Driving Honu to Oceanside

Aloha Everyone,

This morning, J.J. decided to take Honu on a longer drive. Our destination was Oceanside, California. We took Highway 101 South enjoying a familiar route where we haven’t driven since last year.

California Coronavirus numbers have not flattened. Governor Newsom ordered bars to close again today in seven counties. It was too early to tell if the owners of bars were adhering to the latest state mandate. In spite of the day being dark and gray, J.J. and I were amazed to see how packed beach parking lots were. Vehicles were lined up next to each other. There was no social distancing and rarely did we see pedestrians and sunbathers wearing face masks.

With the 4th of July holiday weekend approaching and the long stretches of California beaches continuing to lure sun lovers, we hope individuals will make responsible decisions when it comes to dining out and beach times.

Aloha -- Cathi

Rainy Morning Walk

Aloha Everyone,

I heard the sound of a falling rain sometime during the night. It was a chilly and wet when I started my walk at 5:30 am.

Rain is refreshing. Colors of plants and flowers appear much more vivid and alive. Rain washes away the dust and leave behind small unexpected treasures.

Aloha -- Cathi

This week’s Dining-in Meals

Aloha Everyone,

In chronological order, this week we enjoyed Spaghetti allá Vongole with a side of strawberries and blueberries;

baked Teriyaki chicken; a baked pasta dish followed by a roast lamb. How elaborate my assortments of breakfast dishes depends on how famished I am after my walk :-)

Aloha -- Cathi

Alligator Lizards

Aloha Everyone,

The backyard with many flowering plants is regularly visited by various song birds, humming birds, crows and butterflies. Tonight, we welcomed a rare visitor, the Southern Alligator lizard. Our son and our granddaughter have seen it once on their evening walks and based on their descriptions, I have been looking forward to seeing one in person.

It was about 8:30 pm. This is the time I tell my granddaughter “when I turn into a pumpkin." I am a morning person and I was already getting ready for bed when my son alerted me. I quickly ran downstairs and joined others who were already looking out from the living room window.

This lizard was long, looked full grown so I estimate it to be at least a foot long. It stayed still about a couple of minutes before slinking from the patio to hide beneath the Hibiscus bushes.

After learning about some of the characteristics of this species, I can understand why they are called alligator lizards.

https://ielc.libguides.com/sdzg/factsheets/southernalligatorlizard

Aloha -- Cathi

One Year Ago This Week

Aloha Everyone,

How our world has turned upside down from one year ago. This week in 2019, J.J. and I were in Hawaii to see our son Jeff and our daughter-in-law Jenny.

Jeff and I walked the Ala Moana Beach Park while Jenny ran the Magic Island and Ala Moana Beach Park loop. Looking back at the photos with our family and friends and the fabulous time we had, I can imagine how different things are due to the Coronavirus.

Governor Ige’s emergency proclamation requiring everyone, including residents and visitors to the state of Hawaii to a mandatory 14-days self quarantine is working. According to a friend who flew from the island of Hawaii (Big Island), Honolulu International Airport was deserted. She and her husband’s temperatures were checked. And while she was answering routine questions, her husband’s phone rang to confirm that the authorities have his correct and functioning phone number.

We look forward to the day when we can reminisce this week.

Aloha -- Cathi