Maui Hawaii

After several days here in Maui I'd have to say that it has exceeded expectations and that I'd like to stay. Having a week to be here has made it easier to relax and enjoy everything.

There have been a lot of activities. For an island it is a surprisingly big place and of course the best things are not clearly marked. I've enjoyed seeing and learning a bit of the local culture. There is a lot of history and the Ohana (family) spirit is high. But that will obviously take more than just a week to really learn.

Yesterday we went kayaking and snorkeling with two local men. It was cool to listen to them talk a bit about what they are really interested in.  Very spiritual and connected to the land.

Already Gone

Vacation is around the corner and in my mind, I'm halfway there.  It's been a nice downward trending week since it seems like people are getting ready for Memorial Day, graduation and summer and legal work is not high on their list.  Only happy to oblige here.

I'm working on my book in the meantime.  Up to 71 pages.  My plan is just to keep putting down words to get to a critical mass (whatever that is).  Then the editing is always easier.  I need to put a timeline down - maybe I''ll think about that timeline.  These life goals are certainly daunting because by definition they can't be done all at once.

Just the Two of Us

My old friend Clint came to McAllen to play in the Member/Guest golf tournament.  I was asked before he got here:  "When's the last time you spent 4 days in a row together?"  My initial answer was... last century?  But the real answer was "We've been spending the days together for a long, long time."

Time just flowed by for the 3 day tournament.  We played a practice round and got him adjusted to the course.  Then at dinner we had a Calcutta auction bet for our teams.  Neither of us knew what to expect and it was a high wire act, but we made it through for a thrifty $400.  We didn't know who was bidding on us, but they ended up being our new partners, Sam and Armando.

As for golf, we improved each day and with quota adjustments, we came from 25th to 6th place on Day 3 and ended up in the money.  Sam, Armando, Clint and Greg all made some good money from the pot.  On day 3 Clint shot 75 and I shot 84, right in line with our handicaps of 3 and 14.

It was fun being together as we both knew what we needed to say and do to get the other relaxed and enjoying the game.  Lots of joint strategizing.  It was a great team effort.

After 4 days of golf, it was time to get back to normal today on Sunday.  As my grandfather Vernon was quoted to say, I need to get back to the office to get some rest after vacation.