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

Big Island Whether Weather Report

Whether you want rain, rain and more rain, or whether you would like SNOW -- right now the Big Island has it all!

Big Island in RED!

The blue link  below provides  a unique four  webcam view of snow atop Mauna.
Watch this great snow video



The highest temperature in our house today was 68 degrees, and for the first time in a year, we have all the windows and doors closed!!  It was a great day for small house project, reading and art.


Following a seven week drought, we are now heading into our second full week of rain and snowfall on Mauna Kea has dropped the temperature in the lower elevations to match the chill of our old home -- Humboldt County.  We are certainly enjoying our hot tub in the evening, before we tuck in for the night.

Church of the Moon

The BIG news today is our blessed rain (Ua), finally arriving after many weeks of none, but posting a photo of our overflowing catchment tank full of 10,000 gallons would only be an absolute thrill to a Puna-tic living on the Big Island of Hawaii, seriously.  So, instead here's a look at the glorious full moon we had a few days ago, after Sacrament, of course (and with a little help from photoshop magic.)

One of my all time favorite earthbound experiences is being in the water at night with the moon overhead.

All the "edges" of everything seem to disappear -- the boundaries between earth and sky, between the air and water, but most especially the boundary between myself and the great All-That-Is. I like this quote I found on-line:

"Never ignore a person who loves you....

 One day you may realize you've

Lost the moon while counting stars"

(author unknown) 

THEN...I found this really cool artist whose image does seem to capture how it feels to be in the "space between."  I hope you will also visit the LINK to see more of his fabulous images.

His name is Robert Gonsalvez, and this is a LINK to see several of his paintings.  ENJOY  --  Robert Gonsalves Paintings

 

Rain from Hawaii

Here in the Puna District on the Big Island we were all were relieved that Hurricane Ana slipped on by the islands of Hawaii.  We were happy for the much needed rainfall she brought -- topping off our 10,000 gallon catchment water tank after a late summer heat spell that lasted for about three weeks.

Knowing that the Pacific Northwest needed rain, that is where she's headed next.

ALOHA FROM HAWAII