The food at the Halekulani Hotel is generally a cut above other Waikiki hotels. But somehow, Mel wanted something “more” after last night’s reception at the Hau Terrace. After all, yesterday was Girl’s Day in Hawaii.

So, to satisfy this craving we again stopped at our favorite sushi bar, Zen Shu, for “supplemental dinner” on the way home.

Ryuji sensei always delivers.

Once again we chose Zenshu for our pre-Valentines day dinner — only because Zenshu doesn’t open on Sundays.

Here is a sampling of some of the wonderful sushi by Sensei Ryuji.

Uni on abalone

Sushi triplet with grilled fish

Scallops

Toro, Vietnamese Tiger Shrimp and Wagyu beef

Flat Stanley got to play bingo at the annual family Christmas party yesterday evening. Everyone won something and as usual there was lots of great food … Hawaiian style.

Melanie brought Flat Stanley along with us to the GAMA annual Christmas Party. This year, again at the Prince Hotel, in the Captain’s Room.

Last night Mel and I were fortunate to be invited to Lynette Lo Tom’s party at Hank’s Haute Dogs in Kakaako. The food was just fabulous … Chicago and chicken Portuguese hot dogs, cole slaw, fries, onion rings, cassoulet, macaroni cheese and creme brulee.

And we brought Flat Stanley along!

I found this interesting post card this morning in Kailua, at a shop called Antiques & Treasures.

It’s a picture of the Old Federal Building. Construction began in 1917 and completed after World War I in 1922. The building was designed by architects York & Sawyer of New York. Currently, it houses state government offices and the Downtown Station Post Office.

The post card was printed by the Curt Teich Co., Inc. of Chicago.

It faces the ‘Iolani Palace whose architecture stands in stark contrast to the style in vogue in Hawaii at the turn of the century.

Click on the image for a larger view.

When I read the other side of the card I just knew I needed to own it.

Here’s what it said:

Hawaii is an integral part of the United States. The Federal Building and Post Office stands at one corner of Honolulu’s “Palace Square.” Hawaii, at her own request, was annexed by the United States in 1898, and has been a full fledged Territory ever since 1900.

What a remarkable perspective, I thought. And it occurred to me that the Akaka Bill will never pass in any form in our time.

Melanie purchased this plant at the recent Ronald McDonald House Gala at the Hilton Coral Ballroom.

She gave it to her mother when we went over for Thanksgiving dinner.

Nothing Else is a Pepsi, even when the Japanese add their spin to the brand. This arrived in the mail earlier this month. I’ll give it a try soon, on a hot summer day. Might be interesting.

I’ll use this image in my workshop tonight for the Professional Photographers of Hawaii meeting. I’ll be demonstrating Adobe Lightroom Workflow.

Here are three of my favorite images from the Hawaii McDonald’s Angus Tweetup last night.

More images from the event here.

Jeongbangpokpo waterfall on Jeju Island is said to be the only waterfall in Asia that falls directly into the ocean. On rocks beside the waterfall, there is an inscription written “Seobulgwacha,” referring to Seobul passing through this place. Seobul was a servant of the Chinese Emperor Jin (BC 259~210) who was ordered to find the substance that would make him immortal. The city of Seogwipo is also said to have gotten its name from this event; it means Seobul headed back west.

Jeongbang Waterfall is situated by a high cliff by the sea, and an old evergreen stands there leaning back as if it would fall into the ocean. It is a great place to relax during the summer. There is an observatory at the top of the cliff, from which you can command a fine view of the sea.

These images were taken on November 4, 2008.