Aloha from Sunny Hawaii and the Richards clan. We eight are passionate about being airborne and love to share our adventures as we island hop with the family in our trusted winged "Aumakua", Pueo. So come with us and experience the joy of a flying family. Visit us at www.vrbo.com/154210

Saturday, December 8, 2012

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.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

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.   

Monday, April 16, 2012

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.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

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

Thursday, March 22, 2012

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.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

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!

Sunday, December 4, 2011

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.

Followers