Beautiful Hawai'i 

My life has been filled with the aloha of Hawai'i that i knew so well in the seventies.  No wonder I never wanted to leave! My days are unfolding very pleasantly as I do my best to be a "good mommy" in order not to interfere with progress.  I work half the day and bus down for an ocean swim and browse the hotels, the shops and usually stop for very fresh Udon whenever I'm on Kuhio Street.

Made Maryann Mulholland's breadpudding recipe for Thanksgiving, went to two pot lucks and caught the end of the East West Center's Thanksgiving.  The Newman Center which is where I attend Mass, had an open house for their parish members, students and ALL. Then a former classmate of mine, Marie Riley, turned her backyard into a very local organic Thanksgiving Pot Luck for about twenty four interesting and friendly guests. Her punch was simply made up of her green tea, grape juice and selzer with a few star shaped fruits floating festively on top.

The Hale Kuahine is a large well built building. The architect was brilliant and the materials he chose were strong indoor-outdoor type.   The sounds of birds from the Japanese gardens below wake us pleasantly, soft laughter from in the evening echoes around the indoor/outdoor halls, and chatter from the indoor but again, sort of outdoor kitchen can be heard on the fourth floor.

I would tell anyone who first comes here to hop on any bus that they've never been on before to explore the island.  One of the funniest bus drivers I got to know was born and raised here, yet is retiring on the mainland.  Long story.  He composes poetry as he drives and he's memorized most of them!  What a buzz.  His book, get this, is called Reflections of a Human Being.  I learned a lot about him as we drove deep into the valley by Woodlawn. Also learned a lot about a ninety year old Michael who goes to the coffee shop in Manoa.  When he was young he didn't want to marry the woman his parents chose for him and loves the wife he chose so much because of her big heart.  That is another long story and really, she chose him!

Then there was Marilu who I met while waiting for the bus one day.   Had a delightful afternoon visit with her the next day where she was delighted to show all of her crafts and, once again, talk story!

Among some other highlights; lunch with Carol Kawananakoa, part of the royal family, attending U of H classes and APEC sessions, a great visit with a former student who I bumped into on campus, and attending Obama's sister's presentation and several other East West Center activities.  Loved getting to know the students but most of all, what a pure pleasure just to be with my daughter, Marion!