Continuing my re-forestation theme, here are before and after photos of a segment of the project. They are taken at roughly the same point at the front of the 1 acre lot we have been working for the past 3 years. Shortly after we bought our current house (in background) we decided to by this lot that is next door. It appears to have been partially cleared at this location to make an Ocean view possible. As a result it was badly over run by invasive plants.
As this happened quite a few years ago they were difficult to remove.Once accomplished we put in red cinders and are planting only native material .The after photo is quite a few months old so everything is much larger now. It is difficult to visualize the mature size of everything therefore easy to over plant . We have had to remove several things as a result.
It is most satisfying to watch as things grow and develop . This whole project has become our retirement career . If the weather is good we will be out there whenever possible. But only in the morning as afternoons are reserved for reading or the hot pond ! What a life!!

Another "weeding" session in our side lot . We have been hand clearing this one acre lot and restoring the forest for the past 3 years. Weeding In Hawaii is a little different. Note the pick and the O O bar . It is a 6 ft iron bar that is basically a large pry bar. This kind of work has helped me loose almost 50 pounds! Maybe one day we will finish!

Sir Clough Williams -Ellis sitting in his wonderful creation Portmeirion !

I am always trying to think of some far off place to use in a post. This however is something that is 15 minutes from our door. As we do often My wife and I went swimming at Ahalanui Park today . It is a natural inlet on the Pacific Ocean here on the Big Island of Hawaii. Years ago it was improved by a private owner as his Swimming pool . After he moved ,the property sat empty for quite a few years before the County bought it and created the Park. In the 70s. A large earthquake created “the Warm Pond” it is today . Heated water seeps in and is mixed with the ocean water. The water temp varies but is usually around 90 degrees . Because of the tides and ocean conditions it can either be very calm or 7 feet deep with waves breaking over the sea wall in the front. Either way it is Heaven! Just another benefit of being here on the most isolated land mass in the world! A hui Hou (until we meet again)

Today’s post covers three of my post categories . Quality , travel and History. Hadrian’s wall must be of quality construction because a lot of it is still in tact today. Since my first trip to England I have been interested in structures such as this. Just to actually touch something that the Romans built is quite remarkable !
Hadrian ordered this 80 mile long wall built around AD 120 to separate the Romans from the barbarians. As total conquest of Britain had failed, it was built to mark the boundary of the Empire. Built by the Legions. II Augusta , VI Victrix and XX Victrix, it stretches between Carlisle and Newcastle in England. Every Roman mile there was a manned gateway (milecastle) and towers(turrets) between them. There were also forts at regular intervals on the line of the entire wall.
For more information visit Hadrian’s wall link

Just another family moment

I Watched Rick Steves tonight . He was in Venice and it made me realize how much I want to return!

This Cd was selected by Jazz Times magazine as the best release of 2005. The material was recorded at Carnegie Hall as a Voice of America Radio broadcast in November 1957. It was never broadcast and then stuck in a vault until last year.
It is significant for several reasons . One is there are not many recordings of these two together. Another is, the sound quality which is what you would expect at Carnegie Hall. Also, at this particular time Coltrane had just recovered form alcohol and drug problems and had just been “fired “ by miles Davis. Monk helped him personally and Musically. And this group had been playing for many months so its cohesiveness was really together.
Above all it is Monk’s wonderful quirky writing that makes it special and fun! Monk just makes you smile!

Not your ordinary MOM

Shapes 2

Recently I received a gift subscription to Jazz times magazine .The magazines have not started but a few days ago I got a bonus gift .It is titled Miles Electric: a different kind of blue . This is an excellent documentary / concert recording of Miles at the beginning of his Electric period around 1969. Included are interviews with Herbie Hancock, Carlos Santana, Joni Mitchell and members of miles “Bitches Brew” group at the time. These interviews weave together a theme that presents an explanation of Miles controversial emerging “fusion “ music. It is fascinating to listen as each band member explains his contribution to the music. Drummer Jack De Johnette is the anchor establishing the groove, maintaining and embellishing it. Bassist Dave Holland creates focus within the music’s framework. Percussionist Arito Moriea adds color. Pianist (organ) Keith Jarrett brings funky primal energy and Chick Corea adds electric presence playing the Fender Rhodes.Gary Barts contributes Alto and soprano sax. The concert recording segment was done at the Isle of Wight rock Festival by Murray Lerner. It presents 38 minutes of this music’s powerful rhythm , electronic energy, which ebbs and flow. Miles effortlessly dictated change in its direction creating a masterpiece! The DVD is worth its price for the concert footage alone. Miles and his electric band produce powerful, staggering ,intensity and the unsuspecting audience (600,000) ,who had just seen Tiny Tim perform were probably stunned!

qual·i·ty
n. pl. qual·i·ties
1.
1. An inherent or distinguishing characteristic; a property.
2. A personal trait, especially a character trait: “The most vital quality a soldier can possess is self-confidence” (George S. Patton).
2. Essential character; nature: “The quality of mercy is not strain'd” (Shakespeare).
3.
1. Superiority of kind: an intellect of unquestioned quality.
2. Degree or grade of excellence: yard goods of low quality.
4.
1. High social position.
2. Those in a high social position.
5. Music. Timbre, as determined by harmonics: a voice with a distinctive metallic quality.
6. Linguistics. The character of a vowel sound determined by the size and shape of the oral cavity and the amount of resonance with which the sound is produced.
7. Logic. The positive or negative character of a proposition.
adj.
Having a high degree of excellence: the importance of quality health care.

I was going to create a Jazz CD review for today’s post but changed my mind. While trying to decide which album to choose I started thinking about the word quality. It can be used so many ways .
Good qualities in friends , products , music or films.
I once bought a pair of Klipsch speakers. I learned they were well made of quality materials and produced a superior sound. Even the way they were packed in the box suggested quality.
Anyway, what is quality to you? A friend that keeps their word, a pair of Converse All stars, Your Ipod? I think it would be interesting to have a survey! Maybe it will turn out to be quality time.