Mango Table and Rainbow View

Big smile for a BIG six-foot mango slab

Well, of course there is a story about our new mango table.  And, it's a really good one to illustrate the aloha spirit as well.  During a recent storm (which was actually 1/2 a hurricane) a friend and neighbor had trees fall on her charming au-naturale tree house overlooking two acres of jungle garden.  The repairs to the structure were significant, so several friends decided to host a fund raising party for her with guests donating lovely things for an auction. 



A good friend who just completed her new hale on Luana (just a few doors away) had a remaining mango slab which she donated, and when Phil and I saw it, we knew right where it belonged -- as a bar-height table in our new lanai!  So of course we agreed to outbid anyone else, and were delighted to bring it home. 

A whole universe of swirling galaxies collide majestically on our mango table top!

Under Phil's artistry, the true beauty of the wood slowly emerged after sanding, filling holes, and killing the remaining termites (to be expected.)  He used several layers of spar varnish; the top layer was a matte finish.  We found charming wood bar stools on line that are a perfect match, and now we have yet another exceptional place to enjoy our coffee -- overlooking the northeast view of our yard.

A real photo from our yard of a real rainbow!

Historic Note:  The window behind Phil is one that used to be in his grandma's house and cast rainbows on his bed where he took a nap.

Oh!  And, the rest of the story?  The "roof raising" gala event managed to provide our friend with enough money to cover the cost of materials AND labor!   Mahalo to Karin for an opportunity to have a great party, and to Helena who donated the slab...and to Phil for his consummate skills.