Hummingbird HI

I am a knitter. I have literally bags of yarn accumulated over the years. I want to use the yarn up, so I decided to knit hats to sell on Ebay. I have already sold 6, and I have a little idea of what people are looking at, but I would like more opinions. So you fashion forward people out there, please tell me what you like. I would really appreciate web site links so I could SEE what people like. Thanks ahead of time for your help.

I am not a wine drinker, and most of what I was exposed to growing up came in a box. I do like to cook, and there have been a few recipes I have made that call for a "dry white wine" in the sauce. I have usually just used cooking wine. I have heard the phrase, "If you wouldn't drink it, don't cook with it", so I thought I would try a real wine, but I am completely at a loss about the differences, other than color. Any help and advice would be appreciated.

My step-mother used to make a type of potato patty using left over mashed potatoes. I know she added flour to the potatoes, and I think an egg, but I'm not sure. The potatoes had a consistency that could be hand shaped into patties, like a burger. She used to fry them until they were crispy on the out side, soft and steamy on the inside. We would eat them in place of hash browns in the morning with breakfast, or she would fix then as our starch on the nights we cleaned the fridge of the leftovers. Since she cared soooo much for me, she shared all her cooking secrets. (NOT!) I have tried to recreate them several times, and can't get it quite right. Any one with ideas about what I am talking about, I don't care if it's not an actual recipe. Guidelines will be appreciated.

If it helps, the potato thing may be something she picked up from either her German grandmother, or while living with former in-laws in Tennessee

My son is going to be a father, and we are looking for name suggestions. Some of the names that have been considered, but turned down are Solomon, Gabriel, and Giovanni. The middle name will be Hawaiian, so it won't factor in. (Tradition has a respected family member bestowing the child's Hawaiian name.)

I love grilled cheese sandwiches, and not just your standard American on white. I made one out of Swiss on health nut bread the other day and my folks looked at me like I had a screw loose! So here's the question: Do you have a favorite combination that others think is weird?

Here are Mine:

Cheddar on a homemade white with onions, with ketchup for dipping.

Swiss and ham on any hole grain bread

Mozzarella or Provolone on french bread with tomatoes and spinach

And your classic Tuna melt with Monterey Jack or Swiss on light rye.

I'm going to be a grandmother and my son just found out that it is going to be a boy. I grew up with an unusual name, and did my best to give my children names that were not common, but not strange. The baby's mother has stated that she wants to name a boy "Hazeden" (pronounces Haze-den). I know I'm not the parent, but I don't like the name. My son isn't real happy with it either. Comments, suggestions, opinions, anyone? My son Likes "Solomon", and it is a family name, but the mother hates it.

I just want to wish every one a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! To the regular contributors in this section who's answers I enjoy reading so much and those just trying to find out about our lovely state. Aloha all!

I just moved to Nanakuli from Waimanalo. I used to go snorkeling at Kaiona Beach Park, and by the UH research pier. My son would go spear fishing in both places and around Baby Makapu'u. I don't know the waters on this side of the Island, and would like to know where would be a good place to go. I am not a super strong swimmer, so I want to avoid anywhere there are strong currents or bad cross currents. I love the water, but have been hesitant to get in over here.

Stayed with family up near Logan 19 years ago and really liked the Fry Sauce I got at Hardee's. My Sis lives up there now, and my nephew and I were talking about Fry Sauce, and now I am craving it big time! She doesn't have a recipe to give me. Willing to trade Hawaii-style recipes.

I have three dozen hot dog buns in my freezer left over from my son's graduation picnic. We aren't much on hot dogs in my family, and I don't want the buns to go to waste. They do like bread pudding, and I thought that would be a good way to use the buns. Please, recipies that you have actually tried and like, and not just links to recipie and cooking websites. Any other ideas on what to do with the buns would also be appreciated.

Much Mahalo!

I had surgery on my arch in April. The casts are off, Physical Therapy is just about done, and I'm waiting for my custom orthotics. I work as a Nurssing Assistant in a Hospital, so I spend most of my shift on my feet. I plan on asking my Dr. for recommendation on shoes, but I am looking for opinions. I want to know what shoes others find comfortable, durable, and aren't real expensive. ($60-$80)

I have been in a cast for 51/2 weeks now, and hopefully it will come off on Wednesday. What I can see of my toes and the ball of my foot has this really thick, dry, flakey layer. I have a pumice stone, but this stuff looks really bad. Any suggestions?

I would appreciate any comments from someone who has gone through this or any similar procedure. I am especially worried about the rehab/physical therapy phase. Not so much the process, but the results. I know the repair will never be as strong as before the injury, and wondering can anyone give some insight on what I can expect?