My Little Girl

I Love my child, but more than that I am so proud of her.  Three years ago in May she approached me and said she wanted to go out for the golf team.  SURPRISE.  So I took her out on the course and range, then when I felt that she was really serious we hired a coach.  Then August came and it was tryout time.  Five of the hottest days of the year.  And here was my little girl, all 5'3, carrying my old golf bag (with a broken strap that she had tied together) and a vagabond match of clubs.  She was the only girl.  Yes, 2016 and the only girl trying out for the team.  She made it through try outs and became the only girl to EVER make the team.  PRIDE - you better believe it. She endured a lot that year.  Needless to say she was not the most popular among the guys.  She never backed down and gave it her all.  By the end of the season her coach admitted that she was not "that girl on the boys team", but a full member of the team.  She had successfully integrated herself into the team. 
She has played on the team for two seasons, played many tournaments on the Jr PGA . She has won some, placed second and third in quite a few, and lost and continues to compete.  Her third try outs are going on now.  No one though competes with more heart and desire. 
My Pride is not in her golf accomplishments though.  My pride is her tenacity, her desire, her work ethic (with two work -aholic parents she was doomed) and her drive. Being able to deal with defeat and disappointment and being gracious in victory. I am so proud of the person she is.  She has developed the essentials that will drive  the rest of her life. 
HR, you continue to astound and amaze me.  I love you. And I am Proud of You.

Molokai, Day 3

https://photos.app.goo.gl/kVNv2WPhSG3anBmV2
Today was very special.  First it was just beautiful weather, then of course being on Molokai of course always helps. We drove all the way down to the very east end, mile 28. The Halawa valley of course is the most beautiful place.  Two waterfalls lead into a fresh water river then right into the ocean all wthin a few yards.  The drive is also amust do in itself, mostly one lane with cliffs on one side and the Pacific on the other.   This special morning we were able to stop in a few places and enjoy whales being very active in the morning. 
After  time in ethe valley we drove back to our favorite beach at mile marker 20.  The beach seems to have several names, we use Murphy beach.  The best part is that right next to it are the historic Molokai fish ponds.  If you are interested in ancient engineering history you will want to see these, visit the refurbishment and get a cultural history as well.
After coming back to the condo we swam in the pool and just realaxed.  We bought steaks and grilled out ourselves, watching the most beautiful sunset ever.  After dinner we headed back into town to purchase hoot fresh baked bread at Kinematsu out back.  Literally you have to walk down the alley, go to the back door of the bakery and ask for a fresh hot loaf.  They have several different spreads, my favorite is thcream cheese and cinamon.  Only from 7.30 pm to midnight, but if you are interested ini doing a deal in the back alley, this one is the best.
Whale watching tommorow, can't wait.

Molokai day 2

https://photos.app.goo.gl/OzyaAl4PZVbQ1JrH3
Our second day was beautiful.
Back up to the lookout where you could see everything. "On a clear day...." Then to the Cookhouse for breakfast. Loco Moko of course. Then to the coffee plantation to pick up some coffee.
We went to the west side and just laid on the Beach. A little whale activity far off but not much.
A pretty slow easy day

Molokai 2/18/18

Our first day on the island and of course it stormed. We braved out and drove around some, seeing St. Joseph church started by Fr.  Damien, drove to the lookout. But could see nothing, then the phallic rock. Sandra and I came in Feb. 18 years ago and HR came the following Sept. You do the math. We saw some whale activity and just basically started to unwind. This is the island to slow down and enjoy

Buttercreme icing and yellow cake

I absolutely love yellow cake with chocolate icing.  I don't know why I just do.  Yes the cheap box mix and store bought icing work for me.  It is that way- the simple, cheap things really bring a smile to my face. 
Watching children play, kindness from a stranger, a hug form my daughter and that smile from my wife that won me over.  Yea, i was won over by a simple smile.  Almost 30 years ago my future wife looked up at me with that smile and those eyes,  Oh yes those eyes.  I was smitten right then.  I was puddy, whipped, whatever. The simple things that make me smile.

I have had a spectacular life, relying on those simple things and that smile.
Love Ya Honey.