Sunshine On My Shoulders

First Fall of SNOW

"The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event."

How true. Relatives and friends from far away phone us with their news of this blessed event. Yesterday they called us because of the seldom heard news that Houston was to receive a share of this blanket of white. And, while it lasted it was a beautiful, magical event.

Some of my friends took their children from school early to experience this "once in a few years for Houston" wonder.

The children's wise Mama knew the importance of making magical memories for her children.

All of Houston was a-buzz with excitement. What a lovely diversion!

My husband surprised me by popping in for lunch, bringing with him containers of steaming Wendy's chili. Lighting candles in the fireplace, we sat together eating our chili, marveling at the beauty of snow whirling about in the sky and through the trees in our huge backyard. In my mind's eye, we looked like a contented couple in a Norman Rockwell painting.

With the snow came the cold temperatures, and the fun of pulling out seldom worn sweaters and scarves. Last evening, we had to stop at Starbucks for a peppermint hot chocolate and slice of gingerbread. Doesn't that just seem to go with a snow day? And, magical for me, was the first time I tried out the seat warmers in our new-ish SUV. The "hot seat" is a great place to be in 23 degree weather, I tell you!

Finally, during last evening's blistery cold weather, what would be more magical than a cozy nap curled up with your favorite (and only) granddaughter?

"Thank you, Lord, for sending the snow, and for the magical wonder the snow day contained."

Teaching (and Learning) Can Be Fun!

  
 
Okay, sometimes when teaching, you have to get a little goofy to get a point across. Little Macie was a real trooper in AWANA tonight, helping me teach Commandment #5, Honour Thy Father and Thy Mother. Well, how does a child show honor? By using EYES...to look when being spoken to. By using EARS...to listen attentively to instructions. By using a MOUTH...to smile, and say please and thank you, and to NOT talk back and complain. And by using HANDS and FEET to be quick to obey, and help and serve. The list goes on and on.

We had fun, too, singing this little song to the tune of B-I-N-G-O. (That song was SO fun teaching kids in INDIA!)

God tells us we may live long lives,

If we will but obey, and

H-O-N-O-R

H-O-N-O-R

H-O-N-O-R

Our father and our mother.

I chose a child to erase one letter at a time, and when we sang the song again, we would *clap* for the missing letter. Remember the system? (Boy, this is bringing back fond INDIA memories! The children were delighted with the BINGO song!) Continue singing six times until children are only clapping for H-O-N-O-R.

Teaching Bible truths...and I really don't care to what age...is the joy of my life. I thank God daily for giving me so many opportunities to serve Him in that capacity. What a blessed lady I am!

As I am leaving for INDIA again next month, the thought of teaching hundreds of children is keeping me awake at night with excited anticipation. A lot of my teaching will be adapted for adult groups as well. My files are almost ready to pack, and you'd better believe I'll be taking loads of ideas which will incorporate...you guessed it...FUN!

Two Boys Think About Heaven

 My husband and I enjoyed our visit last night with Paul Meikle. He is a brave lad.

We've watched Paul and his two younger brothers growing up, as we attend the same church, and have been his teachers at several points through the years. Pouring her life into raising her sons, their Mama is a lady to be admired and respected. How sweet it is to see the fondness and love her boys display to their Mom.

Last night we were reminiscing with Paul about his birth dad...a gentle, kind man who adored his young sons and their Mama. Paul's eyes twinkled, and he could not help grinning when we shared stories about his dad. His own memories are few, but vivid. And he shared his remembrance of seeing his dad when they flew to Jamaica for his funeral. When Mr. Meikle was headed to his own mom's funeral, his car was struck by a train, and he, along with other close relatives, were killed. What a comfort to know that his dad went instantly to be with the Lord.

And we talked about Heaven. Paul looked at me rather skeptically when I told him I thought we would enjoy sports in Heaven. Really, I do! Okay...not professional teams, and the like. But, don't you think we will play in Heaven? And if we enjoyed shooting hoops here on earth, don't you think in the new Heavens and new Earth, when we have our new bodies, we just might be able to shoot hoops there? It's a thought!

Paul has been doing lots of thinking lately...about Heaven. He has several times come up to death's door. So he thinks a lot about meeting Jesus, and about being re-united with his dad. You see, Paul's heart was enlarged, and would not stop growing. He had a pacemaker, and then was forced to lose most of his heart to a mechanical one while he waits for a heart transplant. Confined within the walls of Texas Children's Hospital, he is fighting to live...but is at peace that he is ready to meet Jesus.

Always attentive to my India stories, Paul was looking at some of my pictures. The one that held his attention the most, and initiated the most questions was this one, of the lad with a serious heart condition.

Although much smaller in size, this fellow is close to the same age of Paul's sixteen years. And he, like Paul, is also a boy of courage...and thinks much about Heaven...and meeting Jesus. I wish you could see him lift his hands toward Heaven, and cry out to his Heavenly Father. His frail arms embracing me...his bright eyes and ready smile...his uncomplaining spirit...his prayers...these will always stay in my heart.

Both of these brave boys are learning the secret, what I call the secret of faith. When life's trials overcome you...you take your small hand...and with trust...place it into the Hand of the Saviour.

"T" for Two

Since my husband is recuperating from a bad case of the flu, we could not attend any family Thanksgiving dinners today. We determined not to let that daunt our enthusiasm for the season, and have had a blast with our "T" for Two...or "Thanksgiving" for Two celebration. After all, as husband and wife...that constitutes a family, right? I set the table with our traditional lace Thanksgiving tablecloth...the one with the Mayflower and the Pilgrims and the Indians woven into it...the one we have used since our kids were tiny. Precious memories. I then created a festive centerpiece, added pretty brown chargers with our place settings, and voila! We were ready for our "T" for Two.

Our meat was a gift from a wonderful guy in our church. We call it a "Tony Baked Ham." Tony prepared 70 of his famous honey hams this year, in a huge pit in his backyard. Whoa boy, is it good! I tried to prepare traditional side dishes in small quantities, but still have loads of leftovers. Yummy leftovers.

Together on this day, my husband and I have enjoyed...

...parades on television, then reveling in our Christmas music (Don't you just love being able to create musical playlists on your I-pod? I can play continuous music for hours, with no bother.)

...our lovely, no stress meal, with gratefulness in our hearts, and lots of laughter

...the crisp fall day, while walking in our yard and snapping photos

...the coziness of our little home

...phone calls to and from loved ones

...catnaps

...and the joy of each other's company, for a full day!

Come to think of it, there is still lots of The Day left. The "T' Day...for the 2 of us. You've gotta' love it!

SACRIFICE OF THANKSGIVING

This morning in my Bible reading, I read the verse in Psalm 116:17, "I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord." As I began to ponder the meaning of "the sacrifice of thanksgiving," I decided to check the study notes of my ESV Online Bible. Look what I found, when referred back to Psalm 50:

"...on the sacrifice of thanksgiving and vows (50:14). These were both kinds of peace offerings (Lev. 7:11–12, 16), which was the only kind of sacrifice in which the worshiper ate some of the sacrificial animal; its primary function was to eat a meal, in company with the sacrificer's family and the needy, with God as the host. (First Corinthians 10:16–18 shows that this is the basic meaning of the Christian Lord's Supper.) Membership in God's people is about being welcome in his presence (Ps. 50:14), depending on him (v. 15), and dealing justly with others (vv. 19–20, 23); thus it engages the heart."
 

When the Israelites made their "thanksgiving sacrifice," they took part of that animal sacrifice and included it in their meal, calling family and needy ones to share with them, with the realization that GOD WAS THEIR HOST. This special time foreshadowed what was to come, when believers would partake together of the Lord's Supper.

Don't you think that is what our Pilgrim fathers intended on our first American Thanksgiving day? It was intended as a "sacrifice of thanksgiving," with grateful hearts to the Great Provider...our Lord God. As we break bread together on our Thanksgiving Days...may we make thanksgiving, from our hearts, our sacrifice to God.

P.S. You may want to read my post, Governor Bradford & God's Hand in America's History.

Simple Truths Heal the Mind

Could It Be This Simple? A Biblical Model for Healing the Mind. This book, written by psychiatrist Timothy Jenkins, is anything but a simple read. I am currently reading it through for the third time, and anticipate yet another reading soon. This time my husband and I are reading it aloud to each other. IT IS THAT GOOD! And although it takes a lot of thought and processing while reading, when it all begins to settle in your brain and spirit, you realize that the "simple" truths of Scripture really do hold "simple" answers. It is the TRUTH that will set one free. Sometimes we simply need help in finding our way through a haze of painful experiences, deception, presuppositions, and carnal thinking. Praise God! Through His Word, God brings healing and renewal to our minds.

For every hour he spent studying traditional theories of psychiatry during his residency, Mr. Jenkins spent two hours searching God's Word for biblical insights into mental wellness.

If while reading this book, you disasgree on an issue, please continue reading. The author takes quite a bit of time in laying a foundation. Your issue may take on a different light later in the book. And if there are points with which you question, please do not let that hamper the numerous insights you can gain...if your approach is one of a learner.

Something I appreciate is that truths I have been taught all my life were explained with a different slant, using explanations and illustrations that caught my attention, and made such sense. Not the same old talk...the same old stories. Sure made me think!

I suppose the best thing I could say about this book is this: it caused me to want to love Jesus even more.

We are beginning to buy multiple copies of this book to give out to family and friends. Those who seek to help others find biblical answers for life's problems will certainly benefit. And we all have issues within our own lives which this book could shed more light...by clearly pointing to Scripture. 

Definitely my "if you only read one book this year, read this one" recommendation. (Outside of the Bible, naturally.) Quite simply a must.

Beverly's Gift

 
My friend Beverly hand crafted this lovely necklace for me at the end of our Precept Bible Study on 2 Samuel. Isn't it lovely? She knew "Be Still And Know" held special meaning for me, making her gift all the more special. I admire the ladies in our church who use their God-given creativity in making all sorts of wonderful things for their families and friends to enjoy.

Our Bible studies have come to mean much to me through the years. The fellowship of the ladies and observing their hunger for more of God blesses my heart! Digging into the truths of God's Word together creates a special bond.

Thank you Beverly! Now I will have yet another reminder to "Be Still," and will wear your gift with gratefulness in my heart...for the necklace...and...for the kindness of a friend. 

Today I Am...

Today I am LOVING...

this picture of my girls which appeared in the BANDERA BULLETIN on November 4.

While staying in their vacation cabin in Bandera, Texas during Halloween weekend, my kids were invited to stop by the Community Center where their friends were helping with a neighborhood party. AND...since my daughter has ALWAYS liked to play dress-up, she dressed her little Andrah Kate in a little cow suit, and added a little Chick-Fil-A humor. The local press liked this mother-daughter duo, and their picture made the front page with a 7 1/2" x 7 1/2" layout. You've gotta LOVE it!

Today I am LAUGHING...

at this bill sent to me from Uncle Billy...for all the hedge balls I confiscated from his property in Missouri.

 

Today I am LISTENING...

to a wonderful new Christmas recording of Andrea Bocelli, singing "God Bless Us Everyone."

Today I am LONGING...

to return to INDIA...and God willing, I can...this January. And there are two young adults for sure, and one more maybe going with me. Today I am working on VBS...for a huge event of an estimated 1,000 poor village children. Can you think of anything more exciting? I will be adapting the Answers in Genesis VBS material I have taught in two other VBS's, called "The Amazon Expedition." 

 

And today I am LOADED...

with blessings from above!

"Blessed be the LORD, who DAILY LOADETH us with benefits, even the God of our salvation."  ~Psalms 68:19

Strolling Down Memory Lane

Right this way folks, join Dave Messick on a stroll down Memory Lane. In 3 packed-full days, we visited spots from my husband's happy childhood in Savannah and St. Joseph, Missouri. This park in Savannah was named for a relative, and is the spot where Dave spent many happy days playing baseball.

 
  
And "The Messick Gallery", found within the Pony Express Museum, was established by another relative.

 
Dave, as a young boy, loved the Pony Express history. And he still does!

We had to stop for a meal at the historic Hoof & Horn Steak House, located in the St. Joe stock yard area, right on the Mighty MO, the Missouri River. Dave would eat here with his dad when they took their livestock to market. They serve a really mean Rib Eye!

Watching this train from the restaurant window...and feeling it pass...brought back distinct memories of days gone by. 

 

Also from the restaurant window, we could see the old Live Stock Exchange building, which is now under renovation. Dave had to stop by and observe for a spell. (That's Missouri talk..."come sit a spell"...and the like.) I think he was actually seeing his farmer dad, walking with his crippled, polio limp, going up the stairs of this building. 

Here are some hedge balls I gathered as we wandered the beloved woods near Dave's home. Actually, Dave knocked some of them out of the tree for me, showing me that the old pitching arm still has lots of life left. Dave explained that local folks will put these balls in their closets, to ward off bugs and spiders. 
 

But I had something else in mind. We made simple little table decorations for our family reunion day on Saturday. 26 of us met in the woods at Uncle Billy's deer camp. Everyone brought favorite dishes for a Thanksgiving-type of meal. The weather was perfect...absolutely perfect. The food was amazing. The day was full of visiting, catching-up, laughter, and play.

The deer camp was rustic, but oh-so-perfect for that event. Located in the woods which Dave, as a boy... haunted...and hunted, he was in heaven. Uncle Billy has even added nice bathroom facilities. The ladies appreciated that. The tiny cabin has a gas stove, so we were able to warm our food.  
 
The timing was perfect to enjoy 4-wheeling, as the farmers' crops were in, and we could ride all around the fields and the hills. This is Dave being taken for a ride by me. I LIKE 4-WHEELING! He even trusted me up a really steep, rocky hillside, and then back down. FUN! As these country boys all have 4-wheelers, there were plenty to go around.

The evening found us around a beautiful camp fire, roasting marshmallows for s'mores, playing lots of "Remember when..?," and just enjoying being together.

 
As Dave's mom recently experienced a serious heart attack, we were grateful that she was better and able to enjoy the day with us. I don't believe I've ever seen her any happier. Here she is with her son, Dave, her granddaughter, Rebekah Joy, and great-granddaughter, Andrah Kate. This 4 generation picture is special to Dave, who was thrilled to show off his new grand-baby!

Hearing Dave's childhood stories was fun. We found some neat treasures at the Jesse James Antique Mall in St. Joe, some of which reminded Dave of his incredible dad. But we could not find an old cap pistol like he played with. Have you heard his stories about the infamous cap guns? He did grow up in Jesse James country, you know!

It is good to step back occasionally...to remember. It makes us grateful, doesn't it? Grateful for the many ways God worked in our lives...and the people he worked through to bless and train us. The weekend-in-Missouri with my husband, with its stroll down Memory Lane, was quite a blessing indeed.

Be Still

Yes, that is what God has been telling me for the last year..."Be still...and know that I am God."  I put this verse in my study...as wall art, which serves as a daily reminder for me.

Recently I came across this beautiful song, Still, My Soul, Be Still, written by my favorite modern day hymn writers, Keith and Kristine Getty, who are well known for writing In Christ Alone. It is found on their newly released album titled Awaken the Dawn. I downloaded the entire album from I-Tunes, and play it continually. However, my current favorite, the song that speaks so much to my spirit, the one that I keep putting on repeat, is that beautiful song I referred to, which follows:

 

Still, My Soul, Be Still

Still, my soul be still. And do not fear.

The winds of change may rage tomorrow.

GOD is at your side. No longer dread

The fires of unexpected sorrow.

 

(CHORUS)

GOD...You are my GOD,

And I will trust in You and not be shaken.

LORD of peace, renew a steadfast spirit within me

To rest in You alone.

 

Still, my soul be still. Do not be moved

By lesser lights and fleeting shadows.

Hold onto His ways, with shield of faith

Against temptation's flaming arrows.

(CHORUS)

 

Do not forsake the Truth

You learned in the beginning.

Wait upon the Lord, and hope will rise

As stars appear when day is dawning.

(CHORUS)

 

Aren't those meaninful words? Psalm-like truths infused all throughout...that's why I like it so much. 

Last week my husband gave me a precious gift...that of spending 6 days all alone in the Hill Country, a time set apart to meet with God. It took me about 2 days to unwind, I'll admit. And then, as I was sitting before the Lord, I said, "Well God, here I am. I'm being still before You." And it seemed that He answered me in my spirit by saying, "It's about time, child! Now...come...let us reason together."

God met with me in such a remarkable way. Truths in His Word taught, healed, gave light, delighted and refreshed my soul.

Ahhh...the art of being still. It is a difficult art to master. But the richness of knowing that He is God...that far outweighs the effort.

Thank you, Mr. Scourby!

 
Even before our first child, Rebekah, was born, I was playing Bible recordings to her, specifically, Alexander Scourby reading the KJV Bible...on cassettes. Hours and hours of cassettes. After she arrived, I always put her down for a nap or for bedtime with Alexander Scourby playing in the background. My desire was to fill her room and her little spirit with the Word of God.

Later in Rebekah's life, people would comment to us concerning her fine diction. I would laugh, knowing fully well she did not pick it up from me or her dad. I began wondering just how she did develop that skill. Slowly, it dawned on me that for years she had listened to the precise, Shakespearean-trained, perfect diction of Alexander Scourby. Could that have influenced her developing speech? I believe so...for to speak correctly, we need to hear correctly first. 

The Christmas when Rebekah was two years old, she sat intently over several nights as I read aloud to her and her daddy, Dickens' Christmas Carol. That book has a challenging vocabulary for adult listening, but she reveled in it. I ask myself now if her early appetite for challenging literature can be attributed in part to her steady diet from before-birth and onward of the beautiful King James English of the Bible.

Much to my delight, Rebekah, who is now a first-time Mommy herself, is putting her little Andrah Kate down for a nap...with Alexander Scourby playing in the background. Hours and hours of Scripture, but instead of cassettes, thankfully, now in a CD or MP3 format. We'll put my theory to the test. In but a few years, we'll find if Andrah's speech has been influenced. More importantly, we pray her little spirit will respond to God's Word.

For his impact in various ways upon our family, I say a hearty, "Thank you, Mr. Scourby!"

A New Room for Lisa...Ideas Anyone?

Deciding how to decorate my sister Lisa's bedroom has become a bit of a dilemma for me. Anyone out there have any ideas to share?

Since Lisa LOVES studying about the Great Masters of Painting, my husband and I bought a print of the Mona Lisa when we visited the Louvre, and had it nicely framed for her. Lisa is delighted with it!

So...my initial thought was to incorporate somehow a Great Masters theme into her room. I could hang that Mona Lisa print over her bed, and perhaps some other framed prints as well.

Since Lisa's hospital bed cannot be laden with a heavy comforter, I am searching for a lightweight quilt-like coverlet. I found this pillow, but thought using it might be a bit much.

 

A pillow displaying Van Gogh's Starry Night? Nope. Overused...but Lisa does love Starry Night.

   
Lisa has two favorite colors. She adores pink, but that has been used entirely enough in her life, thank you, along with girly themes. So I'm leaning toward her second favorite...red, or perhaps a burgundy-ish shade...using a grown lady theme.

As I write this post, my mind is dancing around with ideas. Lisa does some lovely watercolors...like this one she painted for me, titled "The Hummingbird."

Perhaps I should have her do a painting...or perhaps a series of three...in the colors of her room.

Lisa has experienced so many trials and changes over this past year. A newly decorated room would be a great treat and diversion for her, so I'm excited to begin the process.

If only I could decide in which direction to head! Perhaps a shopping day with my daughter might get me inspired. Shopping always gets our creative juices flowing, right gals? I'll keep you posted of the progress, and PLEASE consider brainstorming suggestions with me! 
 

Pineapples & Pearls

First, the PINEAPPLES! No visitor returns from Hawaii without a pineapple experience of some sort.

Did you know that when choosing a ripe pineapple, you must look for one which has eyes of uniform size throughout the fruit? And it might not be yellow, but green. The key is in those large, uniform eyes.

That is what we learned at the Dole Pineapple Plantation in Oahu, a perfect afternoon outing spot. A walk in the lush Pineapple Garden displayed different varieties grown around the world. We hopped on the Pineapple Express to tour the plantation and manicured gardens up close. Relaxing and fun! And the gift shop...that "draw" to womankind...was full of unique pineapple delights. Finishing our tour with a huge bowl of the soft serve fresh pineapple ice cream, Dole Whip, topped with fresh pineapple chunks, was the perfect ending.

 

 

And next, another Hawaiian "must have"...DRUM ROLL, please...the PEARLS.

 
All over the Islands, you can choose lovely pearls set in all kinds of beautiful jewelry. Or you can buy single pearls...or choose a live oyster for the experience of cracking it open and dislodging your very own. You may have a traditional pearly white one, which is supposed to stand for "purity & innocence," or a gold pearl, meaning "prosperity," or shades of pink, indicating "love & beauty." Finally you may have a pearl in the black family, which may range from shades of black to an eggplant color, meaning "power & adventure."

I chose the excitement and mystery of searching for my pearl inside it's original birthplace. A traditional Aloha blessing was chanted over my chosen oyster. I was hoping for a black pearl, but was utterly delighted to see emerge, under the goo, a set of twin eggplant-colored pearls. I fell in love with them instantly.

My sweet husband had one of the pearls set in a lovely 14-carat white gold pendant, called "The Wave." Mahala, Honey! I love it! I even get to go to James Avery to choose a proper chain.

 
  
Ahhh...Pineapples are great...but GIVE THIS GAL PEARLS ANY DAY!

My Inaugural Glider Ride

Webster's defines inaugural as "making a beginning." That is exactly what I did this past month while on vacation in Hawaii. My husband tries to plan something different, something adventuresome when we have a special get-away. So he researched Glider Rides over the Pacific...and signed me up for a ride which included a lesson, and taking the controls myself. I've never cared for helicopter or plane rides, so I admit I only agreed to please my husband.

Little did I know how much fun it would be. I loved every second of the ride! The very touchy controls spooked me a bit, but I really think I could get the hang of it!

Here I am in the little red and yellow glider with the one wheel for landing, getting attached to be pulled into the air by a single engined plane.

 

Ready for take off!

 

Up, up and away! At this point the plane cuts us loose, and we catch the wind currents for a quiet, spectacular ride.

While soaring in the clouds, observing the Pacific and surrounding mountains, my young pilot and I spoke of God's beautiful handiwork. As he was a fellow believer, we marveled through "spiritual eyes," and worshiped our Creator God together.

Happily, I expressed to my pilot that this ride would be added to my "Treasured Memories Storehouse" ... with the intent of pulling it out when I when I wanted to recall cherished moments of time in my life. 

When Webster's defined inaugural as "making a beginning," a semicolon followed. And "first in a projected series" was added. I like that. Hopefully, my inaugural glider ride was the first of many. I understand gliding over the Caribbean is magnificent! 

Beach Scenes in HAWAII

I cannot resist posting a stream of some of my favorite beach shots taken recently on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. Look at them...and start checking for good airline ticket prices...'cuz I tell you, you want to go!

 

 

 
  
  

   

Chow Time...Hawaiian Style

During our recent Hawaii vacation, we purposed, with our friends Gabe and Jeanne, to sample as many local foods as we could. Since we were on the go so much, it was easy, as we stayed hungry! So...from pupus and Spam to scallop and lobster pot-stickers...we indulged our taste buds to the limit!

The traditional Hawaiian luau offered us the chance to try a delicious roasted pig with all the local side dishes, such as purple yams, poi, marinated salmon, and lots of fresh fruit. The fresh bread was made with the yams...and was also purple in color.

Here is a smiling Gabe and Jeanne at our luau, where they ordered a delectable,fresh pineapple drink.

 

Jeanne insisted we stop for ice cream whenever possible. Her favorite ice cream concoction was called "Angel's Halo." It consisted of a huge scoop of pineapple-coconut ice cream topped with shaved ice which was saturated in your choice of tropical fruit syrups, then drizzled with condensed milk and topped with fresh whipped cream. Jeanne was in ice cream heaven!  She encouraged a lady we met to try this dessert. After feasting on it she quipped, "If I were a dog...I'd be rolling in it! It's THAT good." 

  
  
 

All the ices, smoothies, ice creams, fruit drinks...and fruit platters...were memorable.

I tried this little guy for lunch one day at the International Market Food Court, with the delicious clear noodles on the side. He was YUMMY!

One secret to afford-ably enjoying Hawaiian food, we were advised, is to eat at the less tourist-y places, which the local folks frequent. One favorite chain is called Zippy's. The Zippy's Restaurant offered a larger menu than the Zippy's Drive-In, but both serve excellently prepared Hawaiian food, which reflects the influence of other cultures, primarily Asian, Portuguese, and...

 

American...circa World War 2. See the slice of SPAM? You find it served all over the islands with breakfast (even at MacDonald's!), lunch and dinner.

 

Another favorite local establishment we gladly frequented was called L & L Drive In. The shrimp burgers were to die for! Fresh food...well prepared. Yum-o!

 
 

Here is Jeanne at our only stop a MacDonald's, when we tried something we cannot get on the mainland..."haupia pie," which is a fried pie filled with warm coconut-pineapple pudding.

Dotted along the North Shore of Oahu, you will find "Shrimp Shacks"...kind of like the Taco Wagons we find here in Texas. At Macky's Shrimp Shack, we feasted on the freshest and best tasting coconut shrimp plate, as well a buttery garlic shrimp. I would return to Oahu just to visit Macky's!

 

 

I saw a plaque at a gift store which read, "Give us this day our daily rice." Even breakfast in Hawaii is served up with a scoop of rice. And no matter what other starches are served, rice will be added as well.

Eating afford-ably a large part of the time enabled us to enjoy several meals in nice hotels along Waikiki Beach. On a tip from a friendly shop lady, who told us to "bite the bullet, valet park and eat lunch," we visited The Kahala Hotel and Resort, and marveled at the elegant, live-orchid-laden surroundings, complete with pools of animated dolphins and sea turtles. Here we are pictured, seated at our outside table. You can see Diamond-head in the horizon...and we watched a movie being filmed in the distance. Definitely a time out of the ordinary for us!

Our favorite dining experience...which we gave an enthusiastic 5 STARS...was The Hula Grill. Knowing that every table offered a breathtaking sunset view over the ocean, we chose to have an early dinner...for the sunset experience. The menu offered Hawaiian Regional seafood and steaks complimented with locally grown produce. We even ordered pupus that night...Hawaiian for appetizers and pronounced poo-poos. We got silly with that one all week. Our pupus of choice were the scallop & lobster pot-stickers. "Even if you don't dance the hula, your tastes buds will," The Hula Grill boasts. We found that statement to not be exaggerated!

The meal was topped off with their house specialty dessert...a huge, homemade ice cream sandwich.

  

Our evening was blessed as our spirits feasted upon the spectacular sunset backdrop, specially painted for our enjoyment by the Master Artist of our world.