Happy, Happy New Year!

It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving and Christmas are over and a new year is on its way. Now even though this holiday season was truly a memorable one, and I was able to enjoy my turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy in Waikiki, as well as celebrate Christmas with a friend, it is completely true that there’s “no place like home for the holidays”. Somehow, it just doesn’t feel quite the same. Yeah, yeah, I know, deal with it. Done. Wishing you all a blessed 2009.

"Year by year the complexities of this spinning world grow more bewildering and so each year we need all the more to seek peace and comfort in the joyful simplicities."

~Women's Home Companion~

December 1935

Hawaii

Waikiki
Does it get any better than this? I'm just not sure how it could. Needless to say, Klynt and I really enjoyed our time in Hawaii. We even ended up staying a bit longer than we originally had planned. That's our hotel on the far right.

*****

The North Shore

The North Shore is peppered with shrimp trucks similar to this one. Giovanni's is one of the best. Twelve jumbo garlic and butter shrimp scampi along with two scoops of rice......it was SO GOOD!

Jurassic Park was filmed on this ranch along with the current show LOST. At least that's what the brochure said.

The tiny, little island in the distance is called the "China man's hat".

*****

Hanauma Bay and Sunset Beach

This bay is where everyone comes to snorkle. Well, everyone except me. I enjoyed a nap on the beach while Klynt spent the afternoon searching for sea life.

Sunset beach is where Barack Obama went surfing.

*****

Pearl Harbor

A day for remembering. We visited the monument two days prior to the 67th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

*****

Friends

Patrick and I showing off our coral.

Gracie found a nice spot to dry off.

Spotted, a giant sea turtle!

Kenzel found a crab shell.

A special treat. Matsumotos is very famous for their shaved ice.

*****

Cincinnati

A little pre-game peace.

Go Bearcats!

The girls; me, Cora, Paqui and Regina.

Klynt was down on the field during part of the game and snapped a few photos.

The UC Bearcats are #1! The final score was Cincy 29, Hawaii 24. Next stop, the Orange Bowl on New Years Day.

*****

Look What the Cat Dragged In!

The immigrations office seems to be slacking off quite a bit. It appears that they will let just about anyone into China these days.

*****

Mug Shot

Tomorrow the beard comes off! I kept telling him that you can't hunt deer in China, but he wouldn't listen.

The International Team vs. The Flips (funny little island people)…and they are funny!

It was the best out of three with five bowlers per team. The stakes were high. The losers pay for dinner, drinks and bowling. Fair enough. Now let me introduce you. From left to right we have; Phil, Napoleon, Ritchie, Renato, Danny, Jenny, Klynt (the bearded wonder), Eric, me and Nilo.

Now despite losing, we had a blast! Yes, our Filipino friends managed to win…barely. There have already been talks of a rematch. Better bring your wallets Flips! I’m just sayin’.

*****

11.10.08

The sun is shining and I couldn’t be happier! The past few weeks have been incredibly dreary. I was beginning to think the weather would stay this way forever, and for a girl who thrives on sunshine, life was looking a little bleak. Okay, okay, not too bleak, ‘cause in about two weeks I, Dana Baker, will be on the tropical Hawaiian island of Oahu. Twelve days! I am looking forward to twelve days of blue sky and sunshine, palm trees, sandy beaches, scenic drives, good food and catching up with friends. Oops, I almost forgot about shopping, and there WILL be shopping! Klynt likes to randomly call me with updates. “We only have twenty days, nine hours, twelve minutes and thirty-one seconds left!” I think working sixty hours per week and most weekends has really taken its toll. He also likes to remind me that Hawaii is one of the three States he has never visited. Yes, he has been to forty-seven out of all fifty States. Until recently, I barely made it out of Michigan. Well, look at me now.

Apple Pickin'

*****

Nope, I didn’t take these. My little sis sent ‘em to me and I decided to share them with you! You’re welcome! Jena and the boys recently spent an afternoon at an apple orchard. That’s her up top pictured with Kaleb, Jacob is next and then there’s Noah. I don’t know about you, but it sure looks like a perfect way to spend the day to me!