I could write a book...

My Bucket List for Kauai, 2010...

2010-07-03T17:55:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about writing up my trip with Joanne to Kauai, ever since we got home. But we did so many things, I am afraid I might overwhelm you, or completely bore you to death.
But it truly was a dream come true. I had written up my “Bucket List” (a fun list of things I wanted to do out there, plus places to show her, and favorite places to eat). I had 25 things written down, and we did more than 30!

On Saturday, May 15th, we flew to LA, then directly to Kauai, arriving in the dark, so Joanne didn’t really get to see the collection of islands that make up the “whole set.” We shopped for groceries, and headed up north to Princeville. Found “our condo” and lugged our stuff up 18 steps, then up 15 more steps to the left, and down 13 steps to the second floor. Strange architecture.

When I awoke at dawn the next morning, I pulled open the drapes and GASPED! Literally! It absolutely took my breath away. We both grabbed our cameras. We had a wide open view of the coast, south to the Kilauea Light House, and the colors in the clouds were from peach to brilliant red-orange. I started singing, “Then sings my soul my Savior God to Thee, how great Thou art!” I literally cried, it was so beautiful. The gentle waves were breaking way out at the reef, but the water below us was as calm as a lake, and clear blue-green.

We got ready and went to church at the “Tent Church” in Kilauea, where Bob and I had attended. They are just beginning to build the new sanctuary, having met in the tent since 2000. Wonderful to be greeted warmly by those who remembered me. A hot meal had been cooking, and after Pastor Steve Thompson's sermon, everyone stayed and ate together.

Since we were already in the area, Joanne and I visited the Kilauea Light House, (the northern-most point in the Hawaiian Islands) and got to see the Albatross’ flying by with their 7-foot wingspread. Glorious. So, we crossed off 3 things on my list. No, 4, because we had supper at the Paradise Bar and Grill where Bob and I had lunch as often as we could. Fresh Mahi Mahi grilled, on top of a wonderful big green salad.

Monday, we awoke to another glorious sunrise, and took photos again. Some Ne Ne geese (the State Bird) flew by our window. (I fed them bread crumbs from our deck). An Albatross glided by… and we were up so high, we were actually looking down on it. What a thrill. No one within a mile could see us up on our little deck, so we sunned ourselves and read, and enjoyed our coffee. Later we got sandwiches made at the deli, and walked across the Kuhio Highway to the famous lookout, overlooking the Taro fields in the Hanalei Valley. We visited with lots of other sight-seers, volunteering to take their photos for them, like Bob used to do.

We shopped at the toys and games store in the Princeville Center, where I always got Christmas stuff for my Grandkids. Bought a finger-puppet that looked like a weasel for John ! Another 5 or 6 things crossed off “The Bucket List.”

Then, we drove south to Smith’s Tropical Paradise, on The Wailua River, where we boarded a flat-bottom river boat for a ride up the river to the Fern Grotto, a huge open cave, where ferns hang from the ceiling. Hundreds of weddings take place here, every year. The entertainment on board was by the Smith Family…hulas, guitars, and singing. Most are Christians. Great Grandfather Smith, married a beautiful Hawaiian, and now, 5 generations later, most of the family look Hawaiian. As soon as a child is 8 years old, he can be involved in the family business.

The ride was followed by a huge Luau (roast pig feast) back at the plantation, for about 750 people. One of the Smith sons asked God’s blessing on the food, and after dinner, they put on an all-Pacific Island dancing and singing show in native costumes, that lasted until nearly 10 pm. What a day! 4 more things checked off the list : the river boat ride, Fern Grotto, a Luau, and a Hula show.

Took pictures of our third sunrise. Just too beautiful for words. Then we were off to see Waimea Canyon (“The Grand Canyon of the Pacific”), stopping at a Starbuck’s in Kukui Grove on the way. We visited Ron Garlie at Puhi Paint Store, the son of our best friends, Alice and Don Dunn (now in Idaho). He warmly welcomed us… so someone must have told him we were coming.

Joanne did the driving up into the canyon. Each lookout was a new wonder for her. Deep, dark green canyons, bright red dirt, lush green tropical trees, and distant waterfalls cascading down the mountains. Near the top, a vendor was selling chilled fresh papaya, already cut into chunks. (I had suggested to Joanne at the beginning, that we could have fresh papaya for lunch every day. She wasn’t too sure about that). But after tasting chilled RIPE “Kauai Sunrise” papaya, she was convinced. There’s nothing like it on the mainland.

We drove to the top, for a spectacular view of the Kalalau Valley, where a lot of the TV story “Lost” was filmed. One ridge leads all the way down to the blue, blue ocean, where some of the other tourists could see whales breeching.

I drove back down the winding road, stopping in the town of Waimea, where Captain Cook was supposed to have landed, when “he discovered the Hawaiian Islands.” ( The Hawaiians laugh at the idea). I did a PHOON for John, in front of the statue of Captain Cook. Then, Joanne drove us back to Princeville to get our Mahi Mahi “salad fix,” (often holding her cell phone out the window to capture some scene), and then back to the condo to watch “Biggest Loser.” (As Joanne was bringing things back into the condo, I set the toy weasel I had bought for John, on the floor, just inside the door. When Joanne saw it, she screamed, and backed out the door! Then we laughed and laughed!) Another 5 or 6 things crossed off my list.

Our 4th morning was a rainy one. The sky was silver, with heavy gray clouds. Joanne commented that the ocean was getting “soggier.” We watched three fishermen walking in the shallows from about Anini Beach to just below us, (about a mile) dragging along what looked like a plastic laundry basket. They were spearing fish. (We saw one which a young man had caught, about a five pounder, dark red all over like the beautiful Koi fish we see in decorative fish ponds).

We had planned to drive the car to a certain point, park it, and walk into Princeville for the exercise. But when I got to that point, I turned RIGHT instead, and we went down the road to see the posh Princeville Hotel, now called The St. Regis. Joanne was duly amazed. Three-story windows, sleek marble floors, mohagany trim everywhere, and the view of Hanalei Bay that appears on every calendar, with the mountains, and “Bali Hai” as in the movie “South Pacific.” We had a fine lunch down on the patio, where we could watch everyone enjoying the swimming pool. Blackened Ahi (tuna) on a bed of fresh greens and sprouts. Mmmm! We often took photos of our food. Joanne photographed all the blossoming bushes, Hibiscus, Plumeria, and Poinciana trees. I don’t think she missed a single color.

We circled back to the Hanalei Bay Resort, where I showed her the best tropical view of the bay, framed by curving palm trees, with colorful flowers in the foreground, and the bright blue swimming pool. We changed into our swim suits, and stretched out on the convenient lounge chairs, blending in with the hotel guests as best we could. When we were toasted on one side, we went into the pool. Mmmm. Bob and I used to sneak in there at least once a week… and no one ever questioned us. We talked to a couple of newlyweds, and found out they were from Playa del Rey, and had graduated from Westchester High. Small world.

We could tell we were getting enough sunshine, so we dressed and drove down the hill to the town of Hanalei, crossing the river on the ancient 1-lane steel bridge. Visited The Green Church, where Bob and I attended the first few years of our service out there. It was built in 1820, and we prided ourselves in having some of the hymns sung in Hawaiian from the Hawaiian Hymnbook. I wish you could hear them sing The Lord’s Prayer in Hawaiian.

We walked out to the end of the pier, jutting out into Hanalei Bay. A little boy, about 6 years old, dove off the end, and scrambled right back up the ladder to do it all over again. The pier used to have train tracks leading right up onto it, where rice and oranges were off loaded onto ships taking them to Japan! Now, California supplies the rice for Japan.

Supper was at The Dolphin Restaurant, a place Bob and I, and the Dunns and the Bockelmans, often had lunch after church. Best fish chowder ever. They must use pure cream. Then, we headed back to the condo. Joanne has been doing our laundry for us. Even laundry is fun in Paradise. Knocked off another 8 things on my list, just by turning right, intead of left at the top of the street this morning.

One of Joanne’s strongest desires was to go shell seeking on the beach. I phoned our friends Pauline and EZ Street (yes, that’s his real name) to find out the best beaches for shells. Right away they said “Anini,” at the edge of the water mark. We drove to the first curve of the beach road, where Bob and I were first introduced to Anini back in 1992 by Ruth and Herb Bockelman. We hunted perfect specimens of Opihi (look like tiny volcanoes); and Cowry (look like teeth); “money Cowry” (which the natives used to use in exchange for goods); and Drupe (with raised black dots all over them); and Grape Drupe (which are purple inside). We found perfect Cone shells, too. Beautiful clear water, so clear Joanne could photograph her foot in the sand in the water.

We left for Kapa’a for SHOPPING. We both loaded up on stuff for our kids and grandkids. I got Hawaiian shirts for David and John’s birthdays. I did another Phoon for John in front of the clock tower painted by Wyland, the guy who paints enormous whale and dolphin scenes on huge walls all over the world. We went to Coconut Marketplace for lunch at The Fish Hut, the best bargain on the island. Took pictures of our plateful. Same delicious and savory flavor on the grilled Ahi, and Ono (white fish) as in all the years past.

Now, we were close to the DOUBLE Wailua Falls, and Opaeaka Falls, which are a must-see. Joanne bought a woven green basket from a toothless hippie-like man, who says he learned to weave baskets from his grandmother. He was so picturesque, sitting on the ground with his rescue hound dog, and his stack of little woven baskets.

Next was the famous Hilo Hattie’s store, in Lihue, where I was suckered into trying to win a “free” pearl, by choosing a fresh oyster in a dish. The clerk cracked open the oyster, and it indeed contained two lovely pink pearls. Right away came the sales pitch. Buy a gold setting, for only $300.00. or try for another “free” pearl and get an even lovelier gold setting for only $450.00. I gasped. Joanne assured me that all I had to take was the FREE pearls. That was the come-on. Reluctantly, the clerk carefully wrapped up my two pink pearls and gave them to me. (She was glad to see me go).

At least, the episode didn’t spoil our appetite for Hula Pie at Duke’s Restaurant on the beach overlooking Nawiliwili Harbor. We took pictures of our slice of pie. About 5 inches of coffee ice cream tall, smothered with hot fudge, whipped cream, and a chocolate cooky crust, all to die for. (We shared it!) Another 8 things crossed off my list. Has anyone been keeping track? I think I’m way past 25. We came back to our condo, and had fresh pineapple, and fresh papaya for supper. Excellent choice.

I think it’s Friday by now. (You know it’s a good vacation, if you can’t remember what day it is!) A dear church friend, Sage Gauthier, also my friend on Facebook, came by to see us. She was very involved with the Green Church back when Bob and I got involved in trying to help the congregation select their new pastor, or Kahu, as he is called. Some sweet memories. Pastor Steve and his wife Trish, are from Dallas Seminary, and Trinity in Deerfield, IL, very gifted and lovable people. Anyway, Sage was a delight. Her husband Mark is hard at work, building the new church.

We shopped at Princeville Center, got our usual Mahi Mahi salad at Paradise, and finally got our Lappert’s Ice Cream cones, licking them while watching the tourists walk by. I think we sold everyone on the Kauai Pie flavor… a chunky mix of coffee ice cream, macadamia nuts, coconut, and chocolate fudge swirls. Mmmmm!

Joanne did the driving all the way northwest to the end of the road, at Ke’e Beach. She had to manouver 10 1-lane bridges, learning to take turns with whoever reached the entry point first. We stopped to visit the Dry Cave… a huge, football field sized cave next to the highway. It has a sandy bottom, and you can walk way in, to the back, where the walls meet the ground. We talked to three young college men from Phoenix, and got them to do the Phoon for us in the cave. Then, on to see the Wet Cave… not far down the road. A much smaller cave, but with glistening blue water not far from the entry, all the way to the back.

At Ke’e Beach, we walked out to the water, just as a woman slipped on the flat rocks and fell in. We decided to walk on the beach instead. I made Joanne follow me way around the bend to the right, and then had her turn around and look at the NaPali Coast. We both gasped. The cliffs are humongous, and each a darker shade of violet-blue. It’s the stuff oil paintings are made of. I wept, missing my beloved Bob, wishing he was there with me again. On our way home, we shopped in old Hanalei Town. Joanne found some beautiful earrings at one of the cutest boutiques. We ate PB and J sandwiches for supper at the condo, and began to pack for home.

Saturday, May 22 came all too soon. Took last photos from the condo, and a gentleman helped me get my luggage down the stairs. PTL. Up the street, we stopped at Hale ‘Aha, the B&B Bob and I used to work for, and since the owners were away, we peeked in every window. I enjoyed reminiscing as I saw each gorgeous room, remembering the furnishings, and the colors, and all that happened in each room, over the 10 years that we worked there every winter. Outside, the changes included removing the huge palm trees along the north side of the house, and no more pineapple patch. Tha banana grove was gone from the east side of the house, but was in full growth down in the swale… along with a new line of papaya trees, with fruit already growing on them. We left a note of our visit, on the front door, for Billie and Gary Sparks… who are also my friends on Facebook!

Joanne wanted to try fresh coconut milk, and had bought a fresh lime to squeeze into it. We stopped at a little road side stand, and got ice cold ones. Yummy. But the flesh of the coconut was not the dry hard, break it if you can, kind. It was more like white Jello. Unusual, but very healthy and good.

Traffic through Kapa’a came to a stand still. Good thing we weren’t in a hurry. We drove on to Old Koloa Town, and took pictures of the HUGE Monkey Pod Tree in the center of town. Originally, it was a sugar processing town. Now there is hardly any sugar cane growing on the island. Change in demand. We walked about town, took pictures in the open air museum, honoring the Chinese laborers, then headed south to Poipu. Had a late lunch at Kiahuna Plantation, at an outdoor place called Keoki’s. Excellent choice. Great Ahi salad, followed by our “last chance” Hula Pie. We wandered about in the Orchid gardens at Kiahuna Plantation, amazed at the variety of sizes and colors as far as we could see. A beautiful bride came through the garden with her entourage of men in tuxes, and the photographer. What a beautiful place for a wedding in Kauai.

Got to the Lihue Airport early, and Joanne finally realized what I meant by “open air.” There really are NO windows. No glass in the windows, that is. Just open walls, letting the breezes blow through. We were taking “the red eye” flight home, flying all night, since there is nothing to see but ocean below anyway.

It was fun landing at LA, as we came STRAIGHT IN from the ocean, onto the runways in Playa del Rey, seeing familiar streets like Vista del Mar, and Manchester Blvd. We had a short layover, so got coffee at a Starbuck’s. Joanne recognized a young woman and her fiance in line, whom she had just been reading about in People Magazine… Chelsea Clinton! (daughter of our former President Bill Clinton). Joanne asked if she could take their picture, and her fiance said he’d rather she didn’t. So she told him to tell her she thought Chelsea was beautiful, and he said he thought so, too. Later, I told him to tell her I admired how she tried to help her parents through their crisis. He said he did, too.

So, John met us at the San Jose Airport, then made breakfast for us when we got home. So, thus endeth the story of our dream trip “Return to Bountiful” or “Return to Paradise,” in this case. Everyone should have such a trip. But write up your Bucket List first!

Ruth in Retirement...

2009-10-25T17:53:00.000-07:00

On a recent road trip home from southern California, my friend Joan and I stopped in Ventura to visit Ruth Bockelman. She and Herb had built the Hale 'Aha Bed and Breakfast on Kauai, in 1990. Bob and I met them when we won First Prize on the KFAX Radio contest in 1992, and got to spend a week with them. We were privileged to serve as their Inn Sitters every winter after that, for 4 to 10 weeks, and we acknowledge their generosity in that. Those were perhaps the happiest years of our lives.

After Herb died suddenly from a heart attack, here on the mainland, Ruth discovered she could no longer run the B&B as before, in spite of helpful friends, and family. So, she eventually sold it, and retired to Hemet, CA, near her son. And before long, she moved to Ventura near one of her daughters.

When we found her residence, we signed in as guests, but I didn't want the clerk to let Ruth know who was here to visit her. I wanted to surprise her. She came down the elevator and looked intently at me, and said, "I can't think of your name, but I know I love you." We hugged, and I showed her a photo of Bob and me, and she said, "Oh, Doris and Bob!" And it was as though we had seen each other only last week.

She is content there, has beautiful grounds to walk around, and a lovely neighborhood to walk in, swimming pools, and gardens to enjoy. She chatted about old times, and mentioned people she remembers. My friend Joan took a picture or two with my camera, but I didn't have the flash set, so they are blurry. But this one of Ruth alone is sweet, and clear. I'm sure she would appreciate a note from you, though I'm not sure she will answer it. Maybe a phone call would do (but notes can be saved and reread).

Ruth Bockelman

1220 Cypress Point Lane #103
Ventura, CA 93003

Phone: 1-805 642-2401

Remembering Nancy Brakhane...

2009-07-09T20:11:00.000-07:00

Nancy and Elton Brakhane came from Glendale, AZ, he a tall lanky gentleman, quiet, reserved, and she a bubbly blonde who made friends with Bob and me as soon as we met her. As the breakfast conversations usually go, people pretty much tell their stories the first day, and continue to build on them the rest of their stay. We found out that Elton had Leukemia, and that it was in remission. Amazing.

Bob had always been interested in health and healing, and vitamins and minerals, and so he prodded Nancy regarding how Elton had been treated. This was in 1996, and we had yet to go through the loss of our daughter Janice to breast cancer, 11 years later.

We talked about Chelation therapy, (dripping high doses of vitamin C directly into the blood stream over a long period of time), and so on. We told them about our hosts, Ruth and Herb Bockelman. They were due home in just a day or two, from the Mainland. Herb was suffering from high blood pressure, and when Bob and I went to meet them at the airport in Lihue, they brought Herb down in a wheel chair! We were shocked to say the least. Immediately, I wondered how Ruth was going to run the B&B if Herb was in a wheelchair.

Bob and I were scheduled to leave for home in a day or two. Later, we found out that Nancy was able to convince Herb and Ruth that Chelation therapy could help his condition. So, their doctor with the help of another doctor on the island began this unusual lengthy treatment.

Later, we learned that Herb regained strength, happily lost some weight, and stood tall and strong all the next year. Able to serve the guests at the B&B as he had for years. Until on vacation in California, after a long hike in the desert, he had a massive heart attack on December 5, 1997 and the Lord called him Home, to the real Paradise in the heavenlies.

Nancy and I exchanged emails for all these years. Usually they were a copy of some humorous story, or perhaps a lovely spiritual article. Then, I began sending her the "blonde jokes" and she took them all in stride. Elton seemed to be thriving, and we were thankful for this.

Last week I sent her another blonde joke. I was shocked when I received an email from Elton, that the Lord had called Nancy Home. She never complained to me, or even told me she was suffering from cancer. She just got herself ready and went to be with the Lord. What a testimony. She's the first of all "our" hundreds of guests at Hale 'Aha, to go to the real Paradise.

I wonder if going to Kauai was just the preparation we all need?

Now, where was I....

2006-11-15T21:35:00.000-08:00

Summer has gone, fall is about over, and winter will soon be here. It happens this way every year. But it's hard to tell what season it is, when you are over in Hawaii.

Flowers continue to bloom in December, and fruit matures in January or March. And what people are wearing makes no difference, because shorts and flowered shirts are a year round custom. The locals may wear a sweater over their tank tops when it gets down to 74 degrees.

My son John and I have gotten caught up in certain TV shows. "The Amazing Race" is our favorite, "Survivor" is second, and "Lost" is somewhere after that. While watching "Lost" I get excited whenever I see a scene filmed on Kauai, familiar to me from our days there, and I can't seem to restrain myself from shouting out something like, "Oh look at that. That's where Dad and I sat and watched for dolphins. Right there, at the end of that pier!" Poor John. He'd like to watch it without the documentary.

But he has been kind to record the story, and stop the video long enough to take a picture of the scene. Here's where Bob and I sat under that roof to watch for dolphins one Sunday afternoon. Didn't see a one.

The pier is in Hanalei Bay, and used to be used for off-loading bags of rice and oranges to be shipped to Japan. Yes, rice to Japan. The railroad tracks are still there, leading up to the pier. Or at least they were, in 1995.

All the beautiful jungle scenes seem to be filmed in the Kalalau Valley, where we sometimes took guests to view the Na Pali Coast.

Even "The Amazing Race" had scenes of Kauai, when racing couples had to find a certain "Haul Cane Road," or get buckets of water while transversing Opaeaka Waterfall on steel lines. Takes all the romance out of a song like "Beautiful Kauai" sung by Larry Rivera, when you are worried more about a couple falling into the water below, instead of noticing the rainbows down in the falls. I couldn't quite contain myself, much less want to try. Those were places in some of my happiest memories, and I have to share them with SOMEBODY.

One year later...

2006-06-27T14:07:00.000-07:00

One year ago, at precisely 10:00 this morning, my beloved Bob was startled awake by Someone I couldn't see. He said quickly, "Amen! Amen! Amen!" and when I asked him if he was answering someone, or was praying, he didn't answer. His attention was focused on two different areas above him, and a few minutes later, he let out his last breath and passed from this earth into heaven above.

I know Heaven is above, because everything in the Bible talks about God coming DOWN to earth, or going UP "where the clouds received Him out of their sight. "

Kauai was probably as close to heaven as we could get while on earth. So, even though Bob had begun his chemo therapy for cancer, and had endured the indignation of a catheter for a time, the doctor said he could go to Kauai in May, 2004.

Other than getting tired more easily, and preferring to drive on errands rather than walk, he could have fooled anyone who didn't know the facts. Here, he is being a SCREEN SAVER.

He could literally run up the two flights of stairs, and could work a ten hour day as always. He made his delicious breads, and muffins, and kept the conversation at the breakfast table divided equally so that everyone had a chance to tell his story or adventure for the day. (He was always a gifted listener).

He would be touched by our tears today, as we remember his last day on earth, but he would not want us to stay there. He would give us permission to go where we want to go, and do what we want to do. Life is short, so flip the coin and see where God leads you today. Proverbs 16:33

The best Champagne...

2006-06-19T17:40:00.000-07:00

In the middle of serving eight people breakfast, the phone rang. It doesn't happen often. It was from Illinois, the mother of a bride, calling to ask us to provide a beautiful bouquet and a bottle of the best Champagne for the newlyweds when they arrive on their honeymoon the next day. She wanted it put on her charge account, not on the room account. OK, we can do that.

I went back to the table, and told the guests what the request was, and told them we know nothing about Champagne. What should we get?

David from San Diego got up and went into his bedroom, and came back out with a chilled bottle of some kind of "Dom" Champagne, and told us this was the best. He owns his own pharmaceutical company, and claims to be a connoisseur of wines and Champagne in particular. No reason to doubt him. Everyone discussed their favorites, and made their own suggestions.

After the guests had gone on to their activities for the day, Bob and I went to Foodland, the local market in the Princeville Center (there is no actual liquor store) to try to find the Champagne. As we were standing there before the chilled wines, a youngish man volunteered to tell us all about the ones there. He convinced us of one on sale for only $49.99 that he said everybody loves.

Since we already have bouquets in the guest rooms, we decided to buy two gorgeous leis. We reasoned that the bride and groom can wear them everywhere, and get more enjoyment out of them (and attention). We placed these things in the little refrigerator in the Honeymoon Suite, with a note that said they were from the bride's mother.

The newlyweds Craig and Jennifer arrived that evening.

Everyone hung around the breakfast table next morning, drinking coffee until about 10:00, telling of their adventures the day before, their favorite beaches, their favorite restaurants. Then the subject changed to weddings when the newlyweds came in. They had gotten married at The Green Church, in Hanalei (photograph in an earlier Blog). They thanked us for the gifts (from her mom) in the fridge. We had them go get the leis and put them on. During breakfast, Jennifer's lei came apart, so I dashed to the market and was able to replace it.

A few days later, Jennifer came out of their room to say that Craig was sick with the same stuff she'd had, a cold, laryngitis and a fever. Next morning, I made "Sam's Simple Quiches", using Alice's delicate, rich, crisp, tender pie shells (that's another story), and fixed triple berry smoothies, and had lots of sliced papaya, and fresh pineapple. Jennifer said Craig's fever had broken, but he was sleeping. She told him about the homemade quiche, and later took him a breakfast tray, and he finished every crumb. They told us that any time we come to Chicago, we can stay with them. :-)

Craig told us that his dog has already left him for Jennifer.

Bob quipped, "Good trade!"

Oh, the name of that Champagne which we couldn't find, was Dom Parignon.

Real men eat quiche...

2006-06-14T22:50:00.000-07:00

Keeping track of my menus, so that I didn't repeat one too soon was pretty tricky. If we had a couple here for only three days, that was easy. And another for five days, that was fine. But if a couple stayed ten days, then they got stuck with having the same thing... again.

I could vary the smoothies, each day, by using a different fruit juice such as pineapple one day, and guava juice the next, and maybe passion fruit juice the next. That helped. And I could make different kinds of muffins. But I needed variety in my main courses.

So, when Sherri came to help with the housekeeping, she offered her mother "Sam's" Simple Quiche recipe. It was a hit. Not only was it easy, but delicious, and by adding real bacon bits, or slivers of ham, it was always a hit. Each quiche served 4 people, so it was easy to double.

SAM'S SIMPLE QUICHE

Find one 9" pie shell in the freezer.

Bake at 400 for about 10 minutes.

Filling: 3 eggs, 3/4 c. milk, 2 c. grated cheese (Swiss or cheddar)

Salt, pepper, pinch of nutmeg.

Beat eggs, add milk, fold in cheese.

Pour into pie crust.

Bake at 400 for 15 minutes, lower to 350 and bake 30 minutes more.

For variety, sprinkle real bacon bits over crust before filling, or

Sprinkle chopped thinly sliced ham over the crust, then fill.

Or cut tiny broccoli florets and add to the egg mixture.

Or chopped onions, mushrooms, shrimp, or cooked spinach.

Done when knife comes out clean.

Put foil over crust edge to prevent burning.

I served this with fresh sliced papayas, fresh cut pineapple, sliced strawberries, and warm muffins, or Bob's good bread. Even the men enjoyed it.

Bananas are tricky...

2006-06-07T18:37:00.000-07:00

Planted at the back corners of the house, were several banana trees. Then, there were those planted in two rows, like a grove, close to the golf course, on the right side of the house. And a whole clump of them planted down in the swale.

Herb taught us to watch for the ones which were ripening first. The huge reddish- purple blossom (similar to a Magnolia blossom) hangs down about a foot from the end of the banana stock. When you look inside the blossom, there are more "baby bananas," which will never grow up. As the bananas mature, the four ridges on each fruit smoothes out, and when they are completely smoothe, that's the time to cut the stock from the tree. But only if you have a strong man with strong shoulders, or a wheelbarrow with you. The weight can be 25 to 50 pounds or more.

Bob learned to make a slip knot in a rope, to slide over the cut end of the stock, and with my help to hoist it onto huge hooks in the garage. As each "hand" of bananas began to turn yellow, we would slit the "hand" off and bring it inside for use in the kitchen. Fresh and sweet. Mmmmm.

In the winter months, the bananas seemed to ripen more slowly, and we got anxious about cutting off a stock. We had watched it grow for 4 or 6 weeks, and finally, to prevent anyone from helping themselves to "our" bananas, Bob cut the stock off. We were so proud of our hard work. But...

When Herb got back from vacation and saw the stock, with four ridges on each banana, he knew we'd wasted the whole thing. Now, none of the bananas on that stock would finish ripening. We had cut it before it was time. Remember, they were supposed to be smoothe?

When a stock has been cut off, then the most amazing thing has to be done. The WHOLE tree has to be cut down, and dragged off to the ravine, where it will become food for the jungle plants. And after a while, a baby banana tree ("Keiki") will come up where the parent tree had grown. And it begins the cycle again.

The inside of the trunk is just like wet strings, running full length of the tree. It is extremely heavy, and it appears to me that each string goes to a banana, giving it nourishment and moisture. Kind of like corn silks which go to each kernel of corn on a cob. We were warned to be careful to not get any of this juice on our clothes, as it stains badly. They were right!

Darling Annette and Martin...

2006-05-18T17:34:00.000-07:00

First of all, we have to pronounce their names correctly. It's like Annetta and Marteen. This tiny couple from Wiesbaden, Germany had been married only three years. Cute, fun loving people, engaging, and smart. She worked at a bank, and he worked for that little company called Microsoft.

They loved Bob's fresh bread. And the Almond Poppy Seed muffins. They were amazed at our Microwave POPCORN. And they loved us like mom and dad. Everything Bob suggested as a place to visit, they went to see. When we invited them to The Green Church Sunday morning, they came along with us. They were Roman Catholic, and were used to entering church quietly and reverently. So their eyes were wide open as they watched the people greeting each other with a hug and "Aloha" as they gathered for the service. Then, as was customary, the leader asked all the guests to stand, to give their names, and tell where they are from, and what church they attend back home.

By the time 15 or 20 people have introduced themselves, and sat down, everyone is mellow. The leader asks everyone to go greet each one and give them an aloha hug. So, for a few minutes, people are stepping across the aisles to hug and greet each other. Annette and Martin heard someone at the back of the church say they were from somewhere in Germany, and attend the Catholic church, so they went back there quickly to greet them, and then stayed there. :-)

After church, Alice and Don (an earlier blog) suggested we all go to The Dolphin Restaurant in Hanalei for lunch. That's the first place you come to on your right, when you drive down from Princeville. Great fresh fish chowder, wonderful salads and bread sticks, and lots of other good stuff. We took pictures of all of us on the green, where people can be served at picnic tables on a clear day, with a beautiful catamaran docked there on the Hanalei River. This was one of those rainy weeks I wrote about earlier, and there was threat of tsunamis coming up river and washing away boats anchored in the Hanalei Bay, so the owner of the boat had brought it upriver.

Then, Alice and Don invited us all to come up to their place on Anini Beach, to play the card game, "Square 9," and stay for the TV program "Touched By An Angel." Annette and Martin were eager to join in on the fun. Of course, Alice insisted on making her famous supper, called "Awful Waffles." (Also, an earlier blog). They loved it.

The following year, 1997, Bob and I got to travel to Germany, and stayed with our daughter Joanne and Scott, who were stationed there in the military. They took us to Wiesbaden to meet Martin and Annette, who treated us to a fine lunch at a quaint Tudor style house made into a restaurant in the forest. They gave us a tour of Wiesbaden, and took us shopping for goodies to bring home. Then they took us to their beautiful condo, and served us two delicious home made cakes, and coffee. We brought them a case of Microwave POPCORN from Costco, and Joanne brought them a big jar of Peanut Butter from the base, for their "Awful Waffles."

We were just amazed to be in the home of someone in Germany whom we had met half a world away on the tiny island of Kauai.

We still exchange letters and now get pictures of their little son Kim via the internet.

Microsoft most likely.

Greg and Michelle...

2006-05-12T17:44:00.000-07:00

Advertizing on the internet was still quite new, so part of my job was to find out how guests heard about Hale 'Aha. The Bockelmans generally advertized in B&B directories, Home and Garden type magazines, Christian magazines like Christianity Today and Moody Monthly.

So, when Greg and Michelle arrived on their Honeymoon from Florida, it was a novelty to discover they'd found us on the net. Greg works full time with computers, so it shouldn't have been a surprise.

But the surprise was when everybody gathered for breakfast, and Bob asked if it would be all right if he asked the Lord's blessing on our food. Greg's mouth dropped open! "You mean this is a Christian Bed and Breakfast?" He couldn't believe it. Then he told us of their wedding, and how when they arrived at their hotel that night, their reservation had been cancelled! But the manager "bumped them up" to a first class honeymoon suite, with a jacuzzi tub in the middle of the room, and baskets of fresh flowers everywhere, and wedding decorations to add to their celebration. He knew that God was doing something special for them. Finding out that this B&B was owned by Christians was like icing on the wedding cake.

The following morning Herb fixed breakfast. He asks guests to guess what the surprise ingredient was in his special dish. It's a wonderful concoction of leftover bread, eggs, cheese, milk and cinnamon, but the unusual taste comes from some orange juice. I took a picture of him serving it to Greg and Michelle at the "honeymooner's table," a little table for two that we use when there's more than 8 people to serve.

A day later, Herb and Ruth left for California for their vacation. I didn't realize it until putting their photos in my album, that Greg and Michelle were the last guests Herb served at Hale'Aha. He died suddenly from a heart attack, after a wonderful Thanksgiving reunion with their family of 8 kids and 20 grandchildren.

Greg and Michelle have kept in touch with us, via email and Christmas cards. When Greg had business in the Bay Area one time, Bob arranged for us to meet them at a cute hotel in Sausalito for breakfast. Michelle was feeling queezy and hoped it was because she was pregnant. And not too many months later their son Gabriel was born. Another time, Greg visited in our home in Sunnyvale and our daughter Joanne and Scott were here from Colorado. Nice to have some of our family meet friends we made on Kauai.
Then, one more time, he and Lee, an associate, met us in Sausalito for breakfast. Our son David was visiting us from San Diego that time, and it was fun to hear the guys all talking computers, and about their faith in the Lord.

Afterwards Greg had to shop for some little gifts to bring home to Gabriel and new little sister, Victoria Rose. And a cute sweatshirt for Michelle. I saw one I should have bought for Bob. The sign on it said, "Now don't make me have to stop this car and come back there!" When I showed it to Bob and David, they howled with laughter. That was a rather common phrase when our kids were growing up.

Ne Ne Geese...

2006-05-10T15:47:00.000-07:00

Just about the last instructions Billie and Gary gave us, before going to the airport for their vacation, was that we should take the leftover bread to feed the Ne Ne Geese every evening, up on the north end of the golf course. Billie and Gary are the new owners of Hale 'Aha. They discovered that the little fellows gather there every evening after sundown, about the time Billie and Gary like to take a walk. Ne Ne is pronounced Nay Nay and they are Hawaii's State Bird.

So, we took a bag of bread pieces, and our umbrellas, and walked up along the edge of the golf course, behind the house. Clouds were rolling in, and a rainbow formed just over the edge of the cliffs over the ocean. As we stood watching the spectacle, a young woman came running from the nearby condos, waving her camera. "Wait, let me take your picture!" she called. She thought it was so sweet to see this old gray haired couple holding hands, walking on the golf course. She said she'd send us the pictures. She was getting married the next day! (And sure enough, a few weeks later, we received some prints of us framed by a rainbow, and also of her in her wedding gown with her new husband on their wedding day.)

It was starting to sprinkle as we hunted for the Ne Ne Geese. Billie said they would be near the shelter. We finally found them, and they began to gather around us. They were expecting us. So, when we brought out the bread, they quacked softly to each other and moved in closer, but were very polite, waiting their turns for a morsel of Bob's good bread. If you have a bread machine, copy down this recipe. It's adjusted for the tropics, so you'll have to adjust it for wherever you live.

BOB'S 3- SEED OAT 'N' WHEAT BREAD

===============

for breadmakers... makes 1-1/2 # loaf

Liquid Ingredients...

===============

1-1/8 cups water

4 TBSP oil (Safflower recommended)

1 TBSP molasses

2 TBSP honey

Dry Ingredients...

==============

1-1/2 tsp salt

2 cups whole wheat flour

1-1/2 cups bread flour (unbleached)

1/3 cup rolled oats

2 TBSP Gluten flour

2 TBSP Sesame seeds (raw, unhulled)

2 TBSP Flax Seeds (raw)

1/2 Sunflower seeds (raw)

3 tsp Red Star active dry yeast

Crust setting: Light or 1-1/2# wheat

Enjoy plain or toasted

Excellent served with Herb's Guava Butter (see earlier BLOG)

Or eat it just as it's handed to you, like the Ne Ne Geese do. They weren't at all fussy. By the way, we got soaked by the time we got back to the house.

Banty Roosters....

2006-05-09T17:56:00.000-07:00

The last thing you would expect to be wakened by at a Bed and Breakfast, is a banty rooster. Especially on Kauai. Especially at 3:30 in the morning.

Legend has it that the hurricane of 1982 must have swept up the local farmers' hens and chicks and swirled them around in space and dumped them out all over the island. I know that we were greeted by them everywhere we went, in 1992, whether at the top of Waimea Canyon, or down at Ke'e Beach parking lot.

As they encroached on Anini Beach, where so many posh mansions have been built, our friends Don and Alice allowed their little "rat dog" (as we called Benji) to chase them away. He was a good controller. He knew what to do.

Then, as they began to crow on OUR street, up on the bluffs of Princeville Resort, Bob felt we needed to run the roosters out of the area for the sake of our guests. So, we went to Walmart. (Yep, they are even in Kauai). When he purchased a strong sling shot and some steel pellets, the clerk said, "That's not going to do it!" The Hawaiian knew why we were buying it. He said we'd be back for something more lethal.

Well, you can't legally shoot them, and it didn't seem like a very good idea to be shooting anything at 3:30 in the morning, anyway. So, Bob practiced with his slingshot, and eventually got the hang of it, even encouraging some of the guests to try. Once or twice, he hit the tail feathers of that proud cock, and you should have heard the squawking and seen the rascal run! But all we did was train the cock to start running the minute he saw Bob start to take aim.

Steve and Carmen from Australia had the most fun trying the sling shot. From that time on, they called Bob, "The Great White Hunter."

One rainy night...

2006-04-20T13:46:00.000-07:00

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...

2006-04-13T16:57:00.000-07:00

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...

2006-04-12T18:32:00.000-07:00

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!

2006-04-10T11:09:00.000-07:00

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...

2006-04-09T16:07:00.000-07:00

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!

2006-04-06T14:54:00.000-07:00

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...

2006-04-06T09:21:00.000-07:00

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?

About the photo at the top...

2006-03-30T15:45:00.000-08:00

After receiving a comment from Raymond and Claudia, on my earliest Blog, "How it all began..." I feel I should explain the photo on the heading.

That is the Hanalei Valley, and the green patches are Taro plants, which are planted in ankle-deep water. The Hawaiians make their POI from the Taro root. It is a starchy staple for them. In the background is the "wettest place on earth" on top of Mount Waialale. (This year they have had a record 600 inches of rain.)

Bob and I would finish our morning work, and walk up to Princeville Center. About a mile. We'd get a cup of coffee to go, and walk across the 2 lane highway to the viewpoint overlooking the valley. We would sit on the wooden guard rail, and meet more people from all over the world, who stopped at the King Kamehameha sign. Usually we offered to take their picture for them. Bob was so good about finding out where they have been and what they still wanted to see. He was good at giving suggestions.

In that photo, you can see the sign, at the far right, and Bob is doing a "Phoon" pose. That's another story.

Claudia and Raymond came to the B&B from Germany, and we fell in love with them. She was a concert violinist, and was stuck in East Germany. Her father often played in concerts in West Germany, so Claudia would get a pass to go to the concert to hear and see her father. One time, she just didn't return. Amazing escape.

Raymond has had a business in the US, so has learned English very well. When we met them they were still like newlyweds. Ruth, the owner of the B&B got back from her vacation on the mainland in time to get acquainted with them, and heard the story of Claudia's escape.

When they left for the airport, they gave us an envelope with a gift certificate for $150.00 for their favorite restaurant in Hanalei, a cute little place called "Post Cards Cafe." We shared it with Ruth, and later with Don and Alice and Ruth. What a wonderful tip. At Christmas, their tree was decorated with lights, and Post Cards tied on with red ribbons. The food was gourmet vegetarian. Excellent.

I've got a tip for you...

2006-03-27T09:58:00.000-08:00

The fun part about serving people breakfast, is that they are usually hungry, and have exciting plans for the day. They wanted to know what there is to do here.

At the table, it's easy to get the newer guests involved in conversation, if we can get the earlier guests to tell them what they liked about their adventures on the island. Then, people hang around and drink more coffee, and "talk story" (as the Hawaiians say). Bob was so good at enticing people to go see the Dry Caves or the Wet Caves, or to try snorkeling at Tunnels Beach, or taking the long drive to Waimea Canyon.

When Malcolm and Connie came from Canada, they wanted to try everything, but especially the Kalalau Trail which they had read about. Connie was in shape for the rough hike, as she usually walked 6 miles to catch a bus to work, then 6 more miles at the end of the day to get home. Malcolm looked to be in pretty good shape, too.

The morning they left to drive to the end of the island and begin their hike, we fed them the nutricious brown rice cereal with all kinds of goodies to heap on it for breakfast. When they came back in the early evening, they were splattered with red mud, and Malcolm's legs were so shakey from the difficult descent, that he immediately went to soak in a hot tub. He told us the next day, that nothing could have prepared him for that rough trail.

In about 1998, when we were 70, Bob and I hiked up 2 miles of that trail, and found out what he meant. It wasn't a hike up an easy trail, it was like a steep rocky staircase, all the way to where you can see the Na Pali Coast, jutting out into the ocean. Wow, what a view. It was worth the work.

When Malcolm and Connie left for home, we found a $20.00 bill on the dresser with a note of appreciation.

Our first tip ever.

Just Country Folk...

2006-03-25T07:53:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite magazines, published by Reiman, is COUNTRY MAGAZINE. Nearly every article is written by someone who lives in the country.

I love photographs of every kind, and the scenery in these magazines is sometimes breathtaking.

There is a section on BEDS AND BREAKFASTS, AND COUNTRY INNS, and people are encouraged to send in their recommendations, including photos if possible.

Well, I wrote to Country Magazine, and told them about Hale 'Aha, and sent in one or two photos.

Ruth got a call, asking if they could interview her. She couldn't imagine how country folk could come to a resort like Princeville. Or why they would want to come. (Maybe she expected "country bumpkins").

A few months later, we received four copies of the magazine, with a note attached, thanking us for our recommendation, and also please look at Page 40. There was the photo of Hale 'Aha and a short write-up by Ruth, describing their home, what to see and do on the island, and what they serve for breakfast. Oh yes, and the costs for each room.

When Bob and I were there that winter, we met Elton and Nancy who came from Arizona, and who stayed long enough to meet Herb and Ruth when they returned from their vacation in California. They really became friends. The others were Richard and Kenni from Illinois. When we discovered that the two couples were there because of the magazine article, we took several pictures of us together.

Over the next months, several more couples came as a result of reading about Hale 'Aha in Country Magazine.

Ruth was pleasantly surprised to find out that country folk enjoy the finer things in life just like city folk.

My favorite recipes...

2006-03-23T10:22:00.000-08:00

Probably the strangest event ever, while managing the B&B, was when a couple checked in on Saturday, who had reservations in the Pent House for three days.

Dr. Tony and Cindy lugged in the biggest, heaviest suitcases, and complained that we didn't have anyone to help them carry them upstairs. (Don't look at us, we're 70 years old). And the rule about removing your shoes at the door also bothered Dr. Tony. I don't blame him, as he had to keep putting them back on to go to the car for more stuff.

Beautiful, vivacious Cindy made herself at home in the kitchen. I walked in, and she was helping herself to something out of the refrigerator. "Oh, that's for tomorrow," I cautioned.

She asked if I had special recipes for the bed and breakfast. Oh, yes, I proudly told her. And she proceeded to pull open drawers looking for the cookbooks. Naivley, I showed her my little plastic bagful of recipe cards I bring with me every year.

"What are you going to fix tomorrow?"

"Well, tomorrow is Sunday, and we have a day off, so it will be juice and cold cereal, toast and coffee."

She asked if she could borrow the cookbooks to look at up in their room. Well, why not? "Bring them back by evening," I told her.

Next morning, we greeted the guests, then left them to fend for themselves, as we went to church. We had lunch out with friends, then came back to the B&B for a nap. We had to make up the Bali Hai Room (the one closest to the front door) for guests coming in the next day, so Bob and I took our nap in there.

Suddenly, we heard terrible bumping coming down the stairs from the Pent House. We jumped up and opened the door, and here came Dr. Tony pulling his big rolling luggage straight down the stairs. (And he had his shoes on!) "What's happening?"

Dr. Tony gruffly said, "We're leaving." And didn't offer any explanation. (Mind you, that they had paid only a deposit on the three days, so they still owed the B&B money).

Bob followed Dr. Tony out to the car, and explained the owners' rules. So, Dr. Tony gave him his credit card. So, Bob went in the office to take care of that.

Suddenly, (and I believe that the Lord put this in my mind) I thought about the recipes, and went into the kitchen and opened the drawers. Every cookbook was gone, and my own precious packet of cards was also missing.

I went to the bottom of their stairs and called up to Cindy, and politely asked if she still had the recipe books? "Oh, I might have already packed them! Sorry."

I ran downstairs to their car, and told Dr. Tony that Cindy had mistakenly packed my cookbooks, and could he please open the trunk and retrieve them for me. He grumbled something, then opened the trunk, and the biggest suitcase. I was astonished! It must have had a dozen black pant suits, black dresses, black jackets, all on hangers with price tags still hanging off them. He dug around, and pulled out 5 or 6 of Ruth's cookbooks, and by this time I was furious, so I flopped the suits back, and found my plactic bag of recipes. And there in the bottom of the trunk, was my favorite recipe for Pecan Pie, taken off a plastic bag of pecans. I picked it up, and it curled around my finger. I pointed that finger at him, and said, "I needed this for tomorrow!"

I told Bob about this very odd situation, and he grabbed the camera and took a picture of the car and license plate as they left. Of course, it was a rental car.

I went upstairs to check out the Pent House, and sure enough, a few of Ruth's cute little country decorations were taken off a wall, and the bathroom counter.

We should've, but we didn't report them. I still wonder how many other people they have ripped off?

And Bob calmly said, "I don't think he was a doctor of anything."

(And YOU thought I was going to share some of my favorite recipes!)

About Perfect Peace ...

2006-03-22T17:01:00.000-08:00

While Ruth and Herb were on the Mainland, we used their beige Volvo which had a nice cassette player, and a good collection of music in the car. On the long runs from Princeville to Lihue, we got so we knew every curve along the coast, and now, as I play our CD of "Perfect Peace Instrumental," I can picture the exact curve of the highway where I heard that song or arrangement the first time. Ah, "Perfect Peace, designed to help you focus your mind upon the Lord and bring you into a quiet haven of God's rest and reassuring peace."...Jeff Hamlin, Producer.

After our weeks of service at the B&B one winter, Herb and Ruth were driving us to the airport. The Volvo got very sluggish, began billowing smoke, and slowed to about 5 miles an hour, then quit altogether part way up a hill. Bob and Herb got out to look under the hood.

Very quickly, a pickup truck pulled up behind us. It was one of the Hawaiian pastors, and he had been going the opposite direction, but recognized the Volvo and saw the smoke, made a U turn and came to help. Something called a cataletic converter underneath the car was glowing bright red. Not a good sign.

Another friend of theirs recognized the Volvo, too, and stopped to see if he could help. Herb and Ruth arranged with the second man to get their car towed back to Princeville, and asked the first man to take us to Lihue to the airport so we wouldn't miss our connection to Honolulu. We tossed our luggage into the back of the pickup and enjoyed getting acquainted with another of God's servants on Kauai. And we made it in good time in perfect peace.

That was the last trip made by the beige Volvo. RIP.

About anniversaries and crutches...

2006-03-19T12:52:00.000-08:00

This being my own anniversary, reminds me of the many guests who celebrated their special occasions at the B&B.

Don T. phoned from Maui, asking if we could provide a beautiful flower lei for his wife, Mimi, when they arrive that week, as it would be their 40th anniversary.

I shopped for a fresh lei, and had it ready to put around her neck when they drove up. But, she was helping him out of the car. I watched them hobble up the path around the house to the back door, as he was on crutches.

Seems that they had spent a week on Maui, and were walking on the beach close to the water, when a heavy surge came up and swept them both off their feet. It enveloped Mimi, and thrashed Don around, breaking his leg in a spiral fracture, as he frantically tried to rescue Mimi. A Hawaiian family, picnicking on the beach saw the incident, and rushed into the water and saved them both. Don was taken to a hospital, treated, and put in a soft adjustable cast, with lots of straps and a big boot.

Mimi gladly put on the lei, and when it was time to go out to dinner to celebrate their anniversary, they both dressed up beautifully. Don was able to get his pants over the cast, and if he hadn't been using the crutches you would never have noticed. I took their photo, with Mimi wearing the lei, sitting on his lap, and Don grinning like a bridegroom. Fun, loving couple.

Happy Anniversary up there, Bob.

Our last anniversary, browsing in Carmel-by-the-Sea, 2005

Sunday is our day off...

2006-03-18T10:02:00.000-08:00

Sundays were supposed to be our "day off" at Hale 'Aha. So, to make that happen, Ruth had printed out instructions to the guests, that they could sleep in, and help themselves to juice, cold cereal, toast and coffee. Most were fine with that.

On our own, we found "Prince of Peace Evangelical Free Church" meeting at the PRINCE CLUB, overlooking the golf course in Princeville. Great name choice. The group was made up of mostly locals, and those on vacation. Keeping our thoughts on the sermon was sometimes difficult, as golfers teeing off on the range were in full view. I caught myself leaning to see how far the ball went several times.

Found out that Pastor Emery Nester had graduated from Biola College, in California, the same year I was there, and his sister Betty had sat next to me in most of my classes, as my maiden name was Oden. In those days, we sat in alphabetical order.

After church, several would get together for lunch out. One of our favorite places to go was the Bali Hai Restaurant in the Hanalei Bay Resort. It has the best view of the ocean, and Hanalei Bay, and the "Bali Hai" Mountain of any place on the island. Palm trees bending, framing the view of the bay, blue swimming pool in the foreground, orchids in clusters in colorful gardens surrounding the pool, gushing waterfalls, and of course, the little blue faced doves flying in and out of the area watching for crumbs.

We urged the B&B guests to go there for an evening meal, or just dessert, to watch the sunset. It is so spectacular there.

The rest of our day off, we would drive to some beach, take a nap, perhaps swim, or go sight seeing where we hadn't been before. Most often, we'd try to get back before Alice and Don arrived to watch "Touched By An Angel" on TV with us. Usually there was time to play a few rounds of "Square 9," a card game they "insisted" on teaching us, even though we were too tired to think. This game became our favorite. If you'd like to try it, click on the word "Square 9".

By the way, I asked our son John if he could program the card game, and he did! He surprised Alice and Don, as well as Bob and our son David, by putting their faces on the "face" cards. Also, Bob's Dad, and a young John. See if you can guess which one is Alice!

Never cry Wolf...

2006-03-17T09:04:00.000-08:00

Hale 'Aha B&B was advertised in a few major magazines, and several Christian publications. But I was still surprised when we got a phone call from Kotzebue, Alaska. Good grief! That's way up there above the Arctic Circle.

I was through with the work "upstairs" so was at the desk in the office when Hildegard called. She and Wolf had reservations here for their 25th anniversary. She wanted to know what to wear in Hawaii. "Well, I'm sitting here in shorts and a tank top, and I'm bare footed," I told her.

She couldn't even imagine it. It was 70 degrees below in Kotzebue.

They arrived in Kauai's winter... which just means more rain, and maybe as cold as 65 degrees. (That's when the "locals" put on sweaters.)

I'll never forget my first glimpse of Wolf the next morning, as he came back from a long run in the dark in the rain in jogging shorts. That warm rain must have felt like a warm shower to him, as he laughed aloud when he came in, sopping wet. Silly thing to remember, but when you know where they'd just come from, you can understand his delight.

They were Wycliffe Bible Translators, and were working among Eskimos in a tiny village, teaching them to read, writing songs for them, and giving them the Scriptures in their language.

At the breakfast table were other intellectuals, and the conversation was brisk and refreshing, as Wolf answered questions about why he and Hildegard felt called to leave their home in Germany, and take their two children to such a far away place to work their hearts out for such a small tribe. Several guests were familiar with the mission.

Only a couple of years later, Hildegard and Wolf stopped by to visit Bob and me, in our home in California, as they were passing through after a conference of translators in the States.

Now, who would have dreamed that?

Kauai tragedy...

2006-03-15T15:36:00.000-08:00

As I write this, our beloved Kauai is reeling from another catastrophe.

I received an email from Tricia, our Kauai church pastor's wife, saying:
"We are getting hammered with rain here. I just got word that a river has just washed a house into the Bay. There may have been people inside. We don't know. Please pray for our protection. I'm filling up bathtubs as our town has been warned we may loose our water! The electricity was off, but it's back on. Keep us in your prayers. aloha, tricia"

(Tricia, on her birthday. The church meets temporarily in a huge tent near the Kilauea Light House.)

An earthen dam built in the late 1800's cracked and gave way, and the water in the reservoir behind it poured out like a Tsunami, racing down the hill, tearing up everything in it's path to the sea. Two homes were washed out to sea, and several others were damaged. One life was lost, and seven others are missing. Kuhio Highway, the only road from Lihue to Princeville, was damaged so badly, that it may take months to open a second lane.

Hours later, Tricia wrote again:
"Four bodies have now been found and identified. Michael and Cindy lost their daughter, son-in-law and 20 month old grand baby. The other body is of a girl living on their property who was pregnant and going to be married this weekend. Please pray for these families and especially that the Lord would use this to bring them to Himself. Pray for us as a church body that we may have opportunities to minister to the families. At least three more people are still missing. The road is still closed. Let's pray the road opens by tomorrow as Steve has a wedding down at the Marriott! We are all fine. In fact the sun just peeped out! We haven't seen it in days! aloha, tricia"

My peaceful solitude at the computer, writing my memories of serving as an inn keeper on Kauai, has been disrupted by the sadness of this tragedy. Join me in prayer for the dear folks on that tiny dot of an island in the middle of the Pacific? Thanks.

Awful Waffles...

2006-03-13T18:42:00.000-08:00

Our first glimpse of tall, handsome white-haired Don and Alice, was at The Church of the Pacific, a friendly gathering of Hawaiians and Houlies (anyone outside of Hawaii) in a room above the shopping center in Princeville. They were singing in the choir. Six women and two men. They were already friends of Herb and Ruth, and knew we were guests at the B&B as the winners of the Grand Prize. They welcomed us warmly.

Next time we saw them, was when Don brought Herb a bagful of the biggest grapefruit I had ever seen... grown on the property where he and Alice live, down on Anini Beach.

Then, one Sunday afternoon in 1993 Bob and I drove down to see Anini Beach. The brochures and maps all explain that Anini Beach was once Wanini Beach, but the wind blew the "W" away, and no one ever replaced it. It is a gorgeous long beach, protected by a reef. We waded in the warm water and strolled past huge mansions, and a gorgeous white house with a long porch wrapped around it. And there was Alice on the porch. She waved and called us to come in.

She and Don were from Idaho, and were live-in caretakers for this lovely residence, for the owner who lives in Japan. They gave us a tour of the house. It had a Japanese-style suite attached to the end of the house, where the owner's guests could eat at a low table, and sleep Japanese-style on futons. One of Alice's duties was to take out the dozens of futons and quilts and air them regularly in the sunshine.

Alice invited us to stay for Sunday night supper. She was going to make "Awful Waffles." This was a Sunday night tradition in her home when she was raising her three kids.

Start out by making the waffle batter, then frying some bacon, and getting eggs ready to scramble. She had me put all the waffle toppings on the gorgeous dining room table with the marble top, and with an amazing chandelier from Italy. Oh, my!

When it was time to eat, we were instructed to "keep passing" until all of us had been served the toppings in the right order!

Here's the right order for Awful Waffles:

Butter the hot waffle.
Spread chunky peanut butter on next.
Then pour over it some real maple syrup.
Spoon on some raspberry jam, (or strawberry-rhubarb jam if you're lucky enough to have some of Alice's).
Add a huge dollop of whipped topping.
Pour chocolate syrup over this.
Sprinkle with chopped nuts.
Serve with bacon and scrambled eggs.

Perhaps the name describes how you feel some time after having indulged in this decadent concoction. (The photo is recent...we didn't have all of the toppings. Next time!)

Peanut warning...

2006-03-12T16:46:00.000-08:00

Remember the old days, when the airlines served you a real meal?

It's a five hour flight to Hawaii from San Francisco, so we were relieved to find our tickets stamped, "LUNCH," and "NON-STOP." But if it said, "SNACK" we knew we were in for a bag of pretzels and peanuts. (By the way, did you ever notice the warning label on the bag? It's there in fine print on the back side, "This bag may contain peanuts.")

But not so with Hawaiian Airlines. A real lunch was served piping hot and with plenty of refills of coffee or soft drinks. Teriaki chicken over rice, vegies, salad, roll and butter, a square of chocolate cake, and more coffee. Really.

Two Hawaiian flight attendants came toward us with big smiles. They served us each a glass of champagne, saying, "We decided to give you the 'Couple of the Flight Award.'" No one else was given any. I guess it was because we cleaned our plates.

88 and 78...

2006-03-10T12:22:00.000-08:00

Ruth's generous offer to let any relatives or friends of ours come enjoy the bed and breakfast while we were taking care of it, was accepted by Bob's dear older cousins. Alice 88, was married to Bob's cousin Frank. Clara 78, was married to Frank's brother Arthur, and now, both ladies were widows. All her life, Alice had wanted to take a tour of the Hawaiian Islands, and offered to bring Clara as her companion, all the way from Colorado.

Bob and I had to take care of B&B banking and shopping in Lihu'e, the biggest city on Kauai. It's where the main airport is, near Nawiliwili Harbor where the cruise ships come in. We thought we'd surprise the two cousins, by meeting them at their ship, the "Constitution". We went on board, and asked around, but everyone seemed to be off the ship already. We turned a corner to head back out, and there came the two ladies ! What a nice coincidence. So, we took them sight seeing, on the south end of the island, through The Tunnel of Trees, and to see Old Koloa Town, to look at the gorgeous Hyatt Regency Hotel in Poipu, all restored from the damage of "Iniki," and to walk about the beautiful grounds. Then, took them back to their ship for the rest of their tour.

A week later, when we arrived at the little Princeville Airport to pick up the two ladies, we could see the tiny inter-island plane coming in to land. Down the steps came Clara, a little pale and shaken, but poor Alice had kept her eyes closed the entire flight from Oahu, and her wobbly legs could barely get her on the ground. (We arranged for them to fly out from Lihue Airport on a regular jet the next week). We picked up their rental car, a bright red sporty little compact.

We took them "home" and showed them the two choices they had for accomodations. The "Golf Room" overlooking the golf course and the sunrises. Or the "Penthouse Suite" upstairs. They gasped when they saw the luxurious room from the top of the stairs, and we knew their minds were made up.

During the week, they became the center of attention during breakfast conversations, with a cute young surfer-type couple from So. California, named Joe and Judi. Also with Patsy, a lovely single lady and her Mom, "Pinkie," visiting from Florida. At breakfast, Bob shared his love of the "49 Character Qualities" reading the ones for Tuesday. Joe told us his grandfather was a Methodist minister, and Judi said she'd attended private Methodist schools. Next morning, Joe volunteered to ask the blessing.

Earlier, Ruth had invited Scott and Diane to use the Honeymoon Suite for a few weeks while their condo was being refurbished after Iniki. They had been living in a tent ever since the hurricane, and now it was winter, and it rained every night. Scott joined us for breakfast once in a while, but usually used the new kitchentte in their suite.

After the morning chores were done, we took Alice and Clara sight seeing. We went to Kapa'a and had a meal at "The Fish Hut" in the Coconut Marketplace, a cute shopping center with an art gallery, several restaurants, and lots of tropical-style shops. "The Fish Hut" has the BEST grilled mahi mahi on the island. We tried to coax the recipe out of the owner, but she said she paid so much for the recipe that she wasn't going to share it with anyone. (And for the next ten years, no matter how we teased and pleaded, she never gave us the recipe). It came with cole slaw, made fresh every hour, and a pile of seasoned French fries, or steamed rice. Only $6.95. Best buy on the island. We sent many B&B guests down there for their lunch or supper, and none were disappointed.

That evening, we four attended the Christmas pageant "From Heaven's Throne" at the Kapa'a Missionary Church. Before the program began, three Hawaiian men sang "The Little Drummer Boy" in Hawaiian and played their Ukaleles. Wow. The play was excellent. A huge Hawaiian named Bob, with a wonderful voice, sang the main parts. (Over the next few years, we got to hear him sing in every musical program).

On Sunday afternoon, we took the ladies to see the posh Princeville Hotel, just up the road from the B&B. We had lunch there, on the open-air terrace, and were amused by the little blue-faced doves which flew in and out of the room. All hotel lobbies and restaurants over there are open-air with sliding glass windows in case of inclement weather.

One afternoon, we drove all the way around the island to Waimea Canyon, the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." We stopped at every over-look to see the view. At the top there is a rusty old sign, saying "THE WETTEST PLACE ON EARTH" and claims that it rains over 451 inches per year. We walked to the top where we could see the Na Pali Coast. Absolutely magnifiscent. Everywhere we stopped, there were little red hens and banty roosters. Bob joked that they were Hawaii's State Bird, and people believed him.

On the way home, we had to stop at Lappert's Ice Cream Factory, in Hanapepe. The richest ice cream we've ever had. They claim it is 30% butter fat. "Kauai Pie" became our favorite flavor, made with Kona coffee ice cream, chocolate fudge, macadamia nuts, and coconut. Oh, m'gosh.

We drove to see the "Spouting Horn" near Koloa Town. It's a hole in the rocks on the shore, where the ocean rushes in and is forced up into the air like a geyser. Amazing. Then we drove past miles and miles of homes destroyed by Iniki. The Sheraton Hotel down there was still not repaired. The ocean surge had raced right through the lobby to the back parking lot, and left cars piled on top of each other. (We saw photos of that on TV in California). Even the concrete highway had floated away in pieces. Awesome.

Those dear ladies helped us stuff 1800 Christmas envelopes for the B&B that evening. I just thought I'd mention that, to confirm the belief that there's no such thing as a free lunch.

Next afternoon, after morning chores, we took our cousins to the Smith Family River Cruise on a flat-bottomed boat, up the Wai'lua River to the Fern Grotto, where three Hawaiians sang beautiful Hawaiian songs in the natural amphi-theater. After the cruise, we went to the big Smith Family Luau, watched the pig roasting ceremony with interest, and then stuffed ourselves like pigs. Yes, they served poi and raw salmon. I loved it. A wonderful all-island pageant and hula show followed this. What a beautiful evening.

Next day, Herb and Ruth were to return from their vacation on the mainland, and we were to take our cousins to the airport. The timing was perfect, as Herb and Ruth arrived in time to meet the ladies. Alice and Clara expressed their appreciation to them, and we hugged our dear cousins goodbye and saw them off, on the same plane returning to Oahu. (Later we heard that it took 17 hours to get to Denver, as the flight was routed through Texas. Oh, my.)

Now that I am 77, I wonder if I will be as agile and adventuresome as those two sweet ladies at 78 and 88.

Herb's Guava Butter...

2006-03-09T17:42:00.000-08:00

When I think of staying at a bed and breakfast, I immediately wonder what will be served for breakfast, don't you? This was our first experience. We were still on California time, so Bob went downstairs early and brought up some wonderful Kona-Macadamia coffee. Oh my. Was that ever delicious! We dressed for the day, and joined everyone else for breakfast at 8:00, in the dining area overlooking the golf course.

Other guests included newlyweds, John and Joy, and a couple from another island, Stewart and Casey. Herb served us fresh fruit smoothies, a thick blend of guava juice, pineapple, and frozen bananas. Then Ruth helped him serve us each a bowl of hot brown rice, and a bunch of good stuff to go on top... chopped almonds, chopped walnuts, sliced papaya, fresh pineapple chunks, raisins, and brown sugar. Herb brought on his fresh baked bread... and then presented his "secret" butter. Oh m'gosh!

Here's Herb's recipe:
Slice up a POUND of butter in a mixing bowl
Whip into the butter one 18 ounce jar of GUAVA JELLY (NOT jam).
Leave some of the jelly lumpy for nice texture and appearance.

Slather on bread!

We enjoyed several more cups of Kona-Macadamia coffee while visiting with these new friends. It was nearly 10:00 and no one was in a hurry to get away.

The eensy weensy spider...

2006-03-05T17:53:00.000-08:00

Taking care of a big three story house means many things. Besides doing laundry for four bedrooms, making breakfast for up to 10 people, shopping for groceries, and doing the reservations and banking, we tried to help with maintenance of the property.

Herb had shown us the long metal downspout stored under the house. Bob thought it would be a nice gesture for us to re-attach the downspout on the side of the house, where a temporary rain gutter carried the water out over the cement path and dripped it onto the pineapple patch beside the house. Bob had noted that anyone walking up that path during a rainstorm got dripped on by that extension of the rain gutter.

So, with some effort, we re-attached it to the wall, following the pattern for the brackets left in the paint. Quite satisfied, we settled down for the day.

Then, it started to rain.

Our bed was up against the side wall, beside that path, and the whole wall became a sound board for the downspout. It literally roared. We didn't get much sleep that night, and the next day, we put the downspout back under the house.

So the eensy weensy spider went up the spout again...

Hockey Pucks...

2006-03-04T08:39:00.000-08:00

I don't blame Herb and Ruth for hanging around for a week after we arrived the first time to manage their precious bed and breakfast.

The details for keeping house, and making breakfast for up to 10 people, making reservations on the computer, and doing the garden work, were a bit different from our house in Sunnyvale.

Bob was being instructed on making homemade breads and muffins. I was learning the ropes of matching linens to which bedroom and bath.

They couldn't leave on their vacation until they were sure we could handle it.

When Bob's loaf of bread came out perfectly, they were pleased, and began to pack.

But his first batch of homemade muffins were tough. Herb called them, "Hockey Pucks" and tossed them out onto the golf course for the birds... a tradition we even shared with the guests. From then on, any leftover bread or muffins was for the birds.

What a sweet deal...

2006-02-27T12:49:00.000-08:00

On September 11th, no, NOT that one, but the one in 1992, Hurricane "Iniki" spun toward Kauai. We were visiting in Oregon, and phoned Hale 'Aha to tell the Bockelmans we would be praying for them. They were putting plywood sheets over the windows upstairs. They had a newlywed couple and an older couple there celebrating an anniversary.

Ruth told us, weeks later when phone service was restored, that the windows and doors WITH their frames, blew in on the main floor, allowing rain to soak everything. Ruth and Herb and the guests all huddled dowstairs on the ground floor, with mattresses against the doors and windows. They peeked out the garage door once, and saw a small tornado heading straight up the ravine toward the house. Iniki circled overhead for an unbelieveable 3 hours, destroying things on the other side, as the hurricane came around from the other way. When it was finally over, the guests helped sweep up shattered glass, and pulled up the soggy carpets. Everyone slept upstairs in the Penthouse, which was still dry.

Herb, being a builder phoned in an order for lumber and supplies on the first ship coming their way. So, instead of being out of business for a year or more, like many other hotels, he and Ruth had Hale 'Aha up and running by February of '93. Herb took the opportunity to strengthen all the doors and windows, and changed hallways and entries, to make an even more attractive suite out of one of the bedrooms. The Honeymoon Suite now had it's own entry and private dinette.

He improved their own quarters on the ground floor by turning half the garage into a nice big office, and by adding a kitchenette where the washer and dryer used to be. He made the new laundry area available to all the guests (though it was necessary to remind them NOT to dry their hiking boots in the dryer!) By adding walls and windows around the ground level lanai, he and Ruth now had their own dining area and space to entertain their friends. He added a back door, with lighted path, so their friends could come visit without disturbing the B & B guests.

Because the island was stripped bare of leaves and tree branches, and hotels were still closed and houses and buildings blown away or destroyed, not many tourists wanted to come visit Kauai. So, Ruth invited Bob and me to come manage the inn six weeks for them that following November and half of December while there wouldn't be too much to do. She even suggested that we could invite any of our relatives to come and stay for free, if they wouldn't mind contributing toward the food they ate. We began to put the word out.

When Doug, one of our close business associates heard what we were going to do that winter, he commented, "How'd you get such a sweet deal?"

How it all began...

2006-02-19T08:13:00.000-08:00

To win any contest, you must first enter it....

When the announcer on KFAX Radio, Craig Roberts, phoned me in the spring of 1992, I couldn't imagine why. I immediately recognized his voice, and asked in a husky voice left over from walking-pneumonia, "What do YOU want?" He asked if I had ever won any prizes. Well, yes, I had won a cook book from Reader's Digest. Craig said, "I think you're going to like this prize better than a cook book." All this was being recorded and broadcast over the radio!

He told me that my name had been drawn in the KFAX Family Radio Contest, and I had won the GRAND PRIZE.... A week in the Penthouse, at Hale 'Aha Bed and Breakfast, in Princeville, Kauai, in the Hawaiian Islands! I couldn't believe it. About three months before, I had mailed in a post card to KFAX, with our names and address and phone number, AND OUR AGES (which seemed an odd request), and the answer to the riddle in the contest.

Bob had "retired" in 1985, when most companies in Silicon Valley were downsizing, so we never even dreamed of going to Hawaii. But here we were, two 64-year olds, flying off to Kauai, in June, 1992, with cameras, binoculars, sunscreen, dark glasses, funny little hats to keep our heads cool, swim suits, shorts and tank tops, sandals, and hiking shoes just like all the other tourists.

Our friends, Hugh and Phyllis Harris, who had a Time Share on Kauai, had sent us pamphlets and maps and marked everything that we should be sure to see, from the south end of the island, beginning at the gorgeous Westin Hotel near the airport at Lihu'e, to the north end at Ke'e Beach. Places to eat, places to swim or snorkel, places to photograph, shop, or attend church.

And here we were, sitting in JJ's Broiler, a cute outdoor cafe, overlooking the beach at Nawiliwili Harbor, breathing in that wonderful, fragrant, humid air, watching the sunset while eating Mahi Mahi sandwiches, and a pile of curly french fries.

We drove on north to Princeville Resort, in the dark. The guard at the gate showed us where to look for the low street signs along the avenue, and told us that Kamehameha Road was the third street on the right. We arrived at Hale 'Aha about 8:00 Hawaii time, and the hosts and owners, Herb and Ruth Bockelman were just about frantic worrying about us. They expected us about 4:00 PM... but we hadn't read their instructions that the travel agency had included in our packet. We were just toodling along at our own pace, enjoying the experience.

Ruth ushered us into the house, having us take off our shoes on the porch first (Hawaiian style), then invited us to get a cold drink at the refrigerator in the kitchen. She told us what time we should be up for breakfast, and where we could get our coffee first thing in the morning. Herb came in to visit with us in the main living room. What a beautiful couple. Cheerful, engaging, eager for us to enjoy our stay.

They had built this lovely three story home in 1990, the only "legal" Bed and Breakfast in the Resort. They chose the name, "Hale 'Aha" which means, "House of Gathering." Ruth took us upstairs to the Penthouse Suite... a 1000 square foot area complete with a kitchenette, a dining area, huge living room looking north over the golf course, an alcove with a writing desk, a huge master bedroom with windows facing east, with a view of the light house at Kilauea, a dressing room with hidden washer and dryer, and a lavatory, and a beautiful tile bathroom with jacuzzi tub, and separate shower. The balcony off the dining area faced west with lovely sunsets over "Bali Hai" mountain and overlooking the ocean. A wonderful place for morning coffee and devotions.

We had to pinch ourselves to believe we were actully here in Hawaii, and guests of these lovely people. After spending a wonderful week with Herb and Ruth and sight-seeing on the whole island, and enjoying the other guests at the table each morning, Ruth asked us if we could come manage the Inn for them that winter, so they could have a vacation. They hadn't had one since they built the place. So, that's how it all began...