Dexter Mingles with the Rich and Famous

(Dexter is wearing Gucci, of course.)

Happy New Year from HAWAII and NEW YORK

Goes to show you it's not what you know, but who! Cathy Griffin and Anderson Cooper invite well-known and beloved Corgi, Dexter Dinkums Wigglesworth III of Hawaii, to ring in the new year at Times Square.

Puna Squall

Up until yesterday, this year December has been much drier than last year at this time.  All of a sudden, we are catching up for lost time. If you have never experienced over eight inches of rain in two days, it is a phenomenal monsoon-like experience.  This photo is what it looks and feels like, however, the photo is from an simulated rain exhibit at NY's MOMA.  Here in Puna, all we have to do is go outside! 

Hawaiian Geese - Nene

Phil has been having fun exploring parts of Hilo while Lunel has been doing physical therapy.  These are few of the local geese (Nene) he saw just a few yards from the parking lot.  Wouldn’t you love to have a pair of these handsome creatures in your yard?

After watching K54 & K55, we are sure they are a pair!

Hawaiian geese are found only in the Hawaiian Islands and are currently restricted to Hawaii, Kauai and Maui. They are very distantly related cousins to the Canadian geese; it is surmised they were blown off their migratory course hundreds of years ago.  They like to build their nests in both sparse and dense vegetation on beaches, shrub lands; grasslands and woodlands on well-drained soil, volcanic ash, cinder and lava rock substrates. Females typically nest on the ground and lay an average of 3 eggs. 

The Hawaiian goose is among the most isolated, sedentary and threatened of all waterfowl.  They are the sixth most endangered waterfowl species worldwide. These cautionary signs are seen around the Big Island.

To LISTEN to them CLICK on this LINK:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-xAJZ-TvX0

.

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

Winter Solstice

Words are inadequate to describe this image or, there are so many I drown in them. 

I am floating in warm olivine waters under the full moon at Ahalanui staring deep into star studded skies limned by back lit clouds. A few feet away waves crash over the sea wall and with my eyes closed I feel the power of the wave sweep under and lift me and my body merges with all that surrounds me.  I stare at the moon so long that even when I close my eyes the curved image remains illuminated on the cave wall of my eyelids.  As the boundaries of my body dissolve I wonder, fleetingly, just how does one artistically express the shear enormity and intimacy of this moment as the photons of moonlight invite my DNA to dance.

Winter Solstice 2013

Lanui Paina (Holiday/Anniversary Tree)

Happy Anniversary to US!!

A year ago, we planted a Norfolk pine tree that was about 2' tall.  Our container of household goods did not arrive for about 8 weeks, so it was our Christmas tree (minus decorations.) We also planted it to honor Phil's mom, Margaret.  Today 12/12 marks the one year anniversary of our arrival in Puna.

This past year this little tree has grown 300% -- it now stands over 6' tall.  Phil bought some outside decorations, and while we were decorating it, yesterday, the sun was bright and warm.

THE KNEE???   Oh yeah; I just got back from surgery, and here I am functioning (pretty much), great drugs too.  Surgery went well, the people were SO FANTASTIC.  The sun is out for our one year anniversary today, the sky is a beautiful bright blue, clouds are amazing, and temperature is 74 in the shade.  So I think I will amble out to our new deck and read in the sun, then have a nap.

MAHALO to all you who have called, emailed or written.  Ho'omaika'i - expressing gratitude!

Holiday Story About the Rat

As we pulled out our Christmas decoration, we realized we had reduced the number of boxes for our relocation to Hawaii -- in fact, there was just one small box with a few strands of lights and only the most precious ornaments.  However, while doing so, we noticed a strange odor coming from the storage area, and the decorations were set aside until we found the source -- a dead rat.

Phil has been diligently putting rat poison out for a few days hoping to catch the "one" before they became "the many" -- unfortunately, the dying rodent managed to squeeze under the fully loaded freezer to find a place to die.

After successfully removing the carcass, we remembered a charming pidgin poem written (and performed) by our friend Jozuf Hadley -- about the cat "Ehu" and how effective "Ehu" was at catching 'da rat.' 


So, for your amusement and enjoyment, here's the link to BradaJo's reading "Ehu."
(just click on the link below)
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSGEtkVOLTk

Spectacular and Subtle

Sitting on Kilauea's caldera edge.

We are enjoying a visit from our friend Esther from Kalamazoo, Michigan -- a long time friend of Phil's who has been a Taiko drum performer and instructor for many years.

Grasses inside the park area just before sunset, with the soft, low back-light glow.

Last night, just a dusk, we drove up to Kilauea Volcano and had a great visit at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, galleries and visitors center.   After our home-bound late night drive-by on Thanksgiving, we knew we wanted to come back soon when we weren't so tired.  Esther's visit presented us with a great opportunity.  The temperature was cool (at 4000 feet) but we waited through the magnificent colorful sunset, temporary showers, rainbows, and very low clouds that blocked the entire view of the crater.


Before sunset, we found several meadows of grasses that were back-lit with a lovely low subtle winter light, so we had fun seeing another aspect of the area -- this area was a few yards away from the caldera edge.



Then, our patience was rewarded and as the clouds lifted, we got a fabulous show!   The background clouds caught the setting sun and as it got darker and darker the volcanic lake inside the small Halema'umu'u Crater gave us a brilliant glow (and just who brought the marshmallows??)

The small crater is only about 1/2 mile wide, but is inside the larger crater of Kilauea (3x5km).  If you want to know more, just search it all out -- there's way too much information to include here.

   From USGS/Wikipedia

New in the Garden

Ever since our visit to Hilo's Botanical Gardens a year ago, I have been waiting (sort of patiently) for the day when our yard and new beds were ready to receive Heliconias!  While not native to Hawaii, they thrive in this rain forest environment.  Some grow to be over 15' tall, sending out unbelievable blossoms. 


We bought ours at the local Maku'u Market, most in one gallon, and some in five gallon containers, so it will be a year or two before they produce blooms as seen in these photos, from plant books and on-line sites.

From top to bottom, the names are:  Pogoantha

Champneana Mayan Blood,Indica Striata, and

Indica Spectabilis

The last photo is our beautiful new banana tree -- it is called Siam Ruby Red Banana, and while it may not produce fruit, just look how amazing those leaves will go with the rest of the bunch.

Anyway, with knee surgery this week, it was important to get these new plants into the ground, since it will be a a few weeks until I am able to use my pick axe and shovel.

Ke-ahi-a-laka - Leilani Estates

WHAT'S IN A NAME?


When we first bought our house in Puna on the Big Island, I remember reading about some of the historical place names, including Keahialaka which was the prehistorical cultural place name for Leilani Estates. 



Now that we are done with our major projects, we have returned to learning more about this beautiful new home.  
Reading more legends, I came across this interesting story about Pele and how she is associated with the place where we live.  


This information was taken from Hawaiian Legends of Volcanoes, William Drake Westervelt 1916

"When Pele came to the island Hawaii, she first stopped at a place called Ke-ahi-a-laka in the district of Puna. From this place she began her inland journey toward the mountains. As she passed on her way there grew within her an intense desire to go at once and see Ai-laau, the god to whom Kilauea belonged, and find a resting-place with him as the end of her journey. She came up, but Ai-laau was not in his house. Of a truth he had made himself thoroughly lost. He had vanished because he knew that this one coming toward him was Pele. He had seen her toiling down by the sea at Ke-ahi-a-laka. Trembling dread and heavy fear overpowered him. He ran away and was entirely lost....  She laid out the plan for her abiding home, beginning at once to dig up the foundations. She dug day and night and found that this place fulfilled all her desires. Therefore, she fastened herself tight to Hawaii for all time."

 

Keahialaka (known today as Leilani Estates) is at Latitude 19.47/Longitude 154.91

Approximately 8 square miles south of Pahoa.

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.



 

HI MOM!!!

Ever since I met Phil and had the opportunity to become acquainted with his mother, Margaret, I have been impressed with this grand lady!  She is smart and full of great stories. She was born in Charlotte Michigan and has lived there all her life.

When we visited her before our move, she told us many tales about the history of Charlotte.  She remembers all the businesses and people she has known over the years, as well as having detailed information about the family genealogy.

Margaret was instrumental in a personal goal she had of building a Senior Center in her home town.  Now in her 90's she stays abreast of current events, reads the Wall Street journal daily, enjoys puzzles, and rooting for the home team, Michigan State Spartans.  When we moved to Hawaii, we provided her with letters and photographs about our new home, and she has been very involved with the progress of our newly completed apartment.

"Sunflower" by Margaret Haysmer

Phil's parents and grandparents grew up in Michigan where they built several houses which they rented for supplemental income.  Margaret gave us a "thumbs up" when we figured that if it worked for them, it would also be a good self-investment for us too.  Of course we sent her pictures of the progress of our new ohana.

Recently, with the help of a dear family friend (Mahalo Ken!) Margaret was introduced to an amazing new world via her own I-Pad so she can follow the events of our new retirement adventures.

This is a beautiful water color painting Margaret did of a sunflower.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!   
Welcome to 21st century technology,
and congratulations on your new I-Pad.


 

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.

Feathered Friends

We are happy many of our feathered family have returned for winter.  Phil took this picture yesterday while hiding behind the bushes.

#1 Northern Cardinal
#2 Java Sparrow
#3 Yellow Front Canary
#4 Yellow Billed Cardinal
#5 Saffron Finch

(We have two varieties of doves and regular visitors not in the photo include Japanese White Eye and our favorite, Melodious Laughing Thrush.)

Someone recently scolded me because I use a slingshot with small lava pebbles to scare away the aggressive mongoose.   Why?  The mongooses were introduced to eradicate the rats that came migrated off exploration and trading ships.  Problem was that a mongoose hunts during the day, but rats are active at night. The exploding mongoose population has had a negative impact on wild birds in Hawaii because they hunt and kill many ground feeding species and destroy their nests.

The second photo was taken from my desk where a wall to wall window looks out onto a beautiful stand of Ohia trees (about 15 feet away) where the Saffron Finches love to flit about catching bugs.

La Cage

We are DONE! Everything we wanted to complete in our first year has been done!  Now, each of us can begin to spend time with our artistic endeavors. For Phil that means getting down into his amazing wood shop where he is making sawdust and working on a couple of new pieces.

For me, it means dabbling in several media -- too early to describe.  However, when I just want to play free-style, I enjoy turning ordinary photographs into a more artistic expression.  This is of the balcony of our ohana/apartment, complete with guava branch railing and wrought iron bird cage.

Thanksgiving Night

Here's what we saw from the highway on the way home last night around 9pm after sharing Thanksgiving dinner with ohana over on Kona side.

It's kinda spooky to be so close to such an example of the raw power!



This glow is from the smaller crater -- Halema'umu'u, which is inside of the huge Kilauea crater in Volcano National Park.

Note to mainland friends:  This is not Pu'u O'o -- which is is where lava has been flowing since mid 1980's, but at night, you can also see the glow from it.

(Beautiful photo by Janka/USGS, not us!)

Soon-To-Be-Shade House

This $100 investment was worth it's weight in gold during our first year. When we first moved in, Phil built beautiful book cases for the living area and, also on the opposite side of the same wall into the art studio.  Then, during the 16 weeks of construction of the ohana in May-August of the contractors used it to keep their tools dry.



Now, once again, it has been relocated over one side of the property line so that we can have our "shade house" (for you mainland folks, it's like a greenhouse, except it has shade cloth for roof, and sides.)  Here in Puna, you just can't grow tender greens outside in the tropical sun -- they are too delicate.  Our rains here can pound them too hard.  Here's the original canopy, and our plans for the custom-built shade cloth.  It is built by a local business. (Rudy's Shade Cloth in Hilo -- did a beautiful job for us).

I already have several varieties of lettuce, spinach, bok choy started, and we hope to get the pieces (sides, top, doors) assembled this week -- before our friend Esther, from Michigan, arrives.

Once we get it put together, I'll just drop in the final photograph so you can see it completed.  It is one more step toward living with more self-sufficiency.  All we need now are a couple of chickens, right?

(OK so here we are securing the shade cloth to the frame.)


 

"All Hands on Deck"

 Surprisingly, the deck took only two days to construct -- although it took more than than for the prep work.  Our friend Sam-the-Younger (who lives next door) spent hours removing massive chunks of lava the entire length so that cement blocks could be placed and the support boards could be leveled.

Then, Phil and I spent a couple days putting water seal on the under boards and staining the 2x6" top boards.

House a year ago -- without shop or apartment.

Here is a photo of the house when we first saw it.  The actual 'footprint' of the house remained the same because we simply (ha ha) built up from the existing cement pad.  The lower floor of 600 sf became Phil's shop for future creative projects.  Obviously, the top floor became the lovely new 720 sf ohana.  The double doors open into the shop, and the single door to the right is the entry to the ohana.




When my grandma and mom taught me how to embroider, crochet and knit, the rule was -- "the back side must look as neat and pretty as the front side."  Bet a few of you remember that one (along with always wear clean underwear because you could be in an accident.)

Here's another comparison between the present back yard with a lovely green lawn, passion fruit vine structure, and orchard in the background.

When we first moved in there were a couple citrus, no flower beds, and no lawn to speak off.  The man who we bought from had not yet had any time for landscaping as he had just finished the house when he put it on the market for sale.

We were VERY lucky to find it at a great price, and we saw the potential that one year of hard work would bring.  Now, each of us are looking forward to spending more time and energy on our respective art projects.  Yeah!

Happy One Year Anniversary to US!

They're Back!

 Saffron Finches come in small groups.  They come early in the morning, flitting around on the ground where Phil has laid out seeds for them.  When they are in the ferns, they almost disappear in the yellow-greens, but their quick movements make the foliage dance.

This time of year, means the return of many of our birds (manu) from the higher, cooler elevations.  Prominent among the returnees are the bright red cardinals.  We have a returning mated pair.

There are several song birds, but the return of the Chinese Melodious Laughing Thrush is a joy because they have a long, complex song that never seems to be the same twice.  The bird books, good as they may be do not seem to reflect all the many varieties.  We have seen several that are olive colored, with white rings around their eyes.  There is also one pictured below that is brushed with red on wings and tail.



(This photo of the thrush is a little out of focus, but he was SO pretty posed among the bromeliads and lava, I included it anyway.)

"They're back" reminds us too, that we have now been here a year, and as we celebrate our first anniversary in our new Big Island hale, we are delighted to notice these subtle seasonal changes.

NIDINI News Flash

Finally, after what feels like months of waiting (because it actually WAS months) we have a knee surgery date -- Dec 12th.   (hmmmmm?)  Now why does that date sound familiar? 12/12 -- because, we arrived at our new retirement home on 12/12/12 just one year ago.

During the last few months, we have formed a knee support group that reaches across the Pacific.  NIDINI is the Hawaiian phonetic spelling for Needy Knee and is pronounced just the same.  Members include folks from Ferndale and Eureka, California with headquarters in Pahoa on the Big Island of Hawaii.

I met with my ortho surgeon and really like him.  He's got a sense of humor and did a great job explaining the procedure to me.  But, because I had the same job done about 12 years ago in Eureka, it wasn't too scarey.  (That is as long as you don't look at the picture.)

Needless to say, I am hobbling around with the brace on, trying to get all the last minute things done that I can -- especially taking care of all the new plants.  Unfortunately the surgery falls in the middle of our friend Esther's visit -- but it will be nice to have a little distraction for a few days.

Graditude and Latitude

It is quiet this morning; our friends and carpenters, Steve and Rob have finished our new deck, and we are enjoying a cuppa Haysmer Mud (coffee so thick and rich it has been classified as its own food group.)

Yesterday, while answering an email from a new artist and friend in Fiji, I noticed the first Lehua blossom on the Ohia trees just outside the window of the office area in our open house floor plan.  I was caught by surprise when my eyes teared up; what?!  Look-see-inside:  I realize it marks the anniversary of our first year.

And, overnight a second blossom has appeared and I am aware of new rhythms here on this new land.  On the summer solstice, I awake to find the morning sunlight streaming from the southeast counterpane across my bed, blessed warmth on my face. I woke early this morning to see the sun peak up, nearly half a year later, on the northeast side of the grandmother Ohia.  The light comes now at a different slant, crisscrossing it's earlier path to form an invisible "X" across the land and our hale.

There are new rhythms here (nu riddims) that only time will reveal, perhaps more subtle than higher latitudes, but waiting to be discovered by open hearts and open eyes. There is only gratitude - Ho'omaika'i.

Blue Heaven On The Skin

Yesterday I took myself down Pahoa-Pohoiki Road (better known by locals as Mango Road) to Ahalanui Park for a late afternoon  swim at the warm pond there on the edge of the ocean. 

The full moon was awesome last night, the water...ahh, just the temperature of my skin.  For this child-of-water, the experience is indescribable.  "Floating between" sky and earth, I cannot tell where my body ends and the water begins.  I am suspended and surrounded in a bliss of well-beingness.


At one time I might have said, "I have waited all my life to be here."  But the truth is that every single step along the way has brought me to this place of nurture, warmth and magic.  As curved waves break over the edge of the lava and pour into the pond, I am swept by unseen currents and my body rises and falls rhythmically.

I see tourists coming down with their cameras to take a picture of it, but they do not get in, and "click" they are gone.  This is "to experience."  Those who have had the privilege know; those who have not -- well, how can you even explain it.  So, after a year of satisfying "labor" (on house, ohana, yard, and garden) my muses are again calling to me to ??  somehow express and articulate (with my own artist's voice) the wonder I feel.

While it is certainly womb-like, all movement is completely unrestricted.  I feel both strongly connected to the earth, but suspended under the blue sky, I also feel my connection to the heavens and beyond.  At dusk, I float, arms extended, my right hand holds the sun, and the moon is cradled in my left hand.  I am an orb.  My dear Priestess of Poetry, Sherri Rose-Walker, once read me a new poem that contained the phrase "blue heaven on the skin" -- and I stopped breathing!  How aptly those five words captured how it feels to be in the living water.  While a photo or painting might capture the "image" I cannot stop there; I am driven to express how this experience FEELS.

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

Rain Man (ua kanaka)

Yes, it is winter here in Puna! In just the last 24 hours, we were blessed with over two inches!  (And, even though it is still raining, there is not a puddle in sight.)

When we first moved in this time last year, we missed our rain gauge we had kept in our yard; during the winter it was a morning ritual to go out and see how much rain we got.  But last year, our rain gauge, along with all our other personal stuff was in a container on its way here.

So, so we decided to just go out and buy one.  Curiously enough, none of the local stores had them, nor did the words "rain gauge" appear to be part of the local vocabulary.  People just looked at us funny when we asked.  Maybe it was for he best since during our first month here (December 2012) the rainfall was DOUBLE it's monthly average.

Anyway, when our household goods finally arrived, of course we got the rain gauge out in the yard so we could resume what has become one of those quirky family rituals.  When Dexter goes out in the morning to pee, Phil follows right behind him over to the rain gauge.  Trouble is, now we realize it is quite possible that we will get MORE than what our rain gauge holds.  (P.S.  I did, after three days, finally have to remove the soggy clothes from the clothes lines and toss them into the drier.) 

An Artist Musing

Those who have known me wearing my artist hat, know the compulsive juices that trace their way through my heart, around my mind, and out... out into art some kine --  often unfamiliar kine.  It is the way I explore.  I often adventure to where I have not been; I like edges.

Exploring lately I find recurring doodles where I try to express how I FEEL about this place.  For me any attempt to picture it or paint it seems too literal for the emotional abstraction of --- (simply- haha) how it FEELS to my spirit, to  my body and my soul to be in communion with this land, this ocean, this sky.  The nurture/nature dance is beguiling and seductive.

My muses seem to have followed any last remnants of molecules that may have been trailing behind me since our arrival on Hawaii's Big Island a year ago.  I think maybe I am now "all here" whatever that means, right.  

We were lucky to have a friend who recently gave me some auto glass I get to break for some of my crash-glass art I was doing before we moved...and which seems to be calling me to play.  Wheeeee!

(Early) Happy Holidays

Hau'oli Lanui  --  Happy Holidays

Several friends noticed that we did not send out our annual illustrated holiday letter last year -- but there was a good reason.

EVERYTHING WE OWNED WAS PACKED... and on its way to Hawaii!  We bought our retirement home in February 2012, returned home to begin the complicated process necessary for our relocation.  We sold our 22 year gallery business in October (to our great gallery manager) and our 150 year old Victorian house in November, so by Thanksgiving, our favorite holiday, everything was packed.   We spent a wonderful Thanksgiving saying sad farewells to our supportive dear friends.

We spent Christmas last year in our new (but empty) house, as the container with all our goods didn't arrive for several weeks after we did.

We just designed the art for our holiday letter that we WILL be sending out this year.  As you can see it is filled with all the new "ornaments" of our surroundings -- here on the Big Island of Hawaii.  (PS  You'll notice that our "Partridge in a Pear Tree" has been replaced by a pair of Ne Ne, the Hawaiian state bird -- Hawaiian Goose; best evidence supports their arrival on the islands about a half million years ago.)