Kipuka

07/26/2021

Driving across the Qattara Depression is a lot more pleasurable than it was in the latter half of the 1940s. Back then men killed each other and took each other as prisoners, sometimes in very grea…

07/26/2021

Ever since I was old enough to hold my own passport I’ve been of the mind that the best way to travel was solo. No compromising, no catering to the desires of someone else. Travel was a rare, treas…

07/09/2019

If you've got one of these, why not add a shot of you wearing or holding it? I wonder how many are left...

11/08/2018

Once upon a time... er, … It was a dark and stormy night… , er, wait a minute! I may be naïve but my instinct is that it is not the first clause of the first sentence that truly matters in this case. This is a story about life, my life, and maybe in some cases, your life too. If it is, then maybe we can help each other out along the way. [ 160 more words ]

This is a story about life, my life, and maybe in some cases, your life too. If it is, then maybe we can help each other out along the way.

11/08/2018

This is where we used to be:

This is where we used to be:

06/18/2018

Well, we are now registered with FEMA for possible disaster recovery help. The maximum benefit is $35,000. The average actual granted benefit is closer to $4,000. The benefit is aimed at temporary housing, clothing, food, medical care. It is not intended to replace lost property.

FEMA also acts as an introducer to other agencies who might help, like the small business agency, SBA. The SBA makes disaster loans available to fema registered disaster clients, assuming you have the income to pay it. Sadly, because I have no property with which to pay it back, and that I have no credit history in the USA, it is unlikely that I will be eligible for this. Frankly, the idea of taking out loans at my age is pretty repellent.

I do have two cars I got out of Kipuka, a drone, and a telescope I can sell, and some savings. These will have to do as our launchpad for now. It is a little daunting having to start over like this, but there is no other choice. I am not yet ready to make any big decisions about the future. It is time for me to look, to listen, to think. The time to execute will come, but now is not yet that time.

If you have ideas, wisdom to share, I am all ears and eyes and eager to learn. Thanks so much for all your thoughts and wishes and prayers. Cosmo, Eartha, and I are very grateful.

06/08/2018

Aloha my dear friends of Kipuka! Many of you have been asking if you can help in any way -- well there may be.

Me and the dogs are safe and sound in Southern California and starting the process of pivoting and looking for work. I've been beavering away on the resume as per recommendations from some friends but thought I would cast the net a bit wider. If you have skills and experience in editing resumes, I would love to get your feedback. Or if you know someone who has such skills, could you connect us? All I need is an email address and I will send a link to the current version. Thanks in advance for any help!

The most recent public version is at

06/05/2018

To all those who have ever visited is at Kipuka, or had wished to do so, i must telly ou that Kipuka is gone.Last Saturday afternoon Kipuka was covered by a thick blanket of lava. All that is left are our dreams and memories, and of course, this page. The website is no more, all reservations cancelled. It is the end of an era.

No, there was no lava insurance. It is a total loss. Cosmo, Eartha, and I got out safeky with some clothes and a few odds and ends. We are housesitting for a couple of months near LA and thinking about what comes next. I was able to get the cars and a few otger thibgs out that i can sell to keep us going for a little bit, but we need to think with purpose and look for new work soon.

As i regain some composure and figure out what happens next, i will be back to let you know.

Mark

05/23/2018

Owing to forces of nature, Kipuka is closed until further notice. As such, Mark, Cosmo, And Eartha have relocated to the greater Los Angeles area. Mark is looking for work that can leverage his skills and experiences. We appreciate any leads you might have regarding work, or an affordable place where Mark, Cosmo, and Eartha May stay.

Mahalo!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mfrostuk/

05/03/2018

The view from above Kipuka today...

04/29/2018

If you are wondering what to do when you get to Kipuka, how about hiking across the floor of a volcano?