HI Cookery is 14!
After nearly three decades of living on the mainland, we moved again. This time we relocated to Hawaii!!! We started out in Oklahoma as newlyweds and moved around for Highlander’s job to New Jersey then Illinois then Texas (two cities). We knew we would eventually settle back in Hawaii…and now, like a blink of an eye, it has happened unexpectedly. Oh where oh where did the time go?
Highlander is a few years close to retirement but was still offered a job here when he wasn’t even looking. His company is just half an hour from Islander’s elderly parents’ neighborhood. This was a Divine sign that we needed to come home to look after them in their golden years as well as prepare for our own someday.
Although we have visited Hawaii frequently, honestly the move back was not an easy one. Aside from adjusting to “reverse culture shock”, the “price of paradise” is a shocking reality. We lived for six months in Islander’s childhood home before we found a place just 10 minutes from her parents so she could check in on them often. Our new townhome now is half the size of our previous house (well, everything is indeed bigger in Texas) and triple the cost!!! Our cozy kitchen flows into a little living room and dining room on the first floor—an open concept floor plan indeed. Granted, it is still bigger than some kitchens but smaller than what we have been used to.
Now that we live in expensive Hawaii, we are paying a lot more for groceries and our dollars do not stretch as far anymore. As for finding “exotic” ingredients beyond Asian-Pacific items, it is also quite a challenge. Sometimes online companies do not ship them to our area. Or the fees are exorbitant, and we must do without. We admit that we were very spoiled on the mainland and realize that the limitations on an island are frustrating. Thanks to our friends there who send us occasional care packages and gifts. We appreciate their generosity and thoughtfulness.
Despite it all, we are reunited with ‘ohana (family) and old friends who have always been there for us and long awaited our return. Our house blessing last summer was a beautiful homecoming and our hearts overflowed with an abundance of aloha (love). We have hosted a few small soirees already, cooking some recipes from our blog so they all can experience and taste something other than local cuisine.
As we get settled into our life, we are still desperately trying to downsize. We donated a lot of things to church and charities but have a lot more to unpack and organize. Life goes on wherever we are, and we will continue adding recipes to our blog when we are able. Thank you for your patience and support during these past 14 years!
Tapadh leat! Mahalo! Thanks!
Highlander and Islander