49 Days

Yesterday the family recognized the 49th day of my father's death. The 49th day observation is a buddhist ritual, but we had the local reverend come to the home and pray and say a few words. The cousins, aunties, and uncle came over for dinner. The best part was the chance to relive our childhood memories again, through pictures. One of the gifts my father left for us was the collection of pictures of all of us during our younger years. The 49th day observation, while bittersweet, became a source of happy memories.

Brunch at the Ihilani

Christmas Eve morning we headed over to Ihilani for a Sunday brunch. My dad loved this brunch, and I can see why. For starters, the restaurants offer a raw bar filled with oysters. Dad loved oysters, so we all had (at least) one. Great food, even better company. Here are Dean and Mom standing in front of the Christmas tree.

Manta Rays

One of the highlights of the Ihilani resort is the pool of marine life. In one, there was a collection of sharks. In another there were manta rays. I was about 3 feet from this one.

Birthday Dinner w/ the Fam

My birthday was spent with family. We headed out to the Sheraton Waikiki to meet up with friends of my mom's, and then headed over to the Royal Hawaiian Hotel for dinner. The best part was the view of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head.

The Birthday Dinner

Petite Filet Mignon, steamed vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes (in the pastry tower).

Mom & Fukui-san

Mom's friends, the Fukuis, joined us for dinner. Mom met the Fukuis several years ago. My mom works at a souvenir shop on Oahu and the Fukuis were visiting from Japan. They struck up a friendship and every time the Fukuis return, they pay a visit. Here's a shot of Mrs. Fukui w/ mom.

(No) Power Update

I'm in Hawaii enjoying tons of electricity, but my poor roomate is in Seattle still w/o power. I called the power company to get an update and the news was just depressing. They expect power to be restored on December 24th, 12:33 pm (according to the message).

No Wind, No Rain, and (still) no Power

So the largest windstorm to hit the Seattle area in a decade has left the city in ruins. Maybe not in ruins, but it sure feels like it. Winds measured 70 mph at Sea-Tac Airport, but in little Woodinville, it didn't really feel like that. Yet after 5 days, my condo is still without power...sans power...no tengo power...denki nai. To add insult to injury, 2/3 of my condo complex has power, but my little row does not. Subdivisions all around me have power, and not only that, people have been flaunting their electricity by plugging in all of their Christmas lights and decorations. Even the little ghetto mart down the street has power. I can say that I have power right now, but I had to leave the state to get it. I'm now sitting in Hawaii, typing away in an airconditioned room. My poor roommate, though, is sleeping in a condo that I'm sure is about 28 degrees. Yikes. I only hope that the power comes back on before I return to Seattle. All right...I'll stop whining.

Christmas Pictures and Christmas Visits

My goddaughter, Maggie, came by for a visit today. She had just been to the mall where she visited with Mr. Claus. She was really excited to see Santa, but when she finally had her turn, she got tongue tied. Apparently she has decided to write Santa a letter instead. Here she is with her godfather, Uncle Eric.

Shorkie-Tzu

The Herms family recently acquired two new family members: Jake & Jolly. I have no idea which is which, but aren't they adorable? Makes me want to get a dog. In case you're wondering, Jake & Jolly are Yorkshire Terrier and Shih-Tzu mix.

Shorkie-Tzu II