More sunny Hawaii for a Monday

Firstly, I want to thank everyone who helped me in my decision-making process for the stone that will go under our new woodstove. I've made my decision and it's a finished piece now sitting in our kitchen nook. I will be posting some pictures probably sometime next week after the installation is done. I'm getting very excited at the prospect of having a source of wonderful wintertime heat, even if we have a power outage. Our pellet stove which sits in the living room does a great job of heating that room, but the rest of the house is uncomfortably cold and I'm tired of hanging blankets over doorways to try and keep out the cold air. And, the prospect of being able to heat or even cook simple meals on the woodstove is very exciting! I know, it doesn't take a whole lot to excite me these days. Blame it on living in the country, I guess.

We had a very productive weekend. Besides finishing the work on the stone and getting it inside the house, I went out for breakfast with my hubby, did some shopping at the local farmer's market, got a ton of stove pellets unloaded and stacked in the woodshed, and did some cleaning and reorganizing in our house. I even baked homemade bread rolls last night...yum!! It always feels good to accomplish tasks, even if it's just little things. Makes me feel productive and useful. The whole weekend wasn't just work though, I enjoyed sleeping in and some quality leisure time as well. Now, here we are back to another Monday and I'm simply not ready for the reality just yet, so...

what better than to post some more beautiful Hawaii pictures and dream a little dream...


Looking oceanward from the grounds of the hotel.

There was a great walking path that went from our hotel along the ocean down past all four of the lagoons and eventually ending at the Ko'Olina Marina where we later took a cruise and went snorkeling and swimming with dolphins. A nice man we met along the way offered to take our picture.

These lagoons were ideal for swimming and lounging on the various floating devices that were available because you didn't have to worry about being carried out to sea if you fell asleep. So nice...

I thought these little girls were adorable the way they all lined up to watch the pretty Hawaiian dancers that performed poolside. The dances and the music were just beautiful, and very soothing.

The dances are very relaxing to watch and the girls are so very graceful in their fluid movements.

These pictures are not in any particular order because for some reason blogger won't allow me to move my pictures around anymore. *sigh* Anyway, this is our very first glimpse of the island as the plane was banking just before landing. I thought it was a beautiful site.

Anna and one of her bridesmaids at the reception. They had exceptionally good food, delicious desserts and an open bar for the party. We all danced, ate and drank ourselves positively silly. I just love weddings because they're such a happy event and everybody has a blast. No worries about driving either, we just had to find our way to the room afterwards.

The beautifully scented Plumeria was everywhere.

I have no idea what this flower is, but I thought it was lovely.

My hubby snorkeling in the ocean.

More merry-making at the reception. Mmmm Mai Tai's are yummy!

Anna and the proud papa, Steve. This is my hubby's baby brother.

A beautiful location for a wedding overlooking the Pacific Ocean in all its' splendor.

Anna and John.

The wedding party. It was a very large group.

Sorry honey, I just can't resist...the first words out of my hubby's mouth when his brother told him about going to Hawaii for the wedding were: "I'm not wearing a Hawaiian shirt!!!". Too funny!! He just had to have one, and so here he is in all his glory...I think he looks very handsome too.Back to the real world...tomorrow my girl kitties are going to the vets to be spayed. After they've recovered, we'll move on to the boys. Here kitty, kitty, kitty...

:) It sure is a good thing that cats can't read!

Aloha sweet Hawaii

We're experiencing a change in our weather. Gone are the bright blue skies and glorious sunshine of the last several weeks. Today dawned very windy and rainy. As I've said before, when it's November in Oregon...all bets are off. Fall has arrived, and so we must adapt.

NOT!!!

I say we go into denial and revisit some wonderful memories and lazy days of summer.
Shall we??

Here we are arriving at our hotel in Ko'Olina on the island of Oahu. My hubby's brother Steve and sis-in-law Chris on the left and bride-to-be (niece) Anna in the center. I'm the chubby one looking deliriously pleased with things and my hubby on the right.


The entire time we were there the weather was deliciously perfect. Hot, sunny days and warm, tropical nights. Who could ask for anything more? I was meant to live in a tropical environment...I thrive there. And besides; who doesn't look better in a tan?

Below is the view of the ocean from our room's lanai. I LOVED our room!!! I seriously could have lived there forever. The bathroom was bigger than my kitchen. Aaahh sweet memories.

The pool at the hotel and the cabana on the right. They served lunch-type food and appetizers along with just about any kind of drink you could desire. The ocean and beach can be seen in the background. There were 4 private lagoons at this hotel, each one rocked off from the ocean itself creating the perfect place for swimming. In the evenings poolside, there were dancers in beautiful Hawaiian costumes.

One of several water features on the hotel grounds. There were walking paths throughout the grounds with several pools featuring different kinds of tropical fish, sharks and eels. There were tables throughout where you could enjoy your morning coffee, a meal or just lounge and read.

At night these areas were lit with tiki torches creating a very romantic setting.

This picture doesn't really belong here. This is a very early morning shot from a completely different side of the island. Whoops!!

Okay, back on track...this is an evening picture taken from our lanai. We spent a lot of time enjoying the view from the lanai. Heavenly!

My hubby in his beach attire. These doors were so cool! When you opened them for more than a minute or two, the air conditioning automatically shut off; close the doors and the air came back on. I've never really enjoyed living in air conditioning before...but at night here, it was greatly appreciated. We snuggled each night under the down comforter and slept like the dead.

I would loved to have brought the bed home too...so comfy and huge!!! No matter how hard I tried, it just wouldn't fit in my luggage. *sigh*

Such beauty, and so very romantic...

I am so ready to go back!!

I have a lot more pictures to share, so until next time...

moonlight over the Pacific

Blessings and Aloha from cingspots

Two Tickets to Paradise

...won't you, pack your bags we'll leave tonight...I've got two tickets to paradise...Not exactly how the song goes, but you get the picture. We actually fly out very early Friday morning!! I've tried very hard not to think about this trip for fear that my summer would whizzzz by, and quite frankly, I think I've done a fairly good job. But dagnabbit anyways!! - my summer has flown by quite nicely all on it's own. I can't believe that fall is just around the corner. Technically, the first day of fall takes place on September 22 if you check the calendar, but by my personal calculations, I detect a nip in the air and the scent of fall all around me. On my most recent trail ride in the mountains, I happened to notice the leaves are turning colors and there's a crispness in the mornings that wasn't there until recently. School days are coming up rather quickly and it feels good to snuggle under the covers at night. And, a sure sign of autumn are the apples that are being scarfed up at an alarming rate practically before they hit the ground by the horses...sigh...time stops for no one (thanks Mick). So...what's a gal to do???

Why...head to paradise of course!!!!! Yeaaahh baby!!! We are leaving for Kailua, on the island of Oahu. Yippee!! Now, I am relenting all my inhibitions and letting go of all my worries and strife and plan on doing absolutely nothing but bask in the Hawaiian sun, swim in the beautiful blue Pacific Ocean, eat, drink, shop, whatever my little ole heart desires...can you say swim with the dolphins??? Oh yes, I've always wanted to get up close and personal with a dolphin. One of my bucket list things, don't ya know. Actually, I'll be crossing off two things from that list. Going to a tropical island and getting acquainted with a dolphin...maybe even more than one...if they're friendly and in the mood, of course.

Now is the time to get excited. I've decided it's okay.

Today is my last day of work for almost two weeks, and I'm sooo looking forward to a little rest and relaxation that I could fairly bust!! Wish us well, won't you?

A little prayer that our plane doesn't take a nosedive into the big drink would be appreciated too. No pitstops, no unexpected landings in shark-infested waters is not too much to ask - is it?

Bye all.

Blessings from cingspots :)

Day 6 of the challenge and more signs of spring

I just love this picture! It took me a while to get this shot, because the little buggar just would not hold still. Busy as a bee...see the pollen on his little back legs. I just love honey bees! Someday, I'd love to have a hive and have my very own honey...yummy!

Yippee!! It's Day 6 of the 37 Day Challenge and so far, so good. It's supposed to rain most of today and tomorrow and then the weatherman says things will be looking up. Gotta love the guy for being so dadgummed hopeful! Spring in Oregon is a plethoria (love that word!) of weather-related surprises and you just never know what might take place. So...walking in the rain might be slightly less enjoyable, but we will prevail - hear that you blasted weather gods - we will prevail...and walk - walk on friends, walk on!!!

This is my ever-present and most loyal of friends, Annie. My walking buddy.

And her ball...she loves that ball.

I'm okay, really I am...it's just that I'm feeling a little excited today, not quite sure why, but nevertheless, I shall go with it!

I've been finalizing plans for our Hawaii get-away adventure rental, and the possibilities are enormous...and ever so exciting!!! I've found this one cottage just a stone's throw away from Kailua beach on a little no-name beach lane that's called Treetop studio cottage. Oh my!!! It's adorable and has a queen-sized bed in a loft, and from up there you have views of both the ocean and the nearby mountains. The whole place is surrounded by lush, tropical foliage and has - get this!!! ... a mango tree and a banana tree - be still my heart!! I have no idea just when the season for either of these fruits is to be ripe for the picking, but I am hopeful. I can't even imagine how cool it would be to pluck a tree-ripened mango and eat it - or a banana...I have no idea what it would taste like; but I'm willing to sample, oh yes indeedy I am. And, there's an outside shower at this little cottage - I envision showering under the starlit sky and listening to the nearby ocean surf - oh my gosh I just cannot wait!! I'm getting so excited!!

But in the meantime, there's work to be done - so once again, I'll say it - walk on friends, walk on. I have miles to go before I sleep...read that in a book somewhere, or was it a movie?? hmmm, not sure, but it has a nice ring to it huh? Actually, it sounds kinda spooky.

I am going to display some more of my medley of pictures here for your viewing pleasure and they are completely random and non-sensical...just like me!!

This is my hubby's cat, One-Eyed Patch. Like most of our other cats, he just showed up one day, all bedraggled with his one eye and a broken hind leg...hubby felt sorry for him and started leaving food out for him. Now he lives with us. He's showing off his good eye.

My little birdy feeder in our flowering Japanese Plum tree in the back yard.

Here's a thought I've just had that is enough to bring anybody back down to earth. My appointment with the tax accountant is day after tomorrow...eeeuuu, and I haven't even begun to organize my reciepts and get my numbers documented. *sigh* Well, crap. The horseshoer comes on that day too, do I hear...cha-ching!!! Well that does it. I'm feeling much more grounded and not nearly so excited now. Guess I'd better get back to work and earn my pay.

Until next time my friends, may spring prevail!

Blessings all around...

Cingspots over and out.

Fantastic Friday Whimsy

Howdoo everybody!! Welcome to another Friday post and as usual, I have no agenda. However, I did want to touch base and write down some thoughts I've had and also post some cleverly written little tidbits that I have found along the way. They have amused me and hopefully they will brighten your day as well.

I'm feeling better today, after having gotten a good nights' rest and a triple shot latte which I'm still nursing as I write. Yummy!! I have to admit that they are an addiction for me - I love my lattes and actually just coffee in general - as long as it has creamer in it anyway. Okay, so what's new in my life anyway?? Truthfully, not much but I have been looking online for Oahu beach rentals and have found several charming possibilities. One even has its' own private pool in the back yard. Doesn't that sound grand?? And my only criteria for the last four nights in Hawaii is that the cost must be less than $100.00 per night, be within walking distance to the beach and probably a small town where we can purchase groceries and a kitchenette for preparing at least some of our meals. I've heard that everything in Hawaii is very expensive, so that will be one area where we can hopefully save some cash. There are many choices but they are not in hotels. Oh, I can't wait!! I know the time will pass quickly and then the vacation will come and go in the blink of an eye, but I am so excited at the prospect. I have also checked into a day cruise of whale watching, dolphin watching and you even get to swim in the ocean with the dolphins if the crew decides it's not disrespectful to do so at that given moment in time. They also have snorkeling. That sounds like fun to me. I've never swam underwater before, but I'm willing to give this a try. But seeing the dolphins is the most exciting prospect to me. I've always been fascinated with this extraordinary animal and I am hoping that I will be able to get in the water and at least watch them up close and personal and experience them in their world. Other than the day cruise, I would like to take some hikes and of course take lots and lots of pictures and do a fair amount of lounging in the sun on the beach. Aaahh, just sounds lovely to me. So warm and peaceful - can't you just feel the sun on your face right now?? I guess I'm like my dad in the way that he always enjoyed the preparations and the planning for the trip almost as much as he enjoyed the trip itself. So, I'm enjoying this little challenge at the moment and anticipating the pleasures that await us in sunny Hawaii. :)

Here is something that I found on a fellow blogger's site. I have no idea who the author is, but reading it made me smile. Hopefully it will do the same for you:

On the first day, God created the Horse

On the second day, God created man to serve the Horse.

On the third day, God created all the animals of the earth to spook the Horse when man was on his back.

On the fourth day, God created an honest day’s work so that man could labor to pay for the keeping of the Horse.

On the fifth day, God created the grasses in the field so that Horse could eat and man could toil and clean up after the Horse.

On the sixth day, God created veterinary science to keep the Horse healthy and man broke.

On the seventh day, God rested and said “This is good. This will teach man humility. It will tire him out and keep him striving ever forward to meet the needs of the Horse.”

Amen!!

These pictures were all taken from a camping trip to Sheep Springs Horse Camp near Sisters, Oregon a couple of years ago. Me and my trail pony, "Harley".

Just another day

It's Friday, thankfully. I swear I say that every Friday, but I'm always happy when the end of the week rolls around. The pure anticipation and bliss of two whole upcoming days without constraints and deadlines. Glory be...they're just mine!!

I've always worked full time since I've been about 18 years old. There was that one blissful summer that I had off about 9 years ago, but other than that, I've always worked. So, to have time to myself is precious and I'll have to admit that I'm quite stingy with my days off. I hate (generally) to make plans for fear that when the time comes, I won't feel like doing said planned event. I know a lot of people aren't in agreement with me on this, and that's okay...plan away, but I prefer a more laid back approach to life.

I know quite a few people who have never had to work outside jobs and have been stay at home moms. Now, I'm not saying that that isn't a job in itself, but to have time to do whatever pops into the imagination, what a blessing! I am looking forward to the day when I can tender my resignation and walk away without looking back and have the free time to dedicate to my personal agenda. My very own "to do list". I can envision riding my horse a lot more than I do now, and even taking some lessons because I love to be critiqued and challenged to step outside of my comfort zone. I enjoy gardening and landscape design. Now I'm not saying that I'm good at either one, but I enjoy dabbling and learning and creating. I want to grow fruits and vegetables, lots of varieties of berries and of course I would love to have a gorgeous flower garden, something like you would possibly see in the old English countryside. You know, nothing proper and organized, but wildly imaginative and a bit out of control looking with a touch of old world charm. I especially love to plant flowers not only for their color and beauty, but for their wonderful scent. I want to attract honey bees and maybe even dabble in beekeeping. I think that sounds like fun.

Oh, there's so many things that I would love to try my hand at. I envision rising early and taking brisk morning walks or bicycle rides. I would enjoy taking another photography class and learning a lot more than I do now. And, if given some time for thought, I'm quite sure that my list would grow much longer. There's so many interesting and fun things to be enjoyed but for me, there's never enough time.

I think it would also be fun to remove every bit of furniture from my house and repaint or redo everything and begin fresh with a whole new palette. I would probably still gravitate to old world/farmhouse/western/English cottage design (picture that if you can), but wouldn't it be fun just to try and see how things turned out?? Oh, if money and time weren't always the determining factors of what I can or will do with my life. What a dream!

And I would absolutely love to travel. I have no desire to go to tourist destinations, but instead would rather spend at least a month in the places I like and set up temporary "house" and blend in with the locals. Sounds like a blast to me. What a dream it would be to do whatever our hearts or minds can come up with and then just do. But, that's definitely not my reality, probably won't ever be my reality. So instead, I have to live life on a much smaller scale and simply learn to rejoice in the everyday, simple little things that life has to offer and find the pure joy in the business of life - wherever or whatever our circumstances. That's probably the key in being at peace and finding true inner happiness and contentment. Just recognize and smile at all the simple, little things that happen our way everyday.

And then there's the unexpected little surprises that life throws our way. Here's one for example, I've always wanted to go somewhere warm and tropical. I have travelled to Mexico a couple of times and spent family vacations there when I was a teenager, but not since. The other day I was talking to my sister and she was telling me how she and her hubby are preparing for their annual trek south to Arizona for a couple of months. After I listened to her about their plans, I took a deep sigh and said how I sure wished that one of these days hubby and I would be planning a real trip somewhere warm and maybe even tropical. Wouldn't that be grand? Yadda yadda yadda, here we go again.

So, a few days ago hubby comes home from work and says that his little brother's only daughter who is planning her wedding this coming September has changed their plans and is now going to be married in Hawaii...and would we like to go??? Oh sure, like we can afford to go Hawaii I say...ever the optimist. But, dreams really do come true. Brother and sister-in-law are paying for several of the guests' airfare and the first 2 nights in the very exclusive 5-star resort and spa where the wedding is going to be held...and if we can find caretakers for the horses, they'd really like us to come for the wedding...are you freaking kidding me!!?? Of course we can!!! Count us in!!! So just like that, now I'm searching for beach cottages or hotel rooms on Oahu for a few more nights so we can stretch the vacation out just a bit. Albeit in something less exclusive than the 5-star resort, but who cares!!!! We are going to Hawaii!! Oh thank you most wonderful Father in heaven, what a blessing! You just never know what may be just around the corner in life. All I can say right now is that I'm feeling like one very lucky or probably more likely, very blessed gal who really does believe in miracles and in dreams coming true.

So Aloha baby!!! I'm going to Hawaii!!! Yippee!!!

I have so much work to do, let's see lose weight, lose weight, oh and then I should probably lose some weight too. *sigh*

Wish me luck??