Vicky Durand’s Adventure Blog #17

May 25, 2023
Welcome to Blog #17

It has been another lovely week here in paradise with some long awaited and exciting progress.

Most of the bamboo fence is now up. It is gorgeous and I am very happy with the look and will soon plant the cherries in front. Just missing the two end panels as I did not get enough cedar on the last trip to town. I am going back in this Wednesday for Mana’s two week X-ray and will pick up needed materials and that project will be finished.

Besides the wicked hau here there is invading cane grass. The cane was also starting to take over the front lawn before I got here to get it backed off. Luckily I found Chris who comes with his weed hacker metal blade and is cutting it back. A few days ago I helped him hand cut this away from an old rock wall so the grass can be mowed right up to the wall and fence line. He also goes outside the fence to cut it back which has opened some of the views.

The garden continues and the string bean crop has been plentiful with just a few plants. Each week there are two or three dinner harvests. Cilantro is also doing well but something has gotten to the tomatoes. Unfortunately some little nasty bug stings them so they just rot. Hopefully I can find the culprit and do away with it.

There is continued work on the windows and by the end of today I should have four installed. After eight months waiting for arrival, the boxes were finally opened. Slight modifications on the wooden frames had to be made and this has slowed the process down a few days. The wooden framing had to be trimmed then primed and repainted before installation.

Since Mana has been in a cage the cats are having a wonderful time strolling around the property with no dog to chase them. And, speaking of Mana she has been an excellent patient with no barking, whining and seems like there is no pain. I take her out during the day and she is a tad rambunctious but I guess that is expected.

We have had some lovely nightly downpours so there is plenty of water for hot showers under the stars. I am just about to go and try out my mini washing machine to see how that works. The washer works great and I did my first load of wash yesterday. Happy now to not spend valuable town time and spent in the laundromat.

Big news-I now have three windows and they are gorgeous! They are black and will have dark green trim to match the roof. So glad my architect Mireille helped me pick out some high quality and beautiful products. It has been a long wait for delivery, but well worth it. The next two weeks should see completion of the rest of the windows and sliding doors. It was interesting to watch how time consuming each window is to install with the fitting, caulking, etc. Probably lots easier on a wooden building versus metal. Also the windows are super heavy so it takes all three men to install.

I am starting to sell books here and this attractive little store just bought a dozen and are planning a book talk and signing party. The store is located right across from a popular restaurant so there are lots of people coming and going. Several weeks ago I met Carol, the manager, at the beach and we immediately hit it off. Plans are to do book signings in front of the store every first Friday when the Farmer’s market has their concert series and artist booths. Carol is one of the really special, like minded and welcoming people here that I am lucky enough to continue to meet and have as a new friends.

Time to wrap this up and get the pictures on so we can head to Kipahulu for yoga. Wishing you all a beautiful memorial weekend with thoughts and appreciation for loved ones no longer in our lives. I am especially grateful for all of them with so many wonderful memories and what they have given to provide an amazing life for me.

Aloha Nui and thank you for all your comments.

Vicky