Our Vacation and Anniversay

Hawaii is a tropical paradise. What we love most about it though is the people and the culture. The people are unpretentious and gentle. When you step off the plane you immediately sense the peacefulness that is within the islands and the gentleness of its people. Hawaii is steeped in many legends. One legend is that rain and rainbows are considered blessings from the gods. And let me tell you there can be rainbows for a good part of the day. If it rains during a wedding they consider this to be a blessing. There is something magical about a rainbow in Hawaii.

The language is interesting. It is comprised of only 5 vowels and 8 consonants. It is a tricky language but a lot of fun and sometimes exhausting (in a good way though) trying to pronounce some of the words. Although I have to say I think I have it down pretty good. We all know the word “Aloha” means hello and good-bye but did you know that it also means sympathy, kindness, compassion, affection and fondness. The Hawaiians consider this to be the basis of their core values.

We love Hawaii and its people. It is unforgettable.

Yes indeed, these are some relaxed, happy feet. I will be the first to admit I would much rather be comfortable then try and make a fashion statement with my shoes.

Paradise Pink!

This was certainly the cutest and pinkest cafe on the Island.

This was in the old whaling town of Lahaina.

This was at the Maui Tropical Garden Plantation So beautiful.
The island is this beautiful.

The hibiscus grows in hedges on the island.
This is called a Jade Flower.
They only bloom for a short time. I felt very fortunate that I was able to capture a photo.
I could not get over the color. Such a beautiful blue-green color.



We took a boat ride out towards the little island of Lanai specifically to see the Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins. This was our greeting and in no time we were surrounded by pods of these beautiful creatures. There was something very magical about them. Click on the picture to enlarge.


And then there are the Maui sunsets. I probably have 50 pictures of the Maui sunsets. I cannot get enough of them.
Words cannot describe.



Our Luau sunset.
Happy 20th anniversay to us!
xxoo, Susan

Our Forefathers Knew Best

Thomas Jefferson

I have always loved history. Especially during the period when our country was in its infancy. I have always been amazed at just how brilliant our forefathers were and the insight they had. The following quotes are from Thomas Jefferson. I am amazed at how relevant they are today.

When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe. Thomas Jefferson

The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not. Thomas Jefferson

It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world. Thomas Jefferson

I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.
Thomas Jefferson

My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government. Thomas Jefferson

To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical. Thomas Jefferson

And in 1802 Thomas Jefferson said: I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property until their children wake up homelss on the continent their fathers conquered.

All I can say is that this was one smart man.

Have a great weekend all and happy treasure hunting. I have a few yard sales that I am eyeing this weekend!
xxoo, Susan

I've Been Thinking

On Wednesdays, Rebecca at "A Gathering of Thoughts" graces us with her "Love Is..." posts. I know I look forward to her Wednesday posts. Actually I look forward to ALL of her posts. Well this got me to thinking. Like many of you, I need to stop and remind myself of what I am grateful for and what makes me happy. Now there are many things that makes my heart happy but I don't really think about all of the little things that make me happy while going about my day. From Rebecca's inspiration and tremendous heart I would like to start "Happiness Is..." posts.

So Rebecca, I hope with your blessing, I am going to start "Happiness Is..." posts. You can spread the Love and I will spread the Happiness. How does that sound?

I haven't decided which day I will do these posts. It won't be today. That would be too obvious. I like a little suspense. In the meantime, what would make me very happy today is that all of you think about all of the little things that make you happy as you go about your day. You would be amazed at all of the little short bursts of happiness and gratitude that we feel each day and we don't even pay attention to it. I am one of them!

Blessings and Happiness to all of you, Susan

Just a Quick Note

I am still here, alive and well. It has been a busy week for me, at home and work. I decided I needed a couple of days off from my job (the one that pays the mortgage) and take care of some long over due chores around the house. Well wouldn't you know it, I planned on washing windows and doing yard work. Yep, you guessed it, it has either been raining or it has threatened to rain. So I washed the inside windows (are you bored yet?) and washed the outside windows that are facing the front porch, thinking if it does start raining hard the porch will protect them. I still haven't gotten to the yard yet. Fortunately the yard is low maintenance and it just requires some pruning and trimming. That was kind of the reason we bought this house. My former home, which I loved dearly was a lot of maintenance. The yard consumed about 75% of my time and the housework the rest of my time. Since I work full time I only had the weekends to do this. Long story short, I had no life! Something had to give.

Have a great weekend

xxoo, Susan

P.S. I have been working on the vacation pictures which I am hoping to post this weekend. I know. It has taken me long enough!