Walking through the fields, by the coast, at Sea Ranch.

A footpath, wooden fence and field of dry grass, with a dead thistle in the foreground and tree in the background

As I spend some time with family in California, the news that is coming out of Maui of the terrible fires there is heartbreaking. It sounds as though Front Street, and the historic area of Lahaina, including around the Bayan tree has been devastated (though to what degree is unclear right now, depending on one’s news source), with winds from the Hurricane Dora fanning the flames and making fire fighting impossible.

In addition to Lahaina, there are fires in Kula and heading down to Kihei. We have heard from friends who have been evacuated. Here’s hoping for the that the winds die down, allowing the fire fighters to do their job.

Thankfully our part of the island has not been touched by the fires. Though I imagine that it will take a while for Maui to recover from this.

These misty, Northern Californian mornings, fit my being perfectly.

A view from an upstairs window, showing a very misty morning as I look over a rooftop and chimney pipe

Hike to the bluff and there are three chairs waiting for you to take a rest, and take in the ocean views.

Three chairs sitting on a bluff overlooking the ocean

😶‍🌫️ Waking up to a foggy and damp morning. Perfect for moving slowly.

😶‍🌫️ Waking up to a foggy and damp morning. Perfect for moving slowly.

🥱 Tired after a day of driving.

🥱 Tired after a day of driving.

The Northern Californian coast at Sea Ranch.

Waves breaking into a small cove near the end of the day at Sea Ranch, Northern California

A path running through a tunnel of Cyprus trees on the Northern California coast

🐲 I just paid a visit to The Dragon’s Den, a herbal medicine shop here on Maui. I was looking for a something to help open my lungs as I manage the tail end of pneumonia. I’ve come away with a couple of options, and hoping that I see some results.

🐲 I just paid a visit to The Dragon’s Den, a herbal medicine shop here on Maui. I was looking for a something to help open my lungs as I manage the tail end of pneumonia. I’ve come away with a couple of options, and hoping that I see some results.

☕ I’m drinking my first coffee for around two months. Being unwell just put me off the beverage, and then as I improved my acupuncturist suggested that I stayed away from coffee. This morning I felt as though I wanted to try some again. Right now it is feeling good.

☕ I’m drinking my first coffee for around two months. Being unwell just put me off the beverage, and then as I improved my acupuncturist suggested that I stayed away from coffee. This morning I felt as though I wanted to try some again. Right now it is feeling good.

I get up after a good eight hours sleep (not always guaranteed) feeling fresh and well rested. Half an hour later I am ready to go back to bed. 😩

Finished reading: A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers 📚

Sounds of the night:

All this as I sit outside in the refreshing air, reading.

My grandson roasting a marshmallow at dusk, in PoliPoli Springs Recreation Area, Maui. (Photo credit, my son-in-law).

A boy roasting a marshmallow over an open fire at dusk in PoliPoli Springs Recreation Area, Maui

🔌 Power outage - those times when I realize the value and/or importance of that which I take for granted.

🔌 Power outage - those times when I realize the value and/or importance of that which I take for granted.

I was driving to the post office this morning, and a mongoose suddenly ran out into the road. I tried to swerve, but it was too late, the little animal gave me no time. I hit it.

I turned around and drove back to see if it had survived, but sadly not. I lifted it off the road and laid it in the grass verge.

I regularly see small animals making a run for it across the road, chickens occasionally as well. This was the first time that one had been close to me, though I have been behind people slowing down for a hen and her chickens.