Hiking today with the Hawaiian Humane Society...came across these large beautiful leaves

Aloha Friday

Driving home today with the top down listening to James was a wonderful way to end the work week.

Peacock Collage

Along the Reef

A lovely sunset at Ma'ili Beach Park.

Beach time

So this is how it goes when I take my babies to the beach.  Gabby likes to explore & Mackey likes to stay right beside me (& preferably in as little water as possible!).  They are are polar opposites in many ways.

Some blooms in my planters

what a life!

A Kiss at Sunset

a dream

fading from memory

Collage

Neighbor's cat.  Looking so intently, at what I was not certain.  You'd think she would be looking in my direction at my two dogs.  Nope, something else was way more interesting.

This weekend is coming to a close.  I rather like this perspective though.  I may have to climb up this hill again to watch the sunset.

Looking down into the water where I was standing.

USS Utah Memorial

Remains of the USS Utah in Pearl Harbor

Morning Dolphins

Saw some dolphins while driving to work this morning.  What an awesome way to start the day!!

It's amazing how differently one can see things after being in a headstand or downward facing dog for a bit...

The Sky: Always and Never the Same

The sky on two different evenings this week...

Four legged babies

Remembering 3/11/11

One year ago today, I was about to step onto the subway when an alarm sounded.  I followed those around me who were running out of the station.  It felt like I was on a boat; I couldn't walk very easily as the ground was swaying below me.  I had experienced an earthquake before, so I was not very concerned.  I assumed it would end within seconds.  When I got out to the street level and saw the buildings swaying back and forth, I started to get alarmed...Then as the earthquake continued and those around me were crying and clearly scared, I really started to panic.

I realized very quickly how scary it can be to not understand what is being announced over a loudspeaker.  I knew there was an earthquake occurring, but when someone near me said, "Tsunami"...I cannot even explain the fear that I experienced.  One man told me, "Go to high ground", but he just stood there holding his little dog.  I had no idea which way was to high ground and when I tried to ask him, it was clear he didn't have the English to tell me and I didn't understand Japanese.  I tried following the subway line to get to my hotel.  This was very challenging and along the way I stopped with a group of people who were looking at a TV inside a store window.  It was showing the tsunami.  I asked one lady, "Is that here?"  She shook her head yes.  I had a chat with God that afternoon as I was fairly certain I was going to die.

Obviously, I did not die, but was definitely traumatized.  However, I developed a whole new level of respect for the people of Japan.  In the midst of a crisis, they continued to be helpful, polite, and respectful.  I had already found this country to be a wonderful place, but what I encountered that day and the following days was just amazing.  Even though I will always remember the fear of that day...what stands out more to me now is the people and the culture.

Lone seal on the beach...not much sunbathing for him today...still kinda stormy.

The weather cleared up briefly...

We pass lots of these weeds on our nightly walks.  I never stopped to really look at them before.  As it turns out they are rather pretty!

Ma'ili Point at Sunset

It's been raining so much lately.  I was very pleased to be able to get out for a bit this evening with just a little drizzle.  It seems to be clearing up though, at least for now.

Manbug

Not nearly as pretty as a ladybug, so I am calling him a manbug.

Friendly Gecko

So glad this little guy popped his head up.  I was trimming the hibiscus bushes and he was very close to being snipped! :(

Let sleeping seals lie...we suspected this was a mama and pup.

Ka'ena Point, Round Two

Returned to Ka'ena Point today...this is the same baby albatross that I shared a picture of about a month ago.  S/he is growing quickly!

layson-albatross.html

Looking forward to the weekend!  I want to be relaxing under that palm tree.