December 2017 Journal Photos

A great turnout: every seat was occupied.

Sunday morning snowman factory. On the right I'm assembling an electronic Christmas tree I received as a gift last year.

Monnday afternoon we went to the beach. See the coconut grove beyond the banyan? That's what's left of the King of Oahu's thousand
tree coconut grove.

Tuesday afternoon the canoe was completed.

Wayland started off by introducing the subject: game analysis for the 2009 FRC Lunacy.

Kilohana gave hula lessons to some keiki.

Former governor Neil Abercrombie listened (right) while Mary Cooke (left) spoke, thanking conributors and volunteers.

Retiring board chair Carol spoke too.

Dr. Akina was asked to speak as well.

Kilohana performed hula for the guests.

Friday morning I got this photo in the email of snow in Deridder, Louisiana, from John Gardner.

Friday afternoon I drove to IC electronics supply to buy a couple of 10k resistors and then went to the beach while Andrea visited Mom.

Friday evening I received this photo of Becky and Malia together in Connecticut from Becky.

Saturday morning I completed the electronic Christmas tree and it works!

Saturday afternoon Andrea took Mom for a drive and took this panoramic photo at Makapuu. Click the image to see the full resolution version.

Ryan worked on his bonsai he brought to share.

My son Robert's house via Facebook. Photo by Robert Wagner.

Andrea put out our Christmas plate collection from the '80s and '90s.

Andrea and I drove to Ala Moana Shopping Center on Tuesday to get items for the Salvation Army Angel Tree Gift Tags program. We looked
for a blender, tall fan, and rice cooker. We got a Moana LEGO set at the LEGO store. Then we had lunch at Islands restaurant on the third floor.

Andrea and Faye went to Roy's. Sunset photo by Andrea.

Paul and I joined Faye and Andrea at Roy's for pupu and cocktails.

On Friday Andrea and I went to the beach and I saw a rugby tournament across the street in Kapiolani Park. Click the image to see the full resolution version.

There was lots of good food. Sharon sat next to us.

Getting toward the end and saying goodbye.

Almost ready to go. Photo by Andrea.

There was a slight threat of rain but it was perfect weather.

Paul in Action.

The rack of lamb and vegetables were delicious.

I counted about 30 people in line before the doors opened to the public.

Helen was there with her hanafuda workshop crew.

There were some nice bonsai in the display area.

My tree, center, was a formal upright hau. The display was too cramped this year.

A line remained at checkout well into the first hour.

Shohin and mame were displayed in the middle.

The steps to the stage were used as a holding area for plants while shoppers continued browsing.

Ryan did the first demonstration at 10:00 AM. I performed a demonstration at 11:00 on a kiawe tree.

The school administration office building had this mural depicting the Manoa legend of Kaui. Click the image to see the full resolution version.

The tour stopped at the statue of the first Chinese emperor.

A koa tree stands behind the first Chinese emperor and a sandalwood (iliahi) is to the right.

Nanette talks about Chinese cemetary practices and traditions.

The grand ancestor's tomb has a prominent place in the cemetary.

The tomb of the grand ancestor.

There's a statue of a Buddhist monk behind the banyan tree above the grand ancestor's tomb.

We stopped at Chang Apana's grave. Chang Apana was the Honolulu police detective who inpired the Charley Chan books.

Nanette showed us how to present offerings and pay respect at a Chinese grave. I was tasked with cleaning the grave. Others lit incense, etc.

Bow three times. Photo by Andrea.

Clap three times. Photo by Andrea.

Burn the paper boats and money. Photo by Andrea.

Finish off with the firecrackers. Photo by Andrea.

Jenny asked me to help Mary go up the steps to go home. Photo by Andrea.

Afterward we went to the Moana Hotel for cocktails and pupu at the Banyan Court beach bar.

The musicians and lovely hula dancer were quite good.

Wednesday morning I received a holiday greeting in email from Asgardia, the first space nation, of which I am a citizen.

On Wednesday I went to the beach by myself while Andrea went shopping. I had the place mostly to myself.

The realtor there at the Kaimana Hotel businesses had his 1916 Ford decorated for Christmas.

Saturday morning we're getting ready for the party.

Lots of good food. Photo by Jennifer Crites.

Many guests arrived after 5:00 PM.

Faye and Paul provided champagne flutes and prosecco.

Faye was stunning in her red party outfit.

Sitting outside was quite popular.

Thomas sang "Lava," the opening song from the movie Moana.

Sunday afternoon, Christmas Eve, Andrea and I went to the beach. It was fairly crowded with tourists. Click the image to see the high
resolution version.

Paul barbecued vegetables and tenderloin on Christmas Eve.

Paul gets kissed for his efforts.

Faye with the finished bonsai.

In the afternoon Andrea and I visited Mom and brought her presents. She also talked to Thomas and Jan on the phone.

On Thursday, the fourth day of Christmas, I took this photo of Lono with his Christmas ribbon and elf hat. Ku is wrapped in white paper.

Monk seal resting on Sans Souci Beach Thursday afternoon.

Friday afternoon at the beach. Click the image to see the full resolution version.

Andrea went for a walk while I swam and then came back and took this panorama. That's me buttoning my shirt in the middle. Click the image
to see the full resolution version.

I cooked this time while Faye and Paul enjoyed the cool and calm evening.

The pig's skin is pierced with skewers after stuffing.

The fire logs burn down to coals in the background.

Inside shrimp are being prepared.

Sabrina prepares to push the spit through the pig.

It takes considerable force.

Carl washes the pig.

Basting the pig over the fire.

The pig is done and now cutting off the skin for pupu.

After eating and watching the keiki play.

Carved wooden figures by the front door with lucky dragons.

Popo poses with the grand and great grandchildren.

A game of mah jong while we wait for firecrackers and champagne at midnight.