July 1 and the year is half over

Where did this year go? Sadly, much of it has been consumed so far with a world profoundly changed by a virus that has wrecked havoc. And, unfortunately, the US is the worst location in the world for the novel corona virus.

I believe that we have finally identified the rainy season in Kona--at least this year. It has rained virtually daily from about early or mid-May. Although rain usually comes in the afternoon, it has been known to rain in the morning and at night. Never know. The image below was an attempt to capture some of the feel.

Judy has done a remarkable job getting the place landscaped. Flowers and trees everywhere. Although the pigs, of late, have been a problem and have dug up some of the cacao. Of course the irrigation system is now done saving us over 2 hours a day in time to water--except that it is raining everyday so we haven't had to spend that time in weeks.

We have been using various means of trying to stay in touch with you--our friends and family. We have used Zoom and Marco Polo in addition to texts, phone calls, and emails. We would definitely like to have more contact with you since our return to the mainland may not happen until next year at the earliest. So, please, give us a shout out in some form of communication so we can catch up, share stories, and generally stay connected. 

It is a good thing we aren’t planning to go to Canada, New Zealand, or Europe as they apparently have decided the risk of visiting Americans is too risky right now with our COVID rates. We are lucky here in Hawaii where the rates are very low and we have more options to be out and about with masks. It is troubling so many people have died and we hope that we will successfully contain it in coming months.

We are acutely aware of the times in which we live and support dignity and mutual respect in our interactions with all people. It is troubling that the issues we all struggled with in the 1960’s are so prominent again. It is also troubling that black men in particular are subject to life threatening  events for things that would not even be considered for a white man in the same situation.  Racism is the toxic history that continues here in America and so many are trying to address it. No simplistic answers but important dialogues are happening.

Cabin fever is real and we like to plan for adventures so are heading to Volcano to celebrate MT’s birthday: Do some hiking, eat some good meals and check out the steam vents on the volcano. We are also checking out pets at the Hawaii Humane Center. They have set up a process that is at once bureaucratic that reduces information and choices. After forms and little information you can meet a dog but are expected to take it home as a “foster “ for two weeks to decide if it is a good fit. Not as fun as it use to be where you go to the center, see the dogs, check out which one seems interested and responsive to you and take that dog home. Dogs are not easy to find here so that probably accounts for the approach.

Because we may not see our grandchildren for way too long, we have been attempting to keep in touch with them. MT has been playing email chess with Matteas. It makes for a longer match, but it gives each of us plenty of time to think about our moves. Khalil sent us some poems he wrote and Judy sent him some so they are now exchanging poetry and looking forward to letters in the mail. Kati always responds to our texts which make us very happy. We are always open to new ideas from our grandchildren so who knows what we may be doing next.

Stay safe and healthy.