Transitions

Transitions was Originally Posted on December 9, 2008 by lavarock

There are times in our lives, when we enter a transitional period; whether it be a major move, a birth, death or retirement. Some transitions are planned and others thrust upon us. As I look around, I find that I am in the midst of numerous changes. Most are welcome.

First, Hawaii will be the first state to transition to Digital TV. Because of an environmental issue, the state will switch to all digital TV signals a month before the rest of the states. Although other places have tested and one city may have already converted, we will be the firs tstate. It may not be as complicated here because many of us already rely upon cable and satellite because of mountains. In my case there are a few mountains between me and any place they would have placed a TV transmitter. I imagine the most critical location will be the island of Oahu where there are over a million people and many over the air transmitters.

Secondly, I moved here many years ago and did my best to try to fit in. I have begun to expand my eating habits to include more locally produced items, a bit of fish, diakon (pickled radish) and rice; lots of rice. Speaking of rice, I was on vacation on Kauai and went with my friend Lampy to a local bank. There I saw a sign that said if you opened an account, you got $50 bag of rice! That shows what rice means to islanders. A sign of transition to living in the islands has to be when you buy your first rice cooker. I did that a few weeks ago! I’m not the only one who will benefit from it. My dog eats cooked brown rice and it’s too bad I’m not putting him out to stud, because I could write the cooker off as a business expense, since he will benefit from it more than I will.

In preparation for my new 5 acres of coffee, I have cleared the land but often I get weeds, grass and scrub brush growing. At the top of the farm I have been able to use a regular lawn mower, although it is hardly adequate for the job. That mower helped me save $1200 each time I had a guy come with his tractor and flail mower to cut things. Now I find that I need to buy my own tractor and in these times of financial woes, I am still deciding which model, but will be spending over $20,000. I want you to remember that it is not easy nor cheap to become a farmer!

Koa, along with many other dogs is subject to being overly scared at certain events. He seems a bit scared of noises and people he does not know; moreso than he should be. My vet agreed that I can put Koa on an anti-anxiety drug called Elivil. It is fairly safe as humans have been using it for decades. Since starting on the medicine, Koa has now ventured into the water at Place of Refuge. Up until now I could not get him to get his feet wet. Now he was almost completely wet in an area where the water ponds. I expect him to live up to his potential soon. Perhaps he will even like taking a bath…

Finally, the islands have transitioned to Winter! Gone are the day temperatures of 85 and nighttime of 70. Now we are much colder, days of 80 and nights of 65. BRRRR!!!!! We have already had a few snowfalls up on Mauna Kea. That is why it gets its name “White Mountain”.

If I don’t get a chance before then, Happy Holidays from Koa and I.