Lilikoi (Passion Fruit)

One of Hawaii’s most popular exotic fruits is the lilikoi, or passion fruit. Lilikoi fruits are extremely tart yet incredibly sweet, and so while only the bold tongue will eat them raw, when added to your favorite drink, jam or dessert, lilikoi make everything better.  We have two varieties that we planted early in the year.   They can easily grow out of control, so we built a fence for them attached to a dead ohia tree.

With only a few available, we simply cut them in half, scoop out a couple tablespoons of the innards along with the seeds.   After straining out the seeds, we simply freeze the potent nectar and add it to juice.  When we have a bigger crop, we can experiment with making lilikoi jam, or lilikoi butter (which is a little like lemon curd – tart and sweet).

Final Projects

The ohana is done, including the guava railing around the balcony.  The final project is installing a wood deck out front of Phil's wood shop, and creating an outdoor shower (with bamboo enclosure) underneath the balcony.

The deck will be about six feet wide at the narrow ends and bump out to about 10 feet at the wider spot -- in front of the double french doors leading into Phil's shop.

Access to the ohana is separate from our house -- its own door and stairwell are just to the right of the wood shop doors, and the deck will extended past that door and provide a good place for the BBQ and a few chairs.  Lunel is planning a garden area, of course, but some of that will have to wait until her knee is recovering.  In the meantime, she has lots of cuttings she has started in gallon pots -- gardenias, hibiscus, coleus, palms, etc.

It is hard for us to imagine that we were HERE last year in October.  The weather has shifted to what we call "fall" with more big clouds hanging out longer, and rainfall increasing a bit -- right now we can depend on about 2 inches/weekly (90% at night) -- just the perfect amount to keep everything green and our catchment tank full of tasty, free rainwater for all our needs. 

TOAD 'M POLE

On a previous post, we were chuckling about the cane toad who was serenading in the pond.


However, since that time we now have a entire Tabernacle Toad Choir and have decided to fight back!


If you can, enlarge the photo so you can see the details:  Phil's cane toad staff, toad hat, and carved toad-m-pole in the background. Below is delightful  and TOADALLY hilarious cane toad song!!

“Cane Toad Muster”

Dana Lyons of  the

Musicians called “Cows With Guns”  (click on to watch)

http://www.abc.net.au/local/videos/2013/05/10/3756553.htm

YES, they DO grow 'm big here on the Big Island
 

Daily Delights

While I am waiting out the red-tape process of getting set up for MRI and seeing an orthopedist about my right knee, I'm admittedly limited to hobbling about, but still finding joy in everyday things, like geckos sunning themselves in the kitchen window.  On a good day I am using a cane, and on not-so-good days, I use a pair of crutches Phil found cheap at our local Pahoa Transfer Station (the FREE dump.)

We LOVE going to our dump!!  Not only is our dump free, it processes recycling of all kinds,and it also offers a delightful outdoor store for re-purposed stuff.  People who are getting rid of things, can drop them off at the little shop where you can buy some good things really cheap -- like used crutches!

The motto at the dump is "sust aina bility" which is play on the Hawaiian word "aina."  Literal translations from the Hawaiian dictionary (Pukui-Elbert) include "refuse" (like throw away), eat or consume.  However, it also seems to have a richer and more complex meaning, having to do with stewardship, responsibility -- and a relationship between the people and the land, as in AINA -  the life of the land.  (Photos from Big Island Chronicle)

 

Blooming Orchids

Back in August I wrote a post about "surprise orchids" and about buying some unidentified orchids at Maku'u Market -- 10 for $10.00.  And, I mentioned the orchid grower's "secret of orchids" -- PATIENCE.  So, when the flower spikes started coming on some weeks ago, I promised photos of them.

Are these the most amazing orchids you will ever see? Surely not, but they are some of our first,  and that makes them special.  They look like tiny little hula dancers -- wearing traditional Kapa cloth, and they are only about as big as my thumb.

There are other things growing as well.  We have two hills of bromeliads, and many of the bromides have "pups" coming up along the main plant.  Several of our hibiscus, though small, have blooms, and the citrus trees have large sections of beautiful bright green leaves.

Here's a close-up of the orchid "faces" and a photo of hula dancers wearing traditional Polynesian Kapa cloth. 

"Down Time"

Well, OK, I am addressing the fact that my right knee is not getting better by seeing the local doctor who is outlining the "next steps" like xray, PT, MRI and, reluctantly an orthopedist for possible surgery.

In the meantime the question is what to DO since I now faced with some "down time."  Well, first thing is to call in friends -- especially those faced with a similar situation.  And, the first person that instantly comes to mind is my friend Jerebob from Humboldt County.  Together we have formed the NIDINI Support Group, with offices in Ferndale (where he lives) and Pahoa -- where we live.  "Nidini" is a adopted Hawaiian spelling of Needy Knee, and is correctly pronounced Nee-Dee-Nee!

Anyway, my latest pastime is reading about Polynesian navigation about which much research has been done.  I am currently reading: Hawaiki Rising, by Sam Low.  It is the story of the Hokulea, a replica of an ancient Hawiian canoe which sails using ancient star paths.  We had the privilege of recently hearing Sam talk at Imiloa Astronomy Center here in Hilo.  The topic covers a wide range of interests including astronomy, navigation, cultural significance.  Maybe I can write up something to entice you as I learn more.

"Sam The Younger"

I mentioned our "yard guy" in a recent blog, but Sam, like almost everyone on the Big Island, wears many hats.  And, despite the fact that it's 80 degrees, yes, that's a knit ski hat he's wearing!

When we first moved in, we realized that all the projects we wanted to do would be easier if we just had a younger, able-bodied person to help.  And, in getting acquainted with our neighbors Sam and Roxanne, we also met young Sam.  This is "Sam The Younger" or so we call him because he is the third Sam in his family.

Sam has hacked jungle, trimmed trees, broken up lava, hauled cinder and dirt and is a true artist at weed whacking.  When he is done with our property, it looks like a golf course!!

But Sam also graduated with a BA in philosophy and is a poet, songwriter and member of a band (Step on the People)  that just last week played at the Hilo Town Tavern.

   

Unukupukupu Performance

Unukupukupu to Perform Live in the Planetarium

If you have  a few moments we believe you will be deeply moved by this mini-performance by these amazing Big Island culture carriers who will be performing this month -- and we have tickets!!
(click on the blue link below....)
 
Unukupukupu Performance


Experience the dynamic hula performance of Unukupukupu under the stars at our evening series, 'Imiloa After Dark, on Friday, October 11th at 7 pm. This intimate performance reflects the heartbeat of Hawai'i through the sacred expressions of hula, rekindling the knowledge that we are all 'Ohana.

Unukupukupu, which means "Shrine of Ferns (Rooted in Fresh Lava)," is an earth-centric hula group from Hawai'i Community College (HawCC) that aims to bring an awareness of the role and the spirit of hula as a sacred dance into a modern global context. Unukupukupu provides a foundation for the promotion of environmental kinship in and beyond Hawai'i, doing so within the context of modern lifestyles.


"Our traditional myths together with our scientific DNA postures one simple truth: we are all connected, and Unukupukupu is about fueling these connections to ensure that the human spirit continues to pulse and function in the face of modernity," states Dr. Taupouri Tangaro, director of Unukupukupu.

http://www.imiloahawaii.org/    This is a link to Hilo's Imiloa Astronomy Center

"Cane and STILL* Able"

A couple months ago Lunel fell.  The initial injuries appeared modest -- bloody tear on the elbow, pulled muscle on inner thigh, a little twist in the ankle and torqued knee (the last being the most significant.)

We had hoped the knee part was muscle, but when it was still sore after a couple weeks.....maybe ligament?  It is the same knee she had surgery on 15 years ago for a torn meniscus.  So, after waiting over two months while it actually got worse, she is jumping the hoops and headed for arthroscopic surgery.

Just before the final move to the Big Island, Lunel was moving a broken wood pallet into the pile for the dump when three rusty nails tore a gash into the same leg.  It healed, but has produced some nerve damage that has been compounded by this latest injury.

The good news is her doctor is referring her to the same surgeon who repaired the doc's knee a year ago, and she was back to work in 10 days.  Anyone know knows Lunel also knows it takes a brick wall or mac truck to slow her down, however, she is wisely using a brace and cane now, and limiting her activities until we can get this attended to properly.  *STILL, she is out weeding, and transplanting plants from small to larger pots, directing our yard guy on projects, etc.  Physical therapy is set up to start, and MRI and appointment with orthopedist, etc.  As everyone (our age especially) knows, it takes time.

AND THAT....reminds us of our favorite sign in PUNA.  You see it discretely posted on a humongous mango tree on the Pahoa-Pohoiki road, (better known to locals as Mango Road).  The sign simply reads, "It's just a matter of time."   

"La'ua Lani

"La'au Lani" -- High Chief of the Forest

We both breathe art in and out of whatever we do whether that was running a gallery for 22 years, restoring a 150 year old Victorian house in Eureka, or building our retirement dream on the Big Island of Hawaii.

However exciting our newest projects have been, we both yearn to get back to our own unique artistic expressions.

With the completion of Phil's spacious new shop, as well as the new "Luana Ohana," he's been playing with all the pieces of wood scrap he's been saving, including some driftwood, root, mahogany (used for the ceilings in our house) and, of course koa!

So here's his latest creation.  The top head piece is from a palm on our property. 

Hapakolu Hale

WHOA! -- we just revised this blog entry BECAUSE...we are a little tired of projects.  The ohana is done...and this project can be put off a while.....and, our contractor lives close and can get it done when we are ready.




While we have access to this creative contractor, we are moving ahead with what we have been calling the "gazebo project."  Here's a photo of our working concept.

"Hapakolu Hale" (third house) will be charmingly situated near the orchard, a separate building that is more rustic, and minimally furnished.  It is essentially a fully screened mini-house with futon couch/bed, and a modest adjacent toilet/shower and minimal kitchen.  And, in true 'island style' the bath and kitchen area will be on the porch area but still private.  It will be tiled throughout, and features a screened, wrap-around covered porch.  The "interior" will weather protected have partial walls with built in shelves, cupboards and a futon style couch/bed. 



Here's the preliminary drawing our contractor did the other day -- on the back of a sheet of dry wall; of course we will have accurate plans drawn up, but we love this informal, organic, creative process....don't you?

SO, instead of moving ahead right now, especially since Lunel's knee is "needy" -- we're looking at spring 2014. 

Haysmers In Paradise

Impossible not to grin!

A short drive from our house down to the "red road" (between Pohoiki and Kalapana) gets us here!

Backyard Sex!

Humpin' Cane Toads! Although we have seen toads around our pond, and built them a special lava puka, we only recently began to hear their mating call -- that can last from 10-15+ seconds long.  (click below to listen)

http://www.larkwire.com/library/bird-sounds/2058/Cane-Toad-songs-and-calls

We thought you might enjoy listing to the male's call for the female.  You will notice that she is much bigger.  These toads (like many other species) were introduced;  people thought they would help eradicate sugarcane pests, but they have  become somewhat "pesty" themselves.  PS  larkwire.com is a great place to check out!

Phil's New Shop!

Now that the ohana is completed, Phil is changing gears and beginning to work on a new art piece.  His new shop space is huge (full two-car garage space) and there is room for all his tools to be out, at the ready.


Dexter loves going downstairs to hang out with Phil where he can lie with his belly on the cool cement floor.  The breeze that moves though this space is delightful, and Phil's views include papaya plants, ohia forest.

It is fun to hunt around the island for new raw materials like this piece of palm frond that came off one of our plants.  Of course Phil is having fun playing with the native woods here in Hawaii.

He's also made a few contact with other artists working in wood and with his shop, he's hoping to line up some collaborative associations.

(When he is done with the piece, we'll post it!)

Name That Succulent!

We found this succulent nearly dead when we first landed at our new home, but after nursing it back to health, it has produced this very cool alien flower.  If anyone knows what it is, let us know please.  The flower's pedals are very firm and to the touch feel almost like plastic.

Which Way?

Puna Tsunami Sign

Humboldt County Tsunami Sign

Recently as we were headed to the beach and driving down the "red road" near our new home on the Big Island,  our visiting friend noticed a sign we had driven by numerous times. However, she saw something we had missed!  She laughed as she got out of the car to take a photo of a tsunami evacuation because the person on the sign appears to be running TOWARD the approaching disaster.  She decided it must be a surfer!

While living in Humboldt County, tsunami signs were just a bit different, with people heading away from the danger.

Maybe it's just what Punatics do?  (Or, maybe it was just a graphic artist with a twisted sense of humor.)

Luana Ohana!

This is the "first set" of photos of the new ohana, taken just before Cheryl's arrival.  There are many things they do not show, so we will be taking more photos showing completed curtains, art on the walls, etc.

But for now, and for those of you who have been faithfully following this building project, this will give you some idea of the inside.

When you first walk into the ohana, you are in the best part!  The expansive living room area.  Immediately to your left there is a sweet bookcase and mini-desk area for computer.  The little cane rocker was one we brought with us from Eureka.

The next photo features the other half of the front of this living area with love seat, coffee table, and french window that opens out onto the balcony (facing west.)

If you turn right as you come in the front door, there is an area we are featuring as a dining area with one of Phil's grandmother's tables and cane chairs.  You can also see the kitchen.



The kitchen has lots of cupboards and drawers, and Cheryl found an electric screwdriver, some paint and a hammer in one of the drawers....ooops!  There is a full range/oven, microwave, refrigerator, toaster and coffee maker.



(While you can't see it well, we were pleased to have found a RED toaster and microwave that goes perfectly with our color scheme.


The bathroom features a clawfoot tub with Victorian fixtures and hand-held shower.

Directly opposite the tub is the vanity, sink and cupboard.  The next photo is a peek from the hall looking out toward the kitchen.

Finally, is a  photo of the bedroom...but we have installed a QUEEN mattress for more comfort. The room is small, but features a well-designed built in closet along one wall (no photo yet.)

Swimmin' Every Day!!

Since our friend Cheryl arrived, we have been too busy to post much, but here is where we have been swimming every day so far. Lunel took four days off though, to accompany her friend Yani over to Honolulu for cataract surgery

Honolulu is a combination of LA and SF....really big, hot, crowded and noisy.  In the photo below, we can't even FIND the Alamuana Hotel where she was staying -- it is there, someplace!

Honolulu

She thought she might try swimming at Waikiki beach (which was across the street from the hotel) but the beach was closed due to an ecological disaster of a container of spilled molasses!

So, as soon as she was back, off we went to cool off and swim!

Luana Ohana

"Luana Ohana" has a nice ring to it don't you think?   Everything has been concluded in just 16 weeks, and we have several people signed up for visits!

The inside is all done, and there are just a few little outside details remaining that can be completed in the next couple weeks.

Not only do we have a charming one bedroom apartment/ohana upstairs (with full kitchen and bathroom) for guests, but Phil now also has an wonderful and expansive shop too.

We are excited to have our friend Cheryl arriving tomorrow.  After we catch our breath, we will post a complete set of photos, but in the meantime, here are a couple of teaser photos.

The living room and bedroom have bamboo floors with nonslip tile in the kitchen and bathroom.  The kitchen has a range, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, toaster and spacious cupboards.  The bathroom features a charming old fashioned claw foot tub,and the bedroom has QUEEN sized bed and a wall length functional built-in closet.  On the west end of the living room we have a french door installed that features sunsets though the native ohia forest in the front half of the property.  Overall the unit is about 720 sq ft of space with a 18' high ceiling.