Sunday May 26, 2024
I have decided on a pattern for the floor in the bathroom at Ahi.
“X” marks the spot!”
I will pour a big “X” from corner to corner. So I poured one leg of the “X”.
I set up the mixer at the bottom of the driveway where I have created a large pile of sand and gravel. With the generator nearby, I mix about a wheelbarrow full each load.
I have also put together the drain lines for the toilet at Holowai.
I still need a pipe to connect this to the septic tank!
Monday May 27, 2024
I set up forms for the opposing cross in the “X” as well as a 6″ wide stem wall around the perimiter of the bathroom.
I threw in some rebar and mixed up some concrete.
Then went down to Honuapo to sit in the ocean.
The sky was a bit clearer today
And the waves a little stronger. But the lava is always the same!
Tuesday May 28, 2024
Set up the mixer at Ahi again.
This time, I added a bit of color to the mix.
Poured the last sections of the floor.
Filling in the triangles created from the “X” pattern.
Then got out the mower and mowed in front of the Ahi property and started along the road. The wire came loose from the terminal inside again, so I put it back in place and used some electrical tape to hold it in place. Big mistake.
The loose connection got so hot, it started the tape on fire and burned thru the top cover of the lawnmower! I think that is the end of the mower!
Back at Holowai, I have bell peppers growing in a pot!
Wednesday May 29, 2024
My hibiscus is looking like it will flower again with two flowers.
I also have quite a few strawberry guava plants producing small fruits.
The fruit is smaller than a ping pong ball, and a real challenge to get open and get the pulp out. There are lots of seeds, but they taste great!
I went to the hardware store in OceanView and picked up a piece of PVC pipe to connect my drain lines to the septic system at Holowai.
Then I went over to Ahi.
Last night, it looked like it was going to rain and I did not want the rain to ruin my new floor in the bathroom, so I covered it with plastic.
This morning, I uncovered it and removed the last of the forms.
Thursday May 30, 2024
My hibiscus has bloomed – both flowers!
At Ahi, I have guavas on the trees
The waves are crashing a bit taller at Honuapu
I spent some time down at the ocean
I leave to go back to the mainland next week, so I wanted to come down to the ocean.
I never get tired of watching this.
Friday, May 31, 2024
The birds keep coming by for a snack. The honeycreepers seem to be ruling the roost while the redheaded cardinals wait in the wings.
They are going to miss me when I’m gone! OK, They won’t miss ME . . . they will miss getting free food!
I picked some of the guavas
The door panels at Ahi began falling apart, so I spent the day putting them back together.
I got tired of sitting on the bed with my computer on my lap, so I decided to put together a desk!
When I come back, I will need to sand it and varnish it!
Saturday June 1, 2024
I spent the day laying block on the last of the four corners.
True, . . . it didn’t take all day. I also began the process of sorting through stuff in preparation for going back to the mainland in a few days.
Sunday June 2, 2024
I poured another step at the bottom of my garden steps. Continuing to make life a bit easier – less stumbling around in the dark!
I also sorted through my food stuff in the kitchen, . . .deciding, what to leave in . . .what to leave out!
And as Bob Seger says, I’ve got so much more to think about
Deadlines and commitments
What to leave in, what to leave out
I’m older now but still running
Against the wind
Well I’m older now and still running
Against the wind
And I started on the columns for the gazebo extension.
Monday June 3, 2024
As I drive down the dirt roads, there is a “clunk” coming from the front suspension of the truck. Something is loose under there.
I look under the truck at the sway bar and the control arms. I see that one of the sway bar links is loose and the bushings at the end are worn.
Something to take care of when I return. Either I will order a set of these and have them delivered or I will bring them back with me when I come.
I make sure all my tools are put away, take down the solar panels from the roof of the shed, and trust that everything will be here when I get back.
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
The day has come. I go back to the mainland today. My neighbor drops me off at 8:00 am at the bus stop in Waiohinu.
I ride the bus to Kona and get on a plane around 1 Pm and another Hawaii adventure comes to an end!
TTFN
TropicalCastaway 