Night Blooming Cereus

I have this weird plant that blooms only once a year and only at night.
Last night was THE night, so I watched the plant as the softball-sized blooms opened around 10PM. I've named her Audrey II.

4PM

6PM

8PM

10PM

Debbie and Colleen Visit

Debbie and Colleen come to visit about this time every year. This was the second year that we've done the Kona Village Stroll together.

Every third Sunday of the month, they close Ali'i Drive and local vendors show their wares. And there's food and entertainment. But mostly, it's about the shopping. We got there just as it opened and stayed until it started to rain. And we had a wonderful lunch at Kona Village Inn too!!!!!!!!!!!

Last year at the Stroll, I got new artwork for my remodeled bathroom and kitchen.

This year, I loaded up on Lilikoi Butter and scented soaps and Christmas presents. We were all charmed by these - made by a Pahoa artist:

They are kinda like snow globes. You shake or just flip them over to create an entirely new shell scene. 

Debbie and Colleen go home tomorrow but I hope I'll see them next year.

And even MORE Lava

My neighbor Steve spent the night at the lava sight two nights ago to get these pictures of lava at sunrise...

Barbara, Steve, and Jeff Visit

Megan is back in school at Purdue, so Barbara and Steve came without her this year. Barbara's brother, Jeff, joined us this time.

Here's how we began every morning...

And here's how we ended every evening...

Sophie had her share of fun at the dog beach...

More Lava

Steve's friend, Jack Jeffrey, is a local professional wildlife photographer. He was recently down at the lavafall. He got really up close and personal where the lava hits the water.