CatHouse Chat

Went SCUBA diving this morning

- and it was lovely! Mauna Kea and Hualalai were clear and standing in a cornflower blue sky, with Mauna Loa looming in the background. Kohala had already gathered her drape of clouds, so we couldn't see her, unfortunately.

We went to Anaeho'omalu Bay (Ah-nye-ho-oh-mah-loo or "A-bay") and paddled out to a mooring in the Diveyak the Beloved Husband bought a couple of years ago. I confess that I was initially a bit skeptical, but it's a wonderful product. There's room for two people and all their scuba gear, it's tough and maneuverable while remaining light and transportable.

As a matter of fact, it's so transportable that we can get it in one of the old flight bags my husband has and the airlines will accept it as luggage, since it's under 50 pounds. Well, it's just under, but that counts! We've decided that it will definitely be worth paying extra baggage costs, if necessary, in the future when we return to Hawai'i. It certainly saves us a HUGE amount in dive-boat money, because a two tank dive off of one of the dive shops' boats can be $150 a person *gasp!*

Anyway, we had a lovely time, although I didn't see any of my beloved Domino Damsels (or, "three-spot dascyllus")- but only the mature version was present. My favorite guys have three very distinct spots and are the juvenile form. As they get older, it's almost like the spots enlarge until their sides are pretty much all white. Nevertheless, I love 'em - they remind me of Trojan Horses, with their "manes" all roached and crested... Here are some more good images for you to check out.

So, although my Beloved had to go up and get the camera he'd forgotten on the Diveyak, we do have some pictures of me underwater. Of course, I'm only going to post the most flattering.... *snicker*

Rare disappearing pool monster

UPDATE: The Munchkin has definitely gone into the major-aversion-to-being-photographed phase - my Beloved said that her expression when she realized I was going to take a picture was priceless... Unfortunately, the camera on my phone has a delay in the shutter [pout]

But right here, she was well on her way to a hasty exit-stage-left!!!

Traditional waterslide pic day - prepare yourselves!

UPDATE: OK, the eloved Husband got a picture with his camera, and I'm waiting for him to shoot me a copy, but, yes, Brendan, there will be the proper "OMG, Kat's on the slide!" pic... ;-)

*snicker*

Feeding the fishies!

UPDATE: THis guy was eating croutons out of the Munchkin's hand five minutes later - it was VERY cool! I've got video, and I'll put it up ASAP...

Hilton Waikoloa lagoon-side

UPDATE: Gah, I hate cleaning up the garbage Verizon sends with the moblog... *sigh*

Snorkeling wasn't great in the lagoon, but there were about FIVE sea turtles hanging out under those falls you see!!! That's more in one place than I've seen out in the ocean, I think!

Still MORE Hawaii video!

Well, the luau was Wednesday night (the 9th), and on Thursday night, we went diving. Well, as I said, I actually only snorkeled (drat this cough!), but then I've never been a real fan of night dives. However, the video footage my Beloved brought back make me VERY tempted to try this again this week (assuming my cough clears up).

Now, for you to enjoy the Aloha goodness of video and pictures, you're going to have to go below the fold...

Hey, look! Hawaii video!

I've been having issues with uploading stuff from the room's internet connection (GMail in particular is being pissy), but I finally managed to get this video mashup onto YouTube:

I've also got some AWESOME video from Thursday night's Manta Ray dive, but the Beloved Husband's camera recorded them in QuickTime format, and I've been using Windows Movie Maker - and we all know how much Windows loves Apple [rolls eyes]! Can any one give me some suggestions?

Luau time!

Oh, we're goin' to a hukilau...

Pics will be up later. I think.... *snicker*

American Express ROCKS!

I don't use my AmEx much - mainly when I'm traveling, and I haven't been on the go that much. However, we're here in Hawaii at the moment, so of course I'm having a bit of fun and using my card. The other day, I charged several items (new earrings for the Munchkin, now that her "training earrings" have done their job), so AmEx notices that "Hm. We know she doesn't live in Hawaii..." and puts a possible fraud caution on my account.

Yesterday, when I was flitting about in ecstacy at Mounatin Thunder Coffee - which is sublime, I tell you! I didn't use cream, and only put in one sugar - AmEx wasn't allowing the charge to go through, because they were concerned someone had grabbed my card. Not a problem; I switched to another card and went away, happy as a clam.

This morning (well, afternoon for y'all on the East Coast), I called them up to let them know that everything was copacetic, and got a lovely lady who took care of everything and went out of her way to wish us a "happy vacation." Very good customer service, and in this day and age of rampant fraud, I am very glad that they're doing their best to protect their customers!

BTW, Mountain Thunder Coffee is Worth. Every. Penny! As I said, I only used one sugar - and normally my coffee is very pale and sweet. It's smooth with no bitterness, and doesn't have that almost-burned aftertaste which so many coffees do. They serve the Kona Private Reserve (Vienna Roast) at their shop, which is what I would reccommend for you to try. They roast their beans very close to their shipping date, and package them in nitrogen (? I think that's what they said) so they stay beautifully fresh.

I'm sure, if you follow Dirty Jobs, that you saw the segment Mike Rowe did on them - and believe me, the coffee is DEFINITELY worth all the work he did!

THANK YOU, Orlando International Airport

Free wireless access... Since we're here waiting for our 1 p.m. flight (yeah - early bird), it's wonderful to be able to hook up and surf the 'net. Of course, it's good to be here early because you avoid all the craziness. Or, if it DOES get crazy, you know you've got scads of time to get to your flight in time.

I would sat that, from dropping off the car at the off-terminal location to sitting down and hooking up with the internet, was maybe about 45 minutes. That included a minor bobble while checking in, going through security (zipped right through), the tram ride out to the gate area, and a stop at Starbucks (that venti iced white mocha went far too quickly!).

So, thanks, Orlando! I appreciate it! ANd so does the Munchkin, who's watching Naruto and stuff like that on YouTube... and staying out of my hair *snicker* ;-)