Island Maintenance

It has been raining steadily for several days.  In fact in the last 12 hours, we have had over two inches of rain.  So we shift to those kinds of indoor projects like reading, sorting books to return for credit at the used bookstore, art projects, reviewing the food stock in the pantry, and, the dreaded (but highly essential) "Maintenance List" and realize...it is the end of the month AND and stuff does need to get done!!

Maintenance in Hawaii, especially in the rural sections, like Puna on the Big Island is no small challenge, and varies widely from the urban life we lived on the mainland.  For example:

• Because of the heavy rainfall and lava content of the "soil," faithful fertilizing and composting plants and fruit trees is essential since all the nutrients are flushed away.  
• House compost materials are taken out regularly to the compost boxes and rotated to create new soil additives. 
• The generator needs to be run monthly to keep it in good working order, and the batteries on the solar system have to be equalized regularly to function well.  
• Our water system needs to have filters changed to keep our drinking water pure, and pest control is a never ending responsibility.  
• Gutters have to be cleaned out by hand from accumulated leaves and debris (which requires a climb to the roof of 18+ feet up a very tall ladder.)  We take turns going up top with gloves and a scoop, while one stand on the bottom rung for stability.  Yikes.
• Three propane tanks (shared between the house and the ohana have to be checked and refilled because they are our source of hot water, and keeping the freezer supply of food organized and frost build up under control is important too.
• Oh yeah, we can't forget the mowing, weeding and edging one acre....(who's retired??)

3 x the Poop!! for 3 dogs

Keeping the house clean is not simply for the "white glove test" but to reduce the number of pests. Our window screens and windows need cleaning because they are open 24/7 and accumulate dust, some mold, and dead bugs.  Our lovely hot tub has to be tested each week so it stays clean and clear, and...the dogs?  Yes, they have their monthly flea/tick and heart work medications.

So, it is a rainy day, and creating a new blog post was much more FUN than actually DOING any maintenance at all!  OPPPS - the sun just popped out....BYE!

Colorful Hawaii Holiday Traditions

There's a whole generation of folks our age who remember when getting an orange in our Christmas stocking was a treat, along with a new box of color crayons, or a roll of Life Savers.  This morning (Christmas Eve Day) the dogs watched lazily while I went out to our little orchard to harvest a crop of fruit to make fresh juice.  We have been experimenting with using lemons, oranges, tangerines, limes, lilikoi and ginger. The lilikoi and ginger offer a real snap that needs just a touch of local lehua blossom honey.

Card Art by Thor - "Spambiance" 

So while thinking about old family traditions, I also remembered SPAM!!  Our working family made do; mom was very thrifty (although at the time I didn't fully appreciate that.)  I remember her slicing SPAM (spiced-ham) soooo thin one can fed our family of five.

According to the SPAM website, the island's love affair with Spam began in World War II, when GIs were served the salty luncheon meat because it didn't require refrigeration and had a long shelf life. The Hormel Corporation, which manufactures Spam, provided 15 million cans to Allied troops every week. Between 1941 and 1945, Hormel had shipped over 100 million pounds overseas.

Snow?  While snow may fall on Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa, at our elevation of 750 feet, we have to settle for our annual blooming "Snow Bush" which is covered with tiny little white flowers -- a member of the Poinsettia family.

Speaking of our local volcanoes, each year members of our tribe respectfully gather natural materials from the slopes of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa for wreath making.  We all meet at someone's home, bring pupus and gather for munching and "talk-story" as we create our wreaths.  Finally, each season (Equinox and Solstice) we decorate our family altar with appropriate symbolic reminders of our connection to friends, family and our nearly 30 years together.

Happy Holidays EVERYONE!!

Trees of the Holidays

Our very first 18" Christmas tree!

For 22 years we ran a wonderful gallery in Eureka California that was open 362 days a year, 12 hours a day, and employed a staff of five.  So our holidays were vastly different that most folks.  Our holiday preparation began in September, writing Christmas orders that could could exceed $40,000.  Each year, by November 1st merchandise began to arrive, and until December 31st, we held our breath -- hoping that our loyal customers would shop long and hard so that we could pay off those invoices, our great staff and maybe ourselves, AND close the year well. (Retail is not for the weak of heart, but we were are thankful that it was a success for us over the long  haul.)

Same tree, same man, different dog.

Many Hands Gallery is still there in Eureka, but we are retired and living in Puna on the Big Island of Hawaii, where we can now approach the holiday a little differently.  We moved here at the beginning of December in 2012 and the container of all our household goods did not arrive for several weeks, so our first celebration was minimal -- but it DID include planting a small Norfolk Pine in honor of Phil's mom (who was still alive at the time.)

The second photo is the very SAME TREE three years later over 16 feet tall.  Although "Dexter" (pictured above) is no longer with us, "Poko" was willing to sit with dad for this cool December day photo.

The final photo is of another Norfolk Pine -- one we cut at a tree farm just a couple miles from our home.  The really cool thing about cutting this kind of pine is that they GROW BACK!!  (The tree we chose was one of THREE that were growing out of a "mother tree" that had been cut several years ago.)

Under the tree you will see some stuffed animals -- mementos of  holidays from long ago.  The little bear on left was under Lunel's very first Christmas tree, and the elephant in the middle was Phil's favorite.  The battered bear on the right belonged to our beloved "Chauncy" -- our first corgi dog many years ago. Notice the BOX at the bottom?  Phil's grandpa made that for his Christmas in 1944!!

The  words "Happy Holidays" are meant to inclusively honor all religious and cultural traditions, and we hope that yours are full of joy for you and your families!

New Art Arrives for our Anniversary

"Fathom" by Rose Adare

Several weeks ago while visiting some of our local galleries, I was deeply moved by a single gigantic canvas at the East Hawaii Cultural Council (aka Hawaii Museum of Contemporary Art).

While Phil wandered around the rooms full of art, I found myself staying very still, hardly breathing, in front of this painting. I felt it captured how I feel about being in the water, carried and held by the energy of the ocean.  It was mysterious and haunting, and even more so because I felt the woman looked a bit like me. Phil finally circled back around and suggested I take a photograph of it. The large size canvas (approximately 5x8') was not something we could accommodate, so we left without  a lot more consideration.   Except, I kept returning to that image both in my waking thoughts as well as my dreams.

Fabric of the ceiling

Finally, I realized how beautifully the art would go in our lanai -- the Chihuly Studio glass piece and the fabric ceiling incorporated not only the same amazing colors but the wavy texture.of watery depths.  Eventually, I decided to just contact the artist to find out if a print might be available -- and it was.

Yesterday, for our 3-year anniversary of living in Puna on the Big Island, the artist, Rose Adare, delivered the print to our home. Phil is going to use some very old koa wood to make a frame for it.

Meeting Rose was a delight -- a pixie-goth-fire-dancing-artist! Visit her website at: www.roseadare.com.

From Concept to Creation

East Side Property - 12-12-12

East side property 12-12-2015 (3 year anniversary)

As we near the end of our third year of life in Puna on the Big Island, we look back somewhat amazed at what we have accomplished.

When we moved in there were no beds for garden areas.  There were either "bald spots" of nothing or areas where the forest/jungle had encroached 12-15 feet into the yard on all sides around the house which sits on the back 1/2 of the acre.  The front 1/2 was completely filled from property line to driveway with thick invasive species of trees, shrubs and vines.

As only two artists who have spent nearly 30 years together can tell you, there has been a lovely merging of ideas over the years, and we now share collaboratively on many of our creations.  That includes making the best of what "IS" when circumstances develop over which you have no control. This was the case when the University of Hawaii reached some conclusions about the fact that hundreds of beautiful hardwood Ohia trees were dying...including about two dozen (so far) on our small plot.


Months ago, we had tree specialists come out to cut down about 18 dead trees, and like many of our neighbors, we are finding ways to use them as edges for new beds.  Phil had the brilliant idea to cut some of them off at the 10-12' level so that he could use them creatively rather than just chop them down at ground level. One of his first sketches is attached.  Although he began to work on them in August, our summer reached all-time record-breaking temperatures -- months went by that were just took hot to work.

Front 1/2 of property - sketch

Now that cooler weather is back, it's nice to see him out again with chainsaw and chisels working again. Here's a photo of him taken just this week.


Similarly, after scraping the sides of the front 1/2 acre back I am excited to be getting inspiration from the land itself -- it's shape.  The shape of what "IS."  We have a straight driveway -- and "is" I've admittedly wished was just a little different. So, when an idea came to me at 3am (the best time for ideas) I made a sketch right away -- as it "appeared."   The land was undulating, flowing in a sinewy, but almost-flying movement.  Now I am slowing allowing the work to proceed -- from concept to creation.   Energy to Matter: that suits!

We are both amazed and amused at how much we are enjoying the creative juices flowing from this dynamic landscape in and through us.  What will 2016 bring??

Wood Art by Phil

Phil's love of wood goes back to his relationship with his grandfather, a superb wood craftsman and builder who owned the last steam driven sawmill in Michigan. That love of wood has followed him throughout his life, as a sculptor, art teacher, and wood artist.

During our 22 years living in Eureka, Phil was always creating art in wood where it sold at our gallery -- Many Hands (still) located in the heart of Old Town Eureka (Humboldt County.)

Now that we have retired to the Puna District on the Big Island of Hawaii, Phil has had a lot of fun experimenting with many of the local woods like koa, kamani and mango -- just to name a few.

Hawaiian Reef Fish - This past year Phil has been making a series of Hawaiian Reef Fish out of local wood.  Here's a picture of some of Phil's fish. Phil's art is at a lovely gallery in Hilo called One Gallery which is located on Kamehameha Street, right on the bay front.

Fish patterns vary widely depending on available wood and sizes are 3-5" by 6-8" - Price $29 (plus $5 shipping)

Temple Gates -Recently has been creating "Temple Gates" which he made in redwood while we lived in Humboldt.  Now, of course he is using local woods like KOA, MILO, OHIA, KAMANI, and MANGO just to name a few.  Please read the text to learn a little more about them.  (Wood patterns will vary - Price $195 -- Shipping $12)

If you would like to make a purchase you can inquire by posting a "comment" (below) and we will get back to you right away.  (most of our local tribe know how to reach us) MAHALO

HILO in Three Acts

Some days present such a unbelievable chain of event as to be a complete Shakespearean absurdity.  Such was yesterday and our trip to Hilo.  Well, of course there is "The List" with 11 stops (10 of which were completed.)

Act I -- "The List"  -- Together we completed some off the errands before Phil was dropped off Downtown for 1st Friday Art Walk. Then while he did gallery duty, I checked off the rest of the list, and while doing so, noticed that I had lost my Chase/Visa card during or just after the OfficeMax stop.  So, I swung back around to see if they found it, but no one had turned in the card.

 Act II -- "Chase Card" -- (nearing evening) Naturally my next move was to call Chase/Visa to cancel my card, but in the meantime, of course some creep had already rung up $70 of gas and over $100 at Kentucky Fried Chicken!!  Really?? After gathering up my stuff my next stop was to pick Phil up so we could return home with our supplies....

Coconut can and quick thinking solved the problem

EXCEPT -- Act III -- "Dead Battery"  (Scene 1)  So my first call was to AAA, and by this time it is dark.  Fortunately I was parked directly in front of OfficeMax next to a handicap spot with lots of room.  The guy responding to AAA call was there in 15 minutes, but had to drive back to pick up the right battery for the VERSA.  I was hungry, so I broke into the ice chest for some smoked ham, slice of bread and a can of coconut water and had just finished my snack when the battery arrived.

(Scene 2) We noticed that the new battery was inches smaller than the old one, but after checking the book for the right replacement, it was the recommended version.   However, there was no way to "block" it into place so it wouldn't flop around on the stand. A block of wood would have been perfect, except -- no wood.  So I grabbed my coconut water can and sized up the space, and we shoved it in for a tight fit.



(Scene 3)  The AAA guy's girlfriend was the manager at OfficeMax!!! So, when she came out to say hi to him she recognized me and asked if I had found my credit card!  Aloha!

(Scene 4)   So the battery is in and tested and we are ready to finish the transaction with a credit card (we have two so that was no problem.)  However, HIS credit card machine was not working, payment could not be by check .... and here I am at the end of a huge shopping day.  Opening my wallet, I find about $70 toward a invoice of $120!   I took a breath and remembered my "secret stash" which I never used -- and YES!!!  There was a $100 tuck away.

Denouement  All secured, I swung back around (again) to bay front for Phil, keenly aware of the precarious balance between the coconut can holding the battery in tight and the fairly good VERSA suspension.
.
Act III ends with us safe at home with doggies who had waited HOURS for a very late supper,

THE END

In the Pink? Yes and No

Here is picture of me taken yesterday -- BEFORE I realized there was a long tear in the back of my shorts!

Yesterday while I was planting a new bed under the shade of enormous hapu’u ferns I wiped my muddy battered hands across the fanny of my favorite pink work shorts only to find they had a long tear in them exposing my underwear.  It took me only a moment to assess;  I had been wearing these short regularly now for over three years – bent over, butt to the sky lovingly tending our sweet one acre of heaven.

Today I decided to repair rather than replace my faded, thinning pair of pink work shorts. While cutting out patches for them from an equally thin (and pink) handkerchief, a series of odd metaphors about life and love and loss came to mind.   

You see, recently we got notice that a dear friend had died suddenly – only weeks after announcing his retirement, last week my sister (and only living relative) went to the emergency room in serious condition, and yesterday one of my remaining dear “grandmothers” also died – she was 97. 

So, today, with tears in my eyes, holding the reality of loss in my heart, I realized maybe I would sit quietly and repair my poor old shorts.  Then, I realized that these silly old shorts aptly illustrated LIFE and LOVE and LOSS.  It also reminded me of my skin, which I find is getting thinner as I approach 70, and more easily punctured by brambles, broken stag fern ends and dog toenails.  

Thin – that’s what happens isn’t it? Bodies wear out, damages don’t repair as well as they used to.  And patches on hearts and minds and bodies will only last so long.  So, here is a picture of  my humble wearable metaphor, now repaired and ready for another day, another week, another year – as long as they last – as long as I last. 

Another Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving   Thanks to the local reporting by Big Island News, we can watch the newest outbreak of lava from the safety of our house.  Last year we all had a vivid reminder of the power of Pele as we watched lava head directly for our little village of Pahoa.  The map here reminds us of just how close that lava flow came.  We remain thankful that the lava flow shifted dramatically . Thursday, there was another massive flow, but on the north flank.  (I drew on the map to help show both old flow, that reached Pahoa, and where the new outbreak is.)

PUNA, Hawaii – A huge breakout on the north flank of the Puʻu ʻŌʻō vent on the East Rift Zone of Kilauea volcano is sending waves of molten lava cascading downslope. Video of the event was recorded on Thanksgiving by Mick Kalber, filming from a Paradise Helicopters overflight.  If you would like to watch the video by Mick -- just click on this link: NEW Pu'u O'o outbreak

Kalber says the tube opening begins about 150 yards below the vent and over the past two days has sent hot liquid rock more than a quarter mile down the north flank.

The breakout was noted in today’s USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory eruption update. “A breakout close to Puʻu ʻŌʻō was prominently visible on a nearby webcam beginning yesterday afternoon and continuing through the night,” scientists wrote. “The lava flow is not currently threatening any communities.”

...a very special reason to be THANKFUL!  Mahalo!

Lanai PAU!!

Believe it or not, these were the only "plans" for our Lanai!

Round window - Round tub

When we first sat down with our fabulous contractor, Rob, to discuss plans for building our 12x24' screened in lanai with hot tub, he had already built our rental/ohana unit, and the wood shop beneath it, and our two car carport.

So, with a very compatible relationship of creativity and flexible thinking, we knew any formal plans were unnecessary. What happened during that initial discussion is typical of how creative minds can work together: He simply grabbed a piece of left over painted siding and began to draw, and within a very short time we were in agreement.

Lanai is PAU!

The building was delayed due to hurricane Iselle, and the more urgent needs of crushed roofs and damaged houses, but we were enjoying it fully by winter of 2014.

During 2015, however, we actually had a chance to re-think using solar and propane rather than electricity, which we shared in our October 28th blog.

Great fabric from Fabric.com

I always knew I wanted to swag a fabric ceiling between the big beautiful beams and last month I finally got around to ordering 30 yard of fabric -- Jupiter Malachite -- cutting and installing the fabric ceiling.  I love the way the swagged fabric appears wave like, and further, how the negative space of the beams look like sloping volcanoes!

On December 12, 2012, (12/12/12) our one-way tickets landed us here in our new retirement home.  Now, three years later, it is a good feeling to be PAU (finished/done) with the last major building project.

Happy Three Year Anniversary to us!

Finding Your Way on Hawaii Island

Today we had a chuckle when we drove in for my doctors appointment.  When people first move to the Big Island they can experience a learning curve when it comes to directions and street names because 99.9% of all Big Island street names are Hawaiian.  First, that means that although there are some familiar vowels, they are pronounced quite differently, A = ah, E = eh, I = ee, O = oh, U = oo, and, there are only 7 consonants:  h, k, l. m, n, p, w.

Secondly, you learn that local folk don’t refer to north, east, south and west.  This is an island, and directions are given in relation to the five volcanoes (mountains.) Mauka means toward the mountain and Makai refers means away from the mountain.  Sometimes directions are also given in relation to a village or town.  For example – Kona-side, or Hilo-side. 

So, driving in for our appointment went like this:  Leaving our house on Luana in Leilani Estates, we drove mauka (toward the mountain) past Pahoa.  Once onto Kanoelehua we turned mauka again on Kekuanaoa until we came Kilauea and then mauka to Ponahawai, turning mauka once again up to Komohana, and finally onto Pu’uhonu. Got that??    (PS Yes, we can actually pronounce them.)

Dengue Fever Comes Too Close to Home

All is not well in paradise, here in PUNA on the Big Island of Hawaii.  A few weeks ago the first cases of Dengue Fever were reported on the Big Island over on the Kona side shortly after the Iron Man marathon...and day by day, there have been more and more reported cases -- slowly creeping across to the Hilo side.

The symptoms of Dengue Fever are SEVERE and there is NO REMEDY, NO SHOTS or PILLS you can take.  We just came in as we have daily, from spraying soapy water in and around all the most obvious places, emptied all plant bases, and gave everything a close look for more suspicious areas. There are reports that using young papaya as a supplement in juices can help the immune system fight some of the symptoms. 

Delivered by Health Department today

When the County Health Department comes to your gate, as they did TODAY, warning you that a case of Dengue Fever has been reported within a few yards of your home -- suddenly it is pretty f'g real!  We have been doing things we can to help -- but the issue of STANDING WATER is nearly unmanageable in a place where it rains a minimum of 1/2 inch every day or night....and this is a JUNGLE so there is "standing water" everywhere!

The information handed to Phil at the gate this morning tells you what you can do, but there is a limit to dealing with standing water which is around the base of all plants -- and in every crevice in every hunk of lava! We are in the middle of many outdoor projects but are finding indoor projects instead, using bug spray on ourselves.  The dogs HATE being sprayed, and although they are not affected by a bite, they can become carriers.  All we can do is wait it out.  (Hmmm...it just started to rain again.)

PS:  It is of note that even the Pope is travelling 
with mosquito repellent these days (trip to Africa)

Our Very Own "LAVA TREE"

Tall stately formations at the park

One of the sites to see when visiting the Puna District on the Big Island of Hawaii is Lava Tree Park, and, it is only 3-4 miles from our house.  There is a path that navigates around the park which is filled with eerie dark shapes that used to be living trees.

Conditions have to be just right for the formation of these monolithic abstracts; as moving lava slowly creeps through a forest, it piles up around living trees, creeping up higher and higher on the trunk.   The lava cools around the tree, but the remaining hotter lava soughs off leaving the tree wearing a jacket of lava.  As the tree dies, the lava formation remains. Here is a photo we took on a recent visit.

Debris piles in front of the cleared area

Peeking out through the brush!

In the aftermath of the attacks in Paris, I like others have felt a range of emotions.  Sitting in front of the TV I found myself paralyzed with a sense of deep sadness and shock.  But, after two days, I also felt I had to just get up -- GET UP and find something very physical to do to help release the emotion.

Gratefully, I continue to find a calm grounding energy as I select another wild corner of our property to address.  Some of our ohia trees along the north property live have died, so we are clearing places to plant a variety of new trees.

Our own "lava tree" formation

Three days ago, I randomly chose a spot that needed clearing -- about 10-12 feet back to the property line.  The invasive vines and shrubs were about 12 feet tall, and I have been working on it for three days steadily.  In the process I continue to find old bus parts and rusted metal. But, today, as I got almost back to the property line I was astounded to discover that we had our own (albeit small) LAVA TREE!

It was totally overgrown with invasive shrubs, with roots growing around and through the formation, so it was careful work because the outer "jacket" can be quite brittle. Our lava tree is only about 3.5' tall, but I am clearing a path around it that will eventually feature ferns and flowers instead of ugly stubble and debris.

A to Z!

East facing lava wall

Stairway runs L-to-R up to the top with beds in front.

Amphitheater to Ziggurat!  When we first bought our house in Puna on the Big Island,the only thing that was somewhat disappointing was the property was pretty flat -- but that was the back half of the property around the house. The front half of the property was virtually covered with brush, vines, junk trees and invasive species.  It has only been in the last few months (3 years later) that we have begun to uncover some large lava features.

Amphitheater sweeps back and around in half-circle. 

On opposite side of the driveway -- continued lava flow.

So, as described in yesterday's blog, here are preliminary photos -- of what we have uncovered so far.  We are still clearing away debris and sculpting lava of course, but there is a spiral stairway that leads up to the top of the lava outcrop, beds along both the "wall" side, and the "stairway" side. As you come around the feature, the terrain loops back into a large sloped amphitheater.  Talk about an exciting 3D palate of raw material!!

 

Wholly, Holey, Holy!

Items for Craig's List?   "Free to good home....7 left-hand gloves (in good condition)"   This has been a week of LAVA! What with converting the boring driveway "slope" to more attractive terraced beds and the further development of two stunning "lava features" recently excavated from layers of vine, invasive species and debris, I have managed to destroy 6-7 right hand gloves.

Landscaping projects are about as close to "church" as I get -- it is a true communion with nature and I consider it truly holy work.  But, as we wrapped up 5 days of further terra-forming I found myself scrounging for any single right hand glove that had no holes.  Alas, they are now wholly holey!!

Switching gears from working on the "slope" our young friend, neighbor, poet, philosopher and musician, Sam, Phil and I have been uncovering two beautiful lava features on the property.  Most of our blog followers have been aware of last year's "lava event" which stopped just short of dividing the Village of Pahoa in half -- for which we are very thankful.  However, the district of Puna on the Big Island is some of the newest land on the planet!!  The map here shows the various flows -- some of which went through our small subdivision in 1955 and before that in 1850's. So when we discovered a couple of lava outcroppings on the west side of our property, we were excited to see how we could feature them.

View from SW at top of lava outcropping -- view to NE

One flow came from the southwest, and flowed northeast -- and forms the small rise across our property.  When the property was first developed, the earth moving equipment had to cut through part of that flow.  This left a tall 15' escarpment on the right side of our driveway.  (This is not easy to explain and even the photographs don't help much.)  The photo on the right is taken from the TOP of the lava outcropping with our house shown "down" the slope.

We are now clearing away debris so that this beautiful formation can be featured.  Phil has already planted two redwood trees, Sam is helping to dig out invasive shrubs, trees and vines, and I am using broken lava to create curved beds around the lava hillside.  This same hill wraps around a few yards to the right, and then forms a beautiful concave amphitheater. (More photos to come.)