I used to say that this blog was documenting my transition from one life to the other, but that transition seems to be well completed now. This is definitely home, and it feels so good to be back to it!
We were gone for 3 weeks, visiting 2 of our 3 kids: Kerry in Lynnwood, and Chris & Katie & their beautiful kiddos in Bonners Ferry. (Lori's turn next time.) Had some wonderful fun times with Jimmy & Kirsi, our adorable grandchildren who I just can't get enough of. Our good friends, Karen & Weezil, were great hosts, providing us with the whole top floor of their old farmhouse, a minivan to use, lovely fresh produce for the garden, and much solace and good company throughout our 2 weeks there. They taught us a game called Rummikub, which we'd play just about every night before bedtime. We were able to connect with several other friends, too, for which I am truly grateful.
(You will notice a marked lack of news about the rest of the relatives and the old farm; this is not accidental. Most of you already know what happened anyway.)
We definitely lightened our load even further on this trip! Had a huge sale - broke all my old yardsale records! - and now have only a tiny unit with the last few treasures that we simply don't yet have room for here. Much was given away, and a few last armloads of books traded at the best bookstore I've ever come across anywhere, Bonners Books. I managed to use up all my credit there too, which means new books coming over soon! Mike built 4 wooden crates to fill a 4'x4' pallet, 4' tall, which will ship out from Port of Seattle on Sunday and make its way to Port of Hilo within 2-3 weeks. One of the crates is filled with books! Now that we have the dehumidifiers to keep the damp under control, it's not so nerve-wracking to bring our treasured tomes to the island.
Another few days with Kerry, much cooler temps and a really nice time, and then HOME AT LAST!!!!! YES!!!
We gave ourselves a few days to decompress, rising early each morning to watch the sunrise over the ocean (our inner clocks still on west coast time). Hacked back the jungle and mowed the lawns right away - it's just astounding how much things grew in only 3 weeks! Lots of banana peppers, tomatoes & kale in the screenhouse; chickens all healthy and happy (mahalo Ivy & Tim!). Vacation rental guests were nicely settled in (mahalo Willow!). And our studio was just exactly as we left it.
And now life is getting back into full swing. This weekend we will be attending a Gourmet Camp-Out with our International Dinner group. A great chance to try out our new camping gear! It'll take place at Kalopa State Park, way up on the Hamakua Coast. We've never been there before but are looking forward to hiking through huge old trees, visiting & eating with friends, sleeping in our tent, and just generally having a good time.
Lots of grandkid pics will follow, but not today... I gotta get going. It's another beautiful day here on the Big island, after a rainy night and morning, and I want to get outside!
A hui hou,
Liz
