On Maui Time

 On Maui time, we are just enjoying the walks on the beach, swimming laps in the pool, exploring the island and having dinner with our friends who moved here.

 Sunset is about 6:30 in the evening which allows for great walks and vistas. Our Sugar Beach Resort is right on the ocean and we have the benefit of shady mornings to sit on the lanai or swim.

 Everywhere you look is like a postcard. We visited here in 1994 and were worried it would be all built up, but there is a quaintness, still about the area and those who share it with visitors. We are not looking to do all manner of guided tours. We've been to the other islands enough to know that the real gem is just taking the day as it comes, eating when you're hungry, resting when you're tired, and trying to not get too much sun on our white Canadian bodies. The last is hard because you just want to be outside, in the garden, on the beach, by the pool, on the lanai.

 Our beach is pretty windy, but there are two canoe clubs that practice with outriggers. I'd like to go out but D says not really. I have been knitting on the Queen Anne's Lace pi shawl in the electric tree undyed fingering yarn. It is a joy and the Hiya Hiya sharps circular needles are the perfect match. On chart 2, row 83, the rows are getting longer. But each has a pattern of about 10 stitches, so it's easy to pick up.

 The gardens are exquisite. We have been earlier in the season when the plumeria look like naked dinosaur limbs. All are blooming now. My favourite scent.

 We have our own bird of paradise right next to our patio table.  It doesn't even look garish in its bright colouring. I don't feel silly walking around in my bathing suit, and there are no "proper" rules, except be gracious to your neighbour.

Each evening is another chance to be thankful for our retreat from our own reality and a moment to figure out how we will hold on to the aloha's and the pineapple contentment when we are no longer on Maui time.