September 1st...Really?

I had to double check my calender - twice. Hard to believe I've been here three full months now. It's a new life for sure, but living on Maui is only part of it.
I'm going to allow myself one paragraph to lament. I've begun to experience the "empty nest" syndrome. I find myself pining for the days of busy, busy, busy with my kids as the center of my universe. But then I remember it is a season past and living on Maui isn't the cause for the change in seasons. I bolster myself with the sweet knowledge that the memories will be mine forever and all of my children are embarking on wonderful lives. Ok...I'm done.
Well, we bought a car. Not just a car, but a b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l 2007 Toyota Prius. I just love it! Robert found it on Craigslist over on Oahu and after some quick airline reservations, a fast phone call to Ray Reynolds over in Waimanalo, a whirlwind day on Oahu and a week and a half waiting for shipping, we are burning up the Maui roads at a stunning 47mpg. Whoa!!! After the last 3 months of 15mpgs in the Whopper, I feel like I'm getting away with murder!

        This is the best picture. The juxtaposition of the Hog and the Hybrid! Isn't she cute though?

We still find joy in every day here on Maui. I think it would be the sin of ingratitude if we didn't. The real myth of Hawaiian life is that every day is the same. Nothing could be further from the truth. Each day, each HOUR is different and brings with it joyous discovery (if you're looking for it). The highlight of our week was an impromptu dinner down at the beach. We had spent most of the day working around the farm and fretting over building department issues we're still working through in Santa Rosa (ugh). I proposed that I make a nice bento (box lunch) dinner and we go down to the beach for the sunset.  It was a beautiful evening with barely a breeze so we packed up our dinner and headed to nearby Ho'okipa Beach park.

Robert swam for a while - there was virtually no swell that evening, I delighted in the babies on the beach and we enjoyed a delicious dinnner. The sunset was breathtaking:

Then, around 7pm, the TURTLES BEGAN TO COME ASHORE!

By the time we left at dark there were between 20-25 turtles (some the size of our dinner table) on the beach. It was an amazing experience.

So that my friends, is what life here is like for me. Do I still have problems? Yep, they're still rollin' in. Do I miss my kids? Like crazy. Does my body still ache a little when I get up in the morning? Every day. Am I ready for bed by 9:30? Oh yeah! But I've got to say, I'm still living the dream, loving my life and feeling grateful for every breath!