Here it is, February 12th already. Alex flew to Portland and came back on Monday, after one week there. He went for a reunion with son, Max, and family. What have I been doing? Not keeping very good records, I'm afraid. The days go by. I had a miserable cold for most of the past week. It was a great opportunity to read, and I finished Cutting for Stone, by Abraham Verghese. If you've got to be wheezing, coughing, blowing, hacking and feeling miserable it's wonderful to spend a few hours in bed with a great book. This one, to me was great.
    Makenna and I went hiking  at Pololu, which is at the very North tip of the island, once I was feeling better.  There's a stunning view high above the ocean. There is a trail down to the ocean, which we used. I was nervous climbing down the rock stairway; no railing or anything to hang onto. But once down, it was wonderful. Climbing back up was fine, thanks to all my kettlebell classes, which have given me strong legs. The area at the ocean is surrounded by green mountains. It's very rocky (volcanic rock), and the sand is black. Makenna went swimming (the only one in the water.) I am not so brave. They tell me there are strong currents there, plus the fact that if it's not 99 degrees, I'm just as happy on land. I will pull up some pictures for you to see.