T: Talking Bird?

Not on this day...he was more interested in preening his feathers than saying any words!  For more 'T' photos, please visit ABC Wednesday.

To The Infinity Pool and Beyond

Okay, I know that was a really cheesy title for this post, but I couldn't help it :)  This was the stunning view from the infinity pool at the Sheraton Waikiki - I wish I could have been in the water, but sadly I was just walking through the resort.  I would love to stay there one night just to watch the sunset while soaking in the pool. 

Hapa

I met Hapa's owners down on Waikiki Beach - they were sitting near us watching the sunset, and my kids loved watching her catch the frisbee.  What a sweet dog she was (and VERY energetic!).  Oh, and her frisbee also lit up so she could keep playing as it got dark.

Water Lilies

I love seeing these purple water lilies blooming at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Honolulu.  It is worth a trip there just to walk around the resort and see the varieties of birds, plants, and flowers on the grounds.

THIS Year

This is the picture of pure joy on a child's face (my child's face) when her daddy returned home from deployment, having spent many important days away from us.  I am thankful that THIS year all four of us get to wake up under the same roof in the same safe country, sit down at the table together, and eat a meal that many in the world could only dream of.  We are blessed beyond comprehension.  Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

S: Surfing

It's that time of year on the North Shore - surf is higher and traffic backs up on the two lane road that runs parallel to the water, as rubberneckers try to catch a glimpse of the waves.  For more 'S' photos please visit ABC Wednesday.

Red-Vented Bulbul

I had hoped to get a photo that showcased a little more of the RED on the Red-Vented Bulbul, but the best I could do was a few feathers sticking out!

Why

is this canoe under a tree, so far away from the water?  I always wonder that when I walk past it at Waimea Bay Beach Park.  It's assumed a permanent position there, right beside the lifeguard tower.  It could be part of the "decor" - since there are also old fishing floats hanging from the tree and an antique wooden surfboard nearby.  Or maybe it's a relic from the days before they rescued swimmers and surfers on wave-runners here?

Free and Clear

Pa-Honu Pond, home to the CLEAREST seawater I have ever seen!  It is such a beautiful place to swim, and the scenery as you look back from the water toward shore is breathtaking.  For other sky image from around the globe please click on over to Skywatch Friday.

R: Rolling Waves

I love it when the waves are coming ashore in quick succession and the wind is blowing, creating a trail of mist.  For other 'R' photos please visit ABC Wednesday.

Bronzed

You know what I noticed first about this photo?  The incredible tans that the three gentlemen in the back of the canoe have!  They are out here day after day, paddling tourists (like the young Japanese couple in the front) across the striking blue waters off of Royal Moana Beach in Waikiki. 

Look Closely

and you will see a tiny sand crab.  They blend so perfectly with the sand that you can be walking along the beach and not even notice dozens of them scurrying into holes.  Check out Macro Monday to see other close-ups and cool macros. 

Makua and Kila

The famous Makua and Kila statue, depicting a young monk seal swimming alongside a surfer boy, sits at Kuhio Beach in Waikiki.  The statues in this vicinity are draped with lei at almost all times - I always wonder who does this?  Is this the way passing tourists discard their lei when they no longer need them, or do residents routinely go out and purchase the flowers? 

My Hawaii

This photo encompasses much of what I love about Hawaii:  the greens, the blues, the foliage, the water, the beauty, and the contrast. 

Gone Fishing, Number Three

I was walking along this deserted North Shore path last weekend, and when I rounded the bend I saw a couple fishing there.  This looks like the perfect place to spend some time fishing - except that they weren't catching anything on this rough, windy day!

Sunset Silhouette

I walked past this little girl blowing bubbles in the doorway of an oceanfront wedding chapel right after a ceremony.  What a gorgeous place to get married!  It's Skywatch Friday, and you can see more sky photos from around the world by clicking HERE.

Q: Quarterback in Training

Check out this little guy in his #7 Pittsburgh Steelers jersey - just like their quarterback wears.  Looks like he's ready for game time to me.  For more 'Q' photos, please visit ABC Wednesday.

Banyan Tree

Can you believe this is all one single Banyan Tree?  It is amazing, and I've wanted to see it for awhile - finally found it this past weekend.  Like Papailoa Beach, it was also used as one of the filming locations for "Lost".

Surfer Girl

I thought it was about time I posted a photo of a girl surfing - seems like almost all of the ones I've taken so far have been of the guys.  It's great to see these strong women out there taking on the waves!

Turtle Bay Getaway

I haven't posted for the last three days because I took a little road trip with my family.  It was only 30 miles away - but that's about as far as you can go on this island!  We stayed at Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore, and had a great time just hanging out.  This was the view from our balcony and I had to snap a photo as soon as we arrived on Friday afternoon. 

A Hula Pic - Because It's Been Awhile

Isn't she a lovely woman?

P: Papailoa Beach

I've posted photos of Papailoa before, because it's one of my favorite places on the island.  During the summer, tons of sand are deposited on the shore, nearly covering most of the rocks and making it one of my son's favorite places to play with his toy dump truck.  Swimming with sea turtles is almost guaranteed.  Contrast that scene with winter, when the sand is sucked back out into the ocean, the waves crash violently onto the exposed rock, and the turtles are nowhere to be seen. 

An interesting fact about Papailoa (that I can't remember if I've mentioned before) is that the beach and grove of trees behind it were two of the main filming locations for the TV series "Lost".  For more 'P' photos, visit ABC Wednesday HERE.

Lining Up for the Parade

For the last three years we have taken our kids trick-or-treating in the Kaimalino neighborhood here in Kailua.  We love to go there because lots of residents gather for a costume parade, walking around the block together before circling back around to collect candy.  The homeowners go all out in decorating and the kids just have a blast running from driveway to driveway.