New Room. New View. New Life.

Today, after I was moved to another room, it occurred to me that, barring an arguably bizarre set of circumstances, I very likely would have died yesterday.

4th of July: Wakeup Call

Today is the 4th of July, and I got out of the hospital this morning. For that, I'm very grateful. And we're heading home to our remote cabin, and I'n grateful for that. But this year I learned racism isn't over, the Declaration of Independence was written specifically for white people, Mount Rushmore was stolen from Native Americans (well the whole continent was, but Rushmore specifically). And it appears that one-third of the citizenry are unrepentant racists. It's hard to be proud to be an American right now.

The Farmers Strike Back

The Turkey Berry bushes, which I've mentioned frequently before, are, as I've said, an invasive species that is wildly prolific and so must be destroyed. Well, today we finally got one.

Haliimaile Brush Fire

On our weekly supply run to Kahului, I spotted clouds above that were very atypical of Maui. Specifically, they were brown. Sure enough, these clouds were smoke coming from a brush fire a few miles out of town. Ultimately, 300 acres were burned but it was put out before any homes were endangered.

Hamoa Beach

By now we've made several visits to Hana Bay Beach, where Keith likes to soak for a half hour each day, when possible and practical. These vists are, of course, done in perfect safety due to the fact that no one hangs out on the beach and very few people go (tourists are still not allowed, I think) so social distancing just happens.

Koki Beach

Today's post actually includes photos from two trips to Koki Beach, the first from a couple days ago with Zach, and the second with Zach and Keith, today.

The Abandoned Cars of Maui

Today was this week's supply run to the other side of the island; and along the way, I finally photographed an abandoned car that's been tricky to get to.

I began to notice the abandoned cars my first visit to Maui, years ago. Since I moved here, I've been collecting some of the more picturesque wrecks mouldering in paradise.

Serenity Slopes

I've been pondering what to call the Property. I generally call it "my property" or "our property" but that's inaccurate, as the land is owned by my daughter, Jenny (or her bank). Plus, it's somewhat vague. I had thought to call it Slippery Slope mostly for the joke but also for it's punnily accurate description of yhe place in the muddy spring months. However, a Facebook friend amended that to "Serenity Slope", which I loved but to which I added a final 's' since our 28 acres lies, not on one, but on many small hills sloping down toward the sea.

Additions

Today saw a few improvements we've been planning on and/or started come to completion.

The Day Our Car Took A Cruise

Last Christmas, my grandson, Zach, gave me a car. Well, not a whole car; but he picked one out and made the down payment and presented it. The only problem was, we were all living in Arizona at the time, and three months later, we moved to Maui. The plan was for Keith to drive the car to the shipping company in Long Beach, CA. I had bought his plane ticket to leave from Los Angeles; I pre-paid a motel for him to spend the night. But then the coronavirus showed up; and, worried that Keith might be stranded in Arizona with me in Maui should a shutdown occur, I changed plans and flew him directly from Phoenix—and it's a good thiing I did; Hawaii instituted its shutdown while Keith was in the air. But he arrived and was allowed to stay. But the car was still in Arizona, so we kept it at my daughter Jenny's house until such time as it could be shipped.

Ho'okipa Lookout

Each week when Keith and I drive to Kahului for supplies, we pass several very scenic beaches. Today we stopped at one. Please note that no one is crowded; the surfers are closest together and are still substantially farther than six feet apart.

Here Comes Douglas

Hurricanes very rarely hit Hawaii—in fact, it's only happened twice before in modern history. Nevertheless, Hurricane Douglas is barrelling down on us even as I type.

Is That All There Is To A Hurricane?

Wow. Maybe I'm jaded from having experienced hurricanes in Florida, but Hurricane Douglas was kind of a dud.

Pulling Cables

I've been waking up at dawn lately, probably since I'm generally asleep by ten. This is not something I ever expected, or wanted, to do. But that's because I was always exhausted. The times I saw a sunrise, I was on my way to work, still sleepy from getting to bed after working late the night becore. But now, in this time of shutdown and isolation, getting adequate sleep is no longer a problem. And so now I enjoy the sunrise, which here in Hana is generally subtle and exquisite.