Author: Peg

The tree is decorated. But, after 10 years or so – the faux packages under the tree are looking a little scuffy. I may re-do them next week. 

The yellow hibiscus is the Hawai’i state flower. But, not this yellow hibiscus. So, who’s checking? 

Went for a walk this morning and hung around waiting to see if today was tree decorating day. Turns out it is tomorrow afternoon.  

So, I went for a nice swim in the bay – saw a fine big eel – no pictures. And then went on a field trip/lunch run with my good friends Billy and Doreen.

As you can see, we are all mature grownup persons!

The very best part of the day is swim time in the ocean. Today on my swim – I saw a fish behaviour that I had never observed. We have chubs. A modest gray fish. Medium size. Nothing special. It apparently has a yellow variant – I have never seen one. And, “when aroused” – whatever that means if you are a fish – It turns a much darker grey with white spots. Today, I saw a spotted chub. There were regular grey ones in the area. I didn’t have a camera. So, I have no picture. The one that got away. 

On tap tomorrow – put up the hotel Xmas tree. Or maybe I am supposed to do it on Wednesday. It doesn’t much matter. It takes all morning. But, what else do I have to? I’ll still get my swim in. 

 

Good food handling practices dictate putting the poi in covered plastic containers’ There was all our favorite foods. And, like good Hawaiians we ate until we were tired. Not until we were full. Nothing was diet, healthy, or lite. Well, maybe the raw fish. There were 3 tables for desserts. Two, sort of standard desserts that you would recognize – or at least understand. And one table of haupia (coconut milk, cornstarch and sugar) and mochi-type offerings. I felt sorry for the tourists across the bay at their carefully scripted “luau”. 

When Carlton was at one of these gatherings – he would insist that I go through the line with him and tell him what he would like. And, how to eat it. 

There was more than food. There was music and dancing. Pictures of Uncle Sam. And, the most touching thing – the hat – unfinished – that he was working on when he died. Sam was a weaver. 

And today’s Hibiscus.

 

All these hibiscus are starting to look alike, aren’t they?

Well, I am going to keep taking pictures of them until I get one that I like. Beings as how I am a stubborn old woman. A stubborn old woman who believes it is time to take to the streets and fight like hell for the soul of our country. Well, being old, I may do most of my fighting with my purse. I hugely enjoyed making a donation to Planned Parenthood in honor of Mike Pence this morning. 

Carlton is by the seawall where the little waves are lapping up. In a couple of hours, I’ll be going over to a Celebration of Life for a dear friend. Have known him and his family for 20+ years. He made my “straw” – actually lauhala – hat. In typical superficial Peg fashion, I cried – but I have nothing to wear. Well, I actually have the dress that I wore to Carlton’s Funeral Mass at Georgetown this past April. Surely it will be good enough to wear to this Celebration. And, I’ll wear Sam’s hat. Or papale as it is properly called.

When I walked through the grounds this morning – food and drink was being laid in and the band was doing a sound check. Sam will be well remembered.

Speaking of remembered, I am still annoyed over Carlton’s Fake Obit. It made Mr C sound all respectable and normal. He was neither. He might have started out respectable and normal, but he didn’t end up that way. Do you really think I would live with a respectable and normal man? 

I figured out who did it. And, I know what Carlton would say. He would say “Give it a rest. Wait until the guy who did it dies – then have it taken down, if possible.” As usual, good advice. 

But, really, WTF, you can just make up an obituary? FAKE NEWS. Well, the Mormons can baptise you after you are dead. Why not make up an obituary? 

And, I ordered a new cheapass underwater camera. This afternoon, as soon as those nice Jewish boys in NYC opened up after Shabbos. Might be here by next Friday. Or not.

Been thinking about the death of my $99 underwater camera. I think I’ll get another cheapass underwater camera. Why?

1. I can afford another camera.
2. Taking a camera swimming with me just makes it more fun. And fun is good.
3. Why not get a housing for my DSLR? I would if I was still a diver. A DSLR in a housing is serious overkill when snorkeling. Also, the housing for it would cost more than $1,000. And, WHEN it floods it will take an expensive camera and lens with it. 
4. An action camera – i.e. GoPro – or a conventional point and shoot underwater camera? Conventional PS camera. I am not an “action” person anymore. But, more important – I am just not a video person. So, if I got an action camera – most of the time I would use it to take still photos. 
5. So, I think I’ll get another cheapass underwater camera.
6. Stay tuned. 

Note to self: This was a fine breakfast. Make it again. I could be lunch or dinner too

Break one egg in a bowl. Put half an English muffin or slice of bread on top. Nuke 60 seconds. Flip out on a plate. Top with avocado and/or salsa. Sort of like “French” toast. You could also toast the muffin/bread. Then it is more like Eggs Benedict. 

 

Went on a swim today. And I found a cleaning station. The little yellow and purple fish is a cleaner wrasse. Other fish come by for a little fishy spa treatment. 

A bummer – the $99 camera flooded today. Just a little flood. It will dry out and be useable – but it’s ocean going days are over. With underwater gear, it isn’t a question of IF it will flood. But WHEN will it flood.

Needless to say, I am doing a little “window shopping” for a replacement. 

The ubiquitous hibiscus is problematic for me to photograph. Sort of like the trouble I have with irises.

Anyhow, this is one of the seven hibiscus that are native to Hawai’i. There are plenty of hybrid Chinese hibiscus for me to use for practice. 

Happy things: Goodness knows we need them.

1. I got a fine heavy silk dress at the thrift shop for 25cents. Well, actually 25cents was the asking price. I insisted on paying 50cents for it. Today, I washed it in my sink and hung it out on the lanai to dry. It looks great. It says “dry clean only” – well that wasn’t going to happen. And, 100% silk. That is it for labels. Not even any indication that the makers label had been removed. There is a tiny metal star where the makes label should be. Very curious. Good fun for 50cents.
2. I have a folder on my computer desktop named “happy things”. In it are things that make me happy. This makes me happy. It is so totally Hawaiian. https://vimeo.com/124639655 it is a little iPhone video of a bunch of guys singing the Doxology in Hawaiian. To me it isn’t a religious thing. It is a music thing. Feel free to add religious to it. 

Had a nice early morning swim. Then I spent the rest of the day doing paperwork-type stuff. I am not really on vacation here. So, stuff still has to get done. Investments need monitoring, bills need paying, etc. etc. 

Also, I was a little tired and decided that some physical down time was a good idea. 

One of my Canadian friends, a man who comes for about a month every fall, arrived yesterday. He lives in Vancouver. He and his wife escaped from East Germany. He reminded me that Hitler did not take over Germany. Hitler was elected, fair and square. Another point he made was that “Walls Don’t Work”. He used himself as proof. And, slightly self serving, he pointed out that walls just insure that the best, strongest, smartest people get in. Sick people can not jump fences, old people will not take the required chances, etc. 

Still thinking that the US is becoming the laughing stock of the planet. Oh hell. Oh well. 

Got up at O-Dark-Hundred and went to look at the super moon set. But, no good shots. The not so super sun rose and overtook the moon as it was making it’s super dive into the ocean. Yesterday would have been a better day. But, you shoot the moon you have. This was just a test shot and it turned out to be my only shot. 

Thanks for the monopod, Trudie.

After a 900+ calorie breakfast with friends – it was time for a nice long swim. Took the much maligned $99 camera.

These guys are cute and very common.

This handsome butterfly is very common in French Polynesia – but seeing one in our waters is special.

These guys are sort of our local fish. I think we have more of them than the other islands.

And, finally… I have been seeing lots of eels recently.

And, thanks to everyone who sent kind greetings yesterday. I am glad to have that done. And, when my time comes… or if anyone wants to visit Mr C… the coordinates are:

19°38’21” N 155°59’40” W

Remember boys and girls: Science doesn’t care if you believe in it or not. 

Carlton and I went for a walk along the seawall this morning. I came back alone. 

I decided that he would be happy by the seawall. When the tide is in, turtles frequent the area, nibbling on seaweed. 

I was sitting on the seawall wondering about the location when an eel comes out of the rocks and takes several “running” jumps out of the water and onto the rocks. I have never seen such behavior. Then it swam away. Took this as a sign that the location was suitable. 

RIP Mr C, after 2 years, 1 month and 10 days… But who is counting. a hui hou

Back at the Asylum, this sign appeared in the Dining Hall shortly before I left.

I am happy to report that no such problem exists here in Kailua-Kona.

Pretty normal day. I resupplied my kitchen. (See avocado) and headed out for a swim. Decided to swim over to the Palace and try to hassle my friend Billy while he was working.

I used to do that to Carlton, but he was always worried about me being so far out. It isn’t that far. But, you have to understand – Carlton couldn’t float. He was sort of like a shark, he had to keep swimming or he would drown. Intellectually, he understood that – especially in my wet suit – I am very floaty. But, he still worried. 

Along the way, I found a couple of big-ass eels. And a fine little flounder.

The flounder – like me – was out for a little swim and he/she kept increasing the size of its black spots as we were swimming in an area with lots of little black wana (sea urchin). 

Funny thing – during last night’s parade – This is Kona – of course there was a queen or two.

And, the parade announcer was giving this girl’s bio – seems that she wants to be a “personal chef”. Well, I almost burst out laughing – in my experience – that came along with the title “wife of”. 

Speaking of personal chef – time to go round up some dinner. Something with avocado?