📱 First world problem. I am considering whether to replace my loved iPhone 13 Mini with a new phone. The battery capacity of the Mini is down to 81%. I had it on low power mode all day yesterday in Honolulu. It made it through the day, just, though I didn’t use it too much and my wife dealt with Ubers on her more powerful phone. A battery replacement will cost me about $200 here on Maui, and though I haven’t checked yet I believe I would get a good trade in deal if I were to go the ‘new’ route. A new battery will see me through another four years, should my older eyes still be happy with the size…and my mind not be craving new technology. Oh decisions! ⚘
Now
✈️ Back to Honolulu today for another appointment. Sometimes I wish the big city was a short drive away, or a train ride away, but short of building a big tunnel, that is not going to happen. There have been attempts at inter island ferry services over the years, but they all have ended up shutting down for various reasons. So for now the only option is to fly. ⚘
🎒 I helped the parents out today by taking the grandkids to school. I have never had children - yes, adoptive grandchildren - and so I am finding myself starting to do the school run a little later in life. ⚘
🎬 We went to see One Battle After Another last night. What great fun. The film was so well put together. It kept me engaged for its whole 2½ hour run time. Funny, action, twists and turns. Great acting by all the cast. A wonderful sound track. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⚘
🌧️ It’s a Sunday morning and lightly raining outside. The clouds to the east are dark and look full of rain. To the west I can see blue sky. My hope, my want for today is to have a day of rain, even if it is sunny 20 minutes down the road (as it can be here). My wish is for a stay at home, rainy Sunday. ⚘
Saturday, September 27, 2025 →
⚽ My grandson’s weekly football (soccer) game this morning. Though I am on dog walking duty. I’m appreciating the cloud cover and breeze right now. Keeping things cooler than they might otherwise be. ⚘
☕ Because of my lifestyle and work I can go for days only seeing my immediate family. I am fine with that, comfortable with that, and occaisionally it feels good to shake that up a bit. So I’m looking forward today to catching up with an old friend. ⚘
Thursday, September 25, 2025 →
🌄 Stepping outside this morning the air was fresh and invigorating. Hardly a cloud in the sky and beautifully clear. The coolest that I have felt the air since we have moved towards autumn. I opened the doors to let the outside in and freshen up the house. ⚘
Wednesday, September 24, 2025 →
🔥 Following my post yesterday concerning the bush fire on Maui’s North Shore, I am writing with an update that as of this morning the fire is 50% contained, no forward progress overnight, 380 acres burned. No buildings damaged, and the evacuation order was lifted last night, though one school remains closed today. ⚘
🌅 This morning it is just so still and quiet. The Trade Winds, which keep the temperatures down in Hawaii, have been blowing very hard the last few days. That’s welcome, and I have wished that they could dial it down a bit. This morning they have. Just stillness now, which rests my heart. ⚘
☁️ Can anyone recommend a small book or simple website that explains what causes different cloud types? I’m not looking for a meteorological tome, just something simple and brief that explains what the presence of a given cloud formation is saying about the weather. Thank you. ⚘
📖 I love picking up old books, ie previously read but long since put away, off the bookshelf. Opening the chosen book and reading through the pages feels like revisiting with an old friend. Such was my experience yesterday when wanting to look something up and I reached for Laurie Helgoe’s Introvert Power. It is now sitting by my bed. ⚘
Saturday, September 20, 2025 →
☔ I’ve been mentioning rain a lot here recently on my blog, and with conversations with friends online. The reason? It has been so dry here on Maui. The west part of the island has a stage 2 drought and a PGA tournament was canceled due to the poor conditions of the course. Now I feel as though things are beginning to change, at least here on the north east shore. We drive home from my birthday dinner last night to pouring rain. It rained through the night. There are threatening clouds in the sky this morning and rain is forecast over the next few days. Fingers crossed. ⚘
🎂 Happy Birthday to me - 62 today. Another year older. Much to be grateful for. I have spent early morning catching up with family and friends from afar. I feel full. ⚘
Thursday, September 18, 2025 →
🏙️ I’m heading to the big city, Honolulu, today with my wife. She has an appointment and I’m going over to support her. Getting to the island of Oahu, even for a few hours, entails going through all the rigmarole of airports - security, etc. - though having no luggage makes it a little easier. ⚘
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 →
🌅 The sun sets on another day, and I find myself exhausted for reasons that I am not completely clear about? I did some work outside today, but really not a lot. I think that it is mainly a mental, emotional exhaustion. I’d like to find some space to just sit, be, still my body and mind, and write. ⚘
🌧️ It’s 9:30pm and it is raining, finally. Thank you Kiko. Short lived, but it was something. Please keep it coming over the next couple of days.
😮💨 Phew! After an hour or so of back and forth, installing one node/satellite at a time, I now have a new mesh system installed between a couple of buildings. This is our third configuration over…hhmmm, maybe 5 or 6 years? The other two started working fine, and then started playing up. Fingers crossed for this setup. It feels the most robust to me.
🤪 I love to occasionally visit the ever expanding world of Floor796. As of writing this the project is only 53% completed and so much development still to happen. All credit to the author of this project.
🦗 Sitting in a quiet house, beams creaking as the hot day gives way to the cooler temperatures of the night. The sound of crickets drifts in through the open windows.
🥱 I can’t get up this morning. In an attempt to leave my bed, I made some coffee…but only ended up bringing it back to bed! I’ve got to get up sometime, but right now I’m not sure when that will be.
🌥️ A welcome reprieve with the weather this morning. Enough cloud to hide the sun, and a gentle but steady breeze. All adding up to cooler temperatures.
🎾 Summer is here - Wimbledon commentary is playing in the background.
☔ Well that sudden but big downpour cleared my head. I’m constantly surprised how atmospheric pressure build up gives me a headache. I probably shouldn’t be by now. I think that it is more surprise that such happens. I guess that my head is just sensitive to atmospheric conditions?
It cleared the air as well. Everything feels fresher now.
🥵 Phew! It’s hot out there. Rain has been forecast for the last few days, but I think that the sun has been drying out the clouds as they form.
However, the clouds as amassing now, so maybe some cooling showers this afternoon?
⛈️ A storm approaches. The thunder is getting louder and closer.
😮💨 I’m heading to bed tonight exhausted, but it is a good exhaustion. I was working all afternoon in the garden, made some good progress clearing overcrowding plants (hopefully the light of a new day will show that I did), and now just need to lie down. Good night 🌙
☕ It’s one of those nights when I’m going to bed looking forward to tomorrow morning’s coffee.
😶🌫️ We are still sitting in VOG here. The emoji is a little exaggeration on what we are experiencing, though the air quality is terrible. That along with no wind means that it can get hot outside. Today and going through the weekend the Trade winds are meant to pick up. Fingers crossed that they do. It will clear the air.
🌧️ It is pouring. That came out of nowhere. I cannot see that far because of the heaviness of the rainfall.