New Year View

One of our two "Firecracker" Trees

When we first moved into our new hale (house) in the Puna district on the Big Island, it was winter. We celebrated our first Christmas and New Year in a empty house waiting for the container to arrive with all our earthly possessions.

Straight behind Phil -- is due West

As we explored our new territory we noticed one particular tree that had a profusion of white and pink flowers blooming just in time for New Year. Not surprising, its common name was "Firecracker Tree."   We managed to find two small starts and planted them in the front yard.

Today was the perfect day for a chore we have put off since the end of October when we switched the heating of our hot tub from electric to solar.  (You can visit our 10/28/15 blog for that story -- link to story --  Using SUN power! )  In any case, we knew that the 500 feet of sun-heated irrigation hose would be more efficient IF the roof was painted black.

Today, with good cooling breezes right off the ocean, we hoisted up a gallon of paint to finish the job.  We shifted all the coils of hose to one side, painted, and then shifted them the other way to get the other half. While up-top on such a beautiful day, we decided to take and share a few pictures of what our surrounding forest looks like from that view.

View to North

View to South

After finishing the task, Lunel decided it would be a good idea to paint ALOHA on the roof -- for low flying space craft carrying aliens who may want to make contact with friendly locals.

Enjoy the VIEWS!!  (You can click on the images, like Lunel's ALOHA Aliens sign, to make it bigger.)