Family Reunions and Vegas

For those who know me, you may or may not know that I have eleven siblings. Due to circumstance, distance between where we live and life we just don't keep in touch or even know each other! Then sometimes life gives you an opportunity that is just to good to pass up! Introducing my younger brother Bob (Bobby) and his wife Janel CARR...  They live in Ohio and we all met up in Las Vegas this weekend along with Kathi celebrating her birthday and Lorraine...   What a way to end the year.

Photo blog of the weekend...

Wynn Las Vegas - Kathi got an amazing deal in the mail for our stay, loved being on the strip and able to walk anywhere although there was a frosty nip in the air.

And if your walking you might see Elvis or perhaps two....

27th floor.  Amazing view day and night... 

Belliago conservatory was decked out with decorations and people. 

Way to soon we had to say goodbye to Bob and Janel back home to Ohio. I hope I convinced them to come to California and Hylands Island for a visit very soon.

If your out near Red Rock be sure to do the amazing loop drive of Red Rock canyon. Take your "big Girl camera". Photographers paradise.

4th time I have seen the show La Reve...."the Dream" at the Wynn.  It just gets better every time.  Highly recommended and child appropriate too. 

Performers flying, jumping, swimming, music- non stop energy it hits all your senses. In a very good way. Hard to explain you have to see it to dream it and feel it. 

Janel, Bob, Kathi and Lorraine.. Wow wow wow.... What a great weekend making new memories. 

Happy Birthday to my DEAR friend.

Celebrated with Blue Eyes himself and had a 5 star meal at Sinatra's in the Encore... 

Hugs Happy New Year everyone... God Bless

Extended family and Friends. Merry Christmas from the Hylands

Wonderful Time of the Year…

It is without a doubt the most "wonderful time of the year". This is the message that keeps playing in my heart this season as 2014 comes to a close.  Life may not look the way I expected it to look but it's the life that God's given me and it is a wonderful life and a blessed time of year.

I started composing the annual reflection of 2014, to share while waiting on a plane in Oakland after a wonderful weekend in San Francisco.  SF, is where the young newlyweds (Rich and Jackie), honeymooned all those moons ago (40 years November 30).  This weekend it was about girlfriends, old memories, making new ones, figuring out Uber, public transportation, sightseeing and witnessing the spirit of Christmas in the big city.

Jeff, Heather and Hunter moved in last December to "get ahead" and our planning to move into their new place in January, before the arrival of Hunters new little brother (River), arriving in February.  It has been a year full of early wake up calls, smiles and a toddler who likes to cuddle on occasion when he wonders into GaGa's room in the morning (I have not needed an alarm clock for several months and I love it). Days spent with him at Disneyland and to see him change and learn so much about his world has been such a wonderful experience.  A wonderful and needed distraction.  Amen! 

Last January I went on my second mission trip to Haiti and excited to say I will be going on my 3rd trip with GSLC, this January.  I would like to say it is wonderful and it is for me... I get so much more than I can ever give to those resilient Haitian people.  Prayers wonderfully acceptedJanuary 9-19th for team safety and how we can impact, improve and give hope to the Haitians people we see in clinic.

It was a wonderful year for me to travel, vacation and discover adventure. From weekend get a ways with my friend and fellow travel buddy Kathi, to 3 weeks in Costa Rica, and time in Hawaii. Costa Rica was quite the adventure experience with Jeff, Heather (expecting) and Hunter (17 months at the time). In 3 weeks we travelled to 6 different locations, from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean, cloud forest to volcanoes, putting over 1300 kilometers on the rental car, seeing amazing animals and wonderful scenery that truly took my breath away.  A wonderful memory to be treasured forever.  Great pictures on the blog (info below).

Then it was time for a wonderful vacation (discovered this year vacation is different from Adventure) at the Hyland families’ favorite spot Kauai, (a tradition and legacy started by Rich and I can't wait to take Hunter and River there some day). Michael never says no to a trip with mom, where he gets to relax and walk a few hundred yards into the warm pacific and be surfing.  He does his best to keep up with his dad’s tradition of Mai Tai's and relaxing, but those are some big flip-flops to fill. Vacationed with some of my Haitian sister team members and it was so enjoyable showing them the island we love from shave ice, luaus, to gorgeous scenery.

This would be a wonderful time to thank everyone who participated in the GSLC- Hyland's Island Golf Classic last July at beautiful Oak Creek Golf Course.  Celebrating Rich and what would've been his 61st birthday seeing all the family, friends - new and gold... The water polo teammates from CDM, neighbors, work associates and my church family.  Seeing some of the proceeds directly working in Haiti, again this year is such a humbling experience; it brings tears to my eyes to be part of these two events, which have a wonderful effect on each other and me. We look forward to seeing everyone in July 2015!

I may be one of the few people who love Christmas letters and cards. Sending, (although last year the calendar switched from December to January really fast and they didn't get sent), and receiving, saying hello and catching up. It's Wonderful... Although I think this is one part of the season where I would vote we have until the spring to complete this task.

It is a wonderful time of year to praise and celebrate the birth of my personal Lord and savior Jesus Christ. However, you celebrate we send love to you from the Hyland’s, wishing every one joy, health, and prosperity in the New Year.

I will be experiencing some major nest adjustments in the New Year when Jeff and his family move. All of those "let's get together soon" promises and that wine that needs to be enjoyed - Let's just say I will be calling...  You can call or email me too.

Merry Christmas every one 

Aloha and God Bless your wonderful time of the year.

 

 

Leaving a Piece of our Hearts

Crazy slip of the camera while trying to take a panoramic with my iPhone, but still a very interesting picture.  

Kathi and I are both leaving a part of our hearts (just like Tony Bennett), in San Francisco as we head back to our little flat town of Irvine.  The views, the Christmas decorations, the people, the Christmas decorations, the sights, the Christmas/holiday decorations...(being political correct for a second), the cable cars, the Christmas decorations.  Did I mention the Christmas decorations?  

Great way for me to be distracted, but remember the place Rich and I came 40 years ago. Memories and to be immersed in  the Christmas spirit, all while making new memories.  Great time.... 

Union Square Tree lighting before and after...

Just us and about 5,000 or more of our closest friends, sprinkled with a few protestors and a few hundred police officers.  

The Hyatt had great decorations, Santa was at breakfast and it snowed in the lobby.

And it was still November.

We really only scratched the surface of seeing all the decorations.  The city and the hotels really get into it.  They even decorate the cable cars.  I wanted to volunteer to decorate but was afraid I would stay until every last cable car in the city was decorated.

The Fairmont had a giant gingerbread house that smelled amazing it was REALLY made out of gingerbread, icing and candy, with a gorgeous tree. 

Did I  mention the Christmas decorations...

We enjoyed San Francisco from the Embarcadaro, Fishermans wharf, Disney family museum, a live play (Promises, Promises) to the Top Of the Mark and the golden gate from the water on a cruise.  Of course my very very favorite thing to do ride the cable cars... What a way to see the city, the views and the cable operators were so helpful in getting Kathi and I where we needed to be. 

Until, next time.....

Keep that little piece of our hearts warm...

This is Dedicated to..... Once Upon a Time

Once upon a time, in real life 40 years ago this week a young girl of 19 was preparing to get married. She would be marrying her 21-year-old fiancé. They were young and in love and had known each other for about 19 months. The wedding was planned, the date was set after their April engagement. It would be Thanksgiving weekend so his college friends would be able to join them on the long Holiday break.

Celebrating, the love of my life and a lifetime, this week. Forty years ago November 30, 1974, Rich and I got married before God, family and friends. We were young and carefree. Youth is beautiful and wonderful you just don't know where you're headed and you go into it so blindly and accepting.  We were married in Newport Beach by the back bay. The California native and the cute guy from New Jersey said I do! Not sure many people in attendance thought it would last, we were so young, naive and inexperienced.  No doubt we were truly in LOVE. 

As I read my words just about every emotion goes through my heart and soul that is in the dictionary.

To love someone so much, yet they could make your blood boil. To feel such joy together and yet bring tears to each other eyes.  To look at each other after the boys where in college and say hello, I remember you and I love you more now than ever before.  We lived, we loved, we experienced every bump and joy in the road of life.

Anniversaries, were always important to us, more than Holidays and Birthdays.  It was about "us" "TWO-gether" and even if it was dinner locally in Newport Beach, a trip to Vegas or our 27th which we celebrated on the oncology ward at Hoag Hospital, the day after the Lymphoma diagnoses. We celebrated! Even though we were scheduled to be in the Grand Cayman for the 27th, friends showed up, we put a Hawaiian shirt over Rich's hospital gown and we celebrated with champagne and songs from a boom box someone brought to the hospital. and many years later....  We did that trip to Grand Cayman.

Roses, yellow, white, red, pink... It was tradition.  They always showed up for me at work, home or where ever life found us celebrating.

Wow I was living my "Once Upon a Time", and never realized it at the time.  Would I change anything in the past 40 years.  Only that Rich would be here on earth to celebrate this marriage milestone with me!

Live your Once Upon a Time, every day in real life... some day your prince or princess could ride away on that white horse into eternity.  My day will come and when Jesus says Jackie, its time to close up Hyland's Island,  Rich will be waiting in one of his colorful hawaiian shirts at those famous gates and we will walk holding hands and a Mai Tai in the other hand  "TWO-gether" into eternity!

I love you Rich, I miss you and I thank you...  40 years... Wow!

To all our friends, family and associates thank you for being there for the moments that added up to 40 years. Rich, will always be in our hearts, with every Hawaiian shirt, glass of wine, Jimmy Buffett song and sunset.  

November 2007 Rich treating  getting ready before the 1st bone marrow in 2008

This is dedicated to Once Upon a time...

Road Trip. Paso Robles

Irvine to Paso Robles....  Here we go! Kathi and I are off for a weekend adventure to the beautiful central coast and Paso area.  The drive up was a 9.5, traffic cooperated and we left at 1:45 in the afternoon Thursday and didn't know what to expect (so nice when freeways actually move like they are supposed to- seeing our tax dollar at work).  We were past LAX 45 minutes later. So far so good. A couple of mandatory stops, amazing ocean views and a sunset from the car.  And the nightcap the full harvest moon rising over the hills of the central coast.

Beautiful Friday morning here in Paso no clouds, clear skies.  Great day for us to play and do some wine tasting... imagine that.  Ryan started the day off for us with an amazing breakfast.  So we are fueled up and good to go.   And then there is this... Max

Have a great day of love and laughter.  Wine reports to follow ......  

Hello November

Saying good bye to October on Halloween night.  Great time with friends, family great chili (made by me...I surprised myself it was so delightful), candy and maybe just one or two Jell-O shots when an Elsa went by.   I live in the best neighborhood for Halloween we must get 1,000 people.  All ages and some you can't identify, like these folks.  I can really appreciate the time and effort they put into their Halloween costumes.

Bye bye October and Hello November.  Even the weather here in California finally feels like fall.

November, has to be one of my favorite months.  It holds so many memories of my life in its 30 days, over the past 40 years.  Yes, it is the month 40 years ago Rich and I tied the matrimonial knot. Thanksgiving, my personal favorite holiday and in my experience it can have some of the best weather, and if your lucky enough to be at the beach sunsets can be dazzling. Hello November and welcome. 

Looking forward to counting my blessings every single day this month and enjoying you (November) to the fullest.  Life may not look how "Jackie", expected it to look at this time of her life.... But it is a very awesome life, filled with challenges, and blessings.  Thank you Jesus.  

Hope everyone out there has not just an amazing day but, a super amazing month.  

One Whole Day and a Half too.

Is it a rock or honu???  

Time flies when your having fun and on vacation. A day and a half to go and these are tiki tears flowing from my eyes. It's been delightful and a great vacation and chance to share this place with friends who have never been to Hawaii and the island of Kauai before. I have so many friends I could pack up and bring here to explore (even if they have been here before).  Figured out, I have been coming for the past 12 years. First Rich and I, and now myself with Mike, other family and friends too. It's been great sharing with Chad Okuma (the last Hawaiian vacation with Chad was 1999 when they graduated from high school). The tradition continues along with the blessings.  And I pray Mike and Jeff both bring their families and friends here for many years to come. Looking forward to seeing Christie and Max here hopefully next year.  Excited to see the Rich Hyland DNA, in action here on the shores of Poipu in the next few years with Hunter and the new baby.  The legacy we were given. 

Sitting here enjoying the view in a lounge chair with Kathi and her friends. We are watching 3 to 4 Honu gracefully playing in the shore break eating off the lava rocks in the surf. The canvas changes every few seconds. Clouds, winds, color of the ocean.... A Mai Tai.  No Mai Tai yet, since this morning mixology class. Kathi and I  now have a Double major in mixing Mai Tai's (we have been to the class twice).  We will need to try out our new found skills and our degree on our friends at Hylands Island very soon.  Now accepting occupants for barstools....

Oh my jump to Thursday. Last sunset coming up.  No no no.  Last Mai Tai

Too.  Feeling blessed and sad! 

Island time goes to fast...

'

Island time - the slowed down pace of life and the lack of bombardment of our everyday life in California.... Then the lightening speed of looking at the calendar and realizing you only have 4 days left of your 14 in this colorful place. Where has the time gone the last 5 days....

We finished last Wednesday in a spooning way. Everyone came to our villa for dinner and wine. Then it was time for "let the games begin".  Julie and Bruce talked us all into a card game which involves the grabbing of spoons when someone gets four of kind. A very fast paced game, you don't know if you should look at the cards or at the spoons (9 people play only 8 spoons to grab so one person always comes up short... And you lose when you spell the words spoons and you must sit out, I learned first hand it is a very long boring time to be the first one out. I also learned I have competitive friends that will climb across the table length wise to grab a spoon - Chad what a move). Since Bruce and Julie are from Colorado I am thinking they play this game in the winter and have tournaments to stay warm and they have some really good spoon grabbing maneuvers.... Warning, this game could cause injury and severe muscle aches in the stomach region from laughing so hard.

 In this picture, Kathi is questioning Dicks, spoon grabbing stragedy and consoling me as I add another letter to my score. 

Although Kathi is is staying with me her friends, Dick and wife Pat along with Bruce and wife Julie, are staying in Kathi's villa.  These 6 people (when Bob was alive) are lifelong friends from back in the kids soccer days.  What a great night.

Thursday, it was time for tubing the sugar cane ditches with Kauai Back Country and the group. Butts up, lights on. Terms you may hear while going through the tunnels as your inter tube bounces from side to side and spins around.  This is a Hyland favorite, that we have been doing time and time again for years.  We have done it so much we get the local rate... Nice.

Mt. Waialeale in the background.  Getting some of its 500 inches of a rain.  

September 18, was a day of reflection on the 3rd anniversary of my second marriage to Rich.  The Ohana 3 years ago on Maui before the renewal of our vows.  After 36 years to recommit to each other at sunset with family, the ukulele playing next to us such a God moment, I will never forget.  

A great day Thursday was followed up by dinner at a Hyland-Render all time favorite place the Beach House Restaurant.  Yes, we enjoyed one of the Rendarrio wines that was packed in my luggage with great friends and a sunset.  

Then there were 3, Haiti sister friends. Summer arrives.

What is one of the top 5 things new visitors to Hawaii want to do after a giant shave ice and seeing waterfalls? Go to a Luau!

The fun and the adventures continue and Friday was the big adventure.  Getting all of us into the zodiac for the 17 miles plus viewing of the Napli coast line.  Majestic, and radiant at 6:30 in the morning, not a cloud in the skies as the sun rises over the ancient cliffs.  It was like riding on a velvet ocean compared to the Costa Rica excursion.  Not one of the 20 persons on board needed the sea sick bag.  That is a good day.

A quick stop at the the Shrimp Shack for some of that world famous garlic and coconut shrimp (we give it a 10 thumbs up rating) and then we are off to Waimea canyon to the lookout points. Our end destination is the look out that looks from the top down the cliffs of the Napli coast line.  You never know what you're going to get weatherwise. And on this day we ended up in a big cloud cover and their was no view to be scene or seen.  We still had plenty of stops and scenery to take in as we drove to our destination. Funny because Chad, Yvonne and Summer had no idea that the ocean was in front of them because the cloud cover was so thick.  Which means that they have to come back someday.  The look out to Napli is the Pu'u o Kila lookout.  

A stop along the way.

Canyon View

What a great last day for Yvonne, to soon it was Monday and Summer and I drove her to the airport for her afternoon flight. She feel in love with Kauai and she will be back.  Too soon it was Monday and time to take Summer to the airport.  We did manage to get take her out to Maha'ulepu for some kodak moments, with Chad, Mike and myself.

Friends

Saturday night Yvonne, gets down and dirty with her homework for her soils class.

A selfie at the Menehune pond before Yvonne begins re-entry back in irvine...  Hugs to all going to go soak in more of the beauty around the resort.  Live picture post 2:45 pm Hawaiian island time.  Aloha