They start lining up early…
Star Noodle in Lahaina hosted the “Empty Bowls” charity event last night.

To raise money for the hungry and homeless, they sell ceramic bowls that local artists and children have made for $25.

We found really pretty bowls…

Then you get a free bowl of Star Noodle’s signature saimin (ramen) with pork, or veg.

After the event, we took a moment to reflect and count our blessings.
We are loving Maui, but we’re looking forward to returning home next week….

There’s a new volunteer program at the Maui Humane Society… inaugural day of the Beach Buddies program. You adopt a dog for the day: it gives the dog a day out of the shelter, it helps the dog meet potential parents, and you get to spend some fun time with a sweet animal.

This is shy little Bonita. Her owner passed away, so she and her sister ended up at the humane society. She was standoffish and wary. (Note the tail between the legs…)

We took our time with her, gaining her confidence. Ron sat on the ground with her and finally picked her up. Then he handed her to me. (Worried eyes).

We met a very nice woman in the Walmart automotive department. Actually, we met a lot of nice people at Walmart, but none seemed to be looking to adopt a dog.

We took Bonita to Down to Earth for lunch, figuring vegetarians are animal lovers. Surprisingly we didn’t get much attention.

As it’s the beginning of Easter weekend, Costco was hopping. (oh.. ha!) Maybe someone’s shopping for a dog too….

This little cutie loved Bonita. “This is her ear. This is her eye. This is her nose…..” And the dog was extremely patient and showed she’s a good girl.

And this little beauty was very gentle with Bonita. But still, we weren’t making a love match….

In the car, Bonita asked for some A/C and we happily complied. She promptly fell into a deep, snoring sleep. With the trauma she’s been through, peaceful sleep while being snuggled was a blessing.

When the time came to return Bonita to the humane society, Ron became upset, wondering, how do we just drop her off again after she escaped with us and became so relaxed? How could we..? We go back with heavy hearts.

We walk into the humane society and we hear, “Oh there they are! We’ve been waiting for her!” Huh?
Mauians Earl and Rosa were waiting for Bonita, so they could adopt her with her sister!! How incredible is that?? Here we are with the happy family… A very good day indeed.

Ron’s sitting at a Japanese pond with a stash of wheat bread, just for the fishies…

Woooo hooo…. Ron!!!!!

This sparrow said, Uh, Mr. Ron, I heard you give out treats to sweet little animals…..

Another little cutie looking for a hand out.

Now Ron’s fishing for Myna birds.

Oh hello, and who are you?

Do you like croissants little sparrow?? (YES).

Fine dining friend… This little kitty prefers lobster.

Mr Ron….. Are you sleeping…..???
(Yes, he was having a siesta and slacking on his duties. This bird had to come all the way into the room to check on his new friend.)

You might’ve noticed that almost all of the pictures in this post show overcast skies. The Big Island of Hawaii has a problem with VOG… volcanic fog, which hangs heavy in the sky and makes the afternoons look like a rain storm is coming, but it’s not. Crazy.