Another photo from poolside – these two gents come every winter from Minnesota and they seem to engage in a month long suntanning contest. Chairs are staked out before the sun peaks over the mountain. The men arrive with the first rays and remain in position until noon.
Where did the hope go? Was it only one year ago that Obama moved into the White House? And now, Massachusetts has elected a republican. We spent one summer in Lowell Mass – and they were in the midst of a hot race for governor. I remember that the locals said “We always elect the best looking candidate – not the best candidate.”
Been trying to cheer myself up by planning a “Peg’s Ultimate Old Lady Trip” for my 66th year.
I am swamped by my old images. Just when I think I am making headway – more appear. I am sinking into funk. A jpg induced coma. And a mosquito just floated by – but I missed it – with my luck – it is bearing dengue fever. That would be something to get into a funk over.
The free entertainment goddess provided a pretty good old-timer rock and roll band of the “garage” variety this afternoon.
The food fairy provided lots of avocado and oranges.
Life is good. But, don’t worry – I’ll find something to complain about soon. I was just thinking “Maybe I just try to be less cynical?” I’ll take to my bed until that idea passes!
Today, two events. A high school canoe race and a friend’s 88th birthday party.
Got an invitation to a friend’s spouse’s swearing in ceremony. She is going to be an ambassador. Not one of the “political” posts that you get for being a big contributor – but a “career” post. Never the less, it is a fine honor and a great way to top off a career. When I was growing up – no way a woman could snag a “career” ambassador posting.
I would like to pop back to Arlington and go – I mean, how many ambassadors do I know? Carlton doesn’t think that it makes sense. But, does anything really make sense???
Speaking of making sense – I have been thinking about quantum physics for the last week. (Why can’t I just do Suduko like most old ladies?) Long live Schrodinger’s cat.
Nobody is promised tomorrow. No palm tree is promised tomorrow either. I just finished culling and cataloging recent pictures and found this rather ordinary sunset picture. But, it is special because the next day the palm was cut down. Enjoy every sandwich – Warren Zevon.
Got lost in the Lightroom yesterday and forgot to make an entry. Culling and cataloging away. The more I use Lightroom, the more I like it. It is my new best friend.
It is cold here this morning – 67 chilly degrees at this instant.
Zebra, the zebra isn't in Kona - but at the National Zoo
Junky ocean today, bad air today – Carlton called it “Vog with undertones of grass fire” – sort of like a wine snob. And, the hotel cut 2 of our 4 palm trees down. Not an excellent day. I sort of hung out around the room (with my earplugs in and the a/c on and the windows shut). Worked on my photo collection – found this fun zebra.
Hawaii is not like the rest of America. They have 2 senators – like every state. And 2 representatives. One of the representatives resigned to run for governor. Hawaii can not afford to have a special election to replace him – so they decided that Hawaii will just be one short one representative. Seems a little short sighted to me.
Been hearing too much about Ms Palin the last few days. First, I heard that she said that is was god’s will that she was the vice presidential candidate. Which either proves that god has a sense of humor or that god wasn’t paying attention. Or that god is just a handy scapegoat – sort of like heading off to rehab after doing something unspeakable.
And this afternoon – the Internet tells me that Ms Palin has a contract with Fox “News”. Fox news is a lot like god. Something that has no place in my reality.
Note to family. Today at lunch Carlton said the didn’t wish to have his ashes taken out to sea. He would rather be left on dry land. BTW – I don’t think that lunch was bad enough to cause such a conversation. I think he was in a funeral mood because he brought me some flowers that were left over from a funeral that was held in the church were he preaches about all things missionary on Monday and Tuesday.
The Kona Seaside isn’t your average hotel. It may be cheap – but it has character. And characters. BTW – this guy played a mean ukulele.
Reviewing my investment strategies. In the past, I never took large positions in “overseas” stocks. But, I decided that if I really think the US economy has been seriously damaged by the general lack of national fiduciary responsibility – well, I should do something. To that end I am moving 20% of my equity portfolio into non-US companies. And, in the fixed income portion – I am buying 10 year TIPS next week. And, I added Nice Systems to the wild ass speculation portfolio.
The food fairy provided a whole bunch of really good oranges and 3 to die for avocado.
Surf was still up today – but so was the vog – that would be Volcano smOG. And the grass fires continue – so the air was gray today. Hence, another surf pix from yesterday.
Speaking of our grass fires. The same 3 fires have been going on since before Xmas. The fire department is starting to come under criticism and ridicule over its inability to put out the fires. The fire department gives out all manner of helpful hints about dealing with the smoke: leave the area, don’t smoke cigarettes, keep your windows closed.
I just “finished” 2003. Down to 1,564 images. I’ll make another couple of passes thru – deleting more. But, since I started with well over 6,000 – I am pleased.
Carlton is playing “museum guard” tonight. His Palace was rented for a wedding – they will feed him – and yours truly will truly enjoy having a beer and cheese sandwich for dinner.
Oh, the problems of the leisure class: I am having trouble with the “help”. As in “It is hard to get good help these days”. As a economy measure our hotel seems to have replaced many of the experienced maids with new, just off the plane from the Philippines girls. They are nice as can be – but – it takes them 30 minutes to “clean” a room – if they don’t have to change sheets. Hence our room does not get around to being cleaned until after 4PM. Not acceptable. Tomorrow I am going to point out that it is just as easy to start with my room as to finish the day with my room. If they can not manage that – I’ll tell management that I’ll clean my own room thankyouverymuch – but please reduce my daily tariff by $5.
Today, after I finished doing the laundry and defrosting the fridge, I took the bus 4 miles up the road and walked back to town – stopping at every surf site to enjoy the watching the waves and cheering on the surfers. Our surf is never great, nowhere near epic – just so-so at best. But, hey, its the only surf we gots.
I came back with 200+ photos. I deleted them down to 38 as soon as I got back home. You see, I am trying to do better. And 2003 is down to 1,942 images.
