Despite still fighting off my cold, I spent a bit more time in the garden today.  I planted some annuals in the color bowls I have out front (they'd been looking pretty bedraggled), planted a larger plant in one of my pots, trimmed, cleaned, weeded.

As I was planting the Mexican Heather, a paticular bee became enamored of the fresh pollen it presented.  He and I had quite a tussle over which of us had "rights" to the plant.  No stinging took place, but there were some aggressive aeronautics on the part of the bee.

I don't know what it is about gardening that blisses me out.  The only other times I've entered the state that I get to gardening are:

--after Yoga class.

--sitting on the lanai at Hale Honu watching the waves break, the sun set, the fish chase each other, whales drift by, swimmers swimming, snorkelers snorkeling, paddlers paddling.  (Essentially, just sitting on the lanai and letting whatever happens, happen.)

Perhaps its the combination of solitude, labor and nature.  I enjoy watching the birds, butterflies, bees and even the ants at work while I'm working.  The work forms its own rhythm but it also allows me to be very creative in my approach.  I flit from task to task (something that would drive my friend, Lynne, to distraction!) but it all gets done.  And at the end of the project, something has been planted, cleaned or tamed (and often all three).

Pretty damn rewarding time for me.

Of course, my back hurts a lot less after a session on the lanai.  But you can't have everything.

(Photo by dardilrocks on flickr.com)

There's an old saying, that I will now horribly misquote, which says that when you share your burdens, they're divided in half.  I've done a lot of thinking about shared burdens, co-dependence (aka enmeshment), burdens in general (fair and unfair) in the last several years.

I agree with the hoary saying that when someone shares your burden (by listening, by doing something you can't do or don't want to do for yourself) that the load does get lighter.

I've learned that I can't bear someone's burden if they don't want to share the load.  Or, sometimes even if they want to share the load but they need to bear their own burdens to learn their own lessons.

And in light of all this, today I've come up with Laura's corollary to the burden cliche.  If sharing your burdens divides them, then sharing your blessings multiplies the blessing exponentially.

We are here with dear friends, in a place that is literally just south of Paradise.  We love Hale Honu when we're here on our own.  It nurtures, feeds, heals and cradles us.

But when we're here with others, especially those who need (as Mom calls it) the "House of Healing"--well.  Then our blessings are multiplied.  Our cups run overs.

Whales.  No whales.  Birdies.  Triple Bogeys.  It's all good.

We saw another coupla whales today...one that was chugging by early this morning and then a few that were blowing spume in the late afternoon, about an hour before sunset.

There was also a marlin sighting this morning--identified by the long, pointy nose and the distinctive way these fish sling themselves back into the water after lunging at a fish.  (Hope he got it!)  A long walk/run ensued and then chores related to owning a vacation rental.

We picked our friends, Tom and Renee', up from the airport in the midafternoon and have been enjoying snacks, dinner (Dan cooked spaghetti), wine, and good company ever since.

Interesting conversation today on the directions that life takes us and the choices we make to facilitate those directions.  How balance is a dynamic rather than a static state.  How the internet can be a tool for communication or a hide for hunters (or liars).  How to let go and when.

And then, after their long travel day, Tom and Renee' headed off to bed.  We'll follow soon enough--grateful for friends and a beautiful place in which to enjoy their company.

Tomorrow?  More whales, I hope.  And there will be golfing.

BTW, the Stephen King novel ended up being quite good.  His best is still, imho, Desperation.  But Duma Key bears reading.  Just make sure you bring a strong heart and an ability to face the truth that love is always shadowed by loss.  (And still, in the end, worth the price.)

The big news of my day is that I collected Dan all safe and sound from the airport.  He's already hit the hay because tomorrow we fly again.  This time to the Big Island for some R&R and then on to Mardi Gras to visit good friends and (in Dan's case) throw tons of beads to people screaming, "Hey, Mister!"

I'm planning on working on the novel during our Hawaii stint but not our Mardi Gras stint.  After that, it looks like we'll make a trip to North Carolina and then back home.  Phew!

Blogs will be sporadic and mostly centered around golf, snorkeling and sunsets from our lanai for the next few days.  Here's an example.  Aloha!

It's been a gorgeous day on the Big Island.  Dan and I actually slept in for a bit.  Then I creaked my way downstairs and started coffee and working on the novel.  I put in the 1128 words referenced above before breakfast.

We had everything we needed from our shopping adventure yesterday except for something to put on our (100% Whole Wheat) Muffins.  So that made as good an excuse as any to go out to breakfast.  We went to the Aloha Angel Cafe and enjoyed an omelette (me) and a breakfast burrito (Dan).  We also enjoyed the antics of two little boys who'd just met in the restaurant and had already become fast friends.  They were about 3 1/2 and 4 years old, I'd say.  Perfect spirit of aloha between the parents (one couple, one dad on his own for the day) who decided to take the boys to a park so they could play. 

After a stroll through town, we headed over to the Farmer's Market in Kona Village.  We browsed for requested coffees without success but I did find a cute necklace (naturally) at the stand I'm known to frequent.  We scored some delicious rambutan and some delicious-smelling pineapple and starfruit before heading off to the local market.  They were out of fresh ahi so we were forced to buy steaks that will go on the bbq in a half hour or so from now.

We moseyed on back to the house and have been sitting on the lanai, or in the hot tub, reading and relaxing ever since.  I'm currently in the courtyard, the fountain is going, awaiting the sunset and blogging with my man in the spa and a nice crisp glass of chardonnay beside each of us.  Thanking God for the many blessings he's sent our way.  Friends.  Family.  Each other.  Cool breezes and enough clouds to make the sunset a preview of heaven's door.

Yesterday was so full of shopping, munching and working that I didn't get the chance to blog.  But those following my Nanowrimo progress will be pleased to know that I logged in another 1200 words, pushing my total to 19,642.

I plan to write on the plane home but am also considering a day off as reward for being 1,600 words ahead of goal at this point.  This makes me a bit anxious because it's not "part of the program" so I'm not deciding now.  I'll wait and see which is the stronger driving force--OCD or a desire for rest.

We skipped snorkeling yesterday but had a great time today.  The tide was WAY up (over the rocks by the entry cove for those who've been to Kahalu'u with us) so it was a bit silty toward the shore but when we got out past the surf line, it was gorgeous (and calm the second time).

Lynne saw her first blue fin trevally; her first La'wili'wili and we noticed two cornetfish hanging out above a sea turtle.  They used the turtle as cover for their hunting...pretty crafty.  We saw somewhere between ten and mondo honu...the count varies between us...but they were having fun getting to food that's normally above waterline.  Same with the tang, they were way in.

Our guardian angel was a Hawaiian man on a paddle board.  Every time we turned around, he was there and when we got way out, he kep his eye on us.  When I laughingly told him that Lynne was determined to run into him, he said he was our guardian angel, making sure we were okay.

Great snorkel.  Now for a light clean of the house (some washing and that's about it) and then we're off to the airport and our 2:15 flight to Santa Ana.  Lynne and I considered just not getting out of the water, but we thought it wasn't a practical solution.

We'll just have to come back again!

Aloha for this Girl's Work Week.  See you on the mainland!

I got up early again (yaay, me!) for my writing assignment.  Had fun describing the mother in my little imaginary family as she hung up the laundry and worried about the implications of events since the declaration of war (12/8/1942).  Before I knew what was happening, I had gone for nearly five pages.  The grand total now is 18, 442 words.

Lynne and I headed off about 7:15 for our morning snorkel.  Today was a mellow day snorkeling...we only saw a couple of honu, lots of tang, a couple of gorgeous sailfin tang (they're fun because when you scare them they put up their sail fins to look bigger), a juvenile yellowtail coris...which I'd never sighted before, and Lynne spotted a peacock flounder.  That finished off the snorkel in great style for me because it's only the second time I've seen one.  I spent a little time harassing the flounder to get it to swim...they're so cool swimming sideways.  For the fish activists out there, you'll be somewhat relieved to know I only shooed it along twice.

After some inventory work and general organizing, we were off to have lunch with Paul Maddox.  Paul is a commercial artist based in Kona (up in Holualoa actually) whom I met through the internet when I was looking for a designer to do some art for my mainland lanai cover.  We'd never met in person but he was such a joy to work with I wanted to get together while I was here.  We ate some amazing food at the Holua Koa Gardens and Cafe and then browsed through the art galleries in Holualoa.

Then we headed farther south on the Mamalahoa Highway to a fabric store (Kimura Fabric) where Shari, Lynne and I picked out fabrics for a quilt Shari's going to make for me.  A brief drive home, some spa-side libations, steak dinner on the bbq and we're all settled in for the night.

There's been some question about the calorie count of a certain tin of cookies.  Suffice it to say that we threw the calorie count part of the package away (Shari says calories don't count on vacation), we have frozen some of the cookies and we'll be freezing the rest tomorrow for future Hale Honu guests.  In the meantime, we're snacking VERY occasionally on Erik's delicious gift.

Aloha from the Big Island!

Another fabulous day at Hale Honu, beginning with a 5:30 wake up to do my Nano-writing.  After cutting up the pineapple and the dragonfruit, I sat down to write.

1,061 words later, I packed it in at 14,832 words (and began debating what sort of celebration will be warranted when I cross the 1/2 way mark of 25,000 words).

By the time I was done, Lynne and Shari were up and about.  I straightened out the kitchen and then the three of us walked down to Kahalu'u.  Shari didn't join Lynne and I for our 1-hour plus snorkel.  Truly amazing.  Today I saw a La'wil'iwili'nuku'nuku'oi'oi for the first time and also had my second sighting of a snowflake eel.  Lynne saw the eel also and was the official keeper of the honu count.  We saw 12 honu.  We are not sure if they were 12 different honu...but we figure at least 10 individuals including a wee nubbin of a honu.  Adorable.

Lynne also saw a mysterious, unidentifiable red fish.  We will go back tomorrow to explore further.

Upon return to the house, we straightened the garage (such a satisfying thing for two women with OCD) and then it was time to knock off for lunch.  We at up at Drysdale's Two--Shari and I split an ono fish sandwich while Lynne elected to try the "World's Best Chicken Sandwich."  After adding "Frank's Hot Sauce" to the sandwich, she allowed it was at least one of the best.

After a brief trip to the market, it was back to work for the girls.  Shari cleaned the stairwell of multiple luggage scuff marks while Lynne and I pruned up our fingers by scrubbing down the lanai teak with a mixture of vinegar and water.  It took us what felt like two days to complete the scrubbing.  Tomorrow, sanding (yaay, power tools!) and oiling.

Oh...and I almost forgot.  At about 2:30, the UPS man pulled up, bearing a tin containing 3 pounds of assorted cookies by David's Cookies.  The instructions said that since there are no preservatives in the cookies, we should consume them all within 48 hours.  Guess the sanding will be by hand!  (Just kidding.)

Thanks, Erik!  These three women are most grateful.

What a fun weekend!  Dan and I had dinner with friends Friday, Saturday and Sunday night.  On Friday night, it was dinner and drinks at Savannah in Laguna Niguel.  Savannah is an old-fashioned steak house with yummy food.  Dan and I bought extra large steaks so we could make tacos the next night, and invited Tom and Renee over to enjoy them with us.

Tom and I were DM's together at First Interstate Bank.  He and Dan worked together at FIB and at two other banks after Wells took FIB over.  Renee and I have become good friends over the years with our relationship kicking into high gear on our joint cruise through the Panama Canal several years ago.  (Long enough ago that we didn't have a digital camera!)

So Saturday, Dan and I kicked around, ran errands, and then came home to rush putting tacos together.  He was a real help (even though he was a reluctant partner in the process--thanks, Dear!).  He mixed the margaritas, put away the food that we used for Sunday night's dinner, straightened up and was general sous chef.

The tacos turned out delicious, if I do say so myself.  We had steak and chicken with mushrooms, red onion, red pepper and zuchinni alongside black beans and guacamole.  (And no, for the benefit of Sally and Dad...it wasn't low salt or low fat!)

Then yesterday, Dan golfed while I listened to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.  I multi-tasked, cleaning up the house while listening.  It's not the same as curling up with a good book and I kept having to rewind after I miss parts because I get distracted.  Loving the ipod, though.

Last night, we hosted our friends, Deb and Steve Thoren-Peden and their four kids (Connor, Hunter, Michaela and Savannah--ages 15 to 4) for build-your-own-pizzas.  The girls seemed to enjoy the building more than the eating...but it was a fun meal to have with kids.  They loved the loft, playing golf, tossing around some small plastic balls we had up there and watching TV.  I can see that the back yard will also be a big hit once it is (finally) completed.

We love having kids over...and it was fun to see Deb and Steve, too. Both are good people, attorneys, great parents and fun friends. They're our partners in Hale Honu, our Big Island home-away-from-home.  They are flying over next weekend for their month at the house.  I wish I was going with!

It was so fun to open up the house to friends...reminds me of the many wonderful times we had hosting folks in Santa Clarita.  When I was shopping for houses down here, the real estate agent was amazed because I kept insisting on big spaces so we could entertain.  "No one entertains in Orange County," she said.

Someone does now!

I am writing this from the kitchen in Kona--all alone after dropping Dean, Donna, Deanna and Tim off at the airport.  What a great vacation!  I enjoyed spending time with Deanna's friend, Diana, and with her boyfriend, Tim.  He's a quiet man and also quite creative, thoughtful and caring.

Dean and Donna are more like friends than "family" and isn't that the best?  I really enjoyed our time together.  We hung out, played cards, snorkeled, hiked, fixed things around the house, fixed drinks and dinner for each other...everyone pitching in in the easiest manner. 

Quite fun.

There is a storm approaching the Big Island and renters for Hale Honu arriving tomorrow, so my solitude will last about another 14 hours and then I'll be on Aloha Airlines going home to Dan (!!) and to Laguna Niguel.

Yesterday, we walked to a beach called Kekaha Kai.  We were surprised when we arrived that the chain was across the access road...and we'd originally planned to go to Makalawena Beach (which was a mile or so from the end of the access road).  When we got to the pretty beach at Kekaha Kai (after walking about 1.3 miles across rough pavement and stones) we decided that pretty was just fine.

We hung at the beach for about 3 hours...swimming, sunning, reading and (in my case) snorkeling.  There were some really large Unicorn fish there and a few humu-humu (and assorted wrasses)...but the water was murky and a bit rough.  I much prefer Kahalu'u.

Deanna and Tim tossed around the baseball using his custom designed baseball mitts.  Then we trekked back up the road and dined at Killer Tacos in the Old Industrial Park, Kailua-Kona.  Well deserved calories, indeed.

After that, we came home and showered!  Then we enjoyed steaks, a last (for this trip at least) sunset on the lanai, and wonderful baked potatoes.  After dinner, Deanna took us all to the cleaners in an extremely competitive "short" game of Monopoly.  I say "short" because we used the "short game rules" and were supposed to be done in 60-90 minutes.

Two hours later, Dean and I desperately formed a conglomerate after Tim turned all his property and cash over to Deanna.  Donna somehow finagled free rents from the mega-corporation of Baldridge and Morefield, so we limped to ignominious defeat.  I must say that I saw a completely different side of Deanna.  All sweetness and light on the outside but a shark when it comes to, as she put it, "business."

So, that's it from Kona for the Hale Honu vacation of 7/07.  Back to reality after a travel day tomorrow.  Can't wait to see that man of mine!

Aloha, Hale Honu...until next time!  (Lord willing!)