Life on the Island

1. Life in Hawaii:  We joined a photography club. MT joined a gym. JT found a Tai chi class we are trying. At least 30% of our time goes to our little nursery. We are finding some of the less well known beaches although JT's shoulder has kept her from swimming yet.  Wherever we are we can generally look out and see the ocean. The picture window in our apartment is like what I imagine a convection oven might be on the inside. Our  afternoons often have strong sun streaming in the window and no way to open it. As a result we keep the front door open 24/7. MT solved it by installing outside bamboo shades that pull down and block sun at the heat of the day. Prior to that, my approach was to retire for a nap.  Both approaches work.

2.Cruise ships: Today is Wednesday. Every Wednesday, the big Cruise ship pulls into the Kona harbor and sends its occupants on shore to revel in the downtown scene. This includes all the stores that are open and ready for their business as well as restaurants and also the car rental center which stocks extra cars for the day.  Our experience is that the people who work in shops and restaurants are genuinely welcoming. Yes,  it makes more money, but in addition there seems to be a contentment about it all. At night from the lanai  we watch the tour ship sailing off into the sunset most likely headed to another island.

3. Hawaii was known as the Rainbow State as it's population comes from all over the world and Hawaii celebrates diverse cultural traditions. The Ironman race based in Kona is an international event and now Blue Technology is firmly rooted at Hawaii Ocean Science and Technology Center(HOST) in Kona. This Center has created an estimated 600 jobs and pioneered the use of deep ocean water to raise lobsters and abalone as well as generating electricity.  Hawaii is now called the Aloha state.  Aloha (/ɑːˈloʊhɑː/; Hawaiian: [əˈlōˌhä]) is the Hawaiian word for love, affection, peace, compassion and mercy.
4. No rock talk today.  The lot is ready for forms. Next comes concrete.

Wednesday Cruise Ship in the harbor at Kailua-Kona.

Our Nursery: Judy's green thumb on display

Sun screen to help the nursery plants grow and prosper

Another shot of the nursery with the shade cloth

Finally, the start of the forms for the base of the house

5. Mike is heading to San Francisco this week to attend the annual Trial Behavior Consulting annual holiday party. A short trip which will help prepare for the 3 week trip next week that Judy and Mike will be doing. 

6. Our weather station is up and running and it actually got down to 59.5 degrees F overnight one day this past week. Darn cold. We have acclimated. 

Love and good wishes to all of you.




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