Rain, Rain (and more Rain -- UA!)

As I write this blog entry, it is raining and I am, therefore, not outside puttering in the yard. It is funny how this simple observation reveals so much about our daily lives here in Puna on the Big Island of Hawai'i. Weather seems to be the prime mover of our activities.

"Ola i ka wai a ka 'opua" 

(There is life in the water from the clouds)

Looking at this rain chart, you will see that we get an average of 130-140 inches of rain a year. Now, that sounds like a lot, even considering we live in a true rain forest, but (and people rarely believe this) it rains 80% of that at night!!

"Kahiko o ke akua" 

(The Gods' adornment: The gods express their approval with rain)

View from our office window.

Sitting here at the computer, I can look out and see the Melodious Laughing Thrush and the olive green Chinese White Eye eating bugs on our ohia trees -- now loaded with bright red lehua blossoms. There are many references in song and proverbs to the rain here in Puna -- and its association with the fragrance of the lovely lehua blossoms on our ohia trees.

"Ka ua moaniani lehua o Puna" (The rain that brings the fragrance of the lehua of Puna)

I can also see the beautiful ohia tree carving I just cleaned up and carved as a tribute and reminder of our beloved corgi, Dexter.  Speaking of Rain (ua) Phil just finished a new piece of wood art called "Tropic Rain Hawai'i" using up some of his interesting scraps of wood left over from making his lovely reef fish.

(CLICK on any photo for a better look)

Note:  These quotes are from a comprehensive compilation of Hawaiian proverbs and poetic sayings by Mary Kawena Pukui entitled, 'Olelo No'eau