The Crazy Pineapple Dream

Love these small kitchen ideas!

2012-02-06T10:27:00.000-08:00

http://rowdykittens.com/2012/02/tiny-kitchen/

2 months in Hawaii!!

2012-01-19T18:44:00.001-08:00

And all I'm bringing is a backpack! Now that's livin!

what does your tiny dream house look like?

2011-12-23T20:02:00.000-08:00

Love Tiny House Blog... and this collection of pics....

http://tinyhouselistings.com/what-does-your-dream-tiny-house-setup-look-like/

Another one bites the dust.... LOLOLOL!

2011-12-18T15:26:00.001-08:00

Watch your back!!!!!

2011-12-17T21:54:00.000-08:00

The psycho (and his "friends") are on the loose again! Head's up and be careful out there! DANGER DANGER

Love the little cabins you can find to stay in on airbnb....

2011-12-14T19:17:00.000-08:00

http://www.airbnb.com/rooms/39516?af=1255102&c=direct_link

California DIY, shipping container tiny home and a cargo trailer bedroom

2011-12-13T14:58:00.000-08:00

California DIY, shipping container tiny home and a cargo trailer bedroom

2011-12-13T14:51:00.000-08:00

another little cutie house

2011-12-13T14:14:00.000-08:00

Love some of their ideas, and philosophies about smaller spaces, repurposing items, such as the old theater chairs, and working less to live more life :-)

http://tinyhouseblog.com/stick-built/tiny-house-in-idaho/

Their blog is fun to follow ....

http://agreatleapinthedark.blogspot.com/

LOVE the old window wall!

More pallet ideas

2011-12-04T07:49:00.000-08:00

Love the table!

http://www.recyclart.org/2011/08/pallet/

I'm liking this....

2011-11-30T07:20:00.000-08:00

http://www.permaculture.co.uk/articles/compost-toilet-competition-our-top-5-picks-and-readers-vote

Some great ideas!

Another post I want to save...

2011-11-29T08:13:00.000-08:00

These are really cool... love the bright colors, but also love the use of small space.... and if I had to live by the beach.... well... ok!!!

file:///C:/Users/Ann/Desktop/Beach%20Huts%20in%20the%20UK.htm

And check out this table design... very cool for small space saving, flips up on both sides and drawers in the middle.

Profile views...

2011-10-28T20:34:00.001-07:00

1230.....?? How does that happen?

Someone sent this to me....

2011-10-25T18:53:00.000-07:00

and asked if it was my ex-husband.... LOLOLOLOL !!!!

The resemblance is uncanny!

This one is a little cutie...

2011-10-10T08:55:00.000-07:00

But I don't see the sleeping arrangements?? Must be a loft.

http://tinyhouseblog.com/stick-built/ellens-tiny-house/

Love the exterior on this little 'shabin"

2011-09-20T18:03:00.000-07:00

I love the open lanai on this little "shabin"

2011-09-06T18:44:00.000-07:00

Here's the article:
http://tinyhouseblog.com/stick-built/micro-mini-hawaiian-style-house/

Here's an idea..... Poop and Paddle

2011-09-05T15:27:00.000-07:00

http://www.sciencefriday.com/videos/watch/10402

Pineapples in Montana....

2011-09-05T12:58:00.000-07:00

Ok, so many of you know.... Lil Pete got caught in one of our crazy hail storms...

And he really took a beating... here he is today after replanting him

Still bouncing back, he's a tough Montana Pineapple!!

Yep

2011-08-26T15:34:00.000-07:00

And you know who you are..... LOL

For future reference.....

2011-08-23T11:48:00.001-07:00

http://www.wikihow.com/Setup-a-Small-Solar-%28Photovoltaic%29-Power-Generator?foo=bar

Sometimes simplicity is best....

2011-08-19T19:38:00.000-07:00

http://tinyhouseblog.com/tiny-furnishings/how-to-make-a-composting-toilet/

The Crazy Pineapple Dream is back to just a winter escape plan!!

2011-08-02T17:22:00.001-07:00

Yay!!!!! I just qualified for a rural development loan!! I get to build a little house on my Bearcreek MT land!! SWEET!!!

90 DAYS!!! (just saying)

2011-06-08T11:48:00.001-07:00

I'm reminded....

2011-06-04T23:10:00.000-07:00

This weekend has been a busy, yet strange one. Work, work, work, work.... but eye on the prize right? And then.... odd interactions with demons from the past - ICK! And I am reminded, how good my life is nowadays, how happy I am, and how life always turns out the best for those who make the best of it! :-) Life is good and I'm a pretty happy camper!

This be all I need!

2011-05-31T17:07:00.001-07:00

http://tinyhouseblog.com/tiny-house-for-sale/coastal-cottage-in-washington-state/

oh, and I'd take the ocean front location if you twisted my arm :-)

bath houses and outdoor kitchens

2011-05-31T16:50:00.000-07:00

love some of these!

http://tinyhouseblog.com/straw-bale/natural-bathhouses/

http://www.airbnb.com/rooms/13731

Well... I'll keep adding to this list

Hmmm..... I like this idea

2011-05-30T09:41:00.001-07:00

http://bikevolcano.com/

Building Hiiaka's Garden

2011-05-29T16:47:00.000-07:00

Ooooo.... I LIKE this, it's similar to what I envision, but on a larger scale. Hopefully she still has her nursery by the time I get there to purchase plants :-)

Friggen YIKES!!

2011-05-26T07:42:00.000-07:00

http://www.hawaii247.com/2011/05/25/second-shark-attack-at-lymans-beach-in-four-days/

The 12 Trees Project

2011-05-22T17:23:00.000-07:00

LOVE THIS! Gotta go when I get to the island!

How to - Growing Papaya from Seed. - South Florida

2011-05-22T16:06:00.000-07:00

OMG!! Who knew it would be this easy.... I can't wait to try this. Have read 9-12 months from seed to fruit.

Unusual Fruits

2011-05-22T15:49:00.000-07:00

Ok, this one had a bunch of good ones, except his additional comments say "it's not longan" so not sure on that one...

While researching "The Crazy Pineapple Dream" for an island business name

2011-05-22T12:06:00.000-07:00

I came across this ..... it was posted under "what does it mean to see pineapples in your dreams?"

"To see a pineapple in your dream, represents self-confidence, ambition and success. You are self-assured in what you do. Alternatively, the pineapples symbolize hospitality. It could mean that you need to relax or take a vacation."

And.... I think this sounds like me :-) I think it's a good sign.

How To Open a Coconut - 3 Ways

2011-05-21T21:20:00.000-07:00

Ok... this guy is totally trying to push sales off his website, but that being said, his demo on opening coconuts is pretty good.... and that snazzy coconut tool..... cooooooool!

How to Cut Pineapple

2011-05-21T20:59:00.000-07:00

Good suggestions.... except.... we all know what we will do with the top to our pineapples.... right????

How to Cut Papayas

2011-05-21T20:52:00.000-07:00

More packing and shipping...

2011-05-21T17:22:00.000-07:00

Yay!!! My first set of boxes finally arrived in HI all in tact, yet they took 6 weeks to get there! What the hell? Everyone says this is the norm... like chill it's Hawaiian time.... ok. But it makes me realize I've got to plan way ahead. So, I've shipped 3 more boxes this week, ummmm that would put them there mid-July... I've got about 4 more boxes of personal items I'd like to ship. I also have about 3 or 4 boxes of my lavender business I will ship, mostly just scaling that down by August and when ordering new supplies will have them shipped there. One last detail I've almost got figured out is shipping my bike. I've secured a free bike box and found a friend that knows how to break my bike down for shipping, plus they will do it with me so I can put it back together when in arrives in HI. This will save me about $100... shipping the bike will be almost $200 YIKES!

Creating home remedies with herbs and weeds

2011-05-21T08:33:00.000-07:00

I intend to plant a medicinal garden patch just for this reason :-) Here's another good article on the topic found on "Common Sense Homesteading"
http://networkedblogs.com/i99ci

Yet another resource I want to save

2011-05-20T17:21:00.001-07:00

http://nativeplants.hawaii.edu/

Martha Stewart meets Off Grid LOL!

2011-05-20T16:54:00.000-07:00

Someone told me this the other day... "you'll be like Martha Stewart Off Grid" and ... well... sadly they are pretty much right on. Even though I have an intense interest in off grid systems, simple living techniques, frugal tips and the whole less is more thinking... I do have tend to spruce things up a bit :-) I love creating my space, indoors and out. Seriously, this girl ain't no Martha Stewart, but a little paint and a refurbished cool old chair... it's a good thing! haha!

Coqui frogs... give a listen... then imagine hundreds of them... night sounds of the jungle

2011-05-19T08:23:00.000-07:00

How to Cut a Mango

2011-05-19T08:19:00.000-07:00

Container gardening

2011-05-17T17:56:00.000-07:00

A good resource.... with little soil in HI, the idea of container gardening is appealing to me.

By Janice Crowl, who also writes the blog http://hawaiigardening.blogspot.com/

another small space heating idea

2011-05-17T17:50:00.000-07:00

http://www.marinestove.com/sproducthistory.htm

small space heating

2011-05-09T18:32:00.001-07:00

http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/materials/heaters/

another must save of small space ideas....

2011-05-09T18:24:00.001-07:00

http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/build-it-yourself/a-fencl-in-puget-sound/

Hawaii animal quarentine process....

2011-04-16T10:54:00.001-07:00

Well.... you know this is gonna be involved when the brochure alone is 25 pages.... sigh...

http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/aqs/aqsbrochure.pdf

Grace is totally NOT into this LOL! Her first visit included updating vacinations, her next visit a week later will be blood draw to send off to a Kansas lab to confirm no rabies (this has to be done no earlier than 120 days prior to moving) and also we will test for heartworm, her next visit will be booster on the lepto vac, she needs to get on all the preventative stuff, Front Line etc, then her very last visit we will micro chip her (big needle and not pleasant). Anyways... this is not to mention I still have to go purchase a travel crate.... gonna cost some bucks to take this girl along...

Well.... it's a start....

2011-04-14T19:47:00.000-07:00

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Centipedes... gross....

2011-04-13T18:53:00.000-07:00

I'm usually not a big squirmer over snakes, spiders, bugs and other thugs... but these things gross the hell out of me. The picture is from a facebook friend on Maui, she said it climbed out from under her car seat, while driving... she also said she about had a heart attack! I can see why!

After looking a bit on the Internet I've found that technically centipedes are not poisonous, but can leave a hell of a sting... and people react differently to it, from slight to severe with the need of medical attention. Mostly they are reported to be solitary and prefer dark, warm, moist areas, typically outdoors, but some do venture inside and then hide in clothes or other dark scary places.... ick!

Check out her website at http://www.tikitales.com/ I love her stuff!

CAN NOT WAIT TO SELL THIS THING!!

2011-04-12T13:04:00.000-07:00

Or give it away.... what ever it takes... LOL

Oooo... gotta save this one...

2011-04-11T15:08:00.000-07:00

The best spring rolls I've had have been found on the islands, Hilo Farmer's Market to be exact. I've tried to make them at home... yeah... need practice... but here's a great recipe, I'll try again!

picture from http://www.paperapron.com/

http://www.paperapron.com/?p=5509

It's official!!!!!

2011-04-11T10:16:00.000-07:00

September 8th!! I just purchased my one way ticket! Pretty damn excited about that!!!

Yeah.... that's me with the big smile and wave in the middle LOL

Sorting, packing, shipping.... shipping, packing, sorting...

2011-04-10T13:00:00.000-07:00

Ok... I'm glad to have had time to go through all this sorting and packing and resorting and repacking and finally.... yes finally..... starting to ship some things!! After my divorce a year ago, I was glad to have gotten away with any of my own belongings (nasty ex wanted EVERYTHING even if they weren't his prior to our marriage). I felt like, whew, at least I have these things to start a new life. But now, my feelings have changed quite a bit. I am looking at many of these things and realizing, they are just that - things. Sure there are family heirlooms that I treasure and will never part with, but some of the family heirlooms I'm handing on to other members of the family. If they want to love these items, so be it, I'm glad they are being appreciated. I will keep several things in ONE storage unit in MT to deal with in the future, also in case, just in case, I do return. I have gone through and sorted what ships, what stores, and what sells. I'd like to ship some furniture, but it's turning out to not be the case. I will see after I get there if I want to spend the money to do that. Also, I've always felt that, it's a small island, why bring yet more stuff to it, when I can likely find it all there.
\
One thing I keep thinking about is my glass and enamel kitchen storage containers. I'd like to have them, many people in HI say you will need to cover everything. I'm not a fan of plastic, but it holds up well in the HI environment, so does glass.... but likely not enamelware... and I want my cast iron pans!!!

Things like these go!

Things like these sell!

Estimated departure ... first part of September... the big count down begins!

2011-04-09T15:37:00.000-07:00

More small space pics I want to save

2011-04-03T10:55:00.000-07:00

I started this blog as a way to store info and ideas for the future... I also cut out and tear out pics from magazines for the same purpose. I wanted to share these ideas as they are really appealing to me. These pics were from an article in the Big Sky Journal, titled "Montana Microhomes" by Seonaid B Campbell, photos by Lynn Donaldson

More small space ideas

2011-01-13T08:42:00.000-08:00

Love this one, great space saving ideas and so inspiring to start with nothing and create a home for one's self.

http://thistinyhouse.com/2011/renovating-an-old-trailer/

Happy New Year!

2011-01-08T19:55:00.000-08:00

It's gonna be a good one! Bringing in the new year with a brisk winter hike, someone special, a cozy fire, steak and lobster, hot tub, bottle of Dom.... sigh.... yeah... it's gonna be a good one...

Could Colorado be the Ying to my Hawaii's Yang...?

2010-12-18T19:40:00.000-08:00

Hmmmm.... not sure yet, but will spend the next full month in the Grand Junction area finding out if I want to take this path. I love the climate there, the abundant opportunity for many outdoor activities, the growing season, the fruit and food, and even a new lavender industry - perfect.

every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end OR I am so thankful for this past year

2010-11-22T20:39:00.000-08:00

Oh so true... with the holidays just around the corner I guess I've become a bit reflective over this past year. I look back to where my life was a year ago today and I am SO THANKFUL to be where I am today. Yes, it's been a long, rocky road full of heart ache and happiness, feeling completely hopeless and then singing from mountain tops. I've lost a lot, and I mean a LOT, (all just "stuff" in the end anyway) but gained WAY more. And today, yesterday and tomorrow I am happy, very happy to have walked the walk I've been on this past year. I am thankful I'm getting through, I've gotten through, and I'm still excited about what the future will bring. I have myself to thank, I have been my best friend.

I've had a year of many renewals, many old friends visiting, good friends from grade school, high school and beyond. I'm so thankful for reconnecting with many of them and thankful we have all made these efforts after so many years. Love you all.

I've had my family come visit over the summer, ALL of them, and my kids, it was great and am so thankful for those precious times. Love them ALL so much!

I'm thankful for my little dog, my little girl, she's been there for me and with me, good days and bad....

I've also got to spend a little precious time with my little grand son, and Teagan's little family... Jackson (Bubbins) is oh so sweet. I am so thankful he's in our lives. My only wish would be to see him more, he changes sooo quickly.

I've renewed a relationship with an old boyfriend, "unfinished business" or "when old boyfriends become new again" whether timing was right or not, life happens quick and we aren't looking back. It's all been very exciting, fulfilling, and satisfying and we are both so happy to have found each other again. He's been a needed distraction, and now great support and a relief from reality at times... not to mention sexy and extremely satisfying in EVERY way. I've needed this. It's helped me to emerge from darkness, darkness that was there for years in an unhappy marriage and prior to my post-divorce days. I am thankful for fate, and for Scott, love you, the way an old friend loves, the way an SO loves, the way a lover loves... <3

I've had a lot of GOOD laughs along the way... belly laughs.... laughter, the most healing dose of anything out there!

I'm currently at peace with my lot in life. I feel extremely thankful and strong again... strong enough for the Crazy Pineapple Dream... even if it is all by myself... :-)

Dirt or lack there of...

2010-10-24T18:38:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking more about options for no, or very little soil in relation to growing food. When I was on the island last time I noticed many, many houses had several potted plants placed about in their landscape, most in the black plastic pots you bring plants home from the nursery in. I thought they must not have the time to get those plants in the ground just yet. But now I'm realizing that many folks on the island garden in containers as a permanent option, likely because the lack of soil on certain parts of the island. I plan to do a post on soil building as I've assembled a bit of info on that and some of the different methods and mixes. But for now I'm just wanting to say that there is a lot of food that can be grown in containers. This past summer, I didn't have time to get my potatoes in the garden, I had started them in those large black plastic nursery pots that trees come in.... there they stayed until I harvested them as new potatoes. They were delish! Not sure I will ever waste the space of planting potatoes in the ground again. And harvesting them was a snap, just turn the pot up-side-down and shake off the dirt, no more cut up potatoes on accident.

Li Hing.... again.....

2010-10-23T08:01:00.000-07:00

A friend from the island sent me a package of Li Hing Powder and I'm curious about different ways to use it. This particular site http://tastyislandhawaii.com/blog/2010/01/18/li-hing-everything/ had lots of good suggestions, and a GREAT post about experimenting with it. I think I want to try it on popcorn next.....

Dreams.......

2010-10-13T21:46:00.001-07:00

Is it wrong to dream so much about a life different than one's own.... a life filled with pineapples, tropical breezes, jungle, beaches, well....

I want one of these....

2010-10-09T12:31:00.000-07:00

and I want to grow one of each, well, not really that's probably not realistic, but what a great resource.

Can be found and ordered through http://www.hawaiifruit.net/V2posterweb.gif

Just because I love small spaces

2010-10-09T06:19:00.000-07:00

and want to save these pics for future ideas.... I found these on http://www.tinytexashouses.com/ I love how they incorporate antiques and recycled building materials into their designs. Something like this would def need some modification for the islands, such as larger windows for airflow. The pics are not all of the same little house, but ideas gathered from some of their designs.

waiting.... and watching.... for inexpensive airfare

2010-10-08T17:51:00.000-07:00

It is a lot more expensive to fly to and from the islands for me nowadays.... living in Montana, there just are not many options. I either have to drive hours to get out of the state to find less expensive airfare, or pay a much higher price to fly out of my area. OR fly one of the cheaper airlines, such as Alegiant yet then spend a night either in the airport or motel because none of their flights seem to coincide with flights to the islands..... sigh..... However, here is one helpful resource http://www.airfarewatchdog.com/ I just have my destinations plugged in and everyday, yes everyday and it does get annoying at times, I get the least expensive airfares delivered to my inbox. It has helped me out a few times. I'm a big fan!

Getting back in the swing of things....

2010-10-08T07:36:00.000-07:00

I'm hoping to get back to my Crazy Pineapple Dream.... It's been a while. First there was the seperation and nasty divorce, then the time to heal and recover, then the new distraction (which is still all VERY good) and then a busy summer season at my store. So... yes, the dream was put away for a bit.

I've tried to stay connected however on many levels and am so very thankful for my hawaii facebook friends, punaweb friends, and active bloggers that write about life on the islands, it's help trememdously to pick back up where I left off and that's what I intend to do.

First step in re-commitment to the dream, a savings plan. (easier said than done) When I left my ex-husband I walked away with nothing, even taking all of our marital bills, as I had the good credit most of the bills were in my name. My ex-creep wouldn't pay for anything, and in the end, it was VERY worth it to me to take the hit just to get away. And I did. So, all of that said, one of the things I walked away with was a small jar I've had for years that has a sticker on it saying "Life Savings" and in it was 30 cents and a wine cork. It pretty much summed up my current situation. I still smile about it today. I've come along way since that day however, and have made a plan for the dream savings..... yet I still do have that little jar, it's full now and I have started several other jars for change.

It will all happen..... one step at a time...... :-)

My Hawaii Fund saving plan.... LOL

Divorce is final - celebration time!

2010-06-24T18:28:00.000-07:00

Just found out my divorce will be final July 15th in the morning... We will be celebrating with a steak and lobster dinner that evening.... So happy!

I've been distracted a bit lately.....

2010-06-24T07:22:00.000-07:00

In a good way..... LOL

Oh... major brownie points...

2010-06-21T19:34:00.000-07:00

What a nice surprize! My favorite Montana flower (Lilacs) and my favorite wine (Sangiovese). Thank you!!

Dinner...

2010-06-08T21:04:00.001-07:00

at 10:00pm, I love the long days of summer...

Montana sunsets...

2010-06-08T20:52:00.000-07:00

Some of the most beautiful I've seen. I love to watch a sunrise and a sunset, both are really wonderful, especially sunsets out over the ocean. Living in Montana, I don't often see a stunning sunset as the town I live in is located deep in a valley and the Beartooth Mountains are to the west, often blocking. Yet, tonight, I just happen to be at the top of Bearcreek hill when the sun set and it was stunning. I could see the Beartooths, the Crazys and the Pryors and all were lit up pink like fire with the setting sun. It was beautiful!!! And of course enjoyed with my special friend... the sunset was even more memorable.

More Karma

2010-06-07T15:50:00.000-07:00

This comment was on the Facebook page "KARMA: what goes around comes around"

Sometimes people think they are slick and they lie, try to get over, and hurt other people. If they were really smart they would know that being selfish and only caring about their own needs and only what they want on the expense of hurting anothers leads to Bad Karma. And Bad Karma is no joke you'll get it back ten fold. So remember nobody is exempt you get what you deserve depending on what you put out there.

Couldn't have said it better myself!!

"Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out."

2010-06-05T11:17:00.001-07:00

Karma... you got to love it... :-)

2010-05-30T20:49:00.001-07:00

Good karma, good things tend to happen to you. Bad Karma, bad things tend to happen to you. Seems like folks who continually create bad drama and karma within just can't seem to figure out why things "always seem to happen to them". It's karma - DUH! Those of us on the other side sit back and smile....

Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain!

2010-05-28T15:27:00.001-07:00

I think I'm scared to do the Crazy Pineapple Dream on my own...

2010-05-25T18:25:00.000-07:00

When I embarked upon the Crazy Pineapple Dream, over a year ago, I had a partner in it all. However, like many people with Crazy Pineapple Dreams, both of us didn't have the same dream, or commitment to the dream. I'm left figuring out how to do the dream on my own. I have tremendous support both on the island and here on the mainland, both offering assistance, advice and even housing. Yet, the dream WE had sometimes doesn't seem possible on my own, or at times even overwhelming. For instance, we had dreamed of purchasing jungle land and carving out our own space, creating as we had the time, money and energy. My hesitation isn't about the money, or time or even the energy, as I know I can swing this, it's about doing the dream by myself. I mean seriously, am I going to go to a jungle to live on my own?? Does it mean anything if I can't share the dream with others? I don't know... In the end, I know I will pursue the Crazy Pineapple Dream, yet, it might be seriously modified if I'm doing this on my own... All of that being said there are other possibilities that are being explored ... :-) OK... weak, scary moment over with, on with the dream!! LOL!

Tuna Tartare

2010-05-16T06:34:00.000-07:00

I had the BEST appetizer I've had in a long time at Bridge Creek - Tuna Tartare along with a glass of Malbec. This Tartare has left me wanting more, it's lightly creamy, has a bite to it, and so good. I brought home some hoping to have it for lunch the next day, but couldn't help myself and ate the rest later that night.

I've pulled a few recipes off the internet to give this a try myself and each one has a little different twist. One thing I really liked about Bridge Creek's Tartare is that the tuna is served on top of a small bed of an Asian seasame seaweed salad and that made it sooo ono!! (I mixed the seaweed salad through out the tuna before I put it in the to go box)

Ingredients

3 3/4 pounds very fresh tuna steak

1 1/4 cups olive oil

5 limes, zest grated
1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice

2 1/2 teaspoons wasabi powder

2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons hot red pepper sauce
2 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 1/2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
1 1/4 cups minced scallions, white and green parts (12 scallions)
3 1/4 tablespoons minced fresh jalapeno pepper, seeds removed
5 ripe Hass avocados
1 1/2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds, optional

Directions
Cut the tuna into 1/4-inch dice and place it in a very large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, wasabi, soy sauce, hot red pepper sauce, salt, and pepper. Pour over the tuna, add the scallions and jalapeno, and mix well. Cut the avocados in half, remove the seed, and peel. Cut the avocados into 1/4-inch dice. Carefully mix the avocado into the tuna mixture. Add the toasted sesame seeds, if using, and season to taste. Allow the mixture to sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour for the flavors to blend. Serve on crackers.

Ingredients

1/4 cup corn oil
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
1 pound sushi-grade tuna
1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
1 teaspoon minced jalapeño
1 1/2 teaspoons wasabi powder
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
1 tablespoon finely chopped scallion
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice, plus half a lemon
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
1 tomato--peeled, seeded and cut into 1/8-inch dice
20 best-quality potato chips

Directions
1.In a bowl, combine the corn oil and ginger and let stand at room temperature for at least 2 hours. Strain the oil.
2.With a very sharp knife, cut the tuna into 1/8-inch dice. In a large bowl, combine the tuna with 3 tablespoons of the ginger oil, 3 tablespoons of the cilantro and the jalapeño, wasabi, sesame seeds, scallion and lemon juice. Mix gently and season with salt and pepper.
3.Stand a 1 1/2-inch-tall and 2 1/4-inch-round mold or a biscuit cutter in the center of a salad plate. Fill the mold with tuna tartare, pressing gently. Lift off the mold. Repeat with the remaining tartare.
4.Drizzle the remaining ginger oil around each tartare and sprinkle with the tomato, the remaining tablespoon of cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice. Stand 5 potato chips in a circular pattern in each tartare and serve immediately.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons mustard oil
6 tablespoons vegetable oil
8 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon wasabi powder
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon yuzu kosho, red
2 tablespoons soy sauce
Salt
12 ounces yellowfin tuna, cleaned and diced into 1/4-inch cubes
4 tablespoons finely diced shallots
6 tablespoons finely sliced chives
Seaweed Salad, recipe follows

Directions
Combine the mustard, vegetable, and extra-virgin olive oils in a cup with a pour spout. In a mixing bowl, combine the wasabi, lemon juice, rice vinegar, Dijon mustard, yuzu kosho, and soy sauce, and whisk well. Slowly add the oils, whisking constantly to emulsify. Taste for seasoning, add salt, and set aside. Place tuna in a glass or stainless steel bowl. Add the shallots and chives, and toss gently to combine. Drizzle about half of the vinaigrette over the tuna, and mix well. Let the tartar sit for 2 minutes; taste for seasoning, and add more of the vinaigrette or salt, to taste. Leftover vinaigrette will keep, refrigerated, for 1 week. To serve: shape 1/6 of the tuna tartar into a disc and place it in the center of a serving plate. Arrange 3 dollops of seaweed salad around the disc.

Sesame Seaweed Salad:
2 ounces dried wakame seaweed
1/3 cup rice vinegar
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1/2 cup soy oil
2 small red chile peppers, seeds removed and cut into thin strips
4 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted

Place the wakame in a mixing bowl, and soak it in tepid water for 20 to30 minutes. Remove from water, squeeze dry, and trim away the tough spine. Cut into thin strips, and place in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the vinegar, salt, sugar, and both oils. Pour the dressing over the wakame, add the chile peppers, and toss. Sprinkle with the sesame seeds.

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” - Helen Keller

2010-05-12T07:08:00.001-07:00

This came from another facebook friend.. so true...

2010-05-11T20:44:00.000-07:00

While you SCREAM at your woman, there's a man wishing he could whisper softly in her ear... While you HUMILIATE, OFFEND and INSULT her, there's a man flirting with her and reminding her how wonderful she is. While you HURT your woman, there's a man wishing he could make love to her. While you make your women CRY there's a man wanting smiles from her.

Post this on your wall if you're against Domestic Violence or against phsychological abuse!

Lil' Pete

2010-05-07T07:43:00.000-07:00

Well, Lil's Pete was looking kinda brown around the gills and I thought I was loosing him. However, thanks to Sonia, I found out I was watering him wrong. I now only water him from the top and about every third time I'm using diluted miracle grow. He's come around! He's actually got new leaves and getting taller. I'm pleased. But now... who will care for Lil' Pete while I'm gone? I can't trust him with any old brown thumb. :-)

Interested in ginger

2010-05-06T11:09:00.000-07:00

I love all the different ornamental ginger found on the island. Not to say that I'm not interested in the edibles too, yummy! As always, want to save this information for future planting, these are my favorites so far.

Hawaii Red Ginger - very common, but I love it, reminds me of many trips to the islands.

Shampoo Ginger - interesting, full of a gelatinous substance that folks have used for shampoo for centuries.

Beehive - this one is just plain cool and comes in different colors.

Torch Ginger - another one just plain cool.

I love this pic

2010-05-05T18:51:00.000-07:00

Thank you Kathy for sharing on facebook! It's wonderful to see this when on May 5th I look out my apartment window and it's a blanket of white snow!!!

Attitude - gratitude

2010-05-02T19:00:00.000-07:00

another cabin idea...

2010-05-02T12:37:00.000-07:00

Darn, I just wish I knew how to build... I wouldn't be so dependant upon others...

Seriously, it should not be that difficult to put together something that's all of 14x16 with a larger deck than the one shown due to all of the rain in HI.

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - Mark Twain

2010-05-02T08:54:00.001-07:00

The crazy pineapple dream might be happening sooner, rather than later.....

2010-05-01T20:46:00.001-07:00

I'm going to sit back and laugh when karma punches you in the face!

2010-05-01T06:59:00.000-07:00

I LOVE this, found it on a friend's facebook page. It's so true of some people in my life..... I just laugh... :-)

More pineapple dreamin....

2010-04-30T15:59:00.000-07:00

Here's a little cutie.... in my price range.... hmmmmm....

A perfect evening

2010-04-27T07:01:00.000-07:00

A full moon, nice weather, a campfire, pie iron cooking, good wine, a special friend, cozy blankets, what more could I ask for? Very nice :-)

Sweet Memories....

2010-04-20T18:36:00.000-07:00

An old boyfriend recently sent me this. He had given it to me a few years ago and told me how it always reminds him of me whenever he reads it to this day. It brought tears to my eyes as I remembered our special times together, the fun, the adventure, laughter, romance, hours of deep conversations, just being authentic, being me. I getting back to that person called "ME" one day at a time. Life will be good again. And true friends are priceless.

Queen Anne's Lace

Her body is not so white as
anemone petals nor so smooth--nor
so remote a thing. It is a field
of the wild carrot taking
the field by force; the grass
does not raise above it.
Here is no question of whiteness,
white as can be, with a purple mole
at the center of each flower.
Each flower is a hand's span
of her whiteness. Wherever
his hand has lain there is
a tiny purple blossom under his touch
to which the fibres of her being
stem one by one, each to its end,
until the whole field is a
white desire, empty, a single stem,
a cluster, flower by flower,

Transition Truck

2010-04-19T07:13:00.000-07:00

I follow a chat and online forum called http://sensiblesimplicity.lefora.com/ a great bunch of like minded folks. One of the latest discussions is about an idea of a mobile unit to deliver goods to each other. There's still a lot of ideas in the works, however one member posted this pic of a mobile produce truck. So cute! It just draws you too it doesn't it?

Bento lunch and boxes

2010-04-19T07:01:00.000-07:00

A new interest... hard to pursue in small town Montana... but easily enough to research online. When on the Big Island I found many bento offerings, so good and healthy for us! I love the bento boxes, in particular the wooden and laquer ones. Here's a collection of pictures of different styles of bento boxes I've found online that I like. AND... a bento cookbook!! YUM!

Postive thoughts = a positive life

2010-04-18T19:20:00.000-07:00

And that's the way I'm gonna live!

Good triumphs over EVIL....

2010-04-14T19:59:00.001-07:00

You know you're over someone when seeing them for the first time in months makes your skin crawl. (words of wisdom to live by...)

Love this...

2010-04-09T20:17:00.001-07:00

Customer Service: Because We're Not Satisfied Until You're Not Satisfied!

LOL, found it on brother Mark's wall...

"Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude." -- Denis Waitley

2010-04-08T12:31:00.001-07:00

I seem to smell the stench of appeasement in the air. ~ Margaret Thatcher

2010-04-06T13:13:00.001-07:00

Well... it's not pineapples, but a nice diversion

2010-04-05T07:09:00.000-07:00

And... I'd get to use my passport!

http://www.sayulitalife.com/

Can't seem to find this type of food in my small town...

2010-03-31T18:44:00.000-07:00

So, I'm taking matters into my own hands. These foods are some of my favorite foods found on the Hawaiian islands. Well, damn it, can't seem to find these anywhere in my small town here in Montana. So, I'm determined to learn how to make these dishes myself. Trial, errors, creativity, failure, enough wasabi and soy to cover mistakes, it's not so bad.

First attempt at Ura-Maki-Sushi, or inside-out sushi. Ummm... not sure about it as it's a bit more messy. But again, tasted good. I'll keep practicing.

My first attempt at temaki or hand rolls. LOL well with enough ginger and wasabi, its all good!

Alright, lastly I attempted to make Spring Rolls. I've been cravin these babies ever since my last trip to the islands. So, found a recipe in my Herb Companion magazine this month and gave it a try. My impression, it's difficult to roll up the rice papers, guess I need lots more practice :-) The spring rolls were pretty good, especially dipped in a sweet and sour spicy plum sauce. YUM!

Hey, Throw Down with Bobby Flay is all about sushi tonight and how to make it! I better pay attention!