Chris Safe and sound in Alaska

I guess Chris did take  a trip to the warm weather.  It is 5 degrees here in rochester and 37 in Homer Alaska.....what the heck.

Some of the Best Hawaii pictures.

Ok  have finally added pictures from our first trip to Hawaii in 2003. I think that the are probably the best scenic pictrues that we have from all the trips to Hawaii.see the pictures here. There are a few good stories to go along with some of them.  Hope you enjoy, we sure did.

Chris' Dream

Just imagine Chris is dreaming of Laying on a beach in Hawaii.  But ALAS he wakes up and rememers he is off to the beaches of Alaska.

Hawaii really on my mind

I Have updated the OCT 2006 Hawaii page(under previous travels) with some underwater pictures. These are mostly of our dolphin encouter when snorkeling at the place of refuge in Capt Cook Hawaii.

I have also started to work on posting pictures from our very first trip to Hawaii in 2003.  I had forgotten what great picture we have and that magic that hooked us.  I hope to complete it over the week end.  I really want to do it right and give our first trip the justice it deserves.

The jib-jab cartoon of Chris and the christmas tree is now posted under the video section as well.  

2000 Wyoming And Montana pictures now posted

I have now added all the pictures from our June 2000 trip to Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Glacier national park.   Your can see then at the link above or at:
2000 Trip Montana/Wyoming picures


It was a very productive long weekend.  Got a lot done. Wish I had one more day to accomplish a few more tasks.

Backing up files.

I have been spending some time the last few days backing up computer files. Especially digital photos.  I can not believe how many I have.  I been going though them a little at a time, deleating duplicates and labeling some files.  I have also started using an offsite back up called carbonite.  This service has an annual fee but you can back up as much data as you like. It is a very slow process to upload. I estimate it will take me 10 full days to do my pictures.  It is easy, a few clicks and it runs in the background.

I am also working on a web page update from 2000. I hope that it will go live on Monday or Tuesday this week.

Job Security?

I really hope that this is an indicator of job security...

ICE ICE BABY

Icicles are taking over the house. At only 5F I dont think that they are going to melt all to soon. Chris better get used to the cold as he is off to Alaska In a few weeks. He will be up there for about a month. Actually the last week or so it has been  warmer in    Homer Alaska then her in Rochester.  Might be kind of "cool" to be in Alaska in the winter.

Unbelievable!!!! Deadly Margaritas.

Some of you may remember the pictures of the cakes and cookies made by  a co-worker. Here is a refresher.  Below is the rest of the story. I have deleted the names.

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Woman Charged in Antifreeze Poisoning Death of Boyfriend

A Farmington woman is charged with second-degree murder for allegedly poisoning her live-in boyfriend.
State troopers arrested ………… 51, of Farmington, after they say she poured antifreeze into …………margarita mix back in October. Troopers say she put the mix into the refrigerator and ……….. drank it.
…….., 49, died on October 7 from the toxic drink. 
…….. was arraigned Wednesday and is in the Ontario County Jail.

I guess I am glad I never pissed her off. My prayers go out to her family at this time.

Looking forward to 2010

It looks like 2010 will be another great year. Some of the plans we have already  are as follows:

1) Chris May be off to work in Alaska in Feb. Should know any day.
2) Mexican Riviera cruise in March. Good way to spend a b-day
3) Chris will be working in Alaska at Hallo Bay Bear Camp as the office manager from May-Sept    It is an awesome place. You need to expiernce it to see how speical it is.
4) I get to go to Homer Alaska and Hallo bay in July. 
5) I hope to get a little more camping in this summer.
6) Mediterranean Cruise with a stop in Eygpt in Nov.  Depending on how much time we spend in   europe, I  may not be able to go to Hawaii this year.
7) Who knows what other adventures await!!!!!

Priest attacked with bucket of pasta - 13WHAM.com - Rochester News, Weather, and Sports

Priest attacked with bucket of pasta - 13WHAM.com - Rochester News, Weather, and Sports

looking back on 2009

2009 was quite the year, here are some things I am thankful for.

1) Emma Lu turned 13

2) Wonderful transatlanic cruise.

3) Facebook for allowing me to connect with some old friends.

4) Fun in the Bahamas with our travelbuddies.
5) Our annual Trip to Hawaii.
6) Percey our new dryer
7) Finding the Martini .....AHH

A second attack on a Snow person

What is this world coming too when even snow people are not safe

Dirty little rabbit

Thats one way to get a carrot.  Ill take the carrot and the rabbit and make some caccitore.

With warming trend, ice forms later in Adirondacks - 13WHAM.com - Rochester News, Weather, and Sports

With warming trend, ice forms later in Adirondacks - 13WHAM.com - Rochester News, Weather, and Sports

Merry Christmas to all

Hope everyone enjoys the day with family and friends.......HO HO HO

Gift to me and staff

Gift basket

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Toon for first day of Winter

I thought that this may  be the perfect picture for the first day of winter.  Winter is only starting and I am ready for it to  be OVER!!

Toon of the day

DAY 2

A christmas toon for you

day 1

HMM time to start planing the Christmas eve and day meals.

Lots of shopping and early preparations to start on
The annual christmas eve seafood dinner is fast approaching.  Need to complete the menue soon.
I am pretty sure it will be the following:
1) fried smelts
2) stuffed calamari and  pasta with red sauce.
3) boullabase/ seafood ciopina with clams, mussels, shrimp and scallops

Christmas day:
1)salad
2) lasanga with meatballs
3) braciole (stuffed rolled steak)

Desserts are still up in the air.

Turn him on!!!

I'm sure that you have seen pharmaceutical advertising in doctor's offices on everything from tissues to note pads.

If the light stays on for more than 4 hours,
call your erectrician

humpback rescue

HONOLULU -- Every year humpback whales and their young come to Hawaii to play, give birth and nurse their young in the warm waters, but those same waters pose hazards.
And this week, a juvenile whale was spotted towing hundreds of feet of gear, some even wrapped around his mouth.
Ed Lyman, with the NOAA Marine Mammal Response Team, said a whale had to be freed of rope. If it wasn't, the rope would restrict eating for the young whale and painfully cut into its mouth as it grew. So the call went out to try a dangerous at-sea mission to free the whale from this entanglement.


"This is one of the missions our members love to be involved with, it's something that out of the ordinary," said Eric Roberts, with the U.S. Coast Guard.

First buoys were added to the lines and trailing debris to slow the whale down, then crews moved in. Getting as close as they could to the whale in danger without putting themselves in too much danger.
Rescue crews ended up using a pole to go fishing, but instead of trying to catch the whale, they were trying to hook the entangling gear.
Success would mean the young whale has a better chance at survival.
"We fall back and bid our time, letting the knife do its job and it took about 10 minutes for the knife to cut through," said David Schofield, with NOAA Fisheries Service.
Even though it had been dragging the hundreds of feet of line and gear for days, the young whale had no trouble taking off as soon it was free.
"All of a sudden, the buoys went still and the lines started to sink and there was jubilation and we could see the whales beating feet to get away from us. It was a good feeling," said Schofield.

One Down

We caught one squirrel today in the have a heart trap. we relocated him to the park. If he tries to find is way back home he will have to swim across the Genessee River or take the Orourke Draw bridge. They have been know to travel many miles to return to their homes.

Emma cheking out petie the squirrel

We have Snow!!!!!!!

Glancing out the window I see we are having our first snow flurries of the season. If only it could have held out one more day to make it into December.

Good Bird.

Chris was very happy with his golden brown, fall of the bone turkey. It was pretty tasty.

At least Thanksgiving went well. Good food and friends. This was my first attempt the black Friday maddness, and for al things a washer and dryer. Fun. We were at sears by 315am, but no luck the set was sold out by the time we got to the applince counter.  Never again.  Just not worth the hassel.

So I spent a little more money later in the day and bought a pretty good dryer. The washer will have to wiat for the new year... Oh well thats fine  at least it wont take an hour to dry 3 shirts any more.  Well at least once it is delivered.  

Let the Christmas-matizing begin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OMG what the hell. I don't see the spell check option any more.   This is a real problem

Where to see grizzly bears in the wild -Times Online

Where to see grizzly bears in the wild -Times Online
A nice article with hallo bay featured on page 2
This is were were vactioned in 2007. you can see our pics on the web page under previous travels, alaska 2007. Chris worked there for a month in 2008. Those pictures are on web page as well. He will be working for hallo bay the enitre 2009 season.

Turkey OOLALA the Ultimate recipe

1 whole turkey
1 large lemon, cut into halves
salt and pepper to taste
butter or olive oil, whichever you prefer

Heat oven to 350 degrees

Rub butter or oil over the skin of the turkey until it is completely coated.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper and any other seasonings you prefer.

Take a knife and gently separate the skin from the breast meat;

Slide lemon halves under the skin with the peel side up, one on each side. This way the juice from the lemon will release into the breasts.


Cover and bake for 30-45 minutes. Remove cover and continue to roast until juices run clear, basting every 15-20 minutes.


If you've followed these steps correctly, your turkey should look like the one in the picture.

Good dog Bad dog

GOOD DOG

BAD DOG glad its not mine lol

Swine lines

Well I guess the building next door to work must have swine flu shots available? There was a line at 720 Am. I hope they have enough to avoid a riot..oink

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Who want to Join us???

Who want to come with us on Dec 12th. Maybe dinner before....

From the creators of the groundbreaking BROADWAY HIT, CIRQUE DREAMS Jungle Fantasy, comes a new holiday musical of season’s dreamings hailed by the New York Daily News as…“charm, sparkle and talent by the sleighload” and “a jaw dropping winter wonderland” by the Atlantic City Press.

Created and directed by Neil Goldberg, CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE is an original new musical extravaganza filled with spectacle, imagination and whimsical dreams. Ornaments come to life as costumed characters who perform astonishing feats that celebrate the holiday season and showcase pageantry, ingenuity and breathtaking artistry. An international cast of acrobats, aerialists, singers, dancers and musicians fill this Cirque Dream on stage, in the air and while dangling from a 24 foot tall magical tree. Add to that the pomp, cirque-umstance and amazement of gingerbread men flipping through the air, toy soldiers skillfully marching on thin wires, snowmen daringly balancing, icemen sculpting powerfully, penguins spinning, puppets caroling and reindeer soaring high above a landscape of holiday wonderment and you will see why CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE makes the perfect gift of entertainment. With over 100 dazzling costumes, an original musical score and some holiday favorites, CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE will have audiences of all ages mesmerized with its memorable tribute to the holiday season.

Lots of cars on the road today

WITH SNOW ON THEM!!!!! Glad it stayed south of the city and we did not get any of it.

Kona airport

An airport with out walls. Very hot at close to 90 and no breeze.

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Place of refuge snorkel

Good day for snokeling at capt cook. Turtles, lots of fish and a snow flake moray eel. Followed him for a while.

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Change in plans

We have had a slight slight change in plans. The condo here in Waikoloa is so nice and the pool great, we have decided to stay here until Tuesday. I cancelled the hotel in Honolulu and extended our stay here. I will have to try and take some pictures of the place with my cell phone since as of right now my camera is still water logged.

Tonight we are heading to our favorite restaurant on the Hawaii, the big island grill.

THE CREATURE FROM THE KONA LAGOON

Good time snorkeling today at capt Cook. Lots of fish and a turtle. Underwater camera housing leaked. Unsure if camera will dry out and work.

A sad day

It is with great sadness that I must announce the passing of Maggie. AKA Magga Dootz. She will be missed by all.

Walkway to lecture hall

It is a pretty nice walk to get to the conference room. It sure beats the VA parking Lot!

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wonderful day in Hawaii.

Today we went to what I think is our favorite beach in Hawaii, Mauna Kea. It has everything, sandy beach great snorkeling and easy access. Today when we snorkeled out to the reef area we were greeted by a huge MANTA RAY. It swam gracefully under us, for quite a long time. At one point it came so close to me I was afraid it was going to swim into me.

Of course I did not have my camera with me. Alway swim with your underwater camera!!!!!

Any one want a Pinapple Martina. Sky pinapple vodka and pinapple orange mango juice.

Rainbow over wiakiki

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Waiting for a part for our plane to be flown in from Minniapolis

Here's Hopin'

Hopefully we will get the chance to swim with the wild dolphins in Kona again. The last few time we have been there we were pretty lucky. I hope well all make it to Hawaii to begin with. There is some problem with my and dads reservation that will not allow us to check in on line, what ever the problem is can be fixed over the phone only at the Buffalo Airport????

More Jelly Fish.

I was worried that we were going to hit the influx this year but looks like we should be clear.

HONOLULU(oct 14) -- About 2,000 jellyfish washed up onto Oahu South Shore beaches on Tuesday morning, a city Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division spokesman said.
The box jellyfish washed up on shores from Waikiki Beach to Ala Moana Beach Park, the city said.
Lifeguards posted warning signs at Waikiki Beach and Ala Moana Beach Park.
Lifeguards treated 174 people with stings, mostly in the Waikiki area. Only one man who was taken to the hospital after he was stung because he had trouble breathing, officials said. He was in stable condition.
"Ocean Safety personnel would like to remind beachgoers to heed all warning signs and to please check with them before entering the water today," spokesman Bryan Cheplic said.
Cheplic said that Tuesday should be the peak of the monthly invasion of jellyfish. The monthly event happen happens seven to 10 days after a full moon.
Beachgoers are advised to look for posted warnings signs or to check with a lifeguard, especially if they are allergic to jellyfish stings. Anyone who is stung by a jellyfish should flush out the sting with vinegar.
If the sting causes cramping or persistent pain, a person should seek medical attention.

When Autum Leaves start to Fall.

Sunset at the end of camping season.

Allie cant wait to go camping

On back of seat in car

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Long Columbus day weekend coming up

It has been a pretty quiet week, but long. Looking forward to getting away and camping this long weekend. Some margaritas by the fire. Looks like the weather is going to cooperate too. Cool and sunny. No rain.
I think that there is some snow in the forecast for next week.
Hope to take a ride Sunday to on of the near by parks, the leaves should be pretty good for peeping.

Savings

Playing around with car rental rates today, I was able to save over $100.00 alone just for the rental in Kona. Saved at least another 30.00 on the 2 retal periods on Oahu too!!!

First day back to work after 3 weeks.

I need my stormy night Martini.

Its always smooth sailing with a stormy night.

Getting back into the swing

Still coughing but pneumonia seems to have cleared.
Back to work Tuesday AM. Have to get back to doing some updates, and one with life.

Great day on south beach

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Having a great time on the cruise. The martini is now my friend. 2 4 1 every eve!

Miami waterfall

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Am on Miami beach

Nice

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good day in Miami today

Had some sun today. Nice relaxing time at beach.
Tried a Cuban sandwich this ever which was very good.
Board the cruise ship tomorrow afternoon!!! Yeah!!!

Miami day one

Pretty uneventful flight from Rochester to Miami. I went through Phili, Chris through Cinci.
Arrived to some nice thunder storms. Drove around Miami beach.
hotel Newport beachside resort. Very nice. Better than expected.
Dinner at the Gourmet Diner. Good food pricey.

Getting ready to go

Check in complete for flights tomorrow. Paying for first checked bag really pisses me off!!!
After work tonight the dogs are heading for their extended camping trip. I am sure Emma will not be happy. We still have not determined our transportation options in Miami yet? Rent a car? Just pay for the shuttle service and be trapped at the hotel? Yikes!!!!
Due to high Internet cost blogging may be delayed and far between on this cruise.

Happy b-day Lynn

If you see our travel buddy LYNN today, wish her a Happy birthday!