CONCORD, N.H. — Kyla Gill had never so much as touched a sewing machine or picked up a crochet hook two weeks ago. Now, she’s hooked on crafting for critters 10,000 miles away, to the point of temporarily putting aside her floor refinishing business in Pittsburgh.

KANGAROO ISLAND, Australia — Sam Mitchell balanced himself on a eucalyptus branch 30 feet above the ground as his meaty right fist clutched a koala, which wailed like a pig with breathing problems. The dark gray marsupial batted its 3-inch black claws in the air helplessly, and minutes later Mitchell crawled down. He and the animal were safely on the ground.

Munchies, snacks, treats, whatever you call them, have them ready. For my late-night cravings, I stock a kitchen drawer with dark chocolate bars, spicy jerky, peanut butter protein bars and individual packets of spice cookies and nuts.

A female praying mantis is spotted in Holualoa. (Dinah Rodgers/Community Contributor)

A somewhat rare, male yellow house finch was spotted on the Big Island. (Jerry Slusser/Community Contributor)

The full moon hangs in the sky over Kona. (Lokelanikuulei McMichael/Community Contributor)

Maile Fediuk earns honor roll

Matson donates $20K
to United Way

Winter squash, in all shapes, colors and sizes, fill the market bins at this time of the year. I like to display a variety on my kitchen counter like pieces of art. All too often, I skip cooking these hard beauties because the task feels daunting.

The Halemaumau crater lake at the summit of Kilauea Volcano is on everyone’s mind at the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.