Caving, snorkling, stargazing...must be Hawaii!

I spent three weeks on the Big Island again this December. It was the first time I'd seen my mom in 2 months and my dad in 10 months, so this trip was far overdue!!

We spent most of the first week and a half in the water snorkling. The waters on the East side of the big island are not particularly known for their clear snorkle worthy water, but we do know some great places that rival any other spots I've seen in the rest of the islands. The Kapoho (Vacation Land) area, for instance, is a series of crystal clear tide pools. They are full of a kaleidascope of colorful corals and tropical fish. You need to be there when the tide is in, and be willing to swim in some areas only a couple of inches deep to travel from pool to pool, but it is so worth it! This area is a opehe preserve and fishing is strictly not allowed, but that makes it all the more wonderful.

Another great place to go, just up the road from Kapoho, is the warm ponds. While the selection of fish is less diverse than other areas, this natural warm spring was walled and resembles a swimming pool, but has a ocean inlet that feeds cool water in which is warmed by the geothermal springs. The water is rarely below 80 degrees.

We enjoy an area in Hilo called Richardson Center which is a cove protected by a sea wall a few miles from the Hilo bay and marina. This area is not a clear as others, but we have frequently swam with green sea turtles (honu) in this area. We saw several picasso triggerfish, also known as humuhumunukunkuapua'a, the Hawaiian state fish. There were Christmas wrass, a psychedelically colorful fish, yellow tangs, parrotfish, etc. This is a frequent stopover for tourists off of the cruise ships so there are often large groups visiting, and mom loves to talk to the newly visiting, sharing her island home with them. Someday, she will be a fulltime tour guide, I'm sure.

My dad and I went spelunking in a 2+ mile deep lava tube just outside of Hilo. The lava tube dates back about 100 years or so, and travels upward into the mountainside. It is about 15 feet wide, with a 25+ foot ceiling. After bouldering over a small cave in and ducking through an opening about 3 feet tall, we began the journey uphill, all the while imagining the 2500 degree lava that had once careened through this tube. We got about a quarter of a mile up and turned off our flashlights to truly experience the deep, inky blackness. There were no creatures that we saw, and no plant life, except the roots of plants far above us. There was some sort of powdery fungus on the walls, and it was very wet and drippy. It was a thrilling experience. I plan to explore more caves and lava tubes in the future. The photo is me just outside the opening of the tube.

We also took advantage of the 'Imiloa Astronomy Center, a fantastic museum and planetarium run by University of Hawaii-Hilo. We watched their presentations on Mauna Kea and Black Holes and enjoyed the children-centric hands on museum which had several areas dedicated to Hawaiian History. I love planetariums and this one was great. The young lady who was our host for the shows also walked us through what we might expect in the night sky over Hilo (if it weren't always raining!)

Red Bluff's M & M Ranch Restaurant

Boy, it seems I've been trying lots of local eateries this month. Today, for my co-worker's birthday, we went to M & M Ranch in Frontier Village (Old Cowtown, for those of us who've been here for a while).

M & M, in case you are a long time resident, is in the old Da Vinci's building. It has a clean, comfortable interior; nothing special. The food, however, was pretty great. I had the tri-tip vegetable soup which was full of thick sliced zucchini, carrots, celery and hearty pieces of tri-tip. My lunch was their island burger, a thick (really thick!) hamburger topped with a slice of ham, cheese, a pineapple ring and teriyaki sauce. This was a tasty burger! The patty was juicy, cooked perfectly medium, the ham was flavorful, not too salty, and the sauce was not overpowering. I would have loved a larger slice of grilled pineapple, but that is my only complaint. It took all I had to keep that nice, drippy burger from getting all over my clothes.

This was a keeper. My co-workers also seemed quite happy with their selections, some with breakfast foods like fluffy pancakes and a really lovely looking egg, spinach and cheese wrap, mounds of hash browns, and crispy bacon. One had a really nice tuna melt with toasted bread and pepper jack cheese. Everything looked great.

A Plethora of Ice Cream Choices: Leisert Ice Cafe

Red Bluff is one happening town when it comes to the urge for ice cream treats. Besides the Baskin Robins that has been here for years and recently remodeled, and Tommy K's, we are also graced with Leisert Ice Cafe on Main Street in the old Ry Del Shoes location.

Leisert is a gelato shop, featuring (what else?) gelato and sorbetto. They have a wide array of flavor choices as well as sundaes and treats. Despite some set backs in their first months, like a very public dispute with the building owner and some troubles with former employees, plus a very ugly economy, they offer high quality products in a lovely atmosphere. Now they will be serving lunch items like soup and sandwiches--very welcome if the weather decides to act like it is November.

It is gratifying to see that, despite a bleak economic outlook, businesses are still taking hold in our community. All the best of luck to our new businesses--here's to a fully filled main street!

Tommy K's Frozen Yogurt

The other night I went to a new business here in Red Bluff--Tommy K's 3 Alarm Yogurt. Our town has been without a frozen yogurt shop for a couple of years since Yogurt Alley closed, and so when this place opened up, we were so excited. Add to that the fact that it is the realization of a dream of a well-know local fire fighter whom was killed and I definitely feel the need to support this place.

It is an unusual place. You are given a cup and sent to the yogurt dispenser to choose from four flavors or swirls. They you can have at the topping bar. There are dozens of toppings to choose from: candy pieces, sprinkles, fruits, coconut, nuts, cherries, chocolate or butterscotch sauces, you name it. It was an overwhelming task to choose the right combination (I went with a raspberry yogurt with caramel pieces, chocolate sprinkles and strawberries). After you create, your masterpiece is weighted and you are charged 40 cents an ounce.

The price was reasonable, the yogurt was great and the topping choices were spectacular. I will be going back--what a great treat!

Ashland 2008

I just got back from Ashland Oregon, and had the priviledge of seeing A Midsummer Night's Dream on closing night. The show was very imaginative and beautiful, and the fairies were essentially portrayed as gay disco dancers which I thought was really cool.

The weather was what I always expect when I go to Ashland--chilly and rainy. I always feel cheated when I go in the Summer and it is hot in Ashland. It just doesn't seem right!

We had salted caramel hot chocolate at Starbucks and enjoyed a chilly but relaxing political discussion on the porch. The hot cocoa is soooo good. I just love this drink. However, our political talk encouraged another pair to begin a discussion that was, well, racist at best and downright infuriating.

We again ate at the Standing Stone Brewery, and enjoyed some hearty salads with grilled chicken and some honey cream ale, which was quite tasty. I just really enjoy the atmosphere.

We stayed at a really dumpy Econolodge, really run down, not terribly clean, etc. They did have a free breakfast with a waffle bar, but as I am insulin resistant, I cannot eat such sugary foods. It was nice to have a steaming cup of coffee as we had to leave pretty early.

I look forward to next season and enjoying a new set of plays and more great food in this cute little town.

Great news nationally, disappointment close to home

I am still grinning when I think of our president-elect and the change that is to come. Our country is in dire straits, and our civil rights are challenged at every turn.

Unfortunately, the state I live in, California, has embraced a constitutional amendment promoting discrimination and hate: proposition 8 passed (just barely). Gay rights have plummeted in our supposedly liberal state. I feel so worried for the families who are affected by this...are their marriages going to be annulled? It is going to court, so we'll see where this goes.

He won!! We won!!!

I am so thrilled and relieved that Mr. Barack Obama has won! He will be our 44th president. I was really nervous all day, worried that McCain would win, but no more. I am elated!

The Office Updates...and more

I just watched the 4th episode of The Office, season 6 (thank God for DVR!) and I am so far loving it, but quite disappointed. Please note, if you have not been watching but wish to, here be spoilers. Go to www.nbc.com/the_office to catch up, then come on back to read.

So, Pam is at art school in New York, which means that we have seen her for minutes per episode. As Pam and Jim are my favorites, this is killing me! They are focusing heavily on Michael/Holly and Dwight/Angela/Andy--interesting stories, I'll admit, but now that J&P are engaged, I want to see THEM planning a wedding. Jim did meet up with Roy in this last one, got super paranoid about Pam's new friendships and life in NY and almost pulled the jealous boyfriend arrival at her dorm.

It is pretty painful to watch Michael and Holly together. Their awkwardness and utter dorkdom is so excruciating for me to see, but they are really very well matched.

Dwight is in serious pain in his socially retarded, inept jealousy and hurt at Angela and Andy's relationship. It is fun to watch his irrational fight for his woman.

All in all, I am completely sucked into it, and looking forward to this season. I just want to have it all NOW rather than wait a week per episode. I actually prefer discovering shows late in their run so that I can just rent the full seasons and watch them in sequence. Ah well.

PS. Still waiting for Harry Potter 6. I am so bummed that they are moved the opening. Yes, this came down a while ago, but I am still lamenting it.

Political Post

I don't usually post about political issues, because if you do read this (not many do, but hey), then you don't really need to hear about my politics, and instead should be reading about the adventures of my shoes. I know that is what you're really here for. But I had several conversations today about the ridiculous nature of Proposition 8 here in California.

The religious right seems to think that if a same-sex couple marries, it automatically nullifies their own marriage. How amazing is that? Who knew that a same sex couple was so powerful? Seriously, whose business is it if a gay or lesbian couple marry? Is it so abhorrent that all people should have equal rights? The right to comfort their loved one when they are in the hospital, to adopt your significant other's child, to get health benefits--that is a challenge to heterosexual marriage?

If you are against gay marriage, don't marry someone of the same sex.

NO ON PROP 8!! Protect freedom, protect the constitution...support love and respect, not hate and lies.

The Office--Season 5!!

I am so excited for this Thursday...not because it is the opening night of the Tehama District Fair, nor definately because it is a mere 3 days before my mom leave California for her new job...but because it is the season opener for the office!! About damn time. Did Jim propose to Pam? Did Angela break it off with Andy to get back together with Dwight? Is the baby Michael's? Will Holly figure out that Kevin isn't "special," just a little dopey? What's gonna happen? I am stoked. I am one of the 3 people in the country who actually watch the DVD commentary and all of the bonus material. I love this show!

Half-Blood Prince...DELAYED

I just learned that the 6th Harry Potter movie, Half-Blood Prince, has been delayed. I've read conflicting reasons all over the place; they want a summer release date to assure higher box office and longer run, things are taking longer and it won't be ready, they don't want to release this wholesome family movie at the same time that it's main actor is showing his nude bod on Broadway...I imagine all of these are plausible, but it seems like a lame thing to do, to give a release date, release a teaser trailer and then change the release to nearly 8 months later. HP fans are about as rabid as can be, so it seems like a dumb idea to piss them off, but whatever. So, the countdown banner will remain on this page, until the movie is released or I get tired of it. I guess I will just have to see Half-Blood Prince for my next birthday.

For those of you gaga over vampire movies, the movie version of Twilight will release on HBP's original release date in November.

Thanks for the info, www.mugglenet.com

The New Shoe Chronicles: Photo Journal

The New shoes have been photographed in their natural habitat, exhibiting behaviors that new shoes often do...


New shoes enjoying a cold beverage.

New shoes nap with a bear.

Decorations such as these hearts make the new shoes feel special.

The New Shoe Chronicles: Day 2

The shoes went to a pool party yesterday. They did not swim.



The shoes spent a good portion of the afternoon alone under the desk as the owner sat cross-legged in her chair. It was dark under there.

The owner wore the shoes without socks for a while, and while they looked good they were not very comfortable.

The New Shoe Chronicles: Day One

New Shoe Log: Day One

The owner needed new shoes, what with the fall approaching. It was the first pair of "real" shoes she had worn in several months, as during the summer she wears sandals, flip flops, and sneakers exclusively. The new shoes were found at Payless for about thirty dollars. These are their stories.

The new shoes are brown, mary-jane style with cut outs on the top, thick soles and stitching around the top where the sole and upper meet, sort of like Doc Martins. Truth be told, these shoes were chosen for that quality, and the fond memories of the 1990's that they evoked. Indeed, their owner had several similar pairs throughout high school.

They feel stiff, foreign. The owner almost feels like she is tripping with each step. The sole is so thick, she cannot feel the terrain beneath her.

Interesting observation: either the owner drags the outside of her heels when she walks, or that part of the sole is a little thicker than the rest, for it seems to catch with each step and feel like a small lump or bump. Can't tell.

The shoes look silly with the blue trouser socks the owner paired them with. In all honesty, it does not pay to choose your socks in the dark, for you will surely end up with a blue pair when you assumed they were black. At least the socks match each other. Her pants are long--she will make sure they cover the socks.

No one has noticed the new shoes, or the extra inch of height the owner gains from wearing them.

Check back for more exciting installments of "The New Shoe Chronicles"

What's Your Favorite Book?

I am asking people about their favorite books--I am trying to encourage the youth I work with to read more, and read a variety of books. It is great that they, for instance, love the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyers, or the Harry Potter series by JK Rowling, but it is so important to read other types of books, other genres. Here are some of the favorite books that have come up:

Like Water For Chocolate—Laura Esquivel
The Bearded Lady—Sharlee Dieguez
Rose Madder—Stephen King
Where the Sidewalk Ends—Shel Silverstein
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil—John Berendt
Prozac Nation—Elizabeth Wurtzel
A Midsummer Nights Dream—William Shakespeare

It has been fun remembering the great books I've read along the way, and some of the not-so-greats (I'm SORRY, but I don't get Hemingway). Please, if you have favorite books, leave me a comment. I would love to recommend your favorite book to the youth.