Category: The DayBook

Woke up to rain, which gave way to a lovely sunrise and a trip to the top of Kaloko road. It is maybe 6,000 ft. Nice and cool. Then breakfast at Denny’s – 940 calories. And, a nice walk to help counter the Denny’s breakfast.

Then, I was sort of overwhelmed. Six weeks ago today, Carlton was alive. Six weeks ago tomorrow, Carlton was dead. I’ll never see him again. He’ll never tease me about falling asleep in my chair in the living room again. Or bug me to turn off the lights. Or read me my horoscope in the morning while he drank coffee. Or ask me to cut his hair. Or just talk to me. He was my whole life. Especially, the last 2 years.

But, If he were here… Carlton would say: “Do you have a safe place to sleep tonight? Did you have enough to eat today? Is your health OK? Well, then you are better off than half the people on the planet. So, get it together. Stop feeling sorry for yourself.” I am trying, honest.

But, when I look thru the viewfinder – I forget everything. Carlton said that tennis did that for him. Tennis lasts longer than peeking thru a viewfinder.

Now the Old Hilton has not been a Hilton in over a quarter of a century. But, can we be bothered to learn what it’s name is now – not a chance.

The first large waves since I have been here came in today. I took some practice shots. The surf conditions were poor as were the photographs.

Went to a party this evening. And, I am going up a mountain tomorrow morning – weather permitting. I have turned into a real party animal. This is a case of “Carlton would want me to…” He expects me to get out and do stuff with other people. Never mind that he didn’t want to do any of those things while he was still alive. Don’t analyze it – just do it.

One of Carlton’s friends came by the hotel at 6AM this morning and we took coffee and bananas to the old airport to watch the sunrise. When I got out of his truck at 8AM back at the hotel – two of the long time hotel maintenance men give Carlton’s friend the stink-eye. I guess they got the wrong idea about why I was getting out of a man’s truck at 8AM. Indeed they were rather cool to me all day. I suspect that last year Carlton had asked all three guys to “look after Peg, if I don’t come back”.

I used the little plastic fisheye lens again today. It wasn’t the best possible lens for this afternoon’s shooting.

While I was at the old airport beach with Carlton’s friend – who I guess is now my friend – Billy this morning – I decided to save beach glass that I come across. Sort of as a way to remember Carlton. Beach glass isn’t very common around here. So, I’ll be lucky to come up with 30 pieces in 4 months.

 

 

I completed my wardrobe today. You might remember, I came to Hawai’i loaded down with paper work, but sans clothes. Since then I have acquired 3 bras, 2 pair of shorts, some tops, and today I finished things off with a dress which will work for any possible occasion that might come up in our village. And a pair of long pants and a light sweater – add my fuzzy gray wrap and I am good for a trip upslope – or to the beach at night. The bras came from WalMart – 11 bucks. The rest of the clothes came from the thrift shop – $17 total.

Our volcano took a house today. And, we had a little 3.8 quake early this morning. Big surf is on the way for tomorrow. Mom Nature is showing her stuff.

 

Today, I played wildlife photographer. The dolphins are iffy. They either show up or they don’t. I have lots of pictures of “where the dolphin was” from today.

The feral cats and chickens, and the mongooses are always available for shooting up at the Old Airport Park. So, I can try again to get better cat, chicken, and mongoose shots.

I discovered something ghastly today. In my sunday paper. An ad for this thing – An AARP Tablet for us poor old “seniors”. And they say that senior is “over 50”. We don’t have to take this!

I was sittin on the dock of the bay – when this fine turtle came swimming by. My first turtle sighting of this year.

Went out to breakfast this morning with one of Carlton’s friends. I do love breakfast. I occurred to me that yoga and breakfast are both at about 8AM. And, if one doesn’t go hog wild selecting breakfast – the cost is about the same. Maybe I should do yoga or breakfast most mornings?

Back in my day, every bride had stephanotis in her bouquet. They are still widely used in local weddings.

Proverb 2881 in our classic “‘Olelo No‘eau,” by Mary Kawena Pukui, reads: Uo ia i ka mania hookahi. Or, “strung (like flowers) on the same lei needle” — a poetic, Hawaiian depiction of being “married.”

Well, Carlton you took your game to the next level five weeks ago today. This evening, you and a few others, were remembered at Hulihe’e. Please note that I played nice, suited up and showed up. Just like you would have wanted.

Trust me, one feels more than a little silly walking down Ali’i drive dressed like that. Not as silly as riding the subway in a long white dress – but silly enough. It was surely the right thing to do. Dress and all. Also, Casey provided plenty ono desserts. Sorry, you missed the dessert buffet. It was reported that people come in to the Palace and wonder when you will be giving a tour. And, the docents remember the David Fox/Carlton Combs 3 references rule. A hui hou.

I know you remember this place, Carlton, you almost became a paraplegic here about 20 years ago. A body surfing accident. The kids still body surf here.  The ocean is still nice and bath water warm. And the sand is still on the beach. The “Magic” is that the sand disappears in winter and comes back in the summer.

Had a good day today – widow woman paperworkwise. I think, I hope, I got everything that I need to do done with the Social Security Administration.

After finishing with the SSA, I planned a bunch of activities. But, I cancelled all the activities and enjoyed a leisure day. Late in the afternoon, I hopped on the Tourist Bus and when for a little bus ride. Took the picture of Magic Sands Beach from the bus.

Cooking: I “baked” a couple of apples from my big fruit basket in the rice cooker today. Tasty. Nice healthy comfort food. And, I made some hard boiled eggs in the rice cooker. Next trial will be hash browns and eggs.

Today’s flower image – also from the bus ride – is from the Orchid Tree, phanera purpurea. It is from India and could have some interesting medicinal possibilities.

The plastic fisheye lens is worth $90. It is tiny. A good “lens” to put on the camera when going walking. It is time to put some glass on the camera.

Note to Carlton: Interesting cultural observation. All of our local friends – almost the first thing they say is “He is not gone, he is still with us”. The Hawaiian line between being and not being is very fuzzy. It is assumed that we live on both sides.

The Hawai’i AA news letter came today – I almost deleted it. They gave you a nice shout out. Keep your ego under control. And, on Friday – the Daughters of Hawai’i are going to “remember” you at sunset. I ironed my white dress.

Went to a yoga class at 8AM this morning. I had to rest for the rest of the morning. If I plan on going to that class on a regular basis I have to get everything that needs done done before 0800 hours.

I mentioned getting a rice cooker. Today I made yummy chicken and rice in the rice cooker.

One measure rice
The correct amount of water
Put a layer of spinach on top of the water
Put about 8 ounces of boneless skinless Korean barbecue chicken on top the spinach.
Add a final layer of spinach.

Cook until the rice cooker kicks off.

The flavor comes from the ready to barbecue chicken from KTA. I ate half and saved half for tomorrow.

 

I broke out the little $90 plastic fisheye lens this morning. It will stay on the camera tomorrow.

I got yet another box of Carlton’s stuff today. He told me what to do with this box. But, I still want to look at it before I pass it on. I’ll do that tomorrow AM. I do things like that better early in the day.

This shot is for you, Cliff and Lorraine. Don’t think St Mike’s will be ready for Christmas this year.

 

A couple of years ago, I did a series of images that the Chamber of Commerce wouldn’t want you to see. Might do it again.

In theory I am all “settled in” now. I acquired a rice cooker – it doesn’t get much more local girl than that. And, I am going through my normal shock at how much food costs. In a couple of weeks I’ll have forgotten exactly what I paid back home. But, at this instant, I remember all too well.

This being Sunday – that day that I always tried to cook a meal of “real ingredients” and not prepackaged, frozen, canned, or from the deli – I fired up the rice cooker and came up with this:

I cheated. I had a can of tuna left over from last year. So, I used half of it. But, the ingredients are real enough. As for food, I can not face one of Carlton’s beloved Spam Musubi. Maybe later. Carlton didn’t like sushi or poke. I love those – so, I can enjoy them without a problem. And, if feeling flush – sashimi. He didn’t like anything that wasn’t WELL done.