Skiing Crystal Mountain

Saturday, 10 Feb 2018

Lucy and Papa slipped away from Oahu for a mid-winter ski trip to Crystal Mountain, Washington

Lucy did amazingly well for her first time on skis – thanks to her athletic prowess and her amazing instructor, Mr. Mike.

And, it was amazing that Papa didn’t break anything –  the last time he skied was in the mid – 1990’s

Our heartfelt thanks to Heidi and Mike….we had a BLAST…you’re the best!

On the Road to Recovery

Thursday, 06 Oct 2016

Just over two weeks ago, Ella was a very sick pup.  Her respiratory and immune systems struggled to stay ahead of the pneumonia and RSV.

Today, Ella is doing much better and well on the road to recovery.  We are incredibly grateful to all the members of “Team Ella” for their efforts to nurse Ella back to good health.

Thank you for your prayers.

Seventeen years ago today…

Saturday, 01 Oct 2016

Seventeen years ago – before family, friends, and God – we repeated our marriage vows and entered into the sacrament of marriage.

Now that we are fairly well established, it is probably safe for me to admit that I married well above myself.  I was lucky.

I was incredibly lucky to even meet Lisa.

I was lucky she agreed to go out on a date with me.

I was lucky she fell in love with me.

I was lucky she agreed to my marriage proposal.

I was lucky she agreed to move to America.

I was lucky she actually went through with the marriage ceremony.

And now, seventeen years later I am still lucky.  I am lucky I can still make her laugh when I make a mistake and need to get out of trouble.  I’m lucky she lets me think that I’m in charge and I’m lucky that she puts up with me when I get too full of myself.

Most of all, I am lucky that she still makes my heart race.

Dear God, thank you for making me such a lucky fellow.

Happy Anniversary Lisa –

I love you!

XXX OOO

Great Granny Vi and Megan
Great Granny Vi and Megan

Building Bonds

Thursday, 29 Sep 2016

When dealing with respiratory infections like pneumonia and RSV, the very best medicine is the love and attention of a good friend; and a nice brisk walk to get the blood flowing and fresh air in the lungs.

Ella loves to take Roxy for walks. Roxy loves take walks, especially with Ella.  It is truly heartwarming to see – in such a short period of time – the bonds of friendship and love forming between Roxy and Ella.

Thank you for your prayers.

New and Improved…Poultry Flavored Toothpaste

Wednesday, 28 Sep 2016

During the interview process with Assistance Dogs of Hawaii, we discussed Ella’s ability and willingness to care for her dog.  We told Vanesa, we were confident Ella would enjoy caring for her dog.

As predicted, Ella loves caring for Roxy each day.  It is a responsibility and a duty that she takes very seriously.  She loves every bit of it.

Even though it is just over a week since Roxy and Ella met, we see amazing changes taking place.  Ella cherishes the responsibilities of looking after Roxy.  She also enjoys the prestige of having her very own dog.  It is wonderful to see Ella’s self esteem blossom.

For these things and so much more we are incredibly grateful to Assistance Dogs of Hawaii.  “Mahalo nui loa!”

As the saying goes…”a picture is worth a thousand words…”

Ella and Mum brusing Roxy's teeth
Ella and Mum brushing Roxy’s teeth
Ella brusing Roxy
Ella brusing Roxy’s coat
Ella and Mum cleaning Roxy's ears
Ella and Mum cleaning Roxy’s ears

The Healing Power of Love

Monday, 26 Sep 2016

Vanesa, from Assistance Dogs of Hawaii, stopped in today to check on Ella’s health and to continue the extensive training program with Mum and Roxy.

As always, Roxy was in fine form and ready for anything – especially loving Ella.

Ella’s health is improving slowly but surely.  However, she still requires supplemental oxygen 24/7 to keep her O2 saturation numbers on track.

Thank you for your prayers.

img_4570