14 November, 2020 - Whirlwind of Not Much & Thinking of You!

 Dear, Mom -

Oh, my goodness. How are you today?! I am falling short of good ideas for letters the last couple of days. I would suppose because I have not been doing much of anything, so it leaves me a bit dry of anything interesting to report. That is when I dig into the archives of my brain to think of something from the past that may be fun to recount, or go to the future and think "What if?..." stories, like exotic travel and the like. I think I may pull from this hat today!

Perhaps, it will be a look into a trip we had together as a family. Hmmm. Let's see...Hawaii?

In the 1980s, we traveled to Hawaii for Dad's nursery convention. I think it was called the Oregon Association of Nurseries Convention. Generally, this is not something that we all went to, but since the location was a bit more 'unusual' for us, I believe you and Dad decided it would be a good get away. I mean, you guys worked all the time. The whole time we lived in Milton-Freewater, I only ever remember going on one vacation and this was it. We went for two weeks and to two different islands. First we went to Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii. The capital of Hawaii and quite a huge city. Since this was a business trip, you and dad spent the days at the convention while us kids spent time with a youth group exploring the island. I made a good friend there named Melba. She was from Texas. It is funny because I actually found her on Facebook a while back and wrote her a letter. She remembered me and that trip. That was pretty neat. Anyway, we went to water falls and water parks and watery beaches. We ate spam sandwiches (Hawaii is famous for SPAM) and who knows what else. After the main part of the day was done, you and dad would take us to the beach or to a place like Ripley's Believe it or Not. The very first night we were there, I got a sunburn so bad I had to sleep on a blow-up pool toy because I was so miserable. The things we learn when we travel.

The second week we went to Lahaina, Maui. The main thing seared into my brain was the delicious mud pie we had from Kimo's Restaurant. I'm pretty sure this was the place after doing some research. They have been in business for over 40 years and are well known for their Hula Pie. 

Hula Pie from Kimo's Restaurant in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii. Mmmmmmmmm.

Digging into Hula Pie, or Mud Pie.

We talked about that pie for FOREVER after eating it. It was amazing. It was chocolate cookie crust, macadamia nut ice cream, hot fudge, toasted macadamia nuts, and whipped cream! Oh, boy. I am salivating just thinking about it. I also formed a sand sculpture of Snoopy with a lei of flowers around his neck. I wish I knew where my pictures were and I would put them here for you to see. I had a very bright rainbow striped bikini and was in the sixth grade (1982). I was so tan when I went back home. Probably the only time I have ever been that tan in my life. I know when Dad picked up the rental car, the warning bell that let you know when a door was open or something wouldn't stop dinging and he was laughing and saying, "Here comes the ice cream man!". We all were laughing. It was so much fun.

After our trip, you and Dad went back for your anniversary. I think it was your 30th. I know you had a lot of fun and fond memories of Hawaii. That is why I thought I would bring them back around for you.

I will write you another letter for tomorrow (today)? I guess it doesn't matter as they don't always get read right away, so you can just go by the date of the letter. My main point of writing is to always let you know that 1) I am thinking about you 2) I am missing you terribly 3) I love you very much. Have a great day today, Mom. 

💜💛💗💚😎Your Kid, ---Sally Ann😎💚💗💛💜