The best start to the day

 

Early morning view from Kamaole #1, looking at the windmills that dot the hills on the way to Lahaina.

The trade winds are back! And with them, a distinct increase in the comfort level. We had a great beach walk this morning followed by coffee at our favorite spot where we sat outside and watched the world go by and tried to ignore the flirty behavior of little birds that were doing their best to con us out of a crumb.

It's a laid-back afternoon, having spent most of the morning contributing to the local economy. It's so peaceful here that it's hard to get riled up even when you return and find someone else parked in your spot. OK, that's not exactly true and we left a snooty note prominently displayed on their windshield. I mean really, we had to walk all the way across the lot carrying a 24-pack of Charmin. You thought I was going to say beer, didn't you?

I have to share some amazing shots that I took yesterday at my brother's orchid sanctuary, tucked behind a banana tree at the entrance to the pool. Noticing that a heck of a lot of orchids were being turfed out as the vacationers returned to colder climes, Dave built three wooden stands and lovingly replanted the orphans that he rescued. And they are so beautiful, expressing their gratitude in the loveliest way.

 

 

 

 

I'm so glad that he thought to save these little treasures for us all to enjoy. Thanks, brother!

 

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ALOHA!

We are three days in, and we have begun the big unwind. Maui slips into your soul and gently reminds you to slow down, look at the water, inhale the perfume of the white ginger and the plumeria. We have never visited in September before and it's fascinating to meet some new blossoms, like this one - a "shower" tree. They look like they are draped in tiny little orchids, shell pink or golden yellow, and they are especially beautiful up country in Kula and Makawao way.

There is a delightful lack of tourists in September and the beaches are roomy and inviting. The trade winds are practically stilled, the oddest phenomena of all, as we really count on the cooling breezes. I don't know whether that's a sign of global warming or not, but it is definitely missed as we are cooking. It's thirty degrees, but given the stillness and humidity, it's more like forty. We move slowly and seem to physically expand and enlarge through some odd kind of fat combustion. Swollen ankles, sticky backs. Thankfully the pool and the ocean provide an instant and pleasurable cure. Beer helps, but only if you drink it quickly before it comes to the boil.

Baldwin Beach, just before the little town of Paia, was a beautific blend of soft emerald and turquoise. The boys had a good dip before Pele decided she no longer wanted to share and tossed them back on the beach. No harm done, other than a salt water sinus rinse for Peter.

 

To head up-country, toward Haleakala and Kula, provides instant relief as there is at least a 10 degree difference in temperature. The fall also provides a spectacular clarity to the air, and even at over 5000 ft elevation, you can see both sides of the island through Maui's delicate neck. We parked at Ulapalakula ranch and enjoyed a local red hot dog at a shady picnic table as we drank in the view.

Today we said a sad farewell to the Boulton's who, at this moment, are about 30,000 feet up in the arms of Air Alaska. As Lisa said, it was a double-hard good-bye, leaving behind this beautiful island and us as well. We have only a week until we face the same fate and already we are bemoaning the fact that we didn't extend the holiday to two full weeks. Months. Years.

In the meantime, we will enjoy every second of this magical island, including a cocktail on the beach tonight to watch the sun hit the water and listen to the conch shells announce the evening.

 

 

 

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The Summer of 2014 - Family!

It has been an exemplary summer, one reminiscent of the summers of my youth. Long, languid and lazy days blending into each other, punctuated by the enticing smells of backyard barbecues and the sound of crickets late into the evenings. The lanai has become a combination living room, kitchen and cocktail lounge, offering the best view in town and the sweetest of air perfumed by drapes of alyssum, lemon geranium, pots of basil and a lavender hedge. Winter may come but I'm not going to go down without a fight, and I have already ordered some cheerful spring bulbs to start next year off right. The cycle never fails to bewitch me.
This flawless summer canvas was perfected by a cast of loved ones. For the first summer ever we have reveled in visits from our siblings, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and many cherished friends. Because a picture is worth a thousand words, here are several thousand for the taking, beginning with, of course, the grandkids.

Miss Sarah Johns, in all her fabulous and fiesty finery:

Master William Hewlett, ready to rock 'n roll through his day:

The fabulous and funny Fosters:

Lisa and Peter in Jasper, just last weekend:

Of course, the past few months have held a few challenges as well, including Rick, "the old stoner" recovering from his adventures and slowly convincing his shoulder to go back to full duty, most importantly, on the golf course.

Then there was this brave warrior:

Despite many trips to the hospital, one of which was in the scrambulance, he kept his humour and his optimism at the forefront and I am pleased to report Ted will resume his rightful place on the links next week. Whew.

Life comes with ups and downs and many challenges, and the older we get the more we recognize that the art of staying in the moment is much easier to do when you are surrounded with wonderful family and friends. Living in a state of gratitude is a gateway to grace and although that can be daunting on some days, I really believe it is the foundation of happiness. Life is too good to do anything less. Love and eternal blessings to you all.

 

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