How observant are you?

I like to think I am quite observant. I might even remember what you wore to church last Sunday...or what your living room couch looked like in 1975. But don't ask me what kind of tractor the neighbours were using to work their field. We all notice different things!

Hubby has no idea if what I'm wearing is new or old...but can tell you about anything happening in our neighbourhood. So it came as a bit of a shock when I heard him complementing Lisa (DIL) on her haircut on Saturday...before any of the rest of us noticed.

What? Lisa has short hair for the first time ever (that we knew her)...and none of us noticed. Here's my excuse! I thought that she had her hair up...as she often did.

Long or short...it always looks fantastic.

I still can't believe he noticed before I did!

Have a great day...

a nostalgic look at plowing the field...

When you put your hand to the plow, you can't put it down until you get to the end of the row.

~ Alice Paul

I'm sure there is a good reason why we don't see many horse drawn plows in the fields these days...but it is a lovely sight...wouldn't you agree?

Though I have grown up in this farming community...and have heard all about the local plowing match every spring...

...this is as close as I have ever been!  It just so happened that the plowing match was just down the road this past weekend...and so I snapped a picture as I passed by.

It seems that some of my friends are more keen to learn about 'preserving the art of tilling the soil' and actually spent some time on site. Thanks to Linda...I have a additional photos...and know a little more about what happened next door on Saturday.

The farmers I know are usually looking to update their old equipment...but it seems the plowing match is about using the tried and true.

It was the 88th annual plowing competition in our area...and showcased antiques and draft horses. The mayors of local communities were also invited to put their hand to the plow. Now that is one event I would have liked to witness.  Our mayor is skilled at many things...but I'm not sure plowing would be high on her priority list!

The weather held out...the field next door is nicely plowed with very straight furrows...and a few of our local plowing heroes will be going on to compete at the nationals and abroad.

When they put their hand to the plow...they do it well!

child's play...

I spent a lot of time with my grands these past few days...and so for the most part...we played.

This kind of play is new to me...but they are quite capable of playing it all on their own. They were wondering if maybe Grandpa had a computer as well...as they were one short!

The three from next door were missing a mommy for a few days...and daddy still had his usual obligations...and so Grammy picked up the slack.

While the girls were in school...Ryder and Grammy found all kinds of ways to amuse themselves. We went to visit the Bookman...though I soon discovered that it was all about the cat in the basket and the mints on the counter...and not so much about the books!

Ryder thought grandpa might like some cookies for coffee break...and was quite sure that grandpa wouldn't mind if they had M & M's in them this time...instead of raisins.

Once his sisters were home from school...the serious play began. With enough hands on deck...they built a tower that reached the ceiling!

Next it was time to create a game farm...one where zoo animals and farm animals co-exist quite nicely! With fences made of masking tape...they soon had all the animals in their own pens.

I explained to them that their farmer and his children were in the news just that day...together with a warning that all parents and grandparents dispose of any Fisher Price Little People that were manufactured prior to 1991. Since I know for a fact that this family has been with us since the 70's...I guess they are now illegal aliens...but they will stay. As I looked around at all the little farm animals...and the marbles in the marble game...I decided that the 'little people' were not really that much of a choking hazard. And I ask myself how my children ever survived to adulthood.

This I know...whether the toys or books are old or new seems not to matter to the grands.

Playing dress-up does not require the latest in fashion!

On Saturday we gathered the troops over at Tim and Heidi's for lunch. A niece was in town with her children...and it was a good excuse for us all to get-together and see the house now that they are all settled in.

Today...there will be no child's play. My dad is having eye surgery and I will see to it that he gets to the hospital and back safely.

Happy Monday to you!

palm sunday...

Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.

Psalm 118:25-26

 The Royal Welcome...

When they neared Jerusalem, having arrived at Bethphage on Mount Olives, Jesus sent two disciples with these instructions: "Go over to the village across from you. You'll find a donkey tethered there, her colt with her. Untie her and bring them to me. If anyone asks what you're doing, say, 'The Master needs them!' He will send them with you."

This is the full story of what was sketched earlier by the prophet:
Tell Zion's daughter,
"Look, your king's on his way,
poised and ready, mounted
On a donkey, on a colt,
foal of a pack animal."

The disciples went and did exactly what Jesus told them to do. They led the donkey and colt out, laid some of their clothes on them, and Jesus mounted. Nearly all the people in the crowd threw their garments down on the road, giving him a royal welcome. Others cut branches from the trees and threw them down as a welcome mat. Crowds went ahead and crowds followed, all of them calling out, "Hosanna to David's son!" "Blessed is he who comes in God's name!" "Hosanna in highest heaven!"

As he made his entrance into Jerusalem, the whole city was shaken. Unnerved, people were asking, "What's going on here? Who is this?"

The parade crowd answered, "This is the prophet Jesus, the one from Nazareth in Galilee."

Matthew 21:1-11 The Message

It's Palm Sunday...let's put on the garment of praise....and worship Him...King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

and now...to wrap it up!

Let me assure you...this is my final post on Hawaii...I think. And since I can never pick out ONE favorite photo...you get to see them all! Smile.

This is the Reader's Digest condensed version of the flora, feathers, fins and food of Hawaii.

The state flower of Hawaii is the hibiscus...you will notice a few in the collage. Another flower blooming in abundance is the plumeria (row 1b...row2a)...used extensively in creating Hawaiian leis. Many of the flowers are nameless to me...but most have an aroma not quickly forgotten.

The birds pictured here are ones that spent their time around our deck...or near the pool. My favorite were the little red-headed birds...though they were the most camera shy!

Okay...was it worth it? I opened my wallet to buy a small, inexpensive (well...that's questionable) underwater digital camera just to take pic's of the fish. The minute viewing screen was so teeny and fuzzy, I had no idea if I was actually capturing any images of the fish. Seventy-five photos later...these were the only ones worth saving. If you are ever in need of an underwater camera...I have one you can use!

One of my favorite things about vacationing is eating! Since we stayed in a condo, we always had breakfast on our deck...fresh fruit on the menu every single morning. Our lunches were salads or nachos most days. When we weren't grilling our dinner...we found a nice spot on the ocean...and usually ordered seafood. Kona Inn, Bubba Gump's, the Canoe Club or Quinn's...all have great seafood and fabulous mud pie. And the best part...

...was watching the sun set as we ate our dinner. That was priceless!

Have a wonderful weekend...

the kona coast...

The sunny Kona Coast stretches for about 60 miles along the Big Island’s lava-lined western coast...the leeward side. Here you will find everything from coffee farms to historic Hawaiian landmarks....and lots of tourists.

They come by boat or by plane...there is no other way!

We stayed in the town of Kailua-Kona...sort of the heart-beat of the area. Most everything in and about the town is old.

Mokuaikaua Church is Hawaii’s earliest Christian Church...built in 1820. Their slogan says...'but we are young at heart in the Lord!'

Across the street from the church is the Hulihee Palace...once a vacation home for Hawaiian royalty...built in 1838.

I enjoyed wandering through this beachside cemetery...a most peaceful spot to be laid to rest. I'm thinking the grave markers have not withstood the assault of the sea all that well...as there was not a name or date to be read!

While the tourists snorkeled...the locals fished in the same bay. They seemed to know exactly how to snag the fish they were after...and in no time at all they left with their 'catch of the day'!

Kona coffee is one of the most expensive and sought-after coffees in the world. It is grown on the slopes of the Mauna Loa volcano. There are about 800 coffee farms in the area...the average being about five acres. Because Kona coffee is very expensive...it is often blended with foreign beans. Pure Kona coffee was selling for about $20 a pound at most places. We, however, found a coffee dealer who was willing to part with his beans at a much more reasonable price.

At first we weren't sure if we had the right place...does this look like a coffee shop to you? The proprietor was a delightful old German guy...who regaled us with tales. We finally made our leave...and had a suitcase full of coffee beans and macadamia nuts. West Jet willingly flew them home for us. It was definitely the right place to make a deal!

Just north of Kailua-Kona is Hapuna Beach...where we went to play in the water...

...and others went to play in the sand.

After an afternoon of 'play'...he left for home and his artwork stayed behind. I'm wondering how long it lasted!

He wasn't the only one playing the sand. This little gal had sand flying in all directions...and I thought of a few grands back home that would have liked to join her!

We ate at Bubba Gump's Shrimp Co. one evening...and sat on the deck listening to the waves crashing below as we enjoyed our seafood. It all seemed vaguely familiar...and now I know why!


I flipped through an old album...and found the photo I was after. Exactly ten years ago...we ate at the same place...with the same friends...and sat at almost the same spot. We were there before sundown that time...and I see they have replaced their furniture.

My favorite time of day on the Kona coast has to be sundown! We watched amazing sunsets every day. The canoe clubs practice their outrigger skills every evening as the sun sets...and that was always a treat to watch.

And one last photo for today...that of an inukshuk on the Kona coast. We just had to leave our trademark behind. I'm wondering if it will last any longer than the sand sculpture? I'll be looking for it next time...maybe in ten years.

Lest you are tiring of all things Hawaii over here...have no fear. I'm almost done! Soon I will be replacing my banner with something that looks more like British Columbia in spring.

Have a great day...

a morning smile...

Not all my vacation photos are that lovely...or even scenic.

A few just make me smile!

No words necessary!

And how thoughtful of them to have twice as many pinks as blue.

For some reason this establishment never managed to entice me up those stairs..but they did make me smile.

We passed this skateboard enthusiast every morning on our walk.

Despite his size...and the fact that his view was mostly obscured by hair...he could navigate the skateboard down the highway quite skillfully.

He made us smile.

I've no time to tell stories today...as we have family visiting.

They are such gracious guests...and come bearing gifts that make me smile.

Hubby's sister baked paska just for him...with no icing so that he can pop it in the toaster...his favorite way!

And John and Liz brought a box of citrus fresh from the orchards of Arizona.

Guess what we are having for breakfast today?

Enjoy your day...

spring is like a box of chocolates...

You never know what you are going to get!

Each day is a surprise.

Spring arrived officially a few days ago...it came in like a lamb!

I did a little gardening...planted a few herbs and flowers...and enjoyed all the blossoms around the yard.

The little star magnolia that we planted when our youngest granddaughter was born...is putting on a lovely show.

On Sunday the lamb went into hiding...

...and the lion showed up.

We had a hailstorm...and thunder and lightning...and a whole lot of rain!

It was a good time to stay indoors...and watch the closing ceremonies of the 2010 Paralympic Games.

It is now time to close that chapter of the book...a very good book, I might add!

Yesterday the lamb was back in the morning...but the lion returned in the afternoon.

Here's my advice...pack away those mittens but keep the umbrella handy!

Spring is like a box of chocolates...
you never know what you are going to get.

~Forrest Gump

(I took a few liberties with his quote)

Have a terrific Tuesday...