Time Flies

It's funny how time can sometimes go by really slow and other times really fast? Why is that? Because you're having fun? or too busy and not watching your clocks? I know that I have not been paying attention to the clock at all in the sense of what I have to do in my 'real' world. I have been only concentrating on what Grace wants to eat, why she's not drinking here milk, and when she should go down for a nap or get up from one! Anything I thought was important or a 'must be done' scenario has long ago fallen off into oblivion!

I did have to go into work this afternoon for four hours. That was unfortunate in some ways as our kids just got back from their Mexico holiday late last night and finally made it to our house with all their luggage and their two boys (who were staying at the other grandparents place) by about 11 a.m.  That gave us (me) time to have a short visit, a coffee and a hug and hello before I took off to work. Grace and Alicia were happy to see their mom and dad too. A week can seem a lot longer to a 1 year old and an 8 year old!

Tonite they were headed out to a birthday party so John and I were alone so opted for a supper 'out' tonite! It was nice to just sit. We love having the kids, but they do take 'something' out of you! That being said, I wouldn't give it up for nothing!!

Tomorrow will be a day to visit with everyone and inbetween the visits will be grocery shopping, naps, etc, etc. It will be a gradual close this week to a great 2 week visit. I think they are heading back to Vancouver on Sat morning.

Guess that leaves us time for a few more memory making days.

Finally... blog time

I  guess I don't remember how busy it was raising kids. I only had one and worked full time, but I was a single mom who pretty well had to do everything. I'm not complaining - much. I had help from family and people as needed or at least when I asked. My folks were always willing but I understand better (at my age) just what a commitment of time and effort that was for them - even so - they were still willing to help (if I asked).

We only have the two grandchildren with us - the other two are with their other grandparents. Boys, 10 & 6. We have the two girls - 8 and 13 months. A bit of an age discrepancy but they get along well. We have had one of their girl cousins here for one day and went out to the park. Gracie loved the snow. Her little legs were cold just above the ankle because she only had ankle high boots - hiking boots at that! I could not find any winter boots for her in the short time I had but I did find these cute pink hiking boots with heart shaped eyelets and pink with heart laces! She loves these boots!




Pretty in Pink!

 We headed over to the Park by our house. It was sunny but cold. Didn't seem to both the kids. The side walks were clear so it was hard to pull. Had to go on the sideroads. Gramma had to walk all the way around while the girls took the shortcut. No matter to Grace - she loved the sled.



Rebecca, Grace & Alicia

 Yesterday afternoon Alicia went to have an overnight with her cousin so we had Gracie all by ourselves. We had a good evening. This morning, we dressed up and went to church. John went at the regular time but I took my own car and got there 1/2 hr late - just to show her off more than anything! I guess if we had them here for every Sunday, this gramma would be organized but I had to admit, it was a real job trying to get myself and her ready. And yes...it's true...as soon as you are ready to leave..."did you just poop?" happens!  I proved 'them' right!

Ready for church



Entertaining anyone who will watch!

Ahhhh, grandchildren!


Ahhhhhhhhh

Ahhhhh to relax and enjoy a fresh cup of coffee. I just got back from value village where we bought a pair of snowboots for Gracie (actually they were pink hiking boots but the only ones there that fit). At least she will be able to stand up in the snow or on the snow IF we ever get outside. 

Alicia was feeling lonely last night but thankfully slept all through the night. It was Grace who was my undoing! (Feeling a little bogged down here on my birthday! Thanks to everyone who sent me a Facebook birthday wish. There were lots of them.)

So to help Alicia out, we asked if her cousin could come over to play. After picking out snow boots we headed to the cousins and picked her up for an afternoon playdate. Gracie fell asleep on the way home and thankfully went back to sleep once in the house. I took the opportunity to make a cup of coffee and read my emails and blog.

As I said, ahhhhh, it's quiet and my coffee is hot. What more could you ask for.  Oh oh! I have company already. Excuse me a moment....... tick, tick, tick....

Ok, got the girls set up with colouring books, pencils and drawing paper. Hopefully, that will keep them occupied for a little while as I finish this blog. It is amazing how nice and quiet it is right now. Perhaps I will just bask in that for the time being and sip away!

I hope to get some pictures downloaded as they can speak more effectively than me. In the meantime, I am feeling my years but enjoying my girls!

Falling Behind

It's almost been a week since my last blog. The past week has been very busy and as such ... the last thing to get done is the blog.  I have been 'thinking' it in my head but that's as far as it got!

Our Annual congregational meeting at church was on Sunday and we were helping with parts of that so the day got busy. Saturday night John took me out with friends for my birthday supper (early) as we have the kids here this week so likely won't be going anywhere too fancy! He has to go visit his mom this week too so it will be another busy week.

We saw the kids for a short visit last night but I don't get to have the two girls at our place until I pick them up tomorrow. Working interferred with having them here this week. I will likely have to drop them off next Mon for a day visit with their other gramma or auntie too - we'll see how things go.

Things are getting busy again. I have a long 'to do' list which appears to be growing and not shrinking. I would really like to strike off a few things instead of adding them!

Oh, by the way, did I mention it was snowing AGAIN!!!!

Did You Know?

It's snowing again!! Of course it is....as I have to go to the hairdresser on the North Side of Town!!  It always seems to snow for my hair appointments. Of course, I have her first appointment in the morning which is 10 a.m.  That means I have to leave by 9 a.m. and it is now 8 a.m. (I slept in a wee bit and of course I am doing this blog right now).  It may seem like that is later in the morning but traffic on the Yellowhead is bad. I guess it is better than 7:30 a.m. and in the dark too.

Yesterday was overcast and we even had some rain/snow crystals - more like 'heavy' fog crystals happening. Today, it is -4 C (which is not bad) and it is actually snowing! I looked out the window thinking 'Oh, it must have snowed a bit."  Then I really looked and saw it did snow and it  is s-n-o-w-i-n-g!! It had been melting on Tuesday and here comes the snow again. The forecast is for more snow and continuing colder weather.

Oh well, I guess we have time as spring does not come until next week. What's another day of cold and snow! Am I repeating myself!!!! Brrrrrrrrrrr

Back to Work

Well, I guess the vacation is over and it is back to work again. Thankfully, I went to bed early last night and slept right through to the alarm waking me up at 6:45 am.  The routine is starting over again. Seems like we never went anywhere - except for the tan. Can't forget about that!

The weather was wonderful today - although I was inside - but it went above 0 and the sun was shining and it was melting. I was hoping to get my car washed before we left for Hawaii but it never happened. Lucky thing too as it would be dirty again by now. There is so much snow piled up and with the melting going on, it will be awhile before the roads are dry.

So, tonite it is early to bed (again) and then I can relax a bit on Wed. I have a few things I have to get done before the end of the week so need to start on that. I already have appts on Wed and Thur so I guess Friday is my 'to do ' list day.

Think I will just look at a few of those ocean pics again, and oh, those sunsets.  aloha!



Beautiful!



Back to the Snow

It's white and bright, but not like the white and bright sand on Waikiki!! The snow did not melt while we were away on vacation - instead the weather was as cold (if not colder) and they had more snow.  I guess it is not officially Spring for another few weeks so what more could I expect? At least the sun is shining and if you get in a sheltered spot, and face it, it is warm! Not like Waikiki ... but warm!

We were at the Honolulu airport on Friday at 6 pm and it was quiet! I guess all the incoming and outgoing flites to Japan and the other Hawaiin islands were cancelled due to the tsunami. Initially, we were the only ones there, along with two employees of Air Canada who were just opening up the lines. Soon, a few other Canadians arrived (early like us) and by the time we got checked through more people arrived in the waiting area. There was also a United Airlines scheduled flite out to the mainland. Still, it was very eery! Usually, the airport is very busy.



John watching a United Airlines plane take off

We took off at 9:20 p.m. and arrived in Vancouver at 5 a.m. It was overcast and had been raining. We left there at 7:00 a.m. and arrived in Edmonton at 9:15 a.m.  The sun was shining but it was -16 Celcius.  We have to switch back now from Farenheit to Celcius!!




View from my window as we started our descent into Edmonton. Is that white sand??

Anyway, we are glad to be home (I think). We are still asking ourselves 'why do we live here again?' but other than that, we are glad to be home safe and sound. After doing four loads of wash yesterday, I am putting off doing the ironing today! I think I need to 'ease into' being home!

We both went to bed before 9 pm last night and were up early this morning for church! But, I am now heading  for an unscheduled afternoon nap.  After a good night's sleep tonite I will be heading back to work tomorrow. Almost seems like a dream that we were even gone!!

A few last day pictures of our time in Hawaii!

We'll miss these beautiful sunsets!



After the Tsunami
We usually sat under the middle tree with 30 feet of sand before us - but not today

  

Last picture in the park before heading to Airport

  You can see that John has started his beard for the Easter Musical. Two days growth already! What a wonderful trip this year. We're already planning the next one for 2012! Aloha!

Counting the Hours

Today is our LAST official day in Waikiki - at least the last 'holiday-like' full day - as tomorrow evening we head home. We have to check out by noon and then we are 'wanderers' in this paradise until 5 pm when the taxi will pick us up and drive us to the airport!

A few days ago we met some people from Victoria who were doing the same thing. They sat at the beach on the bench and just watched as people enjoyed the weather. He was in his long pants and they were 'killing time' people-watching.  I guess we will be doing something similar.

Today, we are still experiencing a lot of trouble with our Internet. Didn't get it last nite or this morning, so we took a long walk down the canal up to ING Direct to use theirs. Before arriving there, we stopped across the street at Cheeseburger Waikiki for their breakfast special. ING didn't open until 8 am so we were killing time. Yes, we were up and out in time to 'sit around' before they opened for business. We checked our messages and then headed back home along the Canal.

We went down to the pool today to get a few extra rays and then I had had enough of them. I can't take the heat like I used to. I guess I have enough tan right now. Not looking forward to the snow and to life in general there right now. However, once you are home, you settle into routine pretty fast.

Speaking of routine, we are doing that just fine here in Waikiki. John said next time we will stay an extra week at least.  That means we may have to go earlier as he needs to grow his beard for the Easter Musical he is in each year. He started 'not shaving' two days ago now so he would have a 'defined' beard when he gets home. He hates the first few days. He is looking pretty 'rugged' right now. This morning he trimmed it so it looks a little better - more 'planned'.

I am sitting in Starbucks in Waikiki listening to their 'easy listening Hawaiian music'. Sitting here with my computer, drinking an iced coffee and looking out onto the street at all the passers-by in bathing suits and sandals, hawaiian shirts and tank tops and the swaying palm trees and hibicus plants now starting to bloom. What in the world would make me want to go back to Edmonton I ask you?

Aloha (for now)!!

Long Walk But Worth the View

We went on a long walk this morning up Diamond Head Road. Took us about an hour and by then the sun was shining on us and it was warm! Good exercise (or so they say) and great view! Here's a few pics:



A view from the manicured viewpoint





Looking East from viewpoint

Some of the homes up there are beautiful and are privy to fabulous views of the ocean. Oh, wouldn't it be nice? We made it past the two public parks that we had ventured to last week. This time we got even further up the mountain to these vistas. However, I did not feel up to going any further (what goes up must come down) and I had no intentions of hiking further up to the volcano's edge once we got to the next viewpoint. In fact, it was a bit more 'downhill' and then 'uphill' again. I figured I got all the exercise I needed and we still had to go home again. I was glad I had eaten a piece of bread with peanut butter before we left. 

To celebrate this accomplishment, we ate out for breakfast -  Daily Special for $3.95 each - 2 pieces of bacon, 2 scrambled eggs and two big buttermilk pancakes. No coffee with this special. This is at Keonie's which is in our hotel. They do have wonderful coconut syrup though. I made myself a coffee when we got back to our room and here we are again!

John has headed out to the benches at the beach. He can't get enough of the view there! Maybe it's the bikinis? Perhaps but I know he enjoys just 'people watching'. Most of the people here need to lose weight (ourselves included). There are not a lot of 'little bodies' around worth gawking at!

Having said that, I am headed to my balcony to catch a few rays before the sun goes to the other side of our building. I am headed to the International Marketplace to see if I can pick up a bag which will hold my computer - as well as a few extra t-shirts that we purchased! I believe I am short of space now in my one suitcase!!!

Aloha!

It Works!

The internet was off again this morning after having it work for a short while last night.  I called at 6:45 am and they said they were having some problems. No kidding! For the past two weeks, they have been having problems!!

However, it is working for the moment, so I will get my blog done!



I love the clouds!

 Current temperature this morning at 9 am is 23 C (feels like 81 F with the humidity). The sun is shining and it is pouring. Go figure!! But, it is beautiful. The mountains are covered in clouds - dark ones - and although the sun is shining directly over us, the light winds carry the rain in a soft drizzle. Very nice.  However, once in a while there is a downpour!!! yikes, everyone runs for cover. It has stopped pouring since I started this blog. Off and on, rain and sun, it is an interesting life here in Waikiki.  John is down at the beach sitting on the bench and 'people watching'. Two days ago we met a couple from Connecticut who were getting ready to leave the same day. They were putting in time until the shuttle came to pick them up. They shared our table on the beach for awhile. Very interesting conversation. He owned a garage chain and had lots to say about the economy. She and I got started talking about her job as a nurse in a seniors lodge, working in the lock-down dimentia unit. We had lots to converse about!

Anyway, the sun is shining once more, the breeze is lightly blowing and our skin is soft. It's hard to believe how quickly it will dry out in the Alberta dry air! I see it is -18 C and clear so that's a good thing - although it looks like it is -23 tomorrow. I am thinking I would rather 'get out of the rain' than the cold but what can you do? Sooner or later, we have to go back to winter.  That's enough talk about cold. Think I will go sit in the sunshine and gather some rays.

Aloha!

Sun Showers

We've had our Internet down for two days now. I had to make a couple more calls to the service center and it finally got working again tonite (Sun).  It had 'nothing' to do with my calls I am sure but at least we feel like we were doing 'something'.

I guess it didn't really matter that we weren't connected as we are on holidays and we still did the same things we would do even if we were online but... it's the principle!

Today we went on a long walk (what else is new)? They were doing a 10 km ladies race in the Park and all the traffic was backed up for blocks. They had reduced it to one lane - going one way too. It didn't take long to backup. It had rained again. It was nice when we went out but it started to rain and then got sunny and then sun showers and so on it went all day. Still, it was beautiful. Take a look at this great picture of God's promise!

Rainbow over the waters of Waikiki



A view of another rainbow from our balcony

 It was beautiful. Both the one over the ocean and the one from our window over the North Mountains.  The showers came off and on all day long.

We spent a few hours at our pool today. Started talking again to a couple we met last week and it turns out they lived in Tipaskan about 18 years ago. They also know about Shepherd's Care as her father was in the Nursing Home there. It's amazing how much in common you can have with people you don't even know - if you take the time to find out about them.

Tonite we went to the Hula Grill. It was very good. We got to sit right by the open window to view the sunset. Our food was excellent too. John had ribs and I had the Seafood Chowder.

Ribs....mmmmm



Seafood Chowder...mmmmmm

No room for dessert - oh...I could have made room but I forgot the coupon for the free dessert. It was $7.00 so I passed. I was full but you know me...there's always room for a little sweet.

The clouds in the sky are beautiful tonite. So many big ones. Thankfully there is no more rain (for now). It is supposed to be clear for the next few days. That's good. It feels great right now.




Big fluffy clouds



Clouds on the mountain

We are relaxing tonite. We aren't heading down to the strip. We'll save it for tomorrow night. Lots of music from the hotel across from us and even in the hotel tonite it was pretty loud. Glad we were on the far side. As it was, it was hard to talk to each other with all the noise - oops I mean music!! Seems like I am showing my age. Occasionally I was tapping to the music - something I knew - but mostly, it was hard to hear!

Well, guess I will go and cut up some pineapple. It is so sweet! Aloha!

Rainy Weather

We have been experiencing problems with our Internet connection for the past few days. The hotel now tells us that a tower went down during the storm we had on Thur nite. We could definitely hear the wind blowing during the middle of the night. It is the first time I have been here where it actually rained any significant amount - a tropical storm kinda rain! I was happy I slept through most of it. Yesterday, however, it was raining on and off during the entire day. We sat on our deck (after wiping off the chairs) and the sun peeked out off and on - sun showers!

John went out to 'people watch' and I went out to shop for a few t-shirts for the kids. I did not make it an actual 'shopping' day- more of a 'window' shopping day. I was checking out any deals and just getting ideas. I know where I will go to purchase things now and what I should buy. We do not have a lot of room as we only brought one suitcase each and they were pretty full. I usually bring two so you can imagine how much space I have left - NOT!!  Anyway, somehow I will  's q u e e z e' a few more things in there!

We ate at Chili's last night which is right across from our hotel. When we left for the restaurant it was overcast but ok. When we came out, it was raining. I notice a lot of people use umbrellas around here - usually for the sun - but I definitely can see a dual purpose for them here too!

This morning we walked the canal again and noticed the water was higher. They do have drain basins at a higher level which was catching the overflow. Lots of paper products blown into the water. It was obvious the wind was coming from the southwest as it was all blown against the north wall of the canal. I hope somebody is assigned to pick it out as it doesn't make a very 'pretty picture'! You can tell how man-made products can also be a 'curse' - plastic water bottles, pop bottles, pop cans, styrofoam plates, cups, plastic bags, napkins, paper products, a few tires, shopping cart and even some City worksigns! Of course these are usually not in the water but the storm wreaked havoc with the garbage cans I think. By tonite they will all be picked up along with the branches, and leaves.

We had lunch with Randy & Lorraine at the Shorebirds on Thur at noon. What a great view of the beach there. They were leaving at 5 pm and were not looking forward to the snow and cold. We spent the afternoon relaxing and walking around the streets - still checking out the International Marketplace and people watching to the last minute!!

Great food at the Shorebirds!

Today, even though it is overcast and 'spitting' occasionally, it is still lovely. We just like sitting on the deck outside and looking at the clouds roll by. Isn't that what holidays are all about?

Here's some pictures of what the rainstorm left us on Friday morning.




The famous Banyon tree on Waikiki Beach




A dreary day of rain on Friday but still warm



Flooded walkway along the beach

 This morning, after our walk along the canal, we headed to the beach by the Hilton. Although it is still cloudy, it is beautiful. I love the clouds!

Quiet beach this morning

Today, by noon, I believe it will be sunny again and we will head to the beach or at least to the pool. We are on vacation - rain or shine! Aloha!

Farewell

We are enjoying some cooler weather this morning. Still wonderful but not the sunshine as bright and hot. It's a nice reprieve.

Our friends are leaving today so we are having lunch with them as a 'goodbye' gesture. We will do our big meal at noon and have something smaller at supper. At least I hope I can do smaller at supper. By then, I will be hungary again! All this walking does give you an appetite.

There are all shapes and sizes in Hawaii - like anywhere I guess. But, bodies are much more visible here in their tiny little swim suits. Those than can (wear them) do, and those that can't (shouldn't) do also! Very interesting. I am not one of those that can't and do anyway!

We have been enjoying the poolside lately. Quiet and less people. We will do the ocean tomorrow and likely for the remainder of our trip. We have some color now so don't stand out quite as much!

My feet are sore and tired. I have been wearing my new running shoes which work (only for awhile though) and then my crocs slip-ons in the hotel and then my Columbia sandals that will hold my orthotic for afternoon walking. My feet don't know what to do! Squished and pulled and pushed into and out of shoes! They require lots of tender love and care once they are freed at the end of the day. Lots of massages.

Well we are off to people watch again and join our friends at the Shorebirds. Should be another great day! Aloha!

Internet Problems

We have been having trouble with the Internet since we got here. It is a bit frustrating as you spend time waiting and waiting and then going over the same things you did yesterday but to a different guy at the end of the phone! Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. Today, it didn’t. I now have a ‘case file’ with them but it doesn’t seem to make it any better. They seem to think it is the modem synchronization at their end. We have been telling them it is not at our end but… So, now we are waiting. It’s when you can’t have it that you think you need it the most! I will simply type my blog in Word and copy it. Hopefully, that will work.


It was a gorgeous sunrise yesterday morning even though it was cloudy.



Sunrise is gorgeous!

 This morning it was even a better sunrise from our balcony.  Check this one out!



Pink sky morning; sailor's warning but gorgeous!

We’ve done our canal walk and I am settling into my room for awhile. John has taken off for a longer walk. My new running shoes are good but my feet tire after awhile so he is on his own now. I’ll try to grab a few ‘rays’ while he’s out!


We made it for supper last night at the Cheesecake Cafe. Since there was only two of us we got in quickly. An hour line-up is not uncommon. We were there at 4:45 pm so did not wait. Enough food left over for lunch today!




Cheesecake Cafe is great!

Today we headed to the Zoo to see what was new there. $12 each admission but it was great. I have way too many pictures but here are a few.



The elephants



Galapolus Turtles

Great looking giraffe

Great looking couple!

Great looking tigers!

A great day and now off to the International Marketplace for a little supper. Aloha!

Travel Day

We rented a car yesterday and travelled to the North Shore. We stopped at the Outlet stores on the way. I spent over an hour in it and bought a pair of running shoes - leaving my old ones for them to throw out. Then we headed to the Dole Plantation.

We went on the Dole train and the Dole gardens and ate in their restaurant. Nothing was free but it was worth the trip.

Riding on the Dole Plantation Train

We went into the Dole Gardens and did a tour and they were beautiful. Here's a sampling of some of the plants.



Pink leaves that remind me of my rhubarb



Amazed at the red in the middle only on the leaves

We also went out to the beaches and the beautiful scenery. Unfortunately we had to sit in the car for a bit while it rained but it was still beautiful. The sun eventually came out and we got out of the car.

Raining on the North Shore

This was mainly 'boogy boards' not surfing - a real undertow

By the time we got home we were all tired. We did our usual International Marketplace 'take out' and relaxed in our room. Both of us went to bed early!

However, this picture is of the north skyline taken from our balcony just after we got home. We know what the weather was like there! Glad it was sunny in Waikiki! Looking forward to another sunny day in Waikiki today.

Our hotel faces North and it is beautiful!

Aloha!