by Sharon O | Jun 7, 2017 | Uncategorized
The second day we were in Maui we got our maps and brochures out and decided the girls wanted to play in the pool. Of course they did, they are teenagers. The beach was a delight for them too as our Oregon beaches are often cold and rainy. In Hawaii the beach was much warmer and the sand was coarse like river sand.
We had gone to Costco and picked up groceries, and we were planning on more meals in the condo than out. It is pretty expensive to eat meals out so one has to choose wisely.
Our first adventure was the aquarium near Lahaina (I think) it was a fun experience for all of us.
I have always had an appreciation and love for the water and the animal life that is in or around it.
There is something relaxing and refreshing about a body of water whether that be ocean, lake or fast stream.
The aquarium had both inside and outside pools so it was easy to see how ‘they live’ among the natural habitats.
The turtle is a very important ‘animal’ in Hawaii and in fact my husband was able to swim with a few of them and that is considered good luck.
This appeared to be a very grumpy octopus and you cannot use a flash on your camera near this display.
I was pretty excited to actually see a seahorse but I was hoping it was more active and maybe even showing us how it moves in the water.
The fish were colorful and fun. I wasn’t too excited about the shark area and in fact when we had to walk through the tunnel with fish swimming all around us I almost panicked it was a bit surreal for me.
It was a very wonderful experience even for the amount it cost us, the girls got shaved ice and they remembered it as a great time.
Making good memories is always a bonus when one plans these kinds of trips.
I got a turtle necklace carved by a native Hawaiian.
by Sharon O | Jun 6, 2017 | Uncategorized
Our next adventure after Seattle Washington was a ten day trip to Maui Hawaii.
I had no idea what to expect when it came to a long flight, or an airplane bathroom.
(very tiny and very scary)
The plane ride from Portland Oregon to Maui is five and a half hours long.
It sounds like not much but when you are in a seat cramped together it is very challenging experience.
We took our daughter and her three daughters so we had new travelers who had never been in a plane.
The take off is always scary and I almost had a panic attack, it felt like we went from a mild float to a upturned roar, I kept telling myself to breathe.
The pilot did say we were at thirty four thousand feet high and going at a speed of five hundred miles an hour.
(e-gads did he really say that?)
After we landed a very bumpy landing we hurried to get a rental family van so we could travel comfortably.
Our place we rented was found on VRBO vacation rentals by owner, which basically means it’s not a motel/hotel it’s a condo that is owned by someone.
Much nicer experience and more like a home setting. We had a two bedroom two bathroom with a hide a bed in the living room so it comfortably slept six.
It was about a thousand square feet with plenty of room and a lanai (patio) and two pools. Plus we were very close to the beach. The kitchen and bathrooms were stocked well with assorted items. We provided our own food.
In this new experience of Hawaiian life, we discovered many little gecko’s running around the sidewalks or outside walls of the units.
They were very small about five inches long and they moved very fast.
The next morning we woke up to tropical breezes and bird sounds. I miss the birds. They were amazing.
Some sounded like our ‘mourning dove sounds’ and others were very different.
We had a vacation to conquer in a short amount of time.
It was fun to explore and discover new areas of the island, oh and of course the food was wonderful.
by Sharon O | May 15, 2017 | Uncategorized
The next adventure we did was near the space needle inside a very unique museum.
The Chihuly glass museum and gardens. It’s really hard to explain the beauty of the blown glass.
Unless one is there in person it is just not easy to describe or even photograph.
The weather was amazing and we looked inside and outside admiring the detail and beauty of the glass.
In the bright lighting the glass takes on it’s own presentation and beauty.
The ceiling was amazing… glass in lighting and the beauty is just breath taking. You really cannot imagine the beauty from these pictures.
As we walked and observed it was clear these were not only beautiful but also very expensive.
This one looked like birds near the waters edge, it was completely mind blowing to see the intricate details of this glass.
Glass upon glass creating an illusion of reflection and fragility. The colors were stunning.
Large beautiful hanging glass fixtures, reflecting light and color and detail and amazing art work.
I could not keep my eyes off these beautiful works of art, the colors were bright and surreal.
The pictures do not show the beauty in the way a real life walk through tour does.
Dainty cups of flower forms, fragile and awe struck color.
Such beauty and delicate glass.
Such unique display of color.
Inside the museum and also outside the glass was amazing.
I think this was my favorite part of our Seattle tour, it was something one does not see in a life time and something with great history too.
The artist was very talented and the price tag on those displays were in the thousands. I wanted to purchase a little dish for my home.
Yeah that didn’t happen.
I would definitely recommend this outing to any one who is wanting to see something unique and beautiful.
by Sharon O | May 12, 2017 | Uncategorized
Our next adventure was a visit to the space needle.
I do not like heights and was not sure about going near it. We rode the city tram to get there.
It was like a mini train so we did sort of get a train ride on this adventure of ours.
Each of us had a bit of anticipation as to what we would observe and be a part of, and of course downtown Seattle has an assortment of people surrounding you as you walk the streets.
In order for me to go near the space needle I kept reminding myself of my best friends words, “there are worse ways to die.” Yes there are I think.
This is what the tram looked like, a small compact train.
The space needle is very pretty and also amazing and full of history as you enter the inside walls.
It is very tall and amazing to look at. The engineering part of it was hard to imagine.
We went into the internal part of it and of course there were gift shops and restaurants and one could eat on the top of it in a very expensive restaurant or buy snacks in the mini shops.
In order to get to the top they have elevators and they really pack them in, I had to ‘breathe’ so I could relax.
Way too many people shoved into a small space but the time from bottom to top was about 20 seconds.
I kept thinking of the movie sleepless in Seattle and could not imagine a small boy alone in there.
I did not go out on the outer view point.
It overlooks the city, the water and the beautiful skyline of the city.
I loved watching the boats in the river and I did walk around the internal circle just not outside.
Everywhere you look there are large massive buildings and a great amount of noise from construction crews.
When looking out I was amazed the top was only protected by a partial wired wall.
One thing I did appreciate was the fact that you could not go into the space needle without having your bags checked.
The guys had to relinquish their pocket knives and anything else that could be dangerous.
They did have guards who were on each level for safety purposes too.
We can now take this off our bucket list. Been there, done that don’t need to go back again.
I would like to go up north to the islands and ride a boat or ferry.
by Sharon O | May 11, 2017 | Uncategorized
The first full day of exploring began with the aquarium.
The day was sunny and we got there a little bit after it opened.
I really enjoyed the displays and the assorted fish and sea creatures in a natural habitat setting.
I didn’t realize there are two kinds of divers. One for cold water diving and one for warm water diving.
They had divers inside the aquariums cleaning and maintaining the displays.
It was really fun to watch them sometimes they even waved at us.
The water front was also a favorite of mine. The weather was perfect after many days of rain. We were so glad we got there early as the morning moved near the noon time we were noticing many school children coming in, by the time we left there were probably over a hundred little people in there. It was definitely time for us to leave.
by Sharon O | May 10, 2017 | Uncategorized
The original plan was to head to Seattle for our brother in law’s birthday by train.
He wanted to do the Amtrak train ride and experience traveling that way without a car.
About 24 hours before leaving we were told they had a landslide on the tracks and we couldn’t go.
So refunds were given and we drove their car to our ‘destinations.’
The traffic was horrible, and very fast I had to work really hard at not being too nervous.
Our condo was very nice on the 7th floor. In the middle of the downtown district.
this is looking to the left of our room.
This was in front of our window
this was to our right at night.
this was also to our right.
this was a dome that was being built by Amazon the daytime picture.
Every where you look there were big tall buildings and the noise of the city.
There were very few moments of quiet, sirens and tall buildings were the main part of staying downtown.
We stayed at the same condo which was also home for many people, for four days.
The room was very clean and very nice.
Our first day was full of driving, it took about 4 hours to drive from our town to downtown Seattle.
The next day we saw the aquarium, the Space needle and Chihuly gardens and glass museum.
The adventure continues as I show you the pictures.
by Sharon O | May 9, 2017 | Uncategorized
I can’t believe I have not written in this space since Easter.
We have been very busy doing retirement living, and weekend softball tournaments for one of the grand daughters.
We did go up to Seattle too, it was a four day vacation sight seeing the area.
We will be going to Hawaii for a trip too.
We have never been there and hope for a safe flight and fun travels.
Then sometime in the late summer we will head up to the San Juan Islands.
I love the water ways and being near the water.
My husband went back to work two days a week so that throws a damper on some of our travels, but it also helps us pay our bills.
We have enjoyed this season of our life.
Seattle space needle
by Sharon O | Apr 21, 2017 | Uncategorized
[Acts 1: 3
He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days (remember 40 days is very significant to the stories)
and speaking about the kingdom of God.
So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”
7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.
10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes,
11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven?
This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”]
Wow I read this and I am amazed, that for forty days after he died and resurrected, he appeared to them sharing many things with them.
THEN He was lifted up… right before their eyes. Can you even imagine? Can you even think of how awesome that would have been?
I remember when I have watched a balloon or a kite leave the hands that were holding it, and I watched as it drifted up higher and higher till it can no longer be seen.
Wouldn’t that be both amazing and confusing to see a cloud drift him up higher?
This is JESUS who they were just talking to.
Then two men appeared? Could they have been angels? we aren’t told.
He rose from the dead and left alive, as he moved higher and higher into a space they could no longer see.
How amazing and wonderful this whole story of love is for us.
I cannot imagine this whole scene unfolding.
by Sharon O | Apr 20, 2017 | Uncategorized
John 20:
[18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—
and that he had said these things to her.
19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”]
Not too different from the time the angel stood with Mary and said, “don’t be afraid.”
CAN YOU IMAGINE? HE STOOD AMONG THEM.
[20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.*
Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.
21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”
22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”]
He knew He was leaving and also knew the power for them to share with others, would come from the Holy Spirit.
I find it fascinating that he BREATHED on them.
Reminding me of a song we sing in church that says, “It’s your breath in our lungs as we pour out our praise.”
The story continues.
[24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came.
25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.”
But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”]
I don’t really blame Thomas for questioning. Anyone who were there would have had the same reaction.
[26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them.
Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”
27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”
29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me?
Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”]
Wow he did the same thing two times. Joining them in the room with the doors shut and locked.
Yet, he appeared and stood among them. Not only did he do that, but he addressed Thomas in the very matters of the heart way that only he would know how to do.
Our Lord and our God… knows what we need even if we never say it to him.
A wonderful love, and caring Father.
by Sharon O | Apr 18, 2017 | Uncategorized
When Jesus called her name, she was both surprised and confused since she saw him pass away and watched as they laid him down in the tomb.
I can’t imagine any of us would be not feeling the same feelings.
It would be a mixture of emotions and feelings.
She knew and remembered how he would say her name.
He probably said it to her, many times in the years they knew each other.
It is an intimate approach for him, towards her in the most ‘precious’ way.
We are like that with special loved ones or friends.
We welcome the sound of their voice.
He knew by using her name in the special way he would say it, he would get her attention.
Can you even imagine… her excitement and hope?
Then he said for her to go tell the ‘others’ about what she had seen and experienced.
She would be a credible witness and others would hear and believe her story.
What I find fascinating is her ability to not recognize him until the timing was right.
He didn’t allow her to see him for who he was until she heard his voice.
She was the one who had demons cast out of her so she knew his voice and she knew his power.
Our voices are very recognizable to those who know us.
John 20:
[11 Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb
12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”
“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.”
14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.*** (important)
15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”
16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.”
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).
17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father.
Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!”
And she told them that he had said these things to her.]
She ran and told them what she had seen.
