We Got...

... Beatles RockBand this weekend.

It is SO fun. A little different than Guitar Hero - but we are totally loving it!

The Patient

Richard had surgery last Monday. (it was planned) We knew he would be in the hospital for five to seven days but we anticipated that he would be feeling pretty good and planned accordingly with books, dvd's and his computer... all to keep him occupied. Unfortunately he didn't recover quite as quickly - or as pain free - as we thought he would. What is it they say about the "best laid plans" and all....

In any case, he's home now; recovering but still rather weak and tired. This picture was taken on Monday night after surgery - when he was feeling really good. Morphine in an epidural directly in your spine will do that for you!

I kept trying to convince the nurses that the spouses should have a "happy button" that we can push to make us feel better. They agreed with me, but alas I am still waiting for my "happy button"!

It was a really rough week on him, John, and on me. Being the organized Virgo that I am, I will be scheduling my nervous breakdown for Friday! Cheers!

Happy Anniversary - Sentimental Sunday No. 28

Sylvia and Johnny were married on September 13, 1941 in Las Vegas Nevada. It was a Friday; Friday the thirteenth! Some say that is a “bad luck” day. My family obviously feels the opposite about Friday the thirteenth.

On September 13, 1981 we celebrated their 40th anniversary with a big Hawaiian luau at my godparent’s home. It was SUCH a fantastic evening; complete with catered Hawaiian food, hula dancers, a Hawaiian band, and fresh flowers everywhere. I felt extremely honored to be able to give them this spectacular party to celebrate their lasting love.

My Mom and Dad always made sure to include me in their anniversary celebrations. We usually went out for dinner at a nice restaurant, but on a few occasions we celebrated with others. Their 40th anniversary and their 25th stand out in my mind as being with my godparents; my parent’s best friends. Great times; the best!

Today would have been Sylvia and Johnny’s 68th wedding anniversary. I sure wish they were still here. It would be wonderful to celebrate this milestone with them. Instead, I raise a glass and toast their undying love for each other. They stuck together – through thick and thin. They knew how to fight “like cats and dogs” and they knew how to make up and show each other how much they were still in love. They parented me together and always acted as a team – and in my best interest.

They were great parents – they were great human beings – and I can only hope that I can live up to the example that they set for me, and to what they expected from me.

Love to you both Mom and Dad. Happy Anniversary. Cheers!

Hawaiian Birthday

We spent nine glorious days in Hawaii to celebrate my birthday. It was the perfect vacation. As they say, pictures speak louder than words... So, here you go!

One day we drove up to Haleakala Volcano. Perfect weather! We did a fairly rocky hike up to a viewing area. It was SO windy. I was petrified!

Dinner at Sansei in Kapalua. Oh! So delicious!

The view from our condo. Heaven!

Gorgeous sunsets - every night!

The Iao Valley was spectacular. Here are Richard and JJ in front of the Iao Needle.
A "self portrait" along the path in the valley.

My birthday dinner at Mama's Fish House in Paia.

Lunch in Ulupalakula

I decided that if one MUST turn 50 - then this is definitely the way to do it! Maui is certainly on our list of return vacation spots. It was a wonderful getaway for our family.

ALOHA!!

One More Celebration

Well, no birthday would be complete without my YaYa Sisters.

Last night we celebrated two birthdays - Adrienne's and mine.

Our "sistahs" really spoiled us...

My favorite Virgo (other than myself, of course) and I love to celebrate our birthday's together. Love you Adrienne!

And the curtain closes on another perfect Ya Ya night... complete with DELICIOUS chocolate cake and ice cream. YUM-O!

Welcome Home!!

We arrived home from Maui around 11:30pm last night. This is what was waiting for me on our door !Our crazy neighbors - and totally excellent friends - decided to leave me a little "Welcome Home" to celebrate my birthday and welcome into a decade! The entire house was decorated with balloons and references to the fact that I am now "Over the Hill". They're just happy that I've finally joined THEM on the other side of that hill!

Kerry with Alyssa - Caught in the act of blowing up all the BLACK balloons! Dodi was too clever to be caught on tape!!

There were 100 balloons scattered on the floor. Hey Guys!! I'm only 50!!!

Look at this awesome tablescape that Dodi set out for me! Complete with cake and some much needed wine after the trip home!
What a sweet sentiment written on the envelopes of my two birthday cards!

Very yummy chocolate cake. My favorite; although I could have done without the skulls and RIP humor! tee hee hee....

It was a wonderfully funny and entertaining way to welcome me back from my vacation! Thanks guys! Love you tons! xoxoxoxo

Aloha! - Sentimental Sunday No. 27

Sunset - Aug. 29th from our lanai

I'm taking a little break from Sentimental Sunday this week. We've been in Hawaii, on Maui, this past week - and I could be VERY sentimental about the wonderful trip we have had. I needed this vacation; I think we all did!

We've had lazy days and just enjoyed being together. We've snorkeled, walked, read books, watched a few seasons of "Will and Grace" and just relaxed. I can't remember the last time we went someplace and just kicked back. This was the perfect trip - and a wonderful way to celebrate my 50th birthday.

I will blog sometime this week with some of our photos and more about our trip - and I'll be back with a Sentimental Sunday post next week.

Aloha!