Stranded in Paradise

Local casts net at Hanalei

Each day the world becomes a much smaller place, and the islands of Hawaii are included in this shrinking story. Nearly 60 cases of COVID-19 reported in the state as of this morning.

One-by-one the islands are issuing strict rules to maintain social distance, allowing only "essential" trips outside. Talk of "permits" to go to the beach.

Amidst the clamping down, birds sing. Gardens are planted. Construction supplies arrive for new roofing for our condos, one section at a time. Good for these workers.

Nearby, the Westin Resort is said to be shutting down. Not good for those employees.

Our rambles on our favorite beaches may be curtailed. I wonder if the many locals who cast fishing lines and throw nets will continue their lifestyle. Surely this is "essential" for feeding families.

The wind has picked up and our chain of islands will be strafed today by gusty trades, according to Guy Hagi, the weather guru who islanders look to every morning.

A stronger morning breeze already rustles leaves and bends the long trunks of palm trees making a whistling sound in the air. I sense the isolation of being on a small island in the middle of world's largest ocean. With nowhere safe to go.

Seeing Mr. Hagi issue his report is reassuring. No hurricanes on the horizon.

Viva at Japanese Gardens

Yesterday, we FaceTimed with Viva and her mom and brother. She always takes the lead with questions, reports on her cat and random observations. Her visage on the little screen is in constant motion: sideways, tilted left and right. It's as though we're staring into a kaleidoscope.

Barbara shows her a new garden of seedlings with small green leaves.

"That's papaya," Viva informs us, identifying the young leaves in the time it takes my eyes to focus. She misses very little of what goes on around her, if anything. A true island wahine.

We flew all the way to Hawaii to see our daughter and grandkids, only to see them on FaceTime. Social distancing sucks.

This morning before turning on the news I rolled out my yoga mat. Inhaled deeply expanding my lungs. Practiced some bends and twists. Readied myself properly for the day ahead.