Paws for Dirt

Our three Pembroke Welsh Corgi (Corgyn) are such a source of entertainment and fun.  Especially the young ones -- Ao Pokole Poko, and Princess I'ilani (Poko and Lani for short.)

This last week we got another delivery of rich dark cinder/soil.  And Poko bradda convinced lil' sista Lani to explore the new (giant) hill -- what fun to climb!  Their very white sock feet, of course were no longer white after this escapade.  The "hill" they are climbing is 1/3 of the delivery -- which the driver was willing to deposit in two other large piles elsewhere on the property for easier disbursement to needed projects.

(For many years we had Corgi's with short (bobbed) tails...but we LOVE their "paintbrush" tails -- so expressive.)

For those of you on the Continent, we can buy a variety of "soil products" from red cinder which is OK for driveways and for keeping the soil from packing, to black cinder...rich in nutrients, to any combination thereof -- including crushed macadamia nut hulls.  Our delivery is composed of tiny grounds of black cinder mixed with good wholesome soil (from elsewhere on the island, but hard to come by in Puna where the land created by lava is so new.)

20 cubic yard delivery of cinder/soil

How aquifers under the island are formed

Admittedly, a 20 cu yard delivery is costly, $400-500.  But when you find lava only 1" down...you gotta supplement the garden with something for your plants, vegetables and fruit to grow in and produce.  And, for your further appreciation -- a couple of factoids:  First, because the "ground" (ie, lava) is so porous, 140 inches of rain a year simply disappears down into a huge aquifer below the surface, making the amount of fresh water under the Big Island one of the largest in the world.  The good part of that is you rarely have to water your garden.  However, the flip side of that is that what little nutrition there is is washed away completely every few weeks.  Daswai (that's why) we have to use heavy doses of compost, fertilizer and mulch on all our garden beds -- flower, fruit and vegetable.

Two weeks ago we made the pilgrimage to the Hilo Dump -- well-loved for its recycling -- green waste and FREE mulch.  We drove up with a tarp, and in 5 minutes flat had a HUGE Tundra 8' bed fully loaded and ready to bring home -- all free.  Not only does it enrich the ground, it helps keep weeds under control.

Just another slice of every-day life for the Haysmer Tribe in the Puna District on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Fall Equinox & Family Rituals

In a few weeks, our family will celebrate our third year as "Punatics" -- those wild and wonderful, resourceful and creative people who live in the Puna District on Hawaii's Big Island.  And, as with most families of any size, there are the Family Rituals to mark special occasions.  Now, this is true no matter the size or composition of the family -- including two people and three Pembroke Welsh Corgi dogs.


One of our rituals is triggered by the low fall sun angle. At the Spring Equinox, the early morning sun peeks over the horizon in the east, but from a southeasterly angle shining diagonally across a light path into one area of the house.  Since Fall has always been my favorite season, I am delighted that for the Fall Equinox, the sun rises  in the east, of course, but many degrees more to the northeast and so this time of year in the early morning, I can feel its light on my face.  Just now, just at this time of year.

L to R - Reba Bo Beba, Ao Pokole Poko, & Princess I'ilani

So, tonight being the Equinox, we have two special lights -- our holiday lights that loop across the front of the house -- and are turned on this time of year.  The other lovely light comes from the glow of the lighted chandelier that belonged to Phil's grandma -- as seen through the leaded glass window that also belonged to her.  Before Phil's mother, Margaret, died last year, she bequeathed both these family treasures to Phil, and we are delighted to have them as they help mark the turning of another season.

The "seasons" in Hawaii may admittedly be subtle, but our bodies seem to respond to seasonal changes -- even the Corgyn seem willing to turn in a bit earlier.

Hawaiian Alarm Clock

Early mornings we are regularly greeted by the song of the Chinese Melodious Laughing Thrush -- and with a song like this, who would need an alarm clock?   CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE THRUSH SONG

 
The story of their presence here apparently goes back to the untimely April Fools day tsunami of 1946, caused by a big earthquake in Alaska.  Records indicate that 159 people were killed, and much of the bay front of Hilo was demolished. 

That area was home to many immigrant Chinese who enjoyed their caged songbirds.  When the tsunami hit, and homes were destroyed, many caged thrush flew away and have since populated the forest area where we now live.  These robin-sized birds, with white eye liner are very illusive and make their home in the dense under-story of the trees. 

Morning ritual finds Mr. Thrush usually sitting on one side of the house loudly serenading  Mrs. Thrush in trills of elaborate song.  She echos back in complex replies. Their duets last for about a hour -- enough time to enjoy morning coffee, giving us time to quietly appreciate this beautiful paradise.

Our September 1st blog entry showed our weekly harvest of passion fruit "Lilikoi" in Hawaii.  And although I am juicing and freezing it into cubes, there is just too much. Despite the fact that recipes are usually anathema to me, I just made my first double batch of LILIKOI curd,  creamy and tart.  Below is the recipe I thought sounded easiest for me; I also substituted Phil's artificial sweetener for sugar and used less than the recipe called for.  (photo of our mini-scones, lilikoi, orchid and fresh curd)  Lilikoi Curd Recipe


PS for Sunday 9/20 -- In the past two days, we have had over SIX inches of rain...guess our really hot weather spell has ended....WHEW!