Family – Page 42 – Tonja's Gatherings

Family, General, Travel

ALOHA 3-15-10 MONDAY part 2

March 16, 2010 by tonja No Comments

Up and out on this our last full day in Paradise. Much to do…gotta squeeze every bit of fun out of this day (as Pop would say)! Since I have not eaten breakfast a single time since I have been here, why start today? Joy has a purchase she needs to make so we are headed to Lahaina…then to Paia and Makawao…and back to Ka’anapali.

Top down and ready to go. First stop, Lahaina. Jewelry store. ‘Nuff said.

While waiting on a minor adjustment to be done on something Joy or I may or may not have bought…we went next door…to Kimo’s (where I got sick on Sunday) and had the Hula Pie, which is a wonderful tradition here in Lahaina.

We finished our business in Lahaina and headed back Upcountry to Paia. I love this gallery and I try to visit everytime I come. They have some wonderful painting and pottery. Also some jewelry and fiber arts. Oh, and obviously I picked up the wrong lipstick…must have been Joy’s…’cause I do not wear anything that dark.

Did a little shopping and then Joy wanted to go back to Makawao, so we did. She picked up what she needed and we headed back to the motel. We wanted to visit the beach before leaving tomorrow. Oh, and someone has to pack up all that stuff!

On the way to the beach, we saw a wedding in the courtyard of the hotel…

Joy trying to decide if she’s going to stay or get on the plane with me tomorrow…

I wrote my name in the sand…and let it wash away. Each time I visit I do this before I leave…and I have always returned. Hope it works this time, too!

Do you see that big wave behind me? That breaking wave? Looks like when it breaks it will come all the way up to where I am, doesn’t it? If you were behind the camera and you saw this giant wave coming up behind the person standing there smiling so pretty for the camera wouldn’t you tell them so as to keep them from being drenched and perhaps being swept out to sea? Yeah…I would, too. Joy wouldn’t.

I forgave her and let her get in this picture with me.

We walked on down to the Whaler’s Village and had dinner at a very nice restaurant. We were fortunate that we were able to be seated outside. I had pistachio crusted mahimahi, risotto, and steamed vegetables. When I made a picture of this, a man at the next table said, “Do you always make pictures of your food?” “I am a blogger,” I said, “and my readers want all the details of this trip!” Obviously, he was of little culture and understanding about the ways of the world. :0)

And, walking to the hotel, we left footprints in the sand…

…and the waves rolled over them…

…and they were gone…

Reading time: 2 min

Family, General, Travel

ALOHA 3-15-10 MONDAY part 1

March 15, 2010 by tonja No Comments

It’s here…our last day in Paradise! Can you feel my despair? I want to stay another week! It’s been heavenly!

Been out and about all day…and now…somehow….I have got to get everything back into my suitcase! I’m thinking it’s 100% possible that I am going to come home with more luggage than I left with! I’m just saying….

So, until I connect with you again from Sweet Home Alabama…ALOHA

*Just a few pics from the beach—Why, NO, I’m not ashamed to show you a pic of me in a swimsuit!

Here’s Joy and I…

That’s sister asleep in her chair!

And, here I am soaking up the rays!

Reading time: 1 min

Family, General, Travel

ALOHA 3-14-10 SUNDAY‚Ä¶part 2

March 14, 2010 by tonja No Comments

Joy and I left around 11 and went to an art show by some of the islands leading artists. We found several things that begged to go home with us. And, in the Spirit of Aloha…we agreed to take them to Alabama. Well, wouldn’t you have done the same thing?

We found some wonderful jewelry pieces also, and beautiful quilts with ancient Hawaiian designs. We thoroughly enjoyed walking through the art that was displayed there…and finding a piece of two to buy!

Realizing that we never ate breakfast or lunch, we decided to go to Kimo’s, a restaurant
in town. It has a wonderful back deck that sits over the water. Why, LOOK! Here we are now!

This one of my most favorite places to eat when I am here. And, they have a dessert called Hula Pie, that is extraordinary. So, we had a plan. We had a cool, fruity drink (the kind safe for kids to drink) and then ordered lunch. Joy had fresh fish and I ordered coconut crusted mahimahi with a Caesar salad and rice. The fish was covered with
a mango, onion salsa. It all smelled divine, and I was starving!

Surely you put fresh orchids on your plates, don’t you? Well, the first bite burned my throat…and the second bite did, too. There would be no 3rd bite…because I felt so sick so quickly that we had to leave. Instead of doing the things we had planned, we hurried back to the motel. I was nauseous, and weak, and then I started itching. I was obviously very allergic to whatever was in the salsa. So, I was in the bed for the afternoon. Fortunately I had some benedryl with me and took it…but it sure put a kink in the day. I am still itching, but feeling MUCH better now. Not to worry, Pop…I’m fine!

Tomorrow is our last day…so we will be up early with much to do and see! Then heading home on Tuesday! And, yes, I know I haven’t posted Saturday, but I will!

Good-night!

Reading time: 1 min

Family, General, Travel

ALOHA 3-14-10 SUNDAY part 1

March 14, 2010 by tonja No Comments

Yes, I know that I’ve skipped Saturday. I’ll go back to it…but right now I just want to share our Sunday morning experience.

I came to Maui a couple of years ago with my 2 BFF, Shirl and Tina. We stayed at this hotel, and discovered that they had a morning worship service. So, as I was planning this trip I chose the same hotel and made sure we were here on a Sunday!

We met under a thatched roof, open air pavilion on the grounds of the hotel. They provide it free of charge to this ministry. This happens to be the only hotel on this part of the island that does. The ministry is run by a lady in her 70’s. She became ordained, moved to Maui, and started this ministry. She marries people weekly, and has a benevolence team to help those in need, and she does this service on Sundays.

It was so neat that right in the midst of people having breakfast in the open air restaurant, people splashing in the pool, people lounging on chairs soaking up the rays, people in the bar ordering drinks…there was also a group of people worshiping and thanking the Maker and Provider of it all! God is so good. His creations are evidence of his glory.

We sang together and prayed together..people of all faiths. There was a family band who sang with ukulele. They danced the hula and led us in worship. Then we read from the Bible and heard a message on the Lord’s Prayer. Such a sweet service, and God was right there in our midst!

I delight in breathing the sea air. I love seeing the trees, gnarled and twisted by the wind. I love sitting on the balcony and watching the ocean and occasionally seeing the whales in a distance as the break the surface. I love the scents of flowers in every hue. And, I love the fruits that taste so much ‘fruitier’ here. God is good! God is great!

I thank God for the beauty and majesty of His creation. He made this place just for me! And, you, too. And, you!

I thank Pop for making it possible for Joy and I to be here for this time together. You are a very special man. We give you honor and thanks for who you are and the legacy you live.

Gotta go! Time for the next adventure! There is one waiting around every corner…and we are trying to take advantage of every single one!

“This is the day that the Lord has made!” We intend to rejoice and be happy in it! Hope you do, too!

Reading time: 2 min

Family, General, Travel

ALOHA 3-13-10 SATURDAY

March 13, 2010 by tonja No Comments

Up on Saturday with a few plans for another day of fun! And it was! Fortunately, we were there for another art show held at the Banyan Tree Park in Lahaina. It is held several times throughout the year and features some wonderful artists.

When Don and I were there 2 years ago, we bought a wonderful print on canvas that we both loved. It is now hanging in the Creek House. AND, I found some more prints today to hang in our bedroom. Just have to take them to the framers. Joy found a few pieces as well.

I know that I am getting older and forgetful, and so is Joy! But, we didn’t realize, until we saw this pic that we were dressed so much alike! Great minds, you know!

When we left the art show, we decided to go Upcountry to some little towns I know of. They are located on the drive going to Hana. But, they are not too far up, so the drive is not bad at all. When you make this drive…to the town of Paia, you pass some beautiful churches. Here is one of them…it is so beautiful. And, the grounds are immaculate.

And, this is another one that sits in a fork in the road. I know it’s hard to tell, but the roof is copper, and has the most beautiful verdi gris patina.

Now, this is the reason that I went Upcountry. I wanted Joy to see this view. This picture is not good, so it is hard to see what is so beautiful. The pic is a little cloudy looking, and actually I made this picture when I was there with Don. So, all the land that looks barren, is covered now with tall green sugar cane. If you click on the picture, I think it may be easier to see. I love the way the mountain comes right down to the ocean. And, the palm trees swaying against the aqua of the ocean, is so peaceful and calm. I like the angles the mountains make as they slope down to the ocean twice. I wish I had a better picture. This is my favorite scene in the whole island.

Now, the little old hippie town of Paia is also the home of my favorite restaurant on the island, Mama’s Fish House. It is not just my fav, but the most popular restaurant there…so you really need a reservation. Well, after we had driven up there, we decided that we should just go by and check and see if it was possible to eat there today. We thought that since we were there early evening, there may be a chance. It was about 4:30. We asked the valet guy what the chances were and he said good, so we decided to give it a try. And, when I told the gentleman at the desk that I didn’t have a reservation, he said, “No problem…I can seat you right now.” And, so he did…seat us, that is. We had a wonderful table. It is open air, and very rustic. The floors are wood, but the roof is about 6 large canvas umbrellas. And, the view here is wonderful! Awe inspiring!

Notice the concrete walkway. All the leaves and impressions were hand done using real leaves.

Pics made inside…

OK, just look at this food! Joy ordered fresh Mahimahi (caught that morning) stuffed with lobster, salmon and crab. It was accompanied by fried rice, fresh corn and served on a bed of fresh asparagus.

Now, this is mine. It is a traditional Hawaiian dish called Lau Lau. It is layers of Mahimahi, Salmon and and Kahlua pork, on a bed of rice…wrapped in ti leaves, and steamed. They open the steamed package at the table, and then pour warm coconut milk, right from the shell,all over the top. It is served with chunks of sweet potatoes and taro. Also grilled fruit…banana, pineapple and mango. Divine!

And, a meal this yummy just calls for dessert to top it off.

After our dinner, we walked down to the water’s edge. Here is a wonderful gathering of beautiful rocks, lava and coral.

Look at this wonderful heart shaped rock! This is where I found the other one that Tina brought back home for me and is now in my pool fountain. Joy discovered this one…but she refused to carry it home for me. I couldn’t understand why she would refuse this one little request from her dearest sister. So, there it lays…until I return. Maybe I’ll take an extra suitcase next time just for big rocks! :0)

Here she is…hands on hips…stubbornly refusing to help a sister out!

AND…can you believe she made this picture of me when I was in a moment of distress. No, no, I’m not dancing. I was trying to keep from falling on my rear end in the sand and rocks…and she was laughing at me!!! And, making pictures of me!!

Oh, we had a fun day! We laughed like we were 16…riding around in our silver ‘cool car’…the wind whipping our hair around. Well, it didn’t really whip…it’s too short. Mostly it just blew straight up and out! But, I’m sure we looked really young and cool anyway!

Unfortunately, we had NO time to visit the shops in Paia and Makawao. But, it was a beautiful ride the 36 miles back to the motel. Lights were reflecting off the water, and flickers of brightness skipped up the mountains. The moon was so bright, and it cast a beam of whiteness across the dark ocean waters. I wonder if whales sleep. There! and there! It is so bright the palm trees are silhouetted against the sky. It’s magical! So, we’ll come back before we leave. Oh! My! Time is getting short…