Springtime in Honolulu

      More Letters From Paradise
       Springtime in Honolulu

Yes, we have Spring here in Hawaii too. The signs of change are many.  First, the Humpback Whales depart for Alaska with their calves, a distance of 3,000 miles. And, so no more whale watching after that. Also, another long distance visitor leaving is the Golden Plover bird. This small bird flies 3,000 miles non-stop, in three days to the mainland. And they always return to the same places in Hawaii.

Then there are the "SnowBirds" from the mainland, Canada, and Australia. Many of these visitors have come to escape the weather back home, and live here for the winter months. Many rent the same condos year after year, or own their own lodgings. So like the whales and the Golden Plover, they too leave Hawaii.

There are other signs of Spring. The plumeria trees are in bloom with their wonderful fragrance. And the Monkey Pod tree makes its debut. Monkey Pod wood is a mixture of both dark and light wood, and when turned on a lathe, produces beautiful bowls and trays. But, the tree at this time of year drops pods on the sidewalks. The pods range in size from four to six inches long, and are sticky. They remind me of those sticky dates you buy at Christmas. Nasty stuff on your shoes. Teena's uncle Pat, (who was Hawaiian) said that they used to coat their feet with the sap and walk around on tin cans. He never said how they got the sticky stuff off of their feet. I don't know what it is used for, but I think  the Hawaiians found some use for it. As for me, I avoid monkey pods on the sidewalks like the plague.

And here as elsewhere, baseball season begins. I wrote on my blog earlier, a short story called "Opening Day." It's pretty funny. Check it out.

And, at last I am reminded of a "Burma Shave" sign from a long ago series of roadside signs, "Spring has sprung, the grass has riz, where last year's careless driver is."

       Aloha
       Grant