Thursday, July 30, 2009

A year in paradise

I started this blog a year ago when we moved to Hawaii. I wanted to use it to keep in touch with family and friends on the mainland as we began our new adventure. It quickly became obvious that photos were needed. There are so many things here that are completely different from what I had experienced in 50+ years on the mainland, I felt that I couldn't do them justice without visual aids.

Now that I have experienced a full year here, the purpose of this blog is changing. I'll post events and activities as Rick and I experience them, but I do not know how frequently that will be. I don't want to repeat earlier posts and, honestly, we are doing a lot of the same things: sailing, studying and enjoying just living on this wonderful island.

I am continuing to tell everyone how wonderful Hawaii is as part of the Hawaii Vacation Blog on Hawaii-Aloha.com. Although the name is similar, it is a local travel agency that existed before I began this blog last year.
Hawaii Vacation Blog

For news about how Rick and I are doing in Hawaii, check out my posts on Posterous.com. It is great for quick info and crazy easy to use for posting to Facebook and Twitter.
Scheopner's Posterous

The Lynx

It looks like a pirate ship is hanging out in Honolulu. The Lynx came across as part of the Transpacific Yacht Race a week ago. It is a replica, built to the specifications of an 1812 privateer.We went on board to check it out yesterday.Lynx is a sail training and teaching ship.Rick is going on an afternoon sail on the Lynx today. He hopes they will let him fire the canons, or at least ring the bell.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Kailua July 4 Parade

Kailua has a great July 4 parade. It lasted almost an hour and a half and included all the elements of a small town parade anywhere: marching bands, horses, politicians and youth groups. There were also some things unique to the island, like a church float with hula dancers. I have way too many pictures to post, but here is a quick tour.

Getting a good spot.

Parades never start on time.

Underway at last! (Keep an eye on the house behind.)

Media attention for politicians and war heroes.


Parade marshal: Wally (formerly Famous) Amos, who lives and has a store in Kailua. His helpers handed out coupons for free cookies!

Favorite parade hand-out: freezie pops!


Getting photos of the Royal Hawaiian Band.

Fraternal organizations in costume.


Champion cheerleaders!

Wacky weather people.



Local organic grocer had a dancing cow. By this time next year, Whole Foods may have Kailua store open, which will be direct competition.


First time I've seen Scientologists march in a parade.
One church had patriotic hula dancers.


Participants and on-lookers interact.

Big cheers for the Kailua High School Alumni Association.

Hot car.

Hot dog.

Hot chicks.

Patriotic tunes from bagpipes.


Near the end of the parade there were two HUGE trucks: dancers on one and an entire live band on the other.

It was a private company with the biggest presence in the parade.

Fire department ends the parade. After hours in the hot sun, people walk alongside the fire engines to depart.

Stealth shaka.

Parade pau (at noon).

On to the fireworks!