Weather....

It's amazingly calm in Hawai`i while forces of nature create incredible challenges not so far away. Northern California wildfires sure could use the extreme excess of water from the Mississippi River right about now. I received these photos in my email today of the flooding in Iowa, and some before and after pictures of flooding in the midwest. Internationally, tragedy strikes the Philippines in the form of a typhoon this past weekend. Weather most likely didn't have anything to with this, but as long as I am logging current events here I should note that locally here on the big island the Cessna plane that was missing for nearly a week was found in the Ka`u forest, unfortunately without any survivors.

I feel there's a need for a lighter note here, so on a much lighter note, here's a cool link to check the status of the Pu`u `O`o vent at Kilauea volcano. It's a panoramic view and it's updated every few minutes. It's definitely worth a look... check it out!

peace,
Jast

In Loving Memory

Last week, on Wednesday, Kamehameha Day, June 11, 2008 we as a family gathered to remember and celebrate the life of William Raymond "Ray" Au, Jr. It was a day that I considered to be a "perfect" Hilo day. It Began with a gentle rain to cool down the earth just enough to welcome everyone gathering at bayfront. Blue eventually filled the skies as makani remained the day's constant companion.
What a blessing it was to see and be with loved ones and friends. Uncle Wede delivered a beautiful eulogy that treated all of us to recollections of grandpa's life. Over a week has already passed since the service, and I miss seeing everyones smiles. Aloha nui loa, A hui hou, Papa Au

Aloha,
Jast

In the peak of summer

Today was a day that was graced with rain followed by brilliant blue skies and summer heat, then cooled by strong trades to make it the perfect day for...

...a yard manicure! ahhh, there's something about the smell of freshly cut grass!

Right on guys, much mahalo for your kokua.

Gee, with the way the gas prices are, those electric mowers are looking pretty attractive!

In the meantime, gotta save those pennies. Keep track of the lowest (and highest) gas prices in your zip code area with MSN Autos. It's a pretty nifty site that's updated every evening.

Peace,

jast

Checking In...

...my first message, brand new to the blog thing, but gotta get on it eventually. I guess it's about time! I hope all the fathers out there had a great Father's Day yesterday!

Oh, what a day for golf! Tiger Woods nabbed up his third US Open title today after he parred the 7th hole at Torrey Pines on a sudden death 19th hole. Mediate just couldn't hold Woods back! Tiger, still recovering from his knee surgery, was quoted that he's now going to "shut it down for quite a while." Awesome tournament, and one for the history books.

See ya!

Jast