Saying good bye to new friends....but only for a while

I found it hard to sleep last night, for today we return to San Diego. It may be some time after my return to Maui to begin the new job, before I am able to see Leigh again. In addition, the next few weeks will bring my farewells to Rich and Ali, me hearts aches even now at the thought. Cat and Barry will marry next week, and soon there after I return to Maui. How I hope that all those we love will join us soon, even if only for a visit.

Our return flight was postponed due to a big storm on the east coast of the US. So rather than be stressed, we went to the beach. We snorkeled with Tom and Ash. Tom is so focused on his underwater photography! He is an inspiration. Tom can hold his breath for what seems an eternity, he then gets to the bottom, creeps up on his prey like a cat....or perhaps a Ton-Cat-Fish ! We will post some of todays photos when we get home. Time to head to the airport.

Some pictures and videos

We have taken so many pictures and videos, here are a few for your pleasure.

 Napili Bay video

 Kapalua Bay video.

 We think we have found a house close by the property, if we get it, my commute will be a walk around Napili Bay, then around Kapalua Bay, and a beach side arrival at work. CRAZY !

 A video of the property from the mid point of the pools.

 The pools fro mid-point of the falls.

 Lounge in the shallows as sunset approaches.

 Hawaiian WEEDS ! These things grow everywhere, like weeds.

This is a Hawaiian garden snail, I found it on the lawn and thought a child had lost a sea shell, when I turned if over I saw that it is a garden snail. This one is 4 inches long!

A warm aloha reception

We arrived on island Friday Jan 21, at noon. Dave and Kari Loth were here visiting. They love Tom and Ash so very much, it is inspiring to me. We shared a few evenings and are very sad that they have returned home. We hope that they too will soon live here.

We have been welcomed with so much affection and excitement by the ladies and gentlemen of the Ritz Carlton Club and Residences. Each person greeting us with warm aloha and talking story about how very excited Thomas is to have us her. The excitement and welcome by each person is the best feeling. Mahalo to all our new friends here.

We have been staying at the property as we house hunt. What a wonderful, beautiful property this is. Now she is mine to care for. I feel like a doting parent of a new born. I walk around everyday taking pictures and videos, checking on her every aspect, every need, making notes on paper and in my mind. When I see her as we come around the bend in the road my heart starts, as though I were seeing the Love of my Life, Leigh for the first time after a long absence. I best be finding a name for her soon. Like every building I have ever been responsible for, she has a life, a heartbeat, and special needs. She deserves a name. In Hawaii, the boats all have special spirit and are given names. This place will also have a special name. I will ask Silla to help me find her name.

The first week on Maui, househunting

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity. My departure from Associated students was on Jan 14. Lynn and many friends held a going away event in the Presidential suite, with a full Hawaiian luncheon of pupus and Hawaiian music. There must have been 45 people there, and many others called m , as they could not attend. It was a very emotional departure for me. I miss my friends there, and hope that we remain in touch. All know that our new home on Maui is their home too. Come often and remain as long as possible.

Ambassadors of the Environment

Here is a nice story on SF Gate about the Ambassadors of the Environment.  Ashliegh work for the Ambassadors of the Environment at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, Kapalua, Maui.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/hawaii/detail?entry_id=31136

A view from the pools

Poolside looking back at the lobby, the ocean and Lanai'i is behind you as you look this direction. Click on the photo to enlarge.

Only three days left at Associated Students-SDSU

It is hard to believe that this chapter of my life is coming to a close. I have so many good friends at AS. It is difficult to say farewell. To all my friends at Associated Students, please stay in touch and come visit us soon in Maui. You will always have a room in our home.

Kapalua Picture

Here is a nice picture of the property at Kapalua Bay.

A warm Aloha from co-workers and friends

It is funny, how often we pass our days not knowing how very much we are loved and appreciated. As the news has become known I have been overwhelmed by calls and emails of support, encouragement and excitement for this new journey.  The words of appreciation and recognition have been wonderful.  Thank you all for the kind words. May we endeavor to maintain and build our friendships. Maui is not all that far, only 5 hours!  That is less time than a drive to Phoenix or Tucson. So Please come soon, and remain as long as you can. You each have a home with us.

Aloha
Gene

Gene sets sail for Maui

In the course of life the universe sometimes whispers its intent, sometimes it shouts. The shouting has been deafening of late. Clearly the universe wants me to make a major change of course in life. I accept.

It is official, Friday January 14, 2001 will be my last day at Associated Students-SDSU. The Ritz Carlton Club and Residences, Kapalua Bay, Maui has invited me to be the Assistant Director of Engineering. By mid-February I shall be relocated to Maui. Leigh will adopt a jet-setter lifestyle, splitting her time between Kapalua and San Diego, and I too will shuttle back and forth as often as time and resources allow.

There are so many reasons to be joyful in this new life. Thomas and Ashleigh live in Kapalua, so we will be close to family. Rich and Ali will be in San Diego, a short flight away, so we will be able to see them often, and they will visit Maui often as well.

Life is abundant and joyful. Now I can truly use the old adage "Here today......Gone to Maui !"

Mahalo nui loa

Gene
1.7.11