House of Good Living

Watch for us on the TeeVee today!

2012-01-09T10:52:00.004-10:00

We're heading out to watch the final round of the PGA nament taking place just up the road. Thanks for the tickets, Thomas!

The Golf Channel live coverage has been spectacular the past three days. See if you can spot us! I'll be the one wearing the SBYC hat and rooting for Webb Simpson.

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!

2012-01-01T18:23:00.007-10:00

I've just had the BEST day of the year. Sure, it's also the first, but -really, truly - this whole day has been spectacular.

After breakfasting on papaya with lime (from the House of Good Living's own trees) we set to the sea in two borrowed kayaks. The water was that kind of perfectly clear teal that can't possibly be real when you see it in photographs. But it was real, and warm, and swarming (schooling?) with sea turtles. The swells picked up a bit in the two hours we were paddling. Greg surfed a couple of sets in his kayak while I did my best to hang on and stay upright in mine. Good, thrilling times.

In late afternoon we put the top down on the car and headed north to check out the surf along the untamed shoreline between Kapalua and Punalau. The coast's vividly red-rocked cliffs were at their technicolor best with the help of the setting sun while spouting whales punctuated the foreground. At the pull-out above Honolua Bay we watched surfers and Greg snapped this picture of the sun just kissing the top of Lanai.

I'm thinking this introduction to 2012 bodes well for the days to come.

Rainbows & Wrecks

2011-12-31T09:27:00.004-10:00

There have been a few wrecks strewn in our wake this year. We've had some rough waters to transit; more than once I was certain we were about to be washed up.

Mahalo to our dear friends and beloved family for the support and strength they shared with us in 2011. You kept us afloat.

The sun is shining, the seas are calming. We're hopeful for a bright and better year ahead.

(those of you familiar with West Maui will recognize the wreck of the Dolphin, a steel-hulled sailboat that lies wrecked inside the reef just off Lahaina)

Our Knight in Shining ... Cargo Shorts?

2011-12-30T11:15:00.004-10:00

It was Jeffrey to the rescue this morning. Again.

When 8' tall sliding glass doors stop sliding, who are you going to call? If it weren't for door-man, diver, generally excellent dude Jeff Corliss, we'd be seriously out of luck in the "hey, it doesn't work anymore!" department around the House of Good Living.

Thanks, buddy.

Fixin' Things

2011-12-29T17:22:00.006-10:00

There seems to be some concern amongst our mainland friends that all we do at The House of Good Living is hang out in the sun and surf. Nothing could be further from the truth. Really.

While it's true that part (okay, the bulk) of each day is set aside for R&R, we also have to spend time fixin' things. Each time we return to our little piece of paradise it seems something has broken in our time away. Thus begins the adventure in repairs, island-style. First, identify the parts needed. Second, determine if locating said parts will require a drive over to the Far Side of the island. And then, head to the beach to contemplate how long we can put off the project.

Today was a big day in the fixin' business; we had screen doors to get back on track, shower drains to snake and a favorite clock that refused to tock. Thanks to the help of handyman/neighbor/all-around great guy Jeffery, tasks one and two proceeded as planned. Well, except for that whole plumbing-snake-stuck-in-drain-then-exploding-in-Greg's-face part.

Task three went a different, less successful direction. Oh well. Who needs a clock anyway? Let's go to the beach!

We thought OUR home was small

2011-12-29T17:01:00.008-10:00

We made a quick trip through Costco yesterday so that dad could get a piece of pre-flight pizza. The place was its usual jammed-to-the-gills full of folks bulking up on gift packs of macadamia nuts and toilet paper. But, even that mass of people couldn't compare to the state of the little car parked next to us outside the store.

Check it out ... the beast HAD to be 150 + lbs.

The poor guy was moaning*. We interpreted his distress as anxiety over the fact that the soon-arriving bag of kibble wouldn't fit in the vehicle with him.

*"moaning" was actually more like big (really big) sighs. The windows were down and it wasn't too hot so we didn't feel the need to call the SPCA.

Full Speed Ahead

2011-12-23T20:12:00.012-10:00

"So we sailed on to the sun,
Till we found the sea green,
And we lived beneath the waves,
In our yellow submarine ...."

Some of you may already know this fact: My dad doesn't swim. Or float. Forget about seeing him wading up to his ankles, much less his knees. He's just a little bit afraid of the water. And, he doesn't like fish that much either.

Therefore, it was a big deal when he said he'd be interested in taking a little cruise - underwater - while visiting the House of Good Living.

So, off to our deep sea adventure we went aboard the Atlantis V (built in Everett, WA). Our destination: a series of coral reefs which lie 129 feet below the ocean's surface alongside a sunken ship. Dad was a trooper the entire voyage and I'm pleased that we got to see spinner dolphins, lots of reef fish and even a white tip shark.

The Maui Ocean Center was next on the list and dad's immersion into all things water-borne on Maui became complete. A couple of beach visits (Dad's partial to Kapalua Bay), turtle-watching and whale-spotting rounded off the organized activities during his visit. Which is now coming too quickly to a close. He flies out tomorrow. The bottle of SPF 90 sunscreen that made it to Maui in his carry-on is going to stay with us. As are too many nice memories to recount here.

Aloha, Dad. We'll miss you.

My Humu Honey

2011-12-22T15:08:00.024-10:00

Nearly every telephone conversation I have with nephew Cole goes something like this ...

Cole: Did you swim with the Humuhumunukunukuapau'a today?

Me: Yep, I did. They said "aloha, aunty!"

Cole: What else did you see? Did you see the eel that almost bit Dad in the belly?

Not only did my amazing nephews master the pronunciation of Hawaiian fish names during their last visit to The House of Good Living - they also witnessed the near evisceration of their father (to him tell it, that is) by the reef's resident moray eel. While it's true that the eel's toothy face DID get a little close to the belly floating above it, I think it would have only been a flesh wound.

Be that as it may, I swing wide around the rock where I know the eel hangs out. The crazy-neon-striped Humu seem positively benevolent in comparison; I totally understand Cole's fascination with their fluttery little fins and blue teeth. Literally translated as "triggerfish with the pig-like short snout", the Humu can be drab-colored when resting but will glow with color when it feels safe and unthreatened.

The Humuhumunukunukuapau'a is the state fish of Hawaii. However, it's not the longest Hawaiian word. That "honor" belongs to another fish: Lauwiliwilinukunukuʻoiʻoi - a type of butterfly fish whose name translates as "long-snouted fish shaped like a wiliwili leaf." Don't you just love this language?!

Hat Daddy

2011-12-21T17:53:00.010-10:00

Look who arrived this afternoon! The rain went away and the sun came out just for him.

Dad showed up from PDX right on time sporting a vintage Aloha shirt. We knew there was no way we could fit Home Depot floor tiles, groceries, luggage AND Dad into the convertible so he cruised from the Far Side in style thanks to the Corliss's big rig (thanks for getting Dad here, J & J!).

We've got big plans for his week with us: an Atlantis Submarine trip, a visit to the Maui Ocean Center, walks on the Kahekili boardwalk, touring the Bailey House Museum, maybe even taking a Zipline. You've been taking those vitamins, Dad?!

This year we're taking a pass on the usual Christmas practices; we've agreed that a traditional holiday without Mom to celebrate with is just too hard. That's why we're looking forward to sharing "Sunday Dinner at Shirley's" with Dad. This weekend the delicious, heart-warming event falls on Christmas Day - lucky us!

It's a blessing to have Dad in the House of Good Living tonight.

139 Ways

2011-12-20T17:22:00.005-10:00

The House of Good Living is bordered by two natural wonders: the Pacific Ocean in our front yard and the magnificent West Maui mountains at our back. At 5787', the highest peak in the 18 mile-long volcanic range is the sacred "Hill of Enlightenment" Pu'u Kukui.

Pu'u Kukui is notable for several reasons. It's home to trees and plants dwarfed by too much rain and wind and too little oxygen in the boggy soil. It's an essential water catchment system for all of West Maui. And, (are you sensing a theme?) it's one of the wettest places on earth with an average annual rainfall of 40 feet. It rains here. A LOT.

The Hawaiian language has 139 words for rain. There is paka (raindrops), pakaku (rain falling in large drops), pakapaka (a heavy shower of large raindrops, paka ua (raindrops making a noise as they spatter on dry leaves), paki'o (showery rain), and paki'oki'o (to rain in short showers and often). It's been so wet here the past couple of days that I've started using some of these words just to keep my brain from fogging up. The most amazing rainbows show up between the pakapakas, reminding me that the sun is shining. Somewhere!

You can read more about the Pu'u Kukui natural preserve and learn what Maui Land & Pineapple is doing to protect this amazing area.

Upcountry Ohana

2011-12-19T14:34:00.005-10:00

Know this guy? No? Well, here's an intro if you haven't yet had the pleasure of meeting our Maui cuz'n, Mistah Bubba McLean.

Bub's a fourth generation Hawaiian, son to Bruno and Cyn, brother to Mino. He's an Olympic-caliber pole vaulter (holds the Hawaii State record and is a two-time National champ), graduate of Berkley in Pol. Science and is in his second year of the prestigous USC Film School. A fearless waterman with a deep respect for the ocean, Bubba fishes commercially in Alaska during the summer when not surfing or paddling between the islands of Hawaii. He's helped a friend survive a shark attack. He's too cool for words; we get our vicarious thrills through his exploits.

Bubba's a genuinely great guy with a huge heart and sharp mind and, best of all, he's part of the family or "ohana" we love the most here on Maui. They're spread between the north-side jungles of Haiku and Kula - that region of Maui called "upcountry" that stretches along the side of Haleakala.

Yesterday our upcountry ohana treated us to a feast. Jeremy brought Mahimahi, Ono and Ahi from Hana and added all that plus chicken and steak to the grill. Roasted fingerling potatoes, asparagus, green beans and Kula greens rounded out the meal. The whole wonderful troupe was there and we were honored/delighted/blessed to spend the day in their warm embrace. The House of Good Living had to stretch it's physical limits a bit in order to take in an upcountry address but boy, are we sure glad it did. Mahalo, family.

Pupu at Duke's

2011-12-18T08:48:00.006-10:00

Saturday evening's glorious skies and the uninspiring contents of our 'fridge convinced us. It was time for Duke's!

The 1.25 mile stroll down Lower Honoapiilani to the oceanfront restaurant had us feeling so virtuous that we ordered three pupu: Ahi tacos with wasabi sauce, Kahuna slider and Korean-style sandwhich on steamed rice bun.

We reflected upon the delicious-ness of our dining decision during the postprandial amble back to the House of Good Living. It took about a nanosecond to conclude that the only way to finish off such a taste-sensational evening was with a bowl of Maui-made Roselani's ice cream. Oh, yum.

Turtle time

2011-12-18T07:21:00.005-10:00

One of the *many* cool aspects of life at the House of Good Living is the unusual set of neighbors we're given.

The Honokowai Honu who visit the breakfast buffet on our ocean reef provide us with daily entertainment. Calm mornings can bring up to a dozen green sea turtles. An afternoon's snorkel will generally result in a couple of turtle encounters.

The Turtle Trax folks on YouTube are the same researchers who've documented the resident turtles (many of which migrate between Maui and the French Frigate Shoals nearly 500 miles away). If you're wondering why I endlessly enthuse about floating with these sea creatures, check out this video of our reef's largest inhabitant "Zeus".

During yesterday's snorkel at Kapalua Bay, I came across a young Honu who was just waking up from his nap under a coral shelf. He yawned in my face when he emerged from his hidey hole. With a sweep of his fins to the surface he swam for a little air before circling around his patch of sea bottom and returning to his napping spot. His afternoon activity was remarkable similar to Greg's. No wonder I find them so entertaining.

Beach hair

2011-12-17T08:01:00.005-10:00

We feel pretty darned fortunate when our biggest concern of the day is how our hair looks after a day at the beach.

Note: I'm using the royal "we" as the photo should make it obvious that one of us isn't too concerned at all. Looking good, Greg!

All it took was a float in the ocean, some sand applied to the roots and then a top-down drive back to the House of Good Living. Voila! Three simple steps and you too can look like a palm tree.

They're baaack!

2011-12-16T07:34:00.004-10:00

Yesterday's calm Auau Channel (the 8 mile long, shallow waterway between West Maui, Molokoai and Lanai) provided ideal conditions for confirming that our pals from the Pacific Northwest are arriving for their winter holiday in Hawaii. Aloha, Humpbacks!

We excitedly proclaimed over each spout, high-fiving the fin slaps and tail waves. A breach and the synchronized spouting of three at once had us grabbing the binoculars to check if a calf was in the crowd.

Interestingly, yesterday was the first of the "No Parasails or Jet skis" season. Look who showed up to celebrate!

All Aboard

2011-12-15T15:50:00.011-10:00

This morning's calm ocean conditions were too perfect to ignore. Out of its hiding spot in the torch ginger plants came the yellow kayak.

By 9:00 AM we were splashing our way over the reefs in search of (shhhh, don't tell) the secret snorkel spot Jeff and Joan have been raving about. A meandering young sea turtle kept us company for a while until he decided we weren't that interesting.

After sighting the landmarks - elevated walkway, 2nd palm tree to the south - we dove (truthfully, it was more of a sideways falling off manuever) into the crystal clear water. Ahhhh ... aloha, Humuhumu! Hey, Morish Idol! Mind if we hang out in your dining room for a while?

Re-boarding was more challenging than expected. But, after righting the capsized beast and retrieving an errant snorkel set from the reef below, we were sailing homewards with a freshening breeze. The swells had picked up during our hour submerged so we were able to surf right up to the House of Good Living. If a person didn't know better, it might have looked like we knew what we were doing.

our "Year in Review"

2011-12-12T15:35:00.042-10:00

One of the blessings of this time of year is the opportunity to connect with treasured friends and family. I write this Holiday Letter with fond thoughts, good memories and the hope that the coming year brings you the gift of joy-filled times with your favorite folk.

The past year brought a blend of sadness and joy to the House of Good Living. Yet, even with the challenge and sorrow, we were blessed with fun adventures and celebrations with family. Delicious, drawn-out times with good friends helped to make the roughest of times bearable. We're immeasurable grateful for the kind words and thoughtful gestures shown us. We've been taken such good care of.

2011 began with a month-long RV ramble down the California coastline from the Bay Area to Santa Barbara and then over to Palm Springs. Fine weather, biking, hiking, golfing and being hosted in style by the Foleys and Gustafsons were the highlights of the trip.

A bit of advice for anyone contemplating such a drive: Take your time, walk the beaches, spend at least a night in one of the ocean front California State Parks and don’t even consider passing up a day’s visit to Hearst Castle.

Photo taken in front of our firepit on the beach at Carpenteria State Park, just south of Santa Barbara.

Spring brought us precious time with my mom who daily modeled a grace and dignity which awed us all. Her release from pancreatic cancer came mid-June.

Edie Dietrich was a most amazing woman. She was a nurse, musician, teacher, truck driver, gardener, great friend, dear mother, beloved wife and an extra-ordinary grandmother. She is deeply missed, particularly now during the holidays - her favorite season of the year.

Here's a Picassa album with a few of my favorite photos of mom. Photo on the right is of mom and me, on the beach (of course) just a few days before my little (now 6'5") brother Scott was born.

Summer found us balancing time on the boat with visits to the hospital. Greg’s open-heart procedure in May provided him with new aortic and mitral valves but also revealed a greater degree of radiation damage to his chest cavity than expected. The resulting complications required additional surgeries and hospitalizations.

Greg wasn't about to let the inconvenience of stitches and IVs slow him down. Nope, not him. We enjoyed cruising with the club to Port Townsend (where he golfed) and Port Ludlow (where he golfed some more) and in the San Juans (where he crabbed). We credit Greg's recovery to the care and compassion shown us by our outstanding neighbors and friends from the Shelter Bay Community. (Though, his stubborn, resiliant character likely played a part, too!)
photo: "Patient and Nurse Finch" at SBYC's October dinner ... note the patient's beverage container!

By the time autumn rolled around our routines were back in place - leisurely walks with Ray the dog, dinghy trips, themed dinners with SBYC. A much-anticipated Thanksgiving visit with the nephews (who are the smartest, coolest 10 and 12 year olds EVER) was a highlight of the season.

Planning our winter trip to Maui was as easy as putting a couple of swimsuits in the carry-on bags and then - whoosh! - we were back in residence at The House of Good Living.

As much of a cliche as it may sound, it's true: Life is good.

The blessings bestowed upon us outnumber the troubles.

And the best gifts of all has been the presence of beloved friends and family.

We wish you peace, joy and comfort in the coming year.

Maui Christmas!

Three years, one week and a day ...

2011-12-11T11:29:00.004-10:00

...has elapsed since my last blog post. I had to paw through cobwebby corners and brush all the dust off before I could even open up this poor, abandoned place of ours. It's GOOD to be back!

When last we visited, the House of Good Living was undergoing the kind of extensive renovation project that leaves inhabitants feeling very little aloha. That's all pau (done/finished/over in Hawaiian) thank goodness. Sadly, the magic of this place went missing when health and mainland issues allowed us only short visits back to paradise.

Now, back on the island, with the sound of waves and rustle of palms to soothe and long morning beach walks to awaken, I'm so pleased to announce that the House of Good Living's door is wide open. We can't wait for you to visit!

(couldn't resist sharing our morning papaya with you - mmmm!)

Overheard on the beach today ...

2008-12-03T15:56:00.006-10:00

"There's sand in the poop deck!"

This statement was loudly made by a boy as he launched his inflatable water toy. He later identified himself as "Sir Cheeky Head Pirate, in search of treasure."

Da vog

2008-12-03T10:49:00.006-10:00

As Kilauea continues to vent over on the big island of Hawaii and West Maui's trade breezes die away to puffs we get steamy afternoons and remarkable pastel sunsets.

The daytime sky takes on the appearance of a mid-winter day in the Pacific Northwest when the vog (volcanic smog) settles in. If it weren't for the palms and 80 degree ocean water, you might think you're on the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

To consider that this atmosphere is created by an active volcano on an island just over there can give one pause. So I don't think about it. I just take pictures when the sunset is particuarily lovely and turn the ceiling fan to "high".

Meet my friend the mo'o

2008-12-02T15:20:00.005-10:00

The house geckos who live here at the House of Good Living have become especially rambunctious of late.

Commonly known in Hawaii as mo'o (pronounced mow-o), these little bug-zapping machines make their homes behind mirrors and pictures and in the lanai closet. They dart about quickly and gobble up unsuspecting gnats, punctuating their meals with chirps of delight (or terror, I suppose, if pursued by larger and hungrier members of their own species).

Our usual trade breezes disappeared this afternoon and Big Island vog is rolling in, bringing the moist, warm pineapple-scented air that sends bugs swirling. The mo'o party line is probably buzzing excitedly at the prospect of their big buffet tonight.

And he thought fish were his friends

2008-11-25T20:56:00.014-10:00

The men of the House of Good Living took to the deep again today. Their destination: the Five Graves dive spot near Makena in south Maui. Maybe it was the name or perhaps it was just his time. Whatever the reason, it wasn't long after entering the water that An Adventure Ensued.

This is what I've learned from eyewitness accounts:

The dive was proceeding as planned when suddenly, out of the deep, the Butterfly fish swarmed (schooled?) around Greg. Overwhelmed with fluttery, finny yellowness, his eyes grew big and his hair stood on end. A photo was taken and then another as Greg disappeared within their midst.

The man who chases sharks, the man who wakes up turtles, my fearless shell warrior (sigh) was nearly obliterated by pretty aquarium fish.

Not to worry, he's okay now. No damage was done and the buddies are already planning their next underwater excursion.

Once again, most grateful mahalos to Jeff for the photographic record of the adventure

Finding the happy

2008-11-25T13:55:00.005-10:00

Playing in the dirt makes me feel good. I'm pleased when what I put in the dirt actually grows. You can imagine my delight when growth becomes blossom.

As a participant in a "living small" exercise, I've had to scale down my garden accordingly. The sprawling mainland garden with fire pit has been replaced by two pots of mystery plants and yet another "treasure" Greg discovered in the dumpster downstairs.

My capacity for enjoying life has been challenged of late by anxiety our nation's climate of crisis has generated. The House of Good Living can create it's own bad juju, too. Combine worry with resentment, add tweaky hormones and this Taurus needs dirt to dig in.

So, I fuss with my plants. I admire a new bloom and dribble a little water around the roots. Then, at dusk we light the pint-sized chiminea and, looking for Jupiter before it drops behind Lanai, I count my blessings.

It's looking like one of those days

2008-11-21T22:27:00.016-10:00

Have you had a perilous day recently?
What measures do you take to cope with the sharks in your life?
Does it seem like you're swimming with them daily? Do you ever feel like just hiding under your beach towel, mumbling "make them go away"?

Cousin Teri introduced me to this nifty social networking site which provides me with so many lovely little colorful fish to play with, I manage to ignore the big fins in the distance.

What do you use to distract yourself when the water gets scary?

(mahalo to Jeff & Joan for this photo taken earlier in the week a few short miles south of the House of Good Living)

When it rains ...

2008-11-18T19:21:00.008-10:00

Aloha, faithful visitor. It's nice of you to stop by the House of Good Living.

Your timing couldn't be better; the rain appears to be over and the leak in the ceiling has slowed to just a few drips a minute. Now we can catch up without the wind blowing the door open and gusting the pillows off the furniture.

These storms sure do make life interesting. And damp. And maybe, just maybe, they bring on a touch of cabin fever. 568 square feet goes from cozy to cell-like when occupied by two frustrated (don't forget damp) leaky ceiling-obsessed people.

But the sun finally showed up. You stopped by, too. And together we can enjoy the return of calm and the hibiscus blossoms I rescued from the rain. When you drop by next we may even have time to get around to discussing Greg's shrimpish news.

Stay tuned for breaking news

2008-11-17T13:06:00.011-10:00

A select few have already heard the latest about my own personal pirate (every girl should have one). Don't worry - you won't have to read about shipwrecks, plague or scurvy. This will be interesting news.

You see, Greg has a new role and you'll get all the details in the next day or two. There'll be some photos, too. However, those might just make women weep and men run in terror.

Gifts

2008-11-17T11:40:00.004-10:00

Yesterday someone left three papaya at my doorstep. No note of explanation - just three lovely, ripe papaya. Mahalo, mysterious giver of fruit.

Today's present was the opportunity to choose between a long, shade-dappled walk at Kapalua with pals or a shorter, steep hike up to the airport with another friend who leaves the island tomorrow. I'm grateful for choices like this.

As concrete saws scream and hammers pound 30 feet down the walkway from where I type this, I'm getting ready to claim the gift of wax earplugs. I'd much rather have fruit.

Swimming with sharks

2008-11-16T07:32:00.031-10:00

The men of the House of Good Living went diving yesterday. Deftly led by master (oops, almost typed "mustard") diver Jeff, they went adventuring in search of the white tip sharks which rest and feed (eek!) among the pilings of Mala Wharf.

They warmed up with a visit to the turtle nursery where Greg posed with a couple of honu including a napping youngster. Aren't they cute?! Most grateful mahalos to Jeff for the photos.

It apparently didn't take long to roust out one the multi-toothed staples of ocean-based horror movies. And, then the guys pursued the beast. Sheeezz... why not just poke it with a stick while you're at it?

My idea of risky beach behavior is opting for spf 15 instead of 30 while my husband and friend decide to amuse themselves by annoying Jaws. Even though Greg assured me that they were perfectly safe he described the shark as being roughly the size of our kitchen counter. After which he proceeded to run with scissors.

Yakking

2008-11-13T09:19:00.015-10:00

Calm water and good visibility? check
Paddles and swimsuit? check, check
Kayak drain holes plugged? Uhhh...oops.
A dash up to the kitchen where a wine bottle sacrifices its cork for the cause of flotation and then we're off for our paddle.

My yakking partner is Lisa-of-the-seas. She has an impressive ability to spot swimming honu and spinning dolphins AND matched sets of cowrie shells. Gifted at all things water, golf, and nursing-related, it doesn't seem fair that she gets to add talented shell collector to her resume.

Atop borrowed kayaks (mahalo, Dave & Derek) we spend a leisurely hour yakking along the shore until, tempted by a perfect crescent of sand, we abandon ship and float sans-watercraft in the waves.

Sometimes it's not the direction of my journey but the drifting along the way that feels right.

Come mister tally man, tally me banana

2008-11-11T17:00:00.024-10:00

This morning's forecast for Hale Ono Loa called for moderate trades, south swells and sunshine with occasional windward showers. This was also yesterday's forecast, the day's before and tomorrow's as well. "Booooorriinngg," you say? Well, I suppose it could be if one doesn't enjoy watching things grow - really, really fast.

Food crops in the tropics can mature at such a phenomenal rate of speed that plants like the papaya can be a seedling one November and bear fruit by the following Thanksgiving (true story as the photo here illustrates - mahalo to the ladies in condo 117 who tend this amazingly prolific papaya.

Then there's the staple of ice cream splits & Elvis's sandwiches. The banana plant (our next-to-the-swimming pool specimen with baby bunch pictured above) grows leaves up to 2 feet across and 9 feet long in the time it takes you and me to compile a Christmas shopping list. Once "it"* decides it's time to bear fruit, you better be prepared to start baking as you could end up with 80 ripe bananas at one time. You can't possibly drink that many smoothies, pina coladas or milkshakes.

Here at the House of Good Living we're also proud of the lime tree which looks like a ficus gone mad and has the biggest, most fragrant limes your diet Coke has ever seen. Throw in the couple dozen coconut trees and we have the makings of something tasty for pau hana** tonight.

*Bananas have female flowers while the last part of the very bottom of the stalk are tiny, truly tiny, little male fingers. Which dry up. And then drop off.

**literally "work done" in Hawaiian

"Mahalo for removing you slippahs ...

2008-11-10T07:43:00.010-10:00

... but no take mo bettah when you leave."

So reads one of the placards alongside a door here at the House of Good Living.

It was "Sunday Dinner at Shirley's" last evening and I noticed that no one needed to be reminded of appropriate guest etiquette. It could be that we've all had a proper upbringing. But, most likely it's because Shirley has the sort of carpet you just want to dig your bare toes into.

Imagine the setting: we're* dining alfresco on Shirley's lanai perched just feet from the ocean with a setting sun all aglow and waves breaking against the reef.

Now, the meal: Shirley's homemade meatballs with pasta, a herb-adorned salad, SueAnn's awesome antipasti platter, garlicky bread, Peg's positively decadent chocolate cake - the most comforting of comfort food.

Who wouldn't want to get barefoot for all that?

*We're 10 neighbors here at Hale Ono Loa who are a mix of full-time, half-time or quarter-time residents

Thar She Blows!

2008-11-08T18:37:00.008-10:00

My friend Joan is amazing*. She's the tidiest person I've ever met (sorry, mom**), arriving at Hale Ono Loa after a 5 1/2 hour flight and a trek through Costco still looking as fresh and ironed as when she left Kenmore at o'dark-thirty.

But right now my top-of-list "why Joan is amazing" entry is: She saw the House of Good Living's first humpback whale of the season this afternoon (well, she saw the spout but we know they're out there now). You rock, Joan!

*Ms. Amazing, while often cool-blooded, doesn't generally don a hoody on Maui. This photo was taken during a chilly 4th of July cruise in the San Juans this past summer. That she tolerated the weather, the less-than-tidy boat, and our company only illustrates why I respect her so much!

**My mother is also VERY tidy.

Going to the Far Side

2008-11-06T16:29:00.016-10:00

There are obvious contrasts between our life on the mainland and life on Maui: Here we have sun, shorts and sandals while our pals back in Shelter Bay are splashing about in soggy fleece (oh yeah, I wasn't going to rub that in ... oops). And, since shipping it over, our island Exploder stays parked more days than not as we try to use the bikes (mahalo, Cruiser Phil & cuz'n Cyn) and walk more than we drive.

A big day here on the island is a trip to the "Far Side". That's what Greg calls the general area in central Maui where Shopping World (substitute the Big Box stores of your choice) takes up space. It's not a long drive by Puget Sound standards, maybe 60 miles roundtrip if we have to drive around a few lots looking for parking. But the exercise in consumption can take an entire day and may leave us not feeling much aloha for each other.

The outcome of a Far Side excursion is significantly distinct from a mainland trip's results. Our Maui bounty (if we visit Mino & Jeremy on our drive) includes island-grown papaya, starfruit, avocado, and grapefruit. Greg's favorite post-trip pupu is freshly prepared tako poke limu (raw octopus with seaweed - tasty if you enjoy tentacles & brine) While our evening meals are likely seasoned with Huli-Huli sauce accompanied by two scoops of rice.

Reading today's report of record rainfall for Seattle, I'm gratefully celebrating the delicious differences between my two worlds.

when it's NOT a beautiful day in the neighborhood

2008-11-06T10:12:00.006-10:00

I need to be reminded of the 5 steps to happiness ...

free the heart of hatred
free the head of worry
live simply
give more
expect less

.... and remember to breathe.

"Our stories are singular but our destinies are shared"

2008-11-04T19:12:00.002-10:00

... out of many, we are one"
president elect, Barack Obama. November 4, 2008 7:11 pm HST

Octopus, eel and golf ball, oh my!

2008-11-04T16:29:00.009-10:00

I'm probably not the only resident at Hale Ono Loa who sometimes feels as if our piece of paradise bears a eerie similarity to Oz, that place "somewhere over the rainbow" where one can't be certain what's real and what's a dream. We'll leave for another post the exploration of characters and their Maui counterparts (can I be Glinda - please, please, please?), and ignore completely those freaky flying monkeys ....

Just a couple of hours ago I skipped down our yellow brick road (brown concrete steps, actually) and slid (it's okay, I meant to do that) submerging myself in our front yard - the Pacific Ocean. I was wearing my lucky mask and snorkel which never leak and always provide me with interesting underwater discoveries. Today was no exception - within a kick or two I was happily floating over a fishy melodrama complete with malevolent eel and youthfully energetic octopus. Suddenly my eye was caught by the unexpected - a sea cucumber nestled alongside a golf ball next to a purple coral.

What a wonderful world, Mr. Wizard.

Honu confessions

2008-11-04T08:04:00.007-10:00

I've become addicted to a morning activity here on Maui. Before turning on the news or reading the paper I feel compelled to watch the turtles surf the reef outside. Coffee cup in hand, I check on water clarity from the lanai before walking 25 steps to a better vantage point at the end of the building. From there I look straight down onto the reef and some days (like today) can count 8 - 10 of my friends enjoying their breakfast.

The Green Sea Turtle (aka "Honu" in Hawaiian) isn't particuarily interesting when seen from above as my photo from this morning illustrates all too well. But take a look at one from the perspective of a fish and you may understand why watching these silent graceful creatures helps offset the cacophony of the morning's news.

Hanging around, bamboo-style

2008-11-03T13:23:00.000-10:00

What I love about living in a small space on a tropical island ...

housekeeping chores take just minutes to complete (sweep up the sand, throw away the papaya skins, mist the orchid - okay, all done)
anything which gets misplaced is quickly found because it's either hanging on the lanai or on the entry table
there's a view of the ocean from any chair I choose to sit in

What I don't love about living in a small space ...

it only takes one wet towel slung on the lanai to create disorder

Thus, Greg went on a bamboo hunt and returned (from the dumpster downstairs) with 3 long pieces of bamboo. My chore was to cut one of the pieces into 2 foot long "rungs" and then use hemp to tie all the pieces together into a drying rack/bamboo ladder. It now rests in a corner of the lanai next to Greg's other dumpster treasure the horrible "Dead Palm Tree" floor lamp which he loves like no other.

We should be in good shape if we ever get stranded and need to build a raft to escape. But the floor lamp stays on the island.