Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Hawaii

Aloha from Hawaii.  I have just returned from Honolulu having attended the ICRC HELP course at the University of Hawaii.  We were warmly welcomed with a lae.


The University has a number of interesting statues on its grounds and this is a professor with some of his students.



There were 32 students undertaking the course which consisted of military and civilian personnel.  On day one we were introduced to the national dance of Hawaii and as you can see most of the class got into the swing of things.




 While the course was rather intensive we did have the opportunity to enjoy some off time.  One evening we did a dinner cruise and the band played some great music.


 We were also provided the opportunity to enjoy professional dances from surrounding countries.


 The views from the ship were spectacular and Diamond Head is always welcoming.


 It was also an opportunity to catch up with old friends.  I met Art Wallace some years ago when we were both in the Army.  Art was a Colonel in the US Army Nurse Corps.  Jenny his lovely wife, Art and I enjoyed a great lunch looking over the blue waters off Waikiki Beach. 


On the second last day of the course Sass, Clarissa, Sarah and I took the opportunity to dine at a fine restaurant right on Waikiki.  Great food and good company.


The time went by rather quickly and it was time to think about returning to San Antonio.  There is nothing like an Hawaiian sunset as I departed back home.


The only thing missing was that Ross was not able to join me as he was baby sitting Dennis' dogs and fish.

Best wishes,
Beverley

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Pasta night

Each weekend the extended family take it in turn to invite and entertain the clan.  Last Saturday evening it was at Steve and Theresa's home and we had decided that we would give Theresa's pasta maker a go.  So Ross took charge of the dough making.  


He was ably assisted by Theresa.


 When it looked like the home made pasta was not going to be a success Theresa quickly turned her hand to pizza making.  It was a great pizza.


The Italian community has nothing to be concerned about. We were pathetic pasta makers.

Happy days.

Bev and Ross

4July 2012

Over the many years we have been coming to America this was only the second time we have been in the USA on the 4th of July.  So it was with great pleasure that we were able to fly the US flag from our home.


We were also given a "Yellow rose of Texas" by our friends.


Our lovely neighbours Kaci, Keith, Mary Alice and Albert (not in the photo as he had taken the boys home) joined us for lunch and we had a great day.  The Aussies wore the US shirts.


A couple of days later we all went around to Dennis's home where the children really enjoyed the pool.




We were also able to celebrate Cameron's 6 th birthday. 


It was a great evening.


Best wishes,
Bev and Ross