Aloha oe

Other than marrying Chris, the best move I've ever made is leaving Iowa in the winter.

Our annual escape to the islands started early on January 31st as we flew to Dallas.

I overheard someone say they were heading to the Super Bowl and realized it was Andre Allen.

I had helped coach Andre's freshman football team at North High, my alma mater, in 1988.

Andre went on to earn All American honors, twice, for his play at U.N.I.

Hurl Beechum was the quarterback on that team and he went on to play basketball at Iowa State with Fred Hoiberg.

Andre said Beechum was still playing in Europe.

We stayed at The Sea Village, the same resort where we honeymooned in 1990, and spent most of the first two weeks soaking up the sun reading around the pool.

My mother arrived on Valentine's Day and we toured a large portion of the island, including Volcanoes National Park, over the next ten days.

Just like me, Hawaii's Big Island is still growing and the scientific community is united in that fact.

Our road tour included Hilo (Hated it!), and Rainbow Falls (pictured).

Mom also got the chance to go parasailing.

Political news I found interesting there included Dummycrats lining up to run for Governor in 2010.

Congressman Neil Abercrombie is believed to be a candidate.

Why would anyone leave Hawaii for Washington?

It's like what Jim Bouton/Ball Four said about playing baseball in the islands; "...if a guy's home team was Hawaii and he was called up to the big leagues he might well decide he didn't want to go."

Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann is rumored to be running too, but presiding over a budget deficit of $50 Million, he might want to work on being the next Don Ho.