Aloha and Happy New Year! or as we say in Hawaii "Hau'oli Makahiki Hou"!

2010 came in with the usual bang. My little dog shivered and hid for two days. Some folks really like the fireworks, however, the smoke is an unpleasant by-product of the brilliant displays. This year was a little quieter, some major blasts, but not as many as previous years. Every year after New Years is finished, the fire department makes it's plea to completely ban fireworks in Hawaii. I doubt that would ever happen, as people like to make a lot of noise in Hawaii at the end of the year.

I had a beautiful holo-holo trip on the Big Island over the holidays with my family, and am posting a few pictures from our adventures. We visited the breath taking Waipio Valley, the north shore beaches, and our customary mountain foraging for the wreathes we usually make.

Each island has it's own unique qualities, and because I raised my children mostly on the Big Island there is always a sweetness and great memories to my visits.

Maui has had plenty of holiday magic as well. The fantastic Maui Film Festival has two nights left. It's always a treat to see the films at the Castle Theater on the big screen. I had my usual guests, Jack and Mickey from Kansas, over Christmas. This is their 9th year visiting Maui and staying with me. I look forward to seeing them every year, and I am so lucky to have so many wonderful repeat guests. As I've said before, my guests are no ka oi (da best)!

Because it has been such a mild winter so far, I've been able to enjoy ocean adventures quite often lately. One of my favorite things to do is to swim at Baldwin Beach on the north shore.

It's a fun work out and quite beautiful to gaze at the Iao Valley while out paddling around.

This coming week, I am hoping to take my kayak out for a cruise and a whale viewing. I really look forward to this every year. It is an amazing experience to see the Humpbacks breaching and listening to them blow and slap. I hope I am able to get some good pictures.

It's time to say Aloha for now...and may this coming year be filled with joy and love for all.

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!

Cherie

Aloha , it's a New Year.. Hau'oli Makahiki Hou! (how-oh-lay-ma-ka-he-key-ho)!!!

The year end saw everybody rushing around, buying lots of food and stocking up on fireworks. Despite being busy, people were still taking time out to talk story and wish their neighbors and friends a happy upcoming new year. This relaxed approach to a hectic time is one of the things I love about Hawaii.

The year started with a bang, as usual in Hawaii. Even though aerial fireworks are illegal, there are plenty in every neighborhood across the state. I saw a little news clip that stated on Oahu, there were over 1,000 illegal fireworks related complaints, with no fines, or tickets issued. I guess nobody like point da finga.

Pretty funny.

Aside from the loud and smokey mayhem at night on the 31st, the beach was a wonderful place to recover and relax on the !st. Lots and lots of folks were enjoying their picnics, the glorious sunshine, visiting with friends and swimming in the ocean. It was a glorious sunny day after a week long winter storm.

So, here's to getting back into the groove.....

and..........

May 2009 bring to you, your heart's desire.

Aloha,

Cherie