Purple Haze Haysmers

violet paint is in preparation for tile on the floor

Between hurricanes and lava flows, life pretty much MUST return to some normalcy -- mostly because we can't take the adrenalin toxicity!! So, Phil is working on the hand made REDWOOD screen door that will be installed on our new lanai soon.  The work is being closely monitored by the corgis who have access through the door via their OWN doggie door.

While Phil was sanding the door, I went around the yard collecting flowers for the table ---BUT I didn't plan the colors and didn't notice the violet and purple theme until after I actually loaded the pictures for the blog.  Notice the HUGE hibiscus flower that measures over 8" across. It's one of those rather gaudy hybrids, but we much prefer our natives and plan to include more of those in our garden plans.

"Elements III"

Guess I can include the art here -- it certainly fits in the color palette.  This is one of my "crash glass" art pieces which were popular in Humboldt County before we moved.  I have made three since we moved -- all are inspired by the ELEMENTS that surround us here on this land -- the wind, water, and lava.  There is a great sense of being nurtured here, warm and womb like, but life on the "edge" can also be dangerous.  So much like life.  This piece is being auctioned at a fundraiser and party on Labor day with the proceeds going to help cover surgery for a friend. 

Stay tuned to our BLOG for more Lava Flow Updates.  Since there's a lot we don't know and can't know yet we are choosing to LIVE ALOHA, BREATHE, PICK BOK CHOY and have fun.
 

Lava Flow Heading Our Way!

Bird's Eye View in relation to our Subdivision

Last night we attended a packed-to-overflowing community meeting in Pahoa where Civil Defense Administrator, Hawaii Volcano Scientist and the Mayor lead a discussion about the current new surge of lava from Pu'u O'o vent.  If you look at the map it appears to be heading directly toward us.  Right now it is only two miles from Kaohe Homesteads subdivision, and traveling at the rate of 100-300 feet per day.  Our subdivision (Leilani Estates) is only about another 2-3 miles due east from Kaohe Homesteads

Lava flowing through a crack/fissure.

For anyone unfamiliar with this, Kilauea is one of our five volcanoes on the Big Island.  Lava has not come directly out of Kilauea in Volcano National Park for a long time.  However, lava from Kilauea flowed underground up and out through the Pu'u O'o vent in the early 1980's and flowed south (see grey area above) for over 30 years.  That flow stopped a few months ago, and began to flow in a new direction -- north and east.


Unfortunately, it is not like a river flooding – where you have some idea of what it will do or where it will go.  This new geological island is riddled with fissures, cracks, tubes and subterranean puzzles, so most predictions do not allay fears simply because of the unpredictable nature of this kind of flow.  We just ordered a detailed topo map which may offer more information.  We hear and see the helicopters flying over a couple times each day to take up to date photos.

Red shows lava, lava lake; Black shows our subdivision

If elevation were the only consideration, it would allow us some measure of peace, since it would have to technically climb uphill to reach us. You can see our subdivision is highlighted so you get a feeling for the elevation. Officials state there is "no imminent threat" -- but we are considering our own safety and some measures of response...just in case.    http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/maps/
 

There is no imminent threat, but it could develop into a threat fairly quickly,” he said.
Scientists have been monitoring very closely the June 27 flow — named for the date when it first emerged — as it moves to the northeast of its vent on the flank of Pu‘u O‘o on Kilauea Volcano’s East Rift Zone.
The flow has been active on two fronts, one to the north, and a more worrisome one to the south. As of 1 p.m., that flow had continued moving eastward within a large crack, leading it to within about 2 miles of Kaohe Homesteads.
- See more at: http://hawaiitribune-herald.com/news/local-news/lava-flow-within-2-miles-subdivision-officials-say-no-imminent-threat#sthash.TI5k3VUR.dpuf

Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira, as he spoke - See more at: http://hawaiitribune-herald.com/news/local-news/lava-flow-within-2-miles-subdivision-officials-say-no-imminent-threat#sthash.TI5k3VUR.dpuf

Bitter-Sweet

There are many many varieties of passion fruit which is called Lilikoi here in Hawaii.  Until our vine was fruiting, we were buying them by the bag, or getting them free from neighbors with prolific crops.  The bowl is filled with several local kinds.  Each fruit typically produces about a tablespoon of juice; compared to an orange, that may not sound like much, but it is extremely potent flavorful juice -- think lemon juice -- but very flowery.  Our vine is producing the LARGE purple colored on the cutting board, and the ones we just harvested and cut open had nearly 1/4 CUP of delicious juice; we save it, freeze it, and can pop it into fruit drinks or tea.  More ambitious cooks use it in a variety of desserts like cheese cake, pies, turnovers, etc.

Our house is the WHITE dot and shows our relation to possible flows.

In other bitter-sweet news, we are headed to a town hall meeting this coming Monday to hear the latest reports about Kilauea continued volcanic flow through the Pu'u O'o crater.  Earlier this year, the flow from Pu'u O'o changed directions.  For nearly 30 years it has been flowing to the south and out to the ocean -- making for spectacular views from air land and sea.  However, a few months ago, it changed directions and began to flow north.  Since this island is relatively new (in geologic terms), there are many underground vents and lava tubes so the flows are not always visible from the air.  In January the above map was constructed to illustrate where the flow might go -- based on the topography of the island.  "We don't know" is the bitter-sweet reality.  As with any natural disaster, all you can do is be prepared for the worst, but on the heels of hurricane Iselle, we'd prefer a little SWEET with our bitters!

Lunels New Art

Does Enlightenment Have to Hurt

Music of the Spheres

Those of you who have known my assemblage art and process will understand the absolute DELIGHT in having my art table covered with stuff!

The 25th Annual Hilo "Junk Show" call to artists went out and I figured it was just about high time for me to dug out my remaining collections of found object and see what I could come up with.  Some of you know I have been obsessed with a series of fractals I have been dreaming of andcreating for months, so I decided to use three "rejects" for the back ground as there was nothing I could use them for as art pieces.

Mind Your P's & Q's

It was an emotionally interesting experience because as soon as I began to "assemble" I found myself excited about creating.  However, I was sad too, because there were so many boxes of materials I left behind; I found myself clearing identifying the "perfect thing for just this spot...." only to reach for it and remember -- oh, it isn't there anymore.  So, I pushed through and past that part and allowed the wave of positive creativity to just flow and for a week or so, I was captured by these three pieces.

What you may not be able to see clearly in "Enlightenment..." are the tiny light bulbs, and the central golden crystal.  What you will see clearly are the old razors, bullets and such.

In "Music of the Spheres" I finally got to use the xylophone keys to a kid's music toy -- and I have been waiting at least SIX years to find the right place for them.

In "Mind your P's & Q's" I got to use parts from old typewriters I actually used many, many years ago.  I learned to type on an old Royal, and in my late teens, was typing on a Selectric typewrite which was the latest and greatest "new thing" -- that was 1966???

Phil I have have met the charming man who introduced the "Trash Show" here 25 years ago, Ira Ono.  He has a delightful gallery and eatery up in Volcano where we have visited many times.  (I must admit, however, that I really prefer Humboldt County's show name better -- "Junque Arte" -- oh well.)

The exhibit will be in September at the East Hawaii Cultural Council building which houses the Hawaii Museum of Contemporary Art

Room With A View!

What an exquisite birthday gift!  Yesterday, our dear contractors installed windows and screens in our new lanai.  August is one of the hottest months here in Puna on the Big Island, but with the additional screens on the north side where most of the trade winds blow, we will have great circulation.  (There is a charming pair of french doors that open out from our dining room onto this lovely room - not pictured.)

The round window is five feet in diameter and is framed by cedar -- the same wood as our five foot diameter cedar hot tub which is on its way to us right now.



The pair of windows (shown above) are two of three screened windows that, again, face north.  I managed to catch the late afternoon sun for these photos, so that light brings out the colors perfectly.

This last window is very special to Phil, particularly.  Many years ago, his mother Margaret (who died in May) gave this window to him.  We had it installed in our Eureka Victorian home and enjoyed its lovely light in our dining room for 20 years.  It came from the original family home (built by Phil's grandpa) where his mother was born -- a place where young Phil spent afternoons on his grandparents' big bed.  He remembers the sun coming in through the window making rainbows on the bed.  It is such old leaded glass, Phil took it all apart to clean, and install plexi-glass on both sides and a wooden frame.

Today work began on a handmade Humboldt County  redwood screen door that will feature pieces of curly redwood we collected while we were in Eureka.  (The dogs will have their OWN door installed as well.)

Iselle Clean Up

During and after the storm people have been posting images that reflect both the fierce power of the hurricane itself, the extensive damage to many communities, homes and perhaps most moving, the aloha spirit you could see as neighbors climbed mounds of debris to be sure neighbors were safe.  Rescue operations, and maintenance crews, National Guard, volunteers, CERT, Red Cross, United Way county workers, electric staff, state and county employees and TONS of neighborhood volunteers have made the best of a bad situation.  (There are over 40 different agencies coordinating efforts to provide food, water, medical assistance, etc.)  Power on our street came on yesterday (for Lunel's birthday), but other streets in our subdivision do not have power, and there are subdivisions that are more heavily impacted that we were, by far.  Some of the progress has been slow because there were not enough power poles, wire and transformers.  These had to come both from other islands and some from the mainland.  When you observe these photos -- send prayers for families.

Phil's New ART!

The Hokule’a – Star of Joy

By Philip Jon Haysmer 2014

This art commemorates the world voyage of the Hokule’a that began May 30, 2014.  The Hokule’a is a double hulled, ocean going, deep water canoe patterned after the ancient Polynesian voyaging canoes.  These amazing vessels called “wa’a” use the stars, wind and wave direction to navigate.  The Koa’e Kea is the Tropic Seabird that is usually the first bird the crew sees when land is near (but still not visible over the horizon.) This graceful bird is the symbol for the Polynesian Voyaging Society and nests in the cliffs of Kilauea volcano on the Big Island.  The two paddlers at the bottom are from Hawaiian petroglyphs and are offering a salute to departing Hokule’a.  During the1970’s, when it was first built, the Hokule’a played a key role in the Hawaiian cultural resurgence known as “The Hawaiian Renaissance.

$800

Iselle Hit PUNA Hard

It took a few hours/days for everyone to realize how destructive and widespread the damage was.  We include some photos and excerpts from a news story here.  

Hawaii News Now
By Mileka Lincoln


A Hilo Army National Guard crew took Hawai'i County officials on a damage assessment flight Saturday afternoon and the destruction in lower Puna is extensive.  "It's a lot worse than we expected," said John Medeiros, the Deputy Director of Environmental Management. "Our priority is to open those arteries so we can get down to those areas where people are trapped," Medeiros said, referring to the dozens of toppled albezia trees that are blocking roadways.

The area is surrounded with the invasive tree, which Medeiros says grows tall rapidly and is very brittle. "It's just like toothpicks breaking when it dries out. That's a devastating tree we have all over this area, that's why we had such a problem." 

(We know several people who live near us who had trees land on their houses.)


Officials say Nanawale and Leilani Estate  (this is OUR subdivision)  neighborhoods, along with coastal community Kapoho, appear to be the hardest hit and are their top priorities.

"It's pretty devastating the amount of trees on the ground and the community the roads are really blocked. Across the islands, it's not devastated but I tell you there are some communities here that are devastated and that's what we need to consider," said Major General Darryll Wong of the Hawai'i National Guard, who was onboard the Black Hawk flight.

"The National Guard are the sons and daughters here in Hawaii and these guys are leaning forward and they want to help. We are supporting the County and Mayor Kenoi in every which way they can. Whatever the Mayor of this County needs, the entire assets of the Hawai'i National Guard and the United States as well is ready to support. We're totally committed to get them help and back on their feet as soon as we can," Maj. General Wong said.

We are OK, but are still without electricity.  Our 12v battery/solar connection is running our water, and the generator is keeping our refrigerator, freezer and computer operational. 

PRAYERS AND ALOHA GO OUT TO ALL! 

 

....After the Thrill is Gone

Or, should we say, after Iselle is gone!?

See the "cutout" for our round window to the left of  Phil

After picking up the pieces, we are back to work on the lanai, and as you can see, the roof is now on, and Phil is painting the beams on the inside roof.  Also, our contractor cut the circle on the north side for the round window that will be adjacent to the round cedar hot tub.  Cool, huh?

Notice the beautiful Ohia log as the corner post?  We have a great story to tell you about that as well.  Typical Hawaiian house construction includes using our sturdy hardwood Ohia trees that are featured as corners, banisters, exterior and interior beams -- any place you would find a normal support beam.

Beginning to really take shape.

As our plans developed we all agreed that having an Ohia pole in the front corner would be nice....but right now, we just didn't want to add another layer to the project, so we planned to use a 4x4 that could be removed at a future date.

Our Ohia log is the lanai corner post

Just a two days after our decision to forgo the Ohia post for now (but before the hurricane) we decided to take a path less traveled and turn left on Luana, instead of right.  There was a sign advertising a garage sale, and although we don't really need anything -- garage sales are great way to meet your neighbors.  We parked the car, and headed up the driveway when we both stopped suddenly and couldn't believe what we saw.  A stunning pile of cut and debarked Ohia logs -- maybe a couple dozen.  After recovering from the surprise, we introduced ourselves to the people who lived there and found out that the guy who lives there as an Alaskan Sawmill -- and he harvests fallen Ohia logs all over.  Yes, he said, we could buy some, but had to take them today as a Kona contractor was coming to pick up the pile the very next day.  And, YES, he would deliver as many as we wanted.

A GIFT FROM THE PATH LESS TRAVELED!  Just in time to place one at the corner just like we really wanted to.  Phil sanded it down, took off the rough edges and stained it.  In the photo, you will see some of our young live Ohia trees in the background.  We were happy that during the hurricane only one of them came down.

Post Hurricane

This is the "lighter side" of the hurricane, and we certainly deserve to  enjoy it, now that Iselle is gone.  But the sad thing are the houses along the shorelines that wave larger than this broke over -- leaving many homes in shambles. 

Additionally, there are thousands of homes here in the Puna District that are without power -- and will probably be so for many weeks.  Dozens of transformers in many subdivisions blew up as Iselle passed over and hundreds of power poles lie along the roads strangled by downed trees and electrical lines.  We have heard that there are not nearly enough power poles or lines, or transformers to address this emergency.

We continue to send out aloha and support to people without power or water -- and are very grateful for those who are willing and able to provide much needed help.  We are fortunate that we have a 10,000 gallon tank of purified rain water for our use and a BIG ass generator that keeps the freezer and refrigerator functioning just fine.  We have two solar panels on the roof that operate the pump that circulates our water through the filtration system as well. 

Having survived this, and realizing the holes in our own preparedness, we have spoken to our contractor about installing a sub-panel off our electrical box that will have just enough switches on it so that in any future power outage, we can simply switch essential appliances over to the generator and avoid the cords now running through the house for computer, phone re-charge, and TV.

About 16 people showed up for our Tiki Party on Friday night and we all gathered out on the new lanai (not quite finished).  Of course the Super Moon was stunning, and it was really nice to have a little diversion and moral support for continuing clean up and repairs after the storm.

NEW CORGIS IN LEILANI -- Driving around our neighborhood for a few days was like traversing a maze -- trees and power lines down in many places.  Driving down one street we recalled there were people living there who we heard had corgi dogs.  Sure enough they were out at their front gate so we got to meet their owners and have a quick peek at their tribe.  SIX corgis live at this house, and we were happy to find other folks who were equally entranced by this charming breed. 

Eselle Has Passed!

This is Leilani Street -- the central thoroughfare in and out of our subdivision.

Here is some typical damage we have seen around our neighborhood, many big trees down, and broken power lines.  Many reports from neighbors of trees falling on houses, on porches, on power poles, destroying water catchment systems and so forth.  Fortunately, our emergency crews are great and nearly everyone owns a chainsaw or two.  Neighbors just across the street have about 15 trees down -- some landed on their house.  Our next door neighbor lost two giant tarps that protect the plants he sells nationally and internationally. 

This is very minor compared to many residents' damage.

While there are lots of branches broken off, and many small trees down, we were fortunate that the only whole tree that came down was a tiny one by comparison to the above photo, and although it pretty much mangled the shade house, most of the plants survived OK including lots of beets, lettuce, bok choy, as well as dozens of plants in pots ready to go in the ground.

What is most amazing is that it MISSED our beautiful "mother tree" planted in honor of Phil's mother, Margaret who passed away recently at the amazing age of 96.

Falling tree missed this one by 6 " !!

It appears that the second hurricane, Julio, will be missing us, but most of the other island are on high alert.  We are running our generator periodically to keep the refrigerator and freezer food safe, and we have pantry food to last us 3-4 weeks at least.  The dogs did very well despite the volume of the storm.



AND -- the TIKI PARTY that we planned for this evening to celebrate Leo birthdays and our neighbors who live on Luana IS STILL HAPPENING!  It take a lot more than a hurricane to stop LEO's from having a good time.

We've already had several neighbors check in on us to see if we were OK, and that's a really nice feeling.

Hurricane Update

Last evening we took a drive down Kalapana way to a favorite spot near Opihikao-Kamaili to check out the waves and enjoy a pretty sunset before the first hurricane (Iselle) hits land late Thursday.  A hurricane like this has not had a direct hit on the Big Island since the mid 1800's, but TWO!!!  This is a rare event.

One good thing about it, is the last couple days we have done major yard clean-up, removing possible flying obstacles since the expected winds could reach 80-90 mph.  In Eureka, we experienced storms with 100 mph winds, but of course a tropical storm can be different and unpredictable.  Yesterday we cleaned up all the building materials on the nearly done lanai.

Tomorrow (Friday) we have our Tiki Party planned, but of course everything is up in the air (quite literally with the weather), but everything is done, house clean and tidy, which leaves cracking open a coconut and slicing open one of our OWN luscious white pineapple, and putting a music mix together -- in hope we can celebrate in between hurricanes!  Life on the edge!

Severe Storm Warning

It is always wise to take storm warning seriously whether they be tsunamis, hurricanes, or flood warnings.  Hawaii is currently in the path of TWO back to back hurricane storm centers, Iselle and Julio.  To that end, we address the checklist of items including:  Food, tools, critical documents, water, flashlights and candles and making sure things like building supplies, yard equipment, and such are secured.  Our storm-side windows will be boarded up as well.

Look at how small Hawaii looks in the storm path.

Usually, hurricanes are distracted from the Big Island by the shear volume and height of both Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea -- at 14,000 feet.  The severity of Iselle has been upgraded today. because it is different than most hurricanes which have loose long swirling "arms. "  It is now "very tight," and in a centrally strong formation that may not be easily dissuade by our powerful and protective volcanoes.  And Julio is close on the heels of Iselle. 

Usually, he worst place to be is Kauai -- North West of us.

That being said,  we have a TIKI PARTY lined up for Friday.  When we went into Hilo to pick up some extra wine and a few party supplies, LINES of people were backed up 30+ minutes to check out -- carts filled with emergency water cases, propane, bags of rice etc.   Everyone tries to keep a sense of humor about it as well.  The standard joke is:   Buy a case of beer, and take the BBQ down to the beach to watch the storm and tsunami come in!  (Yes, of course there are those who do exactly that.)

Progress on new LANAI!

After 18 months, we actually have a lawn all the way around the house.

Our amazing contractors have just finished week three (about 13-14 days due to a few storms.)   It is 12x24'.  The window (white trim) on the left was removed from our dining room and at that end of the lanai there will be a small sink and the BBQ.  The hole left from the window (you can't see well) will be filled by double french doors soon.


On the side facing you, windows will be screened in.  The "pop out" area is a bench to sit on.  The wall to the right of the "pop out" is where the five-foot circular window will be.  (Right now it is paneled in temporarily.)

Just look at the big OHIA tree behind!

Hand and dog toe prints in the cement

The photo on the left  shows the other end where the hot tub will be located -- it is going to remain open until the tub gets here so they can install it easier.  The tub itself will go down through the floor and rest on a concrete pad at ground level.  The tub will have a built up area around the back side and a bench to lie down on.

I took the third picture just because it was so graphically interesting with all the shadows from the roof.  Next week, the sheet metal roof will go on.  At the end of next week, I'll post another set so you can see the progress.

Poko's Procedure?

I see that worried look upon your face.

OK WHAT!! They are talking about my "procedure" -- but I have to wonder.  I have been to see my vet (she's really nice) several times -- for my puppy check up, and then for a bunch of shots -- THREE times.  So I can't imagine why I should have to go back again.

They say I have a couple extra baby teeth that need to come out.  I suppose that is OK, since they hurt, and I can't bite things properly.  But I'm sure not  telling them about the weird thing that's been happening between my legs - not very comfortable but "it" usually goes away after I wake up and move around a little.  Wonder if it's the dreams...and all those cute little tails I keep chasing.  Hmmmm?