It’s here…our last day in Paradise! Can you feel my despair? I want to stay another week! It’s been heavenly!
Been out and about all day…and now…somehow….I have got to get everything back into my suitcase! I’m thinking it’s 100% possible that I am going to come home with more luggage than I left with! I’m just saying….
So, until I connect with you again from Sweet Home Alabama…ALOHA
*Just a few pics from the beach—Why, NO, I’m not ashamed to show you a pic of me in a swimsuit!
Joy and I left around 11 and went to an art show by some of the islands leading artists. We found several things that begged to go home with us. And, in the Spirit of Aloha…we agreed to take them to Alabama. Well, wouldn’t you have done the same thing?
We found some wonderful jewelry pieces also, and beautiful quilts with ancient Hawaiian designs. We thoroughly enjoyed walking through the art that was displayed there…and finding a piece of two to buy!
Realizing that we never ate breakfast or lunch, we decided to go to Kimo’s, a restaurant in town. It has a wonderful back deck that sits over the water. Why, LOOK! Here we are now!
This one of my most favorite places to eat when I am here. And, they have a dessert called Hula Pie, that is extraordinary. So, we had a plan. We had a cool, fruity drink (the kind safe for kids to drink) and then ordered lunch. Joy had fresh fish and I ordered coconut crusted mahimahi with a Caesar salad and rice. The fish was covered with a mango, onion salsa. It all smelled divine, and I was starving!
Surely you put fresh orchids on your plates, don’t you? Well, the first bite burned my throat…and the second bite did, too. There would be no 3rd bite…because I felt so sick so quickly that we had to leave. Instead of doing the things we had planned, we hurried back to the motel. I was nauseous, and weak, and then I started itching. I was obviously very allergic to whatever was in the salsa. So, I was in the bed for the afternoon. Fortunately I had some benedryl with me and took it…but it sure put a kink in the day. I am still itching, but feeling MUCH better now. Not to worry, Pop…I’m fine!
Tomorrow is our last day…so we will be up early with much to do and see! Then heading home on Tuesday! And, yes, I know I haven’t posted Saturday, but I will!
Yes, I know that I’ve skipped Saturday. I’ll go back to it…but right now I just want to share our Sunday morning experience.
I came to Maui a couple of years ago with my 2 BFF, Shirl and Tina. We stayed at this hotel, and discovered that they had a morning worship service. So, as I was planning this trip I chose the same hotel and made sure we were here on a Sunday!
We met under a thatched roof, open air pavilion on the grounds of the hotel. They provide it free of charge to this ministry. This happens to be the only hotel on this part of the island that does. The ministry is run by a lady in her 70’s. She became ordained, moved to Maui, and started this ministry. She marries people weekly, and has a benevolence team to help those in need, and she does this service on Sundays.
It was so neat that right in the midst of people having breakfast in the open air restaurant, people splashing in the pool, people lounging on chairs soaking up the rays, people in the bar ordering drinks…there was also a group of people worshiping and thanking the Maker and Provider of it all! God is so good. His creations are evidence of his glory.
We sang together and prayed together..people of all faiths. There was a family band who sang with ukulele. They danced the hula and led us in worship. Then we read from the Bible and heard a message on the Lord’s Prayer. Such a sweet service, and God was right there in our midst!
I delight in breathing the sea air. I love seeing the trees, gnarled and twisted by the wind. I love sitting on the balcony and watching the ocean and occasionally seeing the whales in a distance as the break the surface. I love the scents of flowers in every hue. And, I love the fruits that taste so much ‘fruitier’ here. God is good! God is great!
I thank God for the beauty and majesty of His creation. He made this place just for me! And, you, too. And, you!
I thank Pop for making it possible for Joy and I to be here for this time together. You are a very special man. We give you honor and thanks for who you are and the legacy you live.
Gotta go! Time for the next adventure! There is one waiting around every corner…and we are trying to take advantage of every single one!
“This is the day that the Lord has made!” We intend to rejoice and be happy in it! Hope you do, too!
Up on Saturday with a few plans for another day of fun! And it was! Fortunately, we were there for another art show held at the Banyan Tree Park in Lahaina. It is held several times throughout the year and features some wonderful artists.
When Don and I were there 2 years ago, we bought a wonderful print on canvas that we both loved. It is now hanging in the Creek House. AND, I found some more prints today to hang in our bedroom. Just have to take them to the framers. Joy found a few pieces as well.
I know that I am getting older and forgetful, and so is Joy! But, we didn’t realize, until we saw this pic that we were dressed so much alike! Great minds, you know!
When we left the art show, we decided to go Upcountry to some little towns I know of. They are located on the drive going to Hana. But, they are not too far up, so the drive is not bad at all. When you make this drive…to the town of Paia, you pass some beautiful churches. Here is one of them…it is so beautiful. And, the grounds are immaculate.
And, this is another one that sits in a fork in the road. I know it’s hard to tell, but the roof is copper, and has the most beautiful verdi gris patina.
Now, this is the reason that I went Upcountry. I wanted Joy to see this view. This picture is not good, so it is hard to see what is so beautiful. The pic is a little cloudy looking, and actually I made this picture when I was there with Don. So, all the land that looks barren, is covered now with tall green sugar cane. If you click on the picture, I think it may be easier to see. I love the way the mountain comes right down to the ocean. And, the palm trees swaying against the aqua of the ocean, is so peaceful and calm. I like the angles the mountains make as they slope down to the ocean twice. I wish I had a better picture. This is my favorite scene in the whole island.
Now, the little old hippie town of Paia is also the home of my favorite restaurant on the island, Mama’s Fish House. It is not just my fav, but the most popular restaurant there…so you really need a reservation. Well, after we had driven up there, we decided that we should just go by and check and see if it was possible to eat there today. We thought that since we were there early evening, there may be a chance. It was about 4:30. We asked the valet guy what the chances were and he said good, so we decided to give it a try. And, when I told the gentleman at the desk that I didn’t have a reservation, he said, “No problem…I can seat you right now.” And, so he did…seat us, that is. We had a wonderful table. It is open air, and very rustic. The floors are wood, but the roof is about 6 large canvas umbrellas. And, the view here is wonderful! Awe inspiring!
Notice the concrete walkway. All the leaves and impressions were hand done using real leaves.
Pics made inside…
OK, just look at this food! Joy ordered fresh Mahimahi (caught that morning) stuffed with lobster, salmon and crab. It was accompanied by fried rice, fresh corn and served on a bed of fresh asparagus.
Now, this is mine. It is a traditional Hawaiian dish called Lau Lau. It is layers of Mahimahi, Salmon and and Kahlua pork, on a bed of rice…wrapped in ti leaves, and steamed. They open the steamed package at the table, and then pour warm coconut milk, right from the shell,all over the top. It is served with chunks of sweet potatoes and taro. Also grilled fruit…banana, pineapple and mango. Divine!
And, a meal this yummy just calls for dessert to top it off.
After our dinner, we walked down to the water’s edge. Here is a wonderful gathering of beautiful rocks, lava and coral.
Look at this wonderful heart shaped rock! This is where I found the other one that Tina brought back home for me and is now in my pool fountain. Joy discovered this one…but she refused to carry it home for me. I couldn’t understand why she would refuse this one little request from her dearest sister. So, there it lays…until I return. Maybe I’ll take an extra suitcase next time just for big rocks! :0)
Here she is…hands on hips…stubbornly refusing to help a sister out!
AND…can you believe she made this picture of me when I was in a moment of distress. No, no, I’m not dancing. I was trying to keep from falling on my rear end in the sand and rocks…and she was laughing at me!!! And, making pictures of me!!
Oh, we had a fun day! We laughed like we were 16…riding around in our silver ‘cool car’…the wind whipping our hair around. Well, it didn’t really whip…it’s too short. Mostly it just blew straight up and out! But, I’m sure we looked really young and cool anyway!
Unfortunately, we had NO time to visit the shops in Paia and Makawao. But, it was a beautiful ride the 36 miles back to the motel. Lights were reflecting off the water, and flickers of brightness skipped up the mountains. The moon was so bright, and it cast a beam of whiteness across the dark ocean waters. I wonder if whales sleep. There! and there! It is so bright the palm trees are silhouetted against the sky. It’s magical! So, we’ll come back before we leave. Oh! My! Time is getting short…
It is Saturday. But, I am blogging Friday, because I could not last night. It was a wonderful day, but oh, so long…and hard. If you have ever been whale hunting…you understand!
We left the motel in our fun convertible…heading for the Lahaina Harbor.
While we waited at the dock to board our boat, another boat came in from an early morning fishing catch. I know that some of these are Mahimahi, the rest are just fish.
We chose to sail with the Pacific Whale Foundation. This group is dedicated to the preservation of all marine life in the Pacific.
After we boarded we listened to the safety speech, and then the captain shared quite a bit of information with us about the whales. Very interesting!
And, I was very happy to be on this boat, with the wind in my hair, and the cool breeze upon my face, and the sun on my shoulders…yes, all was right with the world. UNTIL…I saw this sign plastered on the boat…
This is what we are hunting- Mama humpback whale and her baby humpback whale.
Here is our first sighting. Can you tell that there are 3 whales here? In the middle is Mama….and in front is Baby. Behind them both is an escort whale. HE is not there to escort the Mama and Baby and keep them safe or anything like that. Nooooo–he is there for one reason and one reason only. Procreation is his game. Shame on him for coming between a Mama and her newborn, who doesn’t even know how to breathe properly yet!
Here is our second sighting…
The only thing that got shot on this hunt…other than the whales…was this shot Joy managed to take. I was telling those whales to “hang loose”. I explained to them that I had only allotted these few hours to go whale hunting. I explained to them that as much as I loved being out in their element…I had places to go, things to see, and shops to conquer! This time was just for them.
And, before long…this…THIS happened! Look at this marvelous animal! Look at how she shot toward the heavens! Absolutely unbelievable! Before we could blink an eye..she was gone. Back to her home beneath the boat. Perhaps she was playing…perhaps she was showing her baby how to breach like her. Or, perhaps she heard me when I said that if she did not show herself I would have to put up with Joy crying all the way back to Alabama! I tried with all my might to get her picture…but, all I managed to capture was the spray that was left when she went back to her mothering duties. So, this is not a picture I made. But, it looked exactly like this. EXACTLY!
We saw the Mama and Baby several more times. But, not another breach like above. We did manage to see her roll through the water…and leave us with a quick flick of her fluke! Fantastic!
At one point, the captain stopped dead in the water, and cut the motors. All was quiet. Then she dropped the microphones down into the waters. And, we heard the songs of the whales. We heard them talking to one another. It was amazing! Each family group has its own song. They can always find their families. How God cares for all His creatures!
And, our adventure in the deep blue sea ended. What fun! And, awe inspiring! Such creatures, of such strength and intelligence! I love these words from Psalms. I have used them with the kids at school in the past.
“Oh, Lord, how many are your works! In wisdom you have made them all. The Earth is full of Your possessions. There is the great and wide sea, which is teeming with creatures-too many to count; living things both great and small. There the ships sail about; there is the Leviathan which You made to play there.” Psalm 104:24-26
I am a Christian woman who has survived many years on the planet. God has blessed me with a wonderful family: husband, 3 sons, a dear DIL, and a precious grandson. I also have dear friends to keep me inspired. I am an artist of sorts and am finding my way through the great blessing of retirement. I recently retired after 20 years as a music teacher. Life is good!
My Boys
"All your sons will be taught by the Lord; and great will be their peace." Isaiah 54:13
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Hello, my name is Everly. I am a blogger living in New York. This is my blog, where I post about interior design and decoration. Never miss out on new stuff.
Hello, my name is Everly. I am a blogger living in New York. This is my blog, where I post about interior design and decoration. Never miss out on new stuff.