Hawaii 2012

Just got back from Hawaii with Dad, Wendy, Karen and Kent.  Fun was had by all!  Wend got the group pictures so here are just a few from my camera.

The view from the condo

Our first attempt at paddle boarding. Heading out to sea.

Proof that can do it standing up.

Victory!

In downtown Kona. Proof that Vince was actually there for a little while.

Out with Karen and Kent on Saturday. Visiting the Four Seasons Resort.

The volcanic beach at the Four Seasons.

Sunset at dinner on Saturday. This was the most interesting version.

Fishing on Monday. Little does Dad know how crazy the seas are that day. Even the fish wouldn’t come out!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The photo shoot

Finally the time came and we had to commit to the dreaded photo shoot.  Our hand forced by San Diego Home and Garden who decided we needed to be in the April edition which gave us about 2 weeks to shoot and submit.  It turned out to be a fun but exhausting day.  It was great to see the house through new sets of eyes.

The photo day starts with Rich putting the finishing touches on the fireplace - talk about calling it close!

 

David from Boomerang arrives with some cool mid-century pieces for the shoot.

 

People AND things coming in

 

David's knick knacks

 

Starting to stage the bathroom - this is how you camoflage the closet. Worked great!

 

Spent a lot of time shooting the bathroom...

 

And finally Rich is done! Take a bow Rich.

 

And still shooting in the bathroom

 

More things arrive via Kevin

 

Magazine people to add to the mix

 

Vince cleans up after Rich

 

Finally moving on to the bedroom. Kevin stages the shot.

 

Kevin is happy so we apparently did something right!

 

Vince preparing for his big entrance. Work it Vince!

 

Barbara works her magic

 

The final set up minus Vince walking through the door

 

Kevin doing some blue collar work for a change

 

Setting up for the patio shot. They had me sit in the chair with an iPad. How techy.

 

Preparing for the kitchen shoot

 

Still staging

 

More magic from Barbara

 

Yes I was lusting after the orange lamp

 

More artistic vision from Kevin

 

As dusk nears we move to exteriors

 

Kevin adds interest to the foreground and possibly gets a hernia

 

Barabara takes over lead photography on the back while Dave takes the front

 

A little lighting wizardry from Dave

 

Kevin does a little damage control - we swear he will be home soon!!!

 

Cameras are down....

 

and it is time for Lisa and Vince to have a beer.

An amazing experience.  Fun to meet new people and see a little behind the scenes.  And who knows, maybe Dharma or Buddha may become famous as they charmed their way into a few of the photos.  You never know…

A little holiday cheer

These pics best describe our holiday.

Vince and Buddha play with the new iPad.

 

Dharma is a real strategist when it comes to video games.

There is nothing better than a heating pad for an old man - even in 70 degree weather.

Nature showing off tonight.

 

 

 

Bookcase at stair

Finally.  What we have known as “bookcase at stair” is finally in.  Vince and I finally found something that we both liked and after a month long trek from New Jersey, it is here!  With a little swapping of Rich’s art, we created a nice little space.

And yes, it is absolutely fascinating to them.

Drumroll….

After much deliberation the new cow addition to the family is “Blue Cheese”!  Cynthia Colis graciously allowed us to try both paintings in the house and there was something about these guys that spoke to us in the end.   So meet the newest additions – very meaningful to two Davis graduates!

And a bit more art…

Apparently I need an intervention.  But I promise to slow down.  But with our anniversary/christmas/b’day all around the same time, I keep telling myself that they are presents.

Vince decided our fish was lonely so he now has two friends. A veritable school.

I have also been following a local artist Cynthia Colis for a while now.  Since Vince and I went to Davis, cows have special meaning.  She has been kind enough to let us test drive “Awe” in the house for a little bit as I ponder a purchase.

 

Art

Vince and I have been struggling with all of the white walls that surround us.  A few weekends back we found a piece that we loved at Trios gallery in Solana Beach.  We got that piece and then I contacted the artist.  Well, we just got a few more of his pieces and he will be working on our fireplace!  He works on recycled material and I just love his use of color.  Here is his website (shameless plug for Rich).

http://www.rawartdesign.net/

A big piece for the dining room to fill the wall

The hall. I finally have a piece of furniture on order to use as the railing so people don't have to worry about falling down into the pit. Pics of that to come once it gets here.

The bedroom. I like how it captures the color of sunset.

 

Landscape is growing in

Wanted to share a picture of the front with the landscape starting to mature!

Capturing a couple of weekends

Last weekend we had a very fun visit with our two friends from NY, JL and Dave.  JL was in town for the Blogher conference since he new passing is blogging.  Lots of walking, running, biking, drinking and of course eating!  Oh and a few bets were placed on the ponies…

This weekend we did a little home improvement trying to accessorize a bit.  Slow progress…

JL showing off her swag bags. One for each blog.

Blogging - as bloggers do. Notice our new fish art on the wall. The artists makes fish from what he finds on the beach.

Sad to say but this was our very first attemp to eat out on the deck. Fairly successful execept a few mosquito bites.

Sending JL off to her first day of "class"

Our painting from Africa finally gets a home in the dining room

New pillows for the guest bed.

New "art" (and I use that term losely). But it gives us a little color in the room for now.

 

A bit more progress

We had a good weekend for progress.  On Friday we FINALLY got the counter tops installed in the office.  Boy, it was a challenge to get that contractor to  get ‘er done.  But at least it is over.  Also, we sorted out the spare bedroom and took a load down to the Rancho Coastal Humane Society thrift shop.  Felt good to purge.  TV is slowly taking its place in the bedroom.  We need to do some fine adjustment with the wiring to get it to sit flat, but at least it is closer to where it is supposed to be.  It gives Dharma a new sleeping spot on the trunk.  On the outside, plants are progressing nicely.  Seeing signs of new growth every day.

The willow acacia produced some seed pods for us

Just because they are so cute...