5/27/06 "Il pochi il fiero i blabbermouths" We *will* sail again Part 12

[scuba diver]

Just got back from Stonewoods and it was much better than any Happy Meal.

Mike and Joan joined us. Matt was the DD so he drove over and back. It was fun watching him pay for dinner. He used my credit card, of course, but at least he put on the tip and signed. Since Sharon pays the bills it works for me.

Now I just need to go out and buy my birthday presents.

 

[kikipug]

Hey, be nice to me. It's my birthday.

I'm working on something that you are probably involved with. Deland Bike Rally. Nice event. Hope I can do my part to help out.

Sharon is at the gym so Matt is taking me to Stonewoods!!

I just sent you a PM... I'm on the Board of Directors for the DBR...

Wow... MY kid didn't take me to Stonewoods for MY birthday last week... oh wait... he's only 9... (we did have dinner at Inlet Harbor with the kids, my parents, and my boss... better view than Stonewoods, good company, lots of fun... of course, Stonewoods has better food overall, but they DON'T have Angels on Horseback.)

Yes, once again, I managed to fly under the radar for my b-day... just the way I like it.

 

[justmestace]

I just sent you a PM... I'm on the Board of Directors for the DBR...

Wow... MY kid didn't take me to Stonewoods for MY birthday last week... oh wait... he's only 9... (we did have dinner at Inlet Harbor with the kids, my parents, and my boss... better view than Stonewoods, good company, lots of fun... of course, Stonewoods has better food overall, but they DON'T have Angels on Horseback.)

Yes, once again, I managed to fly under the radar for my b-day... just the way I like it.

Maybe someone should have tipped us off!


HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY KIKI!!!

Was it "OH NO...the big 5-0" ???

Why else would you keep it a secret......

 

[WDWLVR]

Hi all! Checking in after another great day.

Monica I just have to say thank you for telling us about the Home of the Brave tour. It was awesome! I highly recommend this to anyone coming to Oahu. Talk about getting to know history. Really just awesome!

 

[scuba diver]

Maybe someone should have tipped us off!


HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY KIKI!!!

Was it "OH NO...the big 5-0" ???

Why else would you keep it a secret......

Kiki, Sorry I missed it. Happy Belated 50th Birthday!!!

 

[chip&dale&fun]

Good Morning All - back from the west coast of Fla. in time to run up to Ft. Pierce today.

Seems I missed some big news......Must catch up....Back soon.

 

[chip&dale&fun]

*************************************
Although, Since we have all of this free time on the weekends. , Maggie has announced the dreaded "C" word - camping. We took the kids once while we lived in Canada, eons ago - I guess I have not educated her well enough on benefits of a hotel room - cable TV, room service, and hot showers!!!
****************!

Way to go Maggie

Camping yipppeeeeee

I see some fun ahead in her future.....

 

[chip&dale&fun]

I just sent you a PM... I'm on the Board of Directors for the DBR...

Wow... MY kid didn't take me to Stonewoods for MY birthday last week... oh wait... he's only 9... (we did have dinner at Inlet Harbor with the kids, my parents, and my boss... better view than Stonewoods, good company, lots of fun... of course, Stonewoods has better food overall, but they DON'T have Angels on Horseback.)

Yes, once again, I managed to fly under the radar for my b-day... just the way I like it.

Hope your Birthday Year takes flight......

Now we know....

What year was it???? Surely you don't think we trust Sir Scuba with that information


Lookie - lookie - The morning top with KIKI AND HER BIRTHDAY

 

[chip&dale&fun]

Maybe someone should have tipped us off!


HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY KIKI!!!

Was it "OH NO...the big 5-0" ???

Why else would you keep it a secret......

Ahah - I see it was Stacey and not Jim that posted Kiki Karen's Birthday age...

In that case

hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee

 

[chip&dale&fun]

Hi all! Checking in after another great day.

Monica I just have to say thank you for telling us about the Home of the Brave tour. It was awesome! I highly recommend this to anyone coming to Oahu. Talk about getting to know history. Really just awesome!

Mary and Monica - I had to search = http://www.pearlharborhq.com/

We have been to Hawaii and PH but had not heard of this tour....For others, until Mark and Mary post a few pictures, here is a blurb...

Travel back in time for a nostalgic and informative
look at Hawaii in the 1940’s during World War II. Experience the Pearl Harbor Hawaii Victory Tour, a day of unforgettable historic Hawaii military site touring while you enjoy real life accounts of World War II, vintage film and music of the 1940’s and a trip to our private Home of the Brave museum. An evening Wartime Walking Tour of Honolulu is coming soon! Reserve your unforgettable Hawaii tour online today

 

[wdwgoose]

good mornin all




HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO all those who admit too it .






be safe all



gaRRy

 

[kikipug]

You're only off by 11 years.... and no, I'm NOT 61, either.

No, no one should have tipped anyone off... I LIKE birthdays that go by quietly!!!

Don't get me wrong... I don't mind birthdays... because it sure beats the alternative of NOT having any more birthdays...


Talk about feeling old...
Elizabeth turns 13 tomorrow... EEEKKKK!!!!!!!

And, on Saturday, I 'un-officially' became a Great Aunt. (My 20 year old nephew's fiance had a baby... he isn't the biological father, but he IS the Daddy... long story...) Paige Elizabeth is a welcomed addition to our family... (yes, my sister's family puts the 'fun' in dysFUNctional... but we love them all).

 

[ohiominnie]

And, on Saturday, I 'un-officially' became a Great Aunt. (My 20 year old nephew's fiance had a baby... he isn't the biological father, but he IS the Daddy... long story...) Paige Elizabeth is a welcomed addition to our family... (yes, my sister's family puts the 'fun' in dysFUNctional... but we love them all).

I've always been a Great Aunt

But it became official almost 2 years ago when my niece had Cody. She also did it the "non-traditional" way---baby first then marriage.

But, like you, we couldn't imagine our lives without this little one:

 

[mickeymo]

Way to go Maggie

Camping yipppeeeeee

I see some fun ahead in her future.....

Now, if I could just borrow my parents friends camper with the king sized bed tub, microwave, etc...etc......

 

[ohiominnie]

Now, if I could just borrow my parents friends camper with the king sized bed tub, microwave, etc...etc......

The question is, do you have one of THESE? I know where you can get them!!!!

 

[WDWLVR]

Good morning everyone! No pictures yet, but I can give you some more insight into the Home of the Brave tour. Pick up was EARLY. We had to be in Waikiki for a 6:20 am pick-up (and we were the last picked up).

As we got in the 12 person van there was a tv at the front running an old black and white 1940's era movie. I wasn't quite awake enough to figure out what it was but it was to get in the mood.

First stop was the Arizona Memorial. The whole reason we got up early because the line starts early and grows quickly. We got there and the line was already far enough back that our guide said he wasn't sure if we would be in group 1 or group 2 (groups are 150 people). He had a plan either way as he says they always try to be in one of those two groups. While waiting he did a great job of talking about the attack and about the ships that were in port that day and which ones weren't and why. He was very good and in fact we had people from the tours in front and back of us listening to him and not their own guides. Time to walk in and we got group 1 - yeah! We'll be the first on the memorial this morning. As we waited in line for the movie our guide pointed out a gentleman sitting across from the gift shop. He was one of the survivors and comes to the Memorial often to tell his story. Our guide informed us there are a 5-10 who come from time to time but this gentleman was his favorite and we shouldn't miss a chance to talk to him after our tour. You start with a 23 minute movie that talks abour the attack and what led up to it and then you take the boat out to the actual memorial. Very moving. After we had about 45 minutes to do the small museum, gift shop, snacks etc. We did do the gift shop but really didn't see the museum as we did stop to talk to Sheldon (I'm thinking that is his name - I'm not 100% sure this morning). As our guide said - the memorial will be there for many years to come, but how much longer can we talk to someone who was there that day. A true piece of history.

Back on the van we headed up to Wheeler Army Airfield. On the way our guide told stories about the day some of which have made it into movies. He also had great photographs he passed around the van showing the airfield and the planes used that day. As we road around Wheeler he pointed out which buildings had been hit and again had photographs showing some of the damage. Amazing!

Next stop was a drive to Schofield Army Barracks. The sad part of this is that right now it is pretty quiet as many of the residents are in Irag. There is a brand new sculpture on the grounds which was very moving. It showed a memorial to a fallen soldier (boots and gun with the helmet on the gun) in the front, then 4 soldiers paying respect to it. One dressed in Dessert Storm Gear, one in gear from Vietnam, one from Korea, and one from WWII. Again very moving and something you wouldn't see on a normal tour.

Next stop was Fort Shafter which was built in 1907. You have the beautiful palm circle (which if you saw the movie Pearl Harbor was used to depict Pearl Harbon and the hospital there). This is also home to what they call the Pineapple Pentagon where we got to see an actual medal of honor that is on display. Lunch was served in the Military Club here facing the golf course. It was a buffet that we paid for but very reasonable. We had our guide at our table so also got to hear and learn a bit about current day Oahu from him.

After lunch we drove through Punchbowl National Cemetary. This was my only disappointment. When I visited here back in 1988 with my mom we were able to get out and really enjoy the beauty. Tour groups are no longer allowed to stop here. Want to know why? Because all the beautiful Banyon trees that line the drives are full of carved grafitti. How sad! They said when they stoped the groups from stopping the incidents of destruction went way down. How very very sad that people would do this in a cemetary.

Our last stop was the Home of the Brave gift shop/museum. Very small but very cool. Yes it is a gift shop (these people must have visited Disney to know to end in a gift shop) but it also really pays tribute to the men and women who served. There are many many polaroid photos of survivors of Pearl Harbor who have visited. Each one shows their name, the dates they were in the military and where they served. Very cool! There is also lots of memoriabilia that they have had donated to them.

Then it was back to our drop off in Waikiki. We did a little walking around the Hilton Hawaiian Village (OM tell Nick we saw the penquins) and then back to our car. We were back at the resort about 3pm.

Last night was the resorts Mai Tai party which they have once a week. It is held out on the great lawn and when you rsvp for it you get 2 drink tickets per person (either Mai Tai or fruit punch), a name tag and some raffle coupons. It is a showcase for what the hotel has to offer as far as tours etc (some of the raffle gifts) and also the two shows they have here (both lauas). A fun way to pass an hour. We stayed about 40 minutes.

Then we took the shuttle over to the JW Marriott for dinner. All in all a great day!

 

[ohiominnie]

After lunch we drove through Punchbowl National Cemetary. This was my only disappointment. When I visited here back in 1988 with my mom we were able to get out and really enjoy the beauty. Tour groups are no longer allowed to stop here. Want to know why? Because all the beautiful Banyon trees that line the drives are full of carved grafitti. How sad! They said when they stoped the groups from stopping the incidents of destruction went way down. How very very sad that people would do this in a cemetary.

My mom says, "FOOL'S NAMES AND FOOL'S FACES ARE OFTEN FOUND IN PUBLIC PLACES."

I'll let Nick know about the penguins. Surely you got pictures. Don't worry about posting now, but please do when you get home!

 

[kikipug]

Last night was the resorts Mai Tai party which they have once a week. ...snip...A fun way to pass an hour. We stayed about 40 minutes.

This struck me funny (maybe because I'm stressed out and exhausted)... I guess you ran out of fun after 40 minutes, and couldn't hold out for the hour?

Glad to hear you're having a great trip! I reeeeeaaaaaallllly need to get away! Looking forward to our quick trip to NOLA next weekend...

 

[WDWLVR]

This struck me funny (maybe because I'm stressed out and exhausted)... I guess you ran out of fun after 40 minutes, and couldn't hold out for the hour?

Glad to hear you're having a great trip! I reeeeeaaaaaallllly need to get away! Looking forward to our quick trip to NOLA next weekend...

Actually we got there about 10 minutes after it started and left about 10 minutes early to catch the shuttle over for dinner.

 

[justmestace]

Thanks Mary, for the great description! I "almost" can see it in my head. You should be a travel reporter!
Sounds wonderful. Have a great time!!