Well, Hell! I asked Don the new guy's name and he says, "oh, he's not coming anymore. He got a job with US Fish and Wildlife." But, apparently two other female interns are coming soon. So, that's good at least.
I miss you all so much!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Anticipation of many things...
Yesterday was a rough one. A sheep was missing so I had to go looking for it and found that it had given birth to a sick lamb that wasn't nursing, just lying there listlessly. I was completely alone on the farm as Don was away on Honolulu for work. I called the vet and described what I saw and he told me to check and see if the animal would try and suckle. So, I actually had to pick up the limp, small body and stick my finger in its mouth to check and see if it could suck. It didn't. He told me that they could either do an expensive procedure that probably wouldn't work or I could give it something to euthanize it. He told me it was up to me. All I could do was stutter that I didn't know how to make that decision, on the verge of tears. I've never encountered any animal on the verge of death and I've certainly never been asked to make that kind of decision. The vet reassured me that the lamb was probably not suffering, and that there was nothing I could do. So, I actually had to walk away and let it go. It left me with a horrible feeling of helplessness. I know it's just a reality of farm life, but it was still rough.
So, now that I've thoroughly depressed myself and everyone else, sigh, I can tell about other things happening. A lot of things are "upcoming" or "in the works." For instance, I have been working on the farm by myself the last month and a half, but another guy close to my age is coming on the first of April. He's coming from doing commercial fishing in Alaska. I'm looking forward to the company.
Don will be going away to China sometime in April to visit/meet another one of his self-proclaimed girlfriends and will be gone for 2 weeks! He says she may move here if they "validate their love and feelings." Not to be crass, but knowing Don I think that's a euphamism for getting laid. It doesn't seem off at all to him that he has other girlfriends here that he's been seeing, but he thinks the women in China is a soulmate for sure. Shrug. He's a man who value monogamy, you see. I'm definately going to use that time to explore the island in earnest like I've been wanting to all this time. Then, THEN! there will be some good pictures. Hopefully, the new guy will be a good travel buddy.
Don's house is finally done (for now) and signs are promising that we'll be getting back to actual sustainable farming soon. I've been mowing fields, moving and stacking wood (for burning out bad bush...err, I mean unwanted plants, etc.) So, I think the first big project will be planting the taro fields. That's a tuber like potatoes, if you didn't know. Taro has these big elaborate leaves that are beautiful and you set them up in a basin and flood it once you're ready to pull. Then, you get out there with your bare feet and the mud and start yanking! I've never done anything like it and I'm really looking forward to it! After that, we should start building the tree houses. psyched. *Also, the completion of the house has led Don to be somewhat nicer, and thus more bareable. Perhaps I won't flee from this farm like I had planned....
Some friends of Don's, a couple by the name of Mike and Penny, are moving onto the farm very soon because their own property on the North Shore was pretty much washed away by a dam burst and subsequent flood. Now, describing Mike and Penny in just a few words is very tough, but I'll do my best. Michael and Penny are both "certified geniuses" and millionaires. Michael used to engineer, build, and captain huge boats. He bought a few from the Navy and has stories of brushes with the Japanese navy among others. He's moving in to invest in Don's mission with the farm. Penny is the oldest surviving person with Lyme's disease. She's in her early sixties. She graduated from HS at 16, College at 18 then joined a think tank at MIT by lying about her age. She has countless stories of things she's done in her life. She was a Dr. for 30 or so years, painted oil paintings of famous people (Elvis among them), was a welder, built submarines, etc. She's learning a lot about spirituality and has taken me under wing to "show me the way" as well. I think I'm going to be learning a lot from them! In fact, Michael mentioned that he has lots of sustainable projects/businesses he wants to invest in that maybe I could run! I couldn't believe it, I could potentially be running a sustainable agriculture business in the near future. crazy....but exciting. Oh, and they're bringing multiple hot tubs with them and there is talk of installing zip lines on the property! YES!
That's enough for now, the library is closing soon. Hopefully, we'll get internet on the farm soon and I can get on a lot more without pedalling to the library. Though, I do enjoy the ride up here. For those requesting more pictures. I absolutely agree and hope to soon have pics of interest to post!
So, now that I've thoroughly depressed myself and everyone else, sigh, I can tell about other things happening. A lot of things are "upcoming" or "in the works." For instance, I have been working on the farm by myself the last month and a half, but another guy close to my age is coming on the first of April. He's coming from doing commercial fishing in Alaska. I'm looking forward to the company.
Don will be going away to China sometime in April to visit/meet another one of his self-proclaimed girlfriends and will be gone for 2 weeks! He says she may move here if they "validate their love and feelings." Not to be crass, but knowing Don I think that's a euphamism for getting laid. It doesn't seem off at all to him that he has other girlfriends here that he's been seeing, but he thinks the women in China is a soulmate for sure. Shrug. He's a man who value monogamy, you see. I'm definately going to use that time to explore the island in earnest like I've been wanting to all this time. Then, THEN! there will be some good pictures. Hopefully, the new guy will be a good travel buddy.
Don's house is finally done (for now) and signs are promising that we'll be getting back to actual sustainable farming soon. I've been mowing fields, moving and stacking wood (for burning out bad bush...err, I mean unwanted plants, etc.) So, I think the first big project will be planting the taro fields. That's a tuber like potatoes, if you didn't know. Taro has these big elaborate leaves that are beautiful and you set them up in a basin and flood it once you're ready to pull. Then, you get out there with your bare feet and the mud and start yanking! I've never done anything like it and I'm really looking forward to it! After that, we should start building the tree houses. psyched. *Also, the completion of the house has led Don to be somewhat nicer, and thus more bareable. Perhaps I won't flee from this farm like I had planned....
Some friends of Don's, a couple by the name of Mike and Penny, are moving onto the farm very soon because their own property on the North Shore was pretty much washed away by a dam burst and subsequent flood. Now, describing Mike and Penny in just a few words is very tough, but I'll do my best. Michael and Penny are both "certified geniuses" and millionaires. Michael used to engineer, build, and captain huge boats. He bought a few from the Navy and has stories of brushes with the Japanese navy among others. He's moving in to invest in Don's mission with the farm. Penny is the oldest surviving person with Lyme's disease. She's in her early sixties. She graduated from HS at 16, College at 18 then joined a think tank at MIT by lying about her age. She has countless stories of things she's done in her life. She was a Dr. for 30 or so years, painted oil paintings of famous people (Elvis among them), was a welder, built submarines, etc. She's learning a lot about spirituality and has taken me under wing to "show me the way" as well. I think I'm going to be learning a lot from them! In fact, Michael mentioned that he has lots of sustainable projects/businesses he wants to invest in that maybe I could run! I couldn't believe it, I could potentially be running a sustainable agriculture business in the near future. crazy....but exciting. Oh, and they're bringing multiple hot tubs with them and there is talk of installing zip lines on the property! YES!
That's enough for now, the library is closing soon. Hopefully, we'll get internet on the farm soon and I can get on a lot more without pedalling to the library. Though, I do enjoy the ride up here. For those requesting more pictures. I absolutely agree and hope to soon have pics of interest to post!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Farm wisdom
1) Never trust a duck. A duck will bite you then shit in the kitchen.
2) Don't let the dog near the donkey. The donkey will be defiled. Gross, I know...
3) Roosters have surpassed mosquitos for the title of most obnoxious animal.
4) There is no such thing as a completely waterproof tent. bah!
5) Don't even bother trying to wash off the dirt, it's permanent.
6) Trying to mow dirt is dumb. It leads to a dust fog.
7) Regardless of who you are, wielding a machete makes you a badass.
2) Don't let the dog near the donkey. The donkey will be defiled. Gross, I know...
3) Roosters have surpassed mosquitos for the title of most obnoxious animal.
4) There is no such thing as a completely waterproof tent. bah!
5) Don't even bother trying to wash off the dirt, it's permanent.
6) Trying to mow dirt is dumb. It leads to a dust fog.
7) Regardless of who you are, wielding a machete makes you a badass.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Sheep, finishing the house, and Mya
Things on the farm are creepin' along, but in a good way. You relax a great deal when the number of things in your life to be anxious about fade away. It's a trade-off, of course. I do find myself bored sometimes and in need of friendly and stimulating conversation, but it's still good overall.
Where's still doing little things to Don's house. It should be done in the next two weeks and then we can start the real projects on the farm that will support the ultimate goal of the farm. Don's vision is to create a working model of sustainable living by having a productive farm with several real treehouses on the property where people come and stay and learn how it can all be done. It's a pretty interesting plan, and it would be neat to be a part of building it.
The only real new things are expecting lambs to be born any day now, twins or triplets. If it's triplets we have to nurse one of them because the sheep only have two nipples. I mean, how freakin' cute will that be?! Maya, Don's daughter has been here for a week. It's been really refreshing to have her here as an alternative to talk to besides Don. She's my age, incredibly positive, and a lot of fun to hang out with. We shovel mulch together and move wood. It's nice. :)
Melia, one of Don's visiting ladies left a couple of days ago. It's good that she's gone. There was a lot of negative energy on the farm with her and Don always snapping at each other. Don's ok, though, he's going to China at the end of the month to see if he can "validate his feelings" with a woman named Katrina. I'm not sure what he would have done if it had worked out with Melia. hmmm....or for that matter, Julia, who's visiting in April. hahahahaha. The whole thing's bizarre, really.
Hope everyone's well! Send me messages and emails, please. It's always nice to hear from friends back home!
my cowboy work hat :)
Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of Hawaii
Overlooking Kilauea Valley on a misty evening
View One of the Farm
View Two w/sheep
Sweet, sweet hammock
Where's still doing little things to Don's house. It should be done in the next two weeks and then we can start the real projects on the farm that will support the ultimate goal of the farm. Don's vision is to create a working model of sustainable living by having a productive farm with several real treehouses on the property where people come and stay and learn how it can all be done. It's a pretty interesting plan, and it would be neat to be a part of building it.
The only real new things are expecting lambs to be born any day now, twins or triplets. If it's triplets we have to nurse one of them because the sheep only have two nipples. I mean, how freakin' cute will that be?! Maya, Don's daughter has been here for a week. It's been really refreshing to have her here as an alternative to talk to besides Don. She's my age, incredibly positive, and a lot of fun to hang out with. We shovel mulch together and move wood. It's nice. :)
Melia, one of Don's visiting ladies left a couple of days ago. It's good that she's gone. There was a lot of negative energy on the farm with her and Don always snapping at each other. Don's ok, though, he's going to China at the end of the month to see if he can "validate his feelings" with a woman named Katrina. I'm not sure what he would have done if it had worked out with Melia. hmmm....or for that matter, Julia, who's visiting in April. hahahahaha. The whole thing's bizarre, really.
Hope everyone's well! Send me messages and emails, please. It's always nice to hear from friends back home!
my cowboy work hat :)
Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of Hawaii
Overlooking Kilauea Valley on a misty evening
View One of the Farm
View Two w/sheep
Sweet, sweet hammockSaturday, March 1, 2008
Kauai Farm: The Basics
Hello, hello! So, here's the story: Flying out to Kaua'i was pretty easy. I got to fly on the smallest plane I've ever been on. It was something like 30 seats. Maybe that's not that small, but it was new to me! Don, the owner of the farm (who we will discuss shortly, because he's quite "interesting") picked me up and drove me the short distance to his property in Lihu'e. Lihu'e is the most built-up part of Kaua'i, but the cool thing is that Don's farm is located in this valley surrounded by mountains so you can't see any of the surrounding town. He owns about 35 acres of lush land that's covered in Coconut, Papaya, avocado trees, taro, and construction-grade hardwoods like bamboo. There are several tanks that hold tilapia, and he has a herd of sheep, a donkey, and a water buffalo bull name Kane. To say the least, the property is beautiful and a very relaxing place to settle. I get this cute little cabin all to myself. It's pretty sweet. : )
The property doesn't have electricity so it's been a bit of a transition. Boy, when it gets dark that's it. You stay up with a head lamp or you go to bed. My sleeping patterns have definately changed; it's up with the sun and to bed soon after dark. That's for now, because I'm hoping soon to branch out and find my own scene here so I can actually do some activities at night instead of going to bed at 9 pm like an old lady.
So far I haven't actually been doing much farming. Don is at the end of building a house for himself on the property (He's been living in a yurt for the last 30 years or so) so, unfortunately, the bulk of what I have been helping with has been domestic stuff for the house. He assures me, though, that that will change in a couple weeks when the house is finished. He's got big plans for the farm. Besides the many plantings and grafting of other plants on the farm he's expaning the farm into something of an eco-resort where he'll teach people to live sustainably. He's going to build about 10 full-scale treehouses in these giant monkeypod trees and have people come and stay there. I get to be a part of building all of that as well as helping install the alternative energy techonology, like hydropower, that he will use when he adds electricity. He's adding electricity (self-sustained, off-the-grid) so, it won't be all dark for too much longer.
Don: Ok, so now for the funnier stuff :D
Don, a man in his 60's, in shape, sun-wrinkled skin, curly blonde-grey hair, picks me up from the airport. Seems like a nice enough guy (I should hope so since I planned on spending a good bit of time with him)....after the nice to meet yous one of the first things he says to me before we're even out of the airport is "man, I'm so tired. This sweet little friend of mine, Susie, called me at midnight and wanted to get together for dinner....and breakfast (wink). So, needless to say I am tired!" He continues on every once and awhile muttering "mmm, mmm Susie." All I could think was "oh, shit. That can't be good...." The drive back to his farm is a short one. I've put the creepy old man feelings out of my mind for a moment because there's lots of anticipation as he walks me around the farm explaining things and telling me about all of the cool projects we'll be doing together. Don is also the district aquatic biologist for the island of Kaua'i and says he's happy to involve me in his work and help me pursue a career here in biology (grant co-writing, volunteering, assisting with projects). Then we get to the house and he points out to me where he served Susie breakfast in bed. It's all I can do not to run like hell cuz this is weird. I'm super worried at this point that I should be nervous for myself, but as the days pass I realize that his creepy stuff is thankfully not going to be directed at me....oh, no, his sex jokes and comments are relegated to his 4 (or more) girlfriends! Apparently, he's currently in search of his soulmate (he's actually writing a book on the very subject - no lie) so he does a lot of online dating. He talks about how special each of them are and will randomly start singing about them inserting their names into the same song. "Oh sweet, Malea..., Oh sweet, Katrina," and so on. Some of them he hasn't ever met, but has talked to for years. Susie lives here, but Malea is from Long Beach, CA(she's here visiting right now. It isn't going well, lots of fighting), Katrina is in China(he's going there at the end of this month), and Kay is the recent Ex of 4 years who he keeps saying he's still in love with. I haven't heard much about the others... I mean, ....wow.
Besides the weird girlfriend thing, Don has other quirks. Let me just say first that he is super generous. He's taken care of every bit of food and other items I've needed so I haven't even spent a single dime since being here. He's invited me on all of the outings that he and Malea go on so I've been able to see the island a lot (Waimea Canyon, Napali coast (incredible!!). Besides that he is incredibly knowledgeable about nearly everything. He is apparently a pretty big deal on the island. His expert opinion is always getting asked for on legislation and court cases and project developments. I'm pretty impressed, really. Thing is....he knows so much (and he wants to share ALL of it) that he talks incessently. I mean, non-stop, all the time. He points out every species of flora and fauna, gives me the background, tells me the history. He makes constant social commentary. He's a terrible listner. He only hears what he wants, so I'll make a comment and he'll say "no, well actually..." and just repeat what I had said. The man is condescending and tends to talk to women like they're inept five year olds I had to tell him to stop saying "good girl" everytime I did any small thing. So, unfortunately, I find him to be somewhat of an ass. I keep telling myself, though, it's worth it, it's worth it. Just put up with him and you'll get to do lots of cool stuff. And I have so far. I've planted a few papaya nursuries, built a shed, and got to assist in a green sea turtle rescue and release. Next Friday I'm assisting in a turtle discussion to a class of 4th graders. He says he'll take me sailing, snorkling at some reefs, teach me to surf, and let me come along when he does aerial surveys by helicopter!
So, what I'm trying to say, if not incredibly long-windedly, is that things are definately interesting here. Everything is fraught with potential and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens. :D
The property doesn't have electricity so it's been a bit of a transition. Boy, when it gets dark that's it. You stay up with a head lamp or you go to bed. My sleeping patterns have definately changed; it's up with the sun and to bed soon after dark. That's for now, because I'm hoping soon to branch out and find my own scene here so I can actually do some activities at night instead of going to bed at 9 pm like an old lady.
So far I haven't actually been doing much farming. Don is at the end of building a house for himself on the property (He's been living in a yurt for the last 30 years or so) so, unfortunately, the bulk of what I have been helping with has been domestic stuff for the house. He assures me, though, that that will change in a couple weeks when the house is finished. He's got big plans for the farm. Besides the many plantings and grafting of other plants on the farm he's expaning the farm into something of an eco-resort where he'll teach people to live sustainably. He's going to build about 10 full-scale treehouses in these giant monkeypod trees and have people come and stay there. I get to be a part of building all of that as well as helping install the alternative energy techonology, like hydropower, that he will use when he adds electricity. He's adding electricity (self-sustained, off-the-grid) so, it won't be all dark for too much longer.
Don: Ok, so now for the funnier stuff :D
Don, a man in his 60's, in shape, sun-wrinkled skin, curly blonde-grey hair, picks me up from the airport. Seems like a nice enough guy (I should hope so since I planned on spending a good bit of time with him)....after the nice to meet yous one of the first things he says to me before we're even out of the airport is "man, I'm so tired. This sweet little friend of mine, Susie, called me at midnight and wanted to get together for dinner....and breakfast (wink). So, needless to say I am tired!" He continues on every once and awhile muttering "mmm, mmm Susie." All I could think was "oh, shit. That can't be good...." The drive back to his farm is a short one. I've put the creepy old man feelings out of my mind for a moment because there's lots of anticipation as he walks me around the farm explaining things and telling me about all of the cool projects we'll be doing together. Don is also the district aquatic biologist for the island of Kaua'i and says he's happy to involve me in his work and help me pursue a career here in biology (grant co-writing, volunteering, assisting with projects). Then we get to the house and he points out to me where he served Susie breakfast in bed. It's all I can do not to run like hell cuz this is weird. I'm super worried at this point that I should be nervous for myself, but as the days pass I realize that his creepy stuff is thankfully not going to be directed at me....oh, no, his sex jokes and comments are relegated to his 4 (or more) girlfriends! Apparently, he's currently in search of his soulmate (he's actually writing a book on the very subject - no lie) so he does a lot of online dating. He talks about how special each of them are and will randomly start singing about them inserting their names into the same song. "Oh sweet, Malea..., Oh sweet, Katrina," and so on. Some of them he hasn't ever met, but has talked to for years. Susie lives here, but Malea is from Long Beach, CA(she's here visiting right now. It isn't going well, lots of fighting), Katrina is in China(he's going there at the end of this month), and Kay is the recent Ex of 4 years who he keeps saying he's still in love with. I haven't heard much about the others... I mean, ....wow.
Besides the weird girlfriend thing, Don has other quirks. Let me just say first that he is super generous. He's taken care of every bit of food and other items I've needed so I haven't even spent a single dime since being here. He's invited me on all of the outings that he and Malea go on so I've been able to see the island a lot (Waimea Canyon, Napali coast (incredible!!). Besides that he is incredibly knowledgeable about nearly everything. He is apparently a pretty big deal on the island. His expert opinion is always getting asked for on legislation and court cases and project developments. I'm pretty impressed, really. Thing is....he knows so much (and he wants to share ALL of it) that he talks incessently. I mean, non-stop, all the time. He points out every species of flora and fauna, gives me the background, tells me the history. He makes constant social commentary. He's a terrible listner. He only hears what he wants, so I'll make a comment and he'll say "no, well actually..." and just repeat what I had said. The man is condescending and tends to talk to women like they're inept five year olds I had to tell him to stop saying "good girl" everytime I did any small thing. So, unfortunately, I find him to be somewhat of an ass. I keep telling myself, though, it's worth it, it's worth it. Just put up with him and you'll get to do lots of cool stuff. And I have so far. I've planted a few papaya nursuries, built a shed, and got to assist in a green sea turtle rescue and release. Next Friday I'm assisting in a turtle discussion to a class of 4th graders. He says he'll take me sailing, snorkling at some reefs, teach me to surf, and let me come along when he does aerial surveys by helicopter!
So, what I'm trying to say, if not incredibly long-windedly, is that things are definately interesting here. Everything is fraught with potential and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens. :D
The green sea turtle (a honu) that we went and released
At Spouting Horn in Kaua'i
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