Fitful night…Worrying…Up at 5 am…A new beginning in a New Year…A year ago closeup of a visitor…

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Late in the day yesterday, we spotted these whales. The much-anticipated fluke, the tail was the prize. Wonderful! 

Even an overly bubbly type has a bad night now and then. Last night was mine, worrying about my sister, unable to speak to her until this morning when she was able to take the call, somewhat awake and alert.

First, we saw the blowholes of these two whales.

We’ve always been very close, my sisters and I. The distance hasn’t changed a thing. We haven’t lived near one another for many years but, we’ve never missed a beat in each other’s life. On any given day, we could easily imagine what the other was doing, our plans for the day, our hopes, our dreams, our sorrows, our shortcomings; always accepted, always loved.

This morning at 7:00 am Hawaii time, 9:00 am in LA, we spoke and I was relieved to hear her voice, so relieved and comforted to know she’ll now begin the healing process. 

The dorsal fin appeared.

I am sorry that I couldn’t be with her. I had been in the past. This time, with family here with us, her partner, and friends of which there are many, were at her side, keeping me informed.

So the days continue on, in the Big Island. The three remaining family members were gone overnight to Kona for swim-with-the-manta rays late-night outing and overnight in the “big city” of Kona. 

Another whale’s dorsal fin.

In three days, they’ll leave the Big Island to return to Minnesota, and once again, we’ll be together alone. Are we sad? Not at all. We loved seeing them all and now as we all roll into the New Year, back into our “real lives.”

For us, our “real life” at the end of the family holiday, begins a new year in our travels which we anticipate with excitement and joyfulness…the vacation that sees no end. How couldn’t one be happy to begin again?

This morning from the lanai.

Over the next few months in Kauai (we leave for the island in 17 days), we plan to explore, learn the nuances of the garden island, lick our wounds from the pricey family get together, take care of insurance, taxes, investments and other such necessary “paperwork” and, most of all, take as many photos as we can to share with our readers each and every day.

Today, a trip to the village is in order for a few things at Island Naturals, the only open grocery store in Pahoa after the evacuation for the still moving lava toward the Pahoa Marketplace. 

The sun desperately tried to peek through this opening in the clouds.

I’m now writing on my new Acer, 15.6, touchscreen, 1 Terabyte, lighted keyboard, Intel Core, i5, 8 gigabytes, la la la…laptop I purchased at Costco on Sunday night for a reasonable $589 including tax at less than half the regular retail price.

Yesterday, I transferred all my data, installed all my apps and email folders, MS Office, and Outlook and I’m loving every moment. It’s been almost a year since my last Acer died due to my dropping it in South Africa and I’ve suffered using an international version of a not so good notebook with keyboard issues from the get-go that finally went kaput in the past two weeks.

Had I been there seconds earlier, I could have taken the rays from the sun reflecting on the ocean. This was the view by the time the camera loaded.

Finally, I feel at ease as I write here each day no longer struggling with the keys and look forward to sharing the future with all of you as we continue on…

Have a terrific Tuesday!

                                          Photo from one year ago today, December 30, 2013:

This kudu looked me in the eye, “You got any pellets this morning?” he asked.  I dropped a handful onto the ground and backed up so his huge antlers didn’t stab me. For details of this date, please click here.

And then there were three…Winding down as the days pass…An unreal video a year ago…

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The fog began to roll in as the day wanes.

Yesterday afternoon, the six of us, TJ’s family of four and Tom and I, piled into the minivan for the two-hour drive to Kona. I had yet to experience this long drive across the Big Island from ocean to ocean. Tom had been too preoccupied to take photos when driving to Kona to pick up the family on December 6th. But, he also enjoyed it yesterday.

From left to right; Sarah, TJ, me, Tom, (front) Vincent, Jayden, Nik, Tracy, and Tammy, a photo we took yesterday of our remaining family members. Tammy, Tracy, and Vincent remain in Pahoa for four more days.

The terrain rapidly changed from ocean induced lush greenery to almost desert-like sparseness and dry vegetation. Signs were posted warning of extreme” risk of fire.

Low lying clouds surround the mountains.

By the time we arrived in Kona, the sun was setting. I couldn’t get a good vantage point for a sunset photo when our imminent goal was to get to Costco before they closed at 6 pm. TJ and family’s flights were at 8:10 pm.

Many mountain ranges on the Big Island are higher than an elevation of 10,000 feet.

They were thrilled to stop at Costco for a quick bite to eat before flying back to Minnesota while I found my awaiting laptop and purchased some nuts. We wouldn’t be driving back to this Costco anytime soon.

With many power lines obstructing this scene we still were in awe of this border of trees in the distance.

And then they were gone. And we began the long trek back to Pahoa in the dark. The winding mountainous roads weren’t so pretty in the dark and fog. 

As barren as the scenery is, it offers its own reflective beauty.

At some point, high in the mountains, Tom noticed the outside temperature was only 43 degrees, the coldest temperature we’d experienced since winter of 2011/2012. Even when we were in Iceland in September, it never got below 48 degrees.

The road ahead of us was long and desolate.

Finally, we returned home to an empty house for the first time since December 6th with Tammy’s family of three next door until January 2nd, a mere four days away. Adventurers that they are, we’ll see them here and there, as they complete their remaining Big Island “must do’s” seeing us in between their exciting water-related challenges. We’ll cherish every last moment together.

As we drove by this dry vegetation at 60 mph, it was evident as to why there were fire warnings.
We find beauty in the simplicity of barren land.

Today, my dear sister is having big surgery in LA. I’ll stay close at hand to take calls from her partner with updates on her progress. I can only pray for a good outcome and recovery as she works her way through a difficult time.  Although far away, I am at her side, as we always have been for one another. The same case applies to my older sister in Nevada who also suffers from ill-health.  (It’s in the genes).

The terrain was mostly lava rock interspersed with vegetation that eventually makes its way through the dense lava.
It was sunny but late in the afternoon as we shot the wilderness in the center of the Big Island.

While hanging out a home today, I’ll begin the process of setting up the new laptop. It’s been quite the task, typing on a $10 external keyboard these past few weeks. What a relief, a year later to have a laptop that works well for me as opposed to the keyboard problematic version I’d purchased in South Africa last February with some unfamiliar international aspects. 

Have a meaningful Monday. Back at you soon.

Photo from one year ago today, December 29, 2013:

It was one year ago on this date that we posted this video of tree frog mating in the tree over our pool in Marloth Pak. For the details of that story, please click here.

A nighttime visit to Mount Kilauea…Astounding!

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This was my favorite shot of the evening with the backdrop of the glow from Mount Kilauea.

Yesterday, at 5:15 pm we all piled into our vehicles and heading up the mountain to see the volcano at Mount Kilauea on the Big Island of Hawaii. As the crow flies, it may have been a 20-minute drive. However, based on the roads that have been closed due to the crossing of lava, it took us nearly an hour.

Preferring not to use any flash to avoid disturbing others, Tom is a little muted here. 

Here is a link to live webcams from Mount Kilauea.

Shortly before the sun went down, we were separated from the family and unable to get a group photo as we’d hoped. Instead, Tom took this of me and the telescope. Oh, well.

It is this very volcano from which the lava has been flowing toward Pahoa that attributed to our concern these past months and the evacuation of the Pahoa Marketplace.

 
As darkness fell, we had a better view of the glow.

Seeing firsthand the source of that flow was indescribable, to say the least. The pleasant drive to an elevation of only a little over 4000 feet caused some ear-popping but wasn’t felt by the nature of the smooth and easy to navigate roads.

The crowd roared with excitement as it became more visible.

We’d expected to find only a handful of visitors to Volcanoes National Park and were surprised to find the parking lot jammed with vehicles and anxious tourists. 

Then, the glow was in its full glory.  What a sight to behold!

Darkness fell within minutes of our arrival. However, while there was still a little bit of light we were able to get a good perspective of the vastness of the park and the volcano. 

At one point, these trees provided a backdrop and I attempted to take advantage of that fact.
The intensity of the glow changed as the magma at the crater burst into many explosions.

Moments later, it was pitch black with the only light from the hundreds of cameras held over the heads of the excited visitors attempting to get a peek and a photo.

The trees impeding a portion of our views ultimately gave us a better perspective of the glow.

Of course, a determined amateur photographer that I am, I diplomatically maneuvered my way to prefect spots aided by my equally determined husband Tom. We weren’t getting out of there without some great shots.

Inside the visitor’s center, we took the time to appreciate local artwork. Here is a rendition of Madame Pele, the fire goddess.

Experiencing this once in a lifetime adventure as a family was rewarding and fulfilling. Our grandchildren loved it and were fearless and in awe as were all of the adults.

Perhaps, how it may have been for seafarers seeing the Hawaiian Islands for the first time, as the molten lava flowed to the sea, creating new land.

So, dear readers, we share these photos with all of you, with considerable enthusiasm and joy knowing we have this arena on the web to bring all of us together in however a small way, as our travels continue on.

Its Saturday! May sunshine and smiles brighten our day.

                                          Photo from one year ago today, December 27, 2013

Nothing like stopping for the crosswalk in Marloth Park, one year ago today. For details of that day’s post, please click here.

Merry Christmas Eve everyone…Events of the past day…More to follow as we celebrate the holiday season…

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Nature abounds on the island.

It’s hard to believe that it’s Christmas already. Last night, for Tom’s birthday, three families were in attendance for dinner at the restaurant except for Greg and Camille and two of three little ones who returned home, exhausted after a long day.

The view through the hearty vegetation that seems to be immune from the ravages of salty seawater.

Maisie, the oldest, joined us for dinner at the Hilo Burger. Tom had spent the day with his side of the family swimming at a tide pool in the rain while I joined Greg and family for shopping and a movie on the heavily rainy day.

Peculiar looking plants growing in our neighborhood.

For Tom’s birthday, Tammy and family had purchased a huge beautiful cake, decorated with “Hau’ oli La Hanua” which is “Happy Birthday” in Hawaiian. He and the family loved the moist and delicious cake with more to spare over the next few days.

Beach scene.

Typical from years passed, Greg and I watch a science fiction movie, “Interstellar” while Camille took the little ones to “Penguins of Madagascar.” It was a great day.

Boating could be challenging in shallower waters near the coast with many large and small lava formations.

As a blended family with both Tom and I having two grown children, we’d decided early on, that we’d split up and be with our biological families if activities varied and we couldn’t all be together. Of course, we’re spending Christmas Eve and day together, all 14 of at a local beach park. 

A field of lava on the right side of the road.

They all took off today for a day at the beach, an over two-hour drive from here. Tom and I stayed behind to prepare food for this evening and for tomorrow’s day at the beach in Hilo. Our hands will be full but we’re content to stay home on yet another cloudy day with much to prep.

Yesterday, I made a mistake and purchased a new Acer computer at Walmart with what appeared to have all the specs I desired. Alas, last night, I discovered that “touch” referred to the mouse pad, not the screen.

A field of lava on the left side of the road.

After using touch screens for over two years I’m not about to go back to the old way and will have no choice but to return it in the next few weeks after the holiday return season has passed. In the interim, I’ll order the correct model online in the next few weeks. Oh, the digital drama never ceases, for us, often self-induced!

With varying sleeping schedules, it’s never easy having families together. I’m an “early to bed and early to rise” person. It’s ironic how our own families seem to follow suit on the sleeping schedules. 

A pretty shoreline.

But, we remind ourselves, it’s only sleep, and being together is what matters the most. I need to bite the bullet and have toothpicks hold up my eyelids to stay up later. It will cost me two hours of sleep but, in the realm of things, it doesn’t really matter. I can sleep more in January.

Tom is the proverbial night owl, having accommodated me for over two years. It’s time for me to step up to the plate. Over this holiday season, I will definitely do so.

The raging surf creates many swirling pools.

So now, it’s time for me to take care of Christmas festivities, do some chopping and dicing and get ready for Santa who apparently is going to be able to find the kids enjoying life on the beautiful Big Island, with the lava flow stalled at the moment.

May all of you who celebrate Christmas have a fulfilling and blessed holiday season. We sure will.

                                         Photo from one year ago today, December 24, 2013:

A tree frog croaking within feet of the quickly disappearing white foam nest that had been fertilized by the males a week earlier. For details and our annual Christmas poem, please click here.

Happy Birthday Tom…It’s your day to celebrate…It’s our day to treasure…Big guy, one year ago..

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Yesterday, we spotted this humpback whale and got this shot from the lanai. We couldn’t have been more thrilled!

There’s a 100% chance of rain today. Our day trip plans are squashed.The mist across the ocean impedes our views making whale watching fruitless.

The raging sea.

But, last night the last of our family arrived and it’s Tom’s 62nd birthday. What more could we ask for? Oh, most likely some of the kids will take off to explore in the rain while Tom and I will happily stay behind with those who prefer to stay in like us. We’ve had our fill of sightseeing in the pouring rain. 

Picnic area at the park at the end of our road.

Besides, we have five more months in the islands with plenty of sunny days to explore. And, this is their family vacation and we encourage them to do what makes them happy.

The side view of our second house.

Last night, we chatted with son Greg for a few hours. After two years and two months of not sitting face to face, it was beyond enjoyable, as it’s been chatting with all of our family.

The park at the end of the road.

As for Tom’s birthday, we’ll find something else to do instead of going to see the volcano, a much better outing on a clear day. Tonight, we have a reservation for dinner at 6:00 pm for his “birthday party.”

The entrance to the park at the end of the road.

With all the activity on hand at the moment and plans being considered for the day, we’re cutting it short with a few new photos.

Along the path to the park.

Happy birthday to my darling husband. Thank you for being the best travel companion, lover, and friend in the world. I love our lives together and love you with all of my heart.

The path at the park.

Have a tremendous Tuesday as we approach the holiday season.

                                          Photo from one year ago today, December 23, 2013:

A year ago, on the previous night, we’d gone on a safari in Kruger National Park and got this shot of a hippo at sunset with the sun behind him. For more safari photos, please click here.

More family has arrived…Moved in next door…Great to see them…

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Sunrise this morning.

Yesterday, around 5 pm, Tammy, Tracy and Vincent arrived from Maui where they’d spent an action packed last week, snorkeling, scuba diving and zip lining.

More views from the master bedroom lanai.

Last night, we sat around the computer while watching videos from their adventures and we couldn’t wipe the smiles off of our faces. Nothing brings more joy to us parents than seeing our children and grandchildren living fulfilling lives.

Today, the remaining arrive. It’s hard to believe they’ll all be here. We’re making dinner to enjoy together at the first house tonight as the last of them get unpacked and settled in. 

The sea, the pool, the morning doesn’t come soon enough.

Tom refers to the first house, as the “birdhouse,” since the aerial photo online reminds him of a cute birdhouse.  Henceforth, for the purposes of explanation here, I will also refer to it as the birdhouse.

Last night, at 11:30 I made the announcement that I was turning in for the night, hoping everyone else would do so. Off I went and Tom followed shortly. By midnight, we were all tucked in, hoping for a great night’s sleep.

The neighbor’s pool on the left is drained.

Alas, a good night’s sleep was not in the cards for me last night when fitfully I tossed and turned. Having spent hours cooking yesterday’s meal, something I hadn’t done since the dinner party in South Africa last February, my legs and back were tired from hours on my feet.

Even my carefully executed way of eating is no insurance against wearing out from overuse. But, the excitement of seeing everyone made sleeping almost impossible and this morning I was in the shower before 6:00 am, ready to start the day.

The shoreline on a drive on the Red Road.

The Kona coffee has been the first order of the day since arriving on the Big Island where we’ve purchased no less than 12 packages of 100% pure Kona, making it each morning with considerable enthusiasm. The price of a 12-ounce bag of 100% Kona ranges from a modest $7.95 (on sale) to a high of $20 here in the islands.

We tried a few different price ranges finding no difference in the mid-range coffee than the higher-priced options. Once we discovered which we liked, “safari luck” kicked in and when Long’s Drugs was preparing to evacuate due to the impending lava flow, we were able to purchase the 12 bags at $7.95 at half the usual price.

The rocky shoreline.

Stocking both houses with an equal supply, our family members that drink coffer (only about five of us) will enjoy the fine taste of Kona coffee while here. Back in Minnesota, I always purchased a Kona Blend at $7.95 a bag. At that time 100% Kona was $24.95 for a 12-ounce bag prohibiting me from ever making the purchase other than on a few special occasions.

Other less pricey items on the island are pineapples. In Maui, they were $.99 each. Here on the Big Island, they are $.69 a pound averaging at about $3.69 each. Other than those two items, the Hawaiian islands offer few bargains.

The ocean spray.

They’re all taking off for the day, leaving us to prepare tonight’s meal, and if we’re lucky spend a few hours outside by the pool, lounging for the first time in days. The kids are worried about leaving us behind but we’re content to stay behind after many days of riding in the car in these past weeks and more upcoming when everyone is here. 

Once the others arrive, most likely we’ll all be gone most days exploring together as a family; visiting the tide pools, the community pool, and the beauty of this gorgeous island. 

Leaves growing on a tree trunk.

Tomorrow, is Tom’s birthday and the plan is to head to Volcanoes National Park to see the source of the lava, Mount Kilauea and it amazing surroundings and then out to dinner for his party at the Hilo Burger Joint. 

Typing right now is cumbersome and challenging especially when it requires that I use the laptop’s mouse pad and also the external keyboard. Where to place the keyboard present an issue in itself. Oh well, the digital and electronic issues will always be a part of our lives.

Hawaii Snake Plant.

It’s Monday. TJ and family leave in six days. It’s hard to believe their time is coming to an end. No doubt the departure of the others will come more quickly than we’d prefer. But, for now, we’ll live in the moment cherishing every aspect of our time together.

Have a meaningful Monday, only days away from the holiday festivities.

                                         Photo from one year ago today, December 22, 2013:

Catching this kudu with his mouth open while munching on leaves was quite a sight! For details from that date, please click here.

Moving day…Quite the challenge…A surprising ocean find on a walk….A year ago, a peculiar foam ball growing in a tree in the yard…

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TJ was brave and walked over the narrow bridge.

Up bright and early this morning, we immediately began laundering the towels and bedding in the master bedroom with en suite bath that Tom and I have used since arriving in Pahoa on December 1st when we moved into this oceanfront house.

While on a walk in our neighborhood, we spotted this empty lot, deciding to take a look. We never expected to find what we did.

With the laundry going, the bathroom and bedroom cleaned, I am completely packed except for the food we need to transfer to the second house.

As we walked to the left side of the lot, we discovered this natural bridge made of lava.

Once we’ve moved out all of our belongings, emptied and moved our contents from the refrigerator, freezer, and cabinets over to next door, we’ll clean the refrigerator and freezer making room for the items we’ll purchase today in Hilo in order to stock the foods for the incoming two families that will live in this first house.

It was an interesting natural formation.

Our plan for purchasing the groceries has changed several times over the past three weeks. I must have driven our kids nuts. We’d originally planned to purchase all the food on everyone’s list. Then we decided to make it easy on ourselves and have everyone do their own shopping, with gift cards we’d purchase for them from Safeway in Hilo.

We were entranced by the swirling waters around various lava rock formations.

Then, the lava flow required the evacuation of the Mamala grocery store and I was able to purchase many items on their lists at 50% off. Once I had so many of these items, it only made sense to complete their lists and stock the remainder of the food ourselves.

How many millions of years ago was this spot created as the lava spilled into the sea?

At this point, I went back to the lists on my phone on the Grocer Tracker app and revised my list to exclude the items I’d already purchased. Sure, it sounds confusing. But, in the end, it made the most sense.

The contrast of the blue waters and the dark lava rock was breathtaking.

Much to my frustration, since yesterday, I’ve been suffering from excruciating pain in my left hip. I’ve had this type of pain in the past and it always seems to dissipate within a week by favoring it. Today and tomorrow, won’t be days of favoring any body parts. Luckily, this morning it wasn’t any worse than yesterday and hopefully, it will begin to improve over the next few days.

The manner in which the ocean moved into and out of this rock formation was mesmerizing.

Tomorrow, Tammy, Tracy, and Vincent arrive in the early evening. We’ll have dinner awaiting their arrival. On Monday, late afternoon, Camille, Greg, Maisie, Miles, and Madighan are due to arrive and again, we’ll have a nice meal awaiting their arrival. Both families are renting cars for their own use while here, a thoughtful and smart idea on their part. Sharing vehicles would have been difficult, although we’d originally planned to have two cars available. 

The cave was intriguing.

As it turns out, we’ll have three vehicles enabling all of us to go anywhere together or, off on our own in smaller groups. TJ, Sarah, Nik, and Jayden leave on the 28th. Tom and I have to return the rental minivan on December 31st.

Tom and TJ overlooking the sea.

At that point, it makes sense for us to downgrade to a five-person, less costly smaller vehicle as opposed to our current minivan, saving $100’s in the process.

The sea wafting in and out of this cove was impressive.

There’s so much to figure out for 14 people living together in two houses, eight in this first house and six in the second house, for one week and then 10 for the remaining week. After January 3rd, we’ll be down to four of us and will move back into this first house.

As a cloud rolled in the coloration changed rapidly.

Camille and Madighan, our lovely daughter-in-law and five-year-old granddaughter will stay with us until January 9th, when they’ll depart for their return to Minnesota. Tom and I will be alone in the first house for the remaining six days.

Fascinating formations.

Tom is worried about the possibility of small details that may impede the quality of any of our family member’s visits. I am not worried in the slightest. They are our family.  f something goes wrong, we’ll fix it, lovingly and with aplomb, with the same fervor we fix any situations we encounter in our travels.

Small waterfalls on the lava rock.

The packing, the moving, the rearranging, and the organizing, it’s all a part of our daily lives. Luckily, we both don’t seem to mind any of it. The only addition right now is the cleaning of the first house and the food for the four families.

I yelled out to TJ, “Gee, TJ, your clothes blend right in.”

I have no doubt that we’ll get through all of these preparations in the next two days with relative ease. When we’re all together, none of it will matter. To see the smiles on the little one’s faces and on the faces of our grown children and their spouses, will make every moment a treasure.

There are many variations in the color of the ancient lava rock, evolving over the millennium.

Have a superb Saturday, filled with sunshine and smiles. 

                                           Photo from one year ago today, December 20, 2013:

It was one year ago that we discovered this peculiar white foamy thing in the tree with branches hanging over the pool. Taking a photo, I sent it to Louise, our new friend, and property owner, asking what it could possibly be. She wrote back with a discernable chuckle in her words. It was a tree frog nest created overnight by the female frog. Over the next several days, the male frogs stopped by to fertilize it which we have on video. Please check here for details. What a fabulous experience!

Part 1…Another amazing day…Wonders awaiting determined investigation…Pahoa Marketplace closing for lava…

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Part 2 is cancelled for tomorrow due to another story about the lava flow fast approaching Pahoa.

Sandy beach spots for enjoying the tide pools filled with fish and turtles at the Onekahakaha Beach Park in Hilo.
More sandy areas at the Onekahakaha Beach Park in Hilo.

Yesterday, we took off with a plan in mind; haircuts for the boys at the soon-to be-closed-due-to-lava, Supercuts at the Pahoa Marketplace, a visit to the Lyman Museum, and later to dine at the popular, highly rated Hilo Burger Joint about a mile from the museum. Leaving the house at 1:00 pm, we had plenty of time to leisurely make our way to each location. 

Sarah and Nik, walking along a high ledge at the Onekahakaha Beach Park.

With no GPS in our possession without the availability of SIM cards in the US without a contract, I always find directions online and take photos of them to store on my phone. 

White sand at Onekahakaha Beach Park in Hilo.

Unfortunately, with many roads poorly marked in Hawaii and the propensity for bad directions from online maps, it’s easy to end up in the wrong spot, not necessarily lost (with Tom’s good sense of direction) but unable to find an exact location.

Easy to maneuver steps into the crystal clear water of the tide pools.

So was the case yesterday in finding the Lyman Museum, which we’d chosen to visit more as a result of it being our namesake than anything else. Although, when looking up its particular, this place could definitely pique the interest of all of us. Finding it, on the other hand, was a challenge.

One of many tide pools at the Onekahakaha Beach Park, perfect for snorkeling.

After driving the general area of the museum, so we thought, we “accidentally” ended up on a dead-end road leading to the ocean. Oh my, were we in luck! 

Lovely views of the beach.

We found ourselves at the most amazing family park, Onekahakaha Beach Park, the most kid and family-friendly park we’ve seen in Hawaii since we arrived almost two and a half months ago. 

Covered picnic areas at Onekahakaha Beach Park.

We all oohed and aahed over the prospect of spending plenty of great family time at this park with had every possible amenity of a beach park, clear waters, great snorkeling, ideal swimming conditions, shallow waters for the young swimmers, sandy beaches at several points, playgrounds, grills, well-maintained restrooms, and many covered picnic table pavilions. 

Gorgeous views of a few tide pools at Onekahakaha Beach Park.

Seeing this perfect location put our minds in overdrive, putting a plan in place. Our plan is for the 14 of us to spend Christmas Day at the park, bringing meat to cook, salads, and beverages in the coolers. What an unusual Christmas Day outdoors for our cold weather Minnesota family members, used to snow, ice, and cold weather during the holiday season!

Sign at the entrance to the park.

After spending almost an hour perusing the park, spotting a giant sea turtle in the shallow pools, and numerous colorful fish, we were content that we had a perfect plan in place which only escalated as the day wore on.

Jayden in the “lava” chair at the Lyman Museum.

Back on the road, after taking numerous photos of the park, we were on our way to the Lyman Museum finding from a friendly local passerby that we were quite a distance away. 

Naturally occurring granite in Hawai’i.

Heeding his directions, we were on our way but only after we “accidentally” spotted a sign pointing in the direction of the museum, we were all thrilled to have found it. Of course, the online directions were wrong once again. That’s not to say that GPS is always right either, as we all know from experience.

Fossils on display at the Lyman Museum.

With only a $21 family rate fee for the six of us to enter, we had plenty of time to wander the two floors in the time remaining until they closed at 4:30 pm. Then, we’d head to the restaurant dinner less than a mile down the road.

More fossils on display.

Much to our delight, everyone loved the museum. Snap happy me, shot, photo after photo. But, I won’t bore our readers with too many photos of the museum pieces and spread the photos from our outing over the next few days.

Colorful coral from the coral reefs in Hawai’i.

Before we left the museum, I asked the receptionist if she’d confirm our directions to the restaurant. Good thing I asked. She explained they’d moved over a year ago. Funny, the old location showed on all of the maps. We’d have been driving around for days.

Amethyst on display.

Luckily, the kindly attendant gave us directions to the new location, and once again, we were back on the road, confident we’d find the restaurant which we’d done so easily.

Hawaiian built structure at the museum.

The Hilo Burger Joint is rated #28 of 206 on TripAdvisor. With this information, we were confident that we’d have a passable if not spectacular meal. Spectacular it was, some of us claiming it was the best burger, they’d ever had, myself included. I ordered a burger in a bowl with my preferred toppings of avocado, bacon, and tomatoes on a bed of lettuce. Fabulous!

This beautiful Hawaiian lava photo caught our eye.

Discovering that the beef was local and grass-fed, I was in heaven knowing we’d all enjoy at least a chemical-free burger.

Exquisite works of art lined the walls in the Lyman Museum.

When we received the bill, including tip for $152.00, averaging at $25 per person including beverages, we decided to have Tom’s birthday at the Hilo Burger Joint (our treat), making our reservation for 14 at 6:00 pm on December 23rd, next Tuesday.

Interesting works of art.

Considering we’d already spent over $2000 on food since arriving on the Big Island on December 1st, with a few more shopping trips ahead, we realized it would probably cost no more to go out to dinner at this establishment than it would purchase all of the food for a meal for 14. 

An Asian mural on a wall in the museum.

Tom’s primary reason for choosing this option for his birthday is the fact that it’s one less meal for me to cook. Dining out on Tom’s birthday on the 23rd and Christmas Day at the park, bringing food to cook and salads, I’d only make dinner for Christmas Eve. This is a breeze, leaving me more time to spend with the family as opposed to stuck in the kitchen over three busy days in a row.

Tom, after his haircut, covering part of this sign so it reads, “Grandfather’s House.” Now, Grandfather doesn’t have a house but certainly rented two for this family gathering.

After dinner, we drove to the Liliuokalani Park and Gardens, which Tom and I had visited when our ship docked in Hilo in October. A kindly cab driver drove us to see the park when we’d boarded the wrong bus at the pier, ending up at Walmart.

More items with the Lyman name.  They all loved it.

With no interest in Walmart, we hailed his cab for a ride back to the pier and the cab driver, who happened to live on Lyman St. (What?) agreed to take us on a little sightseeing tour for $10 plus a tip. We loved the Liliuokalani Park and Gardens and of course, the friendly cab driver.

After we left the museum, I walked across the street to take this photo.

Last night, we parked at the Liliuokalani Park when the family was anxious to see the ship, Norwegian’s Pride of America, leave the pier to head out to sea. With sunset fast approaching, we were able to see the ship’s bright lights as it pulled away from the dock.

The partial menu at the Hilo Burger Joint.

Returning home around 7:00 pm, we all hunkered down for some WiFi time on laptops, tablets, and smartphones. We’d had a great day.

Nik and TJ waiting for their food to be served.

Today, Tom and I will stay put except for my quick trip to the Pahoa Marketplace to take more photos as the entire mall prepares to evacuate by Thursday night as the lava quickly approaches the mall. This mall and gas station may be completely covered in lava by Christmas Day, sad for the employees and store owners in its path.

Tom sat across from me at the restaurant.

Yesterday, before we took off for the Lyman Museum, the three generations of Lyman boys; Tom, TJ, and Jayden each had haircuts together at the soon to be closed for lava. The staff and the owner of the Supercuts salon in the Pahoa marketplace worked fast and furiously to accommodate their customers in its last few days in business at this location. 

Sarah, Jayden, and Nik at the restaurant while we waited to be served. 

The shop is moving to two locations, Hilo and Keaau, and can be reached at 808-982-5707 or 808 965-5577 with questions. Tomorrow, we’ll share haircut photos of three generations, having cuts simultaneously. How fun was that!

Last night at dusk at Liliuokalani Park.

Have a wonderful “hump day” with the holiday season in full bloom.

                                           Photo from one year ago today, December 17, 2013:

Although the Hornbill house in Marloth Park had a few nuances, we found it the most wildlife-friendly location of the three houses we experienced in our three-month stay in the park. The friendly warthogs were daily visitors as shown in this visitor hanging out by the braaii, hoping for a leftover morsel. For photos of the house, please click here.

Sunshine, lollipops and rainbows, kind of days…Is time our friend? Amazing one year ago photo!!!

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These are Noni fruit growing on our street.

Finally, the sun is shining today and with two, soon to be six grandkids in tow, cloudy days aren’t much fun in Hawai’i when water activities are foremost in their minds. The cloudy rainy days have momentarily passed as have the accompanying rainbows we often spot in the horizon.

Nik and Jayden in the yard checking out the waves.

Here’s the link to this song, “Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows,” by Leslie Gore from 1965. 

Today, if the nice weather holds up, we’ll head to the Kaholo Tide Pools. With some sun and warmth, it will be an enjoyable outing. Although it hasn’t been “cold” its been cool and damp these past several days.

This is the Cook Pine.  Beautiful, soft to the touch.

This morning after our showers, we put on our swimsuits ready to tackle a perfect day. Tom’s already sprayed the salt off the windows facing the sea and our views are unimpeded by salt while I sit here inside preparing today’s post and Tom checks out his FB. The windows are wide open allowing the ocean breezes to waft inside making the air refreshing. We love it.

Tall evergreens frequently seen in Hawaii.

We now realize why AC is not necessary on the Big Island of Hawai’i. It never really gets hot enough to warrant it, except for perhaps a few days in the summer. Then again, most tourists don’t visit the islands in the summer in their attempt to get away from cold and inclement weather in the winter months.

Dewey flowers, a type of Lily, in our yard after the rain.

Our other family members, a total of eight, will arrive at varying times next Sunday. We’ll be prepared for their arrival with plenty of food on hand, including snacks, Kona coffee, macadamia nuts and a hot dinner waiting. 

After looking through hundreds of photos, I can’t find the names of this unusual fruit. Come on, Hawaiian, help me out here!

Their rooms will be cleaned and prepared for their arrival (no cleaning people here, except us) and we’ll anxiously wait by the door as they drive themselves from the Kona airport to our house in Pahao. 

Shoreline from a walk in our neighborhood.

There are two major airports on this island, Kona (the largest international) and Hilo, a smaller regional airport.  When we booked their flights long ago to and from Kona there were less layovers and more options, as opposed to the Hilo airport. 

We spotted this “package” floating hundreds of yards out to sea.  What could it be? Please comment, if you know.

The stumbling block was the two hour drive. At that point, we assumed we’d be picking everyone up at the Kona airport.  We figured they’d prefer to spend less time waiting at an airport somewhere for the extra 90 minutes drive time through the beautiful countryside of Hawaii. We opted for the later. Hopefully, they’ll all agree once they arrive.

The two families arriving next Sunday have rented their own vehicles and will transport themselves both ways.  Plus, it enables all of us to go out together or in groups at our leisure. This works out well and we appreciate their doing so. 

When the sun peeked out, we took more photos of the sea.

Unfortunately, and to our disappointment our son Richard from Las Vegas is unable to come at this time due to a recent biking accident and major shoulder injury. 

Also, my younger sister Julie, is also staying behind due to an upcoming serious surgery. We’ll be there for her in our hearts and prayers and by Skype on a daily basis. Yes, it’s worrisome, especially being so far away, especially when there is nothing I can do for her except call, with the family here during that difficult period

Often, plants without flowers are colorful in Hawai’i.

We’re hoping they will both come to visit us in Kauai during the four months we’ll be living on the garden island beginning on January 15, 2015, a little over a month away.  How quickly the time flies.

The clouds and raging sea over the past few days.

Ah, time, it’s our friend and our enemy. When we have it, we try to remain grateful, using it well. When it is taken from us, we scramble to make the most of what we have. In neither case, admonishing its existence is pointless and frustrating, especially when we see as we age that it whisks past us like a runaway train. All we can do, is “get out of the way” and make the most of it!

That’s what Tom and I attempt to do each day. Are we always successful? No. Ms. Overly Cheerful and Mr. Overly Grumpy may differ from time to time, as do circumstances over which we have no control. 

Interest cement house and old automobile while on one of our drives.

But, we continue on, full of love and full of hope for living life to the maximum, in the moment and ultimately, for time to come.

                                           Photo from one year ago today, December 14, 2013:

This has got to be one of my most favorite things to have ever witnessed when stepping outdoors one morning from our house in Marloth Park, South Africa, looking through the carport, one year ago today. Long legs. Very long legs. Gingerly, I walked back to the kitchen door and whispered to Tom, ‘Stop pouring the coffee, honey. Quickly and quietly, step outside.” The look on his face when he saw these legs through the carport will be a look I’ll always remember of sheer joy and wonder. But, the fun had just begun when 12 giraffes came into our yard, staying over an hour while we took videos and photos.  To see more, please click here.

The exploration continues…Photos backlogged….Lots of fun sightseeing on the Big Island…

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With cooler temperatures on this side of the island, there wasn’t a huge number of bathers in the tide pool at Ahalanui Park.

Each day we’ve explored the island and have accumulated many photos we’ve yet to share. We need to spend the next few days in slow mode in order to catch up!

The volcanic thermal heated tide pool at Ahalanui Park where we spent time yesterday afternoon. The park is closed from 12:00 to 1:00 pm each day for cleaning and maintenance.

Actually, neither Tom nor I would mind a lazy day today.  If the weather clears, we’ll head to the massive, life-guarded community pool about five miles down the road in the village of Pahoa for some sun and fun with the kids.

This side of the Big Island has no sandy beaches based on the lava flow over the past million years. There are some sandy beaches on the Kona side but swimming in tide pools in a safer alternative, especially with children when there’s no risk of rip tides and sharks.

Although, sightseeing is fun from time to time, we especially enjoy sitting on the patio whale, sea turtle and wave watching, all mindless drivel.  With family at our side, it couldn’t be more enjoyable. Luckily, they too, love this leisurely pastime. It takes no arm twisting at all to encourage any of them to hang out with us in search of the next blowhole.

There was no shortage of views at Ahalanui Park.

Then again, when they’re ready to go, we join in on most activities, except for shopping outing for trinkets and such, or when visiting any of the malls in Hilo, a pastime we’ll easily forgo. Neither of us have any interest in window shopping and thus, tagging along is a pointless activity. Plus, the kids tend to feel rushed knowing we’re waiting. Without us, they can shop at their leisure.

TJ enjoyed swimming in the tide pool. He and the kids mentioned they spotted tiny fish through their swim goggles, while swimming in the pool that had entered through the opening to the ocean as shown in the photo below.

Yesterday, our goal was to find the popular tide pools within a 30 minute drive from Pahoa. It turned out to be a lovely day when not only did we find one of the two tide pools we sought (the main tide pool area of Kapoho is for another day), we stumbled across another park, Isaac Hale Beach Park and later Ahalanui Park where we spent a few hours while TJ and the two boys swam in the warm volcanic heated waters.

It was a beautiful day, not quite 80 degrees with a mostly clear sky.

As well as time at the two parks, we spent several hours in the minivan, lunches and beverages packed, stopping to take photos, relishing in the exquisite natural beauty surrounding us. Stopping at the Mamala grocery store for a few items on the way home, we didn’t return until 4:00 pm, ready to relax with more whale watching and a nice homemade meal. 

At the far end of the tide pool, there’s this passageway to the sea which has a large screen that prevents the entrance of larger marine life.

I stayed busy in the kitchen making Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, garlic bread and salad for the five of them with chicken and avocado salad for me. With only one large pot, cooking the large portion of noodles and sauce was challenging. Later in the evening I wrote to the owners asking if they had a larger pot we could use during our stay.

The pool cleans itself naturally as the water enters and exits through the passageway to the open sea.

This morning our kindly local landlords arrived to not only remove our trash but also leaving an enormous pot that will serve us well during our time with the family. I couldn’t have been more thrilled. 

Beyond the tide pool there are various rock formations.

Ah, its the simple things, as always, that find us smiling and content; the six of us (soon to be more) sitting at the kitchen table having a meal together, chatting all the while, loving the time together; all of us, riding in the minivan oohing and aahing over the exquisite scenery in front of us; Jayden giggling as we drove over a roller-coaster type road; Nik’s occasional tossed out a morsel of wisdom he happily bestows upon us. 

Again, we observed these peculiar vine-like tree trunks, Albizia trees, which are reminiscent of scenes in the movie, Jurassic Park.

We’re loving every moment and will continue to do so in larger doses when the others soon arrive, ten days from today. We’re not wishing the time to fly by in expectation of the others arriving. We’re simply reveling in every moment that we have.

We stopped at a small park along the road that was closed due to storm damage from last June and July, yet to be cleared of downed trees and branches.

There’s a price to pay for living this life we live, the world as our oyster, always on the move.  That price is clear.  But, we choose to have it all right now cherishing every moment we have in front of us with each of our family members as precious time well spent.

Even the road to the tide pools was an experience in itself. The red on the road is the shirt of a biker making her way up the hill.

And when they’re gone, we’ll joyfully recall the new memories we’ve made with all of them, as we continue on in making new memories of our own, traveling the world for years to come, feeling their love all the while.

The back of a humpback whale we spotted from our backyard in Pahoa.  In Maui, we heard there are few whales near the Big Island.  Ha!  We see them everyday as we successfully search the sea for blowholes.

We’re grateful for it all; each moment, each memory, with the hope and expectation of many more to come.

                                            Photo from one year ago today, December 11, 2013:

As we stood near the banks of the Crocodile River in Kruger National Park in South Africa, we were privy to an elephant ritual as shown on our post on this date, one year ago today.  Please click here for details.