Mesmerized by the sea from the patio...The sounds, the spray, the waves....Family is loving it! We're loving them being here!

This greenery is prevalent in the yard rather than grass. Apparently, these plants withstand the salt water, flourishing in their constant moisture.

Living this close to the ocean is an event in itself. Although the house is small and is as well stocked as many of our past vacation homes, we're managing to make it work for all of us.

Here's our visiting family of four from left to right, Jayden 9, Nik 14, TJ and Sarah. We couldn't stop laughing when we took this shot at a local stop in Pahoa.

When the others arrive on the 21st, we're confident it will work out well for all of us especially when a few of us will be at the house next door.

It's easy to just sit outside watching the waves hit the lava rock shoreline. Yesterday, I took this photo from a sitting position in a chaise lounge.

Yesterday afternoon we visited the village of Pahoa to take the kids shopping only to discover the shops in the downtown area were closed on Sunday. Pahoa is not necessarily a huge tourist area although there may more lookiloos (sic) here now due to the lava flow.

A more distant view of the above.

As a result, this sleepy, often referred to as "hippie" town rolls up the sidewalks at night except for a few restaurants and pubs. We never mind that aspect of living away from the typical tourist spots after all.

Last night's full moon as it ascended into the sky with only a few clouds in its wake.

That's not to say prices are less here in Pahoa than in the heavy tourist areas. Unlike Maui, the prices on groceries on the Big Island are very high, higher than we've seen in any of our travels throughout the world. Literally, outrageous! A family of four eating three meals a day and snacks will easily spend $600 per week.

A few dark clouds impeded the lower view of the moon last night.

For Tom and I eating only one meal a day with no processed snacks, we can manage for about $250 a week, buying only fresh meat, produce and a small amount of dairy and nuts. Since our only beverage of choice is iced tea we avoid the high cost of soda and other beverages, chips and crackers

After a break in the clouds.

After our short trip to town, we returned for our second taco night in a row and some amazing photo taking time when the moon made its appearance around 7:15 pm.

Here's our moon in its full glory.

We hope our readers don't tire of our moon photos. Learning to take good shots at night has been a huge learning curve for me. Seldom reading directions, I have chosen to learn by trial and error. Finally, I'm beginning to utilize the proper camera settings to lessen the difficulty of this process.

TJ was wearing a hat with dreadlocks attached. We couldn't stop laughing!

Last night was one of the first moonlit nights I felt more at ease taking photos. Of course, the moon over the Pacific Ocean on a relatively clear night certainly added to the experience.

Guess who?

Today, we're off sightseeing today with hopefully some amazing new photos tomorrow. Tonight, out to dinner to a local Chinese Barbecue restaurant with reports on our first foray into dining out in Pahoa.

Whether the tide is high or low the waves spraying on the rocks is awe inspiring.

Have a fabulous Monday. We love that the days of the week each offer the same blissful opportunities to enjoy life to the fullest.
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Photo from one year ago today, December 8, 2013:

This was the first time we saw "Clive" a local wild ostrich when we went for a walk in the neighborhood in Marloth Park. He was busy checking himself out in the glass of this vehicle but later turned to look at us. At a later date, he came to visit us at our house for which photos will follow soon. For more photos, please click here.