The arrival of summer, already signaled by record temperatures over the past week, is now official.

We were walking back from the beach when we passed Ward’s house. He was out in the yard with some of his nets stretched out across the grass, patiently working his way through the spots in need of mending. It’s a skill he learned from his father, and has tried to pass along to his family. For now, though, it’s still his job.

As we walked past, I called out to him. “Happy Fathers Day!”

He beamed. “Thank you, thank you,” he called back with a wave and a nod of his head, still focused on the bit of net in his hand.

Just a bit of the neighborhood. We’ll miss this part of Kaaawa once our move is complete.