Rainy Oahu

We are quickly picking up on the fact that winters on Oahu are rainy. More specifically, winters on the Windward side of Oahu are the most rainy. That is what you get, living on the edge of a rainforest, I guess. From our bed we have a view out the window of the banana patch in the front of the house. There is one stalk in particular that we laugh about every morning--"Look, there is the giant leaf again!"--because it sticks straight up like a huge green oar paddling through the blue sky. Lately, when we peer out from our covers we see the giant banana leaf being absolutely abused by the rain and winds. This plant has incredible resiliency and flexibility, but then again I assume that is why it has thrived for so many years in tropical locations such as this. Anyhow, this morning the rain was almost coming down sideways but both ways because of the tradewinds. It was bizarre.

The rainy days tend to get me down, as two of my pet peeves are the wet-bottomed pants and soggy feet problem that they cause. However, today as I drove to my first appointment, I was reminded of the silver lining of all this rain. As I looked up at the Koolau mountains, there were dozens of gorgeous waterfalls flowing freely down the ridges. It was a striking picture. This sight made me remember that the rain is a blessing. It provides seemingly endless rainbows here every day. And it also is like a gift from God, feeding my garden for me and affording me a few extra precious moments to sip my coffee and relax in the morning before my busy day begins.

And upcoming visitors, don't worry....even though it rains at night and in the early morning, there is always sunshine. And it is always warm. The rain will not ruin your vacations! Plus, that banana tree is flourishing in all this rain and we have two banana bunches that may be ready to pick by the time you arrive! Have you ever picked a banana straight off the tree and eaten it? It's one of my favorite parts of living here--fresh food in my backyard!