September really flew by which is my excuse for not doing the newsletter on time. In early September my college roommate, Kristin came for a visit. She first flew to Singapore to visit friends and then came to visit me. The stories about Singapore were fantastic. She is such an awesome friend. Before Kristin arrived she asked if she could bring me anything that we can't get in Hawaii. I couldn't really think of anything other than we really miss good Italian pizza. While she was here, Kristin ordered and overnighted Chicago deep dish pizza to Hawaii. It was so fun to sit in Hawaii watching a movie and eating yummy pizza. It was great to have my friend here. I was sad to see her go.

     Just two days after Kristin left, I boarded a plane for North Carolina. My work brought me back to the east coast. I spent a fews days in Greensboro North Carolina and then a week and a half in Pennsylvania. I must complain a bit about United Airlines. On my flight from Hawaii to Chicago, my seat mate had been drinking before he boarded the plane. Each time he turned to talk to me I nearly fainted. The flight attendants then proceeded to serve him six more gin and tonics. This man was maybe 130 pounds soaking wet. He was totally wasted. He kept forgetting where he sat. I just let him walk right by me several times. I didn't want him next to me. I am done complaining now. I must say it was strange to go into work again. I had to comb my hair and wear shoes! My friends at work are really great. They had an afterwork party for me. We had good pizza (of course) and freshly made Carvel ice cream cake. Yum, yum, yum. It was fantastic to see my parents, sister, nephews and in laws. My nephews, Tyler and Casey are changing so much. I miss them. They are going to kindergarten, riding bicycles without training wheels and throwing a football like the pros (well not exactly, but they take the time to line their fingers up on the laces). I got to meet my sister, Lee Ann's two Akitas. They are a funny pair. The male dog, Buki likes to goose you in the butt with his whole head. I was warned about it, but it was still an experience. They are both very pretty dogs, but way too hairy for Hawaii. They would be panting like crazy here. I got the royal treatment at my parents' house. I had brand new sheets, flowers in my room, my bed made each day and gourmet vegetarian meals. It was really nice to take walks in the morning on the weekend with my mom and to have breakfast in the morning with my dad. I love Hawaii, but it is really hard to not be close to our family. I also got to have dinner at Todd's parents house. In fact, I got a ride in Todd's brother, Scott's, General Lee (69' Dodge Charger). I got to sound the Dukes of Hazzard horn. He spent a long time working on it and it looks great.

     We had a couple from Germany stay with us in the main house. They were scuba divers and really enjoyed diving here. Next we had Heidi and her family stay in the house. They actually stopped by in November when we first moved to say hi and tell us how much they like staying at our farm. In the apartment we had Seneca, Lisa, Rusty and Lars. I only got to meet them for a day since I was off to the mainland, but they seemed like wonderful people. Seneca and Lisa own a chocolate business so they told us all about our cocoa plants. Rusty who is Seneca's dad is also a farmer and gave lots of useful information to Todd.

     Happy Birthday to Todd's mom, Sharon. Also Happy Anniversary to Todd's parents. Buddy graduated from basic obedience class. I was on the mainland so I missed our baby's graduation. Todd kindly took pictures and emailed them to me. While I was in PA, I went to Petco and got Buddy a new collar, bone and doggie treats that look and smell just like cookies. He is 60 pounds but doesn't really look like he weighs that much. When I arrived home, my loving husband picked me up at the airport. He greeted me with two beautiful orchid leis and a car full of groceries. He was so sweet to go shopping so I didn't have to do that on my first day home. Todd kept himself busy while I was away. The large Mango tree near the carport has been cut down along with the one located near the coffee processor. Todd and our neighbor (Wallace) were without wife supervision, so they hung out together. They spent some time completing Wallace's coffee drying deck and enjoying the Corona. They even went to McDonald's. Geeze, how men behave when no one watches. Todd did go to the grocery store while I was gone and purchased the essentials: beer, ice cream and double stuff oreos.