I got a great treat today when I had some bird couples drop by. I wish you could have heard the arguments going on between the woodpecker couple and the Blue Jay couple. I was wonder why they were so mad at each other? But then again they could have just been flirting!!! It makes my heart sing to hear and see all the fuss going on in my yard!
I am so fortunate to live in a bird paradise. If you are patience, they will come. I have been waiting for this fella to be in just the right place for me to take his photo! Look at all them all ! He is adorable !
The sun is shining. It is back to nature for me. My backyard is stunning with birds this morning! 
My son made me smile looking at things a little different! The little mermaid float came by at Seattle’s Macy Parade. Got to love that smile!!
Happy Weekend everyone! I am literally recovering more ways than one!!
I study my birds on a rainy day. Figuring out their patterns, directions, and their timing is for the professional bird watchers. I have a hunch if I figure this out too, I have a chance to capture the iconic bird pose. 
Since slowing down to a pace easier on me physically and frankly mentally too, my timing on many matters has taken a contemplative approach. Contemplation is good. Birds in my backyard do it when they study the pole leading up to their food. 
There was a time I made decisions way too fast. I could give many examples, but will just say some of them turned out bad for me. The most utmost of personal matters when it comes to health and family decisions should be done slowly if no time constraints are put in place .
Yet, timing is everything. That is what we have been told all our lives. I sure have been.
It really should not be in most cases except quite possibly the American Presidential Elections( chuckle ). As I ponder my camera angle, who is going to be the next president is the last thing on my mind…(hint). I already voted. 
Yet, contemplation does not seem a part of the vocabulary in the American households of today. Everything is about going faster and quicker in every aspect in this life.
Today , my bird friends yet again teach me a lesson in life. Thank you guys (as she stares out the window one more time) noticing the squirrels have arrived … uh oh!! Hurry up guys!! Hurry!!
There is a story here, but you have to think deep or perhaps very shallow. You choose.
Life involves much contemplating. Fred the heron from the PNW is listening carefully and will make a decision soon.
Ok. I guess I didn’t get that. What did you say? I am all ears.
Got it! Yep. Your mine.
Dumbfounded Fred is sad. There is always next time. Well. Not always. Perhaps Fred there are bigger fish to fry. Your turn will come. Life brings rewards at times and sometimes we are left empty handed. Fred’s face says it all. No words needed.
Thanks from Fred for dropping by and attempting to fish with him. Wish him luck! I think deeper waters brings a prize!
One of my best photographs I have taken. I am moved really about the way I caught the birds in action. It is as if you are looking at the anatomy of the birds as they reached out toward each other. Thought provoking.
1. I would be remiss to not mention food only because what is a vacation without unique food experiences. Poke ( pronounced Poe -Kay ) is raw tuna or ahi. Foodland makes it very good and so does Food trucks near Chinaman’s hat! I had the best poke from a guy who buys it fresh from the fish auction. Rib lets from Helenas or Highway Inn are amazing also. Leonard’s bakery is a must stop if you have a sweet tooth! You never had a better donut in your life. Please rent a car to drive to these great eating spots! Their is a truck parked on the other side of the island also serving Leonard’s pastries. God I wish I had ate more then one!! Last but not least – I recommend trying bonefish in gravy. I had this at the Highway Inn. This is authentic cuisine which is a fave of the locals and now I know why. Bonefish is hard to catch! Ask any fly fisherman trying to catch one of these silvery skinned strong fish who fight hard when they are reeled in even by the most experienced fisherman.
2. The next logical stop is a great hike to burn those calories off after eating so good! That would be diamond head. The photo above I took on the initial hike up looking down toward the man made Tunnel to get inside the volcano which is where the adventure begins. After you spend a good hour and a half hike with plenty of water and macadamia cliff bars- you will find yourself overlooking the most gorgeous views of Oahu. This national park is visited by at least a million people a year! I met one man who runs it 4 times a week up and down for exercise! Wow. Now that is a motivator.
View from the top of Diamond head! Worth the hike! Don’t ya think!!!!!
3. Seeing the firework show done every Friday at 745p by the Hilton is a must. You can enjoy the beautiful sunset while sipping on a Mai Tai sitting on Waikiki Beach culminated by the sky lit up by fireworks. It is Nivana!
4. Rent a car to go to The Polynesian Culture center. My dollar rental magazine had a coupon for buy one get one free into this awesome attraction! That was a $60 savings and worth every penny. Don’t ya think my smile indicates that!
5. Don’t forget to enjoy nature. The birds are adorable.
6. Enjoy the environmental aspects of the islands by checking out the rich coral, fish, and rich history found in what lies beneath the sea. Ok – maybe it’s just those hot chicks on surf boards. Even the dude surfer seems to be about to fall off his board staring those girls down!
7. Go explore the island by driving leisurely down perhaps the Wainae Coast. You will experience a slower pace, but I must warn you that there is heavy traffic at times so being patience is a must. I found it worth it. The views were worth it on the secluded beaches we found to enjoy.
8. Make sure to take in some history by seeing Pearl Harbor or visiting the rich history of the military bases. There a few ways to enjoy this. One is by tour guide that I think is a must if you are short on time. My favorite way again is by renting a car. It is fairly easy to snag a free ticket to ferry across to The USS Arizona Memorial. Warning: windy weather can cancel ferry service . Get there by 630am and you are sure to get on a ferry as the wind will not have kicked up that early in the morning.
9. Make sure to visit one of the five botanical gardens. I was mesmerized by the beauty at Wahiawa.
10. Please think about going to the Aloha Bowl on either Wednesday , Saturday , or Sunday. You will definitely enjoy the opportunity to save money on a souvenir that could cost you half of what you might pay in downtown Honolulu.
Please return soon as I will expand on a few of these tips in the next couple of blog posts!
My room was so comfy!!!
People talk a lot about people watching. I suppose I spend my time more bird watching , but in Hawaii I had extra special views. This egret sums it up nicely. I ocean watched.
I truly admired this woman who never stopped to look at anything else, but the beautiful waves coming from the Pacific Ocean here on the island of Oahu. This is as peaceful as my mind can get. I enjoyed being on the island during the pipeline surfing contest . Swells got as high as 70 feet. The islands had not seen that in 50 years. Fortunately the surfers were able to compete! For myself and my traveling companions, we were content watching the surf! Scary seeing those guys and gals riding the waves, yet spectacular too. I promise soon to post some adventures I had on this trip. It was truly a wonderful time had by all.
Photography is never boring. I find beauty in everything.
Flowers. Sunsets, and nature in general bring me into my happy place. How about you?
Sunsets in Hawaii are amazing.
Cattle Egret are found neat Chinaman’s hat where cows are nearby. The egret love to eat the bugs off the cows.
The red-headed cardinal sure met my fancy!
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