Surfing Waikiki! Erin’s first lesson and Cait’s third.
Erin took a bit of time to find her footing and balance, but she stood up and rode the waves 4 times! Pretty great for a beginner during her first lesson. Cait rode even bigger waves today – her balance and experience with paddleboarding shows a natural ability!
After surfing we had lunch at Duke’s and shared a Hula Pie. #LifeIsGood #ChooseHappiness365 (216/365)
Ciao for now….Diane
An amazing day in the North Shore — and all things snorkeling, colorful, gorgeous fish, and ….. honu, the hawaiian green sea turtle. Erin and Peter even got to swim with a honu, as they were snorkeling. Cait and I were not as lucky — we saw ours from the beach, but it was still amazing. The shallows just off the beach were teaming with them. We counted 8 to 10 of them – small, medium and LARGE. They are amazing.
The Legend of the Menehune
Hawaiian legend has it that many centuries ago, the Menehune were a mischievous group of small people, or dwarfs, who lived hidden in the forests and valleys of the islands before the first settlers arrived from Polynesia. These Menehune, who roamed the deep forests at night, were said to be about two feet tall, though some were as tiny as six inches, small enough to fit in the palm of a hand. They enjoyed dancing, singing and archery, and their favorite foods were bananas and fish.
The Menehune have been known to use magic arrows to pierce the heart of angry people, igniting feelings of love instead. They also enjoy cliff diving, and according to local lore, they were smart, extremely strong and excellent craftsmen. They were rarely seen by human eyes, and they are credited with mighty feats of engineering and overnight construction. The Menehune were said to be superb craftspeople. Legends say that the Menehune built temples, fishponds, roads, canoes, and houses. Some of these structures that Hawaiian folklore attributed to the Menehune still exist. They are said to have lived in Hawaii before settlers arrived from Polynesia many centuries ago.
There are over 300 Menehune hidden around the Aulani Resort. This guy is my favorite. He makes me smile every time I ride the elevator. #ChooseHappiness365 (214/365)
Ciao for now…Diane
About 5 hours into the flight, you kiss the California coast goodbye and sail out over the Pacific Ocean — where white caps are all you see for the next 5 hours.
A few movies and a lukewarm spaghetti and meatball meal later…..it begins to emerge. Paradise at the other end of a 10 hour flight….making the whole thing m.o.r.e. than worth it. The Honolulu Airport.
HAWAII. Hello again. We’ve missed you. #ChooseHappiness365 (213/365)
Ciao for now…Diane
Today – as we stand together in shock, mourning the loss of a piece of u.s. — I can only find solace and joy knowing that you are out there….feeling the same pain, shock, and outrage. #LoveIsLove #ChooseHappiness365 (212/365)
Ciao for now….Diane
Eating on the road…..is like navigating the American Ninja Warriors obstacle course!
We left Florida today for the drive North. Since we will be driving most of Saturday — I caught a quick Weight Watchers weigh in this morning. Today will be “accountability Saturday” this week. I’m kinda loving the picture for this week #HonestyEqualsFreedom
Well — This Is It. Our Last Night In Florida.
I made Bubble Up Chicken Pot Pie for my family. Mom loved it 🙂 Read the rest of this entry
Just a wonderful night to walk around Disney Springs with those I love <3
#ChooseHappiness365 (208/365)
Ciao for now….Diane
Today was a rainy day in Florida…..luckily nothing fierce or scary where we are outside of Orlando. TS Colin missed us. My heart aches for those in St. Pete. The flooding looks terrible on tv. I was able to catch the news a bit since I spent the day inside……PACKING. AGAIN.
