Farewell, Good Friend

Coming home from work, I bumped into a good friend, Linda, who was on her way to work. We kissed and embraced and she asked if I'd heard anything about Grundy.

For some reason, I knew Linda was going to tell me that he was dead. She didn't have to speak it. The moment it was out, I cried unabashedly on the street in front of passersby. I didn't care. I'd just lost a good friend.

No need for details as to how he died. Grundy had a feeling, I think, that his last visit to the island was indeed his last. The hints were there as he gave precious items of his away to people he really cared about. Brennen got some of his prized coins. Some of his rare postage stamps. I hope Brennen appreciates such gifts. Grundy put in a lot of thought as he passed them on. He enjoyed Brennen so much and couldn't say enough good things about him.

People Grundy had known far longer than he knew Dwane, Tom and I are terribly broken over his passing. Poor Sheri and Joe. They really liked Grundy. You could tell they were close.

You'll be missed good friend. The world won't be the same now. Enjoy that Pearl Bar up in the sky with the nifty cushioned bar stools and free flowing beer. I'll see you when you see me.

F F Freeeezzzing!

The office is cold. Waikiki is cold. Frost threatens to develop on window panes!!! Somebody turn up the heat!!!

Happy Birthday Sister Mine

Jeez, are you 50 already??? Can't be. I still remember you in your little flouncey skirt, with your new shoes skipping down the sidewalk and your curly hear bouncing as you come to a screeching halt to witness the slug zooming along the sidewalk in old Aliamanu.

I still remember you skating on your plastic skates that Christmas day back in . . . 1962? . . . over at the Kaukani's and Carpio's carport going round and round and round until you wanted to kick them off because the skates were ungainly and made you look like you were about to fall over onto your face. You envied me my metal skates that day and broke down in a squalling fit. It sucked to be you. I felt for you that day.

Now you're a granny. My gawd . . . wanna skate?

Island Political Scene

Okay, I'm veering from the norm, as far as this blog is concerned, but I feel I must. I don't expect much readership of this blog anyway. I'd be surprised if anyone actually made a pertinent comment regarding this post.

Our islands are governed by well intentioned individuals. As to their being qualified when making law changes, I wonder however. What would qualify a person to be a member of the state houses, i.e. state senators and state representatives? I wish I knew. I'm sure there are prerequisites to be met in order to obtain an office at our state capitol. I still tend to doubt it, though. Some of the people we have in the state houses are real losers. Statesmen? Do they know what the word means? We have none. It reflects at the Federal level as well. I mean, look at all the in-fighting!

Hawai`i is in a bad way and I see no end to it. There are no viable candidates out here. We don't need carpetbaggers. Okay, ramble over.

Friday the 13th & Family Visitors

It's not an unlucky day, like some people might suggest. When I lived in California, it was in the news, explained in documentaries, newspapers and the topic of conversation by both believers and non-believers. I, personally, don't understand the "unlucky" aspect of the number 13. I like the number, actually.

It's amusing when you check into a hotel and assigned to the fourteenth floor. In the back of your mind, you know it's the thirteenth floor. Does it mean you're really safe? Would you still be placed in a very compromising situation? Why, it boggles the mind! What's Homeland Security doing about this???

Dwane and I are going to meet my cousin, Joyce and her friend at the Moana Sheraton for some drinks. Should be a lot of fun. The last time I saw her, it was in the last century! Funny, we don't even know what the other looks like. We could have sent pics to each other, but we didn't. A last minute email to her address with my picture attached was sent today. I doubt she has any means of retrieving it in time. They're going to shop before meeting us at the Banyan Bar, get a couple of tattoos . . . you know, girl stuff.

These were especially fond moments while at the Royal Hawaiian's Surf Room on the beach.

Though the holidays are over, I managed to get some photos from April and Paul.

Xmas In The Pacific

After Christmas, our friends April and Paul came to visit us in Waikiki. It had been a couple of years (probably more) since we saw them last. I was bummed that I had to work and miss out on really getting with them. Work . . . ah yes, that necessary chore if I'm to live with a modicum of quality in my life.

Well, at least I got to go to the Royal Hawaiian and Moana with them. I don't like missing out!

Hag Sameach!

Eve of Christmas . . . pictures forthcoming!

Office Party

Actually, it's a Christmas Party for our department and everyone is presently psyched up to get together at the Hawaii Prince.

The Secret Santa gifts are piling up in the box that we're taking with us to the hotel. Hope no one recognizes my handwriting. The recipient of the gift is not supposed to know who got it for them. With my twisted mind, the kind of gift I give will probably be recognizable and heads will turn my way when they pull Santa's finger . . . I must remember to put on my poker face and play ignorant.

***
Well, the party was a total riot. The Santa gift was a great ice breaker for the crew. Jocelyn pulled Santa's finger and thought, "My, isn't that sweet, it's shimmying on the table." I had to make her pick him up and place his behind against her ear (the restaurant was noisey).

The finger was pulled again and "Pffffffffffftttt! . . . . HO! HO! HO! That's all you're getting for Christmas!!!" Well, Santa was the guest of honor. Neighboring tables even turned in our direction to see what all the fuss was about.

Gifts are fun, and in my advanced years, gift giving is more of a joy rather than getting gifts . . . yeah, right. I got a bottle of wine (Chianti) from Italy and a packet of macaroni and some basil tomato sauce. mmmmm. People must know I enjoy cooking.