Have Spear Will Travel

Note: I'm behind on blogging because there is no cell reception or internet where we are staying.  Each day I have to wait until we drive down the mountain towards Kona till I can get online in the car (using my internet card) as I am now, risking motion sickness to share with you).

Proudly I announce that I Natalie Hagemo entered the ocean at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.  My father has three daughters and of the three of us only one (Nahe pictured here with me) took to the ocean like he did.  Nahe surfs, snorkels and recently started to spear fish.

We went snorkling, Nahe with spear in hand searching for fish.  Though I am not the natural fish in the water that my little sister is, I played a part in the spearing of her first fish.

My job was to distract and corner the victim while Nahe went in for the kill and we were successful, okay Nahe mostly but I helped.

I was quite proud of myself.  Other than being chased by a sea turtle, my snorkeling experience was amazing.  My dad claims the sea turtle was swimming away from someone else and not in fact charging at me.  Easy for him to say he wasn't frantically screaming underwater trying to escape the beast.

Today we hope to find my Uncle Duane in Kona who teaches surfing and do some surfing.  

Attack of the Octopus

With my Grandma's 80th birthday luau just a few days away my family set out to Hapuna beach to go spear fishing for Ocotpus for the party.

I'm pictured here with the soon to be dinner and the Uncle that captured it.  My sister Nahe joined the spear fishing expedition while my other sister Lana and I opted for being lookouts from the safety of the beach.  Coming face to face with creepy looking

Octopus is not how I wanted to kick off my vacation.

Hawaii is a place where one would never go hungry. There is an abundance of food in the ocean, I've watched my Grandma eat certain types of seaweed right out of the water.  You are surrounded by fruit of all types.  

We Have Arrived!

After 17 hours, 3 airplanes and an hour and a half of driving in the dark and rain, we finally arrived to our destination. We are staying at an amazing secluded B and B.

I just wanted to post that I did arrive safe and sound.  I'm dead tired today after not much sleep and too much sun, not that I'm complaining.

Later I'll post about today and the battle my family had and won with an octopus.  Pictured with me are my sisters Lana and Nahe.  Lana lives in Minnesota and our little sister Nahe was born in Hawaii but grew up in England.  We are thrilled to be together again.

My Latest Love Affair

I've been involved in a life long love affair with baked goods. A Chocolate croissant has never judged me, a blueberry muffin has never betrayed me.

A month ago Patisserie Margo opened on Water Street here in Excelsior, we have been inseparable ever since.   As a matter of fact I'm sitting in the bakery right now basking in the afterglow of my Quiche Lorraine.

I have been on a mission since this fine establishment has opened.  My goal is to be the first Excelsior resident to try one of every type of baked good (single serving items) that Patisserie Margo has to offer.  Collin (pictured with me) who is Margo's son and the Manager, has almost committed to putting up a plaque to mark the occasion when my goal is reached.

It is with great pride an accomplishment that I tell you I have only three items to go!  In addition to the scrumptious bakery items they carry sandwiches, gourmet soups and delicious quiche, all of which I have tried.  

With the warmer days we have been having here in Minnesota, I've enjoy sitting in their outdoor patio area, while sipping my espresso, and delicately breaking off pieces of my morning scone.

Stay tuned for the big announcement when I reach my goal!