Beginning the Season.......

There are many events scheduled on the North Shore starting in November because the circus has come to town.  Not really "the circus", but the final contests of the world tour of surfing.  This one at Waimea Valley was the first I attended.  I always support the Surfrider Foundation benefit; this organization keeps the waves protected across the globe.  See more at www.surfrider.org

He's in Charge

Stuart Coleman leads the Surfrider organization in Hawaii.  He's always so personable and ready to have his picture taken with me.  Stuart is also a famous author.  He just released his 10th anniversary edition of Eddie Would Go, a biography of Eddie Aikau, the well-known Hawaiian waterman.

Jack Johnson Pitches In

Jack was at the Surfrider benefit entertaining the crowd.  Because he was raised in this neighborhood and because he's a philanthropist as well as a great musician, he shares his talents to raise awareness of causes. He supports events that support the community here, and around the world.  Hooray for Jack!

The First Friday of Every December

Sunset Beach Elementary is in the heart of the surf mecca of the world.  Situated across Kamehameha Highway from the Pipeline, this charming school has taken advantage of the surf season on the North Shore.  Surf Night, brainchild of former PTCA President, Bev Speece, has been happening for over 20 years and raises thousands of dollars for the school.  It's lots of fun--pro surfers signing posters, raffle prizes, tasty baked goods and homecooked meals like the ones Sophie and her friend are eating.  Here is a link to the 2011 action:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6_uNWg2a-E

Hailing from Australia

Nikki, the blonde, and Lauren are up and coming waveriders from the Land Down Under and are sponsored by a big surfing company called Rip Curl.  They were on the North Shore representing their sponsor and catching as many waves as they could.  Did you notice how many signatures are on that poster?

Mahina Maeda---Surfing to the Top

Mahina went to Sunset Beach Elementary and was one of Mom's students.  She's one of the top young women surfers in the world.  More and more females are taking up this sport every year---it's healthy and fun to ride waves, isn't it girls?  Many former students come back for Surf Night because it's like a family reunion!

The Whole Neighborhood Comes Out

Deni and her daughter, La'e, live at Sunset Beach.  Surf Night is a family affair and it draws a huge crowd.  Hundreds of prizes are raffled off to raise money for the school and the odds of winning are really good.  Make sure to attend this fundraiser if you are on the North Shore the first Friday in December.

Precious Collette

See that little furball in the tote bag?  That's Collette, a sweet, sweet petite pooch who is loved to the hilt by her Mom, Kelly.  Collette goes everywhere------and Surf Night was no exception.  Did you notice the couple behind Kelly?  Old friends meet and greet at this iconic fundraiser.

Everyone Pitches In

Corinna and Crystal are second grade teachers at Sunset Beach Elementary.  This event is supported by the faculty and staff of the school and all are eager to lend a hand to make Surf Night successful.  Aren't their smiles heartwarming------loving teachers make happy students!  Anyone for an oatmeal cookie, a brownie, or how about a popcorn ball?  (Corinna also has a site for teacher materials--Surfin' Through Second--on Facebook.)

My Name in Lights

I love to support events that make my community a better place.  There is something about sharing that makes my heart feel bigger!

The Designer

Nate is in Mom's third grade class this year at Sunset.  He loves, loves, loves to design and create art.  His favorite is origami and he's an expert at it.  This little elf he made, Elfie, is just one of his many creations.  He was so proud of it, he just had to bring Elfie to Surf Night to show him off.  Mom says she thinks Nate will be an inventor, engineer, or grand designer when he grows up!  I think so too.

Freddy P

Fred Patacchia rides big, big waves.  He grew up on the North Shore, was in Mom's third grade class, and comes to Surf Night every year.  This event reunites so many of the Sunset alumni and they love it!

Just Got Sponsored

Eli Olson was just signed to ride for O'Neill, a surf company that makes clothing, but is famous for its wetsuits.  If you surf in cold water, you need one of those.  Eli is also an alumni of Sunset Elementary and a former student of Mom's.  She's taught over 500 children here, so far, and probably half of them surf!  What an exciting community in which to grow up---lucky I live Hawaii.  Lucky I live at Sunset Beach!

Yep, Surf Night's Happening!

Make sure you buy plenty of tickets when you attend this annual fundraiser at Sunset Beach Elementary.  Listen for your name to be called.  The odds are in your favor!  See you next December, the first Friday!

You've Got Mail!

I'm in the Nation's Capital in the heart of the city.  The U.S. Postal Museum is across the street from  Union Station.  It's a beautiful old building, one of many in this city.  The ceilings are high and the building is cool and dark-----built long before air conditioning.  Come along with me and step into American history....

My Favorite Pooch

This is Owney.  He was a traveling dog just like me.  I love his story......he wandered into.........well, just read on.

Owney's Story

 Wow!  What an adventurous dog!  He's my inspiration.  Click to enlarge.

Ben and Me

What in the world is Ben Franklin, one of my favorite Founding Fathers, doing in the Postal Museum?
Read on and find out.........he was a great inventor, and I mean GREAT!

Read On.........

I am so intrigued by Ben Franklin.  His dad couldn't afford to send him to school as he got older, so Ben and his brothers and sisters would sit around the dinner table in Boston. They would listen to his dad and his dad's friends talk to get their education.  I love that idea!

There is Something about a Terrier

What do you think?  Do Owney and I look a little bit alike?  I know our spirits are the same and we love to travel looking for adventure.  Make sure in your travels, when you are in Washington, D.C.,  you stop and see all the enriching, educational exhibits at the U.S. Postal Museum.  You can buy the latest cool stamps there, too.  Who knows, you may even start a stamp collection!  You might become a philatelist!