November 2007

Happy November! It’s time for my monthly update.

First off, let me say, I still love Colorado. We had a “light dusting” of snow a couple of weeks ago. It was on a Sunday morning and I was like a little kid. In fact, you would probably have a hard time telling us apart that morning. We jumped out of bed and started getting dressed as fast as we could so we could go outside and play. The two dogs were running around like crazy, Kailyn and I were playing tossing snowballs and watching the dogs chase each other around. It was great big flakes and so clean and white. Patrick started the wood stove and we warmed up and enjoyed watching the snow fall that morning. By that afternoon, it was sunny, the roads were clear and it was warming up. Reminded me of Tucson and how it’ll snow that morning and be clear by 11am. Who knew the first snow would be so much fun for me. Ask me how I like the snow come January and it maybe a different story.

I am still looking for a job. My temp assignment at the Law Firm ended and that left me bummed out. But as things would have it, the temp agency found me another job. The funny part is, it is in the same building downtown, just on the 8th floor. I really like this job too and it may turn into something permanent.



Now, working in Downtown Denver is an experience that one must experience to enjoy living in a big city. They have a Light Rail System that runs all around the city and leads to popular places like Downtown Denver, Coors Field (Where the Rockies lost the World Series), Invesco Field (Where the Broncos lose, a lot ) . Well on my route from Littleton to Downtown Denver, I see some pretty cool things. I drive to the RTD parking lot (this is free!) I need to get there early so I can get a parking spot so I arrive around 6:45am.....yes folks, you heard it here first, I get up before the chickens now....quit laughing! Ok so I walk up to this cute little coffee shop called “Romancing the Bean” it’s in the old train station and is so quaint. Then I head down the stairs to purchase my ticket. Ok this is better than parking in downtown Denver, parking can cost from $10 to $20 dollars a day, no wonder this form of public transportation is so well received. So, I’m standing on the platform, in the dark, in the cold, with 50 or so other people who are carrying backpacks. I’m the only one without a backpack. I have my purse and a plastic bag from the grocery store with my lunch in it. I gotta look into getting me a backpack. Ok so here comes the train, cute little thing - four cars, plenty of room for standing, I’ve done that a few times, but as luck would have it, there’s a seat and I’m going to get it. The seats aren’t that comfy, its just a short ½ hour commute but I am riding backwards. Doesn’t do too well for the equilibrium, gotta see where I am going . Ok our first stop is the wonderful City of Sheridan, big whoop, my car got paint balled here a few weeks ago, thats why I changed stops. Our next stop is Englewood Civic Center, here they have some wonderful sculptures out front. There’s a big, huge parking lot and this is where most of the passengers get on board. Toot Toot! Next stop, Evans, ah, just a cute little stop nothing fancy, just some old homes to look at, and the architecture in this city is amazing. No flat roofs, no adobe, nothing ugly like that - just brick and angled roofs, with cute windows, really old fashioned homes. Now as we proceed to the next stop, you can look to your left and see the football stadium. By the looks of it, this place is made of all metal. Hmmm, with my experience with metal, it gets really hot and retains the heat, but in the cold, it retains the cold. Who’s dumb idea was it to make a stadium out of metal. I don’t’ think I’ll be visiting it anytime soon, unless the Bronco’s decide to show up and win a game. Ok the next few stops aren’t so interesting since they take us under the highway and around the corner to Denver Community College, this is where most of the kids get off to go to school. Next is the Denver Convention Center and Performing Arts, on this part of the trip you see some incredible sculptures, one looks like a stack of yellow french fries, another looks like a curly Q, there is a pair of huge people dancing, then we turn the corner and my favorite, a big blue bear looking into the Convention Center. We pass Bubba Gump’s and on into downtown. Here, there are people bundled up, walking at a hurried pace headed to their offices, Starbucks in hand and even though the pace is so fast, they have time to smile and maybe say a kind word, or even joke about how dark it is or how darn cold that wind is today. When you ride public transportation, I feel it brings people together, you meet nice people riding next to someone for a ½ an hour. Or you can listen to some pretty funny conversations too. All in all, I like working in Downtown Denver.



To sum things up, I also got an apartment. It’s a little hole in the wall, but it was time for me to be on my own again. I appreciate everything that Maggie and Patrick did for me. But I’m too old to be hanging around a young married couple with a six year old. I have raised my daughter, I have had my own experiences having a marriage and family. I didn’t want to over stay my welcome, so out into the world I go. It isn’t a fancy apartment and by some standards it’s pretty ghetto looking, but its home and I can afford this place and maybe I can even save some money so I can buy a house next year. My biggest brag about this place is that I GOT CABLE!! And I get to have the remote!! The biggest part, I DON”T HAVE TO WATCH SPONGEBOB SQUARE PANTS anymore!

So life is good and I’m having fun being independent again. Oh, I also changed my number to a Colorado number, it’s looks better on my resume, so if you’d like it, just e-mail me and I’ll be happy to give it to you along with my new address.

Take care all! And have a Blessed Thanksgiving!

Kerri Lynn

Home again - GO ROCKIES!

I am back from my visit to Tucson. I must say that Tucson was nice to visit but it's always good to be home. It's a wonderful 50 degrees with the sun shining and warming things up nicely. The Rocky Mountains have a beautiful dusting of snow on the peaks and I am in Heaven!

I want to thank everyone who made time for me while I was there. My daughter, who had no choice...I love you my daughter. I know I must have stressed you out and I guess that's just part of growing up. (Mom's have a way of doing that, we can't help it). You have done such a great job in tending to your house, work and relationships. Your little dog Spartacus is so funny and loving.

My BFF Donna and her family, thanks for not letting me go Sunday and having me over for dinner. We did a great deal of laughing about current events and past experiences. I had a great visit. I am so glad I have had you in my life for the last couple decades. Yes, I said decades, it sounds so much better than saying 30 years. Your daughter is such a sweet young lady and is a joy to be around.

My life coach, Michelle. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your contribution to my life. My life is so much better with you in it and I am right on track with my new life goals. Thank you for having me at your home and introducing me to you pets, yes....even the slimy, slinky, green snake. And yes, if I were to live in Tucson, we would work on that too!

Cece, Sande and Pam! Oh my gosh, it was so nice to see you girls! I definately want you gals to come up and visit! There are alot of places to ski here in Colorado, I just won't be able to join you on the slopes. But, I know when you do come up, we WILL have a blast.

Peter, you will always be a "rock" for me. It was so nice to see you and to hear how your kids are doing. I can't believe that Jackie is graduating next year! It was nice to hear about your annivesary trip to Italy. That will definately be one place I will visit. I liked you shirt you were wearing. For years when you told me where you worked, I thought you said you worked for "Mr. Beir" not Mr Beer! I thought it was a guy!!! What a dope I am! Now I know where you are! Give my love to Jane and the girls!

Sherri and Christine! My partners in higher finance! Congratulations Sherri on your promotion and move to the office closer to home. You deserve the shorter commute! And I bet you bring a little life to your new office. Christine, you are such a beautiful woman! I am happy for you and your relationship! I'll let you know when I start looking for a house here in the Denver area.

Just a few thank yous for your hospitality, Gram Scheeler, you are so cute and I love to hear your stories.

Ted, Juliet and Linnea! Thanks for a wonderful dinner and I had so much fun playing with your beautiful daughter.

Jessica and Nancy, breakfast was nice and it was fun to catch up with each other.

Nancy, Mona, Reesa, Samantha, Valerie, Darcy and all the other scrapbookers! It was so cool to see you guys for the Great Gatherings! Keep on scrapping girls, I'm still trying to find a group here in Denver. You'd think they'd be all over the place, but I can't find anyone!

Finally, Aidin and Jenny. Oh my goodness, Jenny, your little boy is such a sweetheart! You are such a good mother and have such a darling little guy. Keep up the good work and I hope to see you again soon!

Ok, take care everyone and I'll write again soon!

Kerri Lynn

I'm loving life!

Hi everyone! Sorry it has been so long since I have updated my blog. However, life is so good in Colorado. I LOVE IT HERE! There is something about this place that has given me a new lease on life. Whether it is the family who has "adopted" me or the fact that it is somewhere new, I am not sure. I am feeling so good about the choices I have made and no doubt, it, I am very happy.

A little about my "family" in Colorado. Pat and Maggie, they have a cute little 6-year-old daughter, Kailyn. She is such a little ball of fire, and definitely a light in my life. Pat and Maggie have included me in so much of their lives, I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I am to them in helping my plans come to light. We all share in the daily household chores, taking care of the dogs, helping Kailyn in her schoolwork, whether it is her spelling words or taking turns reading to her at bedtime. Maggie is such a good friend, she never says anything negative about anyone, she always gives you the benefit of the doubt if you say something and mean something else. (One of my biggest problems, open mouth and insert foot). She is supportive, kind and is a delight to be around. Patrick is fun, he is all boy. Because of him, I have learned to enjoy watching NASCAR, MLB, NFL and Drag Car racing....Get well John Force!!! We have fun on the weekends watching football and have been a football pool where I work. We have not won yet, but I think this week is going better than others for us.

Work. I spent the first few weeks looking for a job and I was working at the Olive Garden. It seemed like a nice place to work, and I even enjoyed it. Things just did not work out for me, I did not like the staff coming in the back and saying F this and F that and the Managers would turn a deaf ear or blind eye to things happening around them. There was so much chaos. One time I was walking to the dish room and got caught in the middle of a water fight between the dishwashers and one of the food servers. Let me tell you, that water was HOT. And I was soaked and still had guests to take care of in the dining room. Therefore, after hurling around 40+ pound trays, listening to people complain and finding out this was normal. I decided it was not for me.

I called the temporary agency, which Maggie had worked for when she first moved to Denver and was placed in a temporary job right away. Currently I am working for a law firm in downtown Denver. I get to ride the "Light Rail" to the downtown area. This is great, I can spend a 1/2 hour reading or listening to music instead of getting stressed out driving downtown. Downtown Denver is huge. You would have to take 20 of Tucson's downtown area to make Denver's. The buildings are so tall, most of the men are in suits and ties, and I love a man in a suit! There are messengers riding their 10 speeds delivering paperwork to all sorts of offices. The hustle and bustle is great, and unbelievably, people are nice. If you are lost, people are happy to help you find your way. People say hello in the elevators, the bank tellers seem to take notice if you come back and they recognize you. I took a week off from this assignment to come to Tucson to get some of my "Winter Clothes".

Therefore, that should bring me current. I am in Tucson visiting my friends and staying with my daughter, Summer. I am enjoying my grand-dog, Spartacus. I had a wonderful dinner with Jimmy, Donna and Ashley. I hope to see more friends this week and then it's back to Denver. From what I hear, we should be getting a "light dusting" of snow while I am gone. I cannot wait to see the snow!

I will write more later! Love to all.
Kerri

Getting Settled In

I know its been a while since I've updated my blog. A lot has happened. My visit to Washington, DC ended wonderfully. I met a lot of wonderful people and had so much fun. I did have one problem. I started to have a toothache. This toothache was under my new cap. hmm...this is beginning to hurt..bad. Ok, onward. I get back to Denver and there is my friend, Maggie waiting for me. It's so good to see her again. The next day I am not feeling too well, so I find a dentist and make an appointment for Wednesday. I spend the day with Kailyn and she is a hoot. (Kailyn is Maggie's daughter) When I wake up Wednesday Morning the right side of my face is swollen. I should have taken a picture, but I was in so much pain, I couldn't even think. I get to the dentist and I can't even think very well. But I know I heard the dentist say, my new dental work I had done 2 months ago was not in properly and that is why I have a cavity. She has to drill through the bridge to give me a root canal. Please, do it, help yourself....I look like Quasimoto now. The procedure is done and I have a script for antibiotic and vicodin. The next day, I am still swollen and feeling like doo doo. By Friday, I am feeling better, almost human. That night we went to see Patrick (Maggie's husband) race at the local raceway. This was nice, it was a little chilly! Which is a great relief since it has been hot since I got here on Monday. (And they don't have central air or swamp cooling). By Saturday morning I was feeling really good. I spent the day driving around, checking out the area. On Sunday I went to Church and met a wonderful new ward. They are just like the ward in Tucson, friendly and very welcoming. On Monday I had a meeting with a temp agency, did all the formalities and registered. I hope they call with something good. I also have an opportunity to work at the Olive Garden, I would love to be a food server, as a change of pace, and get out of the secretary rut.
Life has been good, with its ups and downs but all in all when I think about the changes I have made in my life I feel good about everything. I do miss my old house, sitting outside at the picnic table, playing with Spartacus and enjoying the morning sunshine. (Right now it wouldn't be comfortable, but in the fall it was really nice.) But when I get on the computer and look at homes here in the Denver area, I get a little excited about the idea of starting over. Picking out a place on my own, not a place my ex picked out for me, but my decision. I also miss my daughter, Summer. We do talk often, but I miss her company daily and the way we would goof around. But I know she's just a phone call away. She once told me that I was more than just a mom, but her best friend. I feel the same way. I am so blessed to have her in my life, her young insightful counsel and her way that she can talk to me. I hope I bless her life also. Kiddo, If you are reading this, I love you and am so proud of what you have done with your life. Keep up the good work and know that I, too, am only a phone call away. Ok enough for now. If you want my new mailing address, please leave a comment and I will send it to you. I don't want to publish it publicly, but will look forward to hearing from you.
Love to all!
Kerri

National Indian Pow Wow - Washington, DC

The National Pow Wow has begun. What an awsome sight. Hundreds of natives in their traditional, and some not so traditional dress, dancing in celebration of one Nation. They have the honor guard of Ira Hayes, Pima Indian, who participated in putting up the flag in Iwo Jima, the Native American Veterans Honor Guard, the traditional Native American Honor Guard, gosh, so many honor guards and so many flags, I can't name them all. The ceremony started off with dancing of the "golden" dancers. Better known as senior sector. These seasoned dancers were very elegant and sure footed, maybe a little slower than the next two groups, but still beautiful. The next group, the adult dancers, followed by the teen group then the tiny tots. They have 10 groups of drummers competing also. There are certain songs each group must know and master, all in different languages. The sound is so beautiful. After dinner we were honored by 5 of the original Navajo Code Talkers. They didn't speak, but most of us were able to go up and meet them and shake their hands. I found out that these men were sworn to secrecy for 23 years about their mission as code talkers and couldn't even tell their families until 1968. We were told about the only time that the American Flag was captured, not by another country, but by a Nation on it's own soil. By the Indians at Little Big Horn, pretty cool, huh. They gave tribute to Lori Piestewa, the first woman to be killed in war. They did a long tribute to her. She was from Tuba City, just a little way from my village, Moenkopi. There are lots of vendors with jewelry, baskets, pottery, clothing and food. I met a man from White River who knows some of my uncles. He will be dancing Saturday with the Apache War Dancers. This will be a treat to see since I haven't seen this type of dance since my grandfather was alive. So much to learn, and I have only stratched the surface. More tomorrow!

Kerri Lynn

Washington DC Day 1

I'm in Washington, DC! And I thought it was hot in Tucson. It's 100 degrees here and HUMID! But I went site seeing anyway. First I went to the Holocaust Memorial Museum. What can I say, it was very informative and humbling. They take you on a tour through the place with movies, examples of things like Hitler's people burning books, how he came into power and pictures, hundreds of pictures of families and people who were killed. The most disturbing was the train car where they would put up to 100 people in each car, no ventilation, restrooms, no heating or cooling and these cars would sit on the tracks for days at a time. These cars were small and I can't imagine being put in one. Ok - on to something else. A little lighter - I hope.

I saw the Washington Memorial and started walking in that direction. This is like Vegas - objects are further than they appear. I found the monument and got all excited, but you need to get a ticket, they are free, but they were all out. So on to something else. I started out for the Lincoln memorial. Wow that statue is huge. What a nice tribute for such a wonderful President. Then I headed off to see the VietNam Memorial. This was really emotional for me. My brother-in-law's name is on that memorial - Charles Leroy Martin dob August 9, 1949 dod June 16, 1971 his name is on wall 3W - 37th line. He and my sister were married in June 1970, they weren't even married a year when he was killed in Danang. He worked on the flight line and was out on the tarmac when they were attacked and was run over by one of the airplanes. It was a shock to us all when we got the call. My sister was alone with her son Richie when she called mom. My mom and step dad, Tom, were separated at that time and Tom was living across the street in his old house. Karen, my sister called my mom saying that there were two Air Force officers at her house and that Chuck had been killed. They didn't want her to be alone so now my mom was to come over to be with her. I remember my mother screaming into the phone yelling "No, No, oh God, No" then she looked at me and said to go get my dad. I ran across the street in my nightie (it was about 6 am on a Sunday Morning) and banged on the door. I remember my dad answering the door and me telling, no yelling to him that Chuck is dead, Chuck is dead. My dad replied - "Oh God no!" I will never forget that day. I wonder how many other people have a story of a fallen soldier who died in VietNam? I know they are all different, but I know the loss they must have felt, and even feel today. I am glad that there is a monument with his name on it, to show that he died for our freedom, to show that he was someone, that he had a family and people who loved him. It's not been easy for Karen, but she does still get the widow's pension from the government, and got her college education paid for by the government.

Ok on to something a little happier. I walked back to my hotel, people are very happy to help you with directions. The cops are nice, and nice looking if I must say so myself. When I got back to the hotel I noticed that the lobby was filling with Indians, this must mean the Pow Wow is getting ready to start!!! Yipppeee. I can't wait to see the fancy dancers and listen to the music. I'll write more later! Sleep well all!

Kerri Lynn

Leaving Tucson

I made it to New Mexico! I started this part of my journey on Sunday, August 5. It was hard to say good bye to my close friends, Cece, Sande, Jessica, Nancy and Family. My ward family, Martha, Ted, Juliet and Linnea, Bishop Willis, Emily Evans, Emily, Tim and baby, Keri Lee and family - good luck to them in Hawaii, you'll love it! I love you all and appreciate all the best wishes you gave me. The hardest good bye was with my best friend of almost 30 years, Donna, sorry I lost it, I didn't mean to cry so hard.....I love you my friend and we will stay in touch, always. And now my daughter, you have grown into such a wonderful young woman. Your successes have always made me happy and proud to be your mother. I know you will be fine and you have plenty of people to call on if you need anything. I am blessed to have such good friends. I love you my daughter and I know I will see you soon. OK enough of the mushy stuff, on to the trip.

I left Sunday afternoon and made it to Chandler to visit with my brother and his family. I got there just in time for dinner. Alba is a good cook. We had a nice visit then off to bed, Ashley has to be at school (Zero hour - Seminary) at 6:20 am. So we were up early, Ashley woke me up at 5:15 am. For those of you who know me - I am not a morning person. Everyone is up and happy, this is such a happy family - morning people....hmf. I left the house around 6:30am, just in time for the Phoenix rush hour. Needless to say it took me a while to get out of Phoenix. I stopped to see my cousin Richard in Chambers/Saunders off of I-40 past Winslow. I spent a while with him. Then I just played tourist and stopped off at trading posts here and there. I finally got to Albuquerque (It rained off and on) and had dinner with my cousin then headed off to Las Vegas, New Mexico. So this is where I will sleep here tonight and head out to Denver in the morning. As long as I don't mess around I should be there by noon. Then I leave for Washington, DC on Wednesday morning to attend the National Pow Wow. Kewl. More later!

Love!

Kerri

Reflecting on Hawaii

Well, here I am, back in Tucson. Wow. It seems like I just woke up from a dream. I'm really sad that my trip is over.

Here's a recap of my last week in Hawaii. Summer left on Sunday July 22. I spent Monday cleaning, doing laundry typical housekeeping. I also had to pack for my trip to the big island, oh yeah - I have an airline ticket and hotel room for one night. Thought I'd see the other islands since they are so close. So I just rested.

Tuesday, July 24 - I head to the airport and head to the island "Hawaii" aka "The BIG Island". I met this cute guy - Summers age - and he was visiting friends in Oahu and going home. He told me of all these neat places to visit and eat. He was really nice, and cute and very gay. I'm having a great time looking out the window, taking pictures of the other islands then before I knew it - we were landing. Quick plane ride. When I looked out the window - there was a landing strip in a field of rocks known as lava. Jason told me that this was the old side of the island and that Mt. Kilauea had just erupted on July 21 - last Sunday - and was having lava flows. Hmmmm, this sounds expensive.....um I mean interesting. So we get off the plane - now this is an old fashioned airport. Remember way back when you would walk out on to the tarmac and climb a set of stairs to get into the aircraft? Well, that’s the way this works too. AND you can exit out of the back of the plane. KEWL! I go and get my car and me and my trusty GPS - now named Betty - because she is equally as irritating...lol (Betty is my late step dad’s recent wife). I find my hotel and check in. Not anything fancy but I'm just there to sleep. I hop in the car and start driving around. I found this cute little town with lots of shops and restaurants. Then I see it - Bubba Gumps. I gotta try this place. I go to park - holy cow! $12 dollars to park for 2 hours! Ok - I park. The restaurant was ok - nothing great to say - service was lousy and the waiter reminded me of some hippie I saw once in San Francisco in the early 70's. Then to the shops. They had this one shop with all sorts of jewelry and carvings and shells. I spotted a necklace made of Peridot (Summer's birthstone which she doesn't care for) The necklace was only $8 bucks, then another made of Volcanic Rhidorite, $8, and amethyst $10 and another of Volcanic Obsidian $8 bucks. I had to have them - just had to. Apparently there is a place where these rocks are easily available to the natives and they hunt for them and clean them up, put them in tumbler and make these for almost nothing. Then they sell them to the tourists. If you want to see them - let me know and I'll show you. I was just walking around when I spotted this lovely Hawaiian lady wearing a jewel studded shirt saying Blue Hawaii Helicopters. So I stopped her and asked her about the volcano activity on this island. We talked and walked and she told me about the volcano - history of volcanoes on this island, the last eruption and so much, come to find out she's part owner of the company. So needless to say I found myself buying a ticket for the next day to see the volcano. And yes - it was expensive, but a chance in a life time. That afternoon I went and visited the Mormon-Laie Hawaii Temple. This place was so beautiful and the workers were so kind. In fact everyone was nice. I met the Temple Matron and since my ankle was still bothering me and very swollen, I asked her if she knew of any available Elders or priesthood holders. She directed me next door to their Stake Center. I didn't even see the Stake Center amongst all the plants and flowers and the Temple is so beautiful I didn't see anything else. But there it was. I had a meeting with the Bishop and another priesthood holder and the words given were so applicable to me, things I really needed to hear and close to my heart. I felt like this Bishop knew my heart and my needs and he expressed the prayer so wonderfully. Thank you Bishop. They invited me to hang around and have pizza. The kids were having Mutual and they were playing that game with the sticks that the Tongan children were teaching them. It was fun and I was tired and ready to sleep - big day tomorrow!

Wednesday - July 25 - Did I mention Summer bought me newest the Harry Potter book? Well I spent the morning reading this fantastic book! Time for me to go to the Helicopter Port. I'm all ready and raring to go - thanks to Dramabeans. I get to the location and get ready to go - we get the safety video and instructions on what to do in case of an emergency. OK already - lets go. We get on the aircraft, me, a couple from Utah (Yes, Mormons!) a couple from Australia and the pilot, Toshi. Yahoo!! This is pretty cool. I get my camera out and - - the battery died. Shock - Horror - this can't be happening, but it is. But as things have it - my new friends from Utah, Terry and Lori do have a camera, and she said she would send me some photos. Thank goodness! Moving along, this was FANTASTIC! I could see the sulphur venting out of the volcano - we flew over the red hot lava flows and could see it spurting red lava into the air, there was one place where you could see how fast the lava was moving. It cooled and turned black-then it dawned on me, we were witnessing the island growing. Did God feel as overwhelmed as I did at this fantastic miracle? The world was growing in this small part of the world and he got to do all of this from the beginning. Watching creation. I had a baby and that was the best - and this rated right up there - creation. Heavenly Father is always amazing and here's proof and I was looking at this with my own eyes. Then we had to fly over other things like the black beach and waterfalls, the rainforest and more beaches and then we got to go over the lava again. This was definitely a highlight of my trip. After this - I was off to the airport and on my way back to Honolulu.

Thursday, July 26 - Just hung out on the beach at Waikiki - went to a movie "Ratatouille" cute movie - then I went and saw my friends at Coconut Willy's then back to the apartment.

Friday, July 27 - I rented a car and went back to the Polynesian Culture Center. There is so much to see and I wanted to visit this one more time before I left. This was a nice day - just like all the others in paradise.

Saturday, July 28 - I got up early so I could go snorkeling at Hamauna Bay - grrrr I had a car blocking me in. Finally around 8:30 the guy moved his car - so off to the bay. I get there around 10 am - the parking lot is full and they aren't letting any more people in. So I drive down the road and go to Sandy Beach. Man - the waves here are fierce. There is a very sharp drop off and the ocean makes these violent waves that crash into this drop off. There were locals swimming and body surfing. I watched this for about an hour and saw alot of tourists go in and now knowing what they were doing. The lifeguard would get on the PA every 15 minutes telling people if they were not familiar with this type of surf or were not expert swimmers to get out of the water you could drown. And he was right - I saw a couple people get knocked around and have their bell rung. Eventually I made it to the bay and went snorkeling.

Sunday - July 29 just hung out - did laundry - started packing. I leave for the mainland tomorrow. BUMMER

Monday - July 30 - My friend Greg is going to take me to the airport tonight, I can't believe it's time to go. The day is spent saying good-bye to the friends I've made - Gillian, Koyu, Dustin, Lana, the girls at the Food Pantry - and to Coconut Willy's. Greg picks me up and off we go. He was so nice and we had a very nice visit - all of a sudden the tears begin to flow, I don't want to leave - he had sung my favorite song - Honolulu City Lights. Then he presented me with a beautiful Leu with white trumpet roses and pink roses. The smell was the sweetest I had ever smelled. My trip was over. I had made some good friends and here was one who was making the end so special. He even bought a lei for me to take home to Summer. And then he drove away. I was on my way. The trip was uneventful, quiet, quick I couldn't sleep. I did see a fantastic sunrise. I made it to Summer's apartment on Tuesday around 4 pm. Time to dream of Hawaii.

Hawaii without Summer.....

Well, Summer is back in the mainland and I am recouperating. She kept me pretty busy while she was here. But we had so much fun! I wish she were still here so we can go snorkling again.

Saturday, July 21, 2007 - Gosh - I can't remember what we did that morning but that evening we were to go on a Catamaran Dinner Cruise. We get to the pick up destination and wait for out bus. I give the gal our reservation notice and she can't find us on the manifest. So we wait, it's hot and sweaty, she calls her office - after about 25 minutes she comes back and says "Sorry, I can't find your reservation - you will have to go back to where you bought your ticket and take it up with them". HUH....You mean we can't even get on the bus? No - they just leave us sitting there. We have exactly 15 minutes to get to the agency where I bought the tour at and so Summer and I hit the road running - er well, with my ankle - trotting - ok halling butt. We get there just as the office is closing and whew - the guy calls the dinner cruise company and puts us in a cab to go to the dinner. Now - he tells us the dinner cruise company is going to pay for the cab - the dinner cruise people say not there not. Ok, I'm beginning to lose the ALOHA spirit about this time because they still can't find our reservation. Our cab has left (I paid the cab driver) and I don't know what to do. This is Summer's last night in Hawaii and I really wanted to show her how much fun this cruise was. So finally, the guy says ok - we'll fix this later and puts us on the boat - in the VIP section. Ok this is GOOD. Then he comes back saying it was all a misunderstanding and everything is on him. (By everything he meant the Drinks) Ok so we are on board and had a great dinner - dancing and VIP treatment the whole way! Summer had a blast and the agency reimbursed us for the cab fare and gave me a great deal on another tour while am here on the island. All's well that end's well.

Sunday, July 22, 2007 - Summer and I wake up at 6:00 am to head to Hanauma Bay for one last snorkling adventure. This was beautiful - there are more fish here and we heard that sea turtles were out there too. We never got to see one, bummer. But Summer has to get ready to go home.....BIGGER BUMMER.

Monday, July 23, 2007 - Sleep for me - rest for me - tomorrow I go to the Big Island and visit for a couple of days. So I'll write more when I return.

Aloha for now!

Kerri

Where has the time gone??

So much to tell. As some of you may know - I sprained my left ankle on the 12th of July. Yep, a trip to the local doctor. I was just walking and the pavement is really uneven here and I was looking around, next thing, wham I was down. But I'm ok - just a little rattled. I spent the weekend resting so I would be ready for summer's arrival.

Summer arrived on Monday, July 16, it was so wonderful to see her. We drove around and ended up at Hilo Hatties. A big store which specializes in Hawaiian Aloha attire. They also have a place where you can select an oyster and have them open it up to see if there is a pearl inside. We did that and Summer got a big pink pearl and I got a black one. They are pretty cool. Then we were off to the apartment where she settled in (A whole 5 seconds) then we were off to the beach. I showed her the International Market Place, a place with a lot of local wares and each store has the same stuff, but its fun to walk around. We ate at the local Cheesecake Factory and sat street side. It was really fun, especially when the birds flew by your table. Some would just walk up to our table and Summer got really annoyed. We stayed up and visited, but we have a busy day ahead.

Tuesday, July 17 we are on a circle Island Tour. It was very different from the tour I had taken two weeks ago. Different bus driver. Long day - going to bed.

Wednesday, July 18 we get up at 4:00am - We are going to the North Shore of Oahu so Summer can do a "shark dive". Yes, I said Shark. She gets into a shark cage which is lowered into the Pacific Ocean and the crew tosses fish pieces into the water and the sharks come. This was so cool to see - from the boat - I kind of wish now that I had done it too. I'll post pictures soon. After her adventure we went to Waimea Bay and sat on the beach for a while. We watched people jump off this huge chunk of lava rock and dive 30 or 40 feet off the cliff into the waters. Here we also saw dolphins jumping, twisting and playing in the water. The life guard got on the PA to remind the swimmers that the dolphin are federally protected and it is illegal to bother them, some are nursing, some come to heal their wounds and some to relax after swimming in the ocean... He also said that sometimes the dolphin are follwed by predators (sharks) so be careful. Up to that point we were looking at the backs of the swimmers heads, and as soon as he said sharks, we were looking at their faces and they were swimming really fast!! It was so funny! We got back to the room - took a nap and then went to the Hard Rock Cafe for dinner. Later on we went to see a local show at the Waikiki Outrigger Hotel called the Society of Seven. It was like being in Vegas. These second generation musicians, all Hawaiian, they put on a show impersonating people like Elvis, the Beatles, Sonny and Cher, James Brown, the Rat Pack, it started off dorky but as we sat there it did get pretty entertaining.

Thursday, July 19 - Summer went to the beach and I rested because today we go to the Polyensian Culture Center on the other side of the island. It should only take us about and hour or so to get there. It's really hot and humid here today. We leave around 12:30 pm. Well we take off and start driving on the interstate - traffic jam - we spend the next 30 minutes or so to go 4 miles. Ok we gotta get gas so we stop and get gas and something to munch on, since we skipped lunch. Ok on to the Likelike Highway and thru the tunnel to the other side of the island - the GPS then says TURN LEFT - ok, drive .4 miles then turn left, drive .5 miles and turn left. Now if you think about it - 2 left turns and you are going back in the direct from which you came....through the tunnel again, now we are lost. No problem, I trust the GPS, or do I? We drive just like it says - guess where we ended up? Back at the same gas station. LOL It took us 2 1/2 hours to get to the PCC. We ditched the GPS and found our own way. The PCC has so much to see but the best part was while we were there, Elder Utchburg, one of the 12 Apostles from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was visiting the PCC. I got to meet him and have a photo taken with him. I can't wait to post these pictures. We saw him off and on the remainder of the day and then again at the Luau. We saw a fantastic show of native dances put on by the kids attending Brigham Young University Hawaii. This was defintely a banner day for me in my life.

Friday, July 20. We went snorkling at Hanauma Bay. This is a freaky thing to do if you've never done it before. But once you get the hang of it, no problem man. Summer and I just cruised around the bay for the next few hours. We used alot of sunscreen, it was hot. Then there was time for a quick nap and then we were off again, this time to go parasailing! This was right up my alley. Summer didn't like it too well, but I loved it. In fact I loved it so much I went twice. A young man from Canada needed a partner - so of course I volunteered. If yu ever get a chance to do this - do it! In fact if you ever get to Hawaii - try everything! It is a blast. So now we are off to dinner and to the Borders Bookstore to wait for the Harry Potter book.

More later!
Aloha!

One week at a time!

July 6, 2007
ALOHA!! Everyone says that here. I have been so busy here. In some ways its like Las Vegas - timeshare sales people everywhere - and when you get away from that its paradise. I took advantage of looking at a couple of timeshares....they bugged me enough. The incentive was - free tickets to different tours. Great deal - So far I have been on a Circle Island Tour and a tour of Pearl Harbor.
Circle Island Tour - Tour guide: Felix - native Hawaiian. I could go on about this tour and tour guide but it short - He was informative, funny and played the Ukelele. We saw Diamond Head, Hamana Bay - Summer - we will snorkel here. Around to see Blow Holes - cool. Across the island to the Dole Pineapple Plantation. Did you know that Hawaii is no longer the biggest producer of Pineapple and Sugar? They have been replaced by Taiwan, and other small countries - They bid ½ of what ever it is they are selling - putting pineapple and sugar cane growers out of business. Sad. Then we were off seeing little villages and shops. Finally we get to the Polynesian Cultural Center - we didn’t stop...then we drove past the Mormon Temple. Gosh - its so beautiful - again - we didn’t stop. So on our way to more shops and little villages - it seems we stopped a lot to look at shops. They back around to Waikiki. One thing Felix said that stuck in my head was how Hawaiian’s were family oriented. He gave us this little ditty - FAMILY - F is for the fathers who support the Family - A is for all the children who bring joy to the family - M is for the mothers who take care of the family and ILY is for something we should say to our family everyday - I Love You.
Pearl Harbor Tour - Tour guide: Pablo - ½ Hawaiian ½ Mexican. This was a much more somber tour. We are reminded that we are visiting a memorial for the 944 men who’s remains are still on the USS Arizona. They show a 20 minute video narrated by Stockard Channing - it is very moving. Then put us on a shuttle boat to spend 15 minutes on the Memorial. It was very overwhelming and solemn. A wonderful tribute to the men and women who died on that day. It’s like their 911 in 1941.
Now to today - I am sitting in bed - still - thinking about what will paradise bring today.
July 11, 2007
Today is my 47th Birthday. Happy Birthday to me!! I know I haven’t written everyday - but there is so much to do here. So here’s a recap of the last few days.
Friday I spent the day looking around the shops. So many shops but they all carry the same things. It’s the prices you shop, then you need to remember where the shop is so you can compare prices. It’s kind of like a Polynesian - Nogales feel - they give you a price and then you walk away and they say something like - ‘hey broda or sisa - I make you a better price’. It’s rather entertaining. I went to a Luau Friday night. It was huge, over 900 people attended this one. I meet some wonderful people from Michigan and Las Vegas. The food was good and the poi was interesting. The entertainment was awesome. These hula dancers are so beautiful and can they move. Did you know that men did the hula dances first? The women didn’t start doing hula until the 30's or 40's.
Saturday I spent at the beach then did laundry and cleaned my little apartment. That evening I sent on a dinner cruise aboard a Catamaran. Once again, the food was great....so much for dieting here. I met a couple celebrating their 40th Wedding Anniversary, the Campbell’s, and I met these nice ladies one from Georgia and the other from Oklahoma, Linda and Regina these girls were as fun as fun could be so they let me hang out with them.. We had a nice dinner then went up on deck to see the Waikiki skyline come into view. The back drop was Diamond Head. What a beautiful place, I can’t believe that I am here. With the wind in our faces and the sun behind us I just had to do the "I’m the King of the World". Just couldn’t help it. We were summoned back inside for the entertainment. Now this was entertainment - hula girls and hula guys but this time they grabbed people from the audience to participate. By the end of the show, everyone was on their feet dancing and laughing. This was a party and a whole bunch of fun. It didn’t end there - the bus drivers and their tour guides kept the party going all the way to the drop off point.
Sunday I took a cab to church. I met a lot of people and spent quality time with them. Half the ward were visitors and in talking to the locals told me that it’s always that way. I got to meet several local families and they gave me some ideas of what to do around the island. One told me that I could board the local public bus for $2 and go around the island...hmmmm $2 that sounds good to me. I took the bus back to Waikiki with other families and ran into Regina and Linda from last night. How funny to see them again in a city of this size. Anyway - I went home and hung out on the beach again.
Monday was just another day in paradise. I walked around to the Honoloulu Zoo and back and had the craving for some good seafood. So I went out and splurged, I had lobster. Oh my goodness, it was so good. What can I say - the seafood here is wonderful.
Tuesday - ok what to do today??? Hmm, remember I was told about the $2 trip around the island on "The Bus"? Well that’s what I did. Ok, this was something I should have really thought about before I boarded "The Bus". Did I mention this is the PUBLIC bus? This trip took 5 hours!! Five hours of public, of stopping every 500 yards at first then at every stop around the island. Of men coming to sit next to me who smelled of old beer, who smiled at me with no teeth. Of some who fell asleep with their feet on the seat next to me. Yuck. Of teenagers starting fights with other teens, of fisherman who came aboard with all their gear and (gulp) smelled like fish. Ok, not the brightest moments of my Hawaii experience, but definitely an experience. It’s kind of funny now, but it wasn’t then.
So this brings me to Wednesday, my birthday. I started the day off with a workout at a local gym, it’s not too late to start taking care of my body, is it? I worked out with this guy I met the other day, Cesar from Mexico. He’s a lot of fun and cute too - young, but cute. Then I was so exhausted I came back to the apartment, showered and crashed out for a while. Then as usual, I went to the beach. I decided to go the International Market Place and see this band I saw the other night, just two Hawaiian’s, a keyboard and guitar. I spent some time talking with them tonight, it was fun and they sang me a couple songs for my birthday then we sat around and talked when their gig was over. I have been invited out by Greg, the keyboard player. So after Summer visits we will do something. Oh, Summer’s visit....I have schedule out our time here on the island together. It is packed with things to do and of course time to relax and get some sun.
So for those of you who wished me a Happy Birthday - Maholo (Thank you) and for those of you who forgot Maholo (Thank you) but don’t forget my 50th in a few years!!! Thanks for reading - I appreciate the comments good and bad. I’ll write more soon!
Love to all!
Kerri

July 6, 2007
ALOHA!! Everyone says that here. I have been so busy here. In some ways its like Las Vegas - timeshare sales people everywhere - and when you get away from that hustling, it's paradise. I took advantage of looking at a couple of timeshares....they bugged me enough. The incentive was - free tickets to different tours. Great deal - So far I have been on a Circle Island Tour and a tour of Pearl Harbor.


Circle Island Tour - Tour guide: Felix - native Hawaiian. I could go on about this tour and tour guide but it short - He was informative, funny and played the Ukelele. We saw Diamond Head, Hamana Bay - Summer - we will snorkel here. Around to see Blow Holes - cool. Across the island to the Dole Pineapple Plantation. Did you know that Hawaii is no longer the biggest producer of Pineapple and Sugar? They have been replaced by Taiwan, and other small countries - They bid ½ of what ever it is they are selling - putting pineapple and sugar cane growers out of business. Sad. Then we were off seeing little villages and shops. Finally we get to the Polynesian Cultural Center - we didn’t stop...then we drove past the Mormon Temple. Gosh - its so beautiful - again - we didn’t stop. So on our way to more shops and little villages - it seems we stopped a lot to look at shops. They back around to Waikiki. One thing Felix said that stuck in my head was how Hawaiian’s were family oriented. He gave us this little ditty - FAMILY - F is for the fathers who support the Family - A is for all the children who bring joy to the family - M is for the mothers who take care of the family and ILY is for something we should say to our family everyday - I Love You.


Pearl Harbor Tour - Tour guide: Pablo - ½ Hawaiian ½ Mexican. This was a much more somber tour. We are reminded that we are visiting a memorial for the 944 men who’s remains are still on the USS Arizona. They show a 20 minute video narrated by Stockard Channing - it is very moving. Then put us on a shuttle boat to spend 15 minutes on the Memorial. It was very overwhelming and solemn. A wonderful tribute to the men and women who died on that day. It’s like their 911 in 1941.


Now to today - I am sitting in bed - still - thinking about what will paradise bring today.


July 11, 2007
Today is my 47th Birthday. Happy Birthday to me!! I know I haven’t written everyday - but there is so much to do here. So here’s a recap of the last few days.


Friday I spent the day looking around the shops. So many shops but they all carry the same things. It’s the prices you shop, then you need to remember where the shop is so you can compare prices. It’s kind of like a Polynesian - Nogales feel - they give you a price and then you walk away and they say something like - ‘hey broda or sisa - I make you a better price’. It’s rather entertaining. I went to a Luau Friday night. It was huge, over 900 people attended this one. I meet some wonderful people from Michigan and Las Vegas. The food was good and the poi was interesting. The entertainment was awesome. These hula dancers are so beautiful and can they move. Did you know that men did the hula dances first? The women didn’t start doing hula until the 30's or 40's.


Saturday I spent at the beach then did laundry and cleaned my little apartment. That evening I sent on a dinner cruise aboard a Catamaran. Once again, the food was great....so much for dieting here. I met a couple celebrating their 40th Wedding Anniversary, the Campbell’s, and I met these nice ladies one from Georgia and the other from Oklahoma, Linda and Regina these girls were as fun as fun could be so they let me hang out with them.. We had a nice dinner then went up on deck to see the Waikiki skyline come into view. The back drop was Diamond Head. What a beautiful place, I can’t believe that I am here. With the wind in our faces and the sun behind us I just had to do the "I’m the King of the World". Just couldn’t help it. We were summoned back inside for the entertainment. Now this was entertainment - hula girls and hula guys but this time they grabbed people from the audience to participate. By the end of the show, everyone was on their feet dancing and laughing. This was a party and a whole bunch of fun. It didn’t end there - the bus drivers and their tour guides kept the party going all the way to the drop off point.


Sunday I took a cab to church. I met a lot of people and spent quality time with them. Half the ward were visitors and in talking to the locals told me that it’s always that way. I got to meet several local families and they gave me some ideas of what to do around the island. One told me that I could board the local public bus for $2 and go around the island...hmmmm $2 that sounds good to me. I took the bus back to Waikiki with other families and ran into Regina and Linda from last night. How funny to see them again in a city of this size. Anyway - I went home and hung out on the beach again.


Monday was just another day in paradise. I walked around to the Honoloulu Zoo and back and had the craving for some good seafood. So I went out and splurged, I had lobster. Oh my goodness, it was so good. What can I say - the seafood here is wonderful.


Tuesday - ok what to do today??? Hmm, remember I was told about the $2 trip around the island on "The Bus"? Well that’s what I did. Ok, this was something I should have really thought about before I boarded "The Bus". Did I mention this is the PUBLIC bus? This trip took 5 hours!! Five hours of public, of stopping every 500 yards at first then at every stop around the island. Of men coming to sit next to me who smelled of old beer, who smiled at me with no teeth. Of some who fell asleep with their feet on the seat next to me. Yuck. (Cece, Barbara you would not want to work on these feet, they were so dirty!) Of teenagers starting fights with other teens, of fisherman who came aboard with all their gear and (gulp) smelled like fish. Ok, not the brightest moments of my Hawaii experience, but definitely an experience. It’s kind of funny now, but it wasn’t then.
So this brings me to Wednesday, my birthday. I started the day off with a workout at a local gym, it’s not too late to start taking care of my body, is it? I worked out with this guy I met the other day, Cesar from Mexico. He’s a lot of fun and cute too - young, but cute. Then I was so exhausted I came back to the apartment, showered and crashed out for a while. Then as usual, I went to the beach. I decided to go the International Market Place and see this band I saw the other night, just two Hawaiian’s, a keyboard and guitar. I spent some time talking with them tonight, it was fun and they sang me a couple songs for my birthday then we sat around and talked when their gig was over. I have been invited out by Greg, the keyboard player. So after Summer visits we will do something. Oh, Summer’s visit....I have schedule out our time here on the island together. It is packed with things to do and of course time to relax and get some sun.
So for those of you who wished me a Happy Birthday - Maholo (Thank you) and for those of you who forgot Maholo (Thank you) but don’t forget my 50th in a few years!!! Thanks for reading - I appreciate the comments good and bad. I’ll write more soon!
Love to all!
Kerri was just another day in paradise. I walked around to the Honoloulu Zoo and back and had the craving for some good seafood. So I went out and splurged, I had lobster. Oh my goodness, it was so good. What can I say - the seafood here is wonderful.
Tuesday - ok what to do today??? Hmm, remember I was told about the $2 trip around the island on "The Bus"? Well that’s what I did. Ok, this was something I should have really thought about before I boarded "The Bus". Did I mention this is the PUBLIC bus? This trip took 5 hours!! Five hours of public, of stopping every 500 yards at first then at every stop around the island. Of men coming to sit next to me who smelled of old beer, who smiled at me with no teeth. Of some who fell asleep with their feet on the seat next to me. Yuck. Of teenagers starting fights with other teens, of fisherman who came aboard with all their gear and (gulp) smelled like fish. Ok, not the brightest moments of my Hawaii experience, but definitely an experience. It’s kind of funny now, but it wasn’t then.
So this brings me to Wednesday, my birthday. I started the day off with a workout at a local gym, it’s not too late to start taking care of my body, is it? I worked out with this guy I met the other day, Cesar from Mexico. He’s a lot of fun and cute too - young, but cute. Then I was so exhausted I came back to the apartment, showered and crashed out for a while. Then as usual, I went to the beach. I decided to go the International Market Place and see this band I saw the other night, just two Hawaiian’s, a keyboard and guitar. I spent some time talking with them tonight, it was fun and they sang me a couple songs for my birthday then we sat around and talked when their gig was over. I have been invited out by Greg, the keyboard player. So after Summer visits we will do something. Oh, Summer’s visit....I have schedule out our time here on the island together. It is packed with things to do and of course time to relax and get some sun.
So for those of you who wished me a Happy Birthday - Maholo (Thank you) and for those of you who forgot Maholo (Thank you) but don’t forget my 50th in a few years!!! Thanks for reading - I appreciate the comments good and bad. I’ll write more soon!
Love to all!
Kerri

The trip from Heck....

What a trip! Planning my trip to Hawaii was so much easier than getting here.

I spent the evening with my brother and his family in Chandler. They have a new house and it is really gorgeous. They are really very happy and I am glad to see them that way. He deserves being happy and where he is in his life.


Ok, back to the trip from hell. Yes, I said hell. First off, I get a call from Delta airlines saying that my flight to LAX was delayed by an hour and my flight from LAX to Honolulu was delayed too. Ok, So I'll get to Hawaii at 10pm. I get to Sky Harbor Airport, check my luggage (will someone please teach me to pack light??) I get on the plane and we are off to LAX. Now I’m getting excited.

We get to LAX no problem. I check in and see there is a first class seat available from LAX to Hawaii, for a cost - of course - so I figure what the heck. I get on the plane and wow - first class is really great. Bigger seats, hot towels to wash your hands with, free drinks - big whoop - soda for me. Snacks right away, a blanket gee so this is how the other half lives.

We are all loaded the doors close and ready to go, er so we thought. Some lady decides she wants to get off the airplane. Huh? Yes, she wants off. Big commotion, screaming, yelling - so the airport security comes on board and escorts her off the plane. Now they need to retrieve her luggage. Ok, now for the math. There is 300 plus people on the plane - each with 2 bags a piece some with 3, the authorities now have to go through 600 plus pieces of luggage to locate hers. They go through once - they didn’t find it. Now the Police are involved and the feds too, off comes the luggage AGAIN! Still, they don’t find it. Hmm, Now it’s been about 4 hours and people are getting restless and rude. Me, I’m having fun, hey I’m in first class, I can play games on the little hand held dillybopper they have given me, I can watch a movie, I have a great seat mate- Tyrone, and we are having a blast, laughing, telling other passengers that his feet stink....really - they were really really stinky - and he says he fly’s first class all the time, apparently even the rich need to be reminded of personal hygiene. Now a lady comes up to our part of the cabin (now I’m talking like I have been flying first class all my life...hahaha) This lady is crying, says she needs to get off, she’s wailing and says she’s going nuts being held hostage in the plane, this is not fair. Poor girl, I really felt bad for her....until she blurts out "I really need to have a cigarette". We, my first class people and I are stunned. Compassion just went out the window. It’s sad to see where people are addicted to something and to see them crumble when they are forced to stop getting their "fix". Anyway, we are told we can do one of two things - 1 - get off the plane - everyone claims their own luggage so it is all accounted for, but then we would have to say the night in LA and leave at 7am. OR 2 just wait for the TSA to finish their investigation and we MAY get out tonight. I’m into hanging out on the plane, the service is wonderful. So after 5 hours we are finally taxing out to the runway. So we thought...we sit 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes....ok now this is getting to be a bummer to me. I text a few friends and that goodness my friend Michelle reminds me - the universe has you where you are to protect you. My anxiety is gone and I agree, I’m not in control and I submit to the situation. Just as I say a quiet prayer for the words of wisdom....we are off!!!! We land in Hawaii at 2:30 am - 5:30 Tucson time. Yawwwnnn....I share a cab with these two guys and get to my condo...and I fall into bed.. I’m looking forward to seeing where I am tomorrow. Gosh....I’m in Hawaii!

Friday, June 30, 2007

So many things have happened since my last entry. I've been staying with Summer in her apartment for the last couple of weeks.

I had the opportunity to see my cousin Brigette from Florida last week. She flew into Phoenix to pick up her niece Amity and nephew Sean and take them back to Florida for vacation. We got to see her Aunt Diane and Grandma Drye. Then we drove to St. John's to see her Grandpa Tillman, (My Uncle). Then we drove back to Phoenix. We were hoping she was going to get on an early morning flight back to Orlando, but as chance has it, she got stuck in Phoenix for 4 days. That's flying stand-by for you.

Then I attended the Creative Memories Annual Retreat. I really enjoyed myself with my creative friends. Nancy Jensen, Mona Boice, Reesa Gresham, Valerie Fritz, Denise Willcoxson and newcomers, Darcy and Joy. We spent 52 hours together, creating scrapbook albums, laughing and relaxing. This was my third year with this group and I can't wait to come back to next years retreat. I would have posted a picture, but, Nancy hasn't sent them to me yet...hint hint!!

As for where I am right now. I am sitting in my brother's new house here in Chandler. The weather is 114 degrees outside right now. So everyone is inside, and we are having "quiet time". It is so good to see him and his family. He is so very happy and his wife is truly a blessing to our family.

Tomorrow I leave for my month in Hawaii. Wow, tomorrow. I have really no idea of what to expect, just a blank slate in my life waiting to be filled with happy memories. Thanks to everyone who took the time to say good-bye and good luck. It really meant a lot to me. And to all my other friends. Sorry I didn't get a chance to see you, let's keep in touch. You have my e-mail address - to write ok?

Aloha!

Kerri Lynn

T-minus 14 Days

And the clock is ticking.....and like when I was a kid waiting for school to get out.....the clock seems to be super slow.

So far we have made reservations to attend a Luau, and to go swimming with the SHARKS!! Not me....but for Summer. I'll stay on the boat while SHE gets in the shark cage and see's them and takes pictures. I'll jump out of planes, ski down mountains, go up in hot air balloons, but I will not go in the water......(thinking of the theme music to JAWS) dum, dum.....I can't wait to see the pictures and hear her stories of what it was like in the water.

Monday, June 11, 2007

The Adventure Begins.....
Well, the house closed today, Monday, June 11, 2007. So the adventure begins. I spent the weekend with my cousins on the reservation. It was nice, despite my back being jacked up due to moving. (I'm getting too old to be moving furniture and boxes.) I will be spending the next few weeks (on and off) with my wonderful, hospitable daughter in her apartment. I plan on seeing a few friends around the state before I leave. Kevin and Cheri are going to definitely be on my schedule and my cousin Brigette is coming to Phoenix for a couple days to pick up the nieces and nephew's to take them to Florida for vacation. I have also the Scrap booking Retreat with Nancy, Mona and Reesa will be on June 21, 22 and 23rd. Then it's off to Hawaii. Yes....the plans have already changed. I am going to spend the month of July on the island of Oahu. This is my birthday present to me. I'd like to learn to do lot's of things like snorkel and maybe even learn to Hula....well, try at least. When and "if" I return to the "mainland" I'll post again to let you know. Until next time!
Kerri