Often you can find the three couples together during the evening, playing cards and eating pupu's(snacks). The ladies have been great fun; Judy(middle)may just be the most adventuresome of the three of us and Peggy is just plain fun to tease. I would pick out the most outrageous jewelry and clothes for her and we would just giggle.

The beauty of the Islands is incredible and I do understand why people would relocate here to live. My sweet hubby would be one of them, if we could. However, with only one main road going from one end to the other, traffic can become an issue. Yesterday there was a minor accident that brought traffic to a standstill and we sat for about 20 minutes. I'm just thankful we are able to relax and not worry about being late for anything. Our weather has been wonderful and perfect for a being out and about. Today looks like more of the same....yippee!

This bird was is beautiful; we don't know what type it is although it resembles the Cardinals we've seen here. The colors are both muted and bright and it reminds me of a Canary with the orange. We've been blessed with Doves, Juncos, Sparrows, Minah birds, Pigeons and this little one, by far, took my breath away. The other day while walking I saw some small finch type birds that we equally beautiful with a rich copper colored body. I'm hoping to get some photos this morning.

Well friends, our time is winding down and although it will be so good to head home to all our babies, leaving this island always is a bit sad because we are never sure how soon we'll be back-so in the time left we'll make the most of it.

Have a blessed weekend.

Noreen

Happy Birthday

Today is our granddaughter's, Miss S, 5th birthday. I've taken to calling her that lately and it fits. Our girl, pictured above with her momma in the hospital after giving birth to our little Buttercup, is a wonderful child filled with such joy and such strength of character. While we were taking care of her and her two other sisters, I never had to worry about information needed to run the house because she was always right there being such a helper. In the photo I think she looks so much like her momma.

She loves babies, especially her new little sister and I know that she is being a big help to her mom and dad. We've missed her like crazy and can't wait to get back home to celebrate her birthday. My girl, I pray the Lord's richest blessings on your life. May you come to know Him deeply and walk with Him all the days of your life. May your life being a shining example that even a child can lead them.

Hugs to you my big girl.

Love, Nana and Papa

Greetings friends, Although this post is very late in the day, I just wanted to say how Thankful I am that the day has been sunny and clear here. It rained heavily during the night but today has been beautiful; in fact I've gone on two walks already~one with hubby and then he left for golf so I was able to take another long walk on the beach. I've also been able to sit, overlooking the ocean, and soak up some sun while I read.

I am so grateful that my back is almost back to normal and with warm days in the forecast I am looking forward to some leisurely hikes. We had planned a kayak trip but with the strong winds and uncertainty of my back, decided against it.

I am thankful for the fun hubby will have out golfing with his friends. His time on the course means I can read, blog, pray, etc etc.

I am thankful that our new little Buttercup has regained her birth weight and is doing well.

I am thankful for the blessings of our Father, He is so generous with us His children.

I am thankful for the ability to talk to a friend of a friend, on another island and share life in the Lord.

I am thankful for girlfriends here, they are the wives of hubby's golf buddies, and the fun we have hanging out together. These are ladies who lived near us in California but who we never socialized with and although we are three very different gals, it is fun to have another female to spend time with.

I am thankful for you!

Sweet blessings to you, Noreen

Please visit my dear friend, Lynn, for more thankful posts.

http://unequalmarriage.typepad.com/

NeNe's

In a previous post, I mentioned that several years ago we were given a book titled "Tutu Nene" which the a legend of the native bird, called Nene, here in Hawaii. Our grandchildren loved this book and our little Miss S asked me to read it every time she came over. Tutu, I believe, is the Hawaiin name for grandmother and the story revolves around an adventuresome little Nene and trouble he encounters but grandmother is there to save him. When I recently saw the sign at a resort our friends are at, indicating they had Nene's, I knew we'd have to get some photos. So my dear hubby took the camera with him on the golf course yesterday and captured these.

I love this photo because I think of little Nene's following Tutu Nene....so my little ones, come and follow me. It also makes me think of our following our Good Shepherd.

Have a wonderful day dear friends.

Hugs, Noreen (Tutu Nor)

Wishing you a day filled with many awe inspiring moments from the Lord.

May our lives be a sweet aroma to our Lord.

May His light shine through us so that we become a Beacon of Hope to those who need His Love today. Let us point the way to Jesus.

Hugs to you today.

Noreen

Fabulous Friday Fun

Aloha Friends~ I would love to tell you we are sitting in the warm sun, swimming in the blue ocean but alas we aren't as the weather has been pretty cloudy, windy and rainy. These photos were taken at the Spouting Horn, a small lava shelf where waves are pushed through a small hole in the lava which results in a blowhole. It is wonderful to see on Wednesday and as you can see the day was beautiful.

These birds are everywhere and the spots are beautiful. I'm not sure what type of bird it is but I love watching them. Some of our friends are staying at a nice resort and the other night I saw a sign that said "Don't feed the Nene's." I became so excited because my sil had given us a book, several years ago, called Tutu Nene about a legend of the Nene(native goose)here in Hawaii. I've read the book many times to our granddaughters and now may be able to get a photo of an actual Nene to show them.

Due to heavy rain all night I'm not sure what are plans are today and since I'm still babying my back it may be another relaxed day in Paradise.

So dear friends, remember not to sweat the small stuff and whenever possible live life to the fullest.

Hugs, Noreen

Aloha Friends~ I would love to tell you we are sitting in the warm sun, swimming in the blue ocean but alas we aren't as the weather has been pretty cloudy, windy and rainy.

Well it is the day when we focus on being thankful. Today I am thankful to be alive and enjoying some special time with my beloved hubby in his favorite place-Kauai.
I am thankful that the swelling in my ankles went down after our very long plane flight.
I am thankful that although I am currently battling sciatica I have suffered with this before and know the things that help ease the pain somewhat.
I am thankful that if this is the worst thing that can limit my activity level, I know it will pass.
I am thankful for our newest granddaughter and that she is settling in at home.
I am thankful that the weather here is limiting some activities which probably wouldn't be the best for me to do with my back acting up.
I am thankful for computers and that I can stay in touch with all my buddies online.
Have a blessed day dear ones.
Noreen