Mahalo 🌺

 I’m sitting on our lanai on Maui enjoying the crashing waves, the beautiful palm trees and the sounds of children giggling and having fun. It’s our last full day here and as always, we’ve had a fabulous time. I’ve been coming here for years thanks to my dad who sold me his timeshare at Papakea in the late 90’s. It’s not fancy but its perfect for us. Being on the island gives Bob a chance to really unwind and relax. The ocean is healing and soothing and we appreciate every day over here. I also usually find a kitty friend to pet and play with while I’m here. This year we found a girl kitty. I named her Lucy and she’s

Lucy kitty

so sweet.

This year we were able to celebrate our anniversary on Lanai at the Four Seasons. We got married there and it’s a very special place for us. The condo is great but when we’re on Lanai we are pampered and are able to enjoy amazing meals and really relax. This year we also visited the cat sanctuary! I had been there earlier this year with my girlfriend and her husband but it was Bobs first time. The kitties did not disappoint! They were all over me and I was in heaven. Bob did a great job taking pictures too and I’m thankful to have them forever.  

We also had a private tour of the new Four Seasons Lodge. It’s been going through some serious remodeling and is not yet open to the public. The grounds are unbelievable. The property is definitely more of a retreat or a place to reconnect with yourself. It’s very exclusive now and I’m sure it’s extremely expensive. They have several yoga studios and these amazing 100 degree dipping pools that are in very private locations. While we were walking the grounds we ran into Larry Ellison who just happens to own 98% of Lanai! We hope to come back next year and spend a few days in heaven if possible. 

The six course meal we had following the tour was off the charts! I can’t even try to explain how delicious it was. My biggest regret is I didn’t take any pictures of the food! It was a special evening and one we will never forget. 

We also had a nice visit with my niece Mindy and her husband and their two adorable kids while we were here. It was nice to have a chance to color and love on them and get my ‘baby’ fix - even though neither of them are babies 😂

We are in restaurant heaven and have eaten at Star Noodle twice. Had a beautiful and delicious dinner at The Montage. Enjoyed some Thai food at the food trucks down the street from our place. We started this food frenzy with the most amazing poke bowl I’ve ever had at the Ritz Carlton at Kapalua. Tonight we will end our trip with dinner at Girard’s in Lahaina. 

A few days before our trip I had another infusion for the Eli Lilly clinical trial and a full day of cognitive testing. It was rough but I made it through ok. It was pouring rain when we left and the drive home took us almost four hours. My buddy Steve was there too and his trip back to Modesto was just as bad. I am happy to be part of the cure and to help us find the right science to cure this darn disease but it really is a huge commitment and extremely taxing on my body at times. Thankfully the staff and physician assistants and all the nurses do their best to keep my smiling. 

Our plan was to leave the following day to drive up to Angels Camp for Thanksgiving but that didn’t happen. It was too dangerous and there was too much snow on the roads. So as usual, we made the most of it! Bob and I made a delicious turkey dinner including stuffing, mashed potatoes, yams and green beans! We turned those lemons into lemonade 😁 It was a little sad not to see any of our family but we made the most of it. 

So that’s my November / December update! The next big challenge for me is getting my frozen shoulder healed so that I can actually use my left arm! It was injured back in August and I’m finally scheduled for a cortisone shot and some serious physical therapy when we return. The pain is constant and thank goodness for ice packs and Advil. 

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and will be surrounded by love on the upcoming holidays. We’ve had a great vacation but I think Rusty is missing me and it’s time to come home 🐈 Many thanks to Sylvia and our neighbor Dennis for taking good care of him!

Love and blessings to all of you and I hope you will be surrounded by family and friends for the Christmas season🎄 God bless you and thank you for your support 🙏🏻