Aloha from rainy Honolulu!
It's been raining frequently since Tuesday evening,
and we are under a flash flood warning.
Periodically we get a glimpse of sunshine, but that's a tease.
The governor of Hawaii, Josh Green, ordered all state offices,
University of Hawaii campuses, public and charter schools on Oahu, Kauai, and Maui
closed on Friday, because an incredible amount of rain and high winds are expected.
We shall see. I'm looking at patches of blue sky as I write.
A Rainy Thursday Morning
Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
March 12, 2026
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue. All Rights Reserved
Meanwhile we're making the best of it.
I've been working with my friend Carolyn on hula chants and dancing,
and we continue to enjoy kanikapila at the Royal Grove
(although Wednesday's was cancelled because of rain).
Carolyn and I at Kanikapila Royal Grove, Waikiki
February 25, 2026
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue. All Rights Reserved
Mariko, Vanessa, and Donna Lee Perform a Hula
Carolyn and I Are in the Audience
March 5, 2026
Photo by Sachiko Miyoshi
And yes, DRUM ROLL, I earned my pā'u hula, my dance skirt!
Besides showing commitment and learning hula steps and dances,
I had to memorize a traditional Hawaiian oli and perform it in front of the class.
This oli requests permission to enter the dancing space.
You have no idea how much practice I put into this oli.
The Oli "Liuliu"
I thought I would be performing it at the end of the class,
but I had to hop up unexpectedly and do it earlier.
That meant the only video I have was taken
by my iPhone standing on the floor from across the room.
To post it here I had to film a video of my video.
Whatever works! 😂
Likewise, the next photo is a still I captured from my double-iPhone video.
Admiring My pā'u hula
Kainoa and I
Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
March 12, 2026
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue. All Rights Reserved
I'm linking to Gillena's Lunch Break, Nicole's Friday Face Off, Tom's Aloha Friday, and Debra's She Who Seeks.
For Gillena ~ A Great Meal ~ Happy Hour chicken nachos at the Yard House ~ generous with chicken and fresh veggies, delicious! This popular special is so big, Terry and I were challenged to finish one shared serving.
Yummy Nachos!
The Yard House
Waikiki, Hawaii, USA
February 27, 2026
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue. All Rights Reserved
For Nicole ~ Little Laki, a favorite kitty at Cat Café MOFF. He's a pistol, which is why I love him. 😂 The Japanese really enjoy relaxing with cats, so there are several of these cafés in Honolulu.
Little Laki!
Cat Café Moff, International Market Place
Waikiki, Hawaii, USA
March 9, 2026
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue. All Rights Reserved
For Tom ~ The Aloha Spirit ~ Terry's pickleball buds had a happy hour get-together on March 10th at the Secret Spot for Terry's 75th birthday. Terry's birthday was actually the 11th, but that's when we could all meet. The guys are the pickleball players. I knew Val and Edna through hula. Many people like to meet during happy hour because the food and drink specials are so much cheaper. At the Secret Spot you can get a personal pizza and a mai tai for $12 or a beer and personal pizza for $10. We are experts at Happy Hour! 😂
Terry's Pickleball Friends Celebrate His Birthday
Terry (front left), Me, Val, Edna, Ted, John, Kerrie, and Jim
The Secret Spot
Waikiki, Hawaii, USA
March 10, 2026
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue. All Rights Reserved
For Debra ~ I spotted Hula Dog! He's an old guy now, but he accompanies his Hula Auntie as she drapes Hawaiian icons located in Waikiki with leis. Hula Dog has a younger Hula Buddy now who has joined them on their walks. Hula Dog enjoys sneaking naps whenever he can. He's one of my favorite locals.
Hula Dog at the Feet of Prince Kūhiō
Waikiki, Hawaii, USA
February 6, 2026
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue. All Rights Reserved
Hula Dog and Hula Buddy
Waikiki, Hawaii, USA
February 6, 2026
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue. All Rights Reserved
Hula Auntie Drapes Flowers on Prince Kūhiō's Statue #1
Waikiki, Hawaii, USA
February 6, 2026
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue. All Rights Reserved
It's lovely to see Hula Auntie honoring people like Prince Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole. His birthday on March 26th is a state holiday. Prince Kūhiō was a champion for native Hawaiian rights. He served as the Territorial Delegate from Hawaii in the U.S. House of Representatives for 10 consecutive terms from 1903 until he died in office in 1922. He is the only one born into royalty who has served in the U.S. Congress.
Hula Auntie Drapes Flowers on Prince Kūhiō's Statue #2
Waikiki, Hawaii, USA
February 6, 2026
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue. All Rights Reserved
Prince Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole
I hate to think our time here is winding down.
And more rain is coming next week, our last week.
But that's okay. Friends, get-togethers, hula, maybe some pickleball,
and happy hours will keep us hopping despite the rain.
Terry and I at the Hideout
Waikiki, Hawaii, USA
March 3, 2026
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue. All Rights Reserved
Have a great weekend!
Till next time ~
Fundy Blue
Standing Into Danger https://selkiegrey4.blogspot.com
Copyright ©2026 – All rights reserved.
My next post will be
Friday, March 20th. 🤞
On the Bay of Fundy
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue
All Rights Reserved
...our granddaughter Liza and her family are leaving for a "Make a Wish" trip to Maui on Sunday. I hope the weather improves for y'all!
ReplyDeleteI hope that Liza and her family have a wonderful time in Maui. I think of her often and hope that she is improving. Right now we're getting weather alerts on our phones from Honolulu and Aurora. 😂 We're sitting side-by-side on our small couch in our 445 sq. ft. condo with the rain pouring down outside our open lanai door. This is a great test of compromise and accommodation. 😂 We're comfortably enjoying coffee together. I think we'll make it as a couple. 😂. Have a great weekend with your Sweetie, Tom! 🌺🌺🌺
DeleteCongratulations! You did it.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the rain but you could be at home watching it rain instead.
Thanks, Alex! Aurora is no better. It has snowed, and now it's under a high wind and fire watch. I'm happy to be here. Have a great weekend!
DeleteI bet those hula lessons are a lot of fun, and a good way to get some exercise too. And I love the hula dogs. I think I need some flower leis for my 2 because it might make it seem more like spring. Have fun dancing.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Erika. The hula lessons are fun, but they're also physically and mentally demanding. One reason I'm doing them is to challenge my aging brain. 😂 I love how important flowers are in Hawaiian culture. I hope spring comes soon for you! 🌺
DeleteCONGRATULATIONS, LOUISE! I love your Oli "Liuliu" and watched it 3 times! Your pā'u hula is gorgeous -- wear it with pride in your accomplishments!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to Terry -- I must say, he is a very youthful looking 75!
And finally, THANK YOU so much for those wonderful photos of Hula Dog, the new Hula Buddy, and beautiful Hula Auntie. What a meaningful and satisfying ritual this must be for Hula Auntie, so proud of her heritage and homeland, to create and distribute leis for its heroes and icons, while adorning herself and her little companions in traditional symbols of aloha!
Thanks, Debra! I'm very excited to wear it to class on Sunday. My pā'u hula is extra special because Kainoa sewed it. I will treasure it the rest of my life. Hula Auntie is a special person who quietly spreads pride, honor, and love. And I adore Hula Dog and Hula Buddy. I am thankful that all the people who tried to destroy Hawaiian culture failed. I don't have a drop of Hawaiian blood in me, but I am powerfully drawn to its philosophy. Wishing you the spirit of aloha in your life. Happy weekend, my friend! 🌺
DeleteHuge Congratulations, Louise. I so enjoyed the video of your singing. Oh Terry is 75? he looks so young. This is a brilliant post and I loved every minute of it. Thank you for sharing with FFO and have the best weekend.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nicole! I'm glad my oli performance is behind me! 😂 And I'm glad you enjoyed my post. We have an atmospheric river flowing over us now. It gives me a much better appreciation of what you experience when you are hit with one. Happy weekend! 🌺❤️🌺
DeleteDear Louise 🥰
ReplyDeleteI hope the rainy days are over soon and you and Terry are out to soak soothing sunshine and beautiful views of Hawaii 🥰
Happy birthday to dear Terry ! May he celebrate many more with you in future 🙏♥️
The happy hour gathering looks great and affordable, everyone looks so happy 🤗
Celebrating birthday with many friends is special indeed 👍
How wonderful you are in the level of haula where you are ready to perform front of the class 🤗♥️
I would love love to see your dance video dear friend ♥️
Your dancing dress looks lovely 🥰👌
I am happy that despite rain keeping you indoors for a while you still are able to make most of it dear Louise 🥰
It is good to learn about prince who served his land !
You both look lovely in this beautiful selfie at the end ♥️
Heartfelt best wishes and lots of love to you both 🙏♥️
Thanks for your lovely and kind comment, Baili! Our weather is wild today. For exercise I'm reduced to walking in circles around our small couch and practicing some hula steps. 😂 Much love to you and your family!
Deleteoh how beautiful! Everything looks lovely and your performance so wonderful! Have a lovely weekend!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Maria! I am very glad to have that performance behind me. 😂 I hope you have a wonderful weekend too! 🌺🌺🌺
DeleteFun post! -Christine cmlk79. Blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteThanks, Christine. Enjoy your weekend! ❤️🌺
DeleteWow Louise, I'm truly impressed with the performance of your Oli. Well done, my friend!!! You can be proud of yourself.
ReplyDeleteI have read about the downpour in Hawai'i - it looks like the weather in the entire US is getting crazy the next few days. Stay safe!
Thanks, Carola! I am proud. I worked so hard on it. 😂 The weather is crazy everywhere. I hope that you are warm and safe. Take care! 🌺❤️
DeleteCongrats on accomplishing the dance and the tongue twisting words.
ReplyDeleteHope Terry had a happy birthday.
At least the rain isn't 10 feet of snow, but still that much rain puts a blah on things. Hopefully it isn't too bad and you can enjoy your last days there.
Thanks, Pat! It is crazy out right now and has been for hours. The rain is coming in endless sheets given by high winds right now. But I'll take it over snow. No Happy Hour expedition tonight for sure. Hugs to you my friend! ❤️🌺
DeleteWell done, Louise! And happy birthday to your husband.
ReplyDeleteMy best friend who lives on the Big Island mentioned the stormy conditions.
Thanks, Diane! I hope your friend on the Big Island is faring well. All the best to you! ❤️🌺
DeleteEven with the rain sweeping across Honolulu and closures ordered by Josh Green, it seems like the true Aloha Spirit is alive and well
ReplyDeleteThe Aloha Spirit is alive and well, Roentare! We went out late this afternoon in spite of the wind and rain. We were stir crazy. Many places were closed, and there were downed palm fronds scattered along the streets and sidewalks. We went to our favorite hangout, the Hideout at the Laylow. Their kitchen was closed because of a power outage. We had drinks, and then we were able to get a little food because the power returned. Now we're safely home and snuggled in watching "Star Trek." All is good! I hope all is good for you too, my friend! 🌺❤️🌺
DeleteDear Louise, your photos are absolutely stunning, dear friend. We have a couple of cat cafes here in Montreal but I have yet to go. I will make a point of going to one in the Spring.
ReplyDeleteThe cat is beautiful and the hula dog is cute.
Thanks, Linda! I'm glad that you enjoyed my photos. Our weather is so wild that even Cat Café MOFF is closed right now. Actually a lot of places are closed. It's been quite an adventure today with continuing rain and high winds tonight. I am grateful to be inside and cozy. Hoping you're warm and safe too! ❤️🌺❤️
DeleteFor sure, dear Louise! We had freezing rain and then snow. The freezing rain is the scary part, with the strong winds, because these conditions are dangerous for trees, humans and animals.
DeleteMy wife and I were in Maui several years ago, and stayed at a bed and breakfast in Haiku. It was one of our best vacations ever. I also have an Episcopal priest friend in Honolulu, who I met via a zoom class we took together. Hence, I love your joyous virtual tour of Hawaiian life. Shalom!
ReplyDeleteShalom, Arnoldo! Thanks for visiting. Maui is a beautiful place, and I'm glad that you and your wife had a great vacation there. Maybe you'll be able to visit your friend here in Honolulu sometime. I'm happy that you enjoyed my post. Have an enjoyable week!
DeleteAloha, Fundy
ReplyDeleteSorry you had trouble linking up.
Thank you for dropping by and leaving me a comment.
Much love
Hi, Gillena! Hopefully linking won't be an issue next time. Technology can make me tear my hair out. Enjoy your weekend. It's still pouring here, so I'm spending my time building an ark. 😂. All the best to you!
DeleteWe actually have sunshine today which is what I expected to see in Hawaii. I enjoyed looking at your photos.
ReplyDeleteSunshine is good, Lin! I hope you have a lovely, sunny weekend! Aloha!
DeleteCongratulations on performing Oli "Liuliu." You did a great job. Your chicken nachos look delicious. Now I'm hungry. Loved the idea of a Cat Cafe. Nothing like that here in KS. Congrats to Terry. He certainly doesn't look his age. I> really enjoyed the photos of Hula Dog and Hula Buddy, and later with Hula Auntie. A terrific post, Louise.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you enjoyed my post, Elizabeth! I had fun putting it together. Have a happy and creative week!
DeleteApart from the unpleasant weather, I really enjoyed the performance on stage. An impressive show! And yes, I can relate... I used to be on stage in the theatre myself years ago. Well done. I admired you in the video.
ReplyDeleteHopefully the weather will improve as soon as possible. Greetings by Heidrun ❤️
Thanks, Heidrun! I have my hula class tonight, and I will happily be wearing my new pā'u hula. It's still drizzling and it will be raining at least until we return to Colorado on March 24th. But it's snowing at our home in Parker, Colorado right now, so I'm a happy person. A good hula friend has just arrived from Rochester, New York, and she's joining our mutual friend Carolyn and me at class tonight. It's going to be lots of fun. We'll survive the rain. Have a great week!
DeleteI love that you have your two lives -- home and Hawaii, which probably feels as much like home. Three cheers on earning your pā'u hula. That sounds like it has taken much work and dedication. And of course I loved all the photos (especially the cat, though that hula dog was pretty cute too!)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jeanie. I do have two lives. I've spent enough time in Waikiki that it is home, and it's a home I love. And I love Colorado too. How lucky am I! I am going to keep up my hula and learning Hawaiian when I return home. No Reno this year ~ yay! Have a great week! ❤️🌺
DeleteI heard the other day how Hawaii was experiencing lots of rain. Looks like you've found a way to have fun despite the weather. Congratulations on earning your dance skirt.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jeff! Another Kona Low is moving in tonight. 😂. I hope it holds off until I get home after Kanikapila at the Royal Grove tonight. All the best to you! 🌺❤️🌺
DeleteOh dear, Louise,
ReplyDeletethe constant rain and flash floods remind me of our Vietnam vacation last fall. But you're doing the right thing - trying to make the best of it: Don't complain and suffer— but dance, sing, and be with friends! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the weather improves—and in the meantime, I'm enjoying your photos of happy-hour chicken nachos, little Laki, the hula dogs, etc.
All the best from Austria,
Traude
Hi, Traude! It's wonderful to hear from you. I'll be by to visit! 🌺❤️🌺
DeleteBeautiful blog
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rajani! All the best to you!
Delete