For the birds

Pictured here are the two Bantum chickens. They lay small white eggs that are actually pretty big when you consider the size of the chicken. I took this photo with my phone, and I can see it is not that great.

My son has been updating his blog more often than I have. I think he is doing an outstanding job, and his writing is getting better and better.

Where have I been? I have been going crazy, among other things. Working about 78 hours a week, homeschooling, taking kids to classes, baking bread, taking care of chickens,hiking to Shipman Beach,composting,recycling,sitting at this desk typing on this computer till my carpal tunnel acts up, and being on film for Operation Christmas Child.(We are going to be on the show Living In Paradise!)

My house is a mess. Something has to give right?

Eco Dome!

There is an Eco Dome here in Hawaii,to find out more go to http://myhawaiirealestate.blogspot.com

January Sun

More chickens!

Now we have Silkies! Basil and Rose. Kealani is with Rose, and Isaiah is holding Basil.
My hope is that one of them really is a hen, and she will sit on eggs for us. Silkies are known for being eggcellent mothers.

buckets and tap shoes

For a field trip today we drove to the Kahilu Theatre, in Waimea, and got there just in time to see Buckets and Tap shoes. Their music was a combination of excellent live jazz, and street music. They incorporated tap dancing with magic,rap, and odd ball percussion instruments like 5 gallon buckets,chimes,cymbals, and a cowbell. The kids said it was the best show at the Kahilu Theatre so far.
It was a beautiful day for the drive, and the kids (my kids and the Ko kids)played in the warm sun at the park after the show too.

E Claire's Bakery

Here is the lovely Claire of E-Claire's Bakery on Waianuenue Ave. I stepped into this new bakery just out of curiosity, and ended up buying some éclairs, and cream puffs. Claire was very friendly and helpful. I asked her how business was, and she said, "Very good!" It is so good to hear good news, especially while you are eating a cream puff.

The Bread Builders

While I have been sick with the flu for the last 6 days, I have read and re-read the book The Bread Builders: Hearth Loaves and Masonry Ovens. Was very inspiring to read, and I even tried one of the old French bread recipes for the farmer's market.(before the flu) My bread turned out well if I do say so myself. It was a sourdough rye. Now that I read that book, I want a masonry oven even more now than ever. The bread was nice, but with a lovely masonry oven, the crust could have been crustier, and the crumb could have had better texture.Are any of Alan Scott's apprentices out there in need of a Hawaiian vacation, and just wanting to test out your skills so you can help feed the people of Hawaii?? Oh, and yes, it is Thursday, that means if I want my sourdough to be just right, I need to start tonight. I don't do well on 1 hour of sleep. Lack of sleep might have had something to do with my coming down with the flu last Saturday afternoon. These are the sacrifices one makes for the art of fine bread making!

What I got for Christmas

Three lovely Americana chickens, and two I am not sure of,they came with the free hen house!!On Christmas eve I got a rooster. I will post pictures of him soon.
Goompy and Speckle, (may they rest in peace), were attacked and killed by a loose dog in the neighborhood. I miss them. I especially miss their eggs. I hope my new chickens lay eggs soon.

Happy New Year!

This single Gardenia bloomed out of season, so I had to take it's picture.Usually my Gardenia's bloom in Aug. and Sept.

Snow in Hawaii

My dad took my cousin Jessie and the kids to Mauna Loa yesterday. We have snow in Hawaii too. The nice thing is you can come down from the mountain and leave the snow behind.

Keeping it simple...

I love this artist. His work reminds me that the most simple things can be completely beautiful. We are keeping it simple this holiday season, and simple can be better.

Ponys with a ocean view

We got to see two lovely animals on Sunday. One is a just a pasture mate because he is lame. You can see our friend inspecting his legs. He is a Hawaiian pony. The other is a beautiful Welsh mare,7 years old, and trained to let children ride her. She is also trained, and loves to pull a cart. They live in a beautiful pasture overlooking the ocean. My camera did not pick up the ocean in the distance. You will have to use your imagination.

Free music

Thanks Jen for telling me about this, I like the samples, he sounds really good.

Me and the tiny baby boy

Flash back 12 years ago.

As I type this my 12 year old son is in the pool swimming with a friend.What a contrast. When I look at my giant child it is hard to imaging him wearing a fuzzy teddy bear bunting.