From Black Thumb to Green Thumb

Who would have thought? Have tried growing vegetables many times but they always died on me. Even a very green-thumb-friend set up planter boxes with proper soil, drainage, & selected the assorted tomato plants, to no avail! All I had to do was water them, yeah right! I was ready to keep spending the big buck$ in Honolulu for eating greens.

While at Fukuda Seed Store, buying a bottle of EM-1, I saw a small composting bin that was perfect for my needs. Fukuda-san told me how to add the food waste,and EM "bokashi' and that's it. I followed her instructions to the letter and felt so environmentaly-correct doing that; reducing the volume in my trash bin significantly. http://www.emamerica.com/

Okay, not to count my chickens yet but the planter boxes are now actually sprouting little green shoots. Will keep monitoring daily, okay, every couple of days when I remember...dare I hope for fresh salad greens?

Here are photos of the planter boxes with the tiny new plants. Let's hope they thrive!

Made more compost and added to the lemongrass cutting. Also have a very nice curry leaf plant in a small pot. Sure smells good; haven't used it in cooking yet. Also gave some to the skinny Neem tree. The neem leaves can be boiled to make a tea that is a natural, organic insect repellent. Can drink too but must be very bitter. Probably is really good for me!

What Winter?

That is Diamond Head from my dining room window. What looks like smog is volcanic ash and other pollutants-vog, as we call it.

This white-ish haze has been hanging over the islands for the past 3 weeks, making it unbearably hot! It's October and should be getting chilly and drizzly. Back in the last century, it rained every Halloween. And kept raining, gently throughout November, December and usually January.


This is what the island is supposed to look like: clear blue sky with white fluffy clouds. You can see the buildings in Waikiki as well as the ocean.



If this is what an El Nino weather-year is like, global warming is a reality. It is NOW! Does this mean our winter will be dry and warm too? And the parched ground really needs some rain.

If this kind of weather is in the future, solar PV panels are the way to go. Looking at a system now. Price-y but worth it.

Snowbirds are welcome but give me some relief and a change of season! (see my profile photo)

Portland Epicurean Walking Tour

Portland Epicurean Walking Tour

October is the perfect time to visit Portland, Oregon, the city I love! The weather is sunny, cool, even cold (for me), but crisp and makes walking a pleasure. During our summer visits, this walking tour was always filled, so this was first on my "to do list". Don't let the "walking" concern you, there is very little walking and it's all around the city so, on sidewalks; no hills. The Portland Streetcar also is free in this fare-less zone, and a couple of hops on and off also included.

The Flying Elephant Deli is in a downtown office building and was our first stop. Hot Tomato Citrus Soup! It was not your typical tomato soup. Our guide, Nan, had us guessing the secret ingredient. Orange zest!

Back on the sidewalk and hopped on the streetcar, took us to Bridgeport Brewpub and Restaurant. Three different beers awaited us. Plus an education into beer brewing and how the company re-uses, recycles and keeps it's trash to the bare minimum. Outstanding! We went back there our last day in Portland for lunch. Must go back again.

Down the street and around the corner is In Good Taste Cooking School & Gourmet Shop. Here we sampled gourmet mustards and a yummy Oregon Pinot Noir. Of course, how could I leave without buying something. Their selection of seasoned salts is incredible. Left with a jar of brining salt for my thanksgiving turkey.

(Can't get this photo of Hot Lip Pizza in the right place)

The Pearl Bakery had breads and sweet treats waiting for us. Going behind the scenes into the prep kitchen area required hairnets. It's worth it. Their breads and pasteries are a sell-out. I finally found the crispy meringue cookie, Macaron, I'd seen in the trendy magazines. Today's flavor was coffee! Later, found them at Moonstruck Chocolates on NW 23rd.

Tea Zone and Camellia Lounge is a hidden secret. Sure looks like just a place to get a cup of tea or cold drink. Glad Nan took us inside to the Lounge in back. Paula, I must take you there. It's the perfect place to relax with lovely teas--their selection is awesome! There are just a few little tables in a soothing, zen-like surrounding. Great place to stop and sit and learn all about teas. No tea bags in this place. Gourmet only!
Next was Hot Lips Pizza in the EcoTrust Building. I love their organic, fresh local ingredients-only pizza. Today's special was organic garlic! Russ was afraid of the potential 'garlic flush' he tends to get but perhaps because it was organic and fresh, the whole cloves were so sweet! Hot Lips is also known for their organic fruit sodas! Yes, they make them from local fruits so you never know what flavor to expect! No phosphoric acid here! Love it!


By this time, it's been almost four hours, and I'm getting filled up. No wonder they say not to eat a big breakfast (morning tour) or a big lunch (afternoon tour). Last stop is the wonderful Cupcake Jones for mini chocolate and vanilla cupcakes.



The tour was fantastic, we were filled and not tired, it's a great way to get around and get to know Portland. We're going back for the afternoon tour on our next trip. This one is more beer and wine! plus great food!