TERRAFORMING

Uninspired slope along the length of the driveway

The term TERRAFORMING was coined by Jack Williamson in a science-fiction story (Collision Orbit) published during 1942 in Astounding Science Fiction,  (Even as I write those words, I fondly remember over 700 issues of 1930-40-50's Sci-Fi Zines I sold just a few weeks before we moved to Puna on the Big Island of Hawaii in 2012.)

Part of the challenge of moving to a totally new undeveloped land (or planet) is the chance to have a very big pallet of new shapes to work with -- a delight for artists who think in 3D.  After the earth-work we had done in August for my birthday (blog 8/19/15) we have begun to develop the front 1/2 of our property, which includes planting over 30 new trees, palms and flowering shrubs.  (More on that to come.)

Ah HA!!  Raw Materials to play with!

SO... there is this uninspiring slope along the south side of our long driveway that we have been simply mowing and edging to control the weed mass growing over the lava.  For nearly three years I have been eyeing that slope -- feeling sure there must be a more creative way to address it.  A couple days ago, I hoisted my pick ax and decided to just play with the raw materials --- and VOILA!! 

When the original work was done to create the driveway, the cat must have just shoved piles of broken lava over to the side -- because i found lots and lots of wonderful raw materials once I began to dig.  I sorted out all the various sizes of lava and began to re-shape the mound into a tiered bed.

Once I had done one 2-yard section I was inspired, and for the last three days, it has been a stimulating project.   OK, yes, it will take a while since the length of the section is about 66 feet long...but it will be such a nice feature when we come up the driveway to our hale.

Thinking Outside the Box

"Instead of thinking outside the box get rid of the box."
                                                         (Deepak Chopra)

This has to be one of the main reasons we love PUNATICS so much!!  The challenges of living in Puna on the Big Island are of many shapes; most folks on the Continent have no real idea of the learning curve involved when you decide to "move to Hawaii."   It's not all palm trees and white beaches.  Here in Puna life is remote and rural and the terrain is diverse, ranging from full forest to dense jungle.  The people who live here are fiercely independent creative problem solvers.

So, when *SHIT* happens, there's always an opportunity to learn what went wrong, and how to find a "work around" that will solve the problem.  And most often, it does require THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX.

Master & Commander of Parts

Such was the case when the heater on our hot tub died.  Of course we were annoyed, but we had to admit the our electric bill was high.  So, together with our amazing contractor Rob (who is known for getting rid of the box) we came up with a better solution.

Boldly going....

We purchased 500 feet of black heavy-duty irrigation hose which was hauled up onto the roof and strapped in place to utilize passive SOLAR. We found a small, efficient, quiet pump on line to move the water through the pipes. Using a simple garden timer, next we measure the time it takes to heat the water in the black hose so that it periodically flows into our hot tub.  (As a back up for cloud-cast winter days, we have installed a small propane on-demand heater.)

By also adding a couple batteries to our existing solar system, we can now operate all our most expensive equipment through our solar set-up -- including water pump, tub, and refrigerator!!  Net result will cut our electric bill in HALF!

Shit happened -- AND we got to think of a better way to do it!

Pua in Pots & Plates

PUA means flower in Hawaiian -- over a dozen are blooming right now.

Our new dishes have a LEI of PUA around the edge

We made a recent trip into Hilo Town to tackle a long list of stops including our dentist where we each had appointment.  After several hours, hungry, we stopped at one of our favorite Thai restaurants.  As we passed by we notice a sign in a pawn shop that said 50% of everything.  Since we didn't even know a pawn shop was there, we sauntered after lunch to have a look-see.

The building itself was a little mysterious, and each room seemed to open out into yet another space which lead to another room, etc.  It was a little like visiting one of our favorite antique stores in Old Town Eureka.  After poking around for a while, I found a set of dishes that was very pretty.  Of course we already have an adequate (if boring) set for eight (which we got at a garage sale. ) There was no price on the box -- and it was a FULL set of 12!!   I figured it would probably be a few hundred dollars -- BUT one thing I have learned -- ASK.

So, I did, and was shocked to find out they only wanted $50.00 for the whole set.  My response was easy ...."SOLD"    Today, as I was cleaning them all, and packing up the old boring dishes, I noticed what a profusion of orchids were blooming -- and how beautifully they went with our new dishes.  The remaining problem is -- just what does one DO with 12 small matching cups and saucers -- since we all use BIG mugs for our beverages nowadays.

Saying Goodbye

If you remember either your grandparents or parents review of the newspaper obituaries, you are not alone.  This was particularly true for Phil's mother, Margaret, who grew up in a very small rural community in Michigan -- and where she lived all her life until she passed last year at age 96.  She knew everyone, and knew when the kids graduated and got married.  She knew which parents passed locally run businesses on to their children, and when grandchildren in the community were born.

Our First Corgi Family

Reaching this age, Phil and I are finding that we too are saying "goodbye" to various members of our community and friends -- most of whom we consider our ohana (family in Hawaiian.)   This last month two very special friends have passed, and as is our custom, we pulled out our collection of photos and memorabilia of those we remember.  We decided to set up our "All Saints" altar early this year, to honor those who had an impact on our lives. My former husband and our adopted daughter passed away many years ago, as have both of our Best Persons at our wedding.

This last week, however, my dear yoga teacher and friend, Elsa Rubio, passed peacefully in her sleep.  As we began to assemble some of the many keepsakes, we also pulled out the collection of dogs tags all strung onto one of their old collars -- in remembrance of our four-legged family too.  (Chauncy R. Valentine, Abbey Ennis Puddin'chin, and Dexter Dinkums Wigglesworth III.)

...and we open our hearts to all the memories of these beloved ones especially as we draw closer to All Hallow's Eve, (Christian) Hallowmas, All Saints Day (Catholic), or Samhain (Gaelic/Celt) -- or the more familiar/secularized "Halloween."   Many of these traditions also include a celebration of the year's harvest with special feasts.

UA!! Got Rain!!

With an El Nino year like this has been, we have almost lost track of the number of fully formed, named hurricanes that have swept close to the Big Island this year -- 13 or 14 and counting.

Last week we watched as "OHO" blew by dropping a ton of rain...we had four inches in four hours.  Then, during the night, Phil got curious and trudged out with umbrella and flashlight to check the rain gauges again.

In the morning we checked again -- 7.2 inches in 24 hours...and only one small puddle!

When we retired from Humboldt County and relocated to the Big Island, we made a thorough investigation of rainfall so we knew what to expect.  Just south of Pahoa, we get approximately 120-140 inches a year.  We continue to be delighted that 80% of that falls during the night.

CLICK to enlarge map.  Beginning at Hilo, and going mauka (toward the mountain) rainfall increases fast--from 100'/year to 300++ in only 15 miles!  Altitude directly affects rainfall,  especially on the East side.

Channeling Anger

ANGER?!?  Our culture does not teach us (particularly women) what to do with anger -- only that it is a bad thing we shouldn't have or should not express.  (As a friend pointed out, rouge males frequently get to bash and batter in all forms of entertainment.)  Anger is a natural response to many situations -- but learning how to channel it so we don't do harm to ourselves or others can be a valuable lesson.  This year I have been angry because a person we trusted with our taxes let us down -- acting unprofessionally and failing to communicate during the whole process, leaving us in the dark as to possible resolutions that could be achieved by a more  honest and open attitude.
  

Thinning it down to see the potential for what "could be."

Hindu Goddess Kali

Cultural Anthropology introduced me to a few options I found helpful -- not in a religious way, but more to address unidentified parts of my psyche.  t was interesting to find out that, particularly the mythic art of other cultures not only made room for anger, but found ways to incorporate anger in creative ways through art, ritual and myth.

I found it helpful to re-define anger as a "fuel" or a "tool" that may first appear threatening and destructive, but provides a needed venue for creative forces.  In Tibetan Buddhism some of the most wrathful deities are highly honored because they are so big and tough and powerful the keep the really bad guys under control or scared away.  The Egyptian goddess Sekmet is another example, as are the Hindu goddesses Kali and Durga.

After moving to the Big Island of Hawaii, we have experienced Pele's powerful energy first hand as she threatened to cut our charming Pahoa Village in half.  We had a close encounter that epitomized the dual nature of destruction and creation seen in these amazing volcanic islands.

The result of months of work -- a beautiful, lush new garden bed.

Since May, when we first discovered the tax mess I chose to use my anger as my fuel and tool -- with my pick axe, chain saw and o'o bar as my weapons of choice.  We never expected it would take over six months to resolve the tax mess, but   my garden, and I, have benefited greatly!  There were many dense, wild areas of our one acre that were a mess -- overgrown with invasive vines, shrubs and trees.

This situation presented me with an  opportunity for TRANSFORMATION -- the kind that uses DESTRUCTION to complete a new CREATION. 

Paws for Dirt

Our three Pembroke Welsh Corgi (Corgyn) are such a source of entertainment and fun.  Especially the young ones -- Ao Pokole Poko, and Princess I'ilani (Poko and Lani for short.)

This last week we got another delivery of rich dark cinder/soil.  And Poko bradda convinced lil' sista Lani to explore the new (giant) hill -- what fun to climb!  Their very white sock feet, of course were no longer white after this escapade.  The "hill" they are climbing is 1/3 of the delivery -- which the driver was willing to deposit in two other large piles elsewhere on the property for easier disbursement to needed projects.

(For many years we had Corgi's with short (bobbed) tails...but we LOVE their "paintbrush" tails -- so expressive.)

For those of you on the Continent, we can buy a variety of "soil products" from red cinder which is OK for driveways and for keeping the soil from packing, to black cinder...rich in nutrients, to any combination thereof -- including crushed macadamia nut hulls.  Our delivery is composed of tiny grounds of black cinder mixed with good wholesome soil (from elsewhere on the island, but hard to come by in Puna where the land created by lava is so new.)

20 cubic yard delivery of cinder/soil

How aquifers under the island are formed

Admittedly, a 20 cu yard delivery is costly, $400-500.  But when you find lava only 1" down...you gotta supplement the garden with something for your plants, vegetables and fruit to grow in and produce.  And, for your further appreciation -- a couple of factoids:  First, because the "ground" (ie, lava) is so porous, 140 inches of rain a year simply disappears down into a huge aquifer below the surface, making the amount of fresh water under the Big Island one of the largest in the world.  The good part of that is you rarely have to water your garden.  However, the flip side of that is that what little nutrition there is is washed away completely every few weeks.  Daswai (that's why) we have to use heavy doses of compost, fertilizer and mulch on all our garden beds -- flower, fruit and vegetable.

Two weeks ago we made the pilgrimage to the Hilo Dump -- well-loved for its recycling -- green waste and FREE mulch.  We drove up with a tarp, and in 5 minutes flat had a HUGE Tundra 8' bed fully loaded and ready to bring home -- all free.  Not only does it enrich the ground, it helps keep weeds under control.

Just another slice of every-day life for the Haysmer Tribe in the Puna District on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Fall Equinox & Family Rituals

In a few weeks, our family will celebrate our third year as "Punatics" -- those wild and wonderful, resourceful and creative people who live in the Puna District on Hawaii's Big Island.  And, as with most families of any size, there are the Family Rituals to mark special occasions.  Now, this is true no matter the size or composition of the family -- including two people and three Pembroke Welsh Corgi dogs.


One of our rituals is triggered by the low fall sun angle. At the Spring Equinox, the early morning sun peeks over the horizon in the east, but from a southeasterly angle shining diagonally across a light path into one area of the house.  Since Fall has always been my favorite season, I am delighted that for the Fall Equinox, the sun rises  in the east, of course, but many degrees more to the northeast and so this time of year in the early morning, I can feel its light on my face.  Just now, just at this time of year.

L to R - Reba Bo Beba, Ao Pokole Poko, & Princess I'ilani

So, tonight being the Equinox, we have two special lights -- our holiday lights that loop across the front of the house -- and are turned on this time of year.  The other lovely light comes from the glow of the lighted chandelier that belonged to Phil's grandma -- as seen through the leaded glass window that also belonged to her.  Before Phil's mother, Margaret, died last year, she bequeathed both these family treasures to Phil, and we are delighted to have them as they help mark the turning of another season.

The "seasons" in Hawaii may admittedly be subtle, but our bodies seem to respond to seasonal changes -- even the Corgyn seem willing to turn in a bit earlier.

Hawaiian Alarm Clock

Early mornings we are regularly greeted by the song of the Chinese Melodious Laughing Thrush -- and with a song like this, who would need an alarm clock?   CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE THRUSH SONG

 
The story of their presence here apparently goes back to the untimely April Fools day tsunami of 1946, caused by a big earthquake in Alaska.  Records indicate that 159 people were killed, and much of the bay front of Hilo was demolished. 

That area was home to many immigrant Chinese who enjoyed their caged songbirds.  When the tsunami hit, and homes were destroyed, many caged thrush flew away and have since populated the forest area where we now live.  These robin-sized birds, with white eye liner are very illusive and make their home in the dense under-story of the trees. 

Morning ritual finds Mr. Thrush usually sitting on one side of the house loudly serenading  Mrs. Thrush in trills of elaborate song.  She echos back in complex replies. Their duets last for about a hour -- enough time to enjoy morning coffee, giving us time to quietly appreciate this beautiful paradise.

Our September 1st blog entry showed our weekly harvest of passion fruit "Lilikoi" in Hawaii.  And although I am juicing and freezing it into cubes, there is just too much. Despite the fact that recipes are usually anathema to me, I just made my first double batch of LILIKOI curd,  creamy and tart.  Below is the recipe I thought sounded easiest for me; I also substituted Phil's artificial sweetener for sugar and used less than the recipe called for.  (photo of our mini-scones, lilikoi, orchid and fresh curd)  Lilikoi Curd Recipe


PS for Sunday 9/20 -- In the past two days, we have had over SIX inches of rain...guess our really hot weather spell has ended....WHEW!