I finished reading The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien last night about 3 a.m. I thought it would be good to read it in preparation for the movie that comes out in December of this year. It will be a two-parter so we have something to look forward to in 2013. The reason I was up so late was because the dogs needed to go outside to potty. I drowsed for a while hoping they would go back to sleep but they kept jumping off the bed and then Buddy started whining. That usually means "I have to go and I have to go NOW" so it meant down the stairs and out the door. It was just long enough to wake me up for a while. I had just a few more chapters to go so I finished. It is always a great read and I forget little parts here and there, so it is a good refresher. I am sure the movie will be wonderful

I've been helping a friend with her new business and last night received the title of Senior Editor and Technical Writer. Apparently, I am even going to get business cards! Well, I'm not working that hard to deserve those but it has been an interesting journey learning how to edit and draw and create on the computer. My job has been to do the pattern inserts (also known as the pattern instructions) complete with illustrations. Some of the drawing has been done the old fashioned way by hand, but most has been done by computer. I've learned a lot and it has been a lot of fun seeing the creativity put in to the business. Here is a link to their website: mylazydaisy.com

We've been sick at our house = lots of naps. I can't seem to get through the day without a nap, and oftentimes, they are too long during the peak of the day. But I'm so tired that it doesn't really matter because I can't do much else. I am trying to do some spring cleaning but it is a slow go as a result of the nappage. Oh, well.

Food Glorious Food

Our trip thus far has been about friends, fun, and food. I will have to wait until I get home to get pictures from B. We met Doug and Patrice Vermillion and their daughter Teresa in Hilo for a few days at Volcano National Park. We did three hikes to the Green Sand Beach, across a volcano crater, and at Akaka Falls. And we ate three, yes, three times at the Thai Thai in Volcano. Yummy yummy food. Then we moved over to Oahu where we hiked to Diamond Head, over and back to the Hale Koa hotel from our hotel, and to Ka'ena Point. We ate at Duke's, Ruth's Chris, the Udon Noodle House, a shrimp shack, shave ice at Matsumoto's, Cheesecake Factory, Bippa's at the Hale Koa, and Denny's (which was pretty yum for breakfast). We went to Duke's a second time with D, and are planning to go to Niko's with Ben and Krystal and their family tonight. We wanted to go to Uncle's but it closes at 3 on Monday. We also snorkeled in Hanauma Bay, and went to the Dole Pineapple Plantation, and walked the main drag of Waikiki numerous times. What an adventure! Today is our last day. Oh, and DSC men's b-ball have won 3 games thus far. They have one more game tonight.

Reading this trip included Hawaii by James Michener. It was originally published in 1959. The other book I am still reading is Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy, published in 1891. I remember seeing the movie that was made in the 1980's and having taught The Mayor of Casterbridge, decided that it would be a good one to read. I am enjoying it. I keep seeing Nastassja Kinski in the title role. I think it won an Oscar for the cinematography. It was beautifully filmed.

I am looking forward to being home. Miss my girl and her family. Miss my dogs. Miss my regular routine. Vacations are delightful but there in no place like home.