Texoma Peanut Farm

Thursday, Feb 28th

Mom and Dad, Uncle Martin and Aunt Mary ventured to Madill, OK to check out the peanut farm Mom and Dad had seen while traveling back to Iowa last year.

The Texoma Peanut Company is a complete peanut processing facility offering farmer stock peanut handling and drying, in-shell peanut processing, peanut shelling, and custom processing including peanut blanching.



There is no official tour of the peanut farm, but they stopped an talked with someone and told them to drive around and see it for themselves. They ended up visiting with the "tall man" in the photo to better understand the peanut business.




After their self-guided peanut tour, they visited The Peanut Inn, the peanut company's retail store. They offer roasted or raw in-shell peanuts, shelled peanuts, peanut snacks, gift baskets, and candy items.

Click here if you are interested in the history:
http://www.texomapeanut.com/history/history.htm

It was a good day had by all!

Justin Tx & TX Motor Speedway

My uncle and aunt have been visiting from Gilmore City, Ia (Martin & Mary Janssen).

Today Mom and Dad took them to Justin Texas to the Justin Boots outlet store. Dad purchased a new pair of boots and Martin & Mary bought a few clothing items for themselves and other family members.

They, then headed to the Texas Motor Speedway and enjoyed a tour of the speedway. The highlight was the 85 mile an hour tour in a van of the speedway. Who knew that the bank was that steep!

They were then on to Cleburne,TX to check out some used recreational vehicles. Mom and Dad are looking for something a little bigger, that they can still pull with the truck. Stay tuned for more updates on that....








Dad is shown here, showing off his boots and Mom is modeling her TX Motor Sports hat.

We are all sitting out by the pool enjoying a beer in the warm Texas sun. It was 78 here today, temps topped out in the low 90s in Fort Worth. Beats the snow and ice back at home!

Burning Down the House

The song "Burning Down the House" by the Talking Heads was never so appropriate as it was last night. I had been doing some laundry and everytime I went into the laundry room, it smelled like smoke. Doug could not smell it because he's been sick with a stuffy nose and cough. My parents were both here....Mom could not smell it ....but Dad could.

I kept being persistant about it, because the smell of smoke was not going away....so Doug took off the front of the dryer....this is what we saw...apparantly some lint had caught fire...there was a large area of black stuff.

What we saw when we took off the dryer front!

BEFORE the clean-up AFTER the clean-up

Grandma and Grandpa - Guitar Heros

Jackie came home this weekend to nurse a broken heart and spend some "fun" time at home and take her mind of her sadness.

She is shown here giving Grandma Dot and Grandpa Wilbert lessons on being a Guitar Hero. I don't think we have to worry about them being a RockStar anytime soon.

This evening we enjoyed a long, long game of 500.
Dad and I won, Mom and Jackie were in second place.....Yes they lost!


Muahhhhhhhaaaaaa!!!!!

Mahana #419

The Mahana at Kaanapoli was our home away from home for our Maui vacation. We truly enjoyed this beautiful condo and may try to book this one the next time we return. This condo is own by the Rasmussens of North Central Minnesota who vacationed there twice on their 25th and 35th anniversary, before deciding to buy it!

We had originally booked a one bedroom, one bath suite; but when we checked in we were upgraded to a two bedroom, two bath suite ~ for the same price! We took the photo of the building and we are on the 4th floor, corner suite. There are two lanais in the front (one in the bedroom and one in the living room, the other windows on the side are in the living room and dining room)

The word "Mahana" means "Twins" in Hawaiian. The Mahana is comprised of two twelve-story buildings situated on five acres of lush, tropical landscape. The 216-unit condominium resort directly faces the ocean at the north end of the famous Kaanapali Beach in West Maui, Hawaii. Each condo has a front view of the ocean and views of the two Hawaiin islands of Lanai and Molokai as well as a view when you exit your condo of the West Maui Mountains.
http://www.mahanaaoao.com/

The Mahana at Kaanapali is an unusual property featuring all direct oceanfront units. Privately tucked away at the end of Kaanapali Shores Place, The Mahana attracts owners and visitors who enjoy quiet oceanfront living close to the activity in Kaanapali and historic Lahaina. Get a live view of our surroundings from our Rooftop Webcam. We called each of our parents so they could view the webcam and I waved to them both. Aloha from Hawaii!









The master bedroom with ocean view and lanai.

























The second bedroom, Doug used this as his personal dressing room.



















Beautiful kitchen with tile floors and granite countertops.




















The dining room and living room, a corner unit that we enjoyed both an ocean view and garden view.

Road to Hana

Sunday, February 10th.

We were picked up in the lobby of the hotel, by our Temptation Tours driver (Dan) at 7am. We proceeded to the Westin Hotel in our air-conditioned limo-van, to pick up another couple who would be joining us on our Hana Highway Picnic Tour. The couple that joined us was Greg/Julie, visiting Hawaii from Marshalltown Iowa.

This is a full-day tour. We started the day in Kahului with a continental breakfast at an art gallery. We then toured to Paia ( a town known for its world-wide championship surfing competions). When we arrived in Hana, we celebrated with a catered lunch (crystal plates, tablecloths and the whole nine-yards). It was a lovely al fresca luncheon of Tamari Ginger Chicken, Baked Mahi Mahi, Fried Rice, Salad, Fresh Pineapple, Bread and Macadamia Nut cookies.

We took over 100 pictures of this roundtrip journey, but none quite show the hairpin turns as we would like you all to see. All of a sudden the road would just go down to one lane and then make a turn. I hoped and prayed several times, there would not be somebody coming from the other side as you would not see them until it was too late! Luckily with the road being so curvy, the vehicle speeds could not be but about 10 mpg...That is why it takes 3 hours to go 52 miles!

Dan, the Van Man preparing our lunch at the state park in Hana.



Although the Hāna Highway is only about 52 miles from Kahului, a typical trip to Hāna takes about three hours, as the road is very winding, very narrow and passes over 54 bridges, 46 of which are only one-lane bridges, requiring oncoming traffic to yield and occasionally causing brief traffic jams if two vehicles meet head-on. There are approximately 617 curves along Highway 360 from just east of Kahului to Hana, virtually all of it through lush, tropical rainforest. Many of the concrete and steel bridges date back to 1910 and all but one are still in use. That one bridge, badly damaged by erosion, has been paralleled by a portable steel Bailey bridge erected by the Army Corps of Engineers. Signs on the old bridge warn pedestrians to stay off due to imminent collapse.

In August 2000 , the Hana Highway was designated by President Bill Clinton as the "Hana Millennium Legacy Trail", with the trail start designated in the surf commune of Paia . The Hāna Highway is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Some of our highlights included the many waterfalls, Kakala Gardens and the stand that sells the award winning "Hawaii's Best Banana Bread" Doug bought 2 loaves!




We are shown here at our last stop on the tour. I finally got to get a Hawaiin Shave Ice. I ordered Guava. MMMM! Good!

Maui Ocean Center

Saturday, February 9th.

We visited the Maui Ocean Center.

Averaging over 400,000 visitors annually, the Maui Ocean Center is one of Maui’s biggest attractions for eco-tourism activities. Throughout the marine park, interactive displays, outdoor touch pools and unique exhibits such as the acrylic tunnel through a 750,000-gallon, Open Ocean Exhibit teeming with over 2,000 fishes; encourage visitors to experience Hawai‘i’s marine life up-close.


All the animals displayed at the Maui Ocean Center are collected exclusively from waters around the Hawaiian Islands. All collecting is conducted under strict, government permits and the animals are featured and cared for with integrity.

Since Coral World International opened its $20-million Maui Ocean Center in March 1998, this state-of-the-art facility has lured visitors from around the globe fascinated with experiencing a glimpse of Hawai‘i’s undersea world. Aptly named “The Hawaiian Aquarium,” this state-of-the-art marine park on the island of Maui is the only facility in the world dedicated to fostering understanding, wonder and respect for Hawaii’s marine life. Here, visitors can see spectacular live coral displays (the largest collection in the nation), enjoy playful swimming displays by Hawai‘i’s beloved green sea turtles, awe at close encounters with sharks, rays and more – while learning about Hawai‘i’s natural history and cultural heritage.

Old Lahaina Luau

Friday, February 9th - Old Lahaina Luau

We booked this luau back in July 2007 as it is known to be the most authentic luau. Seating is based on reservations. Guess it was good we booked early, as we were the first two seats next to the stage. There was one row of "mat seating" in front of us. But we did not want to sit on the floor/mat so this was perfect.

The evening was great and I got lots of great pictures of which only a few are shown here. We watched many local craftsman and got to see the pig unearthed.




Girls doing the hula
















Guys doing a tribal dance.









Description of Our Evening

Aloha Greeting: We were greeted with a fresh flower lei, tropical drink and a personalized souvenir program. Premium open bar included through out the evening. Gotta love those mai tais. A luau hosts escorted us to our reserved seats and acquainted us with the Luau grounds. We watched the islanders demonstrate traditional arts and crafts of island life and we listened to the Hawaiian music presented by Na Leo Ho'oulu.

Imu Presentation: At the ocean’s edge, we gathered at the firepit as the Kalua pig is unearthed from the “Imu”, the traditional Hawaiian underground oven.

The Feast (Pa`ina Ahiahi):
· Freshly baked taro rolls and macadamia nut butter served at tables.
· The Luau hosts escort guests to the Hale Aÿi (Eating House) - see the menu below.

Entertainment: Upon sunset, the evening’s main entertainment begins. The award-winning production tells the story of the Hawaiians. They present the Hula as it was meant to be performed with the respect and honor of their Ancestors. Beginning with the history of the Polynesian migration, then to the ancient Hawaiian Hula, followed by the evolution to a more contemporary style Hula.

Ote`a The program begins with the early migration of the Polynesians across the Pacific to the “new islands” of Hawaii .
Kahiko The ancient Hula was a way of communicating with the Gods. It is accompanied by chanting, and traditional implements and is performed with respect for our ancestors.
Missionaries and the Merrie Monarch The missionaries brought many changes. They present Hula depicting this era as well as celebrating King Kalakaua.
Auana The modern Hula was influenced by immigrants and tourism. Hula dancers tell their stories through their graceful moves, subtle eyes and lovely hula hands.

MENU:
Kalua Pua`a - Pork roasted in our beachside Imu; the Hawaiian underground oven

Lau Lau - Pork wrapped in Luau leaf steamed to perfection

Maui Style Mahi-Mahi - Chef’s Special Preparation

Pulehu Steak - Tenderloin Style Steak grilled to perfection

Chicken Long Rice - Shredded chicken, Maui onions, ginger and rice bean noodles in broth

Island Style Chicken - Chicken marinated with guava sauce garnished with fresh pineapples and
Toasted sesame seeds

Stir Fry Vegetables - Zucchini, Maui onions, carrots, broccoli, sugar snap peas, and baby corn

Local Style Fried Rice - Fried rice with green onions, peas, and sesame oil

Sweet Potato - Warm sliced Big Island sweet potatoes

Island Crab Salad - Crab, shrimp and water chestnuts

Taro Salad - Taro and spinach folded in coconut sauce

Pohole Salad - Fern shoots, Maui onions and tomatoes served in a vinaigrette sauce

Lomi Lomi Salmon - Tomatoes, Maui onions, and salted salmon

Ahi Poke - Fresh raw ahi (yellow fin tuna) with green onions and Maui onions

Poi - Made from boiling and mashing the root of the taro plant

Fresh Island Fruit & Banana Bread

Assorted Island Desserts - Chocolate Mac Nut Brownie, Maui Macadamia Nut Tart, Lilikoi Mousse Chocolate Cups, and Coconut Haupia.

Maui Tropical Plantation

Day 2 - Friday, February 8th.

We enjoyed breakfast in our condo, before heading out to the Maui Tropical Plantation. This is a 60 acre working plantation, where we learned about Hawaii's rich agricultural history, complete with tasty free samples (coconut, pineapple, Kona coffee, macadamia nuts, avacado, bananas, sugar cane, mango, guava, star fruit and papaya).

We rode the tram around the entire property learning about all the native Hawaii plants and also those introduced to the island. During the tour, we received a demonstration on the correct way to open a coconut.









This was a beautiful setting at the foot of the West Maui Mountains.



















Ginger Flowers























Bird of Paradise









Palm trees lining the property at the foot of the West Maui Mountains.

Pacific Whale Foudation

Thursday, February 7th.

Doug and I got up early this morning
5:30 Hawaii time - 9:30am Central Time. We made breakfast of bacon, eggs and toast before heading to Lahaina for our Whale Watch tour. We had to check in at 7:45 am with the tour starting at 8:15am.

We didn't even get out of the Lahaina Harbor before we saw a Mom and her calf. The ship "Ocean Discovery" (which holds about 150 people) can only be within 100 yards of a whale. We then went on with our journey and saw several more whales from a distance. They were all doing various things to entertain us:

Blow: whale spout
Breach: when a whale propels itself completely out of the water.
Peduncle Arch: when a whale takes it's body high out of the water.
Fluke Up Dive: when a whale brings its tail out of the water.
Pec Slap: when a whale rolls sideways and slaps its 15 foot pectoral fin on the water.
Spy Hop: when a whale rises straight out of the water, showing its head and eyes.
Peduncle Throw: when the whales rear portion is thrown out of the water and slams down on the water.
Head Slap: when a whale lunges head first out of the water (about 20 feet)
Tail Slap: forceful slap of a tail against the water.

But the best part of this whale watch, was finding 2 playful juvenile males, approximately 3 yrs old who found the boat curious. Remember the boat cannot get within 100 yards of them. The boat was stopped to watch them and they swam right up to the boat, showing off by "blowing, slapping, laying on their backs, etc... These pictures are all taken right next to the boat with no zoom lens. At one point the whales actually swam underneath the boat and came out the other side.

It was the coolest thing I've ever seen!

Not only did we get to see whales, we saw a few dolphins swimming with the whales. AWESOME!!!!




SPY HOP is above

http://www.pacificwhale.org/

Welcome to Maui!

Wednesday, February 6th

Welcome to Maui! After an 8 hour flight from DFW to OGG, Doug and I were both welcomed with double orchid lei greetings. They were beautiful!

The airport itself was very small, we waited a short time for our bags and then headed to the local "BIG KMART" to check out groceries. We thought we had about an hour to go across the island to get to our hotel, so decided to shop at the local SAFEWAY in the town of Lahaina instead.

The weather was grey and drizzly when we arrived and we drove in raindrops most of the way to the hotel. We checked in at our hotel "ResortQuest Mahana". We chose this hotel, because all the rooms have an ocean view in the front and a mountain view in the back. On arrival, we were upgraded from a 1 Bedroom, 1 bath suite to a 2 Bedroom, 2 bath suite.....we could have had room for 2-4 more people. I will post pictures on the hotel at a later date.

After we got acclamated to our hotel room, we drove to Subway for a quick snack. We both were quite hungry as American Airlines served no food at all for a 8 hour flight. Luckily we had brought some snacks on board....so of course they always had snacks for purchase.....Anyways...After we had our stomachs filled, we drove to the local SAFEWAY store and did some grocery shopping. We have a full kitchen in our condo and we planned on making breakfast each morning and having sandwiches for lunch on a couple of days.

Here are some of the prices:

1 dozen eggs= $3.39

Loaf of Safeway bread $3.69

20 pk of Budweiser = $15.99

Bag of Tostitos chips = $4.69

Small jar of Tostitos salsa = $4.09

Aloha, til tomorrow!

Vacation Hat

Well, I'm getting ready for vacation little by little.

I did not have time to get my electric tan before vacation, so my friend Linda offered to let me use her sun hat for vacation. Maybe I won't get sunburned on the first day anyway!

Jill has been sporting the hat most of the day...doesn't she look cute! I wished I looked that good in a hat...they keep telling me I look like someone who has cancer, when I wear the hat.
I'm just trying to prevent cancer!

Playing Cards

Jill and Jackie came home this weekend to see my Mom and Dad who are here visiting from Iowa.

They love to play cards with Grandma and Grandpa...Jackie gets a "little" frustrated being Grandpa's partner sometime...but that makes it even more fun!

They are pictured here playing a rousing game of 500.

Back from Russia

Doug returned from Moscow Wednesday afternoon. He slept for a few hours and then had dinner and went back to bed until about 4:30am.

His trip to Moscow was cold, snowy and icy. His hotel room was however, about 90 degrees. His work schedule did not go well either. The machine was held up in customs for a week; then the site did not have power and they waited to get an electrician to the site to get that completed; then they waited for money to test the machine...only to be unable to do the testing themselves. (They were not allowed to touch the money - only the employees). He spent most of his first day back doing alot of work for that site as well.

He is very happy to be home.

To the left are photos of my russian nesting dolls he brought home. My dolls have 10 different dolls, the smallest one is about the size of a bebe.







Here is some information from Wikipedia about Russian Nesting Dolls:
A matryoshka [mɐˈtrʲoʂkə]) doll or a Russian nested doll (also called a stacking doll or Babushka doll) is a set of dolls of decreasing sizes placed one inside another. "Matryoshka" is a derivative of the Russian female first name "Matryona", which is traditionally associated with a fat, robust, rustic Russian woman.
A set of matryoshkas consists of a wooden figure which can be pulled apart to reveal another figure of the same sort inside. It has, in turn, another figure inside, and so on. The number of nested figures is usually five or more. The shape is mostly cylindrical, rounded at the top for the head and tapered towards the bottom, but little else; the dolls have no hands (except those that are painted). Traditionally the outer layer is a woman, dressed in a sarafan, holding a rooster. Inside, it contains other figures that may be of both genders, usually ending in a baby that does not open. The artistry is in the painting of each doll, which can be extremely elaborate.
Matryoshkas are often designed to follow a particular theme, for instance peasant girls in traditional dress, but the theme can be anything, from fairy tale characters to Soviet leaders.
Matryoshkas are a relatively new Russian handicraft; the first one dates from 1890, and is said to have been inspired by souvenir dolls from Japan. However, the concept of nested objects was familiar in Russia, having been applied to carved wooden apples and Easter eggs; the first Fabergé egg, in 1885, had a nesting of egg, yolk, hen, and crown.
The story goes that Sergei Maliutin, a painter from a folk crafts workshop in the Abramtsevo estate of a famous Russian industrialist and patron of arts Savva Mamontov, saw a set of Japanese wooden dolls representing Shichi-fuku-jin, the Seven Gods of Fortune. The largest doll was that of Fukurokuju - a happy, bald god with an unusually tall chin - and within it nested the six remaining deities. Inspired, Maliutin drew a sketch of a Russian version of the toy. It was carved by Vasiliy Zvezdochkin in a toy workshop in Sergiyev Posad and painted by Sergei Maliutin. It consisted of eight dolls; the outermost was a girl in an apron, then the dolls alternated between boy and girl, with the innermost – a baby. In 1900, M.A. Mamontova, the wife of Savva Mamontov, presented the dolls at the World Exhibition in Paris and the toy earned a bronze medal. Soon, many other places in Russia started making matryoshki of various styles. A doll which represents an old woman is often called a baboushka or babushka, that which represents an old man a dedoushka or dedushka.