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Thanks so much for stopping by! I believe that everyone can have a beautiful home without spending a fortune! One of my favorite things to do is find creative ways to re-purpose things I already have on hand, or have picked up at yard sales and thrift stores. Join me as I share with you some of my favorite ideas for crafting and decorating, as well as travel adventures, and fun things that I pick up on my treasure hunts! Much of my work is influenced by my love all things French, nature, and of course shabby chic! I have gotten so many creative ideas from you very talented bloggers out there, and I hope that I can be an inspiration to you as well!

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou! (or, "Happy New Year!")

Hello Ladies!
Hope you all had a wonderful holiday season!  Hubby and I returned from Maui in the wee hours yesterday.  We had a wonderful trip, but it always feels oh so good to be home!  Thought I'd share with you some more photos of beautiful Maui (hope you're not sick of seeing them!).
 The first few shots are of protea flowers, which were at the Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm.  Aren't they beautiful?

 You might not think of lavender when thinking of the Hawaiian Islands, but the farm, which is in "Upcountry", (up the mountain) provides ideal growing conditions with dry soil, sunny days, and mild temps.
 The view at the lavender farm is just stunning!  You can see for miles, with West Maui and the ocean in the distance.
 Also in Upcountry is Surfing Goat Dairy. I know, you normally don't think of goats and Hawaii together!!!
 This sweet little goat was just 7 days old!  There were several week old babies, and it was so cute to watch them try out their wobbly legs.  The farm makes award winning goat cheese, and hubby and I shared a slice of their yummy lilikoi cheesecake.
 Ok, did you know that there are cowboys on Maui, too?  Upcountry is also home to many cattle ranches, as well as "paniolo's" (cowboys).  The western style town of Makawao makes for a fun day trip.  Bet you've never seen a cow wearing cowboy boots before!

The western style buildings, dating from the late 1800's I believe, now host interesting galleries and shops.
Below is a Hawaiian cardinal.  Isn't he pretty?  He was enjoying a bit of our leftover popcorn (even though the condo we stayed at posted a "do not feed the birds" sign, we just couldn't resist!).
This is the second time we've stayed in the same condo, and we love it!  It was so hard to leave and come back to reality!  If it weren't for our little fur baby (which we dearly missed!), and hubby's job (minor detail!), it would have been so easy to stay the rest of the winter!
I would never get tired of this view!  The sunsets in Hawaii are spectacular! 
Since we fly standby, it was quite an ordeal trying to make it home!  The airport was beyond a zoo, all of the flights to the mainland were totally full, and we ended up spending Sunday night at a hotel near the airport.  That's after spending all day trying to get out!  Our suitcases made it on the plane to Seattle without us, meaning I didn't even have so much as a change of clothes with me, or my toiletries, either!  Needless to say, I was pretty stressed, and so happy when we finally made it on a flight the next afternoon to Portland.  Since we couldn't catch a flight to Seattle, we ended up renting a car and driving back.  But at least we made it! 
Here's wishing you a wonderful 2012!

13 comments:

NanaDiana said...

What gorgeous pictures, Donna. You're right-I don't think of most of those things when I think of Hawaii...but you have shown a side that I love to see!

Sorry about the trip home but oh-so-worth-it. Remember...NEXT time, undies in your purse~!;>) xo Diana

Blondie's Journal said...

Your pictures are heavenly...what a perfect time of year to visit Maui! But for the difficulties on the trip home, it sounds like you had a terrific time! Yay!

XO,
Jane

Debbie said...

What amazing pictures, Donna!
Your vacation sounds like Heaven to me!
I'm happy you made it home safely...even with the problems.
Happy New Year to you too!!!
xxxooo

Ann@A Sentimental Life said...

So glad you had a good time and are home safe and sound!

Musings from Kim K. said...

Home sweet home. Your trip was amazing and those flowers are just heavenly. I'm glad you had a good time.

Ric Rac and Polka Dots said...

Ooooh Donna, I just found your blog from linking from Kim's blog. What beautiful pictures. Wow!!! I am going to be your newest follower. So nice to meet you!
Happy new year,
Julie

Karen said...

Welcome back, Donna! Your pictures are all gorgeous! Loved the Hawaiian cardinal.

Sounds like quite an adventure getting home.

Hugs, Karen

Myric said...

Welcome back! Looks like you had a great trip! Aren't tropic flowers exquisitely wonderful!? Those flowers give me the feel of valentines day!

Great pictures! I LOVE LOVE lavenders!

xoxo
Myric

Cindy Adkins said...

WOW, what gorgeous pictures, Donna!!! I'm just glad you finally got home!! (Otherwise, I know you'd have to open an island vintage store! lol) Diana and I had already made plans to come open it with you so you wouldn't be by yourself! LOL
Love,
Cindy

Sherry@Back2Vintage said...

It looks like you had a wonderful vacation! So glad you made it back safely! Happy New Year!!!

NanaDiana said...

Cindy called me and we both have our bags packed. Can you get stand by flights for all three of us?;.D

john said...

Hello Donna ! Your holiday photos are fabulous...those flowers are amazing ! Welcome home ...Gail x

Tete said...

Glad you finally got home. I would have taken as a sign to stay, myself. Back to the beach I would have went...your photos are wonderful and those flowers are a dream!