“This is what brilliance looks like.”

That’s just one of the quotes from this past week of fun, frolic, food, and most of all, friendship, but the one I think best captures the spirit. My heart is still full and grateful that we could all enjoy such sunshine and laughter amid our many varied celebrations of life. Here are just a few more quotes from the week, and moments associated with them.

“Kay”

Of course, the central theme was remembering Kay on her birthday. She would have reveled in the midst of such friends, and we indeed felt her presence throughout the week. We so miss her.

“Here, hold my unicorn.”

Cordelia the unicorn made a splash (several actually) debut. She may be modest, but she looks forward to taking on anyone brave enough to try and ride her. Many have tried. Not all were successful…

“Well, I just stuck my hand in your lemonade…”

Early February was the perfect time to escape snow and rainstorms back on the continent, and bask in what turned out to be glorious weather all week. Good timing after several days of thunderstorms and flooding on the islands!

“Fight dehydration. Drink mai tais.”

Between local favorites and contributions from New York and the Bay Area, we ate (and drank) well, if not sensibly. At least we stayed hydrated…

“Fancy-schmancy long pantsy”

How else to describe exceptions to Hawaii’s famously lax dress codes? For a dinner party that first evening, long pants were more for protection against the evening chill, but somehow this more creative description stuck with us all week.

“Where is your pioneer stock?”

Whatever adventure was on the itinerary that day, we were usually up for it, especially if it meant exploring Waikiki on yet another beautiful day.

“DJ Fruity Sludge and their breakthrough album, RU OK?”

Somehow we got caught up in a Korean drama series (“Spring of Crush”) and managed to view all episodes, amid much accompanying discussion, speculation and commentary. Subtitle translation choices were a hot topic, and I think that’s where this quote is from (but I could be wrong?).

“I’m down for some mayhem. I’ve got a belly full of churros, and Dole Whip.”

That quote alone just about sums up a fantastic week that we were so sad to see end. So many special times in such a special place, with especially wonderful people. Same time next year?