SLOW DOWN

OUCH!

This past year we didn't just slow down, we came to an abrupt and rude STOP! For eight months, we lived in two temporary situations for which we remain grateful. Our attorneys Attorney won a case against Lloyd's of London and we got a settlement. And, a lot of other home owners got paid too! Luckily we found a lovely furnished lease to own rental Volcano town.More about Volcano Town

Then, on the last day of our move-in the stairs and Lunel's left knee got into a disagreement with the stairs, at the end of which she was unable to walk at all (torn meniscus being the likely result.) The next day neighbors converged with crutches, walker and a wheelchair!!  What an odd way to meet neighbors, but again, we were grateful they ambled up the driveway to meet us.

After such a traumatic 2018, we're excited to begin necessary improvements on our new home:  Phil needs a wood working shop so temporary plans are to enclose the carport where he can continue to make sawdust and keep his three galleries supplied with his popular Hawaiian reef fish made from koa wood. See Phil's ART

Lunel is at home in her hammock

It is all connected!

Lunel is due to begin physical therapy soon but for her this "slow down" runs against the grain -- she's is a hard person to follow that advice when there is a new undeveloped yard begging to be beautified -- flower beds to be created, and a greenhouse to be built!

For a distraction we took a short ride to Volcano National Park. (Despite the stupidity of a government shut down by this president, parts of the park are still open and accessible to visitors.)  Learn more about Volcano National Park

Visiting helped us make the emotional connection between the lava that WAS in Kilauea and the lava chamber below and where that lava actually came out -- down in lower Puna -- with Fissure 8 being across our front yard.

A wise friend sent us a quote last year Lunel incorporated into her art journal. Now we both just have to follow that good advice! (especially at 70 and 77)

"Who goes slowly, goes safely and goes far."