Lunch at Cuoze

Very modern interior of Cuoze Italian Restaurant.

Very modern indeed!

Catherine and Baby Victoria 

Enjoying lunch with Catherine. 

Melissa and me as future mothers?!?

NOSCO Hawaiian Luncheon at Ono Kau Kau

Hawaiian Royalty Dance

Our dancer explains the meaning of the red and yellow feathers, representing royalty. 

More hula dancing...Aloha!

Yummy Hawaiian eats and tropical beverages.

Kona coffee I brought home to James after correctly answering a Hawaiian trivia question. Did you know the state of HI is the only one to produce coffee??

My first stab at Sensho Ikenobo (Ikebana)

Sensei's (our teacher's) arrangement, focusing on simplicity to bring out the fullest potential beauty of each flower and branch. Each branch is placed at a specific angle and symbolizes three main subjects: Heaven, Earth and Mankind. The height signifies the importance of each subject with Heaven being the tallest and Mankind, the shortest. The other elements like the Irises are called supplements and exist within the triangular space of Heaven, Earth and Mankind. Who knew flowers could have such depth of meaning?

A closer look at Sensei's arrangement...

Raw materials for Ikebana

Michiko-San showing my classmate some tricks of the trade. ;)

Irises, Peach blossoms and ornamental greens, perfect for a springtime arrangement!

More help from Sensei. She was ingenius with all the scraps, using them to reinforce the weaker stems and leaves in the oasis. Wastefulness is not an option in Ikebana! ;)

My first attempt at Ikebana.

A few days later, the blossoms begin to open.

Spring is here!

Princess Sasha

Just a little sniff...Delightful!

Mmm. Now that's good eating! ;)

What a fun toy this is! Tasty too!