click on photos to enlarge!"Morning After" -
All good here!
Shadow's da star!
"Where no one has walked before . . . " Oh never mind!
Another radiant banyan tree with some palm pals
"May the lights of Hanukkah usher in a better world for all humankind."
- Author Unknown
"To me every hour of the light and dark is a miracle, Every cubic inch of space is a miracle."
- Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass
"Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, people cannot live without a spiritual life." - Buddha
"Most Texans think Hanukkah is some sort of duck call."
- Richard Lewis
As you may have heard by now, we here on the island of O`ahu lost our electric power last (Friday) evening after rare tropic lightning struck the Kahi Power Plant on the rural leeward coast of the island. A festive Friday night turned into an adventure as folks walked the sidewalks and actually spoke to strangers from all over the world. Street artists on battery power like caricaturist Bill McQ in front of the International Marketplace were the only show in town other than acoustic guitarists, ukulele strummers and street walkers. Emergency generators kept elevators available and many local people enjoyed a respite from their frenetic holiday schedules just to be together. By the light of Hanukkah candles, sabbath candles, Christmas candles, emergency candles, and battery operated "torches" & flashlights, people rediscovered each other and themselves. Pets came indoors, sensing something unusual, and slept near at hand. . . Local guy Obama reportedly went to bed early, as usual, while government generators hummed efficiently nearby, maintaining communications and security infrastructure fit for a President-Elect. Just to be sure, Hawaiian Electric delivered additional generating equipment which was politely accepted at the Kailua compound and duly plugged in as 18th back-up. The press corps in Waikiki had the good fortune of being un-plugged from their Blackberrys and having the opportunity to stroll Waikiki Beach by torchlight. The Hilton launched their weekly fireworks right on time, and they were all the brighter for the dark skies and new moon above. This morning power has crept back on weekend cats feet - actually, Hawaiian Electric seems an exemplary outfit, their people quietly competent with modest esprit de corps befitting "local style." Hard hats off to them and to O`ahu motorists who waved each other through unattended intersections with true Aloha. The dawn rose bright. Ah, the light! . . vast schools of fish in the Ala Wai canal are massing, dancing and churning the waters with their seasonal celebration. . . A year is passing, but LIFE goes on.
A L O H A! Cloudia
I heard about this on the radio this morning, and immediately thought about you, Cloudia. Thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteNice to know that you care! ;->
ReplyDeleteIt's strange but in times of need people fraternize and become helpful and friendly to each other. Actually that's a good thing, isn't it? I hope everything is back to normal now.
ReplyDeleteIt must have been lovely to see the Hilton fireworks with no street lights. Just you and the elements! Glad to see you survived the night, Cloudia. Give my best to your husband and parents.
ReplyDeleteYou know, up to now, I hadn't thought of "another year passing" as I was so focused on Christmas. So weird that it is going to be 2009
ReplyDelete!
I'm glad to hear you made it through the storm okay. I, as others, heard about it this morning. Hope you are having a nice weekend.
ReplyDeleteWonderfully, interestingly written post, Cloudia, from your side of the island. You were having much more fun than we were. I think most of the neighbors in the suburbs went to bed early.
ReplyDeleteThat footprint pattern on the sand is very interesting actually.
ReplyDeleteGoodness, what a night and what a day. We were in our hotel room when the power went out and the hotel staff came over on the intercom to say it might be a good idea to stay in our rooms, as it would not be safe on the streets because of all of the traffic. We were tired so it was no great inconvenience. It has been our habit to get up real early and go to bed relatively early. We are not big party people you might guess by that remark. Maybe in our early 20s but no more. Took a cold shower this morning, that was our only hardship. I screamed like a girl but then so did my husband - lol. Just joking, but it was an ICY cold shower. We woke up and a little while after the lights came on. Business as usual and as always people were just so darned friendly. I love Hawaii Cloudia. I'll be in touch.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great shot of the footprints in the sand Cloudia!
ReplyDeleteReader Wil_ You are right. thanks, verything is Paradise Normal today!
ReplyDeleteGigi- Thanks, I will.
Junosmom wierd doesn't even BEGIN to cover these days! Keep smiling; aloha!
B.J. Roan- Thanks for looking in Betty, and for the good wishes!
Kay, Aloha neighbor! The suburbs are nice too -
Charles- You have a great eye, as usual! Great seeing you.
Denise- Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm a bit annoyed at the hotel staff for saying that the "streets would be unsafe because of the traffic." Waikiki was a street festival with no apparent problems . . . .Early rising (particularly in here Waikiki is its own reward ;-)
Ake- You too have a good eye. What about the (MY!) feet? Cute? LOL!
ALOHA & Mahalo for looking in, Friends!!
There's something satisfying about a power cut; a chance toi be reminded of what we can do without; pride in making-do. It sounds like an evening you'll all remember as special!
ReplyDeleteSo many great stories from that night. There should be a Blackout day every year! hehe
ReplyDeleteAnd yes I saw those fireworks go off too. Such great timing!
Brother Tobias- right you are! Glad to see you.
ReplyDeleteTravis- Aloha, local guy! Nice to see you here at da spiral.
Aloha!