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| The mountains, although always hazy, are a sight to behold. |
It’s difficult to remember the last time we attended a house party. During our travels over the 27 plus months, we’ve had to few dinner parties and attended a few dinner parties but only for small groups.
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| The full moon at dusk when tonight we attend the “Full Moon Party.” |
Tonight’s party in Richard’s neighborhood, the “Full Moon Party” usually has an attendance of 30 or so guests. How pleased we are to be invited!
Living in Kauai is starting to feel like it would feel if we were permanently living somewhere; a warm climate, new friends, lazy days at the pool, a walk in the neighborhood, and a leisurely drive to explore the area.
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| A distant ocean view. |
Add the working out, the trips to the grocery store, an occasional dinner out, and our pleasant evening forays across the street to the ocean at “happy hour” often meeting new people, mostly tourists, and a few locals, and it really begins to feel like “home.”
But, for us, the reality lingers that nothing in our daily lives is permanent (except one another) and however comfortable and familiar an area may begin to feel, in no time at all, it will be over. We’ll be on the move again. Oddly, we love this fact.
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| Snorkeling is a favorite pastime of bathers. |
Yes, it may seem odd to some that the wanderlust, we carry in our hearts, is genuine and liberating. We rarely wish we could stay longer. We’re always ready to move along, appreciative of the time we’ve spent, anticipatory, and enthused for the next upcoming adventure.
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| A new house is being built beyond these trees. |
Yes, it was sad to leave Marloth Park. But, it was a result of leaving the living ones behind, the people and the animals. The place, wherever that may be like most places has its ups and downs, pros and cons, none of which we seem to become overly attached.
As for a place, Kauai is certainly the most beautiful place in which we’ve lived thus far. No matter how close one may live to the ocean, it’s still the predictable, albeit exquisite view.
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| Ants on a budding orchid. |
But, here in Kauai, it’s the ocean, the mountains, the hills, the greenery, the smells of exotic plants, the sounds of the never ending crowing of the roosters, and the friendly people. And of course, there’s the perfect weather.
There’s not much in the way of wildlife in Kauai. However, if 12 giraffes visited us in our yard here, yes, we might never leave. But, they don’t, and we’ll carry on, as usual, living in the moment while at the same time looking forward to the moments yet to come.
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| As the day come to an end. |
There’s no sadness attached to leaving, only joy as a result of the experience. Even, the time is Morocco which was our least favorite, almost one year ago, there were aspects we did find memorable and interesting.
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| When I was putting on my shoe while sitting on the bed, this little character wandered out from inside my shoe. I picked him up and put him outside for a more appropriate environment. |
Unfortunately, we were both ill while in Marrakech, Morocco; me twice, Tom once, due to the constant exposure to risky food in restaurants and germs flowing about the souks outside our door.
Inside, the furniture was uncomfortable and it rained inside the open courtyard in the house. Although beautiful, the riad had many dangerous steps and stairways, definitely not suitable for the unsteady. We were relieved to finally leave.
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| Each strip of beach has its own unique appeal. |
Other than that one experience, we’ve been happy at each location finding wonder and beauty, in a myriad of ways, that each locale uniquely provides.
For today, I’ll make the “dish to share” and as promised, leaving the recipe at the end of this post. It’s definitely a gluten-free recipe, but not one I can eat due to the sweet salsa included. It’s a recipe from dear Sue, our wonderful neighbor, and most of all, a friend in Minnesota whom amongst others, we miss dearly. Thanks, Sue!
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| Any strip of beach is beautiful. |
We’ll be back tomorrow with photos and stories from the party and of another fine day spent on the glorious island of Kauai. Be well. Be happy.
Here’s the easy recipe which I doubled for the large group:
Sue’s Lone Star Grill Salsa Dip
8 oz. cream cheese
3/4 to 1 jar Lone Star Grill Raspberry or Pineapple Salsa*
1/2 to 3/4 C. cheddar cheese, grated
top with onions and olives. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 – 15 minutes.
*Here in Princeville, Kauai I was unable to find raspberry or pineapple salsa at the local grocer, Foodland. As an alternative, I purchased a savory chipotle salsa and a jar of pineapple/apricot jam which I’ll combine with the salsa for a similar effect.
Photo from one year ago today, February 4, 2014:
My broken screen laptop officially died one year ago today. As a result, Okee Dokee and I headed to Nelspruit to the computer store to make a purchase resulting in a short post. Please click here for the post on that date.