For those of you lucky enough to be on Maui for the holiday, check out this news release I just got from the folks at the Westin about their holiday activities and their Tenth Anniversary - Congrats to the Westin!
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa

In celebration of the Westin’s Tenth Heavenly Anniversary and Fourth of July weekend, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa on Ka’anapali Beach will be showering the pool decks with 50,000 fresh flower orchids from a helicopter above. The annual “4th of July Flowerworks” will be held on Saturday, July 4th at 11:00 am.

Resort general manager Craig Anderson will be personally showering the orchids from the helicopter. To add fun and merriment, the resort has organized floral lei-making and a contest with five special prizes to be presented to five lucky guests who find one of the FIVE roses that will be hidden amongst the 50,000 orchids. Winners will also be honoring the resort’s housekeeping associates who have each made more than 50,000 Heavenly Beds the past ten years.

Hot Club of Hulaville

Catch an exciting performance by the Hot Club of  Hulaville at ‘Ono Bar & Grill, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa. This Hawaiian jump swing musical sensation will be performing at the poolside restaurant bar on July 4 from 5:30pm to 7:00 pm.  Led by guitarist Sonny Silva with band members Ginai, Emmett Mahoney, David Chiorini and Duane Padilla, the five-piece band  will add their very own color and flavors of music as you enjoy a unique dining experience with family and friends at the ‘Ono Bar & Grill. Happy Hour is available daily from 5:00 to 6:00 pm. For reservations, call 667-2525 or visit westinmaui.com.

A few months back I thought it would be nice to spend a few weeks in Maine over the summer. Here I am, typing away in my parent's basement, with more clothes on than I've ever worn at any one time on Maui. Brrr.
I'd like to upload some pictures once i can find the appropriate cord, but let me give you an idea... the sky is grey, the ocean is grey, and the fog is thick.
Oh, and did I mention it's cold and almost 100% humidity.
I guess this is my version of 'winter'.
Maine's slogan is Vacationland...
They should have clarified that this is a 'vacation' from sun, blue skies and warmth! But oh well, I do live on Maui all the other weeks of the year so I really shouldn't complain.

It's been a while since I've been to the new swap meet location, on the MCC campus, and I have to say the new location is great!
It's still just 50 cents to get it, and the parking is much easier, and it's not as dusty as the old location.  It was even pretty cool with the nice breeze blowing in off the harbor.
We went with a mission- getting souvenirs for our family that we are going to visit soon, and as usual, we were able to get our favorites- lovely smelling soaps and candles made on Maui. All the aunties and tutus will love these. We even got the usual swap meet snacks of apple bananas and fried mochi balls, all eaten before we left the grounds.
When we were making our final lap through, I noticed that one of the two stuffed animals that we had with us in the stroller had gotten loose. I did a quick loop to see if i could find Mr. Whiskers, then went to the entry area to see if there was a lost and found. The police officer overheard my lost and found inquiry, and asked what we were looking for. He mentioned that he had indeed seen a sad, gray kitty on the far aisle, and we were so happy to find the silly kitty sitting under a rack of clothes exactly where the police officer had last seen him.
Kudos to the Maui Police Department for finding a lost kitty!
However, the day's hunt was not over, for I soon discovered that the sippy cup was also missing- so one more loop around and we were indeed victorious!
All in all, a successful day at the Maui Swap Meet!

Today is the most beautiful day I've seen in months, with no wind at all on the North Shore, and oddly enough, no vog either. There are tons of surfers (although, small surf, but you can see the reef below you!) and kayakers and SUPers on the North Shore.
Just drove through Hookipa and snapped this shot (had to be quick with sleeping baby in the car!)

Hookipa Beach May 22

For the 2nd year in a row, I celebrated Mother's Day with a downwind standup paddle from Maliko Gulch to Spreckelsville, along with a couple other mothers and an escort (just like the humpback whales...)Below are the pictures of the journey, along with some underwater photos of some wildlife that we encountered!

Also, just need to say that the finale of the Amazing Race is on Maui (currently on air!) So fun to watch!