The Kitchen Sink

Despite the indications that today would be another rainy day, we went upstairs to check on things, and found the cows had been at it again, having knocked over several of Jenny's solar yard lights as well as Zach's kitchen sink.

Cows!

This morning we awoke to cows on our lawn. That's happened before, but this time, Lilly noticed them. She's an Australian Cattle Dog mix, and apparently herding cattle is in her genes.

Metalworking

This morning was a beautiful, bright, clear day. Zach rode down to the shed in the quad to request my assistance "upstairs", cleaning metal.

The Kitchen Sink

Despite the indications that today would be another rainy day, we went upstairs to check on things, and found the cows had been at it again, having knocked over several of Jenny's solar yard lights as well as Zach's kitchen sink.

Drawing Water

This morning, it looked like it was going to rain again. We had to make the short drive into Hana for ice, but other than that, intended to hang out at the property.

Smallpox, Coronavirus, and Living in Isolation

When I woke it wasn't raining, but looked like it would, soon. I went to the bathroom (outside) while I could. Sure enough, the clouds started rolling down from Haleakala and, while there have a been a few breaks, for the most part today is a downpour and Keith and I are stuck inside.

Bathing In Maui

Eventually, perhaps even in a week or two, we expect to have a real shower with hot water. But, in the meantime, we have to take about a 1000-foot walk and the shower is cold…and beautiful!

A Yard Full of Cows, a Sky Full of Stars

Today we designated for a supply run into Kahului.

Growing Older in the Time of Coronavirus

I know a number of people who love having birthday parties so everyone will tell them how wonderful they are. I'm the opposite. I love having birthday parties so I can see in person how wonderful my friends and family are.

But there'll be none of that this year, because this month there will be no parties, thanks to the coronavirus.

And so, I turn 69 today without a party.

Road Block

However, once in Hana, we found the Post Office was closed completely. And then we spotted a road block, with cars extending out of sight down the road. I had to drive half a mile in the wrong direction, just to get in line. And I was pissed. There was no way I was going to be able to make my appointment on the other side of the island.

4-Wheelin'

One of the toys we have on the property is a 4-wheel all-terrain vehicle, also known as a "quad". Although any good 4-wheel-drive vehicle can get up and down the road to our cabin, the quad is really essential for more off-track destinations. It's also a good workhorse for carting things around the property, like 5-gallon jugs of water, gasoline, or building materials.

So, it makes sense that I learn to drive one.

Easter In Quarantine

Our family tradition has always been to go to some park or garden to hunt for Easter eggs. The property would have qualified, but it was raining heavily here; so, after breakfast, Keith and I made the 1.5 hour drive into Pa'ia where Jenny's B&B has a generous yard, so the kiddos wouldn't miss out on Easter despite it being in the Time of Cornavirus.

Construction In The Rain

Today we stayed on property except to check mail and get ice. But there was plenty going on here, as the construction guys were working furiously to beat two days' of predicted rain.

After The Rain

Yesterday's rain not only continued but accelerated and lasted through the night, revealing new leaks in our cabin roof (mostly around the skylights). But in the morning it was clear and Ella was happily enjoying both the sun and the damp grass.

Emergency Room

Keith and I just had food poisoning.

Sheltering In Place

So the phrase being used is "sheltering in place". It refers to huddling down whereever one happens to find oneself when a crisis situation occurs (such as coronavirus). I am so grateful every day that Keith and I managed to move here, which we were planning to do anyway, before the Shutdown happened.

Meet Hana Health

Today dawned beautifully (after a lot of rain yesterday and last night) but brought with it a new problem: The IV site from my emergency room visit had become infected (even though it had been cleaned and bandaged by the ER nurse). Worse, my bad leg—the scarred one that suffered from flesh-eating bacteria—felt as if it was infected. It was bright red, and my foot was horribly swollen. So, another medical visit seemed prudent. But I wasn't willing to drive 2 hours to Kahului to return to Maui Memorial (especially after the awful experience I'd had there, with the infected IV site just adding injury to insult. So I decided to try the local Hana Health place even though it seemed very small.

A Trip To The Mall

Today we had to make a supply run to "the other side" (Kahului). I hate going to often because it's a long drive; and I don't like the exposure. But I've also never camped for such an extended period, and the supplies we need include, not just food (we still don't have a reliable means of keeping food cold), but extension cords, hooks, paper plates, and other random stuff.

Redecorating

An odd thing has happened. I've started waking up early, like around sunrise, more often than not. And I'm not tired; I feel rested and ready for the day. And I decided: this would be the day I reorganized our living quarters.

Building the Solar Array

Today the workmen started on the wooden framework that is to hold the array of solar panels we intend will eventually provide all our electrical power, rather than the generators we are now using (and which are very expensive in terms of the gasoline they use to run.)

Wildlife

Today marks one of the few that Keith and I have the property to ourselves. The workmen had another job to run to; and Jenny and my grandkids (including grown-up Zach) were not coming out today. But when the humans are away, the animals will play.

We Get A Porch!

There's a tarped structure on the upper level that I've had my eye on for awhile. It would be perfect for a porch for our shed. I mentioned it to Jenny, who was on property today trying to get things tidied up a little. And the next thing I knew, she was delivering the tent-like thing via quad!

The Solar Shed

Working on a project like getting this property ready to live on is a big deal, and there are a lot of elements that are like dominos: One must fall before the next step can be started. For example, the guy who connects the solar panels to the batteries and electronics can't do that, until the Solar Shed has been completed.

Jenny's Flight Home

So, today is the day Jenny and the kids left on a private jet for Arizona. And I was needed to help out with logistics. Specifically: Zach's truck needed to be returned to the property. So I volunteered to spend a last night at Jenny's B&B (while Keith remained on property with the dogs), from which I would help take them to where their jet was to take off, then drive Zach's truck home.

Finally! The Solar Shed is Completed

After several days in which nothing could really be done because of rain, today we were promised a day of sunshine and the return of the workers to finish the Solar Shed.