Kauai Salt Pond Restoration

Storm surge from Hurricane Lowell has caused significant damage to the dunes that help protect the last-remaining traditional Hawaiian salt-making area of Kauai's Salt Pond. 

22 families of Hui Hana Pa'akai o Hanapēpē manage the site, harvesting pa'akai (solidified sea salt) using natural underground ocean wells and clay-sealed beds.  Following sacred cultural traditions, this salt is only gifted or exchanged, never sold.

The Hui has organized a community restoration event to be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026.

Community Restoration Effort

Cleanup Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at the big pavilion (site access is permitted for volunteers assisting with recovery)
Activities: Clearing debris, redistributing sand, and rebuilding the protective dunes ahead of winter swells.
What to Bring: Volunteers are asked to bring their own shovels, hoes, buckets, gloves, wheelbarrows, and drinking water. Lunch will be provided.

Big Lamb Chop Update

After six months Big Lamb Chop has no face, one arm and one leg.  I actually have another one in the closet, but I had planned to give it to Mahina for Christmas.  I might need to find something else for her.  😆

Wendell's Fried Pickles

Wendell had something similar to this at the last monthly gathering with his classmates and decided to make some for his softball team. He also made a spicy mayonnaise dip for it.

It was ono!  Good for pupus. The recipe is from the She Wears Many Hats site.

Ingredients

•  oil for frying (vegetable or peanut)
•  1/2 cup all-purpose flour
•  1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (Greek seasoning or your favorite seasoning medley may be substituted)
•  1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
•  1/4 teaspoon salt
•  1/4 teaspoon black pepper
•  1 tablespoon hot sauce
•  1/2 cup water
•  16 ounces dill pickle slices, drained and dried on paper towels

Instructions

1. Heat 1 1/2-2 inches oil in a heavy bottomed pot over medium-high heat to 375-degrees F.
2. In a shallow bowl or rimmed plate, whisk together flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Add hot sauce and water and mix until smooth.
3. Working in batches, add dried pickles to the batter, gently toss to coat. Using a slotted spoon (or Chinese Spider), remove pickles from the batter and let excess drip off. Gently add pickles to the oil one at a time. Fry for about 1 1/2-2 minutes or until golden. Remove and let drain on paper towels. 

Ceramics Class

Here are this week's creations!  

I think I've gotten to like hand building.  Clay is still annoying, but now I'm used to it not listening to me. 

Here's Erick's.

 

Mine.

   

Geri's.

   

Cleta's.

   

Honolulu Aunty's.

  

Costco Angus Sliders

Wendell got these from Costco for around $16 for 10 pieces.

 

They were kinda small.

   

But really ono!

  

Dd's Simple Pancit Bihon

I like this recipe!  Simple enough for even me!

SIMPLE PANCIT BIHON

4 oz. fresh ramen noodles or dried (cooked according to package directions, drained)

½ (2 oz. bundle) dry mung bean rice noodles, soaked in water to soften, drained
1 TB vegetable oil
4 slices kamaboko, thinly sliced

1 garlic clove, chopped
1/2 small onion, ½ stalk celery, ½ small carrot, thinly sliced

¼ c. cabbage, thinly sliced
¼ c. chicken broth
1 TB patis (fish sauce)
1 tsp. soy sauce
Ground white pepper, to taste

In a skillet over medium high heat saute kamaboko in oil. Add garlic, onion, celery and carrot. Cook until vegetables are tender.  Add noodles, cabbage, broth, patis, soy sauce and pepper, tossing well to combine.  

Serves 2 as a side dish.

Ceramics Class

These are our pieces for this week.

First is Geri's.  I think it's a jewelry holder for her granddaughter.  So clever!

 

Also Geri's.

   

Cleta's.

   

Erick's.

   

These are mine.

   

Honolulu Aunty joined us!!  🤗

  

Weeding

 Me and Kai did some weeding this morning.  And I do mean Kai too.  

Just a Heads Up

Something's happening with Blogger.  Glitches.  I was "unable to create a new post" for a bit just now.  

So, just FYI, if I should suddenly disappear, that's why.

Hopohni Pizza

Cleta's family had Hopohni pizza the other day.  

She said:  The guys ordered the Kalua Pig and the Mushroom.  I ❤️ thin crust. The Kalua Pig was ono. The Mushroom was ono but not special. They would go again but they like thick crust. Trouble is parking.