Promises are Promises

 I almost wimped-out this morning and did not swim, but I had promised a friend that I would, just for her, so I did.

And, of course, I am glad that I submerged myself in the warm, clear ocean water. What a great way to start the day.

Younger than Me

 I just realized that at least four of my friends are in their seventies.
They are all much younger than me (in every way that matters) - and certainly know how to party and have fun.

Two Weddings and a Birthday

 It was another spectacular day for the Maui Pink Cap Swimmers with clear skies and flat, clear waters.

We celebrated two weddings and a birthday by swimming with a big Manta Ray and lots of Green Sea Turtles.

Click HERE for several more photos from this morning's ocean swim.

Challenge

 You want a challenge?

Try surfing on a boogie-board.

They were designed to be used as seen in the bottom photo, not as in the top two photos.

Light and Shadow

 Clouds have been coming and going down here in South Maui and I have been enjoying the interplay of light and shadow across the land (and water) scape.

Someone got creative with some driftwood, which is more than I can say for any sand sculptures on the beach.

This is probably my favorite building on all of Maui, and I hear that it is scheduled for demolition. I certainly hope not.

German Buoy

 The ocean was flat enough for me to get a good swim workout this morning.

I even had a big buoy from Germany to act as my turn-around marker.

And my hair is rapidly growing in. It won't be long until it is down to my shoulders once again.

Summer Vacation

 We swam through some tight spots this morning and Doug had to resist getting beamed up which means, of course, that we had another great ocean swim.

Thank goodness for summer vacation.

Click HERE for a few more photos from today's swim.

One Night Only

 I caught the tail end of the flowering of my neighborhood Night Blooming Cereus this morning.

These giant flowers are about a foot long and only last for one night. They were all wilting away when I noticed them this morning.

Once A Year

It is that time of year again - time for my annual haircut. What a load off my mind.

Best Birthday Ever

 Today has been one of my very best birthdays ever.

It started with a great swim in my back yard, then indoors for a pre-lunch dessert and tremendously thoughtful gifts, then moved to an oceanfront restaurant for a tasty lunch, followed by my annual haircut (photos in tomorrow's blog post), and who knows what else.

I offer my deepest thanks to everyone who wished me well, and especially to my magnificent husband without whom my life would have little meaning.

Click HERE for a few more photos from today's ocean swim.

Guest Photographers

I was honored to have guest photographers take photographs with my camera this morning. Thank you to Janet & Doug. And thank you to everyone for such a fun swim and your kind attention today.

Waterfall Massage

 Doug and I had another fantastic outing with our hiking club today and visited waterfalls we've never seen before. We even swam through a large pool to take our turns receiving invigorating waterfall massages.

I love living on Maui.

Bruce's Cousin

 Finally! We had mostly gorgeous clear water for our ocean swim this morning - and it is even warming up a bit. Hooray.

Bruce's cousin was hanging out at the treadmill, so we didn't get to swim with her for long; but one of our turtle friends kept right up with us for quite a while (until we finally tired her out and she had to drop back).

Not Gone

At Sunday's swim someone asked me if I thought wildlife was disappearing from Maui's reefs, and specifically if I have stopped seeing any rays.

I responded that I am seeing as many creatures as before, and today's sighting of two Spotted Eagle rays (and lots of little fishies) helps back up my claim.

Maui is for Louvers

I got to photograph a charming old house situated ocean-side today. I love the way these vintage homes open up to the cooling trade breezes, utilizing louvers throughout.

Rachelle on Maui

 It was great seeing Rachelle again, even though she is only visiting Maui for a short while. And of course being back in the ocean with the Maui Pink Cap Swimmers was fantastic.

Click HERE for a few more photos from this morning's ocean swim.

Below and Above

I got to see more fishies today, but without getting wet. The South Maui resorts are spectacular both below water and above.

Rejuvenating Swim

 It felt wonderful to get back out into the ocean again this morning.

How do I manage to keep talking myself out of these rejuvenating swims? I stood at the ocean's edge yesterday for half an hour before heading back indoors to work.

Even though visibility wasn't all that great, we saw lots of fishies and even a small sea turtle.

Quick Shot

Hmmm. Sorry for the lack of posts recently, but my mind has been elsewhere. So here's a quick shot taken on my walk this morning...