Art in Unexpected Places and What We're Eating ...

Isn't it fun when you find really neat things in unexpected places?

Mr. L suggested we go garage sale-ing yesterday, and that sounded fun to me.  The first few places were just okay, but then we hit gold.  The address listed was 34 Rainbow Drive.  I couldn't think of where that could be -- there aren't any residences on that road.  34 Rainbow turned out to be the old Hilo Memorial Hospital, now home of Hilo Adult Day Care.  Sure enough, they were holding a rummage sale.  

Mr. L found a kindred spirit and they went digging through CD's; I found my attention to diverted to something else:  Art.  

Many pieces were multi-media, but there were also watercolors I loved, fabric hangings, and art "made from stuff people donate," explained staff member Maile, who was kind enough to give us a tour.

I was particularly taken with the abstract (top row, middle) and the flowers (middle row, right).  Think about it -- this organization services elders and challenged adults.  I imagined older folks, or those with dementia, who, during their hardworking lifetimes, may have never even picked up a paint brush or had time for art.  I look at some of this work and think, wow,  there was an artist inside this person for years, and no one knew until art time at adult day care.  Quite impressive and amazing, isn't it?  Maile said that they do have art shows occasionally; I will watch for one.  

The Hilo Adult Day Center will be moving out of the old hospital to a new facility near Komohana and Mohouli. I am sure they'll be delighted with a modern building, but I love the bones of the old hospital.  I'll include some pictures of its beautiful architecture below.

Before I go into the "What We're Eating" section, Mr. L suggested I mention the reason for my sporadic Cruel Ironing blogging.  I'm just writing my head off elsewhere:  www.wisebread.com and www.bigislandnow.com.  I hope you'll join me over there for more food writing.

Here is our menu for the week ahead:

Sunday:  Taco Macaroni Casserole; Salad
Monday:  Vietnamese Coconut Lemongrass Chicken; Rice; 
Tuesday:  Shredded Turkey Tacos with Potatoes and Cheese; Salsa
Wednesday:  Pork Chops with Pineapple BBQ Sauce; Twice-Baked Potatoes, Mixed Vegetables
Thursday:  Meatballs in Alfredo Sauce over Angel Hair Pasta; Salad with Fresh Croutons
Friday: Pizza Pinwheels; Salad
Saturday:  Rotisserie Chicken; Zucchini; Rice

Below:  More art and architecture photos. Have a wonderful week!  -C. Ironing