August 2013

I see the end of Summer fast approaching.  Although endless summer is our lot in Hawaii, it is a boon for me because I am walking almost normally after a 2.5 year ankle injury that has been so deblilitating.  TG for the essential oils.  No wonder I have heard the reference to being an "OILER".  I could study all day and not get bored.  Balance and order in my day is becoming so necessary for a sense of accomplishment and improved health.  We are consulting and learning and aligning ourselves with so many wonderful like minded folk who pursue a clean, green, healthier lifestyle and that inspiration and encouragement from one another is so satisfying. 

Personal discipline is not my forte.  Neither in the areas of routine, and same, same every day.  That will be my Waterloo! 

FALL (is) Back 2013

Turning 69 in Sept. was a day I could forget.  Benjamin softened the blow by asking what we were going to do this year for my "Birthday week" since he knows I usually  "milk it" for all it's worth. 

I had to chuckle to think that he finally got it a little late.

 

I actually feel the change in the "seasons" here, though they are subtle. It must be old programming from 30 years on the East Coast. By Sept. as the Earth's tilt causes a change in our exposure to the sun and the air becomes more misty and school starts the entire feeling changes. Mornings are cooler and I start thinking about Fall and my memories of teaching and hearing the kids on our little lane hurrying and piling into their parent's car remind me of so many great experiences. By October, I am looking for excuses to change my household decor and ready my "Hazel witch" for her big reveal. I have my mother's antique cauldron and Hazel sits atop a Pumpkin with her broom(s) and autumn leaves (fake). This year I added a big ceramic Toad from my garden. A sign behind her reads. "Witch parking only, all others will be TOAD!" I really need to learn how to add photos and stop relying on Benjamin. It rains on cue every Halloween so that adds to the Fall feeling. Now the leaves are falling off my Plumeria trees and the Palm fronds are adding to the debris on the ground. The air changes throughout the day. August is our hottest month and I welcome Sept. What I love best is that the evenings are balmy and have a slight breeze and we can sit on the lanai and relax 'till all hours with friends. By November it is still comfortably warm and we enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner with the doors open and never feel a chill. I have planted my Fall flowers and changed the colors from the Vinca pastels to the oranges and russets of Chrysanthemums and marigolds along our walkway. December is already getting cooler with more rain. We call it Island snow and it is so fine, it glistens as we drive at night. Sadly, all the stores are completely decorated with Christmas now. Our grandbaby Ken will be two on Dec. 22nd and I want to decorate this year since I abandoned the thought last year. He'll have his first distinct impression/ memory of Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Instead of "over the river and through the woods" it will be over the mountain and rivers and through the tunnel and up the Windward Coast to Grandparent's home in the country by the beach! Just talking about it has gotten me all enthused about the Holidays. Mahalo for the reminder of seasonal change, Hawaiian style. <3 font="">

 

Two of my college roommates from the mainland, Barbara (Tony) and Sherron (Terry) as well as Ronnie (Clarence) from Makakilo have been spending a lot of time together since Barbara and Tony have rented a home or a month nearby. 

All of us got together at Wet and Wild yesterday.  That capped off our Summer fun!