One rainy night...

Winter on Kauai means rainy season. We were usually there in winter.

Mornings were lovely, with glorious sunrises over the golf course. But clouds are what make it glorious. Occasionally, we would urge guests at the breakfast table to step over to the windows to see a double rainbow over the ocean... which meant that a rain shower had just passed through. And usually, it cleared off between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m..

But the winter of '95 took us by surprise. It was socked in with gray, pouring rain for two days without let up. 9 inches of rain the first day, and 13 inches the next. We had guests in all but one room. (One couple ordered pizza in, delivered. Smart people).

We heard that Hanalei was flooded. We had to go to the grocery store at Princeville Center, so drove on over to the lookout (the photo above), and all we could see was muddy water coming down from those mountains, and flowing over the roadbed of the one-lane bridge to Hanalei Valley.

Up on the highway, not far from the Center, there's a heavy metal gate beside the road that the police pull closed, so that traffic cannot go on down to Hanalei at times like this. Now, it was closed.

When we got back to the house, there was a phonecall from a couple looking for a room for the night. (We rent the rooms for a minimum of three nights, usually).

Leif and Sylvia were from the Mainland, visiting their parents who live in Hanalei. They had driven up to the Center, to get groceries, in particular chickens for barbecuing. But now, the gate was closed and they couldn't get back. They needed to get the chickens into a refrigerator. Just because it's raining doesn't mean it's cold. It was probably 84 degrees out.

They had asked around at the Center, and someone knew there was a B&B in Princeville, which might have a room available. We told them that guests had just vacated the room that morning, and we still had to clean it, but if they'd give us time, we'd have it ready by 6 p.m. (Bob even charged them $10 extra for the rush.. which they didn't mind a bit.)

They came, soaked to the bone, hair dripping wet, looking desperate, and packed their big load of chickens into the tiny room refrigerator, and put the rest of their perishables in the main kitchen fridge. Then they went out to buy some clothes, and toothbrushes and combs, and to have some supper. When they got back the room was ready.

We hardly recognized them at breakfast the next morning. Hot showers and shampoo had done wonders for this handsome guy and his beautiful blonde wife. When we asked the blessing at the table, they were delighted to find out we were Christians. And the conversation came easily, as they felt led to Hale 'Aha, the House of Gathering and refuge.

The high school kids in Princeville didn't have to go to school that day, because the bus couldn't get through. So, here they came up our street, in their bikinis, flip flops and trunks, carrying their boogie boards. Up on the golf course, the rain water was coursing down toward the culvert which led to the ocean. The culvert was overflowing. The kids took turns catching the "wave" and riding it down the golf course, swerving down the banks of the culvert and riding the water as far as they could go, and up the sides to return to the starting point again. Where else in the world can kids ride their boogie boards on a golf course? Only on Kauai!!!

Among our favorite guests...

The year was 1996, when a soft-spoken gentleman from England brought his bright, engaging bride from America to Hale 'Aha for their honeymoon... in the Honeymoon Suite, appropriately.

His accent made it difficult to understand him, so we relied on her "interpretation." They had traveled to many interesting countries, so had lots to talk about. They had met in Australia. They already had their wedding photos, to share with anyone who wanted to see them. Andy in striped pants, long tails and ascot tie, as a proper English groom, and Wanda in an off-white satin jacketed, flowing long skirt. Elegant! They even brought a box of their wedding chocolates (made by Fascia's of Connecticut) which melted in our mouths.

Every Christmas since then, they have sent us a box of Fascia's wonderful chocolates.

But the surprising thing was, to have them show up again for their FIRST anniversary, same time the next year, he from England, she from New York. Andy had not yet left his job in England, though he was planning to the next month, and then move over three months later and begin the process of getting his Green Card. They wanted to be there when we were there. ;-) Wanda had lost her Mom and Dad, and had a strong attachment to us. Herb and Ruth hadn't left on their vacation yet, so they all got to meet each other.

The next night, Wanda asked if they could broil their steaks in the kitchen, since the little kitchenette didn't have cooking facilities, only a microwave. Well, I didn't know any better, so I said sure, but she'd have to clean up after herself. Oops! The fragrance of broiling steaks tends to infiltrate a house, and suddenly, Ruth was knocking on our door, asking what was going on in the kitchen? She had to reprimand me, explaining that we are NOT a Youth Hostel, where the kitchen is for everyone's use, but that only WE were allowed to use the kitchen.

I had to go and tell Wanda and Andy that they couldn't do that anymore, sorry. Embarrassing.

They stayed 5 or 6 days, and were there when we got the terrible news from California, that Herb had had a massive heart attack and had died. They wept with us, and comforted us, and showered us with their understanding love.

They came again, for their second anniversary. He from England, she from New York. Seems that the government decided to not give him a green card to work in the USA. So, they had to travel back and forth to see each other. The hardship caused a couple of miscarriages. Real heartbreaks. When they left the Honeymoon Suite, he would be flying back to England alone.

Long story made longer, they finally got their papers so he could stay in the USA and be Mr. Mom to their baby daughter born two years later, and one more a couple of years after that. When the little girls were about 4 1/2 and 3, Wanda and Andy brought them to visit us in our home in California, making us feel like family. Even like their Grandpa and Grandma.

What a wonderful blessing God gave us in friendships like this one, gathered from England, New York, and California, and put together on this tiny island in the middle of the Pacific. Who could have planned it?

A Toast to Bob Darrow...

Or how about a Baked Pancake instead? That was his favorite breakfast. When we served these delectable pancakes, he made sure that all the guests came into the kitchen to see them rising. The batter comes up above the sides of the pans.

I sometimes get credit for the recipe, but I'm just the one who brought it to Hale 'Aha. Lou Ann, a friend of our daughter Joanne's, got the recipe from her Aunt Lois, and shared it with us.

For 6 people:
Heat oven to 400 degrees
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in each of 6 non-stick cake pans
Beat 6 eggs with a mixer in large bowl
Add 1 and 1/2 cups milk
Sift and add 1 and 1/2 cups flour
Add 1 and 1/2 teaspoons nutmeg
Add a dash of salt

Pour about 2/3 cup batter into each buttered pan.
Bake 15 minutes. Serve immediately, as they tend to "wilt."

In the meantime, heat some maple syrup. Prepare cut-up fresh pineapple, fresh papaya, sliced strawberries, served in separate dishes. Serve with ground almonds, chopped pecans, or chopped macadamia nuts. Keep your guests passing the various toppings 'til all have been tried.



Here in California, Bob's favorite topping was sliced nectarines, and fresh blue berries, with all the nuts and syrup. Today would have been his 78th birthday, and I would have made them for him.

Rats!

There are pests on Kauai.

I hate to be the one to inform you, but there are "no see-ums" that sting your arms and legs in the night like mosquitos. And jelly fish in the ocean that sting if you barely brush against them. And 7-inch-long black centipedes that can outrun you. And grossest of all, huge cockroaches that come out at night.

There are mice that come in the garage for the birdseed.

And then there was the RAT.

Bob and I heard the rattling around in the garage one morning. We cornered a big rat, and tried to catch him with a bamboo rake, but he got away.

So, we set a trap. BINGO! We didn't know what to do then, because he was still alive, with the trap around his neck. I couldn't loosen him and flush him like we do with mice. So, Bob and I decided to bury him. If you are prone to be squeamish, stop reading here.

Bob dug a hole, at least a foot and a half deep, at the front end of the pineapple patch at the left side of the driveway. We dropped the rat in, trap and all. He wasn't squealing that much. We tamped the dirt down good and firm.

Next day, as I was trimming the ferns and palms that tend to grow over the walkway around the house, I let out a scream that brought Bob running. I was at the right edge of the driveway, and there at my feet, trap and all....

Was the RAT that wouldn't die!

It's bad luck to see the bride...

Until the congregation split over spiritual issues, we attended the historical "Green Church" in Hanalei every winter. Built in the early 1800's, the building was the subject of many a tourist's photographs, and artist's canvases, postcards, tee shirts and calendars, not to mention weddings. (After the split, the congregation met in a huge tent, mentioned in an earlier blog).

Photo by Chris Cook

Pastor Steve, well educated and personable, with his cheerful wife, warmly led the church in reaching out to the community with the love of Jesus. Tricia motivated the ladies to put on a beautiful annual tea for all the women and girls. Each table was set with someone's special China, candles and flowers. The finger food was delicious, as is everything in Hawaii, so far as I'm concerned.

Thanksgiving pot-luck was well planned for the Sunday before Thanksgiving Day. Several folks roasted the turkeys, others made the other main dishes, and then everyone else brought vegies and desserts. On Thanksgiving Day itself, many of the church folks served a complete holiday dinner at the local Hanalei Schoolhouse where anyone, including the homeless could come for the traditional hot meal, and volunteers took food to the shut-ins.

At Christmas, a horse-drawn wagon, with fringe of icicle lights circled the shopping centers, and neighborhood of the church, full of riders singing carols to Ukelele accompaniment.

Beach picnics often followed the event of someone's baptism in the ocean. We were witnesses to all these good things, and warmly accepted.

I felt that Steve and Tricia deserved a special treat... so invited them to stay overnight at the B&B and to have breakfast (at no expense to the owners) with the other guests the next morning. After arranging for a sitter for their kids, they came to enjoy the restful quiet and ambience of this beautiful house. The only room available to them was the Honeymoon Suite. It was perfect, with a little sitting area, and kitchenette for late snacks and hot drinks.

Next morning, they came out and I introduced them to the guests, as I served the smoothies. When Pastor Steve met Scott and April, he chuckled and said, "I think I am supposed to meet with you today for wedding counseling." Startled Scott was dressed in long pants, shirt and tie. Steve put Scott at ease, telling him he didn't have to dress up for the meeting. Steve, Tricia and Scott and April left for the church a little later.

We hosted the bride's mother and aunt the night before the wedding, as they sent the groom to the other end of the island. After all, it's bad luck to see the bride before the wedding, you know!

Das it!

Our very last days together on Kauai were easy. There was only one couple left to serve. All the others had gone home.

An unlikely pair, he a southerner with a drawl, and she an Italian. They introduced themselves as "Paul and Francesca who is 5 weeks pregnant," and she proudly rubbed her tummy. He referred to her from then on as, "The Little Mother." And she called herself, the "Pregnant Woman." Like it gave her certain powers. Or excuses.

Their stay in the Pent House was their last fling before parenthood. They laughed a lot together, and wanted to see as much of the island as they could, took daily walks rain or shine, and seemed to enjoy the new card game we taught them one evening. They wanted to play it after breakfast. Well, why not? No one else was there to be served. Dishes could wait.

Conversation was easy and discussion of their faith was pleasant. After Bob asked the blessing one morning, I noticed that they "crossed themselves." So, we asked them to teach us how, and what it means. I wondered if they would mind if we read the Gospel at breakfast? It was the Hawaiian Pidgin-English version called, "Matthew Talk Bout Jesus." We read aloud the Lord's Prayer. Instead of ending with "Amen" it ends with, "Das it!" From then on, Paul would end his sentences with that exclamation. You should have heard Francesca's Italian version of Pidgin-English Hawaiian.

We heard that Francesca became a US Citizen that summer, and the day after New Year's their son Anthony was born.

Das it!

Fat Free...

When you are staying at a place like Hale 'Aha Bed and Breakfast, you just expect sweet, rich foods, and lots of fluffy pillows in the way. Don't you?

But, when Gunter and Inge came from Germany, their complaint was that Americans take all the calories out of milk, and butter, and food bars, and soft drinks and there's no way to keep warm. He was a skinny doctor, and she was a very thin nurse. Inge said there was only 2%, and 1% and No-Fat milk at the local market. She wanted some calories so they could hike the Kalalau Trail sometime that week.

Imagine.

When was the last time you saw a skinny nurse?

They live on junk food, don't they?