February ~ Love, Birthdays and Other Sports...

It's the busy season when you're part of the Aitchison Ohana. Christmas is really the kick-off, then the boys' birthdays, then Valentines, then Robert's birthday and we'll round it out with our anniversary in March. We'll get some down time until June and the girls' birthdays. Whew!
So let's get down to the nitty-gritty of winter in Maui. Yes, we do have seasons here - it's just a more gentle transition. Cooler, yes. Cold, no. More rain, but not as in Seattle rain. We still go to the beach, we still wear shorts but occasionally we wear sweatshirts at night and early in the morning. I even put my pink fuzzy slippers on ONE TIME. The plumerias lose their leaves and bloom  far less. The sugar cane blooms as do the ti plants. (Didn't know that). I made soup and chili. It's even gotten into the 60s  at night. Brrrrrrr.
Had a couple of mainland visits recently - Brent and Donna Leever were over in Wailea and came up for a hike out to Peahi (Jaws) and a dinner at Colleen's. So good to see them! Then Ann and Roger Wong came for lunch - again at Colleen's (I should get a commission). They have a timeshare in Kaanapali and are here for a month. There's something comforting in visits from friends from the mainland. It makes the Pacific a little smaller gap between our new life and our old one.
So what's new on Apala Farm? Well, the fence is almost finished. At the risk of using an already over-used word, it has been an EPIC undertaking. I thought fencing our acre in Santa Rosa was difficult - and that was almost 36 years ago when I was 20 and Robert was 30. True, we had a hillside to do, but try fencing 2 acres when you're 56 and 66!! We've had some help from the ward and John even the missionaries, but Robert has slugged away at it consistently. I've done my part, but I've been in a supporting role rather than the star. Just a 4' piece left and some tying off and WE ARE PAU HANA!
Other news...our little Empty Nester group is a smashing hit. We meet one Monday night per month at rotating houses for potluck and an activity. We have a core of about 25 people that accordians depending on the weather and holidays but it's a lovely group and lots of good fun.
So there's the update. Do I still love it here? Yep, more every day. Do I miss my friends and family? Yep, more every day. Would I change anything? Nope - just my weight, but hey, that's doable. For today, I'm celebrating LOVE. Happy Valentines Everyone!

2014 - Are you sure? Wasn't it just 1986?

Another new year has arrived. I was sure it would, but still it's encouraging that I'm still around to see it.

On New Year's Eve morning, John and Rachel arrived for a visit. So excited to see them both ~ especially my baby boy. Who's my favorite child? Whichever one I'm currently with.

New Years' traditional neighborhood fireworks put the dogs into crazed anxiety allowing me the rare opportunity to sleep on the couch with Toby on my chest and Pearl at my side. At least until 1am and the fireworks stopped and I kicked their furry butts outside.

John celebrated his 19th birthday here with zip lining upside down in the trees of Haiku over at North Shore Zip. Typical.

Then up to Kapalua to attend the Hyundai Tournament of Champions. That would be a GOLF tournament. Out of the four of us, one was thrilled to be there. I'll let you figure out who that was.

We had so much fun with Rachel, I was sad to see her go. She didn't even seem fazed that John wore a dress to church:

Ok, it wasn't a dress, it was a lava-lava and nobody bats an eye if you wear one to church here. Traditional Poly wear.
So, it was a fun-filled, wonderful start to the New Year to have our baby boy visit us in Paradise. I think 2014 is going to be great!