Taking a day off from golf (the Mountain Course at Kona Country Club proved to be a bit challenging yesterday) and enjoying the more aquatic aspects of the island this gorgeous Sunday.  We rose early and went down to the famous Kahalu'u bay for a 9 a.m. snorkel.

Dan's fin strap broke early into the swim but not before Tom pointed out an octopus lurking in a crevice on the south side of the bay.  After Tom and I decided to swim out a bit further, Dan opted to go in.  Tom and I muddled on alone, swimming out to the area that I've dubbed the Coral Forest and then back along the south side wall.  Still energized by all the fish and very few people, we swam out nearly to the surfing area with Tom chasing parrot fish, butterfly fish and an assortment of reef dwellers.

I enjoyed seeing the usual denizens of Kahalu'u and had sightings of two of my favorite fish, the male bird wrasse and the male trunkfish.  But the highlight really was the octopus.

An executive decision after snorkeling found us up at KTA buying supplies for breakfast burritos and then settling in here to watch the Buick Invitational and Tiger's walk-off win.  Now we're settling down to various versions of relaxation--reading, napping, fussing. 

No whales today.  So far.  That's it from West Hawaii for today!

Not that I'm complaining AT ALL, but there was a tiny little technical glitch while we were over on the Big Island.  Dan's computer screen died and, since we were only going to be in Kona for four more days, we decided not to buy a new screen just for those four days.

So...no blog, no Lolowrimo, no emails.  It was tough!

We played golf four times in six days.  We ate yummy food (mostly at home but we did go to a wonderful cafe in Holualoa for lunch one day and also to Pesto in Kawaihae on another afternoon.

We watched movies in the evening, hung out in the hot tub in the afternoons, enjoyed brownies kindly sent by a friend (thanks, Erik!), cleaned the stores of their supplies of a brand of Kona coffee that we like, and read books.

Then, as we were packing to leave yesterday, we saw two whales from the lanai--spyhopping, slapping the water with fins, and generally acting like whales.  Very fun!

I'm back on the Lolowrimo wagon today, already logging 1,339 words for the day.  I recalculated my goal to compensate for the missing days and will need to put in just over 1,200 per day to reach my goal for December.  I'll keep you posted!

Looking forward to the Baldridge Family Christmas party tomorrow in San Diego!

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.

Dean and I were chauffered to the Kona Country Club by Donna this morning.  We golfed while the girls got Diana ready for her flight and to the airport.

I'd like to report that it was a record round for both of us and that pars and birdies abounded.  However.

We did have an excellent time and enjoyed the views, each other's company and the occasional spectacular golf shots immensely.  Dean had a really nice shot where he drew the ball just enough to land perfectly placed for an approach shot.  We both had a couple of pars.  My favorite shot was a 5 wood to the green from the fairway (thanks for the new clubs, Dan!).

I was also happy that I'm at a point in my golf game where I know my game, am comfortable with the fact that I'm an average golfer, and so I don't beat myself up (so badly) over poor shots.  It makes the round much more enjoyable (and not just for me, I bet).  Dean made the point that once he realized he was an average golfer (and that most folks are average golfers) it made him a lot more at ease on the course.

I also am enjoying a new technique taught to me by my friend, Renee' Dobyns.  She is a double-bogey golfer like me.  And before each round, she writes down the adjusted par for each hole...then when she gets a six on a par four, she isn't down on herself...it's what's expected.  When she gets a four, she really celebrates!  I find the technique really keeps me focused on playing my game and not worrying about anyone else's game or judgements.

Of course, it always makes a round more enjoyable when there are fabulous ocean views all around and when you are playing with a brother who is also a good friend.

The rest of the day has been chores and reading...heavy on the reading.  We're about to sit down to a dinner of shish-kabob.  Then Deanna's boyfriend, Tim, will be flying in tonight.  It will be great to have him here with us as we start our second week in Kona.

I'm hoping to get in another round of golf next week.  In the meantime, I am sure I'll get in my other obsession, snorkeling!