Mele Kalikimaka to all Menehunes,

As 2007 grinds to a close, we are reflecting on all the Lord’s blessings: health, family, happiness, jobs, community and the same old boring fun that we’ve been having in Hawaii since August 2000. We’re ready for LOTS more of the same old boring drudgery and hoping for more visits from you.


Aloha from Vic: After 31 years overseas, I am reaching a point where I will soon have more time in the US than on foreign shores… although there are many who still consider Hawaii to be an overseas location, in which case, I'll never even the numbers up.

I continue to be over-employed. The Air Force recognized me as an Outstanding JROTC Instructor for the 4th year in a row ( great school & great kids). Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University gave top marks and hired me as an Adjunct Professor for the 6th year in a row, and I continue to teach flying as an FAA Certificated Flight Instructor for the 7th year in a row… plus I had a really amazing job as a fill-in musician at a downtown Honolulu bistro … a two month gig playing my accordion Sunday afternoons in a French brasserie just across the street from the Hawaii Theater. Lots of kudos and LOTS of tips. I throttled back a bit on biathlons and ocean swims, but still did well in the Kailua Dash ‘n Splash, the Raging Isle Mile Swim at the Banzai Pipeline and the Waimea Bay 2K Race. Amazingly, I’m still benching 225 … without killing myself !! I think we can handle a bit more of this kind of punishment. The Zoo got IHTFP wrong. It really means “I have truly found paradise” !!!! Check it out !!!!

Hi, from Mary: I am still working at Salt Lake Elementary, but this year I signed up with the English Language Learners (ESL) program. This means I have a longer day with increased responsibilities and pay. The joys of being with the delightful Kindergarten and first grade students so far outweigh my desire to sleep in and have the freedom to gallivant with friends. Working every day has really made me appreciate what weekends are for!!! The highlight of my year was my summer visit to see family in Mississippi. Nearly everyone made it to my niece’s wedding. Sera and Jacques drove from their place in Georgia. Nathan and Sundi flew in Virginia. It was a weekend visit for most, but Sera and Jacques took me home with them, stopping to see Mississippi University for Women in Columbus where Vic and I met 35 years ago … lots of nice memories. We wish all of you and your families a happy and holy Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year.

With much aloha,

Vic and Mary