast Guard picnic at Barber's Point,
Then we can hit the BX and Commissary. Maybe finalizing our timeshare at the Hilton, getting the new AC installed, and purchasing the new van. We'll be suffering from aftershock in August and licking our wounds!

Matt is taking four classes and buried in his condo, studying constantly and coming up for air to only bathe, eat and sleep. He's loving the challenge.

Our park is filled to the brim with holiday weekend campers. Last night we walked the dogs down the beach under a great full moon and low tide while they caught up to a crab catching troupe of kids. the woofs joined right in, but didn't quite know what to make of the scurrying crabs. They just felt the aire of excitement and loved to be around young people. On return we passed through the park and the EZ corner tent with colored strobe lights and young to old dancing to Michael Jackson's music. A co-worker queried Kent the day before as to how long he thought we'd be talking about MJ. Kent shot back, "have you heard of Elvis?"

Aloha,
Lani