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!