California Dreaming

Flashback Friday-The Williams & Osmond Brothers, Happy Holidays.

Sorry that I have been on the dark side of moon with this little ole blog. Between work being absolutely bonkers and a side trip back to New England, I barely had enough energy to bath, feed and clothe myself. But here I am!

Believe it or not, even with all of this stress and hectic scheduling, I am still eking out a bit of Christmas Cheer. I am feeling the spirit of the holiday by llistening to the three holiday channels on Sirius  radio during my commute, watching the cheesy Christmas movies on TV while wrapping my gifts and sending out Christmas cards.

Today is the official start to my Christmas week. I can't think of a better way to kick off the week than a Flashback video from one of Andy William's Christmas specials, circa late 1960's. This song  includes the Osmond Brothers, with a VERY young Donny. Oh, how I remember the huge crush I had on Donny, talk about "Puppy Love". Sorry I couldn't help myself!

Back to Christmas.

This music reminds me so much of the Christmas's of my childhood and this song always makes me smile, especially when Andy is singing it.

Do you have a particular Christmas song or artist that instantly transports you to your childhood?

 

 

 

Flashback Friday-Another Past December Morning

Two years ago, a totally different morning.

December 1st, already?

Tell me it isn't so. It's December 1st. The dreaded but much loved Christmas season. I know I am paradox.

Just like Thanksgiving, I am not prepared. Within the next 30 days I will take two major trips, pull in and decorate the tree, make room for another major piece of furniture (which constitutes re-arranging the living room), buy and wrap gifts, celebrate a major milestone birthday, prepare for my company's yearend inventory and try to enjoy the season. All of that with only two more weekends at home.  AAARRRGGHHH!

Are you tired just reading the list? I am. Can we postpone or extend the month of December, pretty please?

Of course, if I was Martha Stewart and her staff of many, it wouldn't be a problem. But this Cali Gal is on her own.

Now I know why people put booze in Eggnog, to help relieve the anxiety. Pass the nog, please.

 

Happy Birthday, Mark Twain.

One my favorite Mark Twain quotes is:

"Concerning the difference between man and the jackass: some observers hold that there isn’t any. But this wrongs the jackass."

While visiting the island of Kauai, he visited Waimea Canyon, which he dubbed "Grand Canyon of the Pacific. As you know, I am bit partial to the island.

Happy Birthday, Mark Twain!

12 Best Regional Snack Foods | Zagat

Shout out for The West coast/California! Four out of the twelve Zagat picks are from the West Coast. I didn't realize that Red Vines were a regional candy. Wow! The idea of not seeing these babies at the movie theater, seems strange. As for See's Candy, a 2 pound box of "Nut & Chews" are a holiday staple in my family.

12 Best Regional Snack Foods | Zagat.

I have tried the Cincinnati Chili. I don't see the appeal but hey, what do I know?

For my upcoming New Orleans trip, I have the Albita root beer on my list of "Musts".

Do you have a regional favorite?

C'mon People (We're Making It Now)

Do you ever have moments that you are so overwhelmed that you can't move?

There are times when I can't seem to see two feet in front of me, because of all the deadlines, expectations, housework and basic life situations. The simplest task becomes a gargantuan feat that needs Herculean energy, like finding my shoes!

As I start to acknowledge my predictment, a song will play and "Wham"! I start to bop my head and a large smile appears on my face. I stop squinting like Clint Eastwood because I can see the road ahead. Weird.

This is what happened today. In the midst of the morning chaos, this song started to play through my earbuds. First, the shoulders started to relax, then the head started the head roll/bop and my lips formed the happy smile. At that moment, I knew today would be ok.

Yes, music is my medicine.

 

 

Kauai Memories

 

As I sit in front of my computer, wearing my favorite flannel PJ's and Ugg's, trying to keep warm. I daydream of a warm day, in the not so distant past.

 

A day that started like any other day in paradise. Watching the sunrise and mediating on the Pacific ocean; wondering how the day will unfold. One word popped into my head: BICYCLE.

 

Off we went to  Coconut Coasters in Kapaa, on the east coast of the island, to rent basic beach cruisers. This great bike shop is located on the new bike & pedistrian path, Ke Ala Hele Makalae: "The path that goes by the coast".

 

The path hugs the coast and you see areas that can't be seen by a car. The path will some day stretch from North of the airport, in Lihue to Anahola. It's a bit of secret with the vistors but the locals use for walking and biking.

You ride along and than you see unexpected pieces of history, in front of you. 

 

 

This is what is left of an old Pineapple pier. It's the only reminent of the old plantation.

 

 

 

There are older pieces of history, along the path. But you wouldn't know it, if wasn't for this sign.

 

There are a few beach acesses, that you can't see from the road.

 

 

Along the path are these pavillons with tables. Perfect for picnic.

 

Reminincing of this day has indeed warmed me. Ahhh Kauai.

 

All of this beauty, 3 bikes and a few hours, only cost us $68. It was the bargain of our trip. So if you are ever on the island of Kauai, rent a bike, pack a picnic and ride the path. You won't regret it.

Kapaa on Dwellable

Colors of Kauai

Why Kauai?

I am asked this question so many times over the years, that my answer is starting to sound canned and contrite. This year's visit to her beautiful shores (Kauai is female to me) started the internal conversation within in myself.

Why Kauai?

Here are my answers.

It's the color of the sunrises, over the Pacific ocean.

It's the rain and the rainbows.

 

Each island has a color. Kauai is purple.

It's her hidden coves and beaches.

And not so hidden beaches..................................

 

It's the small towns that still have the feel of the "old" hawaii of yesterday.

 

It's her majestic Waimea Canyon.

 

These are only a few of the reasons, I return to Kauai. Feeling the warm trade-winds on my skin, listening to the doves & Mayna birds sing outside the window makes my soul soar.

It's my definition of paradise. That's why it's Kauai.

Talking Turkey

Is anyone really ready for Thanksgiving?

It's less than two weeks away and I can't wrap my little brain around that date. 

Let's be frank, I am not cooking a full meal for a cast of many relatives. So I shouldn't be having the type of anxiety that I am experiencing. At best, we will have to contribute  a couple of pies. But my head is reeling from the idea that under 14 days, I will be celebrating Turkey Day.

Perhaps it's the knowledge that Christmas is right behind Thanksgiving that's giving my heart palpitations! 

No, I am not ready.

Marie Curie-Happy Birthday!

Today's is Marie Curie's 144th birthday. One smart woman.