All by myself

 Allison left last night back home, so I am on my own again. It was really good to have the company to hang out with.

On Thursday we went upcountry to a place called Kula to visit the botanical gardens there. It felt very peaceful and quiet. Lots of beautiful plants as well as some scary ones. They had one tiny little section full of poisonous plants, called the Taboo Garden. 

Thursday night we went to a lovely restaurant called Cuatro and had a birthday dinner. We both had some fish and it was cooked to perfection. So tasty. It has kind of been quite international in our food choices, we had Indian, Mexican, Korean Chicken, American, Hawaiian cookie sandwiches and shaved ice. 

A Woman and Her Mai Tai

re-enactment of J. drinking mai tai

 

I didn't take a photo of Judith's inaugural mai tai on night one, so here is a dramatization for you. This was at Maui Brewing, where the beer was incredible. Even the non alcoholic one! (I had sip of J's). I drank a hibiscus saison. 

Before I came to Maui, my friend Louise said it is the most temperate, good-smelling place to go. Turns out, she is right. I have realized that regardless of weather, I'm never a bit too hot or a bit too cold the way that I am always at home. I likely won't move here, since homes average $1.1 million. As Judith observed, when there is a pandemic, the economy tanks. 

They are having their elections here. The news says it's lots of candidates - 6, most of whom were in city government before. Only one candidate is identified as "progressive" on climate change, economic diversification, etc. And I think she's the only woman running? 

Today we are going to go to a botanical garden. We are going in the morning, because if we go to beach in the morning, we stay there the whole day. Yesterday's beach was beautiful with dramatic waves. Lifeguards made announcements about not going into water unless you really know this particular beach. They saved one kid who was in danger of going farther out. It looked like the lifeguard then let the kid enjoy some waves while holding him, but maybe was just waiting for the other guard to come help. Judith took a moment to thank them for their service. 

My hair looks incredible after being in salt water. 

Maui

 What a beautiful place!! The condo is across the street from a beach, the water is warm and the sand is fine. We have not been doing too much other than going to the beach and just hanging out. On Tuesday we did go to the aquarium, which was really good. There were baby sharks, lots of colourful  fish and turtles. 

The turtle is the one I saw on the beach across from our condo.

Tonight Allison is taking me out for a fancy dinner to celebrate my birthday.

Happy Fathers Day to all the Fathers in the Family

 

 Richard has been saying for quite some time that he was going to come for Sunday dinner some day. Some day arrived last weekend and it was a great time. Laura and Allison drove down on Sunday and there were lots of cackles happening all day. And a bit of serious talk.

Richard brought presents, which ensures he will be invited again. The best was he brought a pair of Lisa's shoes for each of us. Some of them Fluevogs!

By the time everyone left on Monday morning I was feeling sick. Went to bed and stayed there until Wednesday. Thursday morning I was sick again so stayed in bed most of the day. Did not even feel like reading or watching tv. But I feel better today. I did take a couple of covid tests which were negative. The weather has been cool and rainy so I didn't miss any yard time.

Honolulu

Trip to Hawaii went pretty well. I stayed overnight at the Calgary airport hotel and ran into some I knew!! 

With all the walking to gates and baggage claim in the three airports I logged over 10 thousand steps, so lots of walking. The first flight I had the row to myself which was great. I gave myself lots of time to go through security but did not really need it, better to be safe than sorry. Vancouver same thing, so I had a late lunch and did a lot of people watching while waiting for my next flight. That flight was full, so no empty row for me!!

The hotel is nice, right across from the beach and they upgraded me to view room, so sitting on the lanai I can watch the waves and all the people trying to surf. Very relaxing. I can also see a little bit of Diamond Head through the tall buildings. I was not feeling much like walking around, so spent a good part of the day on the lanai and napping in the very comfortable bed. When I am back after Maui I can take in the sights.

A short flight today to Maui, check into the condo this afternoon. Allison arrives around 9:30 so will pick her up in the little Ford Fiesta.

The Blog is Back

 I was talking to Sam after his trip to the Stans, and he thought he would post pictures and some text all about his trip on the Family Blog. So this made me think I would like to start contributing to the Blog again. It's a good way to keep up with everyone.

This was a very good weekend, lots of company, Richard, Laura and Allison all came for a visit. Always so good to see everyone, especially Richard. Theresa made me a birthday cake Sunday night since I will be away on the actual day. My favourite chocolate cake with chocolate icing. I feel like you are not really celebrating unless chocolate cake is involved. 

We played a couple of games, Richard won 2 out of 3, Theresa won1. Some people went for walks, some did not. I did one of the things I hate most in the world, packing for a trip. I got it done, and Allison and I drove to Edmonton this morning. I am staying at a hotel downtown and tomorrow morning I will go for my treatment and then catch the bus to the Calgary Airport, stay overnight and then fly out Wednesday afternoon to Vancouver and then Hawaii, arriving there about 9:30 Hawaii time. Aloha!!