Lots of Free Stuff!

These stickers from all sorts of companies were just a few of the "freebies" given away at Surf Night.
Do your best to come next year--the 24th annual--it's always on the first Friday of December and is an official Triple Crown event! Cowabunga!!

The Australian in Charge

Here I am with Matt. He's the traveling coach or 'Pit Boss", as he said, for Rip Curl riders from the Land Down Under.
I think that would be a pretty fun job, especially if I had the time to ride waves too.

Surf Stars

Miles Padaca and Shane Beschen, flashing the "peace" sign, were there autographing posters and contributing to the success of Surf Night.
Bravo to all the "Pros" who stopped by to support Sunset Elementary!

In Charge of the Triple Crown

Randy Rarick and his wife, Jacque, dropped by Surf Night for a little while. Each year Randy, the director of the Triple Crown of Surfing, gives the school a framed poster of surfing's biggest contest . He's always been a very generous supporter of the children of Sunset by donating a $1,000 every December. Thank you, Randy, for being so kind!!

Following in her Uncle's Footsteps

Sara Kahanamoku stopped by to give me a hug. She's a champion swimmer and the great, grandniece of one of the world's finest swimmers, an Olympian athlete, and the Father of Modern Surfing-----Duke Kahanamoku. Sara won the Duke's Ocean Mile Swim last summer in her age class. Hooray for Sara!!

Yummmmmmmm!!

Jasmin, on the left, and Kara were selling lots of homemade food.
Of course, I only ate a little sweet dessert, so I'd keep myself healthy.
I had such a great evening. I'll be sure to be at Surf Night next year!

Merry Christmas from the Turtle Bay Resort

I was invited to the North Shore Chamber of Commerce Christmas party.
The dinner was spectacular! Chef Hector Morales always makes delicious tasting cuisine (food).
Here I am relaxing on the comfy sofa just before dining.

...And All From Recycled Materials

The Turtle Bay invites the local schools to decorate a Christmas tree.
Here's the one from Mom's school, Sunset Beach Elementary. All the ornaments are made from used things. I love the little snowman resting on my paw. It was made by one of Sunset's teachers, Bonnie Huff.
Did you notice the bottom snowball is a spray painted CD?

Art From all Over the North Shore

The Chamber invited local artists to donate items for the silent auction and sell their art, too. I loved this sculpture!
My neighborhood is filled with authors, painters, woodworkers, sculptors, and others in the arts. Lots of creative residents here!

Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday...

A huge gift table for the first birthday of Blake and Kaliko's son, Mala'e!
This is a most auspicious event in the Hawaiian culture, so having a luau is always the best way to celebrate!
Yummy food, friends and family, music that touches the heart, and a big birthday cake made this day especially memorable.

And the Band Played On...

Kupa' Aina entertained us all afternoon with their "Jawaiian" music.
Everyone loved it!

The Next Generation

Mala'e, the birthday boy, and his Grandpa Larry.
Notice the plumeria lei around Grandpa's neck. That's one of the best aspects of living in Hawaii------necklaces of flowers are presented all the time on special occasions, and sometimes, just to show love.

Paddling My Own Canoe

Mala'e's "First Birthday Luau" was held on the top of a mountain, Pupukea, above my beach, at the Boy Scout Camp.
Ranger Mac, a retired military man who runs the place, told me this canoe was found in the bushes and recovered so his son who has a green thumb could turn it into a planter.
Good save! Remember---I like reycyling!

Get Ready---Christmas is Coming!

I'm shopping local at my first Christmas craft fair of the season!
What a wallopalooza! This is the 22nd year!
See for yourself. It's at the NBC (Neal Blaisdall Center) in Honolulu on November 29th and 30th. 10 to 10 on Saturday and 10 to 5 on Sunday.
The following ten photographs show me at the Fair on the first day.

Lots of New Friends to Make

Pono is a great dog and has a great story. Find out what it is.
Go to: www.ponopoidog@hawaii.rr.com

Remember-----I'm a Green Dog

Recycling is important for everyone, especially Mother Earth!! Moani, the designer, on the right, and her friend, Joy, were at the Craft Fair with this season's collection of recycled/redesigned wear.

Sisters----It's a Team Effort

Linda, on the right, and her sister, Diane, have a unique business. They make wonderful Hawaiian gifts----coasters, mousepads, glass cutting boards, and lots more! Check out their line at: www.alohakinegifts.com (Linda also lends a hand in creating my pups!)

Lighting Makes All the Difference

I love these table lamps! The Japanese paper that the light shines through is called "washi". It's handscreened.

Merry Christmas from Paradise!

See the sign above the artist? That's "Merry Christmas" in Hawaiian.
Shannon Weaver's art is inspired by Diego Rivera and Georgia O'keefe.
I loved it!
Anthuriums are the heart-shaped tropical flowers in her painting

Importing from Japan for 30 Years

Francie had beautiful vintage kimonos----those are robes made in Japan. She also created incredible pieces of ribbon and chiffon called "free lace". That's what's in the foreground. What a designer she is!