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."

After Seven Months -- Some GOOD NEWS!

LOCAL NEWS HEADLINES!!!

"Home Owners WILL Be Covered"
"Lloyds Will Pay"

Well in our last post we hinted at one surprise, but now it's pretty much gone viral: Lloyds of London has capitulated, reversing their decision to deny our the fire insurance claim we filed in May this year.

Our names and faces have been in the news so much in the last few months, every place we go people recognize us -- kinda odd. We've been in "neutral" for seven long stressful months - so, it's particularly wonderful to receive this news the day before Thanksgiving.

There are still friends and neighbors fighting for coverage -- for homes that are either inaccessible, or still standing physically but totally uninhabitable due to infusions of toxic gasses, or irreparable damages of other kinds. Hopefully this will also get the wheels of justice turning in a good direction for them as well.

Anyway rather than belaboring the whole story, for now, please enjoy reading the two news blurbs that ran in today's news. We continue to be very grateful for the outpouring of love in many forms through this crazy adventure. Whether it was with emails, notes, gifts, Go-Fund, wood, tools, clothes, jewelry -- it has all been a blessing!

There's more, but we're still in shock, and enjoying our cozy electric blanket and three corgi dogs during these crisp cool Volcano Hawaii nights.  Now, we have the security we need to find a rental house that will suit us.

NEVER WOULD HAVE EXPECTED THIS FOR THANKS GIVING!
Home Owners WILL be Covered!    ---  
Lloyds Will Pay