April 13 - Botanical Gardens

Text reads: "Spent an awesome day today sketching and painting at a botanical garden.  Need to go back soon."

Note:  I cut the photo too close and lost the writing on the last line.  Also, my character didn't mention that her sister was sketching with her. 

April 12 - Luau

Joan and I went to a luau today at one of the hotels at Waikiki.  The food was wonderful, as was the entertainment.  And there were even some hula lessons included.

April 11 - Boogie Boarding

After picking out some pretty Hawaiian shirts to wear to the luau tomorrow, we headed out to the North Shore to check out some beaches.  We found a pretty one that had waves that weren't too scary.  They even had a shack that rented boogie boards.  We just watched how the kids did it, and then we gave it a try.  It was a blast, but I'm exhausted.  What a great day!

April 10 - House Guest

I picked Joan up at the airport this morning.  She is so happy to leave the cold New York weather behind.  We will take some time to unwind, unpack, have some lunch and a swim and then head out to do a little exploring.  I think we need to get some pretty Hawaiian shirts to wear to the luau this weekend.

April 9 - New Bedding

Today I bought new bedding for the guest room because I will be having a house guest. My sister will be arriving tomorrow to visit for a week.  I have some great plans.  Trips to several beaches, a luau or two, some sketching and some shopping.  And maybe a trip to one of the botanical gardens.  I can't wait!

Day 8 - April 8 - Things I want to learn to do

Things that  would like to learn:
1. How to surf
2. How to paddle a kayak
3. To snorkel
4. To identify Hawaiian wildlife
5. To grow hibiscus and orchids
6. To hula
7. To cook traditional Hawaiian food
8. To string flower and shell leis
9. To play ukulele
10. To boogie board

Day 7 - April 7 - wildlife

As much as I was delighted to find those turtles on the beach yesterday, I was not quite so pleased to find this gecko on the wall above my bed this morning.  Don't get me wrong, I think geckos are cute, at least in the abstract.  I just don't want to think about them hanging out above my head as I sleep.  I managed to catch the little guy and to return him outside where he belongs.  I wonder what kind of wildlife I will encounter next.