October - Time is going by so fast it's SPOOKY!

Alone...on an island...in the middle of the Pacific. Well, ok, I'm not really alone but my man has left me for the mainland - temporarily. Last Wednesday, Robert headed back to NoCal for a visit with John and a few honey-dos at our home in Santa Rosa. The pool had gotten out of hand and it was time to pump the septic. What a fun trip! Algae and, well, you know. He is having a fun visit with Kaylen and John and wrapping up the loose ends of building permits. The dogs and I are holding down the fort at Apala Farm. So the moment Robert boards his plane, what happens? The kitchen sink leaks. Not just drip, drip, drip - we're talking Lake Erie. Being Mrs. Goodwrench, I jump into action, taking apart the U bend, reseating the joints, tightening, loosening, whatever and VOILA! No more leak!

The pot will remain under the sink until Robert returns.
Progress (outside of plumbing setbacks) on Apala Farm continues. The property is pretty much clear of cane grass, except for the persistent new growth, and maintenance has diminished to mowing. New plants are added all the time - my plumeria keikis are going into the ground today, along with the mountain apple. Before he left, Robert and I erected a Costco storage tent for the ATV and lawn tractor. And....(drum roll please) WE HAVE A NEW FRONT DOOR!! The old door had to go. Every time it rained, the skin of the door would curl more. Put in a lovely oval glass door that closes perfectly (with no gap underneath for mice, geckos, roaches etc. to waltz into our house) and looks great!
So yesterday was cleaning day. And laundry day. I promised myself if I did all my chores, I could go to the beach so inspired by the prospect of the sun and the sea, I dug in, sweated a bunch and made my house sparkle. Packed up some crackers and, of course, a Diet Coke and headed up to Lahaina. It was a beautiful day up there, light breeze - just enough to keep it a bit cooler, crystal clear and very pleasant. Walked the beach, sat in my chair, drank my Diet Coke and contemplated my blessings.

Inspired by the beauty of the day, instead of jamming back Upcountry, I stopped several times to snap a few more pictures.

 Near Thousand Peaks