The Eddie...

Yesterday was the opening ceremony for "The Eddie"

the big wave contest that's held at Waimea.  They have an 

opening ceremony every year, but there is certain criteria that 

has to be met for it to be held.  The biggest thing is that Waimea has to be

breaking at 20+ feet for so many hours.

There are only 28 invitees every year and members of the Aikau

family.  It's a big deal to say the least.  The last time it was held, Greg Long

from San Clemente was the winner.  That was two years ago.

There was one day last year when they thought it might go, but the swell

dropped and they couldn't run it.

Even though it's sort of a hassle with all the traffic, etc, that goes with

running it, I hope they get a chance.

It really was something to see and we'll never forget it.

(Glaser photos)

Change Is Coming...

to Haleiwa Town.

Some of our favorite places are going to be torn down to make

way for redevelopement .

This will include a huge parking lot and new stores.

We're afraid by removing places like Aoki's, Haleiwa will loose

it's charm and small town feel.

It really is a small town, without the infrastructure to support too

much more growth.

It's bad now with all the tour buses bringing in loads of 

foot-traffic....we don't have sidewalks!

We have friends who have businesses that can use the money, but

they aren't happy with all these changes.

I've been sick with a cold, so my blogging has suffered.

Feeling much better.

Trimming The Tree...

Hubby and I went to our storage unit and got our Christmas 

decorations out yesterday.  Where has the last year gone?  He and I both

said it felt like we had just done this only a short time ago.  Oh well.

I love Christmas!  I love seeing all of our ornaments that we've had for years and

a new one here or there.

Our tree that we have at the MH is always decorated by the Grands, so it has a whole different look!

WICKED...

The day finally arrived! I'd been waiting months for this day...the day that we'd

get to see my favorite musical, WICKED, here at home!

I'd had the tickets since they went on sale.  I choose Thanksgiving weekend because I knew

for sure that hubby would be home.  I also choose a matinee because we wouldn't have 

the long drive back to the North Shore late at night.

This was my third time seeing it and it was a charm!  I wasn't sure how hubby would

react, would he love it even half as much as I do?  All I told him was that if he 

knew the story of "The Wizard of Oz" he would get this.  

He did!  He really, really did like it!  

He got the story, he got the humor and he even got Galinda's ditz!

I wanted him to be able to really see what was going on.

Interesting fact...since the stage at the Blaisdell is smaller, the sets were scaled smaller...same

only smaller.  I liked it, seemed very intimate.  We could really see their faces and the costumes up

close.

When we picked up the car and came around the corner, we were surprised to 

see the Blaisdell bathed in GREEN!

it was worth the wait that's for sure.  Every time I've seen it there has been

something different... the first time with Traci at the Pantages in LA and the wonder of it all.  The

second time with Bri and Lauren for their first time with Traci and I.

This time getting to experience it with Terry and seeing his awe and wonder.

Kaamooloa Road Thanksgiving...

Our neighbors, Steve and Christine, once again hosted Thanksgiving

at their house. This was the seventh year they have hosted.  Like

our neighbor Billy said, "It's a Tradition"!

It was really nice to get together with everyone.

There are some dishes that people bring that are so good (those brussel sprouts)

and it's great to have them again.

The table was beautiful.

Love Christine's gift to everyone...a little silver wishbone.

Our fabulous Hostess

and Host

these two blessings....

 and the food...

three turkeys, each cooked differently

creamed corn

and lots of cranberry sauce!

Mahalo Steve and Christine for hosting 

such a wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner that really

has become a tradition.

Happy Thanksgiving...

I'm so thankful for so many things...

most of all our family, they are the world.

I'm thankful for a spouse who is my best friend after all these years.

Friends who are near and far, these are blessings.

Happy Thanksgiving

These are full of...

Christmas trees!

I took this yesterday in the WalMart parking lot.

They have their tent set up and ready to start selling.

I'm not even sure that these were refrigerated, let's hope that there aren't

any little critters...otherwise the whole container is ruined and can't be sold.

just one of the differences from living on the mainland.

Once the trees are gone, that's it. G.O.N.E

Weed Circle...

At the entrance to Haleiwa Town is a round-a-bout.

It's called "Weed Circle"

I've been curious about this place.  I've seen groups of people

there tending to it. They mow the grass, trim and cut back the trees.

One morning I stopped to read the plaque that I'd seen on a rock

near Kaukonahua Road.  I was surprised to see that the Outdoor Circle group

is involved.  This is the group that is responsible here in Hawaii for not having billboards

along the sides of the road.

There are about 7 (that I know of ) different types of trees growing here.

Singapore plumeria, lauhala, rainbow shower trees, palms,

and some I don't know what they are.

My friend Iris has come up here to Weed Circle to gather lauhala

for her weaving.  I've seen other people gathering the plumeria for lei.

Weed Circle is used as the staging area for the Haleiwa Christmas Parade.

Sign waving during elections.

Policemen sit in their cars in the shade of the trees during the hot summer.

Weed Circle is also a spot where boats and canoes have been put during Tsunami warnings.

Weed Circle a little oasis.

Please kokua...

It's been a couple of weeks now since Hurricane Sandy

hit the east coast.  

After watching the video below and seeing just how serious the

problems are back there...Hubby's company is in New Jersey and

there are still people in the office without electricity or phone service. 

I thought it would be nice to show a couple of ways to help...

This company, is donating 100% of the proceeds

of the sale of these great prints to a relief fund.  There are some

that I just love!

As always, the American Red Cross

is one of the very best ways to help.  

This is the video that brought tears to my eyes for so

many reasons.

Please kokua 

and mahalo

Linger Longer...

Our ward had a "Linger Longer" event last Sunday

after church.

I just took random pictures of people as they were coming

into the gym, working and getting their food.

We love Waialua Ward!

There are so many things that make a great ward...

Waialua has them all.