Haleiwa Obon...

last weekend was the last of the bon dances in Haleiwa.

there are two Jodo missions in Haleiwa and they both have

bon dances on different weekends.

The biggest is the Haleiwa Jodo.  

what makes this one so unique is that they do a lantern floating ceremony.

I just love this tradition.  This one is much smaller than the crazy one that's done 

at Ala Moana on Memorial Day.

We used to do lanterns when the one in town was held in Ala Wai canal with

canoes pulling the lantern out to the entrance.

I love watching the families...old, young, very young all dancing around

to the beat of the drums.

24...

we were talking to our friend Steve about summer tv watching and he 

asked if we were watching "24-Live Another Day".  We hadn't heard of

it and since Steve has given us some really good tips (Black List) we thought

we'd watch it.

Just watching once and we were hooked.

except for an hour of news, we've only been watching "24".

After watching one episode of "Live Another Day", we went back and got caught up on that.

then I found all the seasons on Amazon Prime.  We watch it through Apple Tv on the

big screen or at the MH on the smart TV.

So we don't have any commercials and can watch the whole thing in 48 minutes. so we

watch about 3 episodes a night and really can't wait for the next one.

Each episode is 1 hour of a 24 hour day.  

it's nice now to know the back story on the characters.

There have been some surprises that's for sure.

We both understand how this show won so many awards in the years it was on, it's that good.

We just finished "Day 5" but will have to wait until hubby gets home to start "Day6".

Can't wait.

"What would Jack Bauer do?"

Nani Ka'ala...

the other morning on my way to hula, I was facing Mt. Ka'ala waiting to turn.

It was so beautiful in the early morning sun.

Because of all the rain, the hills are so green...

more shades of green than I could ever imagine.

The gate at goat road was open so I went down there to 

take a few quick iPhone photos without any power lines

in the pictures

people are always taking pictures of the ocean in Hawaii, 

but the lush green of the hills are just as breathtaking.

Nani Ka'ala

Hot, Hot, Hot...

the last 4 days have been so HOT.  I hate it.

I know it was more humid other places, but without our trades, 

it's almost unbearable.  Everyone is feeling it.

then today this happened...

Guy Hagi was right!

and the trades are back!

Omyage...

our sweet neighbor has returned from their yearly trip to Japan.

She brought us back the best cookie/cracker that I've ever had.

I love the wrapping paper that always covers the box...real artwork

beautiful inside box

that held these little beauties...

they were so thin,

 then spread with the thinnest layer of chocolate, vanilla or strawberry.

they melted in your mouth they were so thin...

amazing!

there was also a cute little magnet with cherry blossoms and Mt. Fuji

yes, Japan is on my bucket list just because of treats like this.

Arigato Naoko,

your kindness is much appreciated

94 Years Young...

on Saturday after hula, my hula sisters and I celebrated one of our own, sweet Elsie.

She just turned 94!!!!  94 and she still climbs those 31 steps each week and

is better at remembering most of the songs than the rest of us.  

We told her that it was her choice (not Burger King) where she wanted

to go.  She choose Doraku and wonderful Japanese restaurant.

I had the Opah (my favorite) it was done misoyaki style and was wonderful. 

they were so nice, they even brought Elsie her own dessert...

tempura brownie.  I must say it was pretty darn good.

We had to try the tempura ice cream.

This was probably the best green tea ice cream I've ever had.

The tempura is really interesting and worth it.

Sweet Elsie is my idol.  She still lives alone, and takes care of herself.

She doesn't drive anymore, but she's fine with that.

She always tells me that "I'm slowing down".  I tell her she deserves to.

She's taken hula from Ms. Alama for 30+ years I think.

The love of hula and her sweet spirit keep her 94 years young.

Friendship and Eggs...

the other morning I got together with these two ladies ...

one of them is living in Utah and the other is just so busy,

we only get to talk at church.

we went to Pizza Bob's (would never go there for dinner I don't think)

and had there ok breakfast.  It's close, it's air-conditioned and there's

endless Diet Coke with lemon.

Coco and I had the omelet with avocado, mushrooms, onions and cheese,

Kay ordered the fish and eggs.  I'm pretty sure that this is a Hawaii thing, fish

on a breakfast menu.  It was actually very good.

We talked for hours.  Listening to each other.  Supporting each other and not judging each other.

It was so nice that each of us in our own time, had come to the same conclusion on

the answers/help we were seeking.  That's a good thing.

When one of us looked at the time finally we'd been there for 4 hours!

We laughed that maybe we should order lunch and keep talking.

Coco and Kay I love you two so much.