We moved in and LOVE it!

Eleven months after breaking ground, we moved in on December 29, 2014. A big 'mahalo" (thank you in Hawaiian) goes out to our contractor Bob Kirk and his team for making it all happen.

We have been busy setting up the master suite and guest bedrooms first, and the kitchen, living room and lanai sitting areas second. It seems that every time you think you've bought what you need for a room, one or two more items come up in a "oh yeah, we need one of those" moment. We've been spending a lot of time on buying trips in Hilo, our closest big city, and online. Amazon and Macy's seem to be on a first name basis with me!

Since we're totally off-grid, setting up the solar, catchment water purification, satellite internet, and cell phone antenna extenders has been my focus. Mostly everything is working seamlessly so far, except I am writing this while on extended hold with Exede satellite internet tech support. We keep losing connectivity, but I am sure I will figure it out soon. Any IT geeks who want to help will be on top of the list for next year's guests ;-)

We had our first dinner at our new home picnic style with my great-nephew Nicholas Moll. I included some pictures of our adventures across the island with Nick. He was bitten by the Hawaii bug, and has a yearlong plan to save enough to move here from Portland, Maine. Hawaii is a magical place- and even more magical now that we are in our own tropical home! Aloha!

PS The first five shots are from our friend and guest photographer Greg Sharpe. He's very, very talented, thanks Greg!

Robert, our friend Howard, and me on the lanai

After these five photos from Greg, the rest are my shots.

Robert assembling our bed

Great-nephew Nick helping assemble the master hale bed.

Robert at sunrise yesterday.

Outdoor dining on the lanai.

Master hale.

Master hale bathroom.

Guest bedroom suite one, all ready for Robert's Dad, Bill and his girlfriend Vonnie who arrive January 19. We are honored to have them as our first guests!

Second view of bedroom.
By the way, there's another guest bedroom. It's where we're storing all the stuff that will find a place within a few weeks when our next set of guests arrive in February. For now, we need the storage!