First package arrived yesterday…Second today with Tom’s laptop…Tonight’s superb dining experience!

Posted by worldwide-admin on with 3 Comments



This was the only grass fed ground beef I could find at the grocery store.  I purchased two one pound packages which I’ll use tonight to make taco salads.  See ingredient list below.

Its concerning that wherever we may live we may not receive a package of supplies we’ve ordered. Its happened a few times, once in Italy, another in South Africa. When packages have to go through customs shipping may be precarious.  This time in Hawaii, I’m less concerned.

Here’s a photo our friend Linda in South Africa posted in Facebook last week of the post office in Johannesburg, South Africa. with packages backed up to be delivered.  Is it any wonder one of our packages never arrived?

The first of two packages we were awaiting arrived yesterday with my two new pairs of shorts which I needed desperately in this warm weather and six tee shirts, a brand I love.


The unsweetened chocolate in this photo was for making low carb, sugar, grain and starch free chocolate fudge which I made on Monday.  Tom has a sweet tooth although I’ll also have a few pieces as an evening snack.   If you’re interested in the recipe please let me know and I’ll post it tomorrow. The blue and white packages of cream cheese are used in making the fudge. 

Yesterday, I threw away the six old worn tee shirts and one old pair of capri pants to offset the weight in my one large suitcase of clothing.  Now, I’m about a half pair of shorts overweight (the capris were longer than the shorts and weighed more).  I’ll find something else to toss to make up the difference before we pack again in a little over three weeks.

Zucchini is one of the most GMO, pesticide grown vegetables on the market.  As a result, I only purchase locally grown organic zucchini when available as shown here.  All prices for items are listed on receipt posted below.

Also, the box contained a few “girlie” items, cosmetics I just can’t find in any stores anywhere, a favorite “stay-put” lipstick that was discontinued long ago but I can still purchase from a remaining stock at Amazon.com and a few other items that would bore our male readers.


These two fillet mignon were priced at $23.36 at $18.99 a pound.  In Minnesota, over two years ago, these steaks were priced at $22 per pound.  We grilled last night and Tom had one of these steaks, freezing the other for a future meal. I had the mahi mahi listed below cooked perfectly on the grill on a piece of foil.

Another item we ordered was a ear bud splitter into which we can each plug  our own pair of ear buds since there’s only one port in my laptop in order to better hear downloaded shows which always seem to have low volume. We always watch shows together and often and the volume s just too low. 


Ear bud splitter we purchased online which arrived in the box of supplies.

With Tom’s 42-years-on-the-railroad hearing loss, we can both hear through our own set of ear buds.  Good idea, huh?  (Yes, we’ve done everything to increase the volume on the laptop to avoid this necessity).

Today’s arriving parcel will be Tom’s new laptop.  My job is to transfer all his data to the new laptop from the old, a job I don’t look forward to.  Never have.  Last time, we had it done professionally for around $50.  Here in Hawaii, it would be three times as much. 


This piece of mahi mahi was expensive at $15.49 per pound but would be no more expensive on the mainland.  My serving was a total of $10.07 and was delicious.  I could eat this every night for dinner! 

As I write here now at 8:00 am, Tom’s still sleeping, an oddity, and I have the AC off and both doors open to ensure we hear the UPS guy.  Yesterday, the first box was left outside the door when we were here and we didn’t hear a thing.  Surely, a laptop would require a signature.

Today, I mentioned posting these grocery items photos, prices and receipts for those who may be interested or curious as to the prices in Hawaii should they ever consider living here.  Honestly, food prices aren’t higher here than they were in Minnesota over two years ago.


The two 18 packs of eggs are free range, cage free, organic at $12.49 for both packs.  Not too bad, considering.  We use zero carb mayonnaise to make our salad dressing.  Although it has a few questionable ingredients, it doesn’t have an effect on how I feel.  Also shown are organic uncured hot dogs at $7.49 made without icky body parts and fillers.   Below are Kielbasa for Tom.  He won’t eat the “healthy” dogs.  The Italian sausages were on sale, one for $5.49, the other for $8.49.

As we’ve perused prices of commodities in Hawaii, we believe the cost of living is high due to high rental fees, utilities, fuel and transportation, not so much on groceries.  Plus, the way we eat, although we buy no processed or junk food, makes the cost of buying groceries higher in general.

Buying grass fed meat when possible and organic produce in the US is pricey. For many items I cannot choose grass fed and organic when neither are available or far surpass a price I’m willing to pay, such as $7.95 for one organic sweet red pepper.  Not worth the price.  Wash, wash and rewash, the non-organic peppers in the bag as shown, still knowing that evil may lurk therein.


These two packages of pork chops, unavailable in grass fed, were $6.53 and $6.79 enough for two meals for Tom.  On those nights I’ll have something else, most likely a huge dinner salad with chicken and avocado.

Tonight, with little prep time available for computer transfer-day, I’m making taco salads, minus the awful shell with a huge bed of lettuce for the base using the following ingredients:

1.  Grass fed ground meat, drained and cooked with sugar, wheat and starch free taco sauce I found at the store
2.  Organic romaine lettuce, shredded into bite sized pieces
3.  Organic tomatoes, diced
4.  Celery, diced
5.  Organic avocado, small chunks (me, only)
6.  Shredded cheese
7.  Sliced green olives



Notice the total for this week’s groceries at $271.08. Next week, I’ll get $22 back when I return to shop bringing this receipt using my Safeway shopper’s savings card which I’d forgotten to bring.  Next time I shop, I’ll be on my own and will bring my wallet. This receipt is wrapped around my Safeway card in my wallet ensuring I won’t forget to get the credit, especially when the cashier always asks for the savings card.  Essentially, the credit makes this total $249.08.

Does this ever make a great low carb, grain, starch and sugar free meal!  A dollop of sour cream on top for me and I’m in heaven.  Tom, plain food Tom, won’t do the sour cream. 

In all, we have enough meat from yesterday’s shopping for approximately 10 nights of dinners and we also had some steaks and lamb on hand from the last trip.  Eating fabulous homemade meals in Hawaii for under $25 per day is all we can expect.

I’d better hurry and wrap this up.  Before too long, according to the UPS tracking number, that laptop will be here soon and I need to go chop and dice for tonight’s dinner.

Tomorrow, we have a great wildlife video to share.  Please check back.
____________________________________

Photo from one year ago, November 5, 2013:



Jessica L. Grain Brain Success Story
A year ago today we posted this photo that appeared on Dr. David Perlmutter’s website, regarding his new book, Grain Brain.  To see the full story he had on his website, please click here.

Updates…Lava…Laptop…First trip to the dentist in two years!…

Posted by worldwide-admin on with 0 Comment
Yesterday’s view when we’re lying in the chaise lounges by the pool. Not too bad, We prefer to stay inside on the cement as opposed to outside on the grass. Fewer flies.

The news about the lava flow is encouraging. The lava flow has stalled over the weekend. Although the experts say that it continues to flow underneath the crust. So we shall see. Please click the link below for updates:

http://www.bigislandvideonews.com/2014/11/02/video-morning-lava-flow-update-sunday-nov-2/

In four short weeks we’ll be on our way to the Big Island to move into the first of the two houses we rented on the ocean for our upcoming family reunion over the holidays. With the lava flow stalled, we’re hopeful that this won’t be an issue. We wait cautiously knowing that at any moment it could begin flowing again and the risks could return.

Yesterday afternoon.

Over the weekend there had been some talk about trying to divert the flow. We didn’t know this is possible until we read the following news story about the potential of doing so:

http://www.npr.org/2014/11/01/360719232/diverting-lava-flow-may-be-possible-but-some-hawaiians-object

Although we can’t directly see the sunset, we can see the cloud impacted by the waning sun.

We doubt this will transpire due to the objections of the locals about upsetting Pele, the Goddess of Volcanos.  The above link explains the story in detail.

Are we worried? No. We leave it in the hands of Mother Nature, God, and Pele, whomever each of us chooses to hold responsible for this very reason that the Hawaiian Islands exist today…volcanic eruption.

There is Bird of Paradise in South Africa and Madeira. It not surprising to see them in tropical Hawaii.

Yesterday afternoon, we ordered Tom a new laptop from Costco online. It will arrive by Tuesday or Wednesday right to our condo. I transferred all of his files to a 32 gig flash drive and we’re ready to do the transfer once it arrives. We’ll keep the old laptop on hand for a week or two ensuring he has everything he needs and then we’ll return it to Costco for a full refund. 

Gosh, we’ve had our share of laptop problems in the past year; both of us dropping them and breaking the screens. Hopefully, this will be behind us soon. It’s an annoying waste of time. 

Each direction we look, there’s the ocean.  Heavenly.

However, in the realm of things, the laptops, the lava, the inconvenience is just that, inconvenient. It’s the safety, health and well being of people that matter. That’s all.

At 6:30 this morning from our veranda.

This morning we’re off to the dentist in Kihei, not far from the grocery store, where we’ll shop when we’re done having our teeth cleaned. As mentioned in yesterday’s post, we haven’t had our teeth cleaned or any dental appointments in two years. I’ve always dreaded the dentist and feel no differently now. It’s a necessary evil.

Another Gold Dust Day Gecko. 

Of course, we’ll take photos of our outing today sharing them here tomorrow. With the time we spent this weekend trying to get Tom’s laptop working we have few photos to share today. 

We still have four more weeks in Maui and surely will be back with more local stories and photos.

Have a great Monday!

                                           Photo from one year ago today, November 3, 2013:

It was a year ago today, that we booked the hotels for both Paris and London. We were excited about the opportunity to visit these two major tourist cities.  After doing so this past August, we were disappointed in many ways as we shared in our posts. The bottom line is simply that we just aren’t big city people.  For details from that date, please click here.

What a morning!…

Posted by worldwide-admin on with 2 Comments
When we walked to a local beach, this bird was hanging out in a parking lot. It’s a Cattle Egret.

Nothing makes me hotter and sweatier than dealing with computer issues. Last night, Tom started having trouble with his computer regarding proxy settings.

At this local beach “park” an area is being renovated to “grow soil” for use as a future community garden. Note the backhoe in the bottom right of the photo which was in use when we were there.

He’d had similar issues, although not specifically the same since he purchased this laptop and I’m in a quandary as to how to fix it. I’ve spent hours trying since last night. We have to do something today or tomorrow. He can get online to some sites but not all, which is weird. 

Colorful pairing. This is a Golden Trumpet and I suppose Pink Trumpet.

Well, I won’t bore our readers with the depth and breadth of these convoluted issues. A resolution is what we’re after today.

After looking at hundreds of photos of tropical trees with berries, the best I could come up with is that this is some type of coffee tree. If you know otherwise or more details, please let us know.

Tom admits he’s had issues with this PC since he purchased the floor model in Boston in September when they didn’t have a model he wanted in a box. Costco people explained that we could return it at any time, no questions asked, as long as we did so within the 90 day period. It is.

Many nice beaches in Maui are located in parks with seating, outhouses, and parking as is the case here.

I’ve been trying to resolve these issues since last night and then again this morning at 5:45 am. It kind of kept me awake for a period of time last night trying to think of a solution. Neither of us cares to go through another data transfer again but it looks like we may have no choice.

Shortly after Costco opens at 10:00 am this morning we may be on our way or we may decide to go tomorrow after our appointment at 11:00 am on Monday. Unfortunately, Tom is an Outlook user which makes the data transfer all the more complicated when it requires we purchase Outlook again after we just purchased it online through a dealer in Vancouver. Ugh!

We walked this beach.

Either I do the transfer which I know how to do but despise doing, or we take it to a computer shop to have them do it with no choice but to purchase yet another copy of Outlook. Performing a transfer of files is not easy for us with the massive amounts of information we store on our laptops. Yes, much of it is online so there’s no issue there. 

Honestly, I don’t like doing it. Most definitely, Tom doesn’t enjoy doing what he’ll have to do either, creating all the new tiles in Windows 8.1. Oh, I know, lots of people hate Windows 8 or 8.1. We’re used to it and both like it now. The issues he’s experiencing now have nothing to do with Windows 8 or 8.1.

Walking in the other direction on a cloudy afternoon.

The alternative is to take the laptop to a pc repair store tomorrow morning when we go to the dentist in Kihei.  Most likely, it could be back working by the time our appointments are over at noon. 

It’s actually exciting to be getting our teeth cleaned after a two-year hiatus. The last time we’d done so was in Henderson, Nevada in December 2012 when we walked out of the dentist’s office at Christmas time with a huge, speaking of Costco, apple pie, an odd gift from a dentist…you know, sugar and all. 

With many varieties of palm trees, we see a wide array of hanging clumps of berries and pods, many difficult to identify based on what is available online.

Tom ate the entire pie in three days while I watched the liquid at the bottom of the pan grow juicier each day, gagging me. I don’t suppose we’ll get a pie tomorrow.

Today, Tom will decide what he’d like to do…buy a new computer by returning the old or, have the current computer repaired most likely for around $50. Purchasing a new laptop could result in an extra $300 – $400 since the floor model was greatly reduced in price and we’ll have to purchase Outlook again.

Although it’s currently not the blooming season, many varieties of Plumeria are growing throughout the island.

Whatever he decides, I’ll support. I have the external hard drive ready to go to transfer his files. We shall see how it rolls out. In any case, he can watch the Vikings Game on my laptop while I busy myself with making dinner and doing laundry, my favorite.

I can’t find the name of these little flowers.  Any suggestions?

We’ll be back tomorrow with more tales of the lives, albeit mundane, of two world travelers experiencing the same dull problems that everyone else experiences from time to time. 

Have a happy Sunday

                                          Photo from one year ago today, November 2, 2013:

Tom with a Python around his neck while we attended a reptile show while on our three-day mini-holiday on the one year anniversary of our travels. For details and more reptile photos, please click here.

Celebrated our two year anniversary…Disappointing dinner out…Flowery walk…

Posted by worldwide-admin on with 0 Comment
Plumeria, often used in making leis.

Last night when we drove up to Saltimbocca Restaurant in Maalaea Beach, across the street from the marina, I expected we were in for a good meal. When I realized that I’d forgotten to bring a camera for food photos, I was tempted to go back to get it.

Kimi Pink Ginger.

Alas, we didn’t bother to return to get the camera, assuming that if the food was that good, we’d soon return taking photos at that time. Good thing we didn’t go get the camera. The photos would have been sorely disappointing. Then again, it’s not a bad idea to show some less than ideal meals in restaurants. Oh well.  Instead, I’ll describe the disappointment.

Most Italian restaurants have options for my way of eating; a nice piece of fish or a big meaty, cheesy salad on leafy greens. Although they had a fish option, a la carte at $29 without sides I could have, I couldn’t justify ordering the $12 Caesar Salad (sans croutons) as a side ultimately spending $41 for a 5-ounce piece of fish and a bunch of lettuce. (I saw the portion of fish walk past while we contemplated the menu).

Today, I searched through no less than 500 photos of Hawaiian flowers unable to find some of the names of those we’ve shown.

There was a New York steak option at $35 to which adding the salad would have ended at $47. I ended up ordering the appetizer of grilled calamari and prawns, $12, (why don’t they call them shrimp anymore?) minus the bread crumb topping and the Caesar Salad minus the croutons with extra anchovies, with these two items intended as my entrée.

A variety of Plumeria, wilted?

Of course, the “appetizer” arrived too early and was placed in the center of the table with two small plates. (I’d specified that both items arrive simultaneously along with Tom’s entrée). Asking the waiter to take it away and keep it warm, he apologized profusely and walked away with my 4″ plate of my main dish.

This must have been pretty before it began to fade away.

As for Tom’s options…oh, it was frightening. As we sipped our tap water, I asked Tom if we should leave as he perused the menu, not finding a single item befitting his picky taste buds. 

Now, I’ll admit, as he will also, he is a very picky eater. But, all he wanted was a decent Beef Bolognaise with some crusty bread. We’ve been to Italian restaurants all over the world for such a meal.

Plumeria.

He’s never had trouble ordering a Beef Bolognaise, not even in Morocco. It was a staple he enjoyed when we often dined out when the taste of Moroccan spices would have sent him into a tailspin, not unlike a “whirling dervish” (guess we should save that expression for Australian with “whirling dervishes” originating on the island of Tasmania).

Nope. Saltimbocca had Bolognaise but no beef.  No beef sauce. No beef meatballs. The meat was ground turkey and pork as were the meatballs. The only other option for him was that $35 New York steak. We still had two beautifully meaty New York steaks in the freezer that I’d purchased at Safeway in Kihei for less than $8 each.

Soon, we’ll return to this tree to see what these white balls may become if they open.

The kindly waiter had the chef heat up one meatball so Tom could taste it. In an effort to avoid making a fuss, he ate the meatball and ordered the Turkey/Pork Bolognaise with no sides. 

The pasta was too “al dente” but he ate the dish anyway, not enjoying one bite. It took 10 minutes to get butter for the not-so-crusty bread. He doesn’t dip bread in olive oil especially when it had a glob of balsamic vinegar in the middle.

Maui goose.

OK. I get it. My guy doesn’t have refined taste buds. We accept this. Me, the foodie, former pseudo gourmet cook, accepts this. But, let’s face it. We’ve traveled halfway around the world and he’s always been able to order a delicious meal of some sort or other.

My four tiny pieces of grilled (unseasoned) squid and four pinkie sized “shrimp” hardly satisfied my hunger. The salad was flavorful enough especially with the “extra” anchovy on the top, a single sliver of anchovy begging to be eaten in one fine swallow. Extra protein. Yum.

White Ginger Plant.

We were home 75 minutes later, me still hungry, Tom nauseatingly full. I poured myself a big cup of macadamia nuts and we sat down to watch episodes three and four of The Last Ship, a timely series on a world ravaged by a virus. 

Gosh, we had to bomb sooner or later. At least our bill with a 15% tip came to a paltry $57, over which we were relieved. I can only imagine our frustration if Tom had ordered a few cocktails and a salad and we ended up with a $100 tab.

In Kenya, we had these same trees with these bean-like pods. We still can’t find the name.

Our two year anniversary of traveling the world wasn’t tarnished by the less than ideal dinner. We are pleased with our two years of tenacity, flexibility, adaptability and above all, our ability to find happiness wherever we go, except perhaps in an Italian restaurant back in the US. 

So, today, flowers instead of food. Befitting.

                                          Photo from one year ago today, November 1, 2013:

We laughed when we saw this photo of a camel at the Sands at Nomad on the Indian Ocean in Kenya, appearing to be laughing himself. Our three-day mini-holiday came to a close and we were ready to return to our outdoor living room for a remaining one month in Kenya. For details of this date, please click here.

Our two year anniversary of traveling the world…An interesting morsel from a reader…Happy Halloween to all!

Posted by worldwide-admin on with 2 Comments
As we drove down the highway, we spotted a dirt road leading to what we thought was a lighthouse. After a distance on the bumpy dirt road our hopes we dashed when we saw this was a microwave or cell tower of some type. In any case, the scene was lovely.

Today, it is our two year anniversary since leaving Minnesota. In one way, it’s hard to believe it’s been two years and yet in another, it seems like yesterday.

Time seems to fly in by in either segments of exquisite adventure or while involved in gentle contemplation, deep in thought, individually, and together we consider how far we’ve come.

In the heat of the day, these grapefruit sure looked cool and refreshing. Believe it or not, one grapefruit without sugar added, has 16 grams of sugar, 40% as much as a can of Coke. Click here for details. Sure, the grapefruit is better, but sugar is sugar. See a Dr. Robert Lustig video on sugar here.

As I spend every afternoon deep into the revisions of past posts, now almost halfway through, I relive each experience, day by day, working my way through each photo, each entry, each challenge, and each resolution.

Last evening before dark, Tom and I walked to a park at the end of the road. As we walked we spoke of how wonderful it is to be able to go back and relive each day through words and photos. 

This appeared to be a variety of artichoke.

Currently, with almost 250,000 readers worldwide, growing each day (please forward our link to your friends to help us grow our site), that we so much appreciate. We’re in awe of their dedication to following us. If it were just us, writing and posting for ourselves, we’d still treasure (although not as much) that which we’ve documented almost each and every day.

At any time, we can search the archives to jog our memory as to date, an experience, or a resolution to a problem. Oddly, we seem to remember more than we’d ever expected by having documented it in the first place. Being able to verify the past, makes it all the more meaningful and memorable.

As much as I love fresh coconut, it’s just too hard to open. The cut halves in the grocery stores lose their moisture and flavor sitting out on display.

Add the fact that many of our readers reach out to us via comments at the end of a post or by email, we feel the joy of knowing that out there in the world, readers are traveling along with us in their hearts and minds, at times, finding comfort in knowing that the mundane aspects of our lives are not unlike our own.  Us humans, we’re kind of alike, aren’t we?

We cherish the fact that some of our readers find a little comfort and enjoyment reading our posts to discover that we aren’t so unique after all, although at first glance, we may seem so.

This rooster was strutting around showing off his pretty plumage at the vegetable stand.

This morning, I lumbered out of bed and pulled the sheets and pillowcases with me in order to wash the week-old bedding, a very “normal” activity. A moment later, I was sitting at my laptop searching for safaris in Australia after seeing a History Channel documentary a few days ago on wildlife in the Outback perhaps a little less than a “normal” activity. Our lives, barren of stuff, enables us to consider such possibilities for which we’re very grateful. 

We’ll be on our way to Australia and the South Pacific for over a year, in a little less than seven months. A few days ago while I sat entranced by the prehistoric-looking animals that wander the deserts in the Outback, I took out the bucket tossing in an Outback safari. I was hooked. It’s hot, arid, and dangerous. But now, after our past experiences, we feel we can handle it in the hands of a competent and knowledgeable guide.

At the Maalaea Beach Marina. Our condo building is on the far right across the bay.

Recently, I started communicating with Staci, a reader who stumbled across our website through CruiseCritic.com. As mentioned in a past post, we’ll be on the same cruise on April 12, 2016, from Sydney to Perth, Australia for a period of 16 days. How funny we connected! How small the world becomes through online communication!

She commented at the end of the post of October 29, 2014, which I quote here with her permission, in the event any of our readers may have missed her comment.

Staci writes:

“These are great pictures! I love the one of the tree on the beach.

I am still wrapping my head around the concept that you aren’t on “permanent vacation” but rather on a “planet-wide living arrangement” When you were writing about the blog post-correction project I briefly thought “Wow, shame they couldn’t wait to tackle that after they got….wait, they ARE home!” Projects don’t disappear just because your address changes every few months, do they!

Thank you for your commitment to taking us along your journey. It is a treat to see the sights, even from a computer. “

Staci’s words made us giggle over her perfect description of our travels as a “planet-wide living arrangement.”  Well said, Staci! We couldn’t have said it better ourselves, in fact, we never did. So, if I may, we’ll use this phrase from time to time to better explain that we aren’t on vacation. We’re living. Thank you, Staci. We love having you “with us” and can’t wait to meet you in person aboard the ship in 18 months.

Who would possibly want to tackle this nightmare?

Today on our two year anniversary, where last year we celebrated on a three-day respite in Kenya to a resort on the Indian Ocean, we do a low key day. Keeping tight reins on our funds in the event we all have to stay in hotels for weeks eating out each meal (on our dime, as promised) should the lava impede our plans, we play low key today. 

Do we go sightseeing today ending at a nice restaurant for dinner? Or do we stay put watching the news on the volcano enabling me to correct another month of posts which takes me from three to five hours? The dinner, we’ll do for sure.

A closer view of our condo building across the bay from the marina.

We’ll decide after our visit to the pool. There’s a couple of what appear to be lovely restaurants we’d like to try tonight located in the nearby Maui Ocean Center which may be perfect for celebrating our special day; Year Two…the World. 

Thanks to Tom, my dear husband and travel companion, whose courage, determination, and pension make our continuing travels possible. Plus, he carries the heavy stuff!

May your Halloween be safe and filled with ghoulish laughter! 

                                           Photo from one year ago today, October 31, 2013:

Ugh! I don’t like posting photos of myself. It seems so self-serving. I’m always complaining as to how the photo came out. Tom, on the other hand, blind love, encourages me to be visible to our readers. So, here is a revealing photo of me from one year ago today as we wandered on the beach on the Indian Ocean. Gee…I wish I still had that suit (in new condition). The elastic was all stretched out making it was easy to put on. But, it didn’t look so hot around the butt with no elastic. I tossed it to further lighten the load. For more photos of our three-day respite from the veranda in Kenya, please click here.

Extermination day…Much to prepare…A year ago…A rare endangered species…

Posted by worldwide-admin on with 0 Comment
Late yesterday afternoon, Tom spotted this partial rainbow, taking this great shot.  

In our old lives, the only time we’d call an exterminator would be in an extreme case of an infestation by any insects or creatures that we could not rid ourselves of after trying every natural method possible. 

The last time I got rid of a creature in our old lives I used a safety trap with cheese. In a short time, I had it trapped and let it go outside.

Living in OPH (other people’s homes) we don’t have the opportunity to decide on the maintenance they choose for their property. Other than a few biting flies and mosquitoes, we haven’t seen many insects since arriving at this Maui property two weeks ago. 

About a year before we left Minnesota, I spotted this Chipmunk on the bottom step in our house. I ran upstairs to the attic, getting the safety trap which I’d set with a chunk of cheddar cheese on the floor near the steps.

I imagine that on a regular basis, a part of the association dues paid by the owners every month is allocated to pest control. Most likely, the work is done every few months or so. 

In a perfect world, we wouldn’t be exposed to such chemicals that we’re so adamantly opposed, except in urgent situations as was the case in Kenya where bugs were crawling all over the walls. It was this experience that broke us in part to an aversion to insects. As long as they wouldn’t bite or crawl all over us we could live with it.

It’s the biting insects that are hard to take when I’m an awaiting meal for any voracious biting insect who invariably thumb their noses at Tom when they see me.

An hour later the adorable chipmunk was chomping on the cheese. I brought the case outside, opened the door, and her/him out tossing the remaining cheese in her direction.

Today, an exterminator is coming to do this entire condo complex. With no room in the cabinets for any non-perishable foods, of which we purchased in bulk in preparation for Hurricane Ana, this morning we moved all the food to the bedroom, placing it on the bed and covering it with beach towels. 

Also, we cleaned off the countertops in the bathroom of all of our toiletries stuffing everything into the limited space cabinets and drawers. We removed the extra rolls of toilet paper and the tissues, fearful of the toxic stuff ending up in the most delicate of places.

We have no say in this or any other type of scheduled maintenance while we’re living in someone else’s property. Luckily, the owners of the homes we’ve rented these past two years (tomorrow’s our two year anniversary of leaving Minnesota).

I can’t recall the last time we put onions on the bed.  We covered them after taking this photo.

The kindly owner of this condo called and asked how we’d feel about the property being shown for sale while we’re living here. We, in turn, kindly asked that they wait until we leave. 

The house in Morocco was for sale during our stay. There were three showings while we were home, feeling we should be there to keep an eye on our stuff. We felt very uncomfortable with strangers coming into the house.  Having been in real estate for many years I know the risks associated with the possibility of perpetrators “scoping out” a home for digital equipment and other valuables.

Even the bottle water needed to be hidden from the exterminator’s toxins.

I also know that real estate people have no knowledge if a potential buyer is in fact a criminal. Background checks aren’t provided on prospective buyers. Anyone can get an appointment to see a house.  

After the experience in Morocco, we decided that we won’t rent a house that is actively for sale unless the owner agrees that no showings will occur during our occupancy.

Yea, that’s Spam. It’s low carb and gluten-free. Tom’s been eating a little each day as a snack. No thanks!

The bottom line, these aren’t our homes. Unless specified during the time of a rental agreement, we have no control over maintenance, and other owner arranged visits to the property.

I’m certain that if we’d asked the owner of this condo to keep the exterminator away, they would have complied. But, with the precautions we’ve taken today, we’re at ease, certain that we’ll be fine as will the items we’ve put out of harm’s way.

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

When we were on “vacation” for three days, one year ago today, we spotted the elusive and endangered Colobus Monkey. No words can express how overjoyed I was to have this one pose for me. We’d seen a few dash through the yard in Diani Beach, Kenya but hadn’t been able to get a photo until this one. For more photos of these monkeys and more, please click here.

Almost two weeks in Maui…Sharks…Hurricane…Lava….Farmer’s Market visit…

Posted by worldwide-admin on with 4 Comments
This smoothie truck was certainly eye-catching as we drove up to the Farmer’s Market.

Tomorrow will be two weeks since we arrived in Maui. There’s been more excitement here than since we lived in Marloth Park when the adventures occurred daily.

Surfers and swimmers on the beach near the Farmer’s Market.

Don’t get me wrong. We find quiet, uneventful times relatively pleasing. And, of course, we pray for the safety and well-being of everyone in all of these situations. 

Another beach view along Highway 30.

It’s hard to believe that in four weeks and four days we’re moving to the Big Island, possibly close to the lava flow to see a major geological event in the making.

A park at the beach on Honoapiilani Highway.

We never bargained for this. Perhaps, if we think long term for us and for our family, we can all feel at ease knowing that in a small way, Mount Kilauea had an impact on our lives, whether we ultimately have to choose other accommodations or not.

A free-range chicken at the Farmer’s Market.

We’re at peace in this knowledge, not panicky, knowing if and when the time comes, we’ll make a good decision, whatever that may be.

Homemade banana bread for sale at the Farmer’s Market at $10 each.

As for now, we’re content while I’m busily working on corrections of this site going back from the beginning of over 800 posts. At this point, doing it every day since we arrived, I’m only up to July 12, 2013, almost halfway through since the first post in March 2012.

A wide array of fruit was offered at the Farmer’s Market.  Since we can’t eat fruit, we didn’t buy any.

It’s a huge task. Once I’ve uploaded the day’s post and Tom’s removed the photos in order to send it to his blind brother Jerome who listens to it on his talking computer, we head to the pool for a short time. 

Returning indoors, I usually start chopping and dicing for dinner which, depending on what we’re having, can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. Then, after any cleaning and laundry is completed, I start the revisions which take the remainder of the day, usually until shortly before dinner. It’s easy to see how the day easily flies by.

It would have been fun to purchase raw macadamia nuts but they require a special device to open them.

I’m anxious to complete the revisions to free up time for other things. But, the more time passes, the harder it will be to go back and do this important task. I’m anxious to complete this task. If we have to find other living arrangements for the family to get together, it will be great to have this time-consuming task completed.

We don’t grumble about these types of tasks. They are a part of our lives comparable to keeping our budget updated and keeping future travel plans on track. It’s all a part of the experience that we fully accept. In the realm of things, it’s good that we don’t mind these kinds of tasks or we’d be in big trouble.

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

A year ago today, we took a 3-day “vacation” to celebrate our one year anniversary of leaving for our travels on October 31, 2012. We stayed at a beautiful resort on the Indian Ocean in a gorgeous air-conditioned hut. As soon as we arrived, this Vervet Monkey appeared at our window assuming that new guests will feed her when they always get a fruit plate upon moving in. We didn’t feed her but certainly got a kick out of her looking in the window. For details of this first day of on “vacation” please click here.

More lava updates…Back to Lahaina photos…A link to one of our favorite recipes…

Posted by worldwide-admin on with 0 Comment
When we were at the park, we spotted this bird, a Red Crested Cardinal. 

Yesterday, we were a little sidetracked from posting more Lahaina photos when we reported on the lava flow from Mount Kilauea. We’re constantly watching local news for the latest updates. It looks like the first house in the village of Pahoa will be taken by the lava today, miles from the houses we’ve rented which will be shown on the local and world news.

Tom couldn’t resist buying fudge. But, would you believe he purchased the plain fudge when all these fabulous flavors were available? He ate it in one day (it was a small piece). Now back to healthy eating.
Tom drooled over the saltwater taffy but resisted when he spotted the fudge.

The local officials will allow the homeowners to stay to watch their home be consumed by the lava and go up in flames, enabling them to make peace with the process. How heart-wrenching! The people of Hawaii are very sensitive, spiritual, and thoughtful. The local news is informative, tender, and caring, not sensationalizing this situation at all.

I walked past this store without the slightest interest in looking around. Living simple is a learned art. I’m learning.
A popular restaurant in Lahaina, Bubba Gump.

We feel fortunate that we have the time to make a decision by November 15th at which point we’ll have to decide if we’ll pay the balance of our deposits. If we decide to go forward and if the hazard continues to the houses, we have no doubt we’ll be refunded the entire monies we’ve paid if we have to bail closer to move-in dates. The two owners are lovely people and would never take advantage of us.

Many restaurants in Lahaina are “open-air” as is the case in most of Hawaii.

In a way, this is yet another part of the amazing experiences that we’ve added to our ongoing world travels. Who, in their lifetime, has to face the ravages of volcanic lava upsetting their plans? Our grandchildren will speak of this for years, as well as many of the other challenges we’ve met.

Here’s a familiar spot!

For us, the inconvenience is nothing compared to the homeowners who’ve had to move everything they own out of their houses, find other places to live, and watch their homes destroyed by this situation over which they have no control. 

On the return drive to Maalaea Beach, we stopped at a park and campground.

Many of these homeowners live in homes owned by generations of family, many have rented homes for years, treating them as if they were their own. Even if the homeowners are insured, it may be prohibitive to rebuild when not only will they lose the house, but they’ll also lose the land to the lava, which becomes a permanent resident for centuries to come.

The beaches on the return drive are beautiful.

We’ll figure it out. And, we’ll continue to keep our family members and readers updated on the latest developments as they transpire. Again, we thank our readers for thoughtful email and comments with your kindness and concern.

We continue on…

                                           Photo from one year ago today, October 28, 2013:

Last year, we posted this photo of our dinner plates made with low carb, grain, sugar, and starch free coconut chicken including the complete, easy recipe.  Please click here for the recipe and details.

Update on lava flow on the Big Island…

Posted by worldwide-admin on with 0 Comment
A lava flow advances across the pasture between the Pahoa cemetery and Apaa Street, engulfing a barbed wire fence, near the town of Pahoa on the Big Island of Hawaii on Sunday.
Lava flow from Mount Kilauea. (Not our photo).

It’s hard for us to believe that at this time when our family members begin to arrive in a mere six weeks on the Big Island for the Christmas holiday that the two houses we’ve rented may ultimately be in the path of the lava flow from Mount Kilauea as it moves at a rate of 10 to 15 yards an hour.  

However, based on the topography and other conditions the direction of the flow could change at any time.  

Why don’t we bail on the two houses now?

For a few reasons. First, we’ve paid huge deposits in the $1000’s on both houses and until more is known and definitive, we won’t be getting these deposits back. If the reports indicate further that those two houses are in danger, we have no fear that we won’t get our deposits back. Secondly, why change our plans when we don’t know for certain that these houses and neighborhood is at risk?

Thirdly, finding a location for so many of us is a daunting task during the holidays when everything is already booked. We both have spent several hours online researching possibilities. Until we know the course of the lava as it nears the ocean, we cannot commit and lock in another property with a deposit, even if something was available.

When all is said and done if Tom and I have to bear the added expense, we’ll all stay in hotel rooms somewhere on the Big island, eating out every meal. That’s the worst-case scenario which we’re prepared to handle if necessary.

At present, the lava is currently seven miles from the ocean where these houses are located. The lava could completely stop, reroute, or escalate. Who knows what Mother Nature has in mind? Here in Hawaii, the locals speak of Pele, the Goddess of Volcanos, and rely upon her favor to determine the outcome.

It’s volcanos, earthquakes, and weather conditions that formed the world around us. Who are we to question the course of these events? All we can do is, everything possible to keep all of us safe from harm. That’s our objective.

As for the rest, it’s an inconvenience. Considering all the “safari luck” we’ve had in our travels so far, we have little room to complain. As for worrying, we’re not. Of course, we’re concerned and on alert. However, we have no doubt that our family will be safe and in comfortable accommodations to fully embrace our upcoming time together. 

Admittedly, if and when we find out that we need different accommodations on the Big Island, we’ll quickly get to work to find an alternative that works for all of us.

Thanks to all of our readers who have contacted us both online and by email with their concerns for our safety.  It means “the world” to us to know you care!

Tomorrow, we’ll be back with more photos of Lahaina, Maui which we’re excited to share.

                                            Photo from one year ago today, October 27, 2013:

It was two years ago on this date, that we had Tom’s retirement party. There were over 150 in attendance. It was a fabulous party. For details, please click here.

Part 2…The road to Lahaina…Many photos from a great outing in the charming village….

Posted by worldwide-admin on with 4 Comments
These eight or nine feet exquisitely carved Giraffe we saw in an art gallery in Lahaina sent me to the moon!

Another beautiful day in paradise. Tom was out of bed before me and opened the two doors for a sweeping, cooling cross breeze. When I walked out of the bedroom I was almost swept away by the feel of the refreshing tunnel of cool air and the smell of the ocean. It took my breathe away. If only there were giraffes and warthogs in the yard, I could stay here forever.

Art galleries are commonly seen in the shopping areas of Maui including this one on Front Street in Lahaina.
This stretch of beach along Front Street was a perfect spot to stop and admire the sea.

Often when travelers visit to Maui for a week or two, they stay in the popular Kaanapali Beach, a mile long strip of exquisite beach that was developed in the 1960s. 

This side mall off of Front Street had a tattoo and hair braiding shop, clothing for surfers and more art galleries.
Here’s the restaurant we’ll soon visit, another location in Lahaina for the popular Cheeseburger in Paradise which we frequented in Waikiki on several occasions due to their great fresh food with options for me.

Our next outing will be to visit Kaanapali and it’s seeming endless row of hotels, shops and restaurants after which we’ll share many photos of the renowned area.

Glass is a popular tourist purchase in the islands.

In my life BT (before Tom) it is the only place I’d stayed in Maui on no less than 10 visits to the islands over a stretch of several years. In the 80s it was the place to visit when sun, sand and surf were on the menu.

More art shops.

No doubt, Kaanapali Beach has changed as had the village of Lahaina which we continue to highlight today after our recent visit. I didn’t recognize a thing as I’m sure will be the case in Kaanapali, so many years later.

A small shop sold only these and other wood carved sunglasses. Tom offered to buy me a pair but I graciously declined. I already have two near new pairs of fine sunglasses. Novelty items such as these, rarely appeal to me.

As we walked along Front Street, the main street of Lahaina, where most of the shops and restaurants are located, not a single popular establishment jogged my memory other than a few fish restaurants that may have remained from 25 years ago or more.

Putting the past behind, we wandered along the streets, occasionally staring out to the sea, embracing the charm and beauty of the area. Yes, the focal points centered around tourists spending money. But, doesn’t any tourist area do the same?

“Lahaina was once the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii. In the 19th century, Lahaina was the center of the global whaling industry with many sailing ships anchored in at its waterfront; today a score of pleasure craft makes their home there. Lahaina’s Front Street has been ranked one of the “Top Ten Greatest Streets” by the American Planning Association.” 

Please see this link for more details about Lahaina.

Ceramics and glass. Notice the Sea Turtles.

Housing in Lahaina is limited with many homes starting at $2 million. Rentals are high, starting at $300 a night for a studio. For long term stays it often makes sense to stay further away and rent a car visiting the village at one’s leisure.

Many of the shops cater to the themes of Hawaii which the tourists gobble up while here. Later at home, they may wonder why they purchased this bowl with Turtles climbing in and out. Cute dust catcher.

We investigated every restaurant we passed as we walked along the road planning to return for dinner sometime soon. We were pleased to see that the restaurant we’d frequented in Waikiki Beach, Cheeseburger in Paradise, was located on an oceanfront corner on Front Street. We should visit this restaurant since they had the best Cobb Salad on the planet.

The romantic nature of the Hawaiian Islands is tempting to travelers to purchase expensive jewelry.

We noticed beef and pork options on the menus of the popular seafood restaurants which would be suitable for Tom who won’t eat fish other than pan-fried walleye. Guess we won’t be finding any of that anytime soon.

This painting appealed to us as we walked by yet another art gallery. Tom reminded me, “We don’t have any walls.”  Good thing.

Today, we’re staying put to relish in this exquisite day, sitting outdoors, visiting the pool, walking along the beach. Tom will watch the Vikings game on the app he purchased from the NFL while I chop and dice for tonight’s dinner.

Tom spotted these Spam flavored macadamia nuts when we perused the Lahaina General Store which was loaded with interesting items.

Tonight, we’re cooking steak and lamb on one of the two convenient outdoor gas grills. Our biggest challenge of the day…can we find a lighter? I love that!

Photo from one year ago today, October 26, 2013:

Lion cubs lounging in the sun in the Maasai Mara as we shared a few of our remaining safari photos on this date a year ago. Please click here for details.