Louie, Bernice, Don and Daisy

We've taken a hiatus from the hot tub. Like everyone else, have been following the devastating news of the earthquake in Turkey. It seems unconscionable to carry on with one's own daily life when others have to deal with such terrors. There is a mourning and of course the frustration at not being able to do anything other than "pay and pray." Thankfully many countries have mobilized to help in the rescue effort and then hopefully help with rebuilding. So many lives lost. And not forgetting the Ukraine as they battle daily against the beast Putin. It's the sickening and demented people who place greed over peace and prosperity for all.

After a day at the condo we went out to dinner Monday night at our very favorite restaurant and bar in Princeville, Happy Talk. We really enjoyed hearing Falling Down Romance perform there last year and connected with the vocalist between songs. She's a dynamic performer who at one time played with Cirque de Soleil. Kellan saw online that Monday nights are their night at Happy Talk so off we went. We put in our names for a table and then wandered Hanalei Bay Resort's gorgeous grounds. They have a magical view down the hillside to Hanalei Bay. Tropical aesthetics abound with lit tiki torches, volcanic rocks, water features, lawn games, lush flora and of course the mountains and ocean as a backdrop. We played a ball and string game (ladder toss) where you throw two balls connected by a string at a 3 tiered stand. We had some fun competition among the 3 of us. Our table at the bar was perfectly situated to take in the view. For drinks I had a Hawaiian Mule, Clayton had a Happy Talk Mai Tai and Kellan a non alcoholic pina colada. I had their volcano poke bowl (warm and inverted), Kellan had their marinara pasta and Clayton had the fish tacos. A scrumptious evening. We chatted briefly again with the singer. They performed great as always.

Tuesday We had a relaxing day of reading and homework while Clayton put in another full day of work starting at 4 am Hawaii time. Then we went to check out the thrift store in Kilauea. We came home with books, of course. Then we headed over to Hanalei to the very cool rock shop we found last year. The cashier was super cool. This was her no stress job. By trade she's a chef and previously worked for Roy Yamaguchi's Tavern that we loved so much. She filled us in on the latest about the Princeville Golf course progress or lack of it. It's a spectacular piece of property which was bought by a foreign billionaire who meant to turn it into luxury housing. This was not well received and has been stymied by the locals. So, he uses this fabulous facility now to play pool in the once renowned restaurant. Crazy! This lovely lady has mostly retired from cooking except to to help friends out and is a private chef and is transitioning to being a farmer. She owns 2 1/5 acres of farmland and takes her produce to the restaurants. We really enjoyed getting to know her story. Also, she had a meningioma which caused a grand mal seizure 5 years ago and she had to have a very tricky brain surgery to remove it. She's all recovered now but wow! We enjoyed some Hawaiian ice cream after that. I had the Kona coffee and haupia (coconut), Kellan and Clayton had chocolate and I also tried the Ube (purple sweet potato) which I thought was really good.

We came home and made ravioli in cream sauce for dinner which we enjoyed on the lanai while looking out on the ocean. Later we took a walk to the cliff side for sunset. Majestic as always.

In my days of reading and writing on the lanai (porch or patio) I have made friends with several couples of nenes (hawaiian geese). They've obviously been tended to by occupants of this condo as they are very friendly (too?) and wait patiently (usually) for handouts whilst they graze on grass and assert their dominance of territory over other couples. Yesterday I also had a couple of roosters and hens stop by. I haven't named them yet as they aren't frequent visitors. Whereas just as soon as the dawn broke upon the well tended lawn outside our condo Louie and Bernice glided in. As soon as they heard the screen door open they hurriedly waddled on over anticipating cheerios and bananas like yesterday. So far I've refrained, wanting to teach them patience and to not beg for food by nibbling at my exposed toes, heals and elbows which became their habit yesterday. Daisy was the worst. Twisting my elbow skin like she could get a piece of it off. Fun fact, your elbow skin is called your weenus. A word my children have had (and still do) no end of fun with.