07-03-2005, 09:36 PM
Aloha
First, to admit the obvious. Not a true Punatic, as our property is in Ninole, but we have stayed in HPP, have friends in Puna, and I really like this forum. Secondly, like Punagirl, we live in Atlanta. So, assuming I'm still welcome...
My love affair with Hawaii began BS (Before Sophie), when in 1977, the USArmy had the intelligence to reassign me from Ft Campbell, KY to Oahu. I stayed 4 years (only 1 trip to BI) living 2 of those years in Ewa Beach, and was misty-eyed as the plane rotated on the runway when the Army forced me to leave. I vowed to return. BTW, I also graduated from Hawaii Pacific College (now University) during that time.
Several years later, the Army again asked me to return, but only for a week, and from Germany (talk about a long flight) and most fortunately - mit Sophie. Of course, I did my best to show her all my favorite places and we made a quick trip to Maui. Then that darn airplane rotated again...
Unfortunately, life intervened and I became more and more separated from Hawaii, not just distance, but time. Fate intervened. Sophie's accident in '98 was a life changing experience - the kind you examine priorities etc. As she recovered, we investigated where we would end up in retirement. Although she had always spoken fondly of our previous trip, I never felt Sophie had the same desire to move there. But about 5+ years ago, after we had looked at some acreage in FL, she gave me one of those "wifely" looks, and stated," I just don't understand why we are looking at property in Florida, when you've always wanted to live in Hawaii." Thank God, I wasn't the slowest in the litter!!
We haven't looked back. BTW, did I mention that Sophie is hapa Japanese and passes for local? The Polish half is pretty lovable too.
Our first BI trip also included our adult son, motherinlaw, and wife's brother. I think driving over 1600 miles in 9 days kinda wore Mom out., but we just had to get a feeling for different areas. Our next trip, just our son came with us, as our goal was to find our home on the eastside. Initially, I thought buying something existing, perhaps some remodeling, but the reality of it making a post and pier, older Hawaiian home ADA compliant is more than just a challenge. We did find a terrific realtor who eventually led us to the perfect place for us. It was a long 5 years when looking forward, but now as it is almost time, WOW, where did it go. We've made great friends, Besides Aimee, there are about a dozen others from Atlanta who preceded us. Most of us stay in touch and visit. We also have great neighbors. Our house plans are in the permitting process, we will owner-build a ProTec/Galvumet home while seeking refuge in our "shed" with our 2 boxers and 2 cats. Our son (a bride) knows where his inheritence is located.
I like to share what I've learned, and pick the brains of those before me. This is a great forum, thanks RT.
David & Sophie
Ninole in 2005
First, to admit the obvious. Not a true Punatic, as our property is in Ninole, but we have stayed in HPP, have friends in Puna, and I really like this forum. Secondly, like Punagirl, we live in Atlanta. So, assuming I'm still welcome...
My love affair with Hawaii began BS (Before Sophie), when in 1977, the USArmy had the intelligence to reassign me from Ft Campbell, KY to Oahu. I stayed 4 years (only 1 trip to BI) living 2 of those years in Ewa Beach, and was misty-eyed as the plane rotated on the runway when the Army forced me to leave. I vowed to return. BTW, I also graduated from Hawaii Pacific College (now University) during that time.
Several years later, the Army again asked me to return, but only for a week, and from Germany (talk about a long flight) and most fortunately - mit Sophie. Of course, I did my best to show her all my favorite places and we made a quick trip to Maui. Then that darn airplane rotated again...
Unfortunately, life intervened and I became more and more separated from Hawaii, not just distance, but time. Fate intervened. Sophie's accident in '98 was a life changing experience - the kind you examine priorities etc. As she recovered, we investigated where we would end up in retirement. Although she had always spoken fondly of our previous trip, I never felt Sophie had the same desire to move there. But about 5+ years ago, after we had looked at some acreage in FL, she gave me one of those "wifely" looks, and stated," I just don't understand why we are looking at property in Florida, when you've always wanted to live in Hawaii." Thank God, I wasn't the slowest in the litter!!
We haven't looked back. BTW, did I mention that Sophie is hapa Japanese and passes for local? The Polish half is pretty lovable too.Our first BI trip also included our adult son, motherinlaw, and wife's brother. I think driving over 1600 miles in 9 days kinda wore Mom out., but we just had to get a feeling for different areas. Our next trip, just our son came with us, as our goal was to find our home on the eastside. Initially, I thought buying something existing, perhaps some remodeling, but the reality of it making a post and pier, older Hawaiian home ADA compliant is more than just a challenge. We did find a terrific realtor who eventually led us to the perfect place for us. It was a long 5 years when looking forward, but now as it is almost time, WOW, where did it go. We've made great friends, Besides Aimee, there are about a dozen others from Atlanta who preceded us. Most of us stay in touch and visit. We also have great neighbors. Our house plans are in the permitting process, we will owner-build a ProTec/Galvumet home while seeking refuge in our "shed" with our 2 boxers and 2 cats. Our son (a bride) knows where his inheritence is located.
I like to share what I've learned, and pick the brains of those before me. This is a great forum, thanks RT.
David & Sophie
Ninole in 2005
Ninole Resident