Blog 4 of January

Hawaii onward.

  Saturday, December 28th
  Our 4th day in Hawaii and the tan lines are starting to show.  Today Ethan took one for the team and went for the morning run with Bill. While they were out, the rest of us headed to the condo pool.  A few laps, a few laughs and a little down time was just right for this morning.  Bill and Ethan returned and they all took a quick trip to the Alo Manoa mall to pick up  new pair runners for Patrick.  I stayed and guarded the pool.
   Our excursion today was Patrick's pick.  It was the LOST tour.  Our tour guide was Scottie, a young man, I would guess in his mid to late 30's.  He picked us up in his company Hummer around 1:00 pm.

 For the next five hours we were driver all over the island to different locations where filming took place.

LOST was one of the shows we had access to; there was also Hawaii 5-0, and a few movies 50 1st Date, Jurassic Park .  And just as interesting was the history behind some of the areas we visited.

This was a foot print from Godzilla.

50 First Dates

And our course Jurassic Park.  Our guide was a seasoned pro at this job and he was able to help make some of the pictures more interesting.  For example, this one with the dinosaur - he held up a plastic dinosaur while he took the picture.  I thought this was too cool.

  Scottie, along, with our three Lost fanatics, was an avid fan and in addition to showing up places, he had pictures and video outtakes to show the actual comparison.  Now if you're not a big LOST fan, some of this "stuff" can be boring.  But it was really cute when Scottie added some of his "movie" magic to make a picture look more authentic.  For example:

This was an actual bunker that had been built at the bombing of Pearl Harbor.  It now sits on private land, which the people have donated for access by the public

The was the infamous Hurley golf course

And our guide magically added Hurley to our family

Bill wasn't feeling bad about leaving his golf clubs at home.

Again with the magic of a dinky car, it looks like Bill and Patrick are actually pushing the van down the hill

IT was a great tour and well enjoyed by all - great choice Patrick.  I think Bill and I are going to now sit down and watch the entire series, in order.

After the tour, we unloaded our gear and headed to the beach to find a good place for dinner.  We should have put a little more thought into dinner location, especially since it was a Saturday night, middle of Waikiki and right around the dinner hour.  The wait time for our first few choices as close to 90 minutes, so we ended up at a little restaurant called The Big Kahuna.  It was off the beaten path, and most importantly, it had no wait time.  The food was good, but a little show service.  Seems all the staff had left the island for the Christmas season (really - people do that)  Luckily our waitress was a little overwhelmed with all her tables and Patrick didn't get asked for I.D.

  It was another early evening but that was planned because Sunday was a going to be an early start.

Night

Stacey

Blog 3 of January

It's the third day into our holiday, and the Hawaii vacation continues:

Friday, December 27th

  If I were at home, the Christmas tree would be coming down today.  But I'm not, so it won't.  Because everyone has been going to bed quite early, most of us have also been waking up quite early.  And when I say most of us, I mean everyone but Ethan.  He is still baffled by our family and our inability to sleep in.
   For the second morning in a row, Ashley accompanied Bill on his morning run.  When they returned, Ashley vowed that this was the last run she would do with Dad.  Seems Bill took her on a scenic route of Diamond Head which turned out farther than they both anticipated.
   Today is snorkel/dive day.  Ashley chose today's activity.  The car from Waikiki Dive Company picked us up at our hotel lobby at 10:00 a.m.  After climbing into our seats, my first thought was "I hope the boat is in much better condition than the van!"  I was sitting behind the driver and I could see the road through cracks in the floorboard.  We headed to the dive shop where everyone was fitted with their necessary gear.  Ashley being the only certified diver, didn't' need much, as she brought most of her gear with her.  Bill and I were only going to snorkel, so we had our gear as well.  Patrick and Ethan needed to be fitted with everything and everything had to be "big"
   There were a total of ten passengers assigned to our boat  "The Scooby Five".  We were left to ponder what happened to the previous four Scoobies."  Four of the divers consisted of a mom and three older sons from Utah, and an older gentleman named Dave, from Arizona.  Our crew consisted of Captain Nick, and diving instructors Marco and Gracie.  You can probably guess from the pictures which is Marco and which is Gracie.

   After all the divers were in the water, Bill jumped in for his snorkel.  I stayed on the boat a little longer to get some pictures.  By the time I was thinking of heading into the water, Bill was coming back out.  Seems there wasn't a lot to see this far out, if you were just snorkeling; So I stayed dry and warm on the boat.  Bill and Nick shared a toast with tequila (Bill and his stash) and I just enjoyed the view.

   Time stand still when you are in paradise, but before we knew it the divers had returned from their second dive.  Turtles, octopus, eels, sharks and a variety of fish had all been spotted, thus making it a successful dive for all.

As the divers shed their gear , Captain Nick approached me with a mission.  "Should I choose to accept it, I would be rewarded with some t-shirts."  I was given a sea urchin "body-shell" that Marco had found.  Basically it is a thin shell looking thing, and it is very fragile.  My task is to get this item back home in one piece, take a picture of it, put it on their Facebook page and Captain Nick will send us our reward.  He said this mission has only been completed successfully twice before.  I accepted the challenge.

  We headed back to shore, unloaded the boat, and Gracie dropped us off at our hotel.  We quickly cleaned up and headed out for dinner.  Our destination tonight was Jimmy Buffetts. Our goal , to see if Patrick could get a margaritas without being asked for I.D.  Joe, our waiter, never blinked an eye, hence the smile on Patrick's face.  We were all petty hungry when we left for dinner, but the four of us ended up taking food home in doggy bags, as the portions were huge.

  Our next stop was the International  Marketplace.  It had been brought tour attention earlier in the day, that the market is closing down as of January 1st.  It is being replaced with new hotels.  It's sad to see such an iconic part of Honolulu being destroyed.  Hopefully we will get a little more time to go through it again before January 1st.

  Thanks to our phone communication, we all found each other at the end of the shopping (the Market Place is big and very maze like) and headed back to our hotel for another early evening.
  Ahhh, this is the life.
Stacey

Blog 2 of January

The Hawaii Vacation continues.....
Thursday, December 26th
  Wide awake by 7:00 a.m., OK, not wide awake, but eyes can see the light.  Bill is the first one up and to no one's surprise, he's ready for a run.  Upon hearing of her dad's agenda, Ashley jolts out of bed and gets herself ready to accompany Bill.  That is the fastest I have ever seen Ashley get ready for anything.  Bill and Ashley load up with their electronics (Ashley with her I-Pod for music - after all Dad isn't known for his chattiness - her words, not mine; and Bill straps on his running gps - after all he has been know to get lost - my words, not his)
  While the two early birds are gone, the three of us do whatever we need to do to ready ourselves for the day.
  By 10:00a.m. we are out of our hotel and headed towards Waikiki beach.  A small detour to the first McDonalds for breakfast (those growing boys are always hungry).
   Bill rents us some nice beach space; actually the beach is free, but it comes with a couple of lounge chairs and a nice large umbrella.

 While the kids and Bill rent some paddle boards, I settle into the lounge chair with my book, and music (new Garth Brooks CD for Christmas) and my first nap of the day.  It takes me a while to relax and close my eyes, as I discovered my "overly mother instincts" have me keeping my eyes on the kids (and Bill) to make sure they are afloat.  I finally gave up this quest when they started to resemble the rest of the colored dots on the ocean horizon.  Before I know it, two hours have flown by and everyone is back and the big smiles on their faces would indicate they had a great time.

 We all share our afternoon experiences; Ethan had a foot encounter with some coral; Ashley spent he least amount of time in the actual water ( her balancing skills came in handy) Patrick got us close and personal with a sea turtle and Bill got up close and personal with his paddle board.

  I watched a local beach supervisor/volunteer walk up and sown our beach section, collecting the box jellyfish that had been washed ashore and putting them in a container.  There were warning signs on the beach about these stinging creatures, but it didn't seem to deter the tourists. (that would be us)

 Ashley and Ethan did some cheer stunting near the water (just to keep in practice)  I only witnessed one major wipe out.  I think Ethan's chest still has an indent from Ashley's butt landing on him.

  We spent a few more hours at the beach and then we eventually met back up at the hotel.  This was when I settle into my second nap of the day.
  Dinner consisted of take out pizza and wings in the room.  It was a pretty early evening.
Stacey

Blog 1 of January 2014

Happy New Year!

  It's Sunday morning, January 5th, and my first blog of the New Year.  We have been away on a wonderful family holiday and for the new few days, I'm going to share my holiday on the blog.  So we need to go back into 2013 and start on Christmas Day!

Wednesday, December 25th
  Merry Christmas and Aloha!

  For us, Christmas Day started in Calgary, in snow, but ended in Oahu in the warm sun.  The Traynor family graciously offered to take us to the airport, despite being Christmas morning, despite being early in the morning, and despite there were 5 of us and would need two vehicles.  And to my surprise, all four of the Traynor's showed up at 8;30 a.m. to transport us.
  Being the organized one (OK, a control freak), I had printed the boarding passes the day before and everything seemed to run smoothly.  So I was a little surprised when at the self check-in booth, my passport/boarding pass was rejected.  I was even more surprised to discover the reason behind my rejection.  Seems the name on my boarding pass didn't match the name on my passport.  WHAT?  My passport didn't include my middle name.  You would have thought I had learned my lesson from our last trip to Seattle, where the same thing had happened to Bill.  So now instead of getting in the short and fast line, we ended up in the long, long slow line.  Let me rephrase that, my travelling buddies eagerly accepted my offer of going into the fast line (without hesitation I might add) and baled on me.  They went to the short line and I was left on my own to sort out my own mess.  As predicted they made it through their line way ahead of me.  I was touched when Bill returned to stand with me as I was checking in at the counter.  That emotion was quickly extinguished when I discovered he just wanted my Tim Horton's card so he could order breakfast.  I finally met up with the gang at the pre=gate Tim Horton's.  Seems I was mistaken.  Only Bill and Patrick were getting breakfast; the rest of us were on our own.................
     Both flights went fairly smooth.  There was a bit of turbulence on the flight from Calgary to Vancouver, and when I looked over at Patrick, he and Ethan were playing out their LOST scenario.  Note to self; pretend they belong to someone else.
  We arrived in Hawaii on time and were greeted by the warm ocean breezes and all that accompany those.  We picked up our large rental car, which still seemed small once we loaded people and luggage into it.  Ashley was voted to be navigator (plus she called shot gun) so she and the GPS were in charge of ensuring Bill found theway to the hotel.  One of the benefits of being on a an island is that despite a few wrong turns (that might have been caused by the backseat drivers) you will eventually end up near your destination.  Our Hotel, the Aston Wakiki Banyan was ready for us, and we made our way up to the 14th floor.  After unloading the bags, changing into weather appropriate attire and making dibs on the beds, we headed out for a relaxing dinner.  Without a destination in mind, we zig and we zagged from our hotel and ended up at La Cucaracha .  Mexican food it was going to be.  First things first, we needed to have a toast to the start of a wonderful vacation.  A pitcher of raspberry Margaritas and 5 glasses.  Oops, seems the drinking age in Honolulu is 21.....  Sorry Patrick. (4 months to go)

We still made the toast (we couldn't convince Patrick to have a virgin Raspberry margaritas), and thus began Patrick's new mission, "to see how many times he could get a drink without needing identification.)  Patrick and Ethan ordered some entre concoction that was so hot, it had both of them sweating and making the funniest faces.  I'm not sure if pure stubbornness or the fact the food was delicous (despite it's heat), but they both finished their meals.
  Despite this "glip", since returning and reflecting on the holiday, we've decided this was one of the best meals and more enjoyable evenings of the holiday.
  After dinner, we strolled around, bought a few munchies for the hotel room and headed back to our room to unpack and prepare for a wonderful visit to the Islands.
Stacey

Blog 5 of December

I can't believe it has been a week since we were in Banff at Bill's company Christmas party.  Here it is, Saturday, December 21st.  The past week has been a busy, but fun week.  I am finished pre-school(s) until the New Year.  A couple more visits to card stores on Monday and Tuesday, and then a break from them until the New Year.
  It has been a week filled with Christmas parties, shopping, and a few "celebrity" interactions.  On three different occasions and three different days, I have ran into and shared a short conversation with the following:

Mr. Preston Manning.

And Mr. Henry Burris:

And Mr. Brett Wilson

  I helped one gentleman cards for his family; I critiqued another one on his gingerbread house; and I bought a Tai Chi Latte for another.   All three gentleman were gracious and very approachable.

I also had another surprise meeting today.  I was working and waiting for my Tai Chi Latte order, when I recognized the lady next to me.  I couldn't remember her name, but I remembered her son.  He used to tumble with Ashley.  Thankfully my filter buttons were turned off and I approached her and asked her if she had a son named Jamie - and yes she did.  What a small world.  And that world seems like ages ago; maybe 10 or 11 years ago. Wow.

Friday night was the annual Sura Christmas party.  Bill is fighting the flu, so Patrick and I represented the family.  It's always a fun night, and especially when a drunk Santa makes an appearance.  We are very blessed to have such good friends in our life.

Tomorrow is straighten up day.  Put away wrapping paper, finish laundry and  deliver gifts.  I can't believe  I'm ready for Christmas, and two days early.

If I don't blog before the 25th. Merry Christmas everyone!  And Happy New Year.

Stacey

Blog 4 of December

15th of December; half way through the month and 10 days until Christmas.
  I think I am ready for Christmas.  The son arrived home on the 12th and while I was at work on the Friday, he put up the Christmas tree and decorated the house.  He did a great job.
   Saturday night was Bill's company Christmas party.  It was once again held at the Banff Springs Hotel.  And for the third time (in staying there), our room was not ready when we arrived.  I was really annoyed and wanted to be really pissed, but the young lady who was checking us in, was so kind and apologetic.  They put us in a "day room" until our "suite" was ready.  The idea being we could get ready for the Christmas party with plenty of time to spare.  After about an hour, our "suite" was ready and what a suite it was.  It was on the 9th floor and the name on the door was W.W. Stinson Suite.

There was even a doorbell.  I didn't take a lot of pictures of the inside of the room because pictures wouldn't have done the room justice.  But if you're curious, some other guest did take video and post it on You Tube and it shows the room.  Just type in W.W. Stinson room Banff Springs Hotel.
  I did however take some pictures of the "million" door view from different  rooms in the suite.

You can also see what these same views look like without the snow, in that You Tube Video.  So despite the inconvenience, the room was so worth the wait. 

  The actual Christmas party was also a success this year.  Last year, Bill ended up on the phone and in meetings for most of the evening, putting out fires (company fires)  This year, was much more enjoyable.  The food was good, the band was great and the cranberry and vodka's tasted better and better.  I left the party around 1:00 a.m. and I Bill partied on with his co-workers until about 2:30.  Needless to say 8:00 a.m. Sunday morning came a little too early.  Bill headed to the gym (surprise) and I took my time getting ready for the company brunch.  

This week is going to be a busy one.  It's the last week of pre-school work; busy card work (restocking Christmas stuff) and the daughter returns home from her quick trip to Geneva.  I can't wait to hear the stories and see the pictures (that's what I asked for)

Off to bed to catch up on some much needed sleep.

Stacey

Blog 3 of December

Ahhh, I can feel the warm weather already.  The temperature warmed up considerably today.  We got to a high of - 17 c.

Really, although it feels somewhat colder with a windchill.  But considering Friday's temperature was 7 degree's colder, as you can see from my car.  The -28 was when I went to work at 8:30 am to my pre-school job and the second picture of - 24 is when I went to my card job at 11:30 a.m. And from what I remember it didn't get much warmer that that.
  I spent Saturday catching up on paper work during the day.  Bill and I went on a date night for dinner and than watched a movie at home.  If you haven't seen Burlesque with Cher, and Christina Agruillara, you should watch it.  I love the sound track.
  Today I went to work in the morning and then spent the afternoon making wontons.  Ashley and Ethan ate the last batch, so I thought I better fill up the freezer once again.  The son will be home is a few days, and the fridge and freezer are pretty empty.
  I also started cleaning out my closet.  I came across to items that I have never worn.  The first is a dress that belonged to my mom.

Mom received this dress from a neighbor when we lived in Okotoks; so that had to be at least 50 some odd years ago.  Mom never wore the dress (she said it wasn't her style)  So she gave the dress to her Mom, Grandma Fraser.  Some how the dress got back to mom and she in turn gave it to me a long time ago, before I was married in fact.  I have always loved this dress, but it has a tear in the skirt and the material is so fragile.  I don't want to part with it, but I'm not sure what to do with it.
    Another item is a skirt that my same grandmother gave me.

Again, it was hers and as you can tell by the tiny waist (the size of the pant hanger), I don't think it would fit.  It holds sentimental value and it is in great condition.  What to do with it.  I spoke to Mom on the phone and she suggested I give the dress and skirt to a group of actors.  Hmm.  I'll have to think about that one - I thought for sure she would have more sentimental attachment to these items than me.  It's funny what's important to one person and not to another.
  So I'm ready for the work week.  It's going to be a busy one.  Christmas is coming, if you were curious.  Got to get the cards finished, presents ordered (on-line shopping) and parcels mailed.
Stay warm.
Stacey