Family Zoom 3.0

Art by Summer Davis

Governor David Ige has directed the state of Hawaii to extend sheltering through May, but allow immediate reopening of a few facilities including golf courses.

Mayor of Kauai Derek Kawakami said he will fall in line despite no new cases of Covid-19 on the Garden Isle.

Traffic on Kuhio Hwy, the main road on Kauai, increased slightly this week.

The aloha spirit appears strong. People wave to others while walking. The pace remains relaxed. The Trade Winds have picked up, peaking today with gusts of more than 20 mph.

We Zoomed with our family for the third time on Sunday. It's Thursday and we're still moving in the afterglow of seeing and talking with our three daughters and their families.

All three daughters are working; a business person, a teacher and an artist.

Molly said she participated in seven Zoom meetings in one day. Her work load and responsibilities have increased while sheltering at home. Husband Jason scrambles among many pursuits including shopping, cooking, maintaining a home-grown business and surfing at Ocean Beach in San Francisco, the "only surf break open."

Vanessa teaches fifth graders from home, continually learning, herself, new ways to keep students engaged during a difficult, home-bound period. Husband Mike continues to administer responsibility with the LA School District, and pursue woodworking in his garage workshop.

We were impressed by a gorgeous wooden stool he fashioned from the trunk of an Oak tree.

"I want this in my house," said Vanessa, emphasizing the utility and beauty of this piece of handcrafted furniture that features an artful "bowtie" embellishment.

Art by Isabel Bryna

Isabel Bryna has her hands busy producing and selling astonishing art work, adapting to a new domicile in Anahola, keeping an eye on her little island-boy, Mystiko, who turns two in June, raising her nine-year-old daughter, Viva, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

We saw a quick flash of Viva who is always on the go. Mystiko seems to be growing as fast as a sprouting papaya tree.

Grandson Finn, 8, took to the family dance floor displaying acrobatic moves, hand motions and foot work that defy description, executed with poise and precision. His dancing evoked loud hoots and big smiles from his Zoom family audience.

Older brother Samson, 11, told us that he was tired of sheltering. He pulls no punches. It's getting old.

Granddaughter Piper,15, explained, "I miss seeing the kids at school. Even though they're not all close friends."

Summer, 18, wondered about her educational future. She has been looking forward to going away to college in the fall. A tentative date in August has been set for her graduation ceremony from Novato High School.

We plan to meet again next week. The beauty and honesty of children is so refreshing.