Author: Peg

I am really hard on cheap-ass underwater cameras. Think that this one lasted a couple of years. But, today, it expired. It didn’t flood. It just stopped working. Died. No underwater camera is promised tomorrow.

A couple of weeks ago the Fitbit died. And, guess what. I discovered that Shamu II the phone is a fine little fitness tracker. 

A LITTLE REFLECTION ON BEING OLD

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The older I get the harder it is to buy things like new underwater cameras. But, why not? I think I have another couple of years of snorkeling left in me. 

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I continue to get better. Well, except for my legs – they are regressing. But, I presume that is because I stopped with the NSAIDs when I started on the antibiotic/prednisone routine for the sinus infection. The prednisone part is done tomorrow. So, by Sunday I can so back to the ibuprofen.

A month from now it will time to start heading back east. So, I really need to get my ass in gear and make an adventure for myself. I have the adventure in my mind but one plane, four trains, and two lodgings need to be nailed down. 

PS: After a small in-room dinner, I sprung into action and got one plane and four trains locked in. Kona to LA, LA to Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara to LA, LA to New Orleans, New Orleans to Alexandria. Fairbanks would have been more adventurous – but I am going to where the weather suits my clothes. Almost. And it’s Mardi Gras.  

I need adventures. Lots of adventures. No reason to hole up in the Asylum and wait to transfer to the next level. 

The Asylum has LOTS of activities, committees, etc. But, if truth be told, I have zero interest in any of them. When I get old. If I live long enough to get old. Then maybe I’ll be interested in Asylum stuff. 

. . . 

Civilization, in fact, grows more and more maudlin and hysterical; especially under democracy it tends to degenerate into a mere combat of crazes; the whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, most of them imaginary. H.L. Menchen In Defense of Women (1918)

Correction Correction Correction: No fake news here. About yesterday’s Naval vessel. I should have known from its name that it didn’t belong to the Navy. According to our local paper:

A U.S. Army logistics support vessel, or LSV, made a stop Wednesday in waters off Kailua-Kona. The 272-foot U.S. Army Vessel General Brehon B. Somervell (LSV-3) arrived off the Kona Coast Wednesday morning and anchored near Kahului Bay, which is located south of Lunapule Road.

The paper went on to say that its primary function is to haul tanks around. 24 tanks to be exact.

Don’t want to be guilty of FAKE NEWS.

The ocean wasn’t very swimmer friendly today. So, I wandered around and admired it from the shoreline and continued to recover. I am recovering so well that I feel like the eggs that I have scheduled for dinner might not get the job done. We’ll see. 

Also took some pictures.

 

And a little wildlife photography.

And even a little movie for those who may be feeling a little landlocked. And chilly.

I rendered it fairly large so hit the fullscreen button if you really need 13 seconds of ocean.

. . . 

Civilization, in fact, grows more and more maudlin and hysterical; especially under democracy it tends to degenerate into a mere combat of crazes; the whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, most of them imaginary. H.L. Menchen In Defense of Women (1918)

Wednesday is “Boat Day” in Kona. Almost every Wednesday the Pride of America spends the day at anchor in the bay. Passengers are tendered back and forth. The Village has it’s one “busy” day.

But, this morning – there was another boat. A navy ship from Pearl Harbor. Just passing through. Don’t think any sailors got off.

And, this afternoon, I went for a nice little swim. Well, it wasn’t all that nice. It was chilly, murky, and a little choppy. But, it was great to be in the ocean again. I was sort of swimming laps in the ocean. Usually, when I swim for “exercise” I just swim out 15 minutes and then turn around and swim back. Since I have this killer cough – I decided it would be smarter to swim a short distance 4 times. Well, I didn’t make it 4 laps before I started coughing. So, I swam back to shore and lived to swim another day. I love the ocean.

A LITTLE REFLECTION ON BEING Lazy

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Since the early 1920’s almost 300 people, 1/3 of them Sherpas, have died on Mount Everest. Ignore the Sherpas. They are not normal low altitude humans. By the grace of mother nature, they possess high altitude super powers. But, the other 200 are normal low altitude humans. Like me. Think about the 200, they must have been: super fit, highly motivated, results oriented, striving and most likely wealthy members of our low altitude community. Not a slacker in the lot. This makes me feel a lot better about taking it easy!

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Feeling better today, I think. I did plow through all of the mail that was I received at the Asylum. Nothing unexpected or surprising.

. . . 

Civilization, in fact, grows more and more maudlin and hysterical; especially under democracy it tends to degenerate into a mere combat of crazes; the whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, most of them imaginary. H.L. Menchen In Defense of Women (1918)

Since I accidentally discovered yesterday that Shamu II – AKA Pixel 2XL – could capture a bird in flight – I tried it on purpose today. And that saffron finch might be the most elegant bird I ever captured. In flight. 

This should make me happy. But, it makes me a little unhappy, because I love real cameras. But they are increasingly little old lady hostile. So, I should be happy.

Billy drug me to see the Doc-In-Box this morning. I don’t have cold/bronchitis/pneumonia. I have cold/laryngitis/sinusitis which is what I expected. Doc said it had been 3 weeks so, it was most likely bacterial and it might respond to antibiotics. I am seriously anti-antibiotics. But I am also major tired of this Cold From Hell. So, I gave her a test – “What antibiotic?” She gave the correct answer. So, Billy took me to Walmart to get drugs. Doc said: Don’t be impatient. Give them a chance to work. Yeah, right. She doesn’t know me!

One look at this end cap display at Walmart told me that I sure wasn’t special! This end cap is usually stuffed with greasy, salty, yummy crunchy snacks.

. . . 

Civilization, in fact, grows more and more maudlin and hysterical; especially under democracy it tends to degenerate into a mere combat of crazes; the whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, most of them imaginary. H.L. Menchen In Defense of Women (1918)

Pretend. Pretend that you are not sick. That works until the next coughing fit.

Billy, who has also been sick was well enough to go for a walk and breakfast. He decided that I needed to go to the doctor to be sure that what I think is cold/sinus/laryngitis isn’t really cold/bronchitis/pneumonia. I don’t want to go, because, I don’t think I have anything that can be fixed. But, if someone cares enough to take me to the urgent care, the least I can do is go. Billy also pointed out that I am old and stuff like this can be serious for old people. 

But enough of this already. How about those Saffron Finches? Taken with Shamu II. And, I got a bird in flight. Not a great BIF. But, from a phone. Not too shabby. 

. . . 

Civilization, in fact, grows more and more maudlin and hysterical; especially under democracy it tends to degenerate into a mere combat of crazes; the whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, most of them imaginary. H.L. Menchen In Defense of Women (1918)

My friend Carol left late last night and is now safely back in the friendly confines of our Asylum. 

And I am home alone. With my cold, sinusitis, laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia whatever. There is definitely a cold, sinus, laryngitis component. I spent the day enjoying poor health. After my morning walk – to Walmart for additional OTC drugs – I read, napped, drank gallons of tea, that sort of a thing. 

Yesterday, I got a mail packet from home – I didn’t even open it up. Any and all problems can be dealt with when I get better.

Carol and I watch the Women’s March yesterday from the lanai.

There were lots of kids. And almost as many men as women. And everything as low key – with a little dose of snark.

And the yacht left this morning. Guess they could only stand but so much excitement.

. . . 

Civilization, in fact, grows more and more maudlin and hysterical; especially under democracy it tends to degenerate into a mere combat of crazes; the whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, most of them imaginary. H.L. Menchen In Defense of Women (1918)

And what does John Wayne have to do with Aunty Carol? Nothing. Actually.

But, it is fun to remember when the Duke decided to get married NOW, Right this instant. He was in Kona. His divorce became final, the Duke asked Pilar Palette to marry him and the deed was done. In one very busy day. Nov 1, 1954.

Our local paper, West  Hawaii Today, discussed the life of a well known florist here in Kona, Scott Seymore. 

One memorable event was John Wayne’s wedding to Pilar Palette in 1954. At 12 years old, young Scott was assigned to create a wedding arrangement on short notice. Wayne had proposed marriage and scheduled his wedding to Pilar on the same day.

Things got weird when their reservation at the Kona Inn penthouse was usurped by John’s recent co-star in “The Sea Chase,” Lana Turner, who wanted to keep the suite for herself and her lovers. Scott’s flower arrangement was much appreciated though it had to be moved several times in order for Wayne and his new wife to actually enjoy it for their reception. West Hawaii Today Dec 24, 2017.

The Triton doesn’t appear to have a gray bottom in the morning light. It was at anchor all day and attracted a goodly share of attention. Last report I can find had it sold at auction for $11 million in 2013.

As for me. Still coughing. I am tired of this shit.

. . . 

Civilization, in fact, grows more and more maudlin and hysterical; especially under democracy it tends to degenerate into a mere combat of crazes; the whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, most of them imaginary. H.L. Menchen In Defense of Women (1918)

Mostly, we lounged on the lanai. Carol read. I coughed. 

Such a wimp I am. We were doing a small post breakfast walkabout and found a woman bagging up her arm in plastic (the arm was in a cast) so she could go snorkeling. I would have a coughing fit and end up drowned. And, that might not be so bad. 

But, on a happier note:

What should arrive but a sweet little yacht.  According to my Marine Traffic App – she is The Triton. Apparently, she has been repainted and her helicopter is MIA. Residents of The Asylum please note: “Not to mention the yacht is fully wheelchair accessible…”

Always enjoy looking at the toys of the insanely wealthy. 

. . . 

Civilization, in fact, grows more and more maudlin and hysterical; especially under democracy it tends to degenerate into a mere combat of crazes; the whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, most of them imaginary. H.L. Menchen In Defense of Women (1918)

Breakfast: French toast with mac nuts, coconut, whipped cream, strawberries. And, if you wanted it, butter and two kinds of syrup.  Carol, who loves coconut cake, announced that it was like having coconut cake for breakfast.

Think I am getting better.  But, I still have laryngitis. 

OK, Nancy Pelosi, age 78, disinvited Agent Orange from the House of Representatives where he would give the State of the Union Address. Agent Orange, age 72, took Nancy’s plane privileges away by way of retaliation.

Is it any fucking wonder that the much-maligned Millenials are a little disinterested in and contemptuous of our political “system”.

. . . 

Civilization, in fact, grows more and more maudlin and hysterical; especially under democracy it tends to degenerate into a mere combat of crazes; the whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, most of them imaginary. H.L. Menchen In Defense of Women (1918)

I still can’t talk to my company. 

I am feeling better.

There still isn’t anything to report.

. . . 

Civilization, in fact, grows more and more maudlin and hysterical; especially under democracy it tends to degenerate into a mere combat of crazes; the whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, most of them imaginary.
H.L. Menchen In Defense of Women (1918)

 

 I can not even talk to my company. 

There really isn’t anything else to report.

. . . 

Civilization, in fact, grows more and more maudlin and hysterical; especially under democracy it tends to degenerate into a mere combat of crazes; the whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, most of them imaginary.
H.L. Menchen In Defense of Women (1918)

 

Still have my cold – but that isn’t stopping fun in the sun. 

Today the wild and crazy old women went for a bus ride and a little dip in the ocean. After all of that excitement – it was nap time.

. . . 

On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart’s desire at last, and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron. H.L. Menchen,  Baltimore Sun, July 26, 1920.