'BROADWAY' IS NOT A 'GAY' WORD

That 'this old geezer' uses Broadway tunes to illuminate his humble attempts to add colour to his posts comes as no great surprise to avid readers of this very public diary.

What is a shocker is that newbies to me style of expression latch onto this 'trick' and make something sordid out of.

When last looked, 'Broadway' IS NOT the private reserve of a special interest group.  Were it, the countless theatres on the 'Great White Way' would have gone dark ages ago.

Never let it be said that folks who canvas the endless posts on FACEBOOK, do not take note of some and pass judgement on.  This old geezer is gobsmacked that harmless filmed bits used to 'splash out' praise for a place known would take it so very wrong.

Gutted even...

Many is the time this old geezer took his place in a theatre and had an 'enchanted evening'.  The world outside went dark and only light and sound of any import was that taking place on the stage in front of.  The music of Broadway made life easier to deal with.

The use of Broadway tune to get a message across is not unique to this old geezer.  Remember well I do that a former president of the United States used a catchy Broadway tune to make folks aware of his name and to think fondly of when in the voting booth.  LBJ was the president and "Hello, Lyndon' ala 'Hello, Dolly' the tune.

It is indeed quite true that the old geezer is a colourful character.  Truth be told, I am in on the trick...

If it be true that 'to love another person is to see the face of God', I do try ever so hard.

I end with another BROADWAY tune...

WHY BRITISH PAPERS ARE MORE FUN TO READ...

One would hope to have a strong hold on cup when this item was read.  Can just see the reaction to hot fluid in lap...

Can well imagin this did not sit well with folks...

Woner if the jam dropped on this one...

Will leave you with 'hot flashes'...

GIVING THANKS FOR SERVICE GIVEN

Keeping 'Spirit' While At War

It may seem a bit odd to be staring at a holiday tree in May, but there is a story behind the tree.

This old geezer had a mate who served in Iraq and the brilliant chap sent this snap to to remind that while it was not the best of places to celebrate the holiday, it was not ignored or forgot.

When called up during the Vietnam War, the old geezer was most fortunate.  Posted to Italy he was and nary a bullet was fired at.  All of the comforts of home were in place.  While some fought in the jungles of Vietnam, the old geezer typed his way through his period of compulsory conscription.

Speed forward to many years later, another war was on.  Young men and women were being asked to serve their country in another horrid place.

This old geezer has the snap sent to, on his computer, and oft is it looked at and the memories of how much is given by brave men and women, in service to their country, is called to mind.

This Memorial Day, the old geezer remembers a young best mate who died in Vietnam.  He is forever 20 in me mind, full of life and promise.  Paul is remembered and his service in the US Army.  Andy Vasquez, a US Marine always, who continues to serve his country as an elected official.  John, best mate from days in the orphanage who went on to win the Silver Star, Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts before falling in battle in Vietnam.

The old geezer remembers travelling to 'The Wall' in Washington DC, many years after the war and becoming overwhelmed as he took an etching of the name of best mate who was immortalized upon it.  His sacrifice not forgot.

The old geezer looks at the snap from war and remembers much.

Duty, Honour, Country.

MEMORIAL DAY 2011

Thank You, for your service.

A WEE SCOTTISH TALE

A Wee Scottish Tale.
A golfer is cupping his hand to scoop water from a Highland  burn on the
St Andrews course.

A groundskeeper shouts:   'Dinnae drink tha waater! Et's foo ae coo's
shite an pish!'

The  golfer replies:  'My Good fellow, I'm from England. Could you
repeat  that for me, in English, please!?'

The keeper replies:  'I said,  use two hands - you'll spill less that
way!'

'LIKE DRAWS TO LIKE' - ONE WONDERS

There is an old adage that "like draws to like," and the antithesis of this would be that unlike keeps as far away from unlike as it is possible.  Fate, who seems to take a malignant pleasure in worrying humanity, throws them together, and the result can be an eternal conflict between the two.  Fire and water if you will.

This old geezer had a chat with a person well known to recently, and the consensus between our two great minds was that it is far more important not to be a moralist, rather be true to own beliefs and allow others to live as they will.  A lesson hard learned by this old geezer.

This old geezer does not suffer fools easily, and is not one to accept anti-social behaviour as the norm.  Drugs and alcohol have been the undoing of many a person known to this old geezer.

A lifetime has been spent being open to all sorts of folks.  What is the trick in surrounding one's self with carbon copies of self.  People who are different from, can be a pleasant surprise.  There is real value to being open to folks who at first glance seem the wrong sort.

Allow this old geezer to explain...

There is nary a drop of ink on the old geezer.  Tattoos, while intriguing on others, do not play well for MOI.   Society can be most unkind to people with multiple tattoos, on neck, face and arms and legs.  Makes a statement no doubt, one that is not always well read.

Recently met chaps with many colourful tattoos, some very permanent and others added for dramatic effect in performing.

The Maori group from New Zealand that booked into the Hilo Bay Hostel were by all appearances, 'unlike' as group of folks one would expect the old geezer to fall in with.

Being of 'open' mind, allowed this old geezer to get 'up close and in person', with a group of folks who have had a lasting effect on.  Never were there a more lovely group to be met.  If lived to be 100, rather think the days spent in the company of the Maori will be long remembered as a true high point.  Truly...

If being 'open' of mind applies to the old geezer, it also was much marked among the Maori from Palmerston North.

Being an avid reader, the old geezer came upon a quote that seems to apply to new best mates met from New Zealand;

'E koro te tino tangata e ngaro i roto i te tokomaha' which translates - A noble man can not be lost in a crowd.  Rather like to think it applies to both the male and female members of the group.

OLD GEEZER 'HULA' DANCE...

Stands to reason that this old geezer would have to do a hula for all me avid followers on YouTube. One has to spread that 'special' ALOHA unique to the old geezer.
Being ever so British, thought it would be a laugh to have Simon do the hula with.
Were any to drop in on the old geezer in Hilo Hawaii, rather think the grass skirt could be dragged out...
The image of this old geezer doing the hula is certain to haunt.....

A LITTLE MOVING MUSIC...

SORTING OUT LIFE

The Old Geezer is Odious to Some

If you look closely at the snap, you will see that I take the liberty of poking fun at meself...never let it be said that the old geezer is unaware of how odious he appears to some and how they dread the latest entry in diary, 'another fiat from DeFrees'.

Perfect example is love note received in post recently;

'To All Who read this line of bologna, this old Geezer that speaks Rob Defrees is so full of himself it's sickning. He is a wolf in sheeps clothing. BEWARE! He tries to act like he is just so intelligent and treats people like dirt. Unless you are totally under his thumb. And if not watch out because he will be the first as he so calls it to call the coppers. I have never met someone so self centered in my life.'

I was reading another entry from Stephen Fry, now there is a most clever chap, and I made myself a promise to try and keep using colourful language, even at the risk of some not quite getting what I am on about. Mind, they do make a lovely book called a dictionary, and more should try to increase their word usage ability...very tiring to have everyone fall back on the same way of saying thing. English is a wondrous language and should be used more than it is here in America. But that is a story for another day

It is my manner that has got many to strike out at me.  That seems the price one pays for trying to let folks know when things are not right in the world. Having written about the very nasty comments left on one of my sites, I must also tell that there are many who feel that it is quite horrid and hope that I do not run away and hide.

Am bloody well aware of the dichotomy my personality must present for some. Yet, if we be complete honest, are not most of us made up of parts? 

I chatted about newspapers with a mate the other day, and he made me realize that I am no longer living in a large metropolitan area that contains a population that thrives on reading all about events in the community.  Hilo is not New York City or Los Angeles, let alone London.   Time will tell if the small newspapers in this country will still be around of if folks will even miss them were they to be gone.

What I think I have just done, is to write a lot of small talk to get enough courage to come round to the main point I wanted to make today.

I mentioned Stephen Fry in the beginning and it is because of something he did that got to to have a hard think on matters facing me in my own life. AND to point out that the small gesture, so sorely missing in America, is still alive and well in England, or at least with Mr. Fry. Stephen Fry suffers from Bipolar disorder. It is a problem I have dealt with most of my life as well and until today have never mentioned it before on these pages. Was always afraid of what folks would think.   If Mr. Fry, who is ever so clever can be open about it, I bloody well can.   I mention all of this as these past days have left me feeling very depressed. At first I thought I was having a major episode of depression but am now influenced to believe it is more a case of being upset over the developments of late, in life.  That would be the ongoing discomfort felt from fall.  Bit of a bother to not be able to get about, even if done slowly.

It seems that some time back a lady wrote to Mr. Fry, and asked how he dealt with things and thanked him for being so open with his problems with depression, stating loudly that she felt Stephen had saved her life. Not sure if many know who Stephen Fry be.   If you watch BBC you will know him from being on several chat shows and also doing programmes for BBC. He is much in demand. He took the time to write the dear lady a letter and I would like to share it with you as it made me feel so much the better after I had read it.It is as follows;

Dear Crystal,
I’m so sorry to hear that life is getting you down at the moment. Goodness knows, it can be so tough when nothing seems to fit and little seems to be fulfilling. I’m not sure there’s any specific advice I can give that will help bring life back its savour. Although they mean well, it’s sometimes quite galling to be reminded how much people love you when you don’t love yourself that much. I’ve found that it’s of some help to think of one’s moods and feelings about the world as being similar to weather:
Here are some obvious things about the weather:
It’s real.
You can’t change it by wishing it away. If it’s dark and rainy it really is dark and rainy and you can’t alter it.
It might be dark and rainy for two weeks in a row.
BUT
It will be sunny one day.It isn’t under one’s control as to when the sun comes out, but come out it will.
One day.It really is the same with one’s moods, I think.
The wrong approach is to believe that they are illusions.
They are real. Depression, anxiety, listlessness - these are as real as the weather -
 AND EQUALLY NOT UNDER ONE’S CONTROL.
Not one’s fault.
BUT
 They will pass: they really will.
In the same way that one has to accept the weather, so one has to accept how one feels about life sometimes. ‘Today’s a crap day,’ is a perfectly realistic approach. It’s all about finding a kind of mental umbrella.
‘Hey-ho, it’s raining inside: it isn’t my fault and there’s nothing I can do about it, but sit it out. But the sun may well come out tomorrow and when it does, I shall take full advantage.’
I don’t know if any of that is of any use: it may not seem it, and if so, I’m sorry. I just thought I’d drop you a line to wish you well in your search to find a little more pleasure and purpose in life.
Very best wishes(Signed)
Stephen Fry

I try very hard to remind self that what Stephen states so well is going to take place. It is the one constant battle I fight and probably the reason I write and try to help others, makes my situation seem less gloomy.There you have it my dears, another effort to give you a slice of life as I see it. For the record, it is raining very hard as I write this, being the wee hours of the new day...lovely to know I am dry and comfy and that the sun will return in a day or two.

BABS GETS SPECIAL FELINE 'BIRTHDAY SONG' GREETING

Babs is a very special lady to this old geezer.  So special that he hunted high and low to find the appropriate filmed bit to celebrate her special day today.  Today is Babs birthday...

Being ever so wicked, this old geezer found a filmed bit of a singing pussy.  Fancy that.

Will have you know that folks call their 'cats', pussies', in UK.  For all of you readers who think the old geezer is trying to be rude.

The joke is that Babs has two pussies and just adores the little monsters.

Babs to left of Easter Bunny(Robert)

Last year, Babs help the old geezer make Easter special for children in neighbourhood and to Larry Greathouse (Larry died this month).  Can still hear her loud cackle as she help pass out treats to all of the little buggers who came for basket and special toys.

Our connection went back a bit.  Seems Babs had lived in Fresno for many years and when she first met the old geezer she told that she remembered reading stories of in the local paper.

This old geezer has had the great good fortune to meet lovely folks throughout life, none more lovely than Babs.  When Paul died last year, Babs was a strong shoulder to cry on.

The old geezer thinks that his departure from California was a bit sudden for most, Babs being hurt by me departure.  One does not like to burden others with grief and misfortune, both of which had visited the old geezer at the same time.  There is no doubt that Babs cared, but the old geezer had to find his 'light' again and Marysville was too dark for.

Having no need to hide, contact was kept and Babs was one of first faithful readers to email and express joy at the diary being kept again.

I adore Babs, that is the truth of it.  I do so hope that this birthday is met by many, many others.

Now if one can get that bloody pussy back in the carry-all, will sent it back from whence it came...

ITEM FROM THE PAST

PLAYING THE FOOL

This old geezer has re-joined the world of 'FACEBOOK'.  One was told ages ago that nothing put on the INTERNET ever disappears, it lives on and on and on.

Re-connecting with folks known has revealed some interesting things.  Folks do remember MOI and were eager to become 'friends' with again.  AND the mail came pouring in. 'I THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD', 'HAWAII?', 'STILL TRYING TO CHANGE THE WORLD', and loads of 'remember this'....

The following piece was forwarded to from one who noticed that Chuck Leonard had accepted me invite to connect.  The old geezer thought him rather colourful;

                    MOI DOES CHAT SHOW

My dears, MOI is on Facebook and used it to flog his appearance on an INTERNET chat show. This is what was written as a note on Facebook before the chat show visit;

MOI has come to believe that YOUTUBE, FACEBOOK and personal website and others allow MOI to get message out about the road lived on and community a part of like no other way possible. It is that following that has got 'Silly Hall' sitting up and taking notice. MOI is not daft, is well aware that were it not for website and YOUTUBE view, the clever folks at 'Silly Hall' would continue to ignore.

Have said before and will continue to say, each and every person has the ability to make a difference. One need not be head of a non-profit or a preacher heading a faith based effort to convert souls to do that. Mind, in Fresno if you be 'faith based' 'non-profit' you get more attention from 'Silly Hall'. More's the pity that, as it scares folks off from trying to make a difference.

Hope that all known to this old geezer tune into chat show and give a listen. Do a call in if you feel angry. Do something. Make folks at 'Silly Hall', here in Fresno and elsewhere realize that it all starts with 'We The People".

MOI did the chat show yesterday with Chuck Leonard, a cheeky sort of chap who loves to see if he can catch one off guard with his clever comments. Mr. Leonard is clever, and can see how he manages to keep the upper hand in interviews he conducts on his show. MOI is no stranger to a camera or a microphone and neither scare him. Just as natural on camera as off....too natural for some.....but that is another story.

Chuck Leonard is a cheeky chappie there is no doubt and Mike Briggs, owner of chat show, tells that Mr. Leonard is the star attraction on the INTERNET chat show. Folks have told MOI that they watched the chat show and felt that MOI held his own and that the pairing of Chuck and MOI came off well. Lovely. Even if Chuck likes to poke fun at language use of MOI.........

My dears, allow MOI to make two observations about the chat show visit.

Firstly, CentralValleyTalk.com is owned and operated by Mike Briggs. Having not lived in Fresno since dirt was planted, MOI is not 'au fait' with all of the colourful characters that live here. Mike Biggs be one of the more colourful characters met. 

Mike Briggs and MOI are friends on Facebook, that is how the invite came to be to appear on the chat show. In chatting with Mike yesterday, this old geezer was much impressed with the sort of chappie he be. Mike told that he started doing much as MOI now does to improve his neighbourhood. Graffiti bothered him and he also started doing a patrol of neighbourhood. A patrol that got him taken in by the coppers who told that it was not acceptable to do that. Times change and it is now quite normal for Neighbourhood Watch to do a patrol in neighbourhoods.
Mike tells that he has the INTERNET chat show to give one and all a forum to tell folks in Fresno what bothers them. To be true, in granting free access to one and all, there be some that even MOI backs off from. But, Mike believes in giving all an opportunity to be heard. Makes him a brick of a fellow.

Mr. Briggs is not out to do the government in, he lives the American Dream, owning a company and doing business in Real Estate. Mike told MOI that when he sat on City Council he felt his first year was the most effective, and the ones that followed only caused him to sell out soul to some degree to get things done. No 'whore to politics', Mike moved on, gaining attention in other arenas of political influence. Mike Briggs has pluck, there is not doubt and MOI admires him for it. There is hope that this old geezer is not seen as a complete nutter in Fresno. If so, sharing company with chaps like Mike Briggs suits this old geezer fine.

What bothered MOI most about the chat show yesterday was Chuck banging on about how horrid Susan Boyle looked. Kept making jokes about. MOI is of the opinion that Chuck saw it as an easy way to pander to his audience and not fall over self in admiring what has become a world wide phenomenon.

More's the pity. Chuck had opportunity to get his band of followers to accept that in these hard times, we need a hero of sorts........and Susan Boyle is. Mind, MOI is no beacon of beauty anymore, and to be true, Chuck Leonard is already beginning to show signs of wear. He should be more kind. It may well be his nature to rail against the main to prove a point.
MOI is unabashed in his admiration of the lovely lady from UK with enough pluck to float an ocean liner.
There you have it, my views on things...........not very 'EARTH SHATTERING' but...

My colourful past has a way of coming forward again and again.  Truth be told, the old geezer has nothing to hide.

THE OLD GEEZER'S HILO, HAWAII

If one is going to live in a place,one should LIVE. This old geezer is passionate about Hilo, Hawaii. He is also passionate about the Hilo Bay Hostel. No apologies for shameless advert of place lived.
So it rains a bit in Hilo, it does in London as well, and that did not turn the old geezer off.
This old geezer remembers a Hawaii of 40 years ago, and it still exists in Hilo. Hilo the true home of ALOHA and OHANA. The truly clever traveller to Hawaii comes to Hilo, Hawaii, where dreams are made.

OLD GEEZER VISITS CAFE IN HILO

OLD GEEZER VISITS CAFE ROUND CORNER FROM HOSTEL IN HILO,HAWAII.

LIFE IN DOWNTOWN IS INTERESTING AND THE HOSTEL IS CLOSE TO ALL THINGS OF INTEREST.  AND THE LOCALS ARE RIGHT INTERESTING AS WELL.
WHAT IS NOT TO LIKE ABOUT HILO, SMALL TOWN WITH CHARM THAT TAKES YOU BACK TO OLD HAWAII.

CALAVERAS CRUSADER REMEMBERED

Robert DeFrees - Calaveras Crusader

Being laid up with a lame leg has given this old geezer ample time to read many more emails that pour in due to his posts. 

An avid reader with buckets of time googled me and came up with the below story from 3 years.  It was done by a featured columnist with the Fresno Bee, Bill McEwen.

Bit of a shock to see how huge meself was, and growing daily.  What a difference three years makes.  The old geezer is shadow of former self and has given up trying to save the world by living in a very wicked neighbourhood.

CALAVERAS CRUSADER THROWS BLOCK PARTY

When I made it out to the Calaveras Street block party early Saturday afternoon, the Fresno High jazz band was kicking out sweet sounds and scores of children were having fun at the Sciencemobile.
Organizer Rob Defrees had hoped to attract at least 1,000 people to his "road" and make it the biggest single-street block party in Fresno history. The crowd didn't reach four figures, but he declared the six-hour event -- a celebration of the street's efforts to oust drug-dealers and build community pride -- a success nonetheless.
"All the smiling faces and the people trying to make people feel brilliant made it worth it," said Defrees, manager of the El Capri apartment complex, just north of Divisadero.
"The U.S. Marines stayed to the bitter end even though they didn't get any customers that day. My surprise violinist was a 7-year-old boy. He brought tears to people's eyes with his performance."
The event was billed as "Evening of Music -- Hands Across Fresno." At 7 p.m., with one hour left in the party, Defrees asked the crowd to hold hands in a link of unity against drug dealers, graffiti and poverty.
"It wasn't a huge circle, but folks of all different colors and ages held hands," Defrees said. "What more can you ask for?"
Tuesday, he announced that there would be a march against drug dealers and their customers on May 27 in the alley behind 433 N. Calaveras. Wrote Defrees in an e-mail:
"This alley is important as it is being used by drug dealers selling 'poison' and is also being used by punters seeking 'poison.' The coppers are doing all they can to get them but they come back.

"Drug dealers hate the bright light of television cameras and the noise of angry neighbors. Doing a very public march will draw attention to them. More important, it will let their punters know that they are being watched. If the drug dealers have no punters for the 'poison' they close up shop."

KITCHEN CHAT AT HOSTEL IN HILO

The guests come and go, but the questions always remain the same.  Makes for interesting meetings in the kitchen with new guests.  Slice of life at Hilo Bay Hostel with a British sense of humour...

OLD GEEZER VISITS LOCAL CASH & CARRY

VENTURING OUT FROM THE HOSTEL, THE OLD GEEZER VISITS PAM, A FORMER EMPLOYEE AT HOSTEL.  SHE NOW OWNS AND OPERATES A SMALL 'CASH AND CARRY' IN HILO.
WICKED SENSE OF HUMOUR OUR PAM HAS AND IT IS MISSED AT THE HOSTEL.
ANOTHER ADVENTURE OF THE OLD GEEZER

BREAKING NEWS - 'I am NOT Dead Yet'

Dear reader, have a laugh at me expense.  Above cartoon is animated 'slice of life' of the old geezer's world.

Yesterday saw the old geezer do a "Death March of Bataan' like crawl to various doctors and health facilities.  The NHS does not make it easy to be laid up and in pain.

Nevertheless, the old geezer has insurance and folks were ever so kind to during the day.  Took from 10 in the AM til just past 3pm to sort all things out.  Still not done, have to see another doctor today.

My fall has not gone well.  Not listening to good advice has made problem linger.  I do have bone disease and at times feel it is just to be dealt with.  Were it not for that silly chair breaking, this old geezer would be just fine.  Right, not fine but better.

I am to stay off leg, keep to suite and pop pills  This old geezer does not do 'sick' well.  Bed is for sleeping and sex(latter is forgot matter).

Am blessed to have such lovely folks concerned about.  The Big Kahuna was right all along.  Obtuse the old geezer can be at times.

Truth be told, 'Life is Beautiful', what matters a little trouble, me day is still brilliant.

Makes one way to end post with a Broadway tune...

ANTHURIUMS GREET GUESTS AT HOSTEL

Brilliant Floral Display at Hilo Bay Hostel

What a lovely sight to be seen as you ascend the grand staircase of the Hilo Bay Hostel.

Truth be told the brilliant floral arrangement is a bit hard to miss.  'Hilo Hattie', the ever so lovely local girl who toils away at the hostel has a father-in-law who has a knack for such things, the testament of his work can be seen in the stunning display of Anthuriums, a local flower of the Big Island, that graces the display case at the top of the grand staircase.

This old geezer was gobsmacked at the very bright arrangement and is of the opinion it will bring many smiles of delight to the road weary travellers who arrive at the hostel.

'Hilo Hattie' is a shining example of the ALOHA that exists at the hostel.   Her new found passion is making sure that guests who book into the hostel get the best feeling possible of the wondrous things to come while they are booked into the hostel.  'Hilo Hattie' loves coming to work and members of her family try to help create a pleasing place for all to enjoy.  How do you put that sort of 'employee' spirit into words?

'OHANA' is what you will feel at the hostel.  Treated like one of the family...

How is that for 'banging on' about a place and a group of folks this old geezer has come to be ever so fond of...

'SPITTING IMAGE' OF THE OLD GEEZER

Caveman Has Been Retired

 Without so much as a hint, this old geezer has sprung a real shocker on avid readers of me blog.  Clever readers will have noted that the Caveman 'MOI' did not stare back at this AM, when you settled in to read your daily fix.  There is a story, and just know that the old geezer is going to tell it...


The 'REAL' MOI Captured

 There will be some who read these pages who will forever believe that a hostel is but a pit stop for the 'great unwashed' frugal traveller.  It has become me passion to educated you.

There booked into the hostel a chap from the UK,  fancy that.  This chappie is quite the story and only hope that me loaf does not fail me in details.

Simon does moving murals.  That is to say that his works of art can be found on wheels.  Simon is just recently returned from a stay in Norway, where he was hired to do a bus that had been entered into a competition.  It would take far to long to tell just what he did so am going to provide you with a link to Simon's YOUTUBE channel;

Needless to say the bus Simon decorated, placed FIRST...

Chatting with Simon, the old geezer quickly knew that he had got it right when first laid eyes on at the computer table.  Simon is from Cambridge, mind, he did not go to college there.  He did managed to get a superior education and went about perfecting his ability to tell a rather COLOURFUL story in pictures.  He is multi-talented, being able to practice his wizardry at the computer to bring life to clay or canvas.

MOI wasted no time in telling Simon that he, the old geezer,was on YOUTUBE and kept a public diary .  Made sure that Simon went to both places and saw me efforts.  Of late, the old geezer has been trying his hand at animation and wanted to get an opinion from an expert.  Simon was kind, there is much room for improvement in my ability to create a clever film bit.  I do rather think that the dialog is good...

For a lark, Simon asks the old geezer to sit a spell and allow him to get a sense of.  Simon felt that it was time to splash out with a bold new look to the blog.  The caveman, while clever, had seen best days and it was time to join the 21st century.  Simon wants to see the old geezer go viral...

Simon knows a thing or two about good story telling, having been a part of the 'Spitting Image' telly programme that was massively popular in UK some years back.  He also has travelled a bit and the bus was not his first project.

Simon has a 'Terry Thomas' grin that belies that he is really a 'kettle on full boil'.  Simon fancies self quite the 'vagabond traveller' having been to OZ and other exotic places to rest a spell and ply his magic.  He is going to travel to very exotic locales when he decamps from the hostel.  What to say about a chap who walks into a travel bureau in London and asks for a 'round-the-world' ticket and when queried as to where to land first, picks Hawaii as a good enough place to collect self.

Simon appreciates money, just refuses to become a slave to it.  He sets his own agenda and most defiantly marches to his own tune.  Staying at a hostel suits Simon, what better place to meet other interesting people.


Bold Look to Future of Blog


What seemed quick, Simon had captured the old geezer on his computer.  Gobsmacked I was to see MOI staring back at MOI.  Quite unnerving to know that one can be 'read' that well by one only just met.  The finished product was brilliant, no strike that, it is LEGEND....

Simon even did a filmed bit of the whole bust, that he made of the old geezer;

For some strange reason, the thought of readers being able to hurl objects at, is not flattering.  One wonders what curses will be set to that filmed bit by me enemies...

Simon Buck is the brilliant chap's name.  Look at his works.  Can not believe that he did this commission for the old geezer to while away time as he waited for a package.  One can only imagine how dear such must be and am flattered to have been given such a rare gift of friendship.

I am feeling rather grand about the new look and me bust.  One could almost put a copy on a stand and pass them out as an award by the old geezer to folks he remembers in his blog.  We could call the award 'The Bobby'... (RIGHT, A BOBBY FROM A BOOB)

There you have it, another adventure had by the old geezer due to his willingness to say 'Hello' to another met on the path of life.

ARE YOU WHAT YOU EAT?

Nary a day goes by that guests of the hostel, do not run off to the market to purchase fresh fruits and veggies.  Being that it is Hilo, Hawaii, where a Farmer's Market exists and a fully stocked 'health food' store are but steps away from the hostel, this is quite easy to do.

Regular snobs some of the guests are about food.  There is always someone in the kitchen cooking up newly bought roots, grass and such.  There is a run on the blender as many want to make up a 'smoothie', using loads of fruits and veggies.   Right odd how so many of the smoothies' have a decidedly 'neon green' colour.

The topic of conversation at the common table is quite oft about food, 'healthy' food.

Remembering many of the chats, it was a surprise to find a collection of notes on different fruits and veggies and what role they may or may not play in a healthy life.  I will leave it to the dear reader to come to own conclusion.

Some thoughts on fruits and veggies;

Did you know that a sliced carrot looks like a human eye?  That it is believed that carrots enhance blood flow to and function of the eye?
A tomato has four chambers and is red.  Tomatoes are loaded with lycopine and are pure heart and blood food.
Grapes hang in a cluster, sort of shape of heart.  Each grape has blood cell and it is believed grapes are profound heart food.
A walnut looks like a wee brain.  They think walnuts help develop neuron-transmitter for brain function.
Kidney beans look like a human kidney AND yes, is believed they help and heal kidney function.
Celery and rhubarb look like bones.  They target bone strength.
Avocadoes, eggplant and pears target female function in the womb.
Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos.  Fancy that...  AND helps, it is believed with sperm count and its mobility...
Sweet potatoes look like a pancreas.
Olives assist health and function of ovaries.
Oranges and grapefruits look like mammary glands  AND help in that area.
Onions look like cells of the body.  Is believed that onions clear waste materials from body cells.
Garlic is not just to ward off vampires but also eliminates waste material from the body.

This old geezer has seen a massive amount of 'healthy' fruits and veggies these past 6 months.  Truth be told, many of the guests do seems to be quite thin and have a certain glow.

In truth, the guests that cook up a steak, fry up potatoes, mash potatoes with butter, drown fruit with cream, scramble eggs and burn toast are me favourites.  I do so like the look and smell of food one is 'au fait' with...

THE LOO IS CLOSED

Imagine this old geezer cleaning the loo, only to have a guest of hostel barge in on. Happens all of the time, is what happens when you hire on a clean freak to freshen up the loos.
They sparkle they do...

CHIT-CHAT WITH OLD GEEZER AT HOSTEL

This filmed bit proves that this old geezer is no 'stick in the mud'...

GLOWING PRAISE FOR HILO BAY HOSTEL

NEON SIGN OF HOSTEL 'GLOWS'

'TO ALL OUR NEW FAMILY AT HILO BAY HOSTEL......WE ARE ALL LOST FOR WORDS, WE HAD THE BEST TIME DURING OUR STAY AT HILO BAY HOSTEL, THE STAFF ARE TOP QUALITY AND THE HOSTEL ITS SELF WAS ABSOLUTELY AWESOME....TO BE ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE 54 PEOPLE OVER 8 DAYS AND MAKE THEM FEEL AT HOME IS SO AWESOME.....WE JUST WANT TO THANK ROBERT FOR ALL HIS WORK DURING OUR STAY, GOING OUT OF HIS WAY TO MAKE THINGS EXTRA SPECIAL DURING OUR STAY, TO JUSTIN THANKS HEAPS FOR INTRODUCING US TO THE NEW FRUITS AND SHOWING THE CREW AROUND HILO, AND ALSO A BIG THANK YOU TO GLENDA FOR ALL YOUR HELP AND SHOWING THE LADIES AROUND HILO.....FINALLY TO SCOTT, THANKS HEAPS FOR LETTING US STAY WITH YOU GUYS AND MAKING THINGS PERFECT, OUR OVERALL FEEDBACK FROM THE GROUP WAS THAT STAYING IN HILO WAS OUR BEST PART OF OUR STAY IN HAWAII AND CANT WAIT UNTIL THEY RETURN!!!!!......SO ON BEHALF OF "TE TU MATORA" AND MYSELF - MAHALO -  NATE PONGA

 

The welcoming glow from the neon signage just got heaps warmer.  The above needs no words from this old geezer to add to.

CHATTING UP HOSTEL

Wishful thinking. I rather think it would be right wicked to have Obama at the hostel. He does HAWII you know... 

WAIKIKI 'HOME and GARDEN'

Queen Victoria medal collection

 Stands to reason that a 'collector' and Ron does collect, would have something this old geezer would adore.

This collection of commemorative coins dating back to the reign of Queen Victoria would look rather smart on me wall in Hilo.  Mind, hardly think Ron is going to part with.

Colourful screen and ancient sword

 If you are going to cover a wall, what better way than to put up a brilliant screen.  Truth be told, it does catch the eye.  Takes up one whole wall in living room area.  Gives a perfect place to 'hang' things from, like the sword from the film "300", such a deal it was.

Tutti-Fruitie shoes from Glagla

 My dears, this old geezer has been known to be right colourful but never so colourful that he would set out on pavement with such footwear.  "But they are from France." Ron proclaims.  This old geezer does not care if they are from the dark side of the moon, would not be caught dead in.  Top it all off with the title of the bleeden shoes, 'Tuttie-Fruitie', like MOI needed any help drawing attention to what most pick up on unaided by colourful footwear.

Helmet from '300' movie

 Who needs a helmet?  Weight is heavy upon head and is bloody hot.  Mind, it comes from one of them 'gladiator' type films.

Ancient Pot to Pee in?

How here is a piece the old geezer can relate to.  One must have a 'pot' for 'lolly'.  Mind, one would have to find a dark corner to hide it, as folks would tend to 'help' selves to.  Bit too heavy for carry on or it might have journeyed back to Hilo with the old geezer.

Sign of Times

Just down from 'Casa Ronaldo' is complex that has been turned into 'tourist accommadations'.  The 'to let' advert does not lie.  You get but a small room, one would hardly call it a 'bedsit', it is that small.  One shares the loo and shower.  The chappie that has the small 'hotel' makes no apology for what is lacking, knowing full on that many will love being close to beach and all.

The chappie is well known to the old geezer, met when he was quite young.  Life has been kind to and he has aged well.

If This Tree Could Talk

This massive Banyan tree sits on the corner of Kuhio, just down from 'Casa Ronaldo'.  Provided much shade to a host of Waikiki characters in its day, I have no doubt.

What better way to end, than with a colourful snap of me gracious host.  Sitting in the laundry area of his flat.  No better way to get rid of the soiled linen...

This old geezer could have gone on and on about the treasure filled flat, why would be the point?  How much can one say about Afghan carpets, bronze busts of Aristotle and Socrates, baroque chairs and gilded mirrors?  Let us just say that Ron adores surrounding self with finer things and not nary a piece of Hawaiiana to be found.

All in all, a most enjoyable visit...

HAVING A CUPPA AT HOSTEL

My dears, this old geezer works very hard to keep your readership.  Fancy that...

This the first attempt at making a cartoon about life in a hostel.   Looks as if it might turn into a winner.

The voices are a bit off, but it works.

Imagine the old geezer and 'Hilo Hattie' having a cuppa and sorting out the day...

JAG TALAR SVENSKA!!

Jag talar svenska. Var annars men ett vandrarhem skulle ge möjlighet att tala med män och kvinnor från Sverige och Norge? Nyligen återvänt från Honolulu, hade denne gamle man chattar med underbara kvinnor och män från Stockholm och Oslo.

Jag kommer att berätta sanna, har denne gamle man glömde mycket av språket lärt mig så många år sedan. Men det kommer tillbaka.
Det gjorde denne gamle man mycket glad att kunna hjälpa besökare till Hilo upptäcka den verkliga Hawaii. För många år sedan var människor i Stockholm samma sak för mig.
Den Hilo Bay Vandrarhemmet är den perfekta platsen för människor från hela världen att lära känna varandra.

 Möte den vackra damen från Stockholm kom tillbaka många glada minnen och låtit denna gubbe för att ge ett gott skratt eller två på egen bekostnad.
Jag lovar en sak, i tid, den gamle mannen kommer att få hans språkkunskaper tillbaka. Tänk dig att ...

Right, outside of Sweden, who in bloody hell is going to understand the above?  There be some who think the old geezer makes it too difficult already.  MOI will translate;

I speak Swedish.  Where else but a hostel would provide the opportunity to talk to men and women from Sweden and Norway?  Recently returned from Honolulu, this old man had chats with lovely men and women from Stockholm and Oslo.
I will tell true, this old man has forgot much of the language learned so many years ago.  But it is coming back.
It made this old man very happy to be able to help visitors to Hilo discover the real Hawaii.  Many years ago, people in Stockholm did the same for me.
The Hilo Bay hostel is the perfect place for people from all the world to get to know one another.
Meeting the lovely lady from Stockholm brought back many happy memories and allowed this old man to provide a good laugh or two at own expense.
I promise one thing, in time, the old man will get his language ability back.  Imagine that...

Ha en underbar dag....

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WAIKIKI REMEMBERED

They tell me you are wicked and I believe them, for I
have seen your painted women under the gas lamps
luring the farm boys, sailors and marines.
And they tell me you are dear and I answer: Yes, it
is true I have seen the prices in your ABC stores kill and 
kill again me desire for a ciggie or snack.
And they tell me you are dirty and my reply is: On the
faces of some denizens of, I have seen the signs
of wanton filth.
And having answered so I turn once more to those who
sneer at this my Waikiki, and I give them back the sneer
and say to them:
Come and show me another place with lifted head singing
so proud to be alive.
Flinging magnetic greetings amid the toil of job,
here is a tall bold island set vivid against the
little soft cities.
You are my Waikiki remembered...

Truth be told, the old geezer apologizes to Carl Sandberg for mucking about with his poem 'Chicago'.  It works, you think??

MAHALO - FROM ONE OLD GEEZER TO ANOTHER

My dears, you be 'au fait' with the old geezer to know that life lived is not always reported on in order lived.  Being of an age that feels driven to get 'thank you's' out soonest, it followed that reports of me trip to Honolulu would have to wait until me duty had been done.

Wednesday past, this old geezer departed Hilo to spend some quiet time with a dear mate.  A mate that goes back some twenty years.

The Big Kahuna allowed the old geezer to go on trip if the promised was made and kept, to stay off the lame leg.  I can report with complete truth that me word was golden.

Ron met the old geezer and made sure that all was done to make comfy, even went out and purchased new pillows for.  Fancy that.

Being a house guest can be a bit of a bother.  Routine is broken and one has to put one's self out to a degree.  Truth be told this holds true for the guest as well as the host.

Ron could not have been a more perfect host.  There were cocktails, snacks, books and endless hours of 'talking story'.  Even Ron's two pussies seemed to welcome the old geezer.  So much so that one of the lovely pussies, peed on me clothes and bedclothes, and went so far as to deposit 'poo' on the guest bed.

I will tell true, the stay in Ron's home was lovely. 

One would hope that many of the readers of this blog will be curious enough to tune in for the reports that will follow.  This old geezer can promise that it will be a most interesting reportage.

Leaving Honolulu on Saturday was not faced with undiluted pleasure.  Ron had been so gracious to, and one wondered if the favour could ever be returned in full measure.  It is a bit dear to island hop, so it may be some time before my return.  I will have to savour each memory of the visit.

So gracious was Ron that he made sure that gift was made to the Big Kahuna.

This old geezer is blessed.  With folks like The Big Kahuna and Ron pulling for, what is there to feel put out about?

“A true friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart.”

MAHALO!  To Ron and to The Big Kahuna.  Mind, one wonders if Ron could let his pussies know that being splashed on and dumped on is not a Hawaiian greeting...

A GENTLE MAN LEAVES US

There will be many who will remember the story told of this old geezer playing Easter Bunny last year.

One of the most memorable moments of me life was to see the undiluted pleasure on Larry's face as he greeted the Easter Bunny.

Larry had been confined to a bed for over a year, his condition was terminal and he was playing out his days with grace and dignity.

There are other moments remembered and each and everyone of them that had to do with Larry Greathouse were all brilliant.

Larry was in great pain, but he never complained.  He tried to buck up the spirits of his wife and all who entered his small world.

It was a privilege to know Larry Greathouse and to know that many this old geezer called a brilliant friend felt the same.  Sheriff Steve Durfor came round to meet as did Supervisor Andy Vasquez.  Both left gifts for and seemed touched by his 'grace and dignity'.  I remember Larry's pleasure at receiving the special pin from the sheriff and the Christmas Tree from Andy.

I also remember Larry smoking 'medical cannibis' with pleasure.  One of the few the old geezer thought it was so right to do.  It helped with the massive pain and loss of appetite.

Larry Greathouse was my friend and I shall miss him much.  I do not grieve for, as the old geezer passionately believes Larry suffers no more. He has gone to his spot in the tall grass, to sleep and sleep and sleep.

What follows is the post done when this old geezer went to visit Larry;

EASTER BUNNY HOPS FOR LARRY
Avid readers of this blog are 'au fait' with Larry.  He be the the brilliant chap who lives in a flat with his lovely wife, Victoria.

Larry is on "Hospice" and can not get out and about as he might like to.  That does not stop him from being keenly interested in the goings on that happen at the Linda Villa.  What would have Easter been like if the Easter Bunny failed to hop over to visit?

Barbara had gone out and got special treats for the basket and it was hoped that Victoria would not 'spill the beans' and spoil the surprise visit planned.  She did not.

Easter Bunny helpers knocked on flat door and told Larry that a special visitor was coming and asked if he was well enough to receive company.

When the door to flat opened and the Easter Bunny entered, Larry exploded with laughter.  So loud was his laughter, it was heard at the office.   With a smile as big as Texas, Larry grabbed his belly and just shook with merriment.  For a moment, the Easter Bunny thought that Larry would roll off his bed.

Larry is one to not be greedy and assumed he was to take but one item from the offered basket.  HA, little did he know that it was ALL for him.  Gobsmacked he was...

"This is the best Easter of my life, and I had to wait until I was 60 to get it", told Larry to the Easter Bunny.

My dears, humble it makes the Easter Bunny to know that Larry continues to LIVE each and every day to the fullest.  Truth be told, the Easter Bunny will long remember Larry and his Laugh.  MOI should be so lucky to live so well.

SLEEP WELL MY FRIEND...

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