Some Dogs Have All The Luck

It's 5:47am when Baxter, Lucy and I hit the "trail". The birds are chirping while the sun takes a good hour to rise.

Makai side looks bright and promising

Mauka looks like it's going to rain.

Here is a random shot. We made a stir fry with all the veggies from our CSA box. Bok Choy, carrots, broccoli, napa cabbage, purple beans (like green beans), garlic, ginger and turmeric. We put steamed rice in a book choy leaf, added the stir fry and topped it with micro greens and shredded diakon radish. Yummy!

Baxter has decided that eating from his bowl is too difficult for him. The other week I noticed he wasn't eating and decided to spoon feed him. I think the chunks of food get stuck to the bottom and he'd rather not deal with it. This is new, he has eaten this type of food since we've been here. Now, he won't eat unless I spoon feed him! It's ok cuz I love him and it makes him feel good...

He's actually pretty good at it.

I know, I know...let the sarcasm begin!

Cooking Up A Storm!

Another beautiful Saturday morning, another opening for a chance to post. A couple of months ago Dan bought me a cookbook on Ulu or breadfruit as it's also called. He finally got some in the store (it's in season now) and brought one home. I chose the recipe in which you cube it, pour coconut milk and water over and bake it for an hour. While the Ulu is tucked away in the oven, I think about this past week and all that's happened. Wow! What an amazing week!

Dan is putting in more hours at the store. About 7 years ago Papaya's joined with another couple and opened a store on the North Shore. Two years ago they had a falling out. They went into arbitration to settle on who was going to get the name, the obvious choice being the original owner (whose husband has since left her). She won! So, they are planning a whole new revamp in October and the store in Hanalei will have to change it's name. This means Dan is designing new signs for the store, the "re Grand Opening", as well as redesigning the company logo. He is explaining his new procedures to employees in meetings, expanding the produce department, fixing broken produce coolers, creating a huge network of farmers, and moving our east side CSA pick up there. Right now our CSA members pick at Hoku Whole Foods. He is also my valued and appreciated partner at Kauaian Fresh.

Last week we had our first 2 gigs as personal chefs/caterers. I am trying to increase our CSA membership, especially on the east side. Saturday, I teamed up with Dan, the owner of Da Kine Wine. He featured organic and biodynamic wine and I (as Kauaian Fresh) made appetizers for the Kauai Farmers Coop. It went really well, people chowed on the food, took flyers for the farm as well as for Kauaian Fresh. The only interest I have since received is an email from someone who would love to join the CSA but is on food stamps. She expressed her frustration at not being able to use her food stamps on our product. Jillian has been working for the past year to make that happen but has been boggled down in red tape. Maybe there is an opportunity here. Maybe we can do a trade. She can be a consumer advocate, champion the cause to the government folks, maybe get the wheels moving and we can give her 3 months worth of produce. At any rate, the 12 hour day that Dan and I had did not seem to be fruitful except to meet some people from our community, which was fantastic!

Late Monday afternoon, after I finished my work from home for Jillian and Dan came home from Papayas, we made the hour drive to the west side to prepare for the Aqua Engineers Employee party at the Harbor House. As we bustled in the hot kitchen, Roxanna (who is our neighbor Phil and Simone's friend and who hired us), Greg and his wife, Clyde, and the founder of the company Ian sat under the stars, caressed by the sounds of the ocean, drank beer and filled the cool night air with laughter. When we finished we went out to say goodbye and get the keys for the next morning. They asked us to stay and have a beer with them. Being that they were all local boys and girl (except for Roxanna) I was a little nervous. Greg is gregarious, I'm guessing he's the salesman, his laugh comes easy as he entertains us with his stories. Greg has my brother's name, a sister with my name and a son named Dan. Ian, super nice in a quite kind of way, is also quick to laugh. The quite ones are Greg's wife and Clyde. I imagine they are thinking "who are these haloies, so new to our island and what are they going to take from us and/or our island". The ice breaks as Roxanna draws us into the conversation by way of our old work and the 2008 Country Music Awards. After they learn about us, I ask about them, each in turn. Ian has a rags to riches story with a stint in Viet Nam. Clyde, a minimalist with words, quietly says he was born and raised here. Greg and his wife met on Oahu where she was born and raised, they moved here 20 years ago. We have a long drive and big day ahead of us so we leave feeling inspired by their acceptance.

Tuesday morning we wake up, get dressed and are out the door in less than an hour. We stop to pick up some last minute things and breakfast. The drive doesn't seem as long today, maybe because the jeep is filled with music, the freshness of a new morning and beautiful flowers lining the highway. We are the first to arrive and get right to work. By noon everything is ready. The party starts at 2 so we grab a quick bite to eat at a local taco joint. Back at the Harbor House, Clyde, Roxanna and Greg's wife decorate and we pitch in to help. Clyde and I bond over balloons. At 2, everyone settles in for the meeting. As Dan and I sit inconspicuously in the back, I can't help but be reminded of the many corporate employee meetings we sat in. The difference is the big blue ocean behind us and the fact that this is an employee owned company. As soon as the meeting is over everyone lines up for some food. It brought joy to my heart as I, finished with cleaning and walking back to the kitchen, saw everyone sitting at the tables laughing and connecting with each other over our food. We were invited to stay, have something to eat and relax. Being that it had been a busy week and we needed a drink (no booze there) we declined. As we said our goodbyes people asked for flyers and we got invited back to do it again next year. I wanted to celebrate! Financially, it wasn't a total success. We didn't lose money but we didn't make a whole lot. We over delivered and I'm ok with that. In tearms of customer satisfaction is was a success! Here is the email I received:

Aloha Marta and Dan,

A big Mahalo to both of you from all of us here at Aqua!  The food was awesome; we had compliments from everyone and we all ate until we couldn’t eat anymore. And we still had food leftover!  The food at any of our events usually contributes to 90% of the success of our parties because we all love to eat; it’s what we do best. Thanks to both of you, our event yesterday was a huge hit.  Leaving brochures behind was a great idea; I think they all got picked up by our employees.

Thank you also for your generosity with lending a hand (or four) with the other party odds and ends.  We couldn’t have pulled off the setup without your help.  

We’ll be sure to call on you again in the future and definitely recommend you to others.  Good luck to both of you with your new business and keep on cooking!

Mahalo again,

Valerie

Valerie A. Matias

Human Resources Manager

AQUA ENGINEERS, INC.

3560 Koloa Road

Kalaheo, HI  96741

Ph:  808.240.2208

Fx:  808.332.7596

www.aquaengineers.com

We drove to the Oasis, my favorite watering hole. I called Simone and asked her and Phil to meet us there, it's because of her we got the job and I wanted to buy them a round of drinks. The dogs were great, they had let them out, but could not join us. The Oasis is right on the beach. Outside, under the awning we down a mojito, order some shrimp cakes and some corn cakes and a mai tai. We feel good, tired but happy for a job well done. Between snatches of conversation reviewing the day, Dan casually says "why does that man look so familiar?" I turn around and am totally shocked. I exclaim "Oh My God!" It's Mitch and Char. My friend and maid of honor Mary's parents. I spent a lot of time at their house, when Mary lived there about 20 years ago. Char was my realtor when I bought my first property, then when Dan and I bought our house in Golden and again when we bought our home in Parker. She and Mitch moved to California 9 years ago to be close to their kids (Mary had moved to Malibu, became a successful therapist, horse trainer, author, athlete, wife and mother of triplets) and we hadn't seen them since. We caught up and made plans to get together with them Saturday (today) for lunch. They are also coming up to the farm on Tuesday, the day before they head back home.

Wednesday was harvest day. I was exhausted and because I couldn't do my normal farm work from home on Tuesday, I was rushed. We got 2 new client orders to fill (a restaurant and Hoku Whole Foods) as well as Papayas and our 35 member CSA. It was also the day my first publication ran in the newspaper! To read it click here. I didn't get credit, it was presented in the form of a press release, but still! We have gotten 4 new members from it. I invited them to the farm on Tuesday so I could give them a tour and get them signed up.

I was lucky and spent Thursday and Friday resting while Dan worked. Mmm, I can smell the Ulu, it must be done!

Da Kine Wine. Taro toasts with basil pesto and goat cheese, spring rolls and fresh veggies. Dan arranged the beautiful veggie/spring roll trays. He also wrapped the spring rolls, he's great at that kind of detail work, thank God! All gone by the end!

The view at the Aqua Engineers party

These are the Kung Fu Tomatoes (named when Jon Freeman took a bite and exclaimed "Wow! These are like Kung Fu in your mouth!") that Dan made. Cherry tomatoes filled with cilantro pesto.

There wasn't enough kalua pork so I made some in the crock pot.

Greg's wife (brown) and Roxanna (pink) set up for the meeting

The meeting

On the menu; Kalua Pork, Ahi Sesame Poke, Boiled Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Mayonnaise, Hawaiian Macaroni and Potato Salad, Kung Fu Tomatoes, Edemame Poke, Green Salad, Steamed Rice and Fresh Pineapple.

My article in The Garden Isle newspaper!

Baked Ulu ready to eat! It is very starchy, kind of sweet. Taste and texture like bread, hence it's name. Extremely filling! I can see this with countless combinations. The next one will be roasted with garlic and rosemary. 

Aloha!

Finding Our Flow

I'm sitting here in our treehouse, watching the sun slowly come up. Dan and I are having our morning cup of coffee and enjoying the cool morning air. It's mid June and it's getting really hot, especially up here in the treehouse. As I sit here I can't help but reflect, we've only been here 4 1/2 months! We have come so far in such a short amount of time!

Dan's co-worker Jessica said making it past 3 months is a landmark. Who knew? When we left Colorado I fantasized about checking out every inch of mountain and ocean that I could. That was the first thing on my agenda. After a month I found I really needed work, at the very least someplace regular to go to. The school fit that bill and so much more. Dan and I both got jobs from taking the class. We've made friends and it seems they're going to be meaningful friendships. We've become local. The other day I went to Papaya's to drop off the farm's produce for Dan. He was somewhere in the store so I stopped to talk with Puamana. She is a lovely, young native. Sweet, mellow, open. She said "your from here yea"? Everything ends in "yea"? I am flattered, a native thinks I am one too!

Phil and Simone, our fantastic neighbors, come over when we are gone all day to let the dogs out. Playing fetch with Baxter and setting up Lucy like she was a queen. Normally when I come home, they start barking like crazy. I had taken Baxter to the farm with me because between our anniversary, the Taste of Hawaii and working all day Monday he'd been pent up for too long. Lucy was home alone, she can't be trusted because she doesn't listen and follows her nose with no concern for where she is going or who is calling her. I pull into our "garage" and Simone calls out. She and Phil are sitting under their covered patio, sipping some beer and trying to cool off. They had Lucy set up in her own chair, complete with a big, fluffy pillow! She was so content she didn't even notice I came home until I spoke. Anyway, we're fitting right in, employed in such a way that we can pay our monthly bills, making good friends and not working full time.

I couldn't have dreamed this when I was dreaming about coming here. My dreams were open, general. I knew I wanted to make meaningful connections with people, be creative, work for myself, enjoy paradise, make good money, be in nature, be relaxed and happy. In 4 months that is happening on a larger scale than I could have imagined!

Dan is a trusted and valued member at Papaya's. They are enjoying him so much, his hours are increasing as are his responsibilities. He is averaging 25-30 hours a week. That says a lot in Hawaii where most people work part time, under 20 hours, so the business doesn't have the heavy cost of $350.00 per person for health insurance. If you work over 20 hours a week state law says they have to provide health insurance. He is helping open the store, making signs for inside and outside of the store (including creating the art work), ordering produce for the cafe, being consulted in major decisions, fixing things, and he is going to help install a new point of sale computer system, flush it out and teach it to everyone else. In addition to managing 2 people, getting more local produce in the store and trying to keep the coolers filled. It seems word is getting out, Papaya's has more local produce and better prices, he is selling out of produce like crazy!

Jillian really trusts me and pretty much gives me free reign to manage her CSA as I see fit. As a result I am designing flyers and posters, writing newspaper articles (one for the Garden Isle and one for Kauai People), I am going to write an article for one of my favorite publications Edible Hawaiian Islands. In an effort to increase members for the summer season I teamed up with Da Kine Wine. Tomorrow we are doing a free organic wine tasting. I, as Kauaian Fresh will make the food and as the CSA manager will try to get some new members. The menu is crudités of beans, cabbage, baby carrots, broccoli, celery, kohlrabi, baby turnips and radish. Crostini with basil, macadamia nut pesto topped with goat cheese.

Spring Rolls with carrots, micro greens, napa cabbage, scallions, cilantro, mint, thai basil and butter lettuce. All made with produce from the farm! It's so cool to have 4, 4000SF gardens as my palette. 

As the representative for the CSA I deal directly with the members (underwater ocean videographers, business owners, radio talent among them) and am meeting people, developing relationships. I am working directly with chefs of high end  restaurants (ones that I thought of waitressing at!) to provide specialty produce. Tuesday, is my catering gig for 50 people. A lot going on right now, once next Thursday rolls around things will mellow out until Jillian leaves for vacation in July.

So, we are finding our flow. Soon, my fantasies of checking out every inch of this beautiful island will come to fruition. Maybe in August, once Jillian gets back, summer season will be well on it's way, Dan's hours at Papaya's will even out and become more predictable. Those will be some posts you won't want to miss, everywhere I look astonishing, vast beauty surrounds me. In the mean time, in an effort to not bore you with our day to day stuff, I probably won't be posting as often. I considered stopping the blog but since you have been so supportive and following our dreams with us, I thought at the very least I could post some of that beauty for you! I do have some pictures from the Taste of Hawaii, not as cool but fun.

Before we head in to sample 50 different food vendors and 15 beverage vendors Gary, Jillian, me and Stew pose while Dan snaps a shot.

Hundreds of people came

and danced to live music

Jillian and Gary had a lot of fun, as usual.

It was hot so everyone gravitated to the shade.

ponds sprinkled throughout the property

beautiful views

smoking section

food, yummy food!

After. Jeez I'm buzzed! That's Natalia on the right, my friend and massage therapist.

Now that's a better shot. I'm not sunburned though. I just turn really red when I am hot!! Jillian 34, me 44, Natalia 21, ah to be the oldest in a group and be dealing with hot flashes! Oh well, could be worse!

Dan had brought home a bunch of lemons, oranges and limes so I made 2 quarts of sangria for after the taste and before the after party!

11 Years!

What a fantastic day! It's like we are on vacation this weekend. All the stress of finding work and adjusting to our new lives evaporates as I think about what's in store for us and how far we've come. Today is 11 years that Dan and I have been married and 1 year since we decided to move here. Mom and Dad sent us a card with some money so I called to thank them. Dad was out watching his grandkids play soccer while mom stayed home and cleaned the downstairs windows. When I called she had just finished and was relaxing. We had a great conversation talking about life, the changes we made and how well it is turning out. I feel like she really gets what Dan and I are doing and I love her so much for that, for her support and encouragement; for her living vicariously through our dreams. You know someone really loves you when they are genuinely happy for you and not threatened or jealous by what we are doing. She said she wants to come and visit, maybe for their 56th wedding anniversary in October (an accomplishment in itself) which would be fantastic. We spoke for over an hour, a record for us, and left eachother feeling loved and supported.

Our Starz Ohana (family) pitched in and got us a going away present, a $330.00 gift certificate to Outfitters Kauai, an adventure company for tourists. We decided to cash it in for our anniversary, on the Kipu Zipline Safari. It was fun being a tourist for a day! The aloha spirit is everywhere but when it comes to tourists, it's amplified! Our guides Shavonne and cowgirl (I can't remember her name) were fantastic. Really I mean, really happy young ladies that made our adventure day more enjoyable.

The day started at 8:30 and went until 3. Starting off with a paddle lesson from Shavonne, we kayaked about 2 miles of the Hule'ia river, hiked to a water hole for some swimming, got a tractor ride up to do an 800 foot zipline, had lunch, did a 1800 foot tandem zipline, hiked down to blue hole for more swimming and hiked to the river for a motorized catamaran ride back. It was a fantastic day with the 1800 foot zip line being the highlight.

We thank our Starz ohana from the bottom of our hearts for such a wonderful, thoughtful gift. That gift enabled us to create a fantastic memory for our first anniversary as residents. We really appreciate you and will never forget you guys. A special thanks to Suzanne for coming up with the idea and making it happen, you are such a sweetheart! You know you have some place to stay and tour guides if any of our Starz ohana decides to come and visit! Mahalo, mahalo, mahalo nui loa!

So here are the pictures from our day, enjoy! And if you come, bring extra money because these excursions, although expensive (averaging $150.00 per person) are worth it. These folks work hard to make your experience fun and memorable and you get to see places a lot of people who live here don't get to. We highly recommend it!

A nice mellow kayak ride down the Hule'ia river started things off right. We all clustered together as our river guide Justin told us the menehune myth. Paddling on we were surprised by cowgirl; she was sitting up in a tree as sweet as she can be waiting for us. Justin took the kayaks back (on the catamaran with Chris) and cowgirl joined us for the rest of the tour.

The first swimming hole. Next week they are closing off the property to tours because Johnny Depp will be "walking on water" for the Pirates 4 filming. On the bottom right is a step ladder, you grab onto the knotted rope above and swing out into the water. Cowgirl swung out and on the swing back showed us what it looks like "walking on water"

Waiting for my turn!!

Hiking up to the pasture of Kipu Ranch.

Cowgirl is explaining something interesting.

We all load up for our ride

Back end view

Shavonne, on the rail, gets ready to scramble up a hill for the tourists.

Havin a good time!

Well come back to that later, the 1800' tandem zipline

Shavonne plucked a passion fruit flower (lilikoi) from a bush and passed it around to everyone.

he he!

Off to our first zipline.

Listening to instruction

Getting equipped

On the left "Dan the man" turned out to be an adrenaline junkie.

Dan's ready, really!

I'm ready

We were all ready to fly! But wait! A test, if you can walk over this bouncy bridge, you can do the zipline. If not, Gary is waiting in the wagon to take you back. Dan and I enjoyed it, appreciating them instilling a sense of vertigo before we zip!

the forest floor is about 100 feet below

But we are strapped in so it's ok.

Passed the test, waiting to zip!

Dan took the camera on his ride and snapped this shot, our landing pad is in the distance.

Dan coming in for a landing, his foot in the front there, Shavonne waits on the ramp to unhook him.

Post zip smile

more folks coming in

"Dan the man coming in for a landing"

The fear of the unknown is gone, the butterflies wiped away and everyone is happy.

On to the next spot

beauty all around us

up a little hill

into an open pasture. Notice the craggy cliffs on the left,

a close up of them.

landing spot for the 1800' tandem ride

the view is spectacular!

beautiful

Epic! As my niece and nephews say.

Off they go!

View from the top

Waiting for my turn (post swim hair)

Waiting (working on that belly!)

Dan and I go at the same time. The forest canopy below us is one of the most amazing things we've ever seen. Huge trees for miles cover the bottom. This zipline is much faster and it's exhilarating all they way around! Yeeeehawwwww!!!

A short walt to the blue hole where we ride a t-bar and splash in to get cooled off.

A mountain stream feeds it. Even though it's fresh water Dan and I spotted a baby turtle swimming around, not too bothered by us.

Some folks are too scared, others wait their turn

Dan the man takes his turn

The waterfall that feeds the pond. Dan and I are stoked to end our day in this cool, beautiful pond. I wish we were on our own schedule and had the place to ourselves!

A ladder helps you out

One boy was scared so cowgirl held him between her legs and dropped him in at just the right time. He loved it!

bye blue hole =(

Hiking back to the river I saw these cool trees.

Dan and I in a bamboo tunnel.

so beautiful!

And just like that, the day is over.

Sunday morning, still high from yesterday, I wake at 6am and take the dogs to the beach while Dan sleeps in. The beach this time of day is calm and empty. It's just me and the dogs. As I throw the ball into the ocean for Baxter and watch Lucy scamper around, I thank god that we are here, together, stronger than ever and celebrating life and 11 years together. 

Later this morning we are headed over to the Taste of Hawaii, 50 local food vendors and 15 wine stations. We are meeting Jillian and Gary up there and will hang out with them, the DeRasps (the personal chef and his brother and sister) and Dan from Da Kine wine. Salud!