Aloha Everyone,
When my two sons were still small, I remember having family game nights on Fridays and Saturdays. We would play a variety of games, from Monopoly, to Stocks and Bonds, to Axis and Allies, to various card games. It was a chance to bond, talk, laugh and have fun together.
Today, technology and the internet have changed "family game night" significantly. Our family game of choice is currently Clash of Clans, something that both of my sons, my granddaughter and my grandnephew all play. In many ways it lacks the same personal interaction from the game nights of yesteryear, but it also allows me to participate with my family even if they might be across the country or an ocean apart. Family game nights can still occur even though J.J. and I are now in an RV and having our adventure.
So tonight, I am taking a break from my usual blog entry to join my sons in a modern family game night. Wish my barbarians, archers, goblins and wizards luck as I raid and attack my foes!
Aloha -- Cathi
Monday, January 5, 2015
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Universal Wisdom by 14th Dalai Lama
Aloha Everyone,
The 4th day into the New Year is a good time for some contemplation and reflection, and to set a theme for how you plan to live your life every moment.
Please enjoy universal wisdom and profound quotes by Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama:
"Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them."
"What is the meaning of life? To be happy and useful."
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible."
"The greatest degree of inner tranquility comes from the development of love and compassion. The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being."
"The basic thing is that everyone wants happiness, no one wants suffering. And happiness mainly comes from our own attitude, rather than from external factors. If your own mental attitude is correct, even if you remain in a hostile atmosphere, you feel happy."
Aloha -- Cathi
The 4th day into the New Year is a good time for some contemplation and reflection, and to set a theme for how you plan to live your life every moment.
Please enjoy universal wisdom and profound quotes by Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama:
"Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them."
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible."
"The greatest degree of inner tranquility comes from the development of love and compassion. The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being."
"The basic thing is that everyone wants happiness, no one wants suffering. And happiness mainly comes from our own attitude, rather than from external factors. If your own mental attitude is correct, even if you remain in a hostile atmosphere, you feel happy."
Aloha -- Cathi
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Snow Day up at San Jacinto State Park
Aloha Everyone,
One of the wishes my Granddaughter had was to play in the real snow. Today, it came true.
Our destination was the Palm Springs Aerial Tranway. The recent winter storm not only brought much needed rain to Southern California but snow and lots of it.
The place was over packed with visitors many with small children who were experiencing snow for the first time in their young lives.
The five of us bravely joined the crowd standing in lines for about 5 hours in all. The 10 minutes ride in the World's Largest Rotating Tram Car offered us spectacular views of rugged snow covered canyons and sheer cliffs. Every time our tram car made a turn, our granddaughter squeezed my hand and cheered. However the best part for her was being able to play in snow.
We had snowball fights and she happily ran around to select suitable mounds to slide down in a snow sled. By the time we went down the mountain, the sun was going down and it was getting colder but her joy and happiness made it all worth awhile. Today was a memorable and a very special day.
Aloha -- Cathi
One of the wishes my Granddaughter had was to play in the real snow. Today, it came true.
Our destination was the Palm Springs Aerial Tranway. The recent winter storm not only brought much needed rain to Southern California but snow and lots of it.
The place was over packed with visitors many with small children who were experiencing snow for the first time in their young lives.
The five of us bravely joined the crowd standing in lines for about 5 hours in all. The 10 minutes ride in the World's Largest Rotating Tram Car offered us spectacular views of rugged snow covered canyons and sheer cliffs. Every time our tram car made a turn, our granddaughter squeezed my hand and cheered. However the best part for her was being able to play in snow.
We had snowball fights and she happily ran around to select suitable mounds to slide down in a snow sled. By the time we went down the mountain, the sun was going down and it was getting colder but her joy and happiness made it all worth awhile. Today was a memorable and a very special day.
Aloha -- Cathi
Friday, January 2, 2015
Joshua Tree National Park
Aloha Everyone,
Joshua Tree National Park is approximately 2 1/2 hours drive from my Mother's house. Located in the Palm Desert of California, it became a U.S. National Park when the US Congress passed the California Desert Protection Act in 1994.
Here is a picture of my mother at the Visitor Center.
My mother standing by a Joshua Tree:
Dr. Seuss was captivated by these twisted, original shaped Joshua Trees (Yucca brevifolia) native to the park and used them as inspiration for the "truffula trees" in The Lorax. The book warns about the dangers of deforestation and over commercialization. Hopefully, that will never happen here. I must read the book again with our granddaughter.
Last night, J.J. and I found a nearby R.V. park to stay at:
We had initially planned to spend three nights here, but after the temperature dropped below freezing point, we checked in at Courtyard at Marriott to be closer to my Mother and our son's family who are staying at the JW Marriott Desert Palm Resort.
Here is an icicle that formed on one of our vents of Honu:
Aloha -- Cathi
Joshua Tree National Park is approximately 2 1/2 hours drive from my Mother's house. Located in the Palm Desert of California, it became a U.S. National Park when the US Congress passed the California Desert Protection Act in 1994.
Here is a picture of my mother at the Visitor Center.
My mother standing by a Joshua Tree:
Dr. Seuss was captivated by these twisted, original shaped Joshua Trees (Yucca brevifolia) native to the park and used them as inspiration for the "truffula trees" in The Lorax. The book warns about the dangers of deforestation and over commercialization. Hopefully, that will never happen here. I must read the book again with our granddaughter.
Last night, J.J. and I found a nearby R.V. park to stay at:
We had initially planned to spend three nights here, but after the temperature dropped below freezing point, we checked in at Courtyard at Marriott to be closer to my Mother and our son's family who are staying at the JW Marriott Desert Palm Resort.
Here is an icicle that formed on one of our vents of Honu:
Aloha -- Cathi
Thursday, January 1, 2015
First Sunrise of the New Year!
Aloha Everyone,
Happy New Year! I just wanted to share with you the first sunrise of 2015. Here is to great friends, a wonderful family, and fantastic adventures in the coming year!
Aloha -- Cathi
Happy New Year! I just wanted to share with you the first sunrise of 2015. Here is to great friends, a wonderful family, and fantastic adventures in the coming year!
Aloha -- Cathi
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