In the Pink? Yes and No

Here is picture of me taken yesterday -- BEFORE I realized there was a long tear in the back of my shorts!

Yesterday while I was planting a new bed under the shade of enormous hapu’u ferns I wiped my muddy battered hands across the fanny of my favorite pink work shorts only to find they had a long tear in them exposing my underwear.  It took me only a moment to assess;  I had been wearing these short regularly now for over three years – bent over, butt to the sky lovingly tending our sweet one acre of heaven.

Today I decided to repair rather than replace my faded, thinning pair of pink work shorts. While cutting out patches for them from an equally thin (and pink) handkerchief, a series of odd metaphors about life and love and loss came to mind.   

You see, recently we got notice that a dear friend had died suddenly – only weeks after announcing his retirement, last week my sister (and only living relative) went to the emergency room in serious condition, and yesterday one of my remaining dear “grandmothers” also died – she was 97. 

So, today, with tears in my eyes, holding the reality of loss in my heart, I realized maybe I would sit quietly and repair my poor old shorts.  Then, I realized that these silly old shorts aptly illustrated LIFE and LOVE and LOSS.  It also reminded me of my skin, which I find is getting thinner as I approach 70, and more easily punctured by brambles, broken stag fern ends and dog toenails.  

Thin – that’s what happens isn’t it? Bodies wear out, damages don’t repair as well as they used to.  And patches on hearts and minds and bodies will only last so long.  So, here is a picture of  my humble wearable metaphor, now repaired and ready for another day, another week, another year – as long as they last – as long as I last. 

Another Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving   Thanks to the local reporting by Big Island News, we can watch the newest outbreak of lava from the safety of our house.  Last year we all had a vivid reminder of the power of Pele as we watched lava head directly for our little village of Pahoa.  The map here reminds us of just how close that lava flow came.  We remain thankful that the lava flow shifted dramatically . Thursday, there was another massive flow, but on the north flank.  (I drew on the map to help show both old flow, that reached Pahoa, and where the new outbreak is.)

PUNA, Hawaii – A huge breakout on the north flank of the Puʻu ʻŌʻō vent on the East Rift Zone of Kilauea volcano is sending waves of molten lava cascading downslope. Video of the event was recorded on Thanksgiving by Mick Kalber, filming from a Paradise Helicopters overflight.  If you would like to watch the video by Mick -- just click on this link: NEW Pu'u O'o outbreak

Kalber says the tube opening begins about 150 yards below the vent and over the past two days has sent hot liquid rock more than a quarter mile down the north flank.

The breakout was noted in today’s USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory eruption update. “A breakout close to Puʻu ʻŌʻō was prominently visible on a nearby webcam beginning yesterday afternoon and continuing through the night,” scientists wrote. “The lava flow is not currently threatening any communities.”

...a very special reason to be THANKFUL!  Mahalo!

Lanai PAU!!

Believe it or not, these were the only "plans" for our Lanai!

Round window - Round tub

When we first sat down with our fabulous contractor, Rob, to discuss plans for building our 12x24' screened in lanai with hot tub, he had already built our rental/ohana unit, and the wood shop beneath it, and our two car carport.

So, with a very compatible relationship of creativity and flexible thinking, we knew any formal plans were unnecessary. What happened during that initial discussion is typical of how creative minds can work together: He simply grabbed a piece of left over painted siding and began to draw, and within a very short time we were in agreement.

Lanai is PAU!

The building was delayed due to hurricane Iselle, and the more urgent needs of crushed roofs and damaged houses, but we were enjoying it fully by winter of 2014.

During 2015, however, we actually had a chance to re-think using solar and propane rather than electricity, which we shared in our October 28th blog.

Great fabric from Fabric.com

I always knew I wanted to swag a fabric ceiling between the big beautiful beams and last month I finally got around to ordering 30 yard of fabric -- Jupiter Malachite -- cutting and installing the fabric ceiling.  I love the way the swagged fabric appears wave like, and further, how the negative space of the beams look like sloping volcanoes!

On December 12, 2012, (12/12/12) our one-way tickets landed us here in our new retirement home.  Now, three years later, it is a good feeling to be PAU (finished/done) with the last major building project.

Happy Three Year Anniversary to us!

Finding Your Way on Hawaii Island

Today we had a chuckle when we drove in for my doctors appointment.  When people first move to the Big Island they can experience a learning curve when it comes to directions and street names because 99.9% of all Big Island street names are Hawaiian.  First, that means that although there are some familiar vowels, they are pronounced quite differently, A = ah, E = eh, I = ee, O = oh, U = oo, and, there are only 7 consonants:  h, k, l. m, n, p, w.

Secondly, you learn that local folk don’t refer to north, east, south and west.  This is an island, and directions are given in relation to the five volcanoes (mountains.) Mauka means toward the mountain and Makai refers means away from the mountain.  Sometimes directions are also given in relation to a village or town.  For example – Kona-side, or Hilo-side. 

So, driving in for our appointment went like this:  Leaving our house on Luana in Leilani Estates, we drove mauka (toward the mountain) past Pahoa.  Once onto Kanoelehua we turned mauka again on Kekuanaoa until we came Kilauea and then mauka to Ponahawai, turning mauka once again up to Komohana, and finally onto Pu’uhonu. Got that??    (PS Yes, we can actually pronounce them.)

Dengue Fever Comes Too Close to Home

All is not well in paradise, here in PUNA on the Big Island of Hawaii.  A few weeks ago the first cases of Dengue Fever were reported on the Big Island over on the Kona side shortly after the Iron Man marathon...and day by day, there have been more and more reported cases -- slowly creeping across to the Hilo side.

The symptoms of Dengue Fever are SEVERE and there is NO REMEDY, NO SHOTS or PILLS you can take.  We just came in as we have daily, from spraying soapy water in and around all the most obvious places, emptied all plant bases, and gave everything a close look for more suspicious areas. There are reports that using young papaya as a supplement in juices can help the immune system fight some of the symptoms. 

Delivered by Health Department today

When the County Health Department comes to your gate, as they did TODAY, warning you that a case of Dengue Fever has been reported within a few yards of your home -- suddenly it is pretty f'g real!  We have been doing things we can to help -- but the issue of STANDING WATER is nearly unmanageable in a place where it rains a minimum of 1/2 inch every day or night....and this is a JUNGLE so there is "standing water" everywhere!

The information handed to Phil at the gate this morning tells you what you can do, but there is a limit to dealing with standing water which is around the base of all plants -- and in every crevice in every hunk of lava! We are in the middle of many outdoor projects but are finding indoor projects instead, using bug spray on ourselves.  The dogs HATE being sprayed, and although they are not affected by a bite, they can become carriers.  All we can do is wait it out.  (Hmmm...it just started to rain again.)

PS:  It is of note that even the Pope is travelling 
with mosquito repellent these days (trip to Africa)

Our Very Own "LAVA TREE"

Tall stately formations at the park

One of the sites to see when visiting the Puna District on the Big Island of Hawaii is Lava Tree Park, and, it is only 3-4 miles from our house.  There is a path that navigates around the park which is filled with eerie dark shapes that used to be living trees.

Conditions have to be just right for the formation of these monolithic abstracts; as moving lava slowly creeps through a forest, it piles up around living trees, creeping up higher and higher on the trunk.   The lava cools around the tree, but the remaining hotter lava soughs off leaving the tree wearing a jacket of lava.  As the tree dies, the lava formation remains. Here is a photo we took on a recent visit.

Debris piles in front of the cleared area

Peeking out through the brush!

In the aftermath of the attacks in Paris, I like others have felt a range of emotions.  Sitting in front of the TV I found myself paralyzed with a sense of deep sadness and shock.  But, after two days, I also felt I had to just get up -- GET UP and find something very physical to do to help release the emotion.

Gratefully, I continue to find a calm grounding energy as I select another wild corner of our property to address.  Some of our ohia trees along the north property live have died, so we are clearing places to plant a variety of new trees.

Our own "lava tree" formation

Three days ago, I randomly chose a spot that needed clearing -- about 10-12 feet back to the property line.  The invasive vines and shrubs were about 12 feet tall, and I have been working on it for three days steadily.  In the process I continue to find old bus parts and rusted metal. But, today, as I got almost back to the property line I was astounded to discover that we had our own (albeit small) LAVA TREE!

It was totally overgrown with invasive shrubs, with roots growing around and through the formation, so it was careful work because the outer "jacket" can be quite brittle. Our lava tree is only about 3.5' tall, but I am clearing a path around it that will eventually feature ferns and flowers instead of ugly stubble and debris.

A to Z!

East facing lava wall

Stairway runs L-to-R up to the top with beds in front.

Amphitheater to Ziggurat!  When we first bought our house in Puna on the Big Island,the only thing that was somewhat disappointing was the property was pretty flat -- but that was the back half of the property around the house. The front half of the property was virtually covered with brush, vines, junk trees and invasive species.  It has only been in the last few months (3 years later) that we have begun to uncover some large lava features.

Amphitheater sweeps back and around in half-circle. 

On opposite side of the driveway -- continued lava flow.

So, as described in yesterday's blog, here are preliminary photos -- of what we have uncovered so far.  We are still clearing away debris and sculpting lava of course, but there is a spiral stairway that leads up to the top of the lava outcrop, beds along both the "wall" side, and the "stairway" side. As you come around the feature, the terrain loops back into a large sloped amphitheater.  Talk about an exciting 3D palate of raw material!!

 

Wholly, Holey, Holy!

Items for Craig's List?   "Free to good home....7 left-hand gloves (in good condition)"   This has been a week of LAVA! What with converting the boring driveway "slope" to more attractive terraced beds and the further development of two stunning "lava features" recently excavated from layers of vine, invasive species and debris, I have managed to destroy 6-7 right hand gloves.

Landscaping projects are about as close to "church" as I get -- it is a true communion with nature and I consider it truly holy work.  But, as we wrapped up 5 days of further terra-forming I found myself scrounging for any single right hand glove that had no holes.  Alas, they are now wholly holey!!

Switching gears from working on the "slope" our young friend, neighbor, poet, philosopher and musician, Sam, Phil and I have been uncovering two beautiful lava features on the property.  Most of our blog followers have been aware of last year's "lava event" which stopped just short of dividing the Village of Pahoa in half -- for which we are very thankful.  However, the district of Puna on the Big Island is some of the newest land on the planet!!  The map here shows the various flows -- some of which went through our small subdivision in 1955 and before that in 1850's. So when we discovered a couple of lava outcroppings on the west side of our property, we were excited to see how we could feature them.

View from SW at top of lava outcropping -- view to NE

One flow came from the southwest, and flowed northeast -- and forms the small rise across our property.  When the property was first developed, the earth moving equipment had to cut through part of that flow.  This left a tall 15' escarpment on the right side of our driveway.  (This is not easy to explain and even the photographs don't help much.)  The photo on the right is taken from the TOP of the lava outcropping with our house shown "down" the slope.

We are now clearing away debris so that this beautiful formation can be featured.  Phil has already planted two redwood trees, Sam is helping to dig out invasive shrubs, trees and vines, and I am using broken lava to create curved beds around the lava hillside.  This same hill wraps around a few yards to the right, and then forms a beautiful concave amphitheater. (More photos to come.)

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!