Rain, Rain (and more Rain -- UA!)

As I write this blog entry, it is raining and I am, therefore, not outside puttering in the yard. It is funny how this simple observation reveals so much about our daily lives here in Puna on the Big Island of Hawai'i. Weather seems to be the prime mover of our activities.

"Ola i ka wai a ka 'opua" 

(There is life in the water from the clouds)

Looking at this rain chart, you will see that we get an average of 130-140 inches of rain a year. Now, that sounds like a lot, even considering we live in a true rain forest, but (and people rarely believe this) it rains 80% of that at night!!

"Kahiko o ke akua" 

(The Gods' adornment: The gods express their approval with rain)

View from our office window.

Sitting here at the computer, I can look out and see the Melodious Laughing Thrush and the olive green Chinese White Eye eating bugs on our ohia trees -- now loaded with bright red lehua blossoms. There are many references in song and proverbs to the rain here in Puna -- and its association with the fragrance of the lovely lehua blossoms on our ohia trees.

"Ka ua moaniani lehua o Puna" (The rain that brings the fragrance of the lehua of Puna)

I can also see the beautiful ohia tree carving I just cleaned up and carved as a tribute and reminder of our beloved corgi, Dexter.  Speaking of Rain (ua) Phil just finished a new piece of wood art called "Tropic Rain Hawai'i" using up some of his interesting scraps of wood left over from making his lovely reef fish.

(CLICK on any photo for a better look)

Note:  These quotes are from a comprehensive compilation of Hawaiian proverbs and poetic sayings by Mary Kawena Pukui entitled, 'Olelo No'eau

Dexter Dinkums Wigglesworth III

Dexter the puppy

Travel Papers in Order

About 10 years ago, we adopted our third corgi dog.  One evening we were perusing the dictionary for new words when Phil came across the word dexterous and declared, "Dexter" would be a good name."  But, further down the page, he also found Dinkum -- which is an Aussie term meaning genuine or authentic.  It was during the first few days in his new home that we discovered how VERY wiggly he was, and as pet names do, the full name morphed and emerged as -- "Dexter Dinkums Wigglesworth III."

Departure from Humboldt Dec 2012

Sadly, early in 2012, we lost both of our other, older corgi dogs, so it was Dexter who, after completing all his travel papers and packing his favorite toys, made the big move to our new retirement home in Puna on the Big Island of Hawaii.

We arrived on 12-12-12, but within a few weeks Dexter scared us all by having his first seizure -- not the best way to meet the new vet, but after a few weeks on his new medication, he recovered very well, and by the end of 2013, he wanted to know if he could have a brother or a sister.  (Actually we ended up getting two!)

A few days ago, after two years of no seizures at all, he surprised us once again and after conferring with our vet (Dr. Lyons at Maika'i Vet in Hilo LINK to VET ) we have increased his medication.  After a few days of disorientation and rest, we trust he will be doing well and stabilizing on his new dosage.

He, like us has aged and his sweet face and shoulder withers are laced with grey.  Our other two corgi dogs (Reba mom and Poko pup) treat Dexter with respect and are staying close during his recovery.

For those of us without human children, these are our "kids."

Death to a "Duck"

It's a WHAT?

In its former life, it was a hedgehog we bought for Dexter when we first got the new new family members, Reba and puppy Poko.   When Dexter dislodged and destroyed the cheap plastic squeaker, he had little use for it, but was neither was he willing to share it with the new kids.

"Look mom, I killed it (again.)"

So, as I have done for all the Corgi's favorite toys, I sewed it up repeatedly.  (This being next to impossible to do while it is slick with dog slobber.)  After numerous disembowelment events and subsequent surgeries, the hedgehog eventually turned into a sort of anteater.  However, after the amputation of the anteater's front legs, it took on the appearance of a prehistoric duck.

Poko's baby teeth did not come out like they should, so our last visit to the vet included the two infamous "procedures." -- the dental work being the least painful.  Yet, one stubborn baby tooth remained annoying both him and us.  After destroying one of Phil's books (a signed first edition too), shredding numerous pieces of hardwood scraps from the wood shop floor, and gnawing holes in the front porch, back porch and the deck, Poko finally settled on playing tug-of-war with Reba -- with the hedgehog-cum-duck.  At last!!  The baby tooth came out and the duck is finally dead!   Funeral services will be private.

The Queen!

"The Queen was in the parlor eating bread and honey?"  Heck no...this Queen is in her garden counting out her CORGIS!

Dexter to the left, Reba in the center, and Poko on the right.  Just look at those ears.

Earlier this year we wrote that our wealth was measured by our three wheelbarrows, and three 100-foot lengths of hose.  Guess now we can count our wealth (and fun) with three corgi dogs.



My interest in Corgis came about FIRST because I learned about Tasha Tudor, her beautiful gardens, and delightful books about Corgis, including, Corgiville Fair.  I was inspired by her self-sufficient life style, her crab apple trees and love of Corgi dogs.  It was only after that I learned of the Queen of England's Corgis.

Blooming and Growing

Our April 14th blog entry showed photos of our tall, strong and graceful Ohia trees ** covered with beautiful red Lehua blossoms.  This week, we had an unexpected treat because one of the Ohia trees we planted a year ago had its first YELLOW blossom.  Most all trees bloom red, and yellow blooming trees are rare.  Even more rare are salmon colored blossoms. 

When we moved, we spent months reclaiming our one acre from the encroaching jungle vines and ferns, and many of the islands introduced invasive species.  Next we began planting our mini-orchard with a variety of fruit trees.  We found a local nursery man who had his own yellow Ohia tree and we got two small rooted cuttings from him about a year ago.  The trees are less than three feet tall at this time, so we didn't expect to see blossoms for a few years, but we got lucky as one of them bloomed.

Patiently (sort of) waiting for breakfast on the front porch.

Dexter and Reba are being tolerant and polite with each other, but Dexter prefers to be inside the house, and Reba has been an outside dog for year, so that helps with the family dynamics.  Ao-Pokole (Poko for short -- and "Poko" means short too) is growing fast and has more than doubled his weight and length.  We are taking turns with the early morning breakfast preparation; each of them gets different proportions and Dexter has Rx added to his food as well.


** The Ohia trees are the most abundant native trees in Hawaii and are among the first life in new lava flows. According to Hawaiian mythology, the tree represents a young warrior. Pele, the goddess of fire, wanted to marry the warrior. When he refused, she turned him into a tree. The other gods weren't able to turn him back, so they turned his true love, Lehua, into the blossom so the two lovers could be reunited. It is also thought that if you pick one of the blossoms, it will rain – representing the tears of lovers.




 

Family Rituals

One of our daily rituals is the walk down the long driveway to get the mail.   Since Dexter knows the way, he is bringing up the rear as we head back toward the house.  Dexter also knows the secret place where he finds wild guavas to eat, but he's not into sharing that information.

Ao Pokole Poko is growing so fast that he's doubled his weight and length in less than a month.  Suppose it helps that he gets fed 4 times a day including half-n-half.

Poko's mom Reba, and his dad Koa both had long bodies, but given Poko's paw size, he is apt to be a big boy. Dexter and Reba keep him in line, and Dexter is even beginning to share (if begrudgingly) time and toys with "da brahda."

Isn't it time to eat YET?

OK, kid, here's how you do it.

Puppy Mornings

Mornings are different now.  For the past year we would awaken to bird songs somewhere between 730 and 800, leisurely saunter out to the kitchen for coffee and wake up slowly.  Despite the fact that Ao-Pokole-Poko (Poko for short) is fed 4x a day (with half-n-half and puppy chow) he is HUNGRY at 7am!

So, all the dogs get fed first and THEN we have our coffee, followed by a poop-n-pee stroll around the yard.  Dexter is doing his part too -- "here's a good spot" and they both lift their legs.

Reba has made a good adjustment to Dexter's age and dignity -- giving him space.  Dexter doesn't mind the puppy's following his every move, and will even occasionally roll around with him in a tolerant and avuncular manner.

Bok Choy Boy Busted!

As you might guess, growing some vegetables in a rain forest can be a challenge; it is definitely NOT like growing things on the main land.  We are learning about gardening in Puna, where our average yearly rainfall is 120-140 inches per year

We have numerous books and are experimenting with what we can grow out in the sun/rain, and inside in our shade house.  Recently we discovered that some of our bok choy had been chomped off at the stems!  There are bugs and slugs that will do this overnight.

Imagine our surprise, however, when we found out that Dexter Dinkums Wigglesworth III was the culprit!  As many of our friends (and ohana guests) have discovered, Dexter is an omnivore.  He enjoys tidbits of papaya and banana even, pieces of apple as well as ends of the green beans, carrots, and especially the bottom white stem part of leafy greens.

Bok Choy Boy BUSTED!

What we didn't realize is that Dexter can sneak in under the flap of the shade house and have a little afternoon snack.  BUSTED!

(Guess you could say that short stubby dogs like short stubby vegetables.)
  

Waiting for Reba

"Dexter - Waiting for Ms. Reba"

Reba with belly of puppies

As you may have heard, we are adopting a little sister for Dexter.  Her name is REBA and she is 5 years old.  She has had several puppy litters and is ready to retire.  Her puppies are about four weeks old right now, so they need their mama for a few more weeks.  We are expecting to bring REBA home around the first of April.

Here are some pictures of  Ms. Reba.  You will notice her belly is full of puppies, taken before her latest delivery of five perfect pups.  You will also notice that she has a TAIL!!  That's because these breeders do not dock the tails.  She is a very sweet and pretty girl.

Mele Kalikimaka

Dexter here -- Oh no!  Tell me they didn't just do that.  This gives new meaning to the complaint, "My mom dresses me funny."

You can tell that retired people sometimes have too much time on their hands.  But, we are having fun, and hope that your holiday is filled with joy and good health.

We have been discussing the possibility of a puppy...maybe for my birthday in February.   We take turns thinking, it's a good idea, or hmmm...maybe we should wait.  We have been talking about it for a few months.  Mom even went to see corgi puppies in Kona.

Would a puppy fit inside a Christmas stocking?

Dexter Dinkums Wigglesworth III

Night Lights In Leilani

This time of year the sun goes down early; by 6pm it's dark.  Since we've completed the ohana apartment, we've also added some solar powered pathway lights leading up to the porch. I took the first photo from our front porch looking down toward the apartment.

After I took the photo, I turned around to go up our steps into the house -- and caught this lovely view through our front door into the living room.

Dexter has become an awesome watch dog, and because our door is open at night, he chooses to lie right there acting as our protector, alerting us to any unusual sound he hears.



 

A Dog's Life

Such a face!  "Hey, get me outta here, OK?"  (In the photo, he is not growling or snarling -- he just had his nose pushed through the wire, wanting to get up to the front seat with us.)

When Dexter had his first seizures a year ago, of course we were scared, and rushed him to the new vet -- not the best way to make our introduction, but the staff at East Hawaii Veterinary Center was fabulous and helped us (all) get through the diagnosis and difficult adjustment period as he got used to his phenobarbital medication.  

After that he did not seem to enjoy going for rides like he used to, being in the car made him nervous, and he got overheated easily.  So, when we were graciously invited to share Thanksgiving with friends in Kona and have a sleep over, we tried to set it up for his comfort.  His kennel, covered with a towel seemed to cut down on the overstimulating flash of lights and trees during the ride.

We made stops so he could get out and walk a little, but overall we were able to interpret what he was trying to tell us -- "No, I really don't want to go traveling -- I got to Hawaii fine, but I don't like it much any more." OK DEXTER -- we got it!

Photo was taken at one of the rest stops along the way -- at Whittington Park which is about 1/2 the way to Kona (2-hour drive.)  Even at the end of November, we are still delighted to have 75 degree weather and a beautiful sunny day for a ride.

Deck and Dexter

Our last big project for the year!!  We just took delivery of another big pile of lumber for the deck in front of the house.

With the winter weather that blew in last week, we though we'd have to leave all the 2x4's and 2x6's covered with plastic.  But yesterday and today there were clear blue skies, wonderful strong breezes and huge puffy clouds.  A perfect day to pull out the boards for applications of water seal for the bases, and a pretty transparent chocolate stain for the top 2x6's.

In Eureka we had built a deck off the back part of our house, which Dexter claimed as HIS deck.  So, it was not too surprising that midway through the drying process, he climbed up onto the completed pile and cast his gaze on a clear view down the driveway. 

Look at that beautiful fall light and its "certain slant."   The last small project will be to cover the big awning with the shade cloth we custom ordered locally.  Last week I started some seeds:  lettuce, spinach, chard and a few rows bok choy -- which has become a favorite substitute for celery

Dexter vs Mongoose

Despite the fact that Dirty Harry Phil bought a very scary looking gun for target practice with our pesky mongoose intruders, it was DEXTER who actually made the first kill today!

Although made famous by Tasha Tudor's lovely corgi books, and England's Queen, corgi dogs have a long history as herders AND as ratters!   Yeah Corgi dogs!