Maui – Running, Ramen, Ukuleles, and a Sunset

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/2100 sec, ISO32
“Wailuku Heights” Wailuku, 2022

I woke up today ready to go for a run near our house so I put on my shoes and headed out the door. The area is super-hilly though, and I was still recovering from very sore/injured muscles from the marathon I finished on Sunday, so I ran carefully. The residents of the neighborhood are all very friendly, and you can expect a nice wave and a “good morning” from everyone you see. It’s really nice!

And of course, the views are stunning:

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/7800 sec, ISO32
“Wailuku Heights Park” Wailuku, 2022

On the way back to the house, my left leg started hurting so I walked the rest of the way. Luckily there wasn’t any pain just walking along. I am just thankful that my legs were strong enough for the hike in Molokai.

One thing we wanted to check out was the Upcountry Farmers Market in Makawao. It was crowded and fun, and we enjoyed a ramen from Alohana Vegan Ramen. Beautiful and delicious!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 44.4mm, f/4, 1/400 sec, ISO320
“Vegan Ramen” Kula, 2022

After that, we met up with my Uncle and Auntie for another bite to eat in Kahului, then did a bit of shopping. And another highlight of the trip was a visit to Mele Ukulele. They have some beautiful instruments and I chatted with the owner and shop helper and learned about the history of the store. It was really fun and I enjoyed listening to some relaxing ukulele music. I’m planning on buying a ukulele from them next time we visit. It’s the dream!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/100 sec, ISO125
“Mele Ukulele” Wailuku, 2022

For dinner, we found ourselves in Wailea where we had reservations at Lineage. But before that, we had a drink at Bistro Molokini and watched baby whales frolicking under the sunset. It was awesome. Another wonderful day in paradise.

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/1600 sec, ISO32
“Sunset” Wailea, 2022

Spicy Chicken

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/100 sec, ISO2500
“Spicy Chicken” Cedar Park, 2022

I’ve tried a few different “fast casual” spicy/hot chicken dishes, but my wife cooked a crispy fried chicken with spicy sauce tonight and it blew all of those other chicken dishes away. A few pieces of these, miso soup, and a bowl of rice are all I need!

Wordle Crew

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/8, 1/100 sec, ISO500
“Wordle with Drinks” Hermosa Beach, 2022

Wordle is so fun, and now almost my entire family is playing and sharing. This afternoon I went for a drink at Tower 12 with my brother and his wife, and I taught my brother how to play. But I was most happy that we have gotten my mom to play (and she’s really good!) too. 😆

Valentine’s Fondue

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/4, 1/100 sec, ISO3200
“Valentine’s Fondue” Cedar Park, 2022

Mariko and I enjoyed our annual cheese fondue dinner to celebrate Valentine’s Day, but this year it was just the two of us. Our oldest son is at university, and our youngest son had dinner with his girlfriend.

So it was a couple’s fondue dinner for the first time in a many years. Kids grow up so fast!

Even without the kids, it was a fun and delicious dinner. I am often just a little bit worried what life will be like as empty-nesters, but on each occasion where we find ourselves in that situation, it has been fine.

Tea Corner

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/13 sec, ISO1600
“Tea Corner Tray” Cedar Park, 2022

Today’s photo is of our tea tray that sits next to our espresso machine. Every day I like to sip on tea while I work so I visit here a lot to fill the tiny tea pot with hot water. We have an electric kettle which makes it so convenient.

I’m not a tea connoisseur by any stretch of the imagination, but I enjoy the taste, especially green teas. Besides being tasty and calming, green tea has health benefits as well. Win-win-win!