Hawaii's First Church

You might as well see the kind of stuff I create on my laptop. Boy do I miss my desktop. This laptop is TOUGH to work with. I've given up for the night. I don't have time or patience to do any better. It is a shame. I have several layouts made up on the crashed machine. Sure hope my hubby is able to tackle the problem soon. I am totally handicapped with this laptop.

It Was Just Yesterday

Yesterday morning I drove my husband to the emergency room. It has been a very long 37 hours and we are both exhausted.

He is progressing very well. Praise be to God.

Early Morning on Haleakala

I'm not an early morning person. My brain doesn't kick in until 8:30. However here I am on a mountaintop. Good thing my better half is with me. He'll keep me from wandering off the edge. He IS that early morning person... could run a dairy you know... milking the cows at 4 AM. He gets up with the roosters... and this is the place for that. Except for up in the rocks, there are chickens EVERYWHERE. It is almost like a plague, but a pleasant one. The roosters are a handsome bunch.

Anyway, back to the mountain. It was still very cold up there. It reminded me of all our friends back home in the snow.

Sunrise Over Haleakala

I am bedridden today with a fever. Think it is a hand-me-down from my sweet hubby, who took me up on the mountain to see the sunrise over Haleakala in Maui.

Have had plenty of time to work on my Hawaii book; but instead my computer guy (Ron) was working on a problem with my e-mail for what seemed like hours. Then tonight for some reason, my e-mail shut down and then opened bringing in mail from months ago that I had deleted. It is still importing them. So far I've received 7837 out of 10900. WHAT? I'll never understand computers!

Am happy that I didn't get sick until late last night. That meant I didn't have to
miss our Wednesday night Bible study of Song of Solomon. I wasn't very eager to delve into the book, but humor in the classroom has eased the tension and I'm enjoying it. We discovered last night that no one in the class knew the Hebrew word for WalMart.

Double click on the first layout to enlarge it so that you can read my journaling.

Leaving Maui

Double click the layouts to get the story here for our last day in Maui.



As we pulled out of Maui, it was a 1/2 full, half empty scenario. Had we used up half of our vacation, or did we still have half? I like to enjoy it as it comes, while appreciating what is finished. Next port will be Kona on the Big Island. We'll travel while we sleep. It's a great way to go.

It might be hard to understand, but even though I am a 'half full' person, I'm having a terrible time seeing the good while watching our country brought to its knees with so many people being oblivious... brain washed by the leftist media. There is just no excuse for this.

My husband has stepped in to help me through this. He tells me again what I know. God is in control. I realize that. And I understand that as a nation, we no longer deserve all the blessings he has given us, not that we ever did, but now we surely don't. I also know that people can grow closer to God through suffering. However, I'm not accepting it any easier. I have lived a simple life and could do it again; but our family is spread over 7 states...making it hard to stick together like families need to in difficult times. I promise I'll try to see a brighter side, while working to educate those I know.

This is a repeat admonition, but very important. Watch Glenn Beck on Fox News Network.
He proves everything he says. You will learn more that you have in years.

On the Dry Side

Hope you weren't expecting humor with this title. I'm not in the mood.

Even the paradise of Hawaii has to have it's bad moments. This is the dry side of the island. It isn't comfortable, but life can adjust...man, animals and plants as well. The stronger remain and the ones that can not make it are smothered out over time.

Yes we can do it. Don't give up. It will be a struggle, but stick with it. Freedom is God's gift to man. We don't deserve it, but we need it to thrive.

On the Green Side of Maui

I thought I had published pictures of the dry side of the island here before, but as I look back, that is not true. I'll do that later. Any way, I like both sides, but would prefer to live in a lush, green environment. Ron is showing one of the leaves here that make our little philodendron look downright puny. And of course, this is not one of the biggest leaves on the islands. I saw a picture yesterday of leaves that were bigger than the man standing under them. I did not see them with my own eyes and did not check out the picture, but have no doubt it is accurate.

We'll be going into the desert sometime later. We are being pushed out of the 'promised land'.

In Fly Over Country, But Not Dumb As a Rock

I've posted another couple of Hawaii layouts. Love the rocks!

You've probably guessed that some elites in Washington consider those of us who live in 'fly over country' to be dumb as rocks. Well we are not as ignorant as many Harvard grads.

It's been a busy day. Good thing. Haven't had time to fret about our Congress that has run amuck. Wow, THE perfect word. For those of you not familiar with it, it means 'in a condition of murderous insanity'.

Have been feverishly working on my Hawaii Book. Had a goal of getting it done by Tuesday night; but looks like that is an impossibility. I'm still not deterred. Will work on it up until midnight. Who knows. I could make it or at least be ready to set another more reasonable goal.
Am anxious to get it done, so I can dedicate some time to doing Colorado layouts, day to day things and of course Easter, as it is coming up quickly.

Have considered running for Congress. Don't laugh. Couldn't do any worse than what we have right now under the heavy hand of the Obama-Pelosi team. I've had it. Can't take it anymore. Am a registered Democrat. Even though we've had way too much 'change' the last year, I will 'change' that as soon as possible. Just not sure what that change will be. The Republicans are making much more sense than the Democrats . Can I register Tea Party? Or does it have to be Independent? Guess I need to google that.

Koki Beach and Alau Island

I love digging my toes into sandy beaches, but rocky ones are really more attractive to me.
I can't tell you why. I haven't the slightest idea.

Right now, I'd like to throw some rocks at a lot of congressmen...I guess that's as violent as I can think...and of course I wouldn't do it.

They've made a joke out of our Republic. They are shredding all law, because as they seem to think, 'the end justifies the means'. It is their end, no matter what the American people want or don't want. They have cast out our constitution, the base of our government and freedom.
WE MUST GET THEM OUT OF OFFICE!
Each one of us must personally promise ourselves and others that we will work to salvage our once great country.

It looks like it is too late. The plan of the 'almighty' Obama is to deliver a vote for HIS progressive 'health care' bill tomorrow. Of course that decision took no regard for the Christians in the House.

Our Father in heaven does not want our money going to abortions. Pray that He will work on the hearts of those members who know better than killing unborn children. Pray they can't sleep or live with themselves if they continue to turn their backs on the people.

And for those who were going to vote 'no' and have been 'persuaded' to fall in line, I ask all of you to make sure they are defeated in the next election, even if you have to run for office yourself!

Comments

I am sorry some of you are having trouble commenting. I would help, but I haven't any idea what to say.

We had a comment today in Japanese characters. They didn't publish it, but sent it to me. I translated it on google and can't see that it has anything to do with the blog. Sorry if it did and I just don't understand.

Caleb's IPhone Instinct

According to his dad, Caleb was born asking for an IPhone. A chip off the old block is the trite saying that would apply here.

I was blessed to see and hold my grand baby today. Beth has him at her mother's, which is only two hours away from here. Of course, I took off to see him for a while this afternoon. He's grown and changed a lot already; but he is still in his newborn clothing... not for long though, I would guess.

Won't see him again (in person) for about 3 months. Thank God for Skype.

Trail to Oheo and Looking Back

I've found that this area is erroneously called the Seven Pools and that there are at least two dozen pools along the gulch. The first layout depicts the trail to the falls. The pictures in the second one are of us after we came up from the gulch and looked back down the mountainside to see the water splash into the ocean with splendid color.

They Aced the Test

These guys are the tops. They planned dinner for us and won our hearts...again. Ron cooked tender baby back ribs, Layton mixed up some healthy recipe cole slaw and Jeff made yummy baked beans. He also thought to stop for bread. Ron G helped out by stopping for a cheesecake and apple pie. Mark had the night off, but contributed Girl Scout Cookies anyway. We girls just took it easy and enjoyed.

I'm not sure Mark was convinced it could be done and as we sat down to eat, he led grace,' Bless the hands that prepared it and forgive them for they know not what they do.'

Oh ye, of little faith!

Irish Day at the Lakes

Everyone is a little Irish on St Patrick's Day, but I carry mine in my blood all year long.
I'm sending from the lakes this Irish blessing for you.

"May God grant you many years to live,
For sure he must be knowing.
the earth has angels all too few.
And heaven is overflowing."

Oheo Gulch, Maui, Hawaii

This is an awesome place on the road to Hana. If you ever go to Hawaii, I recommend seeing Maui and driving this road. Years ago, it was much rougher, but it is still quite an adventure. Ron and I had seen the area a couple of times before...never when it had been a real rainy season. This time, it was much dryer. Even though the waterfalls and pools were not as full , the area was still quite beautiful. We took these pictures along the roadside above the biggest part of the gulch.

No Way

This week in life group we listened (while looking at pictures) to Layton tell about his recent trip to China. We learn a lot in group. But we also have a lot of fun each week. We really 'let our hair down' as one would say if one can't think of a better way to say it and is running out of time to get the blog published for today.

Gramma and Caleb

I may get a chance to see this little boy again very soon. Hoping that this week I'll see him in Ohio. Anxiously waiting.

Busy Weeks

Busy weeks sometimes become a blur. It is at times like this, that I really enjoy sitting down to my computer and bringing up layouts of stress free times, like those in beautiful places like Hawaii. Here we are by one on the Seven Sacred Pools with it's waterfall on Maui.

The Bible says there will be wars and rumors of wars until the end of time. But we have found ways to occasionally just get away from it all and appreciate some peaceful moments in nature.

Sea Arches

We were captivated by the beauty of these sea arches formed by lava flowing into the ocean.

One can find many pictures of these and other arches on the internet, but it isn't the same as actually being there. I'll not forget.

Have you heard this quote? Can't believe I had not heard it until today.

"You've heard Al Gore say he invented the Internet. Well, if he was so smart, why do all the addresses begin with "W"?"
-- President George W. Bush, 10-28-00, Headline News

God's Sweet Gift

The gift of life. Why has God given us life? Because He hopes someday to live with us in heaven. He wants people with him who truly love him. Before there was life on Earth, before there was earth, God made angels. But after time (we don't know how long) one of them became proud and decided he wanted to be like God, his maker. He was causing trouble in heaven. God threw him out and made the earth then created Adam and Eve to inhabit it.

I can't know what God's thoughts are. The Bible says,"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. Isaiah 55:7-9

So for my opinion after growth and study: God made man to live on earth, to be subjected to life with the influence of the devil. He has a purpose. This is like a school...for learning. He wants us to grow to love Him, our heavenly father, and long to be with him...free from all hurt, anguish, and pain. We all go through trials and tests and thus we will be quite happy to be in heaven when the time comes, and content knowing what the alternative is like.

If you don't know God, I suggest you find a Bible and open it. Some of it can be tedious for those who first pick it up without any foreknowledge. Start with John. It tells of God's love for us.

If you haven't noticed there is a place for comments. I'd like to hear your opinions.

Need for Change?

Along the trail to the Thurston Lava Tube nature provided peeks at God's art work. There were lovely ferns and trees. Even their roots were lovely to me.

I shot one of the places where the tube had a slit. There were not many though and when we entered the natural opening, it was quite dark inside. Ron took a picture of me with nothing but black behind me. Now here is the problem, I turned that photo of myself completely around and combined it with another picture with my back to the tube 'door' to make it more interesting. What I neglected to do was change the image size. Therefore I look much bigger than the 10 pounds a camera is known to add to a person. I look like a cow. Oh I know, I'm no slim little thing; but yikes, I look even bigger than usual. I could change it to be in proportion, but then I would like tiny. One could probably not tell who I am. Hmmm. That might be a good idea.

Oh well, change is not always good and I'm not changing it now.

Which reminds me. I saw a great bumper sticker on a car today: "Much more change and
there won't be any hope." Sad, but true.

If you would like to read more about the lava tube, double click the layout.

Hawaiian Trails and Cryptograms

I've written about all the activity we crammed into our days in Hawaii. On the 25th we walked from Kilauea Iki to the Lava Tube. It was quite lovely as one would expect. Tomorrow, I'll post two more layouts of the Lava Tube adventure.

I like to do the word cryptograms offered at www.wordles.com. Every morning, it is my first exercise of mental acuity. Along with each puzzle is a memorable quote...generally quite entertaining to me. One day recently Doug Larson was quoted as saying, "The principle function of March is to use up the winter weather that wouldn't fit into February."

We had our first preview of spring here today, with bright sun and 50 degrees.
This year we packed a lot of winter into February, so I'm hoping there is none left over for March. It feels so good to go outdoors without 10 pounds of wool on my back.

Cruise Hawaii

It was great sailing from one island to another. There were always great sights to see, history to learn and pictures to take.

We rented a car each day so we were able to go anywhere we wanted and covered the islands quite well, I believe. We saw many things we hadn't seen on previous trips. This layout shows the lava trail from Pu'u O'o to the sea on the big Island. It has been erupting since 1983. This was our third visit since then, but we had never seen it before. Volcanoes yes, but none active.

After all the running around, it was always nice to be able to go back to the ship, our room, our reserved seat in our chosen restaurant and order a scrumptious meal, then on to a show, before bedding down for the night. This schedule suited us well.

Catching a Nap

A new mother has to get sleep whenever she can. Anyone who is a mother knows what those initial months in a baby's life can do to a woman. Beth catches a nap in our hotel room while we were there for a visit. She and Caleb kept up a brisk pace all day long, but had to get in a few zzzs before starting up again.

Warning: Don't let this administration catch you napping. Our top priority right now must be to save this free nation for our children. Stay on your toes and alert to what is happening in Washington. We must no longer be the silent majority. Sound off all you free men and women to regain the rights which our Constitution has said are God given and should be protected by government, not infringed upon to give power to a few.

Hiding Out

When I run the vacuum, which I have to admit isn't often enough, the cat runs and hides. The last few months, she has headed for the laundry room to find a safe retreat from that evil machine...her words, not mine. She likes the 'gentle care' basket for some reason.

I was reminded of this, not because I got out the vacuum. I didn't. I didn't clean anything but the kitchen counters and dishes. Well I did a couple loads of clothes, but it was a light day. I hid out in my scrapbook room with my computer practically all day. Have been working on my Hawaii layouts. Want to get the book done and have it ready to by published once they run a good sale....then I can get my Christmas stuff packed away in the appropriate boxes before our son comes to visit from Florida. Woops. Don't think I'll make it by then.

Do you ever feel like hiding? Do you hide your head in the sand? We can't do that anymore. We have to keep awake and on our feet. Hope you all get a good Sunday rest so that next week you can write your representatives.

Boy Oh Boy

This story began in May, when we first found out Beth was carrying her first baby. It was exciting news since she and John had been married about 7 years and had put off having one until after their stint in the Peace Corps and then until after he received his Master's degree.

It was wonderful to travel to Colorado to see the three of them and of course my camera was clicking almost non stop while we were there. John has been good to furnish me with photos, but taking them myself was delightful.

The layout is of our son John and their baby, Caleb.
John was a little older in his picture, but there seems to be a resemblance. As we know though, that can change day to day, particularly in the early months. I have always enjoyed seeing similar features or expressions in parents and their children. It would be fun to add grandparents to the mix, but in this case, I would hate to make a child think he or she may grow up to look like we do now. That could be traumatic.

Rocky Mountains

The temperature when this picture was made was 39. In Fort Collins the bright sun makes it feel much warmer than the thermometer reads. However, when we got up into the Rocky Mountains, it felt quite cold in the wind.

John was using my xshot for the first time and he took several pictures, trying to get us all in the frame. I decided part of my face was enough. After all, Caleb was not quite a month old and he didn't need all that cold air.

The telescoping xshot caused them to go through my purse at the security checkpoint in the airport when we returned home. The officer thought it looked like some kind of weapon, I suppose. I had to explain to him how it was used.

Of course, then they had to plow through my carry on as well...and Ron's since he was with me.
We ended up losing about 3 ounces of toothpaste in a large tube, a couple ounces of after shave, and a container of sun block leftever from the Hawaii trip. But worst of all, they wouldn't let me have the aguava nectar we had bought on the Celestial Seasonings tour. It cost me $6.99. However when we returned home, we were able to purchase the nectar locally for $4.99. That is one indication of the difference in the cost of living here from that of Colorado. I'd much rather live here in the best kept secret the US has and just travel to the Rockies and elsewhere once in a while.

Panda Bamboo Bicycles

John is putting his Master's degree in business to good use. Green and sustainable are key
words to describe his bamboo bicycles. It is amazing how very strong they are. They sure have made a hit in Ft Collins, around the US in biker circles, in Canada and now across the ocean to Europe.

It was a joy for us to see his operation while in Colorado.

Love at First Sight

I finally got the opportunity to hold little Caleb in my arms. What a sweet fellow he is. We did a lot of running around while we were out there in Colorado and he traveled well. He is 1 month old today and has grown quite a bit since the 25th when this was taken. Of course practically all he does is eat and sleep. However, I think he will follow his father and grandfather into the technical world. John said he has already asked for his own IPhone. Grandparents are known to spoil the grandchildren, but we tend to be more frugal. I guess he'll just have to save his allowance.

I have to be a little nostalgic and look back to the "old days" when grandparents lived near the grand children. I'd like to go back, but yikes I'd miss the computers. Suppose we will just have to stay as close as possible with Skype video.

5 Guys Plus 1

Being a Gramma is the best. And it is really cool to have lots of pictures of our sweet baby since I have to live so far away.