Backwards Walk

Last Tuesday, I dressed for my morning walk, drove the car pool, and then decided to run into work quickly to sign some reports I had written before my walk.  I ended up being at the office for a couple of hours, doing this and that, before heading to Jensen Pond for my morning walk.  So, it was around 10 in the morning by the time I got there and  the sun was right in my eyes as I faced east.  As a result,  I decided to cross the bridge and head south first.  This put me on the same walk that I usually take but going in the opposite direction. 

The reason that I have settled into going the clockwise direction is that I enjoy ending my walk by going across the bridge and watching the ducks and geese on the pond.  It is a perfect way to end every morning walk.  I am not the only one who has a "preferred direction".  I often see the same people going the opposite direction who greet me. So many of us are "creatures of habit".

However, walking in the opposite direction was great.  Things looked different from a different angle.  It was surprisingly refreshing.  I think that is a truth of life....things can look different if we try to look at things a different way or from a different point of view.

Give it a try...walk a different direction on your walks in life.

Art....

not sure anyone really cares about my recent additions to my art collection but it is my blog so I can post what I would like for the few of you who really do care......

I loved my framed photographs I did for Valentines so I removed some old pictures on my family "hall"way collection and put them there to enjoy them a bit longer.

And today I hung my newest framed pieces of art.  This one is a free piece I got from the Plano TX tourism department.  It is quite clever as it is made from signs throughout the city which use Plano in their company name.

Some friends, the Hillams to be precise, have a collection of posters from places that they have lived.  I thought that was a fun idea so I got this one when I was in Plano last year.  I have a Hong Kong poster already.  Not sure what I am going to do about the several Utah cities that we have lived in but my next goal is to get one from Springfield, MO.

While in Hong Kong, I found a fun canvas of a city scene which I liked so I got it framed and hung today as well.

It was hard to get a good angle on the picture but it is an awesome market scene

from Hong Kong in all my favorite colors.

And, yes, it is in our small bathroom. 

I saw a large picture in a small bathroom in a couple of places and

liked the look of it.  This bathroom has other Asian items in it as well.

It looks great against the green walls......if you like green, anyway.

The frame is so great that I wanted to share it with you.

It was a bit different than I normally would pick but I love it.

Of course, they are much better in person, come visit for an afternoon and enjoy!

Last Ski day for the season

for Jena and for me.  Jena was off of school for the "end of the term teacher prep day" so we scheduled her last ski lesson for the year.  It turned out to be a great day.  It had snowed the night before and even a little during the lesson but it mostly was a beautiful day up at Snowbasin.

Snowbasin slopes and blue skies

Jena and her teacher, Terrie
A quick wave as she heads back up the slope

"Pizzas" to slow down at the bottom

Heading home after a great day

I will miss my afternoons, typing things and organizing photos on my computer, in the fresh air of the ski lodge and no phone coverage (for the most part).  Oh, well, we will be back next year.

This and That

This is a catch-up blog of sorts for a couple of things I wanted to put in our blog but haven't made it in yet.

Jena with her top braces. 
The bottoms will be added in a couple of weeks.

 I have Sharing Time this month which is great because it is learning about the prophets and apostles and how following them can help us choose the right.  It was been fun teaching the kids about our current 1st Presidency and the 12 Apostles.  To show what a great husband I have, look what he made for me for one of the sharing times.  It is the "old Fashion" type project done with wires, light and a battery.  I didn't get a picture of it completely put together because I had to return the pictures to the Church library.  I had the 15 names of the current leadership along the one side and then all of their pictures (where the board is blank below).  Gary wired them together so when the kids clipped the alligator clip to the right name and picture the light would light up.  They had fun doing that and learning interesting facts about them along the way.  Did you know that Pres. Monson has raised prize winning birds and chickens and that Elder Boyd Packer is an artist and has had paintings and sculptures displayed?

Speaking of paintings, here is Jena's painting of Vincent Van Gogh's "Starry Night".  She had to do something related to European art so she choose painting and remembered learning about this painting in elementary school, so we print a copy off the Internet, got two canvases (one to practice on) and she painting away.  At one point, she told me that this was like an art class and she liked it.  She used acrylic paints with a medium that made it work a bit more like an oil paint.  After it was done, she and I decided we both wanted to paint something again, so maybe this summer we will both do a painting.  She loved how it turned out and she got 100% of the assignment for Geography.  I was quite proud of her.

 It seems like a very long time ago but for our Blue and Gold Banquet, as I mentioned before, we did a jungle theme.  We each had to be an animal and I wanted to show you ours---both elephants.  Mine is a remake of "Elmer" a children's book I love who wasn't like the other elephants.  Gary was the grey elephant with the scout neckerchief--because "he liked a certain girl elephant".  Funny boy!!!

In an effort to help Ben mentally and physically, we have had him evaluated by a naturopathic doctor in Salt Lake.  He has done a number of tests and suggested that Ben go off gluten containing grains (most of them), milk, and eggs.  Ben is allergic to most foods which he had been tested for in the past but there was no good way to avoid them all.  This doctor feels it is definitely worth a try to get off these things for three months.  He also told Ben that the first two or three weeks will be very difficult as his body will crave the food he can't have and he might experiences other difficulties as well.  He is almost through his second week.  It has been difficult and he is feeling not well, but he is doing a good job eating only things that he is suppose to have.  It is complicated to have Ben take medications for his mind that are so harmful to his body.  On top of all of this, he was evaluated by a psychiatrist at Davis Behavior Health and she feels Ben is under medicated and wants him to add and/or increase a number of different medications.  I am not sure his body or his mind could handle that.  I am not sure what we are going to do about her thoughts.  Right now we are trying to get through this change in his diet.  Any great recipes or eating tips for Ben would be greatly appreciated.
We attended our local Utah caucus meetings to elect our local delegates.  It was a long evening as we had over 125 people in attendance which was by far the most ever.  I attended one a number of years ago where there was less than 20 people for a bigger area.  It was good to be a part of the legal process.

We had a busy weekend:  Friday night the Primary Presidency was in charge of the Ward Cookie Social--fun times; Saturday morning we cleaned the Church, Saturday afternoon we volunteer at a Winter Carnival at Snowbasin for Adaptive Ski program and in the evening Gary and I went to an Scout Awards Banquet where Gary presented an award to one of the great Scouter man in our ward who got an regional award of merit.  In between all of that, Gary fit in a number of hours of work.  I am not sure how he does it.  Busy man.

I spend several hours at work, writing my last reports for LDS Family Services.  It was fun to be in the office a bit and catch up with my close friends there.  I miss seeing them weekly.  However I am not sure how I fit working 20+ hours a week in.  I think it was the right time to quit and move on with other events in my life.  I have one more report, two adoption finalizations and a day or so of file reviews and then I will be done.  Moving from one phase of life to another..........

FYI

For this to make sense....start at the first post in March and move forward (which would mean to scroll up).  If that is too much work, just realize that they were written in order.  Wish you had all gone with me...except for the two days alone I had in Hong Kong.  Sometimes alone is very nice, too.

(And I wasn't actually alone.  7 million people live in Hong Kong and I also stayed at my friend's home and her two helpers were there to make sure I returned safely each night.)

It was:
airplane tickets $$$$
Cruise$$$$
Fun$$$$$
Food$$$
China Garden Stool $$$

The moments---priceless.

And now to go west to get East!

Saturday morning we arrived in Honolulu port.  We headed to the airport where Gary and his mom rented a car to drive around island including spending some time in the rain at the Polynesian Cultural Center.  Their flight was a direct red eye to Salt Lake that didn't leave until very late that night.  I left at noon to fly to Tokyo and then off to Hong Kong.  After about 16 hours, I arrived in Hong Kong at about 9:30 p.m. on Sunday night.

The purpose of the visit (as if one needs a reason of any kind to go to Hong Kong) was to meet up with some dear friends to celebrate our @22 years of friendship.  We were all young moms back then just building our families.  We spent fun times together then including playing games (big surprise), parties (another surprise), vacations (ditto), and lots of conversations.....................things don't change much for me over all those years......................Over the years since then all but one of us have left Hong Kong and moved to a variety of places.  Two of them are now back in Hong Kong, another in Japan, so we decided it was a good time to gather together.  We have kept in contact over the years through a variety of means.  Some of us have seen each other over that time, others not.

Kathy, me, Eileen, Laurie, Sandy
Katie was at work but joined us on Tuesday.

It was another magical time. For two days we mostly sat and talked about ourselves, life, Church, and everything else we could think of.  Despite what our husbands might think we have plenty more to say to each other, there was already some talk of a vacation together in the next ten years or so.  All the mushy quotes about friendships are really true when you can be so filled by simply being together and talking.  Thanks to Gary and the other great husbands that made it possible for all of us.

People headed off home or to other vacations so I had two days alone to get my "fill" of Hong Kong.  It is weird how a place can be so connected and meaningful to me.  I actually love everywhere I have ever lived and like going back and visiting, but Hong Kong is unique.  It is the China of my childhood dreams to live in China.  It is a beautiful city with amazing things around every corner and down each street.  It has changed but is still much the same.  I walked for hours and took hundreds of pictures.  I rode the ferry, subways, buses, and taxis.  I was able to walk some of my favorite hikes, around the Peak and also along the boardwalk from Ocean Park to Repulse Bay (check a map if you really want to know).

The World Famous Star Ferry--one of my favorite ways to travel

View of Hong Kong Island form Kowloon-
foggy and slightly rainy afternoon

Third one up was our first "real" home
in Hong Kong in 1987.

Buses and taxis--the bulk of Hong Kong traffic



The temple was built on the location of the old mission home
and chapel which were here when Gary served his mission and
when we lived in Hong Kong.  I mailed letters to him
at this address at Cornwall Street during his mission.

The highlight was being able to attend a session at the Hong Kong Temple on Thursday morning.  I was there at the fireside when President Hinckley promised the Saints in 1987 that they would be blessed with a temple if they remained in Hong Kong and stayed strong in the gospel.  That promise was fulfilled when the temple opened in 1996 one year before the Chinese government regained control of the territory.  The temple is even located on the subway map at the nearby MTR(subway) station.

 The picture above and two below this are from my hike around the Peak.  It is one of the highest points on the Island and is often covered in clouds as it was this day.  They call this (according to a sign--we didn't call it this when we lived here) a Fairy garden walk because of the green and clouds.  There is something green growing anywhere there was not cement.  No beautiful views of the harbor on this walk.

Often you can see all of the buildings of Central, the harbour and the Kowloon side for this vantage point but not this time.

My boardwalk walk on Friday morning which covered some of the south side of the island

I used to walk this every morning.
This is the South China Sea

Laundry day on this boat

Temple located on the beach of Repulse Bay
I spent some time walking in the water at this beach.
We spent a lot of time at beaches in Hong Kong--
they kept the beaches cleaned and swept--not kidding
However the water was not a pleasant as often times there
would be garbage and sometimes garbage bags full of
garbage in the water.
The kids swam but us not as much.

And, yes, there are McDonald's in Hong Kong--although the Chinese and Indian food I had was amazing.

Friday through Sunday I spent at the Hillam's boat at the Gold Coast in the New Territories section of Hong Kong.  We had great food and conversation as well as a nice hike in the nearby mountains--a place I had never been before in Hong Kong--very nice.

The Hillams
Their son, Michael, is currently serving a mission
in Hong Kong at the Area Offices.
This was taken in their boat home.
It was great.

Sunday I packed up and headed back home--I was glad to get home.  18 days was a long time to be gone and I missed everyone.  Things were great at home and Ben had done a great job getting the house cleaned before I got home.  I am not sure if I will ever be back there again.  Hard to know.  There is much life ahead and lots of places to see and things to do.  However, if this is my last trip, it was perfect.  Thanks to all you sweet friends until we meet again.

Whales and more whales....

As you may know, one of my main goals for this trip (other than fun in the sun, ocean, and black sand beaches  AND time with Gary and his mom) was to see humpback whales in the wild.  Sunday evening we headed out on a smaller boat to enjoy "sunset and whale watching".  Of course they don't promise you see whales but we went in the middle of the birthing and mating season off the coast of Maui.  So we did see whales, mostly spouts and tails, and it was amazing.  It wasn't quite like National Geographic specials where they seem so close, but to see spouts of air even was great.  We saw some large ones jump, baby ones break the surface of the water over and over, and one highlight was a large whale tail slapping over 20 times in a row (usually part of mating behavior).  I loved it and rather than feeling like I can cross it off my list of "Just for Fun Mortal Goals"  (now referred to as my bucket list by most of the world) I want to add other whale watching adventures in my life.  Alaska will probably be next.

We also had whales all around the cruise ship as we cruise the Na Poli Coast off of Kauai.  Again a fun site even though they were quite a distance from the boat except occasionally when one surfaces nearby.  The Na Poli coast can only be seen by boat and it is a beautiful collection of waterfalls and cliffs of all colors--black, orange, reds--and green anywhere something can grow.  The pictures don't really do it justice.  If you can notice most of the people are looking away from the coast into the ocean.  That is because they were trying to catch pictures.  All I got were pictures of the ocean where a whale had been.  Oh well.  We saw some great scenes.

Wouldn't be Hawaii without the palm trees.
I took a lot of pictures of them.

Kauai was my favorite island and I love love to go back and spend a week there.  There is a lot to do and some nice beaches and ocean.  These are scenes from Kauai.

Gary and his mom (he is in the center of the overlook)
taking pictures of the canyon.

Grand Canyon of Hawaii.
It is about 10 miles long and very deep.
It actually took my breath away when I first saw it.
None of my pictures show the grandeur of it.
I was expecting just the red canyons and the greens
were amazing.  You need to see it.

Lookout to the ocean and sky--breathtaking!

For some reason the caption feature is flipping my pictures around.  However the chicken picture is because there are chickens everywhere in Kauai due to the hurricane a number of years ago that blew over all of the island's chicken coops.  There are no predators so they are spreading everywhere.

The next picture is from the Fern Ghetto where many people go to get married in Kauai.

Google Car
Interesting side note--Google was actually mapping this area while we visited. 
We got to speak to the two men who were working and learned about about how they do google maps. 
In about 9-12 months, if someone zoomed in on this part of the map, we could be seen walking the paths by the lookout.  How many people can say that? (And this is actually at the canyon lookout but the site bounced it down and it won't move back.)

This one made the Cruise Lady CD.
She kept trying to get a kiss picture from us.
Again we were some of the only ones getting our feet wet here.



And the ocean.....

We headed back pass the Na Poli coast of Kauai and headed to Honolulu by Saturday morning.  It was a restful but busy trip and it was hard to believe that it was over and time for the next adventure...

Our Cruise

So we were cruising with an LDS group of about 32 people organized under a company called "Cruise Lady".  We have traveled with them before although this was by far the smallest group we have been with.  Traveling with this group adds some LDS flavor to the cruise including visits and historical information about LDS people in Hawaii, the first LDS Chapel built in Hawaii, and the Kona Temple.  The other thing they do is provide a headliner who speaks at special meetings when you are at sea.  This time it was Michael Ballam who is a opera singer and director of the Utah Theater Opera in Logan, Utah.  He performed three concerts for us and talked about musical theater and other topics as he performed.  He was awesome.

We took over 600 pictures plus "Cruise Lady" took another 1000+ so I can't possibly even begin to share them all (hey, I can see the relief on your faces...at least pretend you want to see them all!)  I will share some of my favorites and in the process tell a bit about what we did.

As a framework, we got on board the ship Saturday night in Honolulu and disembarked on the following Saturday morning in Honolulu.  In the middle we spent 2 days at Maui, two days on the Big Island, and two days on Kauia.  We saw volcanos, palm trees, beaches, plants and flowers, waves, and lava.  We rode on buses, hiked, took a few small boats, and took walks on the beach.  Gary and I managed a few minutes of snorkling and saw a great variety of fish in a short amount of time.

Haleakala Volcano--inside
Maui
It was very cold up here.

Then the fog moved in to cover the volcano and the road as we traveled down

First LDS Church in Hawaii

Hawaii greenery

Rainy morning on the Black sand beaches--
but walking in the black sand was on my bucket list so
Gary and I took our shoes off and enjoyed the sand despite the rain.

A venting volcano on the Big Island

Our group in front of the Kona Temple
It has a beautiful view to the ocean.

End of the first section..........................more later!!!!

Feb. 17-18th

We left snowy and cold Hawaii on Friday....on separate flights.  Gary and his mom flew on a Delta direct flight from Salt Lake to Honolulu.  However, since I was flying on to Hong Kong later, it was much cheaper (like $2000 cheaper) to fly a different airline which had no direct flights.  I left at 6:00 a.m. on Friday and met them at the airport around 5 in the afternoon in Honolulu.  They enjoyed free movies and games on their flight.

The weather was gorgeous in Honolulu Friday evening and for most of our trip except for some rain now and then and one very cold and rainy day while we were on the Big Island.

Saturday we got up early and headed off to visit Pearl Harbor and the famous military cemetery at Punchbowl.  These were the two main places that we didn't visit on our prior trip to Hawaii about 25 years ago.  They were both very touching places.  It is humbling to stand in places that honor people who died in defending our country during a very difficult part of the world's history.

Punchbowl Cemetery

View at the top

The cemetery is built inside a volcanic crater

Lists of names of those buried here or honored for their deaths during the many battles in the Pacific during World War II

Looking down the stairs

The three of us walking down the middle

Gary found a grave stone (in the grass to our right) for an LDS serviceman--

depicted by the Angel Moroni on it.

Pearl Harbor

Part of a display at the entrance to Pearl Harbor--very sobering reminders.

A rusted piece of the US Arizona where it was left after being attached and sunk.  It hit the harbor floor so hard that it sunk in to the ocean floor itself.

A close-up of the list of men who were buried when the Arizona was sunk.

To the side is a list of men who survived the attack on Pearl Harbor but whom elected to be buried here when they died.  The most recent one was last year.

The Monument over the sunken Arizona

We made some other fast stops around the city and then headed on to our boat to get settled in, enjoy a dinner and relaxation.