Kaua'i Part 3

Another day in paradise. Today we headed west into the mountains to Waimea Canyon State Park. Michael called it Dramamine day. We took the slow winding road up the mountain and the fast steep way down. Michael said it was his first time driving on the crest of a mountain. The weather cooperated and no rain or clouds. 

First stop Waimea Canyon Lookout. Elevation 3400 feet. Waimea is called a canyon of many colors.

Michael thought this was funny, a phone booth. Who carries change anymore? But it was rather important because there is no cell service on the mountain.

Next stop Na Pali Kona. This part of the canyon we can see the ocean. Pu'u O Kila, the hill of Chief Kila.

Third stop Kalalau lookout. Kalalau Valley along the Napali Coastline. Elevation about 5000 feet. 

I thought this was an interesting tree. 

Back down at sea level, adding to my list of library photos. The sign said it was open but it wasn't, par for the course on Hawaii. 

Our fair-weather friend by the pool. 

Lilikoi passion fruit is our new food for this trip. We have had scones made with it (our favorite), Michael made these pancakes this morning for breakfast (we have a kitchenette) and I bought some shortbread cookies for when we get home. 

Kauai Part 2

 Sunday was excursion day, we headed North to the rainy side of the island. Going through the tunnel of trees is my favorite part of the island. 

First stop Opaekaa Falls. 

Maunakapu and Wailua River.

Next was Keahua Arboretum. 

Rainbow eucalyptus, the bark peels away to reveal a rainbow of colors. 

More chickens. Sitting under the cars does not seem like a good idea but hey to each his own. 

Maniniholo dry cave. No bats. This was our end point for the day and we drove back to our resort which was about an hour and a half. 

Our dinner companion. I dubbed these bandits the 'mall chickens'. 

Kaua'i

This is our first vacation since 2019, a belated 20th Anniversary trip. Kaua'i is the oldest of the eight main Hawaiian Islands. I have never been to this island but Michael has many moons ago. We are staying at Koloa Landing Resort in Poipu. 

Arrival day. The flower leis never get old for me. 

What is it with all the chickens? An unexpected sight indeed. There are chickens everywhere and I mean EVERYWHERE. It is funny to be by the beach and hear crowing. Cock-a-doodle-do.

Who doesn't love a Minion made of old tires. I thought this was funny. 

Second day we went out for a walk in the morning. These white birds seem to be plentiful and they walk on plants. 

A Monk seal sleeping on the beach. This one seems completely unaware of human presence. They are an endangered species and there were barricades to keep humans at bay. 

Michael enjoyed this sign, it was displayed in the food truck that we bought our lunch meal. It pretty much sums up the service on the island especially food. 

Anniversary Celebrations

15 years of wedded bliss and a carrot cake bomb to boot.

We went to Joe's Restaurant in Venice for our anniversary meal.  Great as usual.  We ended our meal with this sugar bomb; carrot cake with caramel topping, rum raisin ice cream and something that tasted like frosting.  Looking forward to our Alaska cruise in June.

August Round-Up

August is by far the busiest month of the year for us and with the remodel and a new puppy it has been doubly busy this year.

This cute couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year.

We all went out to dinner to celebrate the anniversary and Hank's birthday.

I made a Red Wine Velvet Cake from my Smitten Kitchen Cookbook.  It was decadent and delicious.

Michael's birthday is the next celebration of the month.  We all thought we took a picture this year but no one can find the picture.  This is from last year.  Funny thing is that Michael asked for a cake again this year with coconut.  If I find the picture I will post it later.

Jacob is the last celebration of the month.  He enjoyed his 11th birthday party and a rousing game of Apples to Apples.

You can see what I want to do now and Hope too.  Happy August and here is to school starting soon!

It's All About the Food

Michael and I celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary earlier this month by going to Las Vegas.  I still wanted to do something special on the date so I made this Lemon Cheesecake by Cooks Illustrated.  It was delicious and came out perfect.  We even let Jacob stay up a little late to enjoy a piece, it needed to cool for 4 hours before slicing.  Here's to 12 more years.