Da' Kine Kahua51 Wala Au

Week 10: 030810 – The Big 10-Oh!

ufosql@kahua51.org (UFO SqL) — 2010-03-08T22:19:20Z

BOT:

ALOOOOOOHA UFOHANA!

Can you believe it? It’s been 10 Years since we first started our Ukulele Kanikapila Nights!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It is just me or is time just zooooooming by? I guess it’s good that it feels less than that, it really feels like only 3 years have passed.

So as many of you may have heard the Music Theme is going to be all Hawaiian Night (some ‘exceptions’ will be allowed but only under duress). Hapa Haole music is also excepted. Same goes for the Food theme that night, Hawaiian preferred but any’kine accepted.

Also, the Dress Theme will be Black & White Hawaiian Attire, be it formal, semi-formal, and Da’Kine Backyard boto-boto clothes will be allowed. Main thing is that you have (mostly) Black White in the Hawaiian Dress some where. I’m hoping to take a really cool photo the the UFOhana Squadron in their ‘Dress Uniforms’.

Mahalo Nui Loa for the great Mele’s and Kaukau last week. Again, a big treat for all of us to have such a giving Ohana. We not only hear and play, but taste and nourish ourselves on Aloha . . .

Btw, Mahalo, once again, to all of you that help with Clean up, aka the Kitchen Menehunes. You (we) know who you are and really appreciate you taking the time to help out the Medina-Ohana with the ‘Morning after’.

Below, memories from the Folk Night . . .

Above Left and Right: 2 of our Youngest UFOhana Pilots. Sierra (and her Dad) and Tristen with the dapper hat. Hat? Hmmmmmm, I think I have a black one laying around some where . . .

Uke-Ku
----------
A Ghostly Fragrance,
Graceful Architects of dance,
Hula from the Heart.

K’den! No forget to post your IRs (Incoming Rations) and for wear Black and White Hawaiian Da’Kines!

Aloha A Hui Hou!

-=SqL=-

:EOT

Week 9: 030110 – Folk Night

ufosql@kahua51.org (UFO SqL) — 2010-03-02T06:38:59Z

BOT:

Aloha Ahi Ahi Everyone!

Trying to get a head start on the week, have a feeling it’s going to be a busy one again.

Mahalo Nui for all the participated last week and brought the Ono-licious Kaukau! Also, Mahalo to the Blue Plate Kitchen Menehune’s that helped clean up.

This week’s Music / Food theme will be “Folk”, I guess that means Folk Music and Food for Folk?

So last week’s Might Uke theme was a fun one, as you can see below we were fortunate enough to get the Hula Dancers early on that evening.

Below our gallery of players, aka the usual suspects . . . note “Might Uke Man!” below.

Then there was that fabulous duet from our own Sylvie and Carey! A fantastic treat from the two!

Below: More of the soloists Bob, Chris, Sierra, Brudda Bu, Mighty Uke Man!, John . . .

Below: The Mighty Uke Players!

Below: The Might James Hill in Motion!

Below: James Hill and his personal stalkers . . .

Below: GeoCaching Tricorder Scans from SqL Jr and SqL Sr. First location below, aka, Broken Windows. Micro cache located at former AFB site.

Below a 180” View of the GeoCache at Hamilton Terra forming site.

Below a wide field view of the GeoCache at BMK Locke site.

Close of BMK Site location. GeoCache was located in a spool of oxidizes wire.

Uke-Ku
----------
Golden Light of Dusk,
Jade green field baths in last light,
A treasure beckons.

Ok that’s it until Friday all! Have a great week until then!

Aloha A Hui Hou,

-=SqL=-

:EOT

Week 8: 022210 – Mighty Songs!

ufosql@kahua51.org (UFO SqL) — 2010-02-25T19:08:50Z

BOT:

Aloha UFOhana. Am I hallucinating or is that Sun out there?????

Sorry to be late with this. Been dealing with a lot of stuff lately. Thankfully we had enough time to break away to see “Mighty Uke!”, even bumped into a few of the UFOhana out there and got some songs in. I guess we can say we ‘played’ the Rafael? Ha! Dream on . . . so in Honor of the Might Uke! I’m thinking we’ll do ‘Might Songs! So bring on your Ikaika Mele this Friday with your Mighty Foods too! Like that segue into the food theme?

Ok, so here are the Pixs from last week:

“Stop! In the Name of Aloha . . . before you break my Da’Kine . . .”

Below: UFO Flight Manuals - $15 and Pua’s Amazing KahuaMan UFOhana Regulation Fleece Pull Overs - $25!
Below Right: Now if Max likes Uncle . . .
Below Left: Del sporting Boloz Amazing Kahua Ears!

Check out the Delicious KauKau! Aki-san prepping the KauKau for us. Mahalo Aki-san!

Scenes from the night . . .

Waaaaait a minute, is that a Fiddle or a Uke?

Below: Yes that is Lucas under all that hair and Brudda Carey just to the right. Mahalo Nui Carey for all the great Photos!

Mr.. Donley! Aki and Rick sharing a moment . . .

Below: Brudda Carey, KimoB and SteveO going for it. Woa! Look at the size of her Coqui!

Coquis can Hula?????

Below: Scenes from this past Sunday at Tiki Tom’s . . .

Below: A Panoramic of one of the Geocache Site on the ridge above Fairfax.

Below: The Geocache we found at the site above and some of it’s amazing content. Note the Official Geocache Coin!

Ok, Pau for now. No forget to post your IRs (Incoming Rations)!

Uke-Ku
----------
Dark to Light to Dark,
Sunlight flickering through leaves,
Clouds challenge the earth.

Aloha A Hui Hou,

-=SqL=-

:EOT

Week 7 – 021510: Motown Night

ufosql@kahua51.org (UFO SqL) — 2010-02-18T00:14:51Z

BOT:

Aloha Kakahiaka UFOhana!

It’s a short week (for some of us), full steam ahead for Friday night! First off I want to say Mahalo Nui Loa to Paul Liberatore for considering our Ohana for his MarinIJ article and for strumming a few with us. Second, to all of you who brought the Ono-licious KauKau last week! Third, for all the wonderful Aloha Meles (Love Songs?) that you folks contributed. Fourth, Mahalo Plenty to the Kitchen Menehunes that do such a great job at clean up every Friday!

So for this week we’re doing Motown as our Music theme and food from that Era as our food theme. Not sure what that might be but I’m sure you’ll figure it out. Be sure to leave comments about your incoming rations now.

Below: Images from last week . . . Below right: Tristan and Sandy going for it.

Above left: Check out Kathy’s cool Kahua51 ears! Below left: Bud and Ohana Guests . . .

Above Left: Brudda Bu and Sandy getting the Luuuuv Song ready. Below: Lopaka and the Girls doing their thing.

Below left: Rick does one for Aki as she smile approvingly. Below right: Sista Sylvie lends a hand to Keone.

Below Left: Uncle Ken serenades us or maybe Kukana?

Uke Ku:
----------
A Flash of Colors,
A Steady swishing of skirts,
A Hula lives on.

Aloha A Hui Hou!

-=SqL=-

:EOT

Week 6 – 020810: Night of L-u-u-v . . . Songs

ufosql@kahua51.org (UFO SqL) — 2010-02-09T04:32:49Z

BOT:

Alooooooha Ahi Ahi All!

So, it looks like Kawika was right on when he sung Saint’s Go Marching! Congrats to all you Saint’s fans out there! My condolences to all you Colt fans.

What about all those great commercials? For those of you who missed most of them, here’s a link to all 67:

http://www.fancast.com/tv/Super-Bowl-XLIV-Commercials/106501/clips?cmpid=fcst_10_em_ac_sb_sla

I especially like the Dorito commercial with the Anti Barking Dog Collar.

Mahalo, once again, for making Top 10 Night so inspiring. Really? Lucy in the Sky . . . wasn’t about LSD? Anyway, great songs everyone. Love the train whistle Lopaka!

Mahalo also for the contributions to the ‘Yellow Box’ and the Ono-Licious Kau Kau.

Ok, you all know it’s that time of the year again, so in honor of Valentine’s Day we’re going with L-u-u-v Songs as our theme for Friday. So in keeping with that, we’ll go with “Foods of Love”. K’den, no forget to post your IR’s (Incoming Rations) to the Blog!

Btw, here are some great photos from that night. Below: Uncle Ken, aka “The Great Coqui Hunter”. Great solo Sierra!

Above right: Dr. Amy Strumming it with Uncle. Below Pua, Wa’le, Shelly and Linaka.

Below: Dr. Amy doing the Hula in her Hula Lab Coat. Woa . . .

Below: The Boys with the great Coqui hunter.

Above: Brudda Keoki (George and Sandy) and Dr. A on the 5 string tenor. Below, the Solo Board.

Ok guys, have a great work week! But save some of it for the Sultans of Strings for this Friday Night!

Uke-Ku
----------
Leaves drift lazily,
Moment fall upon moments,
Reflections of time.

Aloha A Hui Hou,

-=SqL=-

:EOT

Week 5 – 020110: Top Ten

ufosql@kahua51.org (UFO SqL) — 2010-02-03T04:11:35Z

BOT:

Aloha Kakahiaka UFOhana! Here we are at Week 5 of 2010 and it’s been a stormy one so far. I hope you’re all recovering or at least staying away from that nasty bug that’s been going around. Nothing like a Thieves swap up the nose to get one’s day going huh? Sitting here in the Jury Duty Pool waiting to be called, so I thought I’d get this one going . . .

I want to give a big Mahalo out to the Camacho family for attending and sharing their Aloha with us this past Friday. Also to Donley and John for coming by and sharing their music with us also. Such a treat to have had you all on board that night.

Also, Mahalo to you all for the great Kaukau and your contributions to the “4 or Less” theme this past Friday.

Mahalo Nui Loa for all of you that Donates to the “Yellow Box” also. You contributions are always appreciated and is always put to good use. Again, Mahalo Nui Loa to you all.

So, for this week we’re doing “Top Ten” as the music theme. So we ask that you bring in a Mele (song) that was on a Top Ten list ‘somewhere’, ‘sometime’. Easy right, I figure we can port this over to the Food Theme also. Except it would have to be on YOUR Top Ten list of foods. Easy?

So here are some of the memories generated from this past Friday. Mahalo Nui to Brudda Carey for the great photos!

Below: Max guarding his fruits. Below left: The -=SqL=- and Sandy taxi for take off!

Below: Pilots in flight formation . . . Above right: A Classic reborn . . .

Below Left: Palapala with her new Ukulele!

Above left: Brudda TommyB and Sandy flying one in formation . . . Below the KauKau and various Ohana artifacts. . .

Below left: Tristan and surprise guest John Pedersen . . . Mahalo Donley!

Below left: Brudda Carey’s self portrait and UFOhana signs. . . Above right: The UFOhana Cold Storage Locker. . .

Below: Some the UFOhana Pilots ‘Crafts’ of choice . . .

Below: A special treat from Donley Smith and John Pedersen (of Amazing Grace Music).

Btw, here’s a cool video of Donley and John doing their thing: John and Donley Duet

Below: The UFOhana Babes and Solo Pilots..

Below, The Camacho Clan treats us to some Family Meles.

Above Left: “The UFOhana Portal” and of it’s Inhabitants… Below: Bu and Tommy check out the Hula Manual while Fran shows them how it’s done! Mahalo Fran!

Check out these “Doggies”! I know kind of strange yeah? Eh, he’s a rescue!

OK ‘den! We spok-u-bom-bye!

For those of you who are well, stay well! For those of you who are otherwise, get better soon!

Uke-Ku
----------
Undulating Hands,
A Delicate Smile Beckons,
Unspoken Promise.

Malama Pono,

-=SqL=-

:EOT

Week 4 – 012510: Something New 4 or Less

ufosql@kahua51.org (UFO SqL) — 2010-01-27T01:10:15Z

AOT:

Aloha UFOhana. Geez, now I know what living in Washington State must be like? Anybody have a Sun Light Lamp I could borrow? I think I’m getting that Seasonal Affective Disorder thing. Thankfully there’s Friday!!!!!!

Anyway, you may have noticed our MT (Music Theme) for this week, “Something New 4 or Less”. Which translates into, “ A New (to the Ohana) Mele that has 4 or less Chords in it!” Easy right? Well maybe the 4 or less, but it might be a little challenge to bring something new into the Ohana . . . or not.

Ok, so for the FT (Food Theme), I’m thinking because of all the rain and such, “Comfort Food”. A Perennial favorite.

To help inspire you for the “4 <=” (i.e. less than or equal to 4) here are some Great “4 Of” Images I’ve collected off the Web:

Ok I think that last picture should really get your creative juices flowing! Please remember to post your IR (Incoming Rations)!

Uke-Ku
----------
Slivers of Sun Light,
Distant Glimpses of Before,
Dark Clouds Drifting On.

Aloha A Hui Hou,

-=SqL=-

:EOT

Week 3 – 011810: Medley of Life

ufosql@kahua51.org (UFO SqL) — 2010-01-20T07:10:16Z

BOT:

Hey! has anybody floated away yet? Everyone keeping dry I hope. It’s been a really wet week so far and more to come I understand. But I know we need the water . . .

So here we are in the 3rd week of the year, so far it’s been a past month of mixed weather, emotions, new friends and now of Music! Yes, as in Medleys! So I’m thinking we’ll do a Music theme of Medleys? Yeah, kind of different, kind of challenging, but how else to expand our musical horizons?

In fact I’m thinking we could extend this to our Food Theme also. So bring a Medley of Food Stuffs and please do post what your incoming ration will be.

Also, Pua and I would like personally thank you for all the ‘Donations’ you’ve left in the yellow bucket. It certainly helps with the rising PG&E costs and for the ‘consumables’. Again from the Medina’s Mahalo Nui Loa.

Below: Images from the night of Hopes and Dreams . . .

Note the beautiful steel guitar Tom brought along . . . The UFOhana Wahines take Flight . . . Sandy the Wing Man . . .

Above, check out Teri’s wonderful socks! Nice Aloha Shirt Tristan! Below: the UFOhana belts one out!

Below: Views of the UFOhana in Flight . . .

Stay Dry, Stay Safe Everyone!

Uke-Ku
----------
Graceful Swaying Forms,
Stories of Beautiful Lands,
The Art of Hula

A Hui Hou,

-=SqL=-

:EOT

Week 2 – 011110: Songs of Hopes and Dreams

ufosql@kahua51.org (UFO SqL) — 2010-01-14T07:05:00Z

BOT:

Aloha Ahi Ahi Kahua51 Kane and Wahines! Take this little break in the rains to write a fast one out to you folks.

Mahalo Nui Loa to all for making last Friday a New Song and Channel Elvis Song-A-Thrill-A-thon! It was great celebrating his and our other January Babies birthday.

This week we celebrate another Birthday, Martin Luther King, Jr., which I believe actually falls on this Friday. So I’m thinking we should do Songs of Dreams and Hope in honor of him. Btw, we’re going to try a new ‘angle’ on our singing program this time around, so lets keep an open mind and see how it works outs.

Which does it for the music theme, as for the food theme, I’m thinking we’ll go with JBHF (Just Bring Healthy Food).

Here are the happenings from last Friday:

Below: The Solo List, note the IJ article about County Employee of the Month, our very own Steve Morse! Way To GO KIWI!

Okidoki. Time to jump on the Ellipse Runner!

Uke-Ku
----------
Evening Sun flickers,
Hills Glowing Like Burnt Embers,
Clouds weeping gently.

Stay warm and dry out there!

Aloha A Hui Hou,

-=SqL=-

:EOT

Week 1 – 010410: Mele Hou!

ufosql@kahua51.org (UFO SqL) — 2010-01-05T19:11:06Z

BOT:

Aloha Ahi Ahi UFOhana!

From the Medina Ohana to all of you we wish you all a most Prosperous and Joyful of New Years.

It’s the end of the first day of work for the New Year and be a busy one. It’s still kind of hard for me to believe we’ve made it through another year. It was a very significant for me and my family and I know for many of your out there as well. A lot of changes, loved ones that have moved on, second chances for some of us, and meeting new Ohana members here and abroad. Yes a lot of memories to reflect on and many more to make down the road.

This March will mark the UFOhana’s 10th year anniversary. I’m planning on celebrating it on the 12th since it was the Second Friday in March when started this whole adventure.

In keeping with the “New” Theme, I’m proposing we go with “Mele Hou!” or New Songs. In fact maybe we should apply that to the KauKau also and say the Food Theme is “Mea ‘ai ‘ai Hou!”, New Foods. In other words Music and Food that is New to You. Easy, right?

Also, I’d like to bring to your attention a Documentary that our very own Laurette Rodgers was involved in:

www.ASimpleQuestion.org

A documentary about her 4th Grade Class’ efforts to save the Endangered California Freshwater ‘Opae (Shrimp)! Very cool! Maika’i Laurette!

So here as some of first “Ohana Memories” of the year:

Notice the NYHs (New Years Hats) courtesy of Sandy. Check out Lucas’ cool ‘Got Uke’ Man and no forget about Brudda Herb’s upcoming concert!

Btw, here’s this week’s solo board. Mahalo KimoB for managing the SB!

The Amazing Kukana and her Ono-licious Velveeta Fudge! Officially endorse by Max and Family!

Below: The Squadron In Flight. Notice that Marie and Darryl in the formation!

Below: Barbara singing Jingle Bells . . . IN HAWAIIAN!!! A feat not to be trifled with!

Above: Wa’le and Shelly doing the Portagee Solo thing!

Above: More of our Solo Flights, Marie and Daryll does it “Sweet and Slow” . . . is there any other way?

Above: Brudda Bu and Sandy do IT! The Flower of My Life, Marie and Daryll. Amy and Marie does it Hawaiian Style and KimoB agrees!

Uke-Ku
----------
A Year of Lost Thoughts,
Gather at the Banks of Time,
Memories recalled.

K’den, Spok-U-Bom-Bye!

-=SqL=-

:EOT

Week 52 – The Pau Hana Kanikapila! Music Theme: Old Acquaintances

ufosql@kahua51.org (UFO SqL) — 2009-12-31T00:57:50Z

BOT:

Aloha UFOhana, 52 already? I think I lost count of the weeks there somewhere huh? Must have been the Week at Camp. Anyway, Hauoli Maka Hiki Hou Everyone!

OK, so you all know that we’ve move Friday Night Kanikapila to Saturday right! Same time just different day. Next week we will return to our Regular Programming and hold it on Fridays once again.

Big Mahalo for those of you that braved the rains for our Kalikimaka Hana Hou Night. E’ Hale Komomai to Sylvie who’s back from the frozen North and Mahalo Nui to Shelly, Steve, Laurette and Mike for sharing their ‘Keikis’ with the Ohana. Always nice to see children from Ohana members in the circle, especially the ‘older ones’.

Btw, Tennyson Lum is asking us to perform at Tiki Tom’s February 21st, 2 – 2:30PM, to help Celebrate his CD release. Please send me a message if you’ll be attending.

So this week’s food theme, in honor of the coming New Year, is “New Food”! IOW (InOtherWords), Food that haven’t brought before or Food that’s new to You?

A few parting shots of last week:

Below left: Sandy take a deep breath before playing his Trombone. Click Here to view the video! Below right: Sylvie returns from the Frozen North and continues the said song tradition. Welcome back Sylvie!

Again, please to post if you’ll be attending this Saturday. Mahalo!

Uke-Ku
----------
Rain savagely pounds,
Staccato of water drops,
Rhythm of Nature.

Aloha A Hui Hou,

-=SqL=-

:EOT

WEEK 50 – Kalikimaka Hana Hou!

ufosql@kahua51.org (UFO SqL) — 2009-12-22T06:10:49Z

BOT:

Aloha Ahi Ahi UFOhana! Well here we are, 4 Days and counting! I hope you’re all caught up in your Christmas shopping and won’t have to brave the last minute crowds.

Just want to announce that the we’ll be holding the next two Uke Nights on Saturday (Dec. 26th) and Saturday (Jan 2nd). Also want to send a big Mahalo Nui Loa to those of you that made this last Friday so memorable! Oh, and this weeks music and food themes is “Hana Hou!”

And speaking of Crowds check out last week’s Kanikapila below:

Above, a panoramic of Hanagar 1585 before the UFO Pilot’s landing. Mahalo Sandy for helping with the set up. Below, The Pilots have landed! Below left is Teri and Susie, Sandy and Fran, Suse and Boloz, Da Tree, Da Gang and more Da Gang.

Below left is Tristan’s Mom and Donna. Right is Jake (Claudia’s Brother) and Claudia. Middle is Steve (does a mean Ulupalakua Hula) with wife Teri and Jack the America Music Teacher from Guatemala. Deb and Pua, Megumi and gang.

Below right is Tristan and his Dad. Left is Mary Alice, Kawika, Teri, KathyQ and Skip (Alice’s Husband).

Above left is Jylli from Bogie’s Fame, Jason and his wife Jaqui and Dan. Below, Susan and Fran adding their Hulas to the Aloha that night. On the fiddle is Jack from Guatemala. Note the collection of shoes below right. The sign of a successful Local Kine Party.

Baaaabyyy it’s Ccccold Outside! Rick and Kathy’s reprisal of a ‘cult’ classic!

Yes! Linda’s in the house!

Below right: Maggie and Jack ‘duet’ on a fiddle! With chop sticks no less!

Below left, Sandy (our resident Bassist) with Mike and Laurette.

Below SqL’s view of the Hula, Keone seems to approve!

Below, some old and new Ohana (from Music Camp!) Members! I think Kini’s looking for the words?

Btw, Yes I did do a hula, Mahalo Nui Loa to my Hula Sista Fran for Piloting me in!

Uke-Ku
----------
Frozen memories,
Lingering below recall,
Melted by warm hearts.

K’Den every body be good now!

Are we really that close to end of another year?

Mele Kalikimaka!

Aloha A Hui Hou,

-=SqL=-

:EOT

Week 49 – UFOhana Christmas Da’Kine!!!!

ufosql@kahua51.org (UFO SqL) — 2009-12-15T01:03:00Z

BOT:

Aloha Ahi Ahi UFOhana!

It’s that time of the year again, when we invite you and your S.O. (Significant Others, including family members, except for the four legged variety, though I have been accused of eating like one sometimes) to our Friday Night Christmas Extravaganza! Please do post if you will be attending and if you will be bringing any SO’s see we can make space for them and to also post what your IR (Incoming Rations) will be. Speaking of Rations I think will just go with “Christmas Food”, but no surprises now! Oh, and no gift wrapping required!

I want to say Mahalo Nui to the Pilots that made it to last week Saturday’s Kanikapila and also to Kathy Quain for hobbling her way over the bridge with Arturo and Ron (performing their solos below). A speedy to recover to both you and Kawika (who performed an amazing solo sans thumb)!

Mahalo Nui to Boloz and Suz for the endless Latkes! They were delicious and fabuloso!

Also, we may have some Camp Alumni joining us this Friday as well.

Finally, We’re thinking of moving the next 2 Fridays to Saturday since Christmas and New Year’s Day fall on Friday. Please do let us know how you feel about this. I figure why not party as much as we can yah?

Stay tuned for more info on this…

Btw, that’s a “SPAMonora” below, Boloz creation. I don’t know if the SPAM is kosher though, or is that an Oximoron? Like “Jumbo Shrimp”? Middle right with Aki and Pua is my classmate, Derek Fukuda, from 7th grade, his wife Kim and of course Rick wayyyy in the back.

Barbara and Tucker taking on the 1st Solo. Kathy and Arturo Strumming and Drumming . . .

Below, a photo of dinner time at the Music/Lifestyle Camp. Herb’s trying to decide what to eat next. Brittni’s not can’t believe I’m still taking pictures, Leann, her mom takes it all in stride. Also, with them, 3 of the Wang (pronounce Whong) Siblings.

Below, a Panoramic of black sand Punalu’u beach. Btw, that’s the same couple walking across multiple frames i stitched

together.

Below is the far side of the Morning Circle at the Punalu’u Beach House

Below, a surreal moment at the Camp Hale, in the distance you’ll see little Jamal bouncing on an exercise ball and playing his Ukulele.

From the Hale’s front door looking out. Boloz lower left corner pocket . . . Jamal still struming away . . .

Uke-Ku
----------
Endless grains of sand,
Coarse, Black and warm under foot,
Punalu’u smiles.

K’Den we Spok-U-Bombye!

Mele Kalikimaka! Hauoli Maka Hiki Hou!

-=SqL=-

:EOT

Week 48 – 11.28.09: Kahumoku Ohana Hawaiian Music & Lifestyle Workshop

ufosql@kahua51.org (UFO SqL) — 2009-12-09T04:32:50Z

BOT:

Aloha Ahi Ahi from 30,000 feet!

Just thought I’d get a head start on this transmission on the trip home.

It’s been one eventful week, we’ve said our tearful Alohas to our new Ohana, we’re on our Airship and look toward the horizon for home. The sun slowly leads us back to California as I turn inward and try to recall memories of the past week. Herb Ohta was incredible as an Ukulele Kumu, watching him teach his art is inspiring. But perhaps most touching is seeing a sensitive side of him that I never suspected. A true humanitarian. Of course there was the incredible music, Sonny Lim on the Steel, John Keawe, George Kahomuku Jr, Dennis Kamakahi, and Keoki on Kihoalu, Herb and Brittni on the Ukulele, add to that being able to Kanikapila with them made me yearn to live in Hawaii all over again. It seemed as though I was having our “Friday Nights” every day! To live in a place where all of this is such an natural part of the culture would be my dream. But what touched me the most was the laughter, the Meles, and the genuinely warm Aloha from the children of Pahala that continue to resonate in my heart. The respect for their new “Uncles and Aunties” was incredibile, Someone is definitely raising these kids right. Learning about their lives in Ka’u made me feel like I was back in my own village in the Philippines. These Keiks have grown up living off the land, one in particular was left on the beach by his mother while she worked. She taught him were to find food on both land and the ocean, where the dangers were and how to avoid them. He was taught to respect the He’iaus and passed this knowledge onto us during “Beach Day”. He’s 20 now and is trying to make his way through college. From the looks of it, he’s become Keoki’s Hanai son. It’s obvious that their lives are not easy and was made more obvious when I gave one boy my yellow Micro Fiber polishing cloth. His name is Jamal, a little myopic boy with glasses so thick you could start a fire with them. Jamal is one of Keoki’s Camp Keiki's. He was one of the fortunate recipients of a ‘Scholarship’ Ukulele. I told him that he should use the cloth to keep his ukulele clean so that it would it always sound good and would help make it last longer. He thanked me profusely, “Thank you Uncle, thank you Uncle!” Later I spied him through a window ginger folding the cloth into quarters and carefully placing it on his Uke and then smiling as he carefully closed the case.

From my conversations with Keoki I’ve realized that Keoki must of had some kind of life changing event and is now on a mission. A mission to save these and other troubled children of Pahala and I have vowed to assist our brother in any way possible. I suspect that the profits from the Music Camp go to the Children Club of Pahala which Keoki uses to fund “Mini Camps” just for the children. Having learned this, Pua and I will be returning next year to the camp and I hope to have some of you join us. I guarantee that it will be not only an awakening musical event, but a life experience that will stay with you for some time. Now I realize how powerful our little Ukuleles are, the children are rarely without one in their hands, even while on their skate boards! Because of this little instrument, I’ve met people from Japan and Washington D.C. and then some states in between. All sharing the love of the Ukulele. We’ve even made connections with some from the Bay Area and hope to see them at one of our Kanikapilas. More on that later . . .

Looking out of our Airship’s Portal I can see that the sky has turned a deep indigo and the battery on my laptop is running low . . . enough of the camp for now, back to our UFOhana. Again, Mahalo Nui Loa to our Ohana for an experience of a lifetime!

SPECIAL NOTE!!!!!!!!

Due to scheduling conflicts, I need to reschedule our Kanikapila from this Friday to Saturday, again. So we’ll be meeting on December 12th at 7:30PM. Please do leave a post here if you’ll be attending.

As for food theme, considering all the Pig products I’ve eaten this past week how about we go with “Heart Health Foods”? As for Music Solo theme who about we try Music from Any Island? In other words, not just the Hawaiian ones? Or maybe music with the word Island in it?

So here a few images (and sounds) from our Last Friday Night and the Camp:

1st Night Dinner and Kanikapila:

Below: Herb Saying Aloha to KimoB! Right and below left views from the staircase. Bottom Right Keoki greating us.

Saturday Morning Ho’oponopono Circle:

Top Left: Herb, Sonny, Samson and George, chilling after the Kanikapila. Top Right: Herb under Lori’s spell, “Wash Dishes . . . yes . . . dear”. Bottom Right: Pua, Susie and Lori. Bottom Right: Pua and Susan.

Da’ Schedule, Keoki and Pua doing Lauhala Weaving. Herb chilling with the Scholarship Students. Bottom Left: Tiffany, Nobu and one of the Wang Girls. Bottom Right: Aunty Kaiwi and Pua.

Top Right: Rev. Dennis Kamakahi, John Keawe, Terry & Moses, Brudda BuBu.

Below: Rev. Kamakahi and Ohana getting ready for Kaukau. Top Right: What is that in our bed room? Oh! It’s just Kuka! Our Dead Pet KukaRoach! Sit Kukua, Roll over play dead, goooood Kuka! Bottom Left: Next day’s Line Up. Bottom Right: Herb-San’s Graduation “Beginning Ukulele for Advanced Players (?) Class”. Hey . . . is that a Portagee Joke or what?

Below Panels: A Day at the Macadamia Nut Farm with Sista BJ.

Below: Kekoa, Bradley, and other Scholarship Students help Keoki with teaching the Pahala Boys and Girls club the Ukulele.

Below: A Panoramic view of the drive way. Middle: Brittni with her Speed Racer Tercel!

Below: View of the Peaks from Hilo. Fran and Del, Keoki at the Beach house getting Kaukau ready. Del waving Hi! from Hilo Town. Aunty Kaiwi weaving Lauhala.

Below: Greeting the Sun at Punaluu Beach.

Del’s feet in Black Sand . . .

Ho’oponopono Circle at Punaluu Beach House . . .

Bradley Climbs a scales a Coconut Tree! Sherly and Fran checking out her Uke. Del as doing his imitation of a Hawaiian Lounge Lizard. Aka hails Akua!

Below, Keoki and Keikis getting the LauLau and Pig ready for the Luau our last dinner . . .

Below Bottom Right: Fruits of their labor . . . OOONOLICIOUS!!!!! You had to be there! Pua says she’ll never eat Hawaiian food again because this was the best she’s ever tasted! Until next year anyway . . .

Tiger and Talon Playing the humongous Plumeria Tree. Below Right: Kanani (our Kumu Hula), Hope, Tiffany and Debbie making Ti Leaf Leis.

Below: Right, Kekoa vogues with Ukulele. Yes, that is a Cellist playing with us!

Our last day below: Uncle Dennis gets ready for his set. Del with his Hanai Nephews after setting up the sound system. Below Right Middle: Puna Kealiihoomalu, Del and Puna. Funny how we bump into him every time we go to Hawai’i Moku. Then we find out that he’s Aka’s cousin!!! Bottom Left Middle: Tiffany and Pua. Bottom Left: Kanani (Del’s Kumu Hula) and Pua.

Ok so that’s all we got for now. I’ve still got a load of images, movies and MP3s to sift through yet!

For you reading pleasure I’ve listed a few Haiku’s from the Late Hawaiian Comedian Rap Reiplinger

Rap Reiplinger Haiku:
-----------------------------

Home from the fields
Someone has painted my door
A stranger sings in my bathroom
Whoops, wrong house

-----------------------------

no urinals
only kleenex
and the smell of heavy perfume
where am i?

-----------------------------

a lonely figure
in a non-existing line
i wait for hours
oh, banks close on Saturdays

-----------------------------

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Did anyone get it?

Ok, no forget, NO UKULELE NIGHT THIS FRIDAY! We’ve MOVED IT TO SATURDAY! Please do post if you stay coming.

Aloha A Hui Hou Hohoho!

-=SqL=-

:EOT

Week 47 - Hau’oli La Ho’omakika’i Night

ufosql@kahua51.org (UFO SqL) — 2009-11-22T08:02:25Z

BOT:

Aloha Ahi Ahi UFOhana!

So here we are at the event horizon of our Trip to Keoki’s Hawaiian Music Camp. We were thinking that since we won’t be here on Friday and the next Friday, thanks to our generous Ohana, that we should move this Friday’s Uke Night to Wednesday Uke Night. Just so we can have one last Kanikapila before our big trip to Hawai’i Moku and express our Mahalos one last time to our Ohana. You folks have made our Year!

So, once again, this Friday, 11/27, Uke Night has been moved to 11/25. Pua and I will be providing the Ham and I hear that Leslie of Bogie’s will be bringing the Mashed Sweet Potatoes (did I spell that right?). So please do post a message if you will be attending and what ration you will be bringing. I also hear that Donley may be bringing Brudda John from Amazing Grace music to do some special kine’ music!

Speaking of Special Music, we’d also like to express our Mahalos to the Amazing Bands that Graced us with their presence this past Friday. There were some fantastic costumes, some new and unknown talents that came to light at Band Night. Not to mention some special guests, Woody and Nancy, Special Birthdays (Kathy, Rick, Alan and Steve-O!). But don’t take my word for it check out the event forensics below . . .

Check out that Line Up! I would pay to see these guys!

Mahalo Nui to Patty for the great art work (and Mai Tais)! Below left, some of our newer members, Steve (yes another one), Woody, Nancy and Tristan. To the Right, the Girls are charming us with their lovely Hanalei Moon. Lower left, The UFOhana House Band (Rick, Bu and Sandy on the New and Improve Ohana Stage)!

Below, Aki prepares the Deadly Birthday Cakes. Kathy, Rick, Al and Steve-O accept their penance…

Speaking of unusual instruments. Woody displays his custom Shaker Spoon! Max in in uniform. Max get’s some shuga from his Uncle KimoB, Linda receives a “10” and Maggie catching a quick break before the Battle O’ D’ Bands! Lets get ready to Strrrrrrrrumbbbbbbllllllllle!

Below, the first band up, The Gators! The audience looks on. Then there was KuKandi!

Then there was Al (yes, that’s him on trumpet!) and his Harmony Hawaiians. Count em’ 3 Costume changes! And they can sing too! All the way to Buffalo I hear . . .

Kathy, Ron and Sandy bang on out! Bud winds up for the lime and the coconut. Rick casts a spell with Black Magic Woman. What a minute? Is that Al with Kathy and Rick do ‘Baby it’s Cold Outside??????"’ Bottom left is Steve, Steve and Steve aka Da’Tree Lolos!

Amy and Boloz get’s gospel on us. Donley and SqL does it Hawaiian style . . .

Ok, so there you have it. Again, we’re celebrating this coming Friday on Wednesday instead. Hangar 1585 is providing the Ham, you bring whateva you like Kaukau. Please let us know what your incoming ration going be. Music Theme this week, is we jam till we drop!

Uke-Ku
----------
Sky Puddles On Roads,
Earth Reflects Heaven Above,
We stare and ponder.

Aloha A Hui Hou,

-=SqL=-

:EOT

Week 46 – Hui Puhi ‘Ohe Night!

ufosql@kahua51.org (UFO SqL) — 2009-11-18T07:46:41Z

BOT:

Alooooooooooha Ahi Ahi UFOhana!

Well here we are slowly trudging towards another Aloha Friday and what a special Friday this will turn out to be!

First off, Sandy and I came up with a cool idea of doing a “Band Night” (aka Hui Puhi ‘Ohe Night). How this works is 2 and up to 4 people per band, unless you’re a one person band and there are rumors that there may be one out there. Also, you are allowed to sing as many songs as there are in your Band. Band leaders will be considered the ones signed up on the Solos Board, you have reserve the right to choose your band members.

Second, we will be celebrating our very own Kathy Quain’s Big 4-OhNo!, Rick’s 6-OhOh and Al’s 7-Say-It-Isn’t-sOOOOOO!. Any more November babies are encouraged to come forward and be recognized!

Third, Woody Weingarten(of Ross Valley Reporter) and his wife, Nancy Fox, will be also joining us this Friday and I’m sure you will all share you Alohas with him as well.

Fourth, I’m suspecting that Ron San Miguel may be joining us as well.

As for this week’s food theme, let’s just call it “Green Room Foods” in Honor of Band night, but do keep main dishes in mind also. Please be sure to post your incoming rations to the site ASAP!

So as if as if Band Night wasn’t enough check out our very own Kahua51 Mascot! Mahalo Susan Max’s cool uniform!

On a more serious note. Please send your Aloha and Healing Mana to Brudda Tom Boromeo’s Ohana. His mother had taken ill last week and undergoing some intensive care at the moment. Aloha and Malama Pono TommyB!

Also, from Pua and Myself our sincerest Mahalo Nui Loa to all of you for helping send us to Keoki’s Camp! We count ourselves among the luckiest people in the world to have such an Ohana filled with so much Aloha. Attending one of these has been one of my greatest desires since I’ve begun my journey with the Ukulele and it’s unbelievable that it is actually happening and that Pua will be with me. Again, Mahalo Nui Loa to you all. You are forever in our hearts.

I had a thought, since we won’t be here for the 11/27/09 Kanikapila I’ve decided to move it to 11/25/09 instead! Please do leave a message if you’ll be joining us on the 25th so Pua can figure out what size Ham to get for us. Pua and I understand that this is the day before Thanksgiving, but we’d really like to be able to share some time with our Ohana before we leave. We figure we could provide the Ham (instead of the Turkey so we won’t spoil T-Day for you) and everyone else could bring ‘accessories’, like mashed potatoes, veggies, etc.?

Here are last week’s Tricorder Images from the Show Tunes Night, definitely signs of Intelligent Live and Aloha here . . .

Check our own Resident Hippy from Hair! Great Job Sandy! Peace out Brah!

Tristan above, one of our youngest members of the UFOhana gives “I Kona” his best shot.

Welcome back Mr. Donely! Above, Sandy as the Hippy Bouncer!

Uke-Ku
----------
Memories Trickle,
Rain drops dancing on windows,
Winter approaches.

Ok, so that’s all I got for now!

Aloha A Hui Hou,

-=SqL=-

:EOT

Week 45 – 11.09.09: Show Tunes Solos

ufosql@kahua51.org (UFO SqL) — 2009-11-10T07:09:21Z

BOT:

Alooooooha Ahi Ahi UFOhana!

Whooooooweee! What a great Kanikapila last this past Friday huh? I think I’ve got the lay off those Mocha Lattes for a while, or maybe it was those fabulous Ginger Margarrrrrrrritas! Thanks Patty! The Matzo Balls were Ono-licious too!

E’ Komo Mai to Steve Curley (yes, another Steve), Terry Curley and Ron San Miguel. Welcome to the UFOhana and Mahalo for adding your Aloha spirit to the group! Great Solos everyone. Love the “Letter B” mele Amy! I also know that Ron made quite an impression on everyone. Mahalo Kathy for introducing him to the Ohana. Great Revival Boloz! Aaaa Yea! I know you can walk without that Ukulele! HEAL! HEAL!

So I’ve decided to postpone BTOB (Battle Of The Bands) night until Kathy and Ron makes it back next Friday (11/20). More on BTOB next week. When we’ll be also celebrating a few Birthdays I understand. Kathy’s Big ? Oh oh, Al’s and Rick’s ? Oh oh too. So this week we’ve decided to do ‘Show Tunes’ instead. So “Start Spreading the News!” and thinking about “Memories” here are a few for us to think about . . .

Mahalo Kathy for helping with with these great photos . . .

Unko and Pua taking it all in . . . NO MORE CAFFINE FOR DEL!!!!!

Joe sings the ‘Avenging Angel”. Mahalo Joe for sharing this with us. Firenze Boloz with his new favorite . . .

Go Lopaka! Shirley and Wa Le’ do it!

The UFOhana Pilots sing on . . . “Letter Beeeee, Letter BEEEEEEEEEE!”

Hanging with Ka’ala and friends. These were taken at Pacific Catch on a Saturday afternoon. Guess which one’s Kaala.

Reggae Rikki and Aki-san hanging with Sandy at Bogie’s on Holloween day.

As for this week’s food theme I’m thinking “Show Food'”? I dunno, it’s late and I’m reaching. I hope some one will figure it out . . .

Uke-Ku
----------
Flickering Sun Light,
Shadows dancing on the lawn,
Night descends quickly.

Aloha A Hui Hou!

-=SqL=-

:EOT

Week 44 – 110209: The British Invasion Solos!

ufosql@kahua51.org (UFO SqL) — 2009-11-03T07:02:54Z

BOT:

Aloooooha Ahi Ahi UFOhana!

Well, one major Fall Holiday down and 3 more to go! I hope you all had a great weekend and were able to get out in the wonderful weather. I understand that we may have more ahead for us.

Sandy made a great suggestion of doing a British Invasion Solo Night. I figure there must be some Hawaiian Songs written by some British too? Or not. Sylvie, don’t you count?

Anyway, you get the idea. As for for Food Theme, I don’t think we’ll go with British Foods this time around. Safer to go with ‘Comfort Foods’ since we’re into November now.

A big Mahalo Nui to all for a great Spooky Solo Night. Both musically and KauKau wise. Definitely a howling good time as you can see below:

Spooky art courtesy of Claudia . . . note the Wahine Hula Demon!

Kawika, Linda and KimoC as sccccarey Malahinis! Note the fabulous Tiki Visor . . . Heyyyy! Is that the Hula Demon in real life?????

Hula Dancers? No Demons here, just some Wicked Wahines and a lovely Pu Bear . . . Of course Unko Ken has something to say about that!

The Spooky Soloist do their thing!

Sandy as Da Masked Marauder!

Ok, so here we go, another week, another 4 Sleepy Times till Friday Kanikapila!

Welcome Back KimoB!

Uke-Ku
----------
It lays in silence,
Patient Sentinel of Sound,
My Ukulele.

Malama Pono All!

Aloha A Hui Hou,

-=SqL=-

:EOT

Week 43 – 10.26.09: Spooky Solos!

ufosql@kahua51.org (UFO SqL) — 2009-10-26T06:17:26Z

BOT:

So here we are, staring down the horizon of another year and with that the first of Major Holiday, Hallow Eve. So in honor of that, I figured we’d do Spooky Songs this week for our Solos. Of course there’s the obvious ‘Spooky’ by the Classic IV (which by the way, was originally a Sax Solo until lyrics were added later). But I’m sure you could figure something out, like music that you’re ‘afraid’ of doing?

What a great Just Duet ‘Solo’ Night! Everyone sounded so great together, the talent in the Ohana just continues to amaze me! Not to mention the fabulous KauKau! Mahalo to you all for making such a great Friday Kanikapila.

Btw, was it just me or did some ‘MIA’ and New Ohana members this past Friday? Anyway, here are the pictures from this past Friday. See i you can spot them.

Check out Carey with his new Panama! Lovely Linda, Betty and Sharon.

Hangar 1585 looks a little packed . . .

Look at those beautiful Ukuleles up above!

UliUli with Tequila Chaser (courtesy of Patty)! Btw, that’s Linda with Kini peeking over the Blue Music Stand. Remember them?

Brudda Bu and Amy doing their Duet.

A Sampling of Duets . . .

More Duets . . .

Hey is that really Uncle on the stage!

And then there was the Onolicious Kau Kau!

The UFOhana October Keikis!

Patty the Solo Board Maestro filling in for KimoB, note the serious contemplation . . .

Some of the early works. Notice the nice Mermaid from Amy!

Some of Patty’s handy work, KimoB wouid be proud!

Ok, as for this week’s food theme, I’m thinking we’ll go with JBHF (JustBring”Healty”Food) again! Mahalo to all of you again for the great KauKau this past week!

Uke-Ku
----------
So Where does it go,
Veiled recollections of time,
Images of Life . . .

Aloha A Hui Hou,

-=SqL=-

:EOT

Week 42 – 10.19.09: Just “Duet”! Solo Night . . .

ufosql@kahua51.org (UFO SqL) — 2009-10-19T21:59:46Z

BOT:

Aloha Ahi Ahi UFOhana!

Whew! What a Busy and wet Raining Week that was!

Mahalo to all for your Kokua with the Sharktoberfest this past Friday. David McGuire sends his sincere Mahalo Nui Loa to those who participated in this program.

I would also like to pass my Mahalos onto the Away Team that help make his first annual Sharktoberfestival a fun and successful one.

Keoki and Susie also pass their Mahalo Nui Loa onto the Ohana for making their Ukulele Workshop and Privates so fun and inspiring. Keoki had mentioned how inspired he was by the Ohana’s passion for the Ukulele and the Aloha he felt at our Kanikapila. He hopes to by sometime again soon. Btw, no forget about his Hawaiian workshop in November.

Here are some memories from that Saturday Afternoon’s Lessons:

Then of course, came the Friday Night on Saturday Night Kanikapila:

Joined buy our surprise guest Brittni and family (btw, that’s Susie’s son, Nobu with Brittni):

Can you tell they’ve had a hard loooooong day?

The UFOhana doing their Solos thingy! Heyyyyy, how’d Sylvie get Keoki as backup????

Beautiful Hula in a Beautiful Red Mu’u!

Ok, so for this week’s Solo Theme! I’m thinking we should go with the Nike Slogan of “JUST DUETS”! Ok, so it’s not Solos but it could qualify as Portagee Solos?

So I’m thinking of extending this out to the the Food Theme as well and do “Pair of’s . . . “? Btw, we’re also going to Celebrate a Pair Of Birthday’s! Susan’s and Silvie’s! Say, aren’t there more this month? I know there was Lucas too but wasn’t there a couple more? Anyway, those are 2 good ones to start with.

Btw, i did an inventory of our Beer and Wine and I’m thinking we fine with those for now. Especially the Non-Alcoholic Beers. I would like to suggest that we concentrate on bringing food of the more ‘solid’ kind. I noticed that we’ve often run a little lean on choices at times. Mahalo Nui to those of you who bring both kinds, your generosity does not go unnoticed and to who bring the most important food for the soul, Aloha.

Uke-Ku
----------
Savage toothy grin,
Fear strikes deep into one’s soul,
Wild Fragile Mano.

Aloha A Hui Hou,

-=SqL=-

:EOT