MINE IS BIGGER THAN YOURS...

Well OK, maybe it is and maybe it isn't... but that's not really what this is about. All you regular Readers know of my love for the Sea, and not surprisingly - BIG BOATS. Well Boat International has published their list of the 100 (privately owned) Largest Yacht's in the World, and it's doozer.

The one pictured here is ECLIPSE, the largest at OVER 530 Feet!! And (not) surprisingly, they haven't listed an Owner for it... and it's barely a Field Goal short of two Football fields. Check out the link above, it's pretty interesting. Among it's amenities are the largest swimming pool afloat and it can service (land and take-off) two (count 'em, 2!) Helicopters while storing a third in the bow!

And even if this doesn't really "float your boat" and you think you're not interested, check out #12, on Page 2, from Germany, the 400 foot ALEXANDER built in 1965. Click on the arrows below the picture to see several stunning interior shots.

And speaking of Football Fields... Had an interesting weekend. Green Bay beat the Bears, for which I feel the pain for my Chicago Friends & Family, as so lost the Jets to Pittsburgh. Such is life on the Gridiron.

Saturday evening was the Commodore's Ball at LYC, and a splendid time was had by all. Well, at least by yours truly. Attending sans a Date, I enjoyed a fabulous Pistachio Crusted Rack of Lamb at the Bar, prepared to perfection by Chef Brad. With most everyone dressing it up a bit (well as best some of us do) a good many of the Ladies were definite head turners, which is always enjoyable. The "ofishal" part of the evening went rather quickly this year, as the Incoming Board of Governor's replacing the Outgoing BOG were all the same people, so Thank You's & Congratulations were more or less one in the same.

Sunday I wound up with a most regrettable conflict in scheduling... I had obligated myself for what I thought to be an afternoon event, and so agreed to lend an assist to Ms. Queen Bee, Bonnie Nelson, in her quest to visit a suffering feral Bee Hive in the forest up at Honolua. My afternoon commitment to serve as the Announcer for the Awards Ceremony at the MAUI OCEANFRONT MARATHON turned out to be a Morning call after all - and so I had to bail on the Bee Team. I had managed to borrow a hand-held GPS from good Friend Jeff Kaiser and was able to pass that on to Bonnie so she could get a firm location on the Hive. Happily Bonnie reported a successful trip, which came a somewhat of a relief for letting her down.

The Marathon Gig turned out OK, as it was apparent that I did a satisfactory job, as was acknowledged by many of the Participants as well as the Race Director - such that I've been asked to do it again next year. So I'll have to be sure not to double book for January 22nd! Things did get interesting when it became evident that the "Official Results" I was given to announce from differed considerably from the "official timing cards" that each of the participants were given... Hmm, lets see, 4 events (5K, Half marathon, 15K, Marathon); 6 age groups in each; Men's & Women's with almost 1,500 total Participants... it DID get a bit interesting. Of course having the benefit of countless sporting events under my belt, I remained calm in the storm, un-ruffled, and even managed to have a calming effect on the teaming masses...

OK - that's a wrap for today's report... Until next time - ALOHA!

"The problems that exist in the world today cannot be solved by the level of thinking that created them." - Albert Einstein

We Don't See This Everyday...

That's right Sports Fans!!! SNOW IN HAWAII. And a lot of it too... Both here on Maui and on the Big Island. And it's a good thing too, as I've been needing something to get me motivated to get back here and update the ol' "Travel Blog."

As you may have surmised, so far this year (at least for me) things have been pretty normal. That's not to say nothing's going on, just nothing much "exciting." Life is good, make no mistake about that, but can't get too excited about just sharing the routine and hum drum events of daily life - where's the fun in that?

Well let's see, what has been going on...? A lot of Folks seem to be having Computer "issues" so I've been busy there - even got a call from an old Friend and co-worker who is now in Oregon, with what sounds to be like a failing hard drive... Sorry Wendy. Amanda's back in school with another full load but she did manage to pass her Math placement test, and skipped one of the Fundamental courses she was dreading... Old High School chum and former Room mate Sandy Saemann is in the final stages of opening his latest "brain child" HOTDOGGERS in Manhattan Beach, CA (a restaurant with a sort of obvious menu) which I'm sure you'll be hearing more about down the road... We've been having quite a bit of Weather (that's wind & rain) which is mostly good, because we need the rain and the hills (at least the parts that haven't washed away) are green, green, green... Friend Bonnie Nelson went off to the ER the other night with a mild stroke and has fortunately come through it just fine - with all systems "go" and was dully attended to by (who else) Ms. Amanda... And to cap things off, the JET'S are in the Playoffs! What's the big deal you ask? Well your's truly and Mr. Trivia (Bobby Powers) just happen to have them in the Football Pool, and that means $$$.

OK - there, I've done it... a little something to let those of you who care know that I'm "still here" and everything's just fine - oh, except for my tooth that broke eating Christmas Turkey (no Amanda it wasn't your fault and I didn't say anything so as not to spoil the party...), and actually that's fine too - except for the $800.00 bill for another Crown! Ciao Ya'll.

“I love quotations because it is a joy to find thoughts one might have, beautifully expressed with much authority by someone recognized wiser than oneself.” Marlene Dietrich

1-1-11

Bedee, bedee, bedee... that's all FOLKS! And just like that - here we are, 2011 a new year of challenges, adventures, rewards, excitement, disappointments, and who knows what all life will throw at us? Have Faith, believe in yourself and know that God will not burden you with anything you can't handle. BELIEVE THAT, and also remember you have Family & Friends who will gladly help - IF they know you need it, so never be afraid to ask.



LIFE IS GOOD my Friends. Here's wishing EVERYONE a productive, prosperous and pleasant New Year.



I do have one little gem I wanted to share, for those of you who might have missed it, or just could care less... but our "friends" at GOOGLE are among the forefront of those who are CLEVEREST (at least IMHO) managed to come up with one really good one to "ring" in the New Year. If you've been to their Home page recently, you'll have seen their current GOOGLE Marquis or "squiggle" as they call it. But did you bother to wonder just what it meant exactly? Turns out those are the Roman Numerals for 2011! And there you have it!

“Men are afraid to rock the boat in which they hope to drift safely through life's currents, when, actually, the boat is stuck on a sandbar. They would be better off to rock the boat and try to shake it loose.” - Thomas Szasz

YEAR'S END IS ALMOST UPON US...

I'm sure I'm not alone as the Year is winding down... you kinda can't help but get nostalgic... but I'm not going off on that, so you can relax. Seems to be A LOT of "computer" issues going on as I've been getting an avalanche of phone calls... A word to the wise - BACK-UP anything that's important to you NOW! Don't say you haven't been warned.

Not surprisingly every one's got a different problem so each takes some heavy thinking to resolve. My poor brain feels bruised. Now I'm not looking for sympathy, just stating a fact. I'll be fine, it's what I do. Seems as though most every one's had a "good" Christmas so that's welcome news. Of course out Government's still a bit of a disappointment and the News Media seems bent on continuing to make something out of nothing, just to have "news!" Geesh!!

But all of that didn't seem to matter much, after I watched this little comic gem, sent by Dan's Mom Katheryn, that still has me chuckling. Have a look and see for yourself. ANIMAL CRACKERS And that'll probably be it for me until after the New Year. MARTY DREAD is playing at LYC for our New Year's Eve party (that's a big deal around these parts, as we Maui Folks know) so I plan to drop in for that. Saturday of course is the Rose Parade and then the Rose Bowl, amongst a few other Bowl Games. So everyone have a SAFE & MERRY. See you next year!

"The more sand that has escaped from the hourglass of our life, the clearer we should see through it." - Jean-Paul Sarte

A NICE LITTLE BONUS FROM AUNTIE BONNIE!

We had a nice surprise visit from "Auntie" Bonnie Nelson (Moma Duma aka Queen Bee) on Christmas Day, and after snapping away all afternoon she put together another GREAT Jones' Family Christmas Video which can be SEEN HERE.

This year Kelly's Daughter Madison was the "star" - quite the fashion statement she makes. Hailey managed her trademark "pout" to greet Bonnie with, but finally came around before she left. Anyway, it's easy to see everyone had a good time.

...and then came the 12 DAYS "AFTER" CHRISTMAS...

OK, come on... admit it, you've been WAITING for this one (or maybe dreading it...) - so I had to do it. For those of you who lead sheltered lives (like me) and hadn't heard this before, it's a hoot. I did some checking so you wouldn't have too, and this version is pretty good. The Gal singing it does a great dead pan delivery (you won't want the volume up too high) but the best part is the Guy in the background. Way too funy.

And so, for your enjoyment (I hope) the TWELVE DAYS AFTER CHRISTMAS.

"The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese." – Steven Wright

... and at last, The 12th DAY OF CHRISTMAS

AND TWELVE DRUMMERS DRUMMING...

MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE and ALL!

Here's wishing everyone a terrific day with Family & Friends or whatever floats your Reindeer. Remember, most of all - we want to say "HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS" as that is truly what Christmas is all about.

Of course the "Christmas Tree" is a big part of any Christmas decorations, with the all too familiar ANGEL on the top... well here's a cute little "card" (thank you Jannette Knowley) with the Angel reminding us of where Christmas came from. When it's finished, you'll notice at the bottom of the card, is a link if you want to know MORE about Christmas Trees... for those who want to know, you'll enjoy it.

I hope you've enjoyed my little bloggish lead up and if nothing else are comfortable that it's not about the $$$ - that's just Marketing hype that we've all grown up with. "WE" can change it, and it's about high time we did...

So to close out my little Christmas vignette, here is a version of our 12 Days I hope everyone can find something to enjoy about it. It's a bit dated, and in black & white - but it is "family" and it's a good down home country setting, so kick back and listen to Mr. Johnny Cash and Mrs. June (Carter) Cash and friends...

Well, next on the horizon is NEW YEARS - and won't that be fun. CHEERS EVERYONE. And remember, this Guy loves you, each and every one. PEACE, LOVE & GROOVY YA'LL.

Christmas is not a time or a season but a state of mind. To cherish peace and good will, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. If we think on these things, there will be born in us a Savior and over us will shine a star sending its gleam of hope to the world." ~ Calvin Coolidge