Yesterday’s outcome was a relief.

It did, though, provide some good examples of reporting that are likely to find a place in future news writing classes.

My favorite was the dramatic Washington Post “News Alert” at the same time.

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News Alert: Tsunami strikes Hawaii

05:00 PM EST Saturday, February 27, 2010

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Scientists say ocean gauges confirm tsunami has reached Hawaii; extent of damage uncertain.

Incoming waves topping out at six feet were possible. A tsunami warning was also in effect for Guam, American Samoa and dozens of other Pacific islands.

This was, of course, about an hour after the first waves were expected to hit and it was already beginning to look like nothing damaging was going to materialize.

Now we have to find out why the sirens out here in Kaaawa never went off. There’s one right below us at Swanzy Beach Park. Yesterday it was silent, as were all others anywhere within earshot.

Another thing noted yesterday–With a few exceptions, people evacuated with their pets. There were dogs, cats, even birds among the evacuees up the hill near our house in Kaaawa. In a large scale evacuation, pets will have to be accommodated in order to avoid additional problems with their human families. I don’t think that the “check your pets at the door and then report to the shelter” approach is going to work.

At the swanky Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas on Maui, where friends are finishing a two-week stay, guests on lower floors were apparently herded into a upstairs conference room, while those on upper floors were directed to stay in their rooms (after bringing the lanai furniture inside). Go figure.

This morning is windy and damp, and I think we’re going to stay warm inside rather than venturing out on our regular morning walk. Rain we can deal with, but rain mixed with gusty winds boosts the misery level above our threshold. I just officially declared the walk suspended due to weather and turned on the coffee maker.

Other “news”…Meda came home last week with tales of Spam-flavored macadamia nuts. Who came up with this idea? Only in Hawaii, I guess.

One review refers to “these Macadamia Nuts with SPAM, which combines the canned nut tourists love to buy with the flavor people in the other 49 states don’t understand why Hawaii residents enjoy.”

I sampled one. Literally. There was a vaguely Spammish flavor, but quite mild. I don’t know if a mouthful would deliver more of a Spam rush.

So it goes on a blustery Sunday.