Three Months in Paradise

We have been enjoying the perfect weather in Maui for almost 3 months and will plan to leave in mid-March. Our routine
has been rather simple. a two mile walk daily and at least swimming at the YMCA pool twice a week. We also attend
programs at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center whenever something interesting is scheduled. Yesterday we sailed on
the America 2 yacht to whale watch and were surprised how close we came to the pod of Humpback whales in the area
off the coast of Lahaina. The whales even swam under our vessel, perhaps the closest we ever came to whales. The
whales in Maui this time of year give birth to young and find mates. They don't feed since there is little for them to
eat in the warm Hawaii waters. When the calves are mature enough, the mothers and calves head North to the colder
waters near Alaska where food is available.

We are enjoying plenty of good food here in Hawaii. Of course, the great Maui gold pineapples are always available and the
tomatoes and other vegetables that grow in the Kula area upcountry. On other occasions we have our fish and chips at
Eskimo Candy where they make ONO tastes so good, not to mention the french fries. Then there's Costco and its
hot dogs and pizza, a weekly adventure. Not to forget Kerry' cooking which beats all of them. She brought us a dish
of lamb lasagne, oolala! So you see life is not too tough when you're old timers, that is if you follow all the rules, and
are lucky to boot.

If there is heavy snow on the ground in Sandia Park in March, we may fly directly to Austin for a look at the Condo
we recently bought. Barri picked it out for us, and with Aubrey, is selecting the furnishings. I thought it was the right
time to make such a move while the market has bottomed and it will be a new adventure to keep us lively.

This is my initial posting of a new blog which will follow our trip to Africa next year. The trip starts with a voyage from
Ft. Lauderdale on the QM2 to Cape Town, South Africa, where we'll stay for a week at a place I haven't booked, as yet.
Then on to join a Safari either in Tanzania or Kruger National Park. At this point, I am researching a number of different
outfits that cater to clients who are in their upper 80s. We don't want to be left in the bush running from the wildlife
although Annabelle always wanted to run with the lions.

Tomorrow, the Ides of March and we leave Paradise for the Mainland. Yesterday, we took our last trip to Paia, the
home of the Ono Burger. I've been packed since last week and Annabelle has just finished her packing. Tonight,
we've been invited to have dinner with Paul and Kerry. We will certainly miss them, but may get to see them in Austin
before next year rolls around.

The Safari Adventure is slowly being fleshed out. Our contact in South Africa, Liselle Raath, has prepared a 16 day
schedule which also includes at least 6 days in Kruger National Park to view the wildlife. We are staying at a couple
of high end camps from which we can take daily sightseeing trips to the Park.