I started a new job in March. I am working as a Naturalist at the Maui Ocean Center Aquarium. It is a fun job because I get to talk about the things I love: the marine environment and the critters. Dad and Jane visited for a week in March. One day we took Quentin to visit the aquarium. I was talking to one of the naturalists and he said the new Education Director was looking for more naturalists. Working there had been in the back of my mind for about a year, so I applied. I started the next week working on a boat as the on-board naturalist. That program ended soon after the whales left. Now I work in the aquarium park. We have only Hawaiian marine life (called a regional aquarium). The park is small but well laid out and very well maintained.

My last web page ended with our adventures up until Christmas. January brought Neil’s birthday and I gave him a circle Maui helicopter ride. For years he has wanted to see Maui from the air. At first I was going to surprise him on the actual birthday date, but we would have been disappointed if it was cloudy. I gave him the tickets two weeks early and we were able to get seats on a crystal clear day. We got to fly right over the highest point of the West Maui Mountains (Mauna Kahalawai) where most flights don’t get to go because it is usually covered in clouds. You have to check out the pictures on the Helicopter web page for the tour.

Mom visited us for two weeks in January. She was able to see her great grandson for the first time. I think she had a good time! She got several books read, and we went on a great hike, but somehow missed snorkeling this trip. We were even able to have a little surprise birthday party for Neil with my family and a few friends. Mom always stays busy and just came back from a trip to Florida.

After Mom left, I took a three week trip to Cook Islands to visit friends and just vacation. I enjoyed it but the next trip is with Neil. Three weeks was too long!

A week after I got home Dad and Jane arrived for a short vacation. This was the first time they got to see their great grandson. Dad had a cold and didn’t even get to hold Quentin. So maybe he will come back soon! Dad sure got my car running well. Somehow the alternator waited till he was here to quit working. He bought and installed the new one in an afternoon. They really enjoyed watching the whales from shore. Jane even enjoyed taking a ride on the wild side!

We just got back from a weekend in San Francisco where we attended Jeff and Suzanne Klein’s wedding. It was a beautiful wedding and celebration. Neil’s daughters, Mailea and Ari, were able to come up for the weekend to stay with us. And got invited to the wedding at the last minute when other guest had to cancel. They had a wonderful time as well. I spent the following week in Ridgecrest visiting my family. It was amazing that all siblings and grandkids were in one place for the first time in years. We took family portraits of the occasion. I can only take the desert for a short time because my nose runs and my eyes get itchy. I enjoy my family but am happy to get home to Maui.

I still play cards every couple of weeks. We finally got some pictures of the ladies card group the Saturday before Easter. We usually start before lunch, break for a bite, and then continue playing until late afternoon. Several friends and their families visited in March and April. It is so fun to see people here in Hawaii and catch up. We had some great dinners and visits.

It is still a joy to watch Quentin grow. He is 7 months already. I try to keep him a few hours every week. I can’t believe how alert and active he is. He is developing his own demanding personality.

Written May 2001