Globe Trottin' Grandma

the "avocado chair"

2011-02-21T16:15:00.000-10:00

It makes my day to see the "avocado chair"

out on the corner of the road.

I crave these local grown avocados!

I cut them open and eat them with a spoon

with a little salt and pepper and fresh lime juice.

The family picks their avocados and puts

them in a basket on the chair with a

money jar on the side.

$1 a piece...on the honor system.

Everybody around knows

"the avocado chair".

They're usually gone by noon.

I lucked out...it's been a cloudy day,

so fewer people driving down the highway.

So, I got my pick!

"Beach" Hopping

2011-01-28T20:55:00.001-10:00

That's what I have been doing the last few days...
going to the beach...
haven't been for a long time...
makin' up for lost time...
plus the weather has been gorgeous...
you'd go to...right!
so this is Ha'ena Beach Park
on the north shore of Kauai.
It's low tide...which makes it all the more dramatic.
wish you all could be here
and go to the beach with me.

Bali Hai
(made famous in the movie "South Pacific")

low tide...good time to look for shells!

Aaaaahhhh....livin' the good life

2011-01-21T21:18:00.001-10:00

I confess...
it's nice to be able
to go to the beach
in January!

Another Sunset @ Ke'e Beach

2011-01-21T01:15:00.002-10:00

I really hope my friends and family
don't get tired of these pictures!
I am always amazed how different
the beach and sunset is every time
I venture out to Ke'e.
Just to refresh it's location...
it is the beach located
on the northern most point
of the island of Kauai.
The road ends here.
There's been a high surf
advisory for the last few days...take a look!
But as the sun gets lower in the
sky...the waves seem to calm down too.
Your looking at the NaPali coastline here...WOW!!
My camera wasn't good enough to capture the whales spouting
in the picture below...sorry...because it was so amazing to watch!

Now, just enjoy the sunset on the NaPali Coastline of Kauai.

Wish you could all be here to see it!

Aloha from Kauai........... :-)

A Walk to the Post Office

2011-01-15T19:54:00.004-10:00

We've had a lot of rain this last week...

but our weather is mild compared to

what I have seen on the news all over

the mainland...but especially the east coast!

At least when the rain stops here and the sun

comes out...it's instantly summer again,

no matter what month it is!

And today was one of those days.

The sun came out, and it was

a gorgeous warm day.

So, I decided to walk to the post office.

I was amused by what I saw along the way.

The garden in front of one house had this

most spectacular hibiscus growing in their garden!

And then not far from that, this was growing in their garden.

A different kind of beauty!
It was a great walk!

2011-01-01T21:03:00.002-10:00

Happy 2011 New Year Everyone!!

from Polihale State Park on Kauai

(I dedicated this day to my friends Steve and Lily!)

They called and asked me to be sure and take a walk

on the beach for them on new year's day.

It's a great place to beach combe for shells, Lily!)

This beach is hard to get to...but worth it!

This was quite the test for my new "old" car...

but she made it through all the pot holes and mud

and got us there and back safe and sound!

I'm so proud of her!

My friends were happy,too, because none of them

had cars that would get us there...

Hope you had a great new year's day wherever you spent it!

Sea Turtles, Sand Castles, Sunsets, and a Full Moon Rising...

2010-08-23T22:35:00.007-10:00

and it all happened in just a half an hour this evening!!

(between 6:30p and 7:00p)

WOW!!

The sea turtle came ashore for sunset...Staser thought it was pretty cool!

His sand castle was also pretty cool... And we turned around just in time to catch the full moon rising...

How cool was that!!

A perfect cool day on Kauai!

Then we were off to get a shave ice!

It was so scrumptous!

Another Island Car is making it's debut!

2010-08-20T22:56:00.009-10:00

My husband saw a similar car at the craft show

last weekend and thought it woud be a fun car to

tool around in here. He kept buggin' me about the

idea until I finally looked at Craigs' List to see

if any were around...and low and behold,

there was one...it had just been posted...

looked really sweet...price was right...

so now it has a new home in our jungle.

Cute, huh!!!

perfect car to drive the beautiful road

between Wainiha and Hanalei!

(p.s. hope it doesn't leak when it rains though!)

"Christmas Tree" Bush

2010-06-29T22:00:00.011-10:00

That's not it's real name...but it's what I have affectionately named it.
I just read that it only blooms in the summer months in the northern hemisphere...
it is native to the southern hemisphere...
however, the University of Hawaii horticulturalists are attempting to develop a
December blooming for the floral Christmas decoration business.
So I'm not the only one who thinks this is a "Hawaiian Christmas Tree"...only in June!
In the floral world...it is a "scarlet heliconia"...also known as a "hanging lobster claw".
It seems like overnight the flower appears...with it's brilliant red and yellow color...
and the edges painted with a hint of green.
Then, magically, each day the petals start to open up...

And then...magically...it looks like a Christmas tree!

It's amazing!

All things [truly do] denote there is a God

Look What Moved into The Neighborhood Yesterday!

2010-06-28T08:25:00.008-10:00

Hanalei neighborhood...to be precise.

It all happens in just a few hours that

these "movie sets" move into town.

(It happens a lot here...for instance...

since January...there have been film

crews here for 3 different films. George

Clooney was here in March...we all tried

to catch a glimpse!)

I read online that the filming for the new

"Pirates of the Carribean" began here last week.

Parts of it are being filmed on the NaPali Coast. No wonder I've been hearing so many

helicopters fly over our place! The NaPali Coast

is just 5 minutes down the road from us.

It's our favorite place for incredible sunsets!

What an amazing backdrop for a movie!

I'm sure you'll agree...it's a beautiful place to work!

Set includes trailers for the stars...
A tent to serve food to the film crews...

I'll have to keep my eyes open for Johnny Depp!

All is well in Paradise!

2010-06-22T15:59:00.006-10:00

It was brought to my attention this morning that

I haven't done a blog post since April 12th!!

Wow!! I thought to myself...where did the

time go this last 7+ weeks...what did I do?!

It's a cloudy, rainy day today...

good day to blog...so here's a quick recap...

Right after my last blog, our faithful and trusty

island car broke down. It's an older car, so the

tiny part that broke had to be ordered in from

the mainland (name used by us locals to identify

the other 49 states). It took almost 2 weeks!

That's when you really know you live in the

jungle. Timing is always bad when your car

breaks down. We were busy packing for an extended

adventure which would take us to the

"mainland" (Utah) for family events, and then to China.

(another "mainland")

It's takes too long to explain "why", suffice it to say...we accompanied

The Raging Red Choir from Dixie State College, (located in St. George, Utah),

on it's China tour to Shanghai, Hangzhou, Beijing, and Qingdao.

We came back exhausted!! In 10 days, they did 9 performances...

they were way more exhausted then us! But they're young...right.

Since we've been back, Lar and I have both had computer issues.

Mine was minor...fortunately...and was an easy fix...

But Lar's was major...with lots and lots of hours on the phone with

tech support...missing a few naps, and not sleeping very well...

New parts are on their way for the old computer...

Also...a new computer is on it's way to the Jungle Cabana...

Our computers are our everything here.....

phone, tv, internet, video conferencing with the grandkids...

It's our big time link to all of you!!

So, they have to work!!

We've still been doing our QiGong 3 days a week.

Our weather has been stunningly gorgeous.

So, even with all the stuff that has broken and tried to discourage us...

All I do is get in our car and drive to Hanalei...

that 5 miles which takes me 10 mintues...is the

most stunning stretch of road anywhere!

It puts everything back into perspective.

I just can't get discouraged.

All really is well in Paradise!

Cleaning the floors---Hawaii Style

2010-04-11T22:14:00.003-10:00

"New slippers" you may ask...

"Yes" I would answer...

But not the "kine" to wear to the beach.

This "kine" I wear around our cabana to clean the floor!

With my 409 in hand...I'm off to "dance" around our cabana...

and clean the floor!
I really can multi-task now!
It's the only way to clean...no more hands and knees stuff!
Just "Arthur Murray" my way around the cabana...Hawaii style!
Yes...living in the jungle...the floors get very dirty!
Yes...my cleaning slippers really do work!

More Road Signs....

2010-04-08T16:00:00.005-10:00

2 more signs went up this week...
A Happy one...!

And a not so happy one... (I'm getting a little concerned about the safety of our street.)

Road Signs

2010-03-26T13:52:00.008-10:00

This is the road we live on.
For me...the island flavor of this road is it's "road signs"
Here we go down the road........

I've always wondered who put up some of the signs.........
(I feel fairly confident in saying it wasn't the city)

Just about every palm tree or phone pole has a sign...........

Keep reading.........the story continues in the following post

Road Signs continued...

2010-03-26T12:54:00.010-10:00

This sign is in front of our neighbor's house. His family has lived on this road for generations. I'm sure there is more traffic now than generations before, and the traffic will continue to increase for generations to come. His kids will probably live on this road when they grow up.

Then you turn into our driveway...this is our sign. I recently did a facelift on our sign with some gorilla glue and a fresh coat of paint. (all facelifts should be so easy when you get run down & old!) However...the sign of all signs
was just posted last week on the palm tree along the road in front of the first house on the road. This has now become my favorite sign of all!

A few days later...this last sign came out. I LOVED IT!! It cheered up my whole day! Yeh!!

I learned so much.....

Thank you for not just pouting and blaming and being resentful and angry...

Thank you for asking....
Thank you for receiving...

Thank you for showing your gratitude and saying "Thank you".

It was so simple...it is so simple.
Thank you for sharing your gratitude

How much would you pay???

2010-03-03T16:54:00.003-10:00

Let me start off by saying, I wasn't "paying" attention when we purchased this candy bar yesterday.

The store clerk was raving about how incredible it was, and we definitely got caught up in the moment!

They actually print their mission statement on the inside of the wrapper...I've never seen that before. I read it. I learned a lot about chocolate and the production that goes on behind the scenes.
So, I was really getting into all the science and nutrition of chocolate and that the bar provides an ideal protein and perfect source of nutrition to fuel our bodies and minds...until I read the last sentence..."The less sugar the better"...

I ask myself....why eat a chocolate bar and pay $8.99+tax and not have the enjoyment of sugar! You really have to like the cacao bean to justify paying that much for a candy bar.

Just my opinion...it didn't do much for me!

Our Jungle Cabana

2010-02-26T19:48:00.006-10:00

Lots of you have been asking me...about our cabana...so here it is!I added pictures of Hanalei...(the little town where our mail is delivered).I also added pictures of the beachesnearby that we love so much.I threw in a picture of Lar flying over the taro fields of Hanalei in the trike.The local flora are all flowers on thecabana property.ENJOY!! I don't know why this is a black screen...just click the play button to change the screen & start the video :))

Malasadas

2010-02-26T16:31:00.003-10:00

This last Wednesday night, our YW activity was to learn how to make malasadas.
I was so excited! I love malasadas!

My love for malasadas began during my flying days...
specifically, the ten years that I only flew to the islands of Hawaii...
(eight round trips a month...flying to any one of the islands...Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Hawaii)
(I got paid to do this! It was definitely some of the best flying of my career.)

Anyway...back to malasadas...
The flight attendants who were from the islands turned us all onto malasadas.
If we had a morning departure from Honolulu, they always had our van driver stop by Leonard's Bakery on the way to the airport so we could pick up freshly baked malasadas.
It was heavenly!
So, when I found out I was going to learn how to make them, I was so excited!
It brought up so many fond memories of those days. They turned out sooo good.
So, I was curious about the history behind malasadas...

In 1878, Portuguese laborers from the Madeira and Azores came to Hawaii to work in the plantations.
These immigrants brought their traditional foods with them, including a fried dough pastry called the "malasada".
Mardi Gras ("Fat Tuesday"), the day before lent, is also known as Malasada Day in Hawaii.
Being predominantly Catholic, Portuguese immigrants would need to use up all of their butter and sugar prior to lent. They did so by making large batches of malasadas, which they would subsequently share with friends from all the other ethnic groups in the plantation camps. This led to the popularity of the malasada in Hawaii.

So, hooray for lent!

WaLa!!!!!!!

Introducing.....

2010-02-07T19:37:00.003-10:00

Makenzie Maxine Gibson

arrival day: February 7, 2010 (Superbowl Sunday!)

arrival time: 12:29pm

weighing in at 7lbs 14oz

18 inches long

(The time on the clock is 3:47pm on Feb.7)

(I'm a very lucky grandma!)

Mom and Dad are very proud parents!
Many thanks go to Sean's parents for taking care of
their son, Brennan...making it possible for me to be with

my daughter and new granddaughter for this beautiful event!
I think this is as good as it gets!

Hau 'oli Makahiki Hou!

2010-01-01T21:27:00.002-10:00

Happy New Year!

from the North Shore of Kauai @ Ke'e Beach

We were at the beach early this morning foran aqua cranial sacral massage treatmentfor Lar. The ocean was powerful! and hopefully shared some of it's healing powers with Larthis morning. The morning was clean, clear,crisp, and stunningly gorgeous! We wish everyone a properous and healthy 2010!

Gifts from Heaven this morning...

2009-11-04T17:09:00.000-10:00

On my beach walk this morning, I was blessed with a gift from heaven...
a rainbow over the full moon just setting.
(look closely to see the full moon just under the rainbow)

He made it!

2009-11-03T18:43:00.000-10:00

(read the rest of the story on the post just before this one.)

The Dilema...

2009-11-03T18:33:00.001-10:00

How does somebody get home when it has rained
so hard all day and the overflow streams now
overflow the road!?!

Fortunately, for us, we turn off the road just before the overflow stream.

I was still curious how deep the water was!

But, he just wanted to go home, and unfortunately, lives up the road.

He decided he could make it. So, here he goes!

How much does it rain on Kauai???

2009-11-03T17:30:00.004-10:00

The average rainfall for Kauai annually is 460 inches...

that computes to 1.26 inches/day.

(Mt. Wai'aleale, which is on Kauai, is the wettest spot on the earth.)

Now, you might think that it rains every day here...which it does not.

We have many, many sunny gorgeous days!

But it did rain today...HARD...all day.

The waterfalls off Mt. Wai'aleale,

(which aren't visible on a sunny day),

were absolutely amazing!

This is my "scientific" way of measuring the rain.

I took the picture above yesterday.

This is my vase with today's rainfall!

Sunrise for us...

2009-11-02T12:19:00.004-10:00

begins at Lumaha'i Beach...

and Sunset....

2009-11-02T12:04:00.004-10:00

ends at Ke'e Beach

no words needed here... :)

Rainbow over Wainiha

2009-11-01T15:35:00.002-10:00

For those of you that have been following my blog

and know that I live on Kauai now...
and so, you also know that my shower is outdoors...

Well, this morning while taking a shower in the rain...
I looked over to see a beautiful rainbow over the property.
Now that truly is paradise!

Pumpkins and Palm Trees

2009-10-28T14:23:00.001-10:00

Just thought you would like to see
Halloween in Hawaii.
(I'll post more pictures in the next few days.)

My New "Office"

2009-10-23T22:49:00.003-10:00

When you live in a very, very small space...you get very creative at how to use it!
This is my new "office" (and my new computer).
Lar had this idea to build a movable desk on top of the washer and dryer.
The board pulls out and is supported on each edge to hold it securely.
I purchased a small collapsible stool that fits underneath the "desk" when it is pulled out.
The board lifts off easily and the computer moves up to a work shelf when I need to use the washer and dryer.
It's very cool!

Star Fruit

2009-10-22T00:33:00.002-10:00

This is a "Star Fruit" Tree. At first, the fruit
looks like a big green leaf on the tree, but then
it begins to ripen and turn yellow. Then it
becomes like big yellow ornaments on the tree...
tons of them!

This is another one of the many fruit trees in our yard
that I am able to pick fresh fruit from every day.

The whole fruit can be eaten.
When sliced, it has the shape of a five pointed star...
hence it's name.
It's flavor is crisp and juicy and sweet,
but not overwhelmingly sweet.
I eat it just plain like this, or sometimes I use
the fruit to make a smoothie.
If you ever see one in the market, be sure and try it!

September 23, 2008-----One Year Ago

2009-10-12T23:35:00.008-10:00

Lar's and my life took a big detour last September 23, 2008,

when Larry crashed his ultralight aircraft in Chelan, Washington.

First stop: Harbor View Trauma Center.

It took 2 weeks of surgery to reconstruct his face, leg, and ankle;

and then 2 weeks to go through rehab;

next stop: our home in Midvale, Utah.

As many of our dear friends and loving family members know,

the crash hit Larry and I on many different levels.

Larry not only had to begin healing physically...

but both of us had to begin healing our hearts.

We decided to move to Kauai in April to begin our healing.

The journey has been amazing and most joy-full!

We appreciate all the prayers and love that were sent our way.

Mahalo for all of your support.

Please enjoy the video below.

We chose to celebrate

September 23, 2009

by getting "back in the saddle" and

taking a 90 minute ultralight flight

around the beautiful island of Kauai

that has healed us in so many ways!

We love you all! Aloha...Carol and Larry

Acupuncture...Does it really work???

2009-09-28T14:52:00.001-10:00

According to traditional Chinese medical theory,

acupuncture points are situated on meridians

along which qi, the vital energy, flows.

I decided to give it a try! (It doesn't hurt!)

We are focusing on my hands because of my arthritic joints.

So does it work...I think only time will tell.

I do know it's very relaxing...and we all need that!

Our Helicopter Ride Over Kauai

2009-09-25T16:26:00.002-10:00

Look who showed up for sunset tonight!

2009-09-04T23:17:00.006-10:00

We felt most honored at his presence!

I guess he just wanted to relax and

enjoy the sunset, too!

It was another spectacular sunset!
And...as the sun set in the west;
right behind us, on the same beach,
the full moon was rising in the east!
It was an awesome sight to see!Just another beautiful day in Kauai!

Wainiha River and Valley

2009-07-21T16:25:00.002-10:00

Just thought I would share a little information

about the Wainiha River and valley we live in.

The Wainiha River flows alongside our home (cabana).

The headwaters of the river are at Mt. Wai'ale'ale, (5148ft),

the wettest spot on earth (tied with Cherrapunji, India).

The average rainfall is 460 inches a year.

It doesn't rain that much where we live!

But we do get rain here, and the heavens

do pour buckets sometimes! It always comes

as a welcome relief to the heat.

Click on the map to enlarge it...

the Wainiha River is the river to the left out

of Mt. Wai'ale'ale towards Haena.

We are told "Wainiha" means "angry waters"

and this river can become that during the

winter rains here on the island.

This picture is looking up the valley from
Wainiha Beach.
These last two pictures are where
the river meets the ocean .
There's a very powerful energy here as the
two bodies of water merge together.

Wa..La!

2009-07-18T15:57:00.002-10:00

From the tree to the kitchen!

(Keep reading to experience the banana harvest!)

The Banana Harvest

2009-07-18T15:52:00.000-10:00

Banana Steps

2009-07-18T15:42:00.002-10:00

Sort of like "baby steps"

Step 1: deep red leaves start to appear

Step 2: Next thing I know...bananas appear!

Step 3: We watch carefully to see when they start to turn yellow.

If we wait too long...the birds and insects start feasting

I realize this is so very not scientific!!...but lots of fun to watch!

More Kauai Sunsets....

2009-07-06T13:19:00.001-10:00

I don't think I'll ever get tired of this!!

The Temples of Angkor

2009-07-02T22:29:00.004-10:00

This place holds so much reverence in my heart.

I love the spiritual connection I always feel when

I visit the Temples of Angkor.

The grand daddy of them all...

Angkor Wat

The Bayon Temple

Banteay Srei

Bangkok Street Life

2009-06-18T01:58:00.001-10:00

(Click on the picture to enlarge it and really see everything!)

"Ronald McDonald"...Thai Style

2009-06-18T01:43:00.002-10:00

I love this floating market!

2009-06-18T00:49:00.001-10:00

(Click on the picture to enlarge it and really see everything!)

Ordering lunch!

2009-06-17T23:17:00.002-10:00

Anyone who knows me...knows I love to eat

at the "street restaurants".

In this case...it was the

"boat restaurants"

Walla!!

A feast!

It really was delicious!

Elephant riding with my Mom!

2009-06-17T23:02:00.003-10:00

There's nothing easy about "boarding" an elephant!
SMILE :) for the camera!
Here we go!
How many daughters can say they
road an elephant with their mother?!

Floating Market on the Chao Praya River

2009-06-17T22:50:00.003-10:00

Life on the Chao Praya River....

2009-06-14T01:23:00.003-10:00

There are some beautiful Thai style homes...

and then some other kind of homes...

More Sightseeing

2009-06-14T01:19:00.002-10:00

My sister, Tracy, and her husband, Jamie

My niece Carly Jo and her boyfriend Matt.

Carly Jo just graduated from college. They

decided to travel around Southeast Asia for

6 months, so we decided to hook up with

them in Bangkok! Good Idea, Carly!!

Welcome to Thailand!

2009-06-14T01:07:00.001-10:00

First stop...The Grand Palace

On Our Way to Bangkok!

2009-06-12T22:00:00.004-10:00

Mom loves a First Class Seat!

But who wouldn't!

We watched 3 movies, ate 2 meals,

munched on a few snacks, took a walk

around our 747...then we landed in Tokyo.

Next stop...Bangkok

Met up with my sister, Tracy and her husband, Jamie.

They flew to Tokyo from Seattle.

We'll all be on the same flight to Bangkok.

It's a great reunion!

Trimming the Palm Tree...

2009-06-05T14:00:00.001-10:00

Lar doing what he loves to do!!

2009-06-05T13:43:00.002-10:00

Watering the yard...

Pruning the flowers...
Fixing the sugar cane tree...

And best of all...barbequeing a great meal!!

Things that go bump in the night!

2009-06-04T16:09:00.002-10:00

So, I heard this

BIG THUMP

in the middle of the night.

This is what I found outside

the door this morning!

Glad I wasn't standing

near it or under it!

I thought I would just go

pick it up and toss it to the side...

...NOT...

I could barely lift it with both

hands to drag it to the compost pile!

Another experience living in the jungle!

It's still worth it!!

Geckos...

2009-06-04T15:56:00.002-10:00

are everywhere!

little ones...big ones...

they eat the insects...

cockroaches, mosquitos, and the like.

I wish there were more geckos, because

there are still plenty of mosquitos that

love chewing on me everyday!

Just part of living in the jungle!

It's still worth it!

More Exotic Flowers

2009-06-04T15:50:00.002-10:00

I hope no one gets tired of seeing

more flowers. I'm in awe that they

are in such abundance all around

our yard! Picking fresh flowers

has taken on new meaning!

Exotic flowers around the property...

2009-06-03T11:46:00.004-10:00

(Sorry...I don't know the names yet!)

A garden of plenty...

2009-06-03T11:31:00.004-10:00

Around the property we live on are....

banana trees
coconut trees

lemon tree

sugar cane

cashew nut tree

The Island Car

2009-06-03T10:57:00.003-10:00

Not really!

But these appear on the roadside

all the time! Just abandoned!

Here it is in all it's glory!

1990 Subaru Legacy...dents included!

Just what a local car should look like.

We get all kinda privileges with the

locals because of this car!

Costco had the seat covers. Cool, huh!

Pictures of my drive to and from Hanalei

2009-06-03T10:27:00.004-10:00

This is my drive to Hanalei...

Hanalei has just about everything except Costco!

(That's in Lihue, which is an hour away.)

(Costco trips are a full day exhausting event now!)

But for trips to the post office, grocery

store, local eaterys, good clothes shopping

and church on Sunday...it's a pretty cool drive!

Takes about 10 minutes on a fairly narrow

windy road. Night time is harder because

there aren't any street lights. No traffric

lights in Hanalei either! It's a beautiful town!

It's a beautiful drive!!

Aloha from Kauai!

2009-05-22T10:26:00.004-10:00

You've heard of Ripley's Believe It or Not?

Well, this is....

Simpson's Believe It or Not!

We've moved to Kauai!

I know it's radical!

But would you expect anything else from me!

Here are some pictures of our home...

The "Jungle Cabana"

I found this place on the internet about

5 years ago when Larry and I were looking

for a vacation rental on Kauai. It sounded

a little hokey...but we decided to give it a try.

We loved it! and came here many times.

Without going into too many details, the

property owners just decided to rent it

full time...Larry heard about it...and

here we are!

Front entrance into the yard

The yard...

dining room on the right

tub and shower straight to the back, a little to the left

sitting area (lounge chairs) in the fore front.

closer look at the claw foot tub and shower area
exotic flowers and plants surround the tub

the river that flows behind it all

A Perfect "Feel Good Day"!

2009-03-26T16:46:00.004-10:00

It's been cold and snowy all week where I live,

soooo....here's how I warmed up the day!

First...a trip to the hair salon and my

favorite hair dresser...Kim!

You are soooo good Kim! Thanks for always

making me look younger!

Second...stop by Dillard's Lancome counter for
some new tips on applying makeup!
Thanks Melanie for all of your help!
Third...time left for a massage...ahhhhhhhhh
PERFECT ENDING to a "feel good day"!
Great waiting room!
Definitely is calming and relaxing.
(My picture doesn't do the waiting area justice!)
(It doesn't show how good it felt to be in there!)

Big Day for Brennan!

2009-03-20T16:35:00.006-10:00

Globe Trottin' Grandma took

grandson, Brennan, in to get his

first Passport!

He got all specified up for passport photos!

Then it was off to our main post office
in downtown Salt Lake.

Oh, Oh! We didn't take the
passport photos with "hurley".
Will the customs officer recognize him?!

"What's that guy doing now"??

"Do you solemly swear that all the
information here is correct"?

DONE!

I love the Temple!!

2009-03-13T12:24:00.007-10:00

This is the Jordan River Temple.

It is located in South Jordan, Utah,

very near the Jordan River that runs

from the Great Salt Lake (Dead Sea) to

Utah Lake (Sea of Galilee).

Every Saturday, I have the privilege of

working in this temple. Thousands of

faithful Latter-day Saints work and attend

this temple, and all the Mormon Temples

around the world.

I love serving in the sacred House of the Lord.

In the temple, I find the peace and inner strength

needed to cope with the sometimes overwhelming

problems of every day life.

In the temple, I am reminded and tutored in

eternal truths which anchor me in my day

to day life.

In the temple, I am surrounded by my

Heavenly Father's love.

I am so grateful for the restoration of temples in

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!

I love the temple!

If you are curious about Mormon Temples,

Click on this link:

http://ldsmediatalk.com/2009/03/12/church-video-on-purpose-of-temples/

or this link:

http://www.ldsmag.com/youtube/090326ceremony.html

It'll only take a minute of your time!

Just when you thought it was SPRING...

2009-03-10T05:45:00.001-10:00

Winter snuck in again!!

and it's cold! brrrrrrr!!

Making GREAT Memories in Las Vegas!

2009-03-08T13:05:00.002-10:00

Sean had to attend a Physical Therapy Convention

at The Mandalay Hotel (not too bad of duty)
He worked and we played!!

We stayed at The Marriott Grand Chateau, and

it was GRAND! We had a fabulous room with

an amazing view! We really felt like we were

in Las Vegas! We had a 180 degree view of

the Las Vegas Strip! Thank you Marriott!!

Making Memories is fun no matter what you're doing!

2009-03-08T12:47:00.002-10:00

Watching cartoons in the morning 'cause

(lucky Grandma) mom and dad are still asleep!

Don't get to do that at home!

Exploring my "home away from home"
Grabbing Grandma C's hair!
(You're getting so strong, Brennan!)

Taking a bath in a giant tub!

Making Memories...cont.

2009-03-08T12:34:00.003-10:00

A friend of Emily's told her about this great yogurt shop

in The Steve Wynn Hotel. It took us a while to find it,

but it was soooo worth it!

It was very hard to choose!!
Okay, Brennan..."What do you think?!?

He likes it!!

(Let go of the straw, Brennan!)
Good 'til the last drop!

Making Memories...cont.

2009-03-08T12:13:00.004-10:00

Watching the dolphins at The Mirage Hotel

(What ya thinkin' Bren?!)

Loved watching the fish in the aquarium by

The Cheesecake Factory@ The Forum Shops
("Life is Wonderful"!)

Making Memories...cont.

2009-03-08T12:03:00.004-10:00

Being around every day for "bath time"

was a very sweet memory.

Another Great-Grandchild for Grandma Gigi!

2009-03-07T18:18:00.006-10:00

Koen Bryan Mehr

March 3, 2009

Go Grandma Gigi!!

What an incredible posterity!!

(I think this could be # 39 great-grandchildren!)

WOW!! You are amazing!

Chinese New Year 2009

2009-01-26T19:09:00.008-10:00

Kung Hei Fat Choy

(Cantonese)

Xin Nian Kuai Le

(Mandarin)

Happy New Year!!

(wishing you prosperity)

The Year of the OX

People born in the Year of the Ox are patient,

speak little, and inspire confidence in others.

They tend, however, to be eccentric, and bigoted,

and they anger easily. They have fierce tempers

and although they speak little,

when they do they are quite eloquent.

Ox people are mentally and physically alert.

Generally easy-going, they can be remarkably stubborn,

and they hate to fail or be opposed.

They are most compatible with Snake, Rooster, and Rat people.

2009-01-26T18:55:00.006-10:00

The house is decorated

Most people have special china for

Thanksgiving and Christmas...
I have special china for Chinese New Year!

Wearing red is for good luck...Emily, I need the red lipstick!

The Feast!

2009-01-26T18:26:00.006-10:00

cured barbeque pork

dipped in hot chinese mustard and sesame seeds.

potstickers

Beijing duck,
cod steamed with fresh ginger and soy sauce,
szechuan style shrimp,
eggplant w/szechuan garlic sauce,
mabo tofu,
ham fried rice,
and green onion pancakes.

(I hope I got most of that right!)

Regardless...it was a great feast!

(Thank you Richard!)

Is that a Chinese Coke???

hong bao (red envelopes)

2009-01-26T18:17:00.004-10:00

Red envelopes are opened...a wonderful tradition

symbolizing good luck for the new year.

Brennan got a gold dollar because he was the

youngest family member.

Draper Temple Open House

2009-01-15T19:19:00.003-10:00

Today was the first day of the open house

for the public to visit the newest

LDS Temple located in the Salt Lake Valley

and I was there accompanied by

some very dear friends and family.

(stock photo)

My photo taken today...January 15, 2009

ordinance room

Draper Temple Open House continued....

2009-01-15T18:58:00.002-10:00

Baptismal Font

Sealing Room

Celestial Room

My dear, dear friends Richard and Leslie;

my daughter, Emily, and my grandson, Brennan...

What a privilege it was to share this day

with you in the temple. This will be a glorious

"eternal" memory for me.

THANK YOU!

I LOVE ALL OF YOU!

Pho'...Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup

2009-01-14T13:35:00.002-10:00

This dish is my other most favorite international

food to eat! It, too, can be eaten for breakfast,

lunch, or dinner...PERFECT!

In Vietnam, it's probably most popular at

breakfast time. However, you will see it

served on the streets of Saigon all day long.

My grandson, Brennan, loved it!

WAY TO GO BRENNAN!

The morning after a snowy night...

2009-01-14T13:24:00.003-10:00

It was gorgeous at the Jordan River Temple!

Happy New Year 2009!

2008-12-31T07:44:00.002-10:00

Welcome Home!

2008-12-26T18:28:00.004-10:00

WOW!! It snowed a lot while I was gone!

I can't complain, though. I got a great seat on all

my flights, and for someone traveling on an

employee standby status...that is a great day! and

All but one of the flights were on time! Amazing!!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas 2008!

Merry Christmas Everyone!!

2008-12-26T09:55:00.005-10:00

UAL Retiree Party...
We had the greatest Santa at United Airlines!

Back to the USA---SFO airport

2008-12-26T09:51:00.007-10:00

A favorite eating spot @ SFO

Always hits the spot after several days of Chinese foods.

Christmas Day--Shanghai

2008-12-26T09:48:00.004-10:00

A picture of Santa was in windows everywhere.

Shanghai Local Market Shopping

2008-12-26T09:36:00.004-10:00

"copy" watches...great imitations of the real ones

and the price fits my budget!

My best friend from my flying days...Vicki

"copy" bags...too. anything you want!

Shampoo, Blow Dry, Head Massage, and CHECK YOUR EMAIL!

2008-12-26T09:32:00.004-10:00

Every station has it's own computer!

You can check your email or watch a DVD!

How cool is that!!!

Foot Massages...another must in China

2008-12-26T09:16:00.003-10:00

Daily life around Shanghai

2008-12-26T09:10:00.003-10:00

More daily life scenes around Shanghai

2008-12-26T09:04:00.005-10:00

Great way to keep your hands warm while riding!

Apartment Living

2008-12-26T09:00:00.004-10:00

There are thousands of these tall apartment

buildings all over the city, and they are all full of families!

There are so many people that live just in Shanghai!

Construction Scaffolding

2008-12-26T08:55:00.002-10:00

They use bamboo to make the scaffolding!

Business as usual in Shanghai...even Tree Trimming!!

2008-12-26T08:47:00.005-10:00

No regard to who was driving or walking around

or if your bike was parked where they were working!

They still have these!

2008-12-26T08:44:00.002-10:00

Xiao Loong Bao...(Steamed Dumplings)

2008-12-24T01:33:00.002-10:00

This is probably my all time favorite foreign dish!

This is what I come to China for. I luuuvvveee this dish.

It can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or late night snack...

so how perfect is that! I never get tired of it.

(p.s. I don't share either...I eat every one!)

Cost for 8 pieces...5 yuan (about 75 cents)

Local shop near my hotel

Just the BEST!

Old City Restaurant

The line to get dumplings here was probably

about a 30-40 minute wait.

The "Old City" of Shanghai

2008-12-24T01:26:00.004-10:00

Getting ready for Chinese New Year

I starred at this teapot for the longest

time...I just couldn't figure out how

they did this!

More pictures of the "Old City" of Shanghai

2008-12-24T01:20:00.004-10:00

The old and the new...

2008-12-24T01:17:00.003-10:00

Kids are cute everywhere!

2008-12-24T01:12:00.002-10:00

Even the littlest kids give the "peace" sign.

Christmas Eve Day--Pedestrian Street

2008-12-24T00:57:00.003-10:00

This is known as "Pedestrian Street".

I love being on this street. Yes, it's busy

and crowded, but you see everything here.

You also get a a tiny glimpse of how many

people live just in Shanghai!

He's cleaning the trash can! I love it!

It's a long street, so you can take a trolley if

you want. I always walk, though. Too much to see!

Our favorite jewelry shop...

2008-12-24T00:47:00.002-10:00

I told Larry I wasn't going to stop here...I had

plenty of jewelry...but I just couldn't help myself!

I had to stop in & say "Hi" to our friend, Linda.

She was happy to see me and said to say hi to

Captain Simpson. She is expecting a baby the

first week of January. Congratulations! Linda.

You design beautiful jewelry!

Only in China.....

2008-12-24T00:43:00.004-10:00

would you see a live model,

modeling a dress,

(on a really cold day)

made totally out of Balloons!