Hilarious.

And who couldn't use a good laugh these days?

Crazy kid videos Kona tsunami

Smallish Tsunami

When the sirens sounded and security arrived, we headed for higher ground/the golf course across the main highway where we/friends who had just arrived from the Bay Area, N Carolina and Chicago/and our dogs/watched the news and slept on the locker room floor.  What follows is what we discovered when returning to the beach the following day. 

Benches, boulders and boats lifted off their bases.  Pristine/sacred ponds now filled with debris.  Fish fighting to survive.  Furniture fished from ponds.  Beach House @ Hualalai/Four Seasons/destroyed. The entire patio carried across the 18th fairway.  Walkways washed away.  

If this was a Small Wave, I never want to experience a Big One.  

I will try to get closer to Hualalai's other beachside buildings today.  

So sad but incomparable to the experience in Japan.  I simply cannot imagine.

Update on Saturday, March 12, 2011 at 11:16AM by Lois

We are all thankful that you and your friends are safe. News in CA does not mention HI.  In fact, as I recall, the TV news indicated there was no Tsunami in HA but I was only an occasional listener/viewer.  So your pictures are quite shocking. Take care, my friend.

Wow....had no idea it affected Hawaii like that...thought it went straight over to Crescent City.  Let's all pray that we don't see "The Big One."

I have been glued to the TV.  Breaks my heart to see the loss of life and the devistation.  As I always say, live in the moment.  It's all we have.

Thanks so much for all the pictures...wow, this was a true tragedy...yes, and especially in Japan!...glad you are all fine and traveled to high ground! We have all been glued to our televisions...

Oh Lois, thank you for sharing your pictures.  You are so right.  This is nothing compared to what happened in Japan.  It is all relative.   Makes one realize the forces of nature and that it could happen here to all of us.  Happy to hear that you are safe.  Looking forward to FP’s and hearing your stories.

Amazing!  Saw on the morning news today, guest from the Fourseason's Hotel sleeping on the golf course with pillows and blankets awaiting the tsunami.

Wow!  It's unbelievable the amazing force of Mother Nature!

I'm so glad you, your family and friends are ok.  Such devastation to the property and beautiful ponds.  
I was thinking of you while we were watching the TV. There wasn't much on the news about the effect of the tsunami on Hawaii - just that it was a "small one."  Apparently, even a "small one" is pretty devastating! Those poor people over in Japan!

I'm so glad to hear that you are all fine.  When I started hearing of damage and seeing images from clients at Hualalai, I immediately thought of you.  I arrive on the Big Island on Monday for a week long visit.  Please let me know if there is anything I can do.

As we view the slideshow we are sad to see that the tsunami has disturbed the beaches, flora and ponds of beautiful Kukio and the surrounding area.  We hope that the clean up can help to restore things to normal and that the fish in the ponds will survive!

I can’t decide if I’m glad you were there to see and experience all this or not.  I so remember the air raid sirens going off as a child in Kailua...I could pack up my doll house in under three minutes and be in the car for the ride with the family and our dog “Mele” up to the Pali and higher ground.  We never knew if it was just a drill or the real deal until it was over.  Seemed like a bit of an adventure as a child, especially since they were almost always in the middle of the night.  

So glad to hear that you and your guests are safe.  All will have unusual stories and memories to share.  The damage to buildings and grounds will be repaired.  The fish make great fertilizer.  Those nasty toads...who cares?  Japan is a whole other story.  Life is precious.  Hug your kids.  Celebrate the now.  You do this in spades dear lady and I am so grateful to have you for a role model in my life. 

 

Beautiful evening...

until tsunami warning just came in.  Now heading for higher ground.  Life is crazy.  And wonderful.  And unpredictable.  Whoa.  More later.

Beware of photo fakeouts

Diddams does it very well.

It all began with an Academy Awards Evening.  For Susan, the focus was a friend's retirement.  For us, a belated family birthday party.  Thankfully, Susan had scoped out Diddams' stock early in the week.  I followed suit, piggy-backing on her enthusiasm and ideas. 

My pics:

 Susan's:

I liked her photos and food much better.  I bet she'll share recipes. 

Why Diddams?  If you need inspiration and ideas for Any Kind of Event involving kids, grandkids or kids at heart, this could be a terrific starting point. 

Meanwhile, here are some pictures taken at the Mountain View location. Actual store is Far Better than pictures indicate.  For those outside the area, there, Must Be a website shopping opportunity.  

OK, it turns out that there's not.  It looks like you're going to have to come our way.  Good.  Let me know when.

It's a Fun Friend Field Trip waiting to happen.  As indicated in an earlier blog, there are several Bay Are locations beyond the Palo Alto store that recently closed. 

Dynamic duo

Mary, thank you!!!  Soooooooooooooo terrific.

Move over, Spielberg and Scorsese

If you were at our workshop last Wednesday, you'll know that I'm a HUGE Fan of the Flip video camera.

It's easy to use.   Small enough to tuck in a purse or pocket. And the video quality is excellent.  Our Valentine's Day video was filmed on a Flip.  

Below are links to Amazon for BLACK and WHITE cameras. Compare with Costco prices.  

You'll be able to quickly capture and then share life's fleeting moments. I'm still learning how best to do that.  AND I'm loving the process.

Perfect rainy day read

Creamy, Brothy, Earthy, Hearty 

Great NYTimes article 

Barb, darling college roommate/mentor/tremendously fun friend/you are the best.  Thank you for sending so many, many wonderful bits of information/blogs my way.  Now we have to meet again.  Let's figure that out.  

Exceptional, enthusiastic, unbelievably talented!

WOW!  Unbelievable.  Thanks so much, Linda! 

Joan, where DO you find these?

NEW BUMPER STICKERS - FOR SENIORS

Why am I laughing?  This is sick.  No, this is reality.   

It's Time to Order Holiday Bulb Kits

Remember this blog?  I had to share a picture of what eventually emerged from the box I gave one friend for Christmas.

  

WOW.  

How spectacular is this?

Might be time to revisit BloemBox if you have spring birthdays or other celebrations.

Here are a few favorites I found on their site:

 Check here for stores in your area as well as other internet order options.

Infectious in the best possible way

An at-home dad shares a letter of rejection with his 8-month old.  As he said today on The Today Show, it definitely lifted his spirits.  And mine, too!  Cannot stop smiling.  What a great way to start the day.

Ready or not/here it comes!

Spring has surfaced in at least in one location.  Cost Plus is ready to help you celebrate.  Might be time to hop in their direction.  Internet orders also available here.

Late-breaking news

IF you happen to see this tomorrow AND if you also happen to be having an Academy Awards Party/or, actually, any other kind of party in the near future/immediately drive to your nearest Diddam's Party Store for inspiration. 

Is there anything that they DON'T carry?  I think not.  For Bay Area friends, the Mountain View store is well stocked with Oscar look-alikes and various other bits of party paraphernalia. 

Thank you, SB, for sharing your bits of brilliance!

A gift that continues to give

Such a clever/creative way to express appreciation, Philosophy With Gratitude Shampoo/Shower Gel/Bubble Bath says thank you in so many marvelous ways.

Thank you, Betty.  We think of you each day with tremendous gratitude for your friendship.

Terri, totally terrific!

Here's one of the terrific ideas shared at yesterday's Magnificient Meeting!

Thanks, Yvonne!

Just last weekend on Friday night we parked in a public parking area. As we drove away I noticed a sticker on the rear window of the car.  When I took it off after I got home, it was a receipt for gas. Luckily my friend told me not to stop as it could be someone waiting for me to get out of the car. Then we received this email yesterday:

WARNING FROM POLICE 

THIS APPLIES TO BOTH WOMEN AND MEN.  BEWARE OF PAPER ON THE BACK WINDOW OF YOUR VEHICLE.

NEW CARJACKING TECHNIQUE.
Heads up everyone! Please, keep this circulating. You walk across the parking lot, unlock your car and get inside. You start the engine and shift into reverse. When you look into the rearview mirror to back out of your parking space, you notice a piece of paper stuck to the middle of the rear window. So, you shift into park, unlock your doors, and jump out of your car to remove that paper (or whatever it is) that is obstructing your view. When you reach the back of your car that is when the carjackers appear out of nowhere, jump into your car and take off. They practically mow you down as they speed off in your car. And guess what, ladies? I bet your purse is still in the car. So now the carjacker has your car, your home address, your money and your keys. Your home and your whole identity are now compromised.

BEWARE OF THIS NEW SCHEME
If you see a piece of paper stuck to your back window, just drive away.  Remove the paper later. And be thankful that you read this e-mail. I hope you will forward this to friends and family, especially to women.  A purse contains all kinds of personal information and identification documents, and you certainly do NOT want this to fall into the wrong hands.   



Never, ever buy this product.

However, if you happen to see a box or two at your local Trader Joe's, let me know. 

Why?  They are deeeeeeeeelicious.  And for those who didn't read past the lead line, there might be more for the rest of us.  YES!

We enjoyed the "burgers" bread free sandwiched between two pieces of butter lettuce.  No extra condiments necessary.  A terrific/flavorful/satisfying lunch/dinner/breakfast. 

At only 110 calories each, the patties are packed with 15 grams of protein.  And very little else that's unpronounceable.  FOUR THUMBS UP at our house this week. 

They are, Dave reports, continually sold out. 

I'm heading out early tomorrow AM to round up a few boxes.  Give me a head start, OK?  Thanks.

We stopped at two TJ's today.  New shipments due in/nothing in stock right now. 

Trying Costco Salmon patties and will report back.  A few more calories but protein content is high.

Keep the pressure up at TJ's.  Perhaps that's what they need to be sure that they continue to carry excellent products like this. 

Update on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at 7:28AM by Lois

From Anne: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/products/item.php?RID=330

I was very intrigued with your Mahi Mahi burgers and did a search .... it looks like Whole foods has a version as well. probably not the same, but worth checking out. Unfortunately we don't have either whole foods or trader joes here. But that won't stop me ... I'll let you know what I find.

A

and here's a recipe .. yum. Of course not as easy, but doable.  http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=299852

and from Barb:  These burgers are GREAT with TEQUILLA!  (See previous blog!)

Thanks, Barb!