"Fromage? " As they Say in France

Kokua has a fine selection of cheeses. Yum------but eat just a little!

Package Your Own--Take As Little as You Like

I love the herbs and spices corner at Kokua. I buy lots, especially at Christmastime when I'm making gingerbread cookies.

Look Hard.... How Much Do I Weigh?

Sometimes I get some pretty wild ideas. I just couldn't help finding out my weight. I'm what is called a Lightweight.
How much do you weigh? Find a scale and find out!

The Dirt on Dirt

Betty puts on workshops (with Lydi) about gardening and taking care of the environment and sometimes cooking. In this photograph she's showing a crowd how to make a compost pile.
Learn more. Join the group. Go to: www.thegreenhousehawaii.com

Kung Hee Fat Choy!! Happy New Year!!

Yes, I'm back in Chinatown in Honolulu and ready to celebrate the Lunar New Year! Look at the following eight photographs and get excited and join me for a fabulous cultural event!
It's the weekend of January 23rd, starting at 6:00 Friday night.
This poster was in the window of a fairly new restaurant called "soul de cuba cafe" on Bethel Street across from the Hawaii Theater.
It's getting rave reviews for its food and atmosphere!

Making Sure Everything's Ready

Rick, in the blue, and Milton were on King Street when I happened by. They were doing a final check of the sandwich board "No Parking" signs next to the curbs. There will be 8 different troupes of LION DANCERS in the streets for the celebration!
Go to: Chinatown.com for the schedule of events.

Red, Red, and More Red

The Chinese people believe that red is an auspicious or "good luck" color. It's all over the place, especially during the New Year's celebration!

From the Rat to the Ox

It's the Year of the Ox. There are twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac and the Ox is the second one in the cycle. The Rat was the first. This artwork was done by the fellow in the next photograph.

The Papercutter

I'm with Zong Chen Liu. He's responsible for the Ox which is the official symbol on all the artwork for this year's Chinese New Year event. He used sissors to cut out the image! That's something!
He sits at a table in front of the Bank of Hawaii on King Street and uses gold paint to write characters on red paper. They are "good luck" sayings.

My Favorite Spring Flowers

These are Narcissus. Look closely in the tub and you'll see the roots coming out of the bulbs. These flowers have the most fragrant scent and are easy to grow. Google: Narcissus Bulbs and you, too, will be able to have a little garden inside your home. You can buy the bulbs in Chinatown or, sometimes, at a nursery.

Yum, Yum, and Yum

Candied fruit, almond cookies, mooncakes, and more.........I'm in the window of the new bakery in Chinatown. It closed last year and just reopened. Hooray. Look for it on Maunakea Street.

A Fine Place to Have Breakfast, and Lunch

Don't I look cute? I'm in the window of a beautiful, small restaurant in Chinatown. Can you see the outdoor seating beyond me? Go to: GrandCafeandBakery.com and find out more. Have the Eggs Benedict for me!

Again, Kung Hee Fat Choy!!

Please join me in Chinatown and enjoy the festivities of the New Year!

Closed, but Due to Open Soon

Well, my neighborhood is an exciting place! I live so close to Mother Nature and something's always goin' on!
Just before last Thanksgiving, there was a huge rockslide at the entrance to Waimea Valley. Luckily it happened at 1:30 am, so no one was hurt. There were boulders as big as cars all over the road. Power was lost and so was water! Yikes!
Rumor has it that the park will open on January 19th. We'll see.

Cacti in Hawaii?

This is the garden on the hot, sunny side of Kapiolani Community College. It's where Mom shops on Saturday mornings at the Farmer's Market in Honolulu. Did you ever think a cactus would grow in Paradise? These next three photographs show me in the middle of the garden.

Woof! Woof! Getting Out in Haleiwa

I met these Border Collies in front of a world-famous hamburger joint called "Kua Aina." They were keeping the back of the pickup warm as their owner, a fireman named Jack Lauer, was having lunch.
I like my little beachtown. I always run into someone I know when I'm out and about, and I'm out and about quite often!

Am I Looking Pretty Cool?

I'm on the steering wheel of an old T-bird. It was parked out in front of the Honolulu Academy of Arts-----a decoration for the Starlight Ball. Neato dashboard, don't you think? Google: Starlight Ball to learn more about this benefit (sponsored by Prada) that serves children in Hawaii and provides them with art classes after school.

Varrrrrooooom!! Varrroooom!

Wow, this event is going to be lots of fun! This is Kevin's car and he loaned it for the event. He and his wife fix up old cars and sell them for a hobby. Find out more about them at: www.h4hawaii.com

Barefeet in January!! Hooray!

Renate traveled from Germany to teach a class in Brain Gym.
That's her daughter, Lisa, with the purple orchid lei.
They were so happy under wonderfully warm, sunny Hawaiian skies. Want to learn more about Brain Gym, and get smarter?
Go to: BrainGym.org

Happy New Year from Paradise!!

I'm starting the New Year out just right.
See that "flower pot" next to me? Well, it's really a BUCKET GARDEN.
Auntie Pualani came by the school just before the holidays and taught me (and Mom's garden club) how to do it. She began with a discarded plastic bucket from the local dairy, drilled holes in the bottom, painted it with a base coat of acrylic paint, and let me design the finished product!
Pretty cool way to recycle, don't you think?

There's Always Something Goin' On

The North Shore of Oahu is an exciting and happening place. There is always action! And usually it's outdoors.
Kalani David was spotted at an "invitation only" family-oriented skating event at Steve's house. Steve owns Cholo's Mexican Restaurant.
He's an avid skater and has a couple of bowls and a big ramp on his property.
Lots of skaters were having lots of fun!

A Big Time Winner!! On Land AND Sea

I spent a long time talking to Lindsey Austin when I was at Steve's Skating Invitational. She was incredible-----the youngest winner of the Transpac (a 100 year-old boat race from L.A. to Honolulu) in any division and the second youngest captain ever.
Her mom was on her crew!!
Bravo, Lindsey!

All the Way Up from the Land Down Under

Janelle, who teaches English to Aboriginies, was here for the holidays visiting her brother who lives at Sunset Beach. She was escaping the summer heat of the coast of north central Australia.
Danielle, her niece, visited Mom's classroom with her because Janelle's nephew, Nathan, is one of mom's students. Did you get that?

...and Flying in from New York City

Matt James, the artist, lives in the Big Apple. He was born in Hawaii and returned with his wife, Claire, and their young daughter for the holidays. Matt rented a gallery in Chinatown for his art show. See the resin piece behind him? That's typical of his abstract style.

Happiness is a New Administration Building

Finally, after years of waiting, Sunset Beach Elementary School is opening the doors to its latest addition.
The new admin building is complete.
Here Jordyn and Makana (in the red hat) get ready to play their ukuleles for the dedication.

Looking Pretty Spiffy

I'm leaning against the gate that protects the front door of the new administration building.
This structure makes the school complete. Now there is plenty of room for the secretaries, the principal, the school nurse, the counselors, and all the files and supplies. Whoppeeeeeee!!

Getting Ready to Move In

Butch Helemano was there to give his blessing for the new building.
He's a very important person in this neighborhood who teaches Hawaiian, marries couples, looks after the Conservation District at Shark's Cove and Waimea Bay, and much more.

Happy to Be Part of the Celebration

Darcie, in the front, Lana, and Jade loved being at Sunset Beach Elementary when the administration building was dedicated.

Taking Care of Business with a Smile

Ruth, on the left, was the secretary of Sunset Beach Elementary for many, many years. Her daughter, George Ann, is the secretary now. Everyone is lucky George Ann is always friendly and helpful! She was thrilled with the new building.

Serenade Me, Santa

Miles was at the dedication with his ukulele. He'd been practicing for weeks and made everyone in the audience clap for joy.
Doesn't he look proud!

The Happiest of All

Ruth Holmberg, the principal of Sunset Beach Elementary, was overjoyed with the new admin building. Can you tell?

Our Heros----A Benefit for the Lifeguards

Every year about this time, during the big surf contest season, the North Shore Lifeguard Association, raises money for their Junior Lifeguard Summer Program. Google: Junior Lifeguard Movie for a preview/trailer.
This year's event was held at Haleiwa Joe's. The restaurant was closed to the public for this private shindig.

The Artist Behind the Mask

John Bain has always been a friend of the North Shore Lifeguards.
He's peeping through my ears and being silly.
Did you notice the dark green t-shirt in the above photograph? That's John's! Every year, as a gift he designs the t-shirt for the fundraiser. Bravo Bain!

Supporting the Association

A few men who attended the benefit for the North Shore Lifeguards.
From left to right:
Pat Rawson, a shaper who travels around the world plying his trade.
Drew Toonz, the animator and art behind "The Junior Lifeguard Movie."
Darrick Doerner, a tow in surfer. Jaws! Yikes----mountainous waves.
Ace Cool, the columnist, and paddler extraordinaire.
Beau, ocean sports announcer and MC for the Triple Crown .
Rick Williams, veteran North Shore Lifeguard and responsbile for bringing the Junior Lifeguard Program to my neighborhood.
Some of Rick's students have saved lives out here!

All the Way from Capetown

Mark, left, and Alistair traveled from South Africa to be part of the winter surf scene at Sunset Beach. Mark was at the Liquid Nation Ball, a fundraiser for "Surf Aid", and bid on a Billabong auction package called PIPELINE MASTERS EXPERIENCE. HE WON!!
So he and his surf buddy left their families at home and had 5 days at the Turtle Bay Resort and lots of fun at all the most important events in the neighborhood.
Lucky guys!

Merry Christmas to Everyone

Keegan kept me company at the Sunset Beach Elementary Craft Fair.
She had bought one of my pups and brought him along to see all the interesting gifts that were on sale and
she also spent some time at Mom's table making "Surf Dog" bookmarks. Thanks, Keegan, for lending a hand.

Volleyball Stars in the Making

The twins, Hope and Nysa, were at the fair selling jewelry that they handcrafted.
Mom ordered 5 colorful, glass bead key rings which are so sweet, just like the girls.
They play volleyball for Kahuku High School and make necklaces, bracelets, and earrings in their spare time.

I Love A Parade!!

I was very excited to be in the Haleiwa Christmas Parade. There were over 50 entries-----bands, horses, floats, and me in a decorated jogger stroller. What do you think of my surfboard with twinky lights? That's Jane, the Snowy Fairy, and Mom in her glittery Christmas outfit accompanying me!! Mike, the police officer, kept us safe. It was raining cats and dogs and there was lightning too! Yikes!

Hooray for Surf Dog!!

Yeah, Surf Dog!! We heard lots of friends calling my name along the mile long parade route.

Post Parade Party

Here I am at Cholo's Mexican restaurant in my little beachtown of Haleiwa!! This is my support crew---from left to right--Brian, Mary, Sarah Marie, Joey, Me, Mom, Bobby, Lucia, Janie, and Rachael. I'm lucky to have so many wonderful friends!

Someday..........Maybe Me-----Mr. Pipeline

Well, it's a long shot, but maybe someday if I keep practicing.....hummmmm, maybe.

Kelly Slater Takes the Title Again!

I'm at Ehukai Beach Park-----the Pipeline wave; the one that was is Hawaii 5-0. It's across Kamehameha Hwy. from Sunset Beach Elem.
Kelly Slater, the surfer from Florida, just won the Pipeline Masters for the sixth time. He took his first title when he was 20 and this one, his 6th, at 36. Wow!! Good job, Kelly.

The Pipeline Beach

Lucia, a professional surf photographer from England, cuddled me on the beach as the champ, Kelly Slater, scored his title points.
I sure am lucky to live Hawaii! Just look how gorgeous it is during the first week of December!

Dressed to the Nines and Ready to Tee Off

From left to right----Melissa, Mele, Lehua, and Lyndi were at the Turtle Bay Resort to play golf. They were the only "girl" team. The Pro Surfer Golf Tournament, a Triple Crown of Surfing event, is a benefit which raises money for worthy causes on the North Shore. Mom was awarded $1,000 for her summer literacy program, RIGHT ON READER, at Sunset Beach Elementary. Bravo to Randy Rarick for always supporting this neighborhood, especially the children!

Heading to the Links

I'm in the arms of Tom Servais. He's a very famous surf photographer who has been traveling the globe for years taking pictures of the best surfers in the world at the best surfing spots in the world. He's even had a big coffee table book of his photographs published.

Traveling from San Diego

Charlie is the Associate Publisher of Transworld magazines----Transworld Surf, Transworld Skate, etc. He looked so dapper is his fancy hat that I just had to talk with him! He was playing in the Pro Surfer Golf Tournament, too. I've made another new friend!

At the End of the Tournament

This is the crowd of pro surfers and others in the surfing world who played the Pro Golf Tournament at the Turtle Bay Resort.
It was a lot of fun and the winners were given some really great prizes. Hooray to the sponsors!
Do you see the guy on the left making a gesture with his hand? That's the "shaka" sign. It's particular to Hawaii and is a friendly "aloha" wave!
Google: "Triple Crown of Surfing" to learn more about this famous event that closes the world surfing tour each year.

A Big Night at Sunset Beach Elementary

Wow!!! It was an exciting evening, SURF NIGHT-----surfers from all over the world lined the perimeter of the cafeteria signing posters. There was homemade chili and chips, beef stew, brownies and cookies to eat. And THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS worth of doorprizes were given away!! Mom won a surfboard!! Imagine that!
I sponsored the event along with over a hundred other supporters.
The following 12 photographs take you there!