Moving Forward
I had been planning to title this post as “End of an Era” or “Conclusion of Phase One” but still struggle for an aptly descriptive title. So if anyone has a better idea, please submit it in comments, email, text or whatever and I can always edit.
When Melody purchased The Wild Honey Bistro ( at that time it was Mara’s Cafe, or something like that) she had a vision of a complete teardown and rebuild once the bistro was established and profitable.
Under her management the cafe was transformed into one of the most respected restaurants in the state. With a unique menu and ambiance, customers were literally standing in line in the rain to experience the “Wild Honey”. I think that one of the most important parts of the ambiance was the cohesiveness of the staff.
When things got busy with up to five staff members working in under 200 square feet of kitchen, there was no room for negative staff dynamics. There was always an air of positive, pleasant and welcoming banter. Melody understands the importance of morale among the troops. When hiring staff, skills could be taught but a personality fit had to be natural. They not only tolerate grouchy old folk but usually turn them into new friends.
Part of her team building is generosity. Usually an all female staff, they would form lasting relationships during the season. Gifting each other with thoughtful expressions of friendship began each day when one of them stepped through the door to begin their day. Fashion and music were always a fun part of the atmosphere.
Melody would host decompression trips to Seward or across the bay. This is about one such trip where two men were also invited, Scott and myself. The trip took place right after the Cafe closed for the season. When we returned we began the next phase of the Wild Honey story. The complete tear-down and rebuild. That should be quite the adventure and I hope to document it as the process unfolds.
Two good friends, Don and Carol, hosted us at their fantastic home/resort in Peterson Bay. They picked us up at the Homer harbor launch docks and the magic began.
The guest list included Melody and Scott
Eli
Left to right of the bow of Don’s landing craft catamaran is, Don, Sid, Sarah, Drew and me; in the leaping section, Liz and Melody
Eli loved the ride
The 20 minute trip over was smooth, as the weather was perfect.
Even so, inflatable PFD’s were provided for those preferring to ride up front.
The Home/Lodge/Resort is remarkable. The main house was built with on-site beetle kill spruce milled and assembled by Don and crew. Sorry, no detailed construction photos. Try to picture compound dovetail corners, flawless chinking and beautiful attention to detail in finishing. You could write a book on the details and features. Not surprisingly, he also has a woodworking shop to die for.
Just a short list would include:
Electrical supply from HEA with solar charged battery backup.
Rainwater supplied cistern with UV and filtration purification system.
High speed internet.
Of course there’s a spa and artist studio.
And it all had to get there by boat.
Eli also loved the living room and deck of the main house.
Carol and I discussing global politics.
Don, Carol, Eli and Sarah on the 360 degree deck. Notice the “cabin” corner detail behind.
The ladies and Eli enjoying the sun.
Liz, Drew and I “sampling” some fine drink.
Here’s Eli waiting for the rail lift to come back from the dock. Accessible only at high tide. 
Here’s the view back up from the beach at low tide.
A few of the ladies were bold enough to take a quick dip. Eli is always ready for a swim.
This was a favorite of mine. The boats would rotate at the slightest breeze. Powered only by their sails.
There was food and drink.
local oysters and mussels, grown less than a quarter mile away.
Meet the aqua farmers
Did I mention that there was no shortage of fine food and drink.
Time to shovel our gear back into our backpacks and return to the big city.
On the way back in a little rougher seas, Eli preferred to sit inside with the ladies. Me too.
Many thanks to Don and Carol for sharing their fabulous home.
And to His Noodliness for providing perfect weather.
Stay cool.
So far I've reached acceptable proficiency at the following, in chronological order: Silversmith, infantryman/door gunner, helicopter pilot, fireman, carpenter, residential contractor, FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist and crotchety old retired guy. Currently, I'm learning to fly again and that is what this is all about. 7/7/2020 edit: As I have had the opportunity to reflect (old people do that a lot) on my actual proficiency level at the above occupations, I feel adjustments are in order. The term "acceptable" depends on the observer, their own proficiency and experience level. Acceptable to me might be woefully deficient to the master. I think it would be more accurate to claim that I have earned a living wage at all of these occupations but never got rich. Actually, I feel that I have gotten rich at the last one. I have what I need and am profoundly grateful for all of it. The future looks bright indeed, as I have learned to fly again. For that I have all of you to thank. Thank You!
Happy for you Pig. Sounds like you’re in the right place at the right time.