Cooler and Cravings.....

     This is our last week in Waianae, and it has been very exciting!  Even though I misinterpreted the whole thing while watching it all happen, we witnessed a movie production crew, along with all of their gadgetry, land at the marina.  The last person to disembark was the guy who starred in the movie Aquaman.  I didn't recognize him, but one of our friends at the marina told us what was happening.  They are making a movie called Water Warrior, and Jason Mamoa is the star!  When I told Stef about it she got really excited.  She said she loves Aquaman, and the star is very popular.  Had I realized anything happening at the time, I'd have acquired an autograph.  So,  as usual, although I was present at an actual event, I didn't get it until it was over, and everybody told me how terrific it was.  Initially, I thought all the activity was a research expedition and that they were bringing a lot of equipment in after taking oceanographers out.  They utilized an overwhelming amount of equipment during the water filming.  In fact, they brought things in on four boats and towed two old-looking pontoon-type sailing vessels.  These apparently were specially built for the movie.  I got pictures of the vessels thinking they were antique vessels because I was still so out of touch with what was happening.  So that was our major event during this Waianae this visit.  We really had an excellent time.  The weather is changing and began doing so this month.  We're having lovely breezes and low temperatures in the high 70s to the low 80s.  It is so comfortable and pleasant.  We're enjoying every minute.  Also, my diet is going well, and I'm sticking to it.  I'm still trying to create delicious recipes that are personally appealing.  I found an excellent way to use my red chili without including the beans, which is a big struggle.  I'm making a red chili with chicken and putting it over the cauliflower bake I enjoy.  This combo is absolutely luscious.  It satisfies my chili cravings.  Sometimes cravings become acute, and you've got to figure out how to satisfy them, or you'll do something that causes a big failure.  Sadly, I'm not losing any weight lately, even incrementally, but I am not gaining either.  I will have to do a few days of fasting when I return to Birch Bay.  I'll also increase my cardio exercises.  I planned to do that here, but I failed to follow through.  However, I am happy because I finally forced myself to complete a hard-to-write true tale.  This one was particularly difficult because I had to face truths about myself in its telling.  While it was difficult to recall, it is time I took a good, hard look.  I was reading a book today that asked, "What is the one thing you would change if you could?  What is the thing you really regret?"  My involvement in this last tale is one thing that I would undo if I could.  Writing about it helped me process more of the facts and continue forgiving myself for my participation.  I'm on my final walk along the bay, and it is gorgeous.  There are ocean breezes and scatterings of paddle boarders, surfers, and snorkelers throughout the waves.  The little restaurant has live Hawaiian music, and it's completely peaceful.  Everyone is having a good time!  We will return in March and then head to Birch Bay in the summer for the fabulous weather.  We're looking forward to seeing Stevie, Stef, and her family during the holidays.  Jake and Harold will probably stay around Waianae and enjoy the holidays without us.  It'll be different, but change always happens as everyone grows.  I thank God everyone is growing!