CHICAGO HISTORY FOR SALE

The former Chicago family home of gangster Al Capone where he was living when became one of the richest gangsters in history has been put on sale for $225,000.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2807597/Make-offer-t-refuse-Al-Capone-s-Chicago-home-market-225-000.html#ixzz3HBf32ZNh
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IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT 'ME'...

Being 'au fait' as readers of me blog tend to be, they realize that what this old geezer writes about is LIFE.  Life that is seen through me eyes and lived, imperfect at times, but still lived.

However difficult life is at times, one is constantly amazed at how oft the door of opportunity swings open and begs one to have the courage to venture through that door.

Some time back, the old geezer took to the road of life in search of his 'safe harbour', a place where one could knock the dust of heavy times from trainers and collect thoughts and try to find inner peace.  A place to feel welcome and safe.  It would seem that relief from the burdens of everyday life comes at one from unexpected corners.  One never knows truly what lies ahead, round the next corner or in the welcome offered by a new friend in life.

I am lucky.  There always seems to be someone who takes a shine to and makes the journey worth the taking and all the more likely that one will come away with a much better feeling of self and a renewed joy in life. 

If one takes the time to listen to the stories told round one, one hears many a tale that mirrors one's own fight to make sense of life.  The mystery that seems to baffle one is really no mystery at all, the challenge of living life is one faced by more that self.  The trick seems to be to realize that some face the challenge better and come away the better for it.  That is not to say that scars are not got from the battle.

I have met  persons of late who makes me stop and take stock of what frightens me, what holds me back and what makes me feel low at times.  Some have led exemplary lives.  Had a life's work that provided a good living and provided a good retirement.  Most punched ticket in all of the right places.  Paid taxes, cared about community and tried to right what wrongs seen as they travelled down the road of life.

That is not to say that some have not suffered the tragic in life.  Paid a heavy price for being true to self.  Family was not as supportive as one would have liked and choices in who to love did not provide with a union that lasted all of their days.

The wounds received in one's youth tend to be the ones that never really heal proper.  They come back to haunt later in life.  Truth be told, this old geezer knows that all too well.

What should be the 'golden' period of life, is filled with much depression.  One wonders what it has all been for and what lies ahead.  As clever as one appears to be, one tends to think that there should be more.  As if there is still the possibility that days will be filled with the loudness of Christmas and Fourth of July.  There has to be more.
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The battle to make sense of what is now and what one hopes for is huge.  So thick is the smoke of battle that one tends to not see what already has been granted and to appreciate the bounty of it all.

In the past I have banged on about what ails me.  Some would think a little too loudly.  May well be more truth to that than am willing to lay claim to at times.

Whatever my problems, they are not so unique.  All one has to do is listen to voices round to know that we all suffer loss and want.  There are dark days enough to go round many times over.  Mind, one has to remember that the the sun always come back out.  So dark it is not that a ray of light does not brighten the future.

I oft wonder what is the point of life.  There have even been times that the thought of suicide seemed a perfect end to problems faced.  The cloud of depression is not unknown to me.

It may well be that the trick of me life is to be here for folks met who need to realize that however dark the present moment is, there are brighter days ahead.  Having faced so very many dark days, I know that to be so very true.  In some small way it might be possible to lend a helping hand to another in need of bucking up.

Life is not just about ME.  A life worth living is one that shares AND remembers that life lived is not a solitary experience.

I hope that my new friends chase away the ghosts of the past and comes to see the beauty they add to my world, because they have a place in it.

GONNA NEED A BIGGER BOAT

James and his boat

 My friend James is not able to pass up a deal.  He was offered this boat at good price and he jumped on it.  Just needs a little TLC and maybe new seats......

Where is the dock?

 Something strange about seeing a boat in the front garden.  One wonders if it just washed up there.

Ready for a cruise

It is not the Titanic.  Rather think James is going to have to get a much bigger yacht if he is planning on inviting people to sail the seas.  What with his tribe and friends, he needs to have more space.  Like for the drinks, food, shuffle board, life boats.......

SUSAN BOYLE CONCERT REVIEW

Susan Boyle Concert Ticket

The whole point of the road trip on Saturday was to see Susan Boyle in concert.

Being the sort of person who arrives early, the old geezer had loads of time to stand on pavement in front of theatre and people watch.  Right curious I was as to who my fellow concert goers were.  I was no great shock to see that the overwhelming number of attendees were female and of a certain age.  What was a bit of a surprise was the lack of 'gay' men.  Being it was San Francisco, I had thought the 'gay' fan club would have been out in droves.

Alan and I had most excellent seats and the view of the stage and closeness guaranteed I would see everything.

Whilst we waited for the theatre to fill up, I took the opportunity to chat with some of the folks seated round.  There was an older lady and relative, right behind, who was old time San Francisco resident and she remembered as I did, when the Orpheum was a grand movie palace.  This lady warned me that I would more than like feel her tears on back, as she was quite sure she was going to cry loads at seeing Susan Boyle.  She had purchased a souvenir programme and was leafing through it as if it contained some hidden message for her.

There was another older lady sitting near who had journeyed  to San Francisco for this special event.  The lady was from UK and had brought her mum to see Susan Boyle.  That were to have seen Susan in San Jose but due to Susan having a sore throat, that performance was cancelled and they were offered ticket in San Francisco.  This was a big deal for the lady from UK, as it was a surprise for her mum's birthday.  They were over the moon at being there and even had Alan take snaps for them.

I was seated next to an older chap who appeared to be attending with his parents as well.  This chap provided some light moments during the concert and I will get to them later.

The curtain went up a little after 8.  It was to be 90 minutes with no break.

Susan Boyle appeared on staged bathed in light.  She was dressed in a white frock that had sequins and feathers.  Way too many feathers if you ask me but what do I know.  I did not think the frock worked, made he look huge in body and washed out her face.

The opening number was 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow'.  A clever ploy to pander to the local crowd?  I had heard the number performed better and found myself wondering if the concert was going to be a let down.  There were two ABBA numbers and I was really feeling uneasy about the concert.

Then I remembered what this concert was all about.  SUSAN BOYLE.  The  older lady from UK who looked frumpy but sang like an angel.  The same frumpy lady who had WOWED Simon Cowell and got a standing ovation from the audience at the talent show.  The lady of the massive hits on YOUTUBE and massive sale of her albums.  I wanted to see in person and perhaps have a WOW moment of my own.

From where I sat, it did not appear as if Susan was enjoying herself.  She did not get too close to audience and her gestures seems very contrived and she just was not 'charged' at being on the stage.

You could sense that the audience was just waiting to go wild.  They wanted an excuse to stand and cheer.  It got close but not completely.

There was a break in the programme.  Surprise.  Alan almost had me believing that the concert was over.  More like they want to sell more programmes.  The bloody programmes were $35.00.  Mind, the older lady sitting behind, told true that it was a bit dear, BUT it was Susan Boyle.  She was going to get a lot of mileage showing off her programme in the days ahead.

The folks from the UK were enjoying the show but they too felt there had not been a WOW moment.  Leave it to another older woman to notice some of the same things I did.  They were shocked at how huge the white frock made Susan look.  Mind, they also commented on the makeup and the hair.  Women...

The first part of the concert had been flat.  I was wondering what the second half would bring.

Susan Boyle came out in the second act in a electric blue frock.  It was massive improvement.

The real shock was in her stage presence for the second act.  Not sue if they plugged her into an electric socket or shot her full of drugs but she was 'changed up' now.  She seemed more alive and comfy.

Susan sang numbers from her new album and even made more of an attempt to chat up the adoring audience.  She sang in that 'Susan Boyle' voice and it was warm and so familiar.

The chap who was sitting beside me was having a hard time controlling himself.  He clapped wildly and was right giddy at times.  You might say he was having a 'gay old time'.......

I had had too much fluid and found myself in great need to visit the loo.  I was afraid to go, did not want to miss the WOW moment.  Nature won out, I had to visit the loo or Susan was going to get me to pee me trousers.  As fast as possible I raced to the loo.  Why is it that the 'gents' is always located far, far away.  Imagine how it must have looked to see me, cane pounding me way through the lobby.

I manage to get back to see another number and asked if I had missed the WOW moment.  I had not.

Susan saved her WOW moment for the closing number.  The song best remembered for was sung.  This time with a youth choir.  I thought she had done it better in past.  The WOW moment was not there.  Not for me at any rate.  Mind, the ladies from the UK felt the same.

Having seen concerts with performers much liked before, I knew that it was possible to have a real magic moment.  Some folks get off on the exchange between audience and them.  Josh Groban springs to mind.

Was I let down?  Not at all.  Like I mentioned in the beginning, I got what I came for.  I saw Susan Boyle in the flesh.  Up close and in person.  I just did not get the magic.  Would I attend another Susan Boyle concert?  Never.  I discovered that I can enjoy Susan Boyle singing on the computer and in my mind's eye always see her as that lovely lady standing on the stage of the talent show knocking the socks off the folks.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

We are on our way to San Francisco.  The car has been hired, rooms booked and tickets for concert are in possession.  What adventure lies ahead.....

I am eager to show the sites to Alan.  Take him past some of the hotels that I helped turn around and to let him see where I spent so many early years.  It has been ages since last in San Francisco and I do not know how I will take all of the changes.  It should be quite interesting.  On many different levels.

I thought I would share my thoughts about being 'on the road'.........

 It was hard picking out the right outfit for San Francisco.  Somehow wearing 'flowers in my hair was not going to cut it.  I rather think this outfit will make me look like a 'local.

 Alan is the sort of person who does not like idle chatter.  Must remember to bring a good book to read so as to not get him 'not minding the road'....

 Am quite sure that there will be many moments when the wrong turn or road is had.  Riding with Alan is always an adventure......

 Do not know how it is with some folks but I tend to wonder about the other vehicles.  Are they on holiday?  Did they move?  How long have they been on the road?  What snacks are they having?  Do they stop for rest stops???????

 I have been know to 'break wind' a bit.  Must keep my gas down.  We are travelling in California....

One always packs too much for a trip.  One must be prepared.

'AMOUR DE LA VIE'

'Amour de la vie' as the French would say. When this old geezer filmed the above bit for YOUTUBE, life was going grand.  There was no hint that much would change in the coming months and years.

Received a post the other day from one who has followed this blog for many months and they wanted to remind MOI of what was felt in the past.  Sort of a wake up call from a lovely reader.  I watched this and felt that all put forth was still valid.  I did indeed feel that life was worth the effort, regardless of what may come.

From where I sit, I rather think that most will agree that my return to this public diary confirms the view held by this old geezer that there is a brighter light round of late.  Mind, am still sorting out the clouds that passed over and making an effort to gain a better insight into why my soul felt so damaged.  I tend to think it stems mostly from my not doing 'alone' well.

I have shared with you in the past that I am a most private person.  Mind, that seems to be strange as I am so open, what with this blog, filmed bits on the Internet and a very public campaign to change the wicked behaviour of some folks.  Truth be told, it is a struggle at times for me to deal with.

I am a contradiction...

Without reservation I can tell you, the dear reader, that events of late have made me more aware of just how wondrous life is.  People, places and things still gobsmack me.  I would like to believe that that will continue to be the case.  Were it not so, what would be the challenge?

Life is not fair, not all we want comes our way but in the end, I do truly believe that we get all that we deserve in life, and then some.  The trick is to keep hanging on.  One never knows what is round the next bend in the path of life.  Ending the journey, either by stopping in one place or just giving up will leave much not discovered.

I do not like all met.  Who does?  I do try to give fair play to what they have to say.  Some fall short.  I do not suffer fools easily.  Truth be told, there are some who do not view this old geezer fondly either.  Fair enough.

NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART

A footpath that has earned a reputation as the most dangerous and scariest walkway in the world

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-2759187/El-Caminito-del-Rey-world-s-dangerous-scariest-footpath-reopening-El-Chorro-Spain.html#ixzz3Db6fOukp
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PLATE LUNCHES WITH MUCH ALOHA

Plate Lunch to die for

Potato and Taco Salads

The plate lunch is a quintessential Hawaiian meal, roughly analogous to a Southern US meat-and-threes. However, the pan-Asian influence on Hawaiian cuisine and root in the Japanese bento makes the plate lunch unique to Hawaii.

Standard plate lunches consist of two scoops of white rice, macaroni salad, and an entree. A plate lunch with more than one entree is often called a mixed plate.

Although the exact origin of the Hawaiian plate lunch is disputed, according to Professor Jon Okamura of the University of Hawaii the plate lunch likely grew out of the Japanese bento, as they "were take away kinds of eating and certainly the plate lunch continues that tradition". Its appearance in Hawaii in recognizable form goes back to the 1880s when plantation workers were in high demand by the fruit and sugar companies. Laborers were brought from around the world, including from China, Japan, Portugal, and the Philippines, who would eat "leftover rice and a lot of things like canned meat or teriyaki or cold meat or maybe scrambled eggs or pickles, and almost no salad or vegetable," according to The Honolulu Advertiser's former food editor, Ms. Kaui Philpotts. Mayonnaise, macaroni, and gravy for the meat were added later.

As the days of the plantations came to an end, plate lunches began to be served on-site by lunch wagons to construction workers and day laborers. Later, local holes in the wall and other stand-alone plate lunch restaurants began popping up, then plate lunch franchises. Eventually these made their way to the U.S. mainland, beginning with the L&L Drive-Inn chain in California in 1999. At that time L&L founder Eddie Flores re branded it "L&L Hawaiian Barbecue", explaining that "When we went to the mainland, the name 'Hawaiian' is a draw, because everyone just fantasized, everyone wants to come to Hawaii".

Robert with his plate lunch

Dressing with care, like wearing a Hawaiian Shirt is a stretch, the old geezer was ready to go and feel the love at the BBQ.  My Pacific Islander friends had chatted up the day for weeks and would have been very sad if I did not attend.  It was all I could do to make my way to the apartment complex and feel "Hawaii"...

Paul is gobsmacked at large plate

My good friend, Paul, does not get out much, and was wondering what he had let himself in for.  I could tell that he was most interested in meeting more of my friends and having an experience.

Paul does not get out much but this day made up for many lonely days.  He was beside himself taking in all of the activity.  One can safely say that Paul had a grand time.

Anna and Robert -  Friend and Organizer

What is there to say about Anna.  I know, Ana likes to see her name spelled with one N, but I rather think to two N's add a little class to her.  As if Anna needed any more class.  She has buckets of it.  Anna is originally from Samoa, but like most Pacific Islanders, made her way to Hawaii.  You will have to forgive me for thinking of Anna as my Hawaiian friend, but she is so full of ALOHA, she defines best what I like best about the people who live in Hawaii.

Anna loves to add little touches to her daily costume, like hand made flowers in her hair.  AND, very colourful glasses.

Val- One of the cooks and my friend

 Val is another Samoan met through Anna.  Another member of a very colourful and loving family.  Val has a smile that could light up a room and a laugh that is so full of life.

Sadly, Penny was at church and not available to hang with.  Anna's sister Sal was there.  Sal was in charge of the cash box and making sure that orders kept flowing.  Sal is a very lovely lady, a bit camera shy, hence the lack of a snap to share.

Pacific Islanders are big on OHANA, and the members of the family were all there keeping the conversation flowing and the fires burning.  There were sons slaving on the BBQ pit, smaller children helping out with the plate lunches and enjoying the hustle and bustle of the day.  I was nice to see so many members of one family all pulling together.

During my stay at the BBQ, there was a call from relatives living in UK.  See, even at a plate lunch gathering, the UK pops in.  Asked the lovely lady ringing where in the UK she was.  "In the south", she says.  That is a pretty big place so I pressed for a specific location.  "Dorset" she says.  Lovely, I know it well.

Musubi anyone????

Stacked up next to the cash box were Musubi.  A massive box.  With each arrival, the pile went down and down.  I was gobsmacked when Paul asked if he could purchase one.  Funny, never gave Paul credit for being daring.  Truth be told, Spam,rice and seaweed is not something most folks are 'au fait' with.  Personally, I adore SPAM and remember fondly each and every Musubi ever ate.  Paul loved the Musubi.

The crush of folks craving a good plate lunch was so great that all of the lunches were long sold out before the even came to an end.  Needless to say, the box containing the Musubi was as empty as box of donuts at a policeman's convention...

Aloha in the Hawaiian language means affection, peace, compassion and mercy. Since the middle of the 19th century, it also has come to be used as an English greeting to say goodbye and hello. "Aloha" is also included in the state nickname of Hawaii, the "Aloha State".

In Hawaiʻi someone can be said to have or show aloha in the way they treat others; whether family, friend, neighbor or stranger.

When I meet folks who tell that they never meet interesting people, and it is oft, I remind them that it all starts with the word, HELLO.  Yesterday I shared my Pacific Islander friends with another friend and kept the circle growing.  Is that not what life is all about?

GIFT OF TIME IS PRICELESS

You, who are 'au fait' with the postings of the old geezer, know that MOI thinks a great deal...

Last night, as I drifted off to sleep, the thought of 'time' came to me.  The idea of how it was spent and what it meant at the end of the day.

Having buckets of 'time' I try to share it with the folks cared about.

Truth be told, the old geezer feels he shares and spends 'time well.  Mind, there are some known to who seem to do a superior job of it.  Like the old lady met in Atlanta years ago.  She was living in a retirement home and spent loads of time reading stories to children.  So much time, she was called the 'Story Book Lady'.  She wanted to feel connected and felt this was something she could do, enriching her life and the lives of others.

Time is the one gift that I can give daily.  Makes me feel warm and fuzzy when I bring smiles to faces of folks known and newly met.  Right, sometimes me sharp tongue is not appreciated but that is a character flaw I am working on...

Just love to hear Patty and Alan roar with laughter at something said.  Am quite partial to hitting the mark in a post and receiving emails from folks who have been touched.

WISDOM FROM NEW 'FRIEND'

"Life is too short to wake up with regrets.. So love The people who treat you right.. Pray for the Ones who don't. Believe everything happens for a Reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both Hands. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life Would be easy, they just promised it would be Worth it. Friends are like balloons; Once you let them go, you might not get them Back. Sometimes we get so busy with our own Lives and problems that we may not even notice That we've let them fly away. Sometimes we are so Caught up in who's right and who's wrong that we Forget what's right and wrong.. Sometimes we just Don't realize what real friendship means until it Is too late. I don't want to let that happen so I'm going to tie you to my heart so I never lose You. "

There is no snap to go with. Mind, there were some when sent, but it is the words that stand alone here. Words full of meaning.

My walk down the path of life is made rich by folks met on that path. Meeting Marilyn has made me wealthy, as have others. I want never to forget that I am made up of the sum of their kindnesses.

FRIDAY

I have no doubt that this day is looked forward to with undiluted pleasure by many.  It is ALOHA FRIDAY...

What wondrous things will me readers be up to this weekend?

CATCH A DROP OF LIFE

Like the bird featured in the snap above, the old geezer tries to catch every precious drop of life from the faucet of Life.

Call me weird but I looked at the featured snap and it got me to thinking.  There be some that feel the old geezer thinks too much.

However hard or mean life has been at times, I always knew that LIFE renewed, that the waters of Life were not always muddied and the next offering just might be refreshing.  Just like the bird, the old geezer was willing to fly in close and catch that drop that made the flight to, all the more rewarding.

Of late, the old geezer has been catching lots of drops from the faucet of LIFE.  Each drop treasured.

What can I say?  I am on a real high of late...

66 REASONS TO BE HAPPY

 I will tell true, the warm glow of me birthday is still about me.  66 may not be as ancient an age as some, but it is an age that was in doubt of achieving.  Turn the numbers up side down and it may well come to pass that the old geezer will be still pounding on his keyboard at age 99.  Now that is a scary thought...

While it may be true that the old geezer is not the handsome devil he once was, there is still much to admire in the looks department.  Life has been kind, the signs of age are gentle...

 I am gobsmacked at how well folks knew me and gifted with things that were a joy to receive.  Not a bad gift in the lot.  I am deeply touched by the Hawaiian quilt received from a lovely lady.  That she made the quilt with me in mind is ever so touching.  I also received a plant from another lovely lady.  The sort of plant I so love.

 Who knew that 66 was going to be so grand?  Just think what would have been missed if the old geezer had given up.

 I am so blessed that my jar is too full to close.

I will have to ponder the gift of 2 dollar bills received.

I wonder if I can bottle the feelings of the last day.  Like a bottle of very expensive cologne, one can dap a little on self in the days ahead and recapture the high...

ABOUT MY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

 Truth be told, the old geezer is not much of a drinker.  Having said that, it can be revealed that last night was not one of the times the 'grape' was passed up.

Four very large glasses of lovely red wine.  There was a warm feeling in me entire body.  Not to mention a certain 'glow' to face.

Am quite sure it something to do with the 'fabulous' supper companions at me celebration.  The conversation and good wishes flowed like water.

The 'birthday' clock says it all.  Time flew by and one did not want the evening to end.  So much good time was had that the old geezer stayed up well past bed time.

Am quite sure that much more about me birthday will come out.  Just wanted to get a little out before the glow of the fun time had wore off.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

The old geezer thinks that a half priced cake to give to folks known is good enough.  The thinking being that I can not taste it, what do I care if the cake is a little stale...

Right, you have got to imagine the old geezer sitting down to the birthday cake and seeing the fire that will happen due to all of the candles lighted on the cake.

Do you not just love thoughtful birthday gifts?  All of the items that make getting through another year more easy.

There will some who will find this cake a bit much.  Rather think it suits MOI perfectly.  When I saw the cake, it made me laugh...

More items to mark the big day.

There be a group of mates who feel that having a birthday celebration at the graveyard is perfect.  Sort of a dry run for the day when the hole in the ground is me final resting place.

Truth be told, all of the snaps are a bit of a giggle.  I am going to go to supper with a group of friends and am quite sure that the celebration will rank right near the top as a perfect birthday happening.

How the years fly by.  Someone told MOI that it was horrid to grow old.  Rubbish.  I may not be able to do some of the things that could be done when younger but now have more tools to cope with life.  Each day is an adventure.  What wonderful people I have met during the last year.  Friendships have become stronger.

Just think of all the wondrous things that await me in the coming year.

I am so happy this day as I am reminded by folks dear to that I am special.  I like that feeling very much...

"MY NAME IS ROB DEFREES, AND I AM HERE TO RECRUIT YOU"

"WHEN YOU WANT SOMETHING DESPERATELY, THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE CONSPIRES TO MAKE IT HAPPEN"


The path of life is not easy, there are rocks in the road, and from time to time mis-steps, causing one to fall down.  The trick is to pick self up, dust off and continue to walk down the path.  Life is not easy and doubt that it was ever meant to be fair.  There are some who have much and there are others that have nothing.  Some will strive to lead good lives and others will do evil.  There will be many who will stand on the side-lines of life and mock the few who try to make a difference.  My dears, that is the way of it.  Get over it and move on.

No amount of story telling on the part of this old geezer will truly convince some that past life was not 'to the manor borne', that there were trials endured and challenges not met.  It is convenient for some to think that label on tin viewed says it all and whatever this old geezer has to say is of no import.  Having heard all of the names called and the mean view that what is tried is for self-aggrandizement, MOI can tell you true that having lived in own skin for going on 66 years, naught would be gained to lie to self and pretend to be more than am.

I am not a perfect person.  I want passionately to believe that all are capable of change.  That what is, does not have to be, the future can be made more brilliant for self and others round.  I do not do drugs or go out and do crimes.  Truth be told, am gobsmacked at how many do not see the evil that drugs is and how it destroys all it touches.  I want finer things in life, love a good wine, travel, films, theatre and comfy home.  Right odd that folks feel so down on selves that a small benefits check makes them happy.  How can any one truly know how to live if the act of survival is all consuming?

All things start from one point, the actions of one person.  The trick is to get others to buy into your message and join forces in making a difference.  In that, this old geezer has been most fortunate.

Faithful readers of me blog are 'au fait' with me hatred of drugs.  Seems that the abuse of drugs is everywhere.  Even some folks friendly with, abuse drugs.  Am every so thankful that drugs have never been a problem for.

What is most rewarding to me, is to know that people do listen.  A dear friend knows that drinking self to death is not cool.  He has not stopped, but the amount of alcohol drank has slowed.  Little by little, the drink may well become less important.  In the meantime, this person is still me mate, and I will not give up on him.

Hard as it may be for some to believe, the old geezer is a most privater person.  Truly...

I share, but only that which I am prepared to.  Very few folks know all there is to know about MOI.

I have so many stories told to, oft wonder how it is that folks tell the old geezer so much.  Might well be that no one else has taken the time to listen to them before.  Every time am told something very private, it makes me realize that my own life has not been so bad.  Am gobsmacked at how hurt some known have been.

It strikes me that the cause for my concern for folks liked, stems from the lack of experienced growing up.  Without really telling out loud, made it me mission in life to never not ignore the events happening round.  There be some who feel that my opinions are 'cold' but I still feel it important to tell.

Truth be told, my life has been changed in so many ways by the actions of others.  Some for the good and some for not so good.

At the end of the day, that may well be why we are all here.  To help one another, create change and do little harm.



"IF YOU CHANGE LIFE IN ONE WAY, YOU CHANGE IT IN OTHER WAYS"

IS IT COLD FOR YOU???

Reports coming tell of COLD weather covering large parts of the USA today.  The poor bugger pictured more than like wishes he had booked a holiday in Hawaii...

 The clever chap pictured saved his tips from working the night shift at McDonalds and is ready to beat the cold snap in Florida

 Throw caution to the wind and leave the clothes bought at Walmart behind and go native today.

Best weather on the planet some say...

ROBERT AND MOST COLOURFUL FRIEND

Robert and Russell AKARoxanneAKARocky

After many attempts to capture "Rocky" on camera, today was day it all fell into place and could do a post about another of the unusual characters known to MOI.

"Rocky" thinks of self as transgender, a woman trapped in a man's body.  While the dress on this day was toned down, usually "Rocky" shows up at the bus stop bench dressed in a colourful MUMU or an strapless black evening gown.  Can you imagine the figure cut by "Rocky"?  The whole package plus pushing a trolley loaded with extra gowns and sleeping gear.

"Rocky" is born and raised in Hawaii.  At 34, Rocky has never known a time when he was not homosexual and he says that his manner of dress caused much trouble with his family.

Truth be told, when the old geezer first met "Rocky" he did not meet the new person with undiluted pleasure.  I do not do 'drag queen' well.  It offends me.  Right, so that is mean to say but it is the truth.

Over time, sitting with James on the bench, more and more of "Rocky's" story came out and little by little, my attitude softened toward.

Along with being 'transgender', "Rocky" suffers from a mental illness AND does drugs AND is a compulsive over-eater.  With no address, Rocky finds a clear spot in the car park at St. Augustine's and tries to sleep there.

"Rocky" is trying to mend his ways.  Of late, "Rocky" has entered a drug programme and he told me today that it has been 5 weeks since he smoked "ICE".  "Rocky" says that he is trying to get his eating under control but I rather doubt that.  "Rocky" loves his groceries and continues to eat more that needed.

Life is mean for "Rocky" but you would never know it to listen to "Rocky".  will long remember the ringing sound of the laughter that flows out of him.  Even when he is having a hard day, he finds something to get a huge belly laugh about.

The shocker is that I find myself liking and caring about "Rocky".  Right, he is not full quid and he lives in a fantasy world.  Truth be told, have never seen "Rocky" be mean to anyone and many is the time seen him share what little he has with other homeless people.  I know that "Rocky's" dream of being the first transgender president of the United States is never going to happen but if it pleases "Rocky" to dream such Hugh dreams, what is the harm.

In a perfect world there would be a special place for folks like "Rocky".  Sadly, it is not a perfect world and no one seems to care that life is mean for folks who do not fit in.

'I AM THE MASTER OF MY FATE, I AM THE CAPTAIN OF MY SOUL'

Early Monday morn, Jay, an out-reach worker for vets from IHS, came by the bus stop bench that James sleeps on.  His mission was to pick up James and take him to IHS and place him directly in contact with folks who are capable of finding solutions to problems faced by homeless vets.  The old geezer tagged along...

From the start, Jay tried to establish a rapore with James and that meant using a less formal form of address.

James got to meet several people who are in the business of trying to get vets off the street and into a more secure setting.  There was plenty of information giving out and there were options placed in front of James.

James listened to all and even gave out very personal insights as to why he might be in the situation he is in.

I listened very hard to what James had to say and came away from the trip to IHS with a better understanding of James and a better understanding of myself and my motives for wanting to better James' situation.  Truth be told, the whole experience made me face some basic truths about James and myself.

Like James, the old geezer carries 'baggage', some of which is very old and not likely to be thrown off.  The 'baggage' has to come define who I am.

James has a special relationship with another person, one that helps define him and gives him purpose to life.  Regardless of how strange the relationship might be, or how mean that relationship causes his life to be, that relationship is non-negotiable.  James is not prepared to break off ties.  The person is very important to James.

James' relationship with his friend made me think about the special relationship had with John so many years ago.  John, like James, was told over and over again that my being in the picture was not acceptable to his friends or family.  I was damaged goods.  My past was not one that suited a person like John.  John should cut me loose and be the better for it.  Like James, John felt that our relationship was non-negotiable.  I was a part of his life and that was just the way it was going to be.

There was nothing horrid about me, just the general 'unsuitability' of me.  I was not wealthy and was too loud in my purpose.  The causes promoted were not fashionable and truth is not always received well.

I had to confess to James that I was guilty of not listening to him in the past.  I refused to accept that James had the right to live his life in the manner he wanted and not as I viewed his living his life.  James is no fool, is well aware that his situation is mean and that it will remain so unless some things change.  James never asked me to push as hard as I did to get him off the street.  James never tried to work the system.

James knows himself rather well.  More to the point, James sees himself in the bright light of day and does not feel that he has to apologize for anything, least of of who he is.  James has taught me how to deal with life better.  Truth be told, every day James gives me the courage to face life fully and to not complain.

IHS and the folks who toil there are well meaning.  They have a plan, 'their plan', a plan that may not work for all but it is the only plan they have in play.  Jay and IHS have all of the answers for folks who fit the profile they are most 'au fait' with.  It works well, for some.  I understand well that James may well feel that what was offered, and there was much offered, is not 'right' for him.

Some years back, when this old geezer felt himself at the end of the road, totally without hope and little desire to carry on, he too made the trip to IHS and tried to get a helping hand through dark days.  It will remain forever remembered as one of the worst periods in life.  That the period only lasted for a few weeks, is due only to my coming to senses and realizing that it was 'I' who gave up on 'me', not the friends had.  Once the shame of being down and out was dealt with and talked openly about, there was a place for me to go to and my life would go on.  I thank God that IHS is not an option for me, nor would it ever be.

James is going through a hard patch due to health problems.  There is hope that his health will not get worse and that he will be able to do what he has always done, LIVE, on his terms and under his own steam.

Jay, the out-reach vet worker at IHS, kept reminding the old geezer that regardless of the rank reached or past brilliance of the life James had, he was no more special than any other vet that came in the door looking for help.  That may well be.

To me, James is bloody brilliant.  He punched his ticket in all the right spots during his journey through life.  I am in awe of all that he has given and achieved during his 40 odd years of service to America, be it in the military or as a park ranger.  James is very important.  I value my friendship with him and am in debt to him for helping me face life and the challenges faced with more courage than before.  James makes me a better person.

It is no chore to spend time with James.  I look forward to each morning.  I will still worry about his health.  I will still be bothered by his housing situation.

The answer to James and his situation was in front of my face all along.  I understand now that loving James as a friend has to come without judgement of his friend or the manner in which he lives his life.

I can do that...

BIRTHDAY REQUIRES TWO DINNERS

Ron, Shawn and Robert Celebrating "Ron's 72nd"

There are times when the event is so large, it takes two celebrations to make it.

Ron's birthday was the 29th of April.  Feeling that one dinner would not do, Shawn took Ron and MOI to Kobe's Steakhouse.  That is the place where they cook the food in front of you, with the chef putting on a show as he slices and dices his way to preparing your order.  The chef also makes a volcano out of onion rings, does some magic and the whole thing lights up and blows alot of smoke.  Sadly, the chef who did his thing for us, was not in a good mood, and the volcano was very 'lame'...

As you can see from the photograph, Ron was decked out for his 'night out'.  Bling to the max.  Don't you just love the dark glasses with the diamonds???

A fun time was had by all and it will go down as a 'night to remember'...

The Kobe dinner was on the 26th, but the real celebration of Ron's 72nd Birthday took place last night at the Waikiki Beach Hotel.  The very same place the old geezer celebrated his birthday in March.

In truth, the picking of the restaurant was easy.  I had received a coupon for a free dinner, if another was purchased at full price.  Being ever so clever with cash, two for one works, and the reservation was made and the outing planned.

Ron is not one to dine early.  The reservation had to be for later in the day.

On the day of his birthday, Ron picked out his outfit with care.  Truth be told, Ron is not someone you would miss in a crowd of people.  Ron loves to dress up with all of his bling.   That means 'large' rings and a rather flamboyant watch, that is said to cost a small fortune.  The whole outfit has to 'work', from the shoes to the pants to shirt.

Knowing that Ron is most colourful, the old geezer splashed out on a present that was sure to stand out.  Early in the month, a visit to a hat shop found the perfect addition to Ron's colourful personality.  Can you believe they make a 'pink' "Panama" hat?  Well, they do, and that was what was got for the birthday boy.

There was not a soul met on the night of birthday that did not comment on the very colourful hat.  It was a hit, both with the public and Ron.  Score one for the old geezer...

The dinner at the hotel was lovely.  Friends of Ron had sent ahead a rather nice vase of flowers for the table, and there was a massive chocolate cake for afters.

Ron being Ron had the waiter cut up the cake and share it with the folks that were sitting next to him.  One of the new found friends was a Marine, with his wife, who was scheduled to ship out in the morning for another hot spot to protect.  The Marine loved the cake so much, he ate my large slice as well.

As is the case with a restaurant that caters to tourists and folks celebrating special occasions, there was a lovely lady taking keepsake photos.  Ron had to have one, in fact he had to have two.  Right dear they are, 15.00 per...

A very 'ALOHA' moment happened.  One that the old geezer has not seen too oft.  A man, not known to Ron at all, bought the photos for Ron, to mark his birthday.  Now that is an "ALOHA" moment.

Upon returning home, it was discovered that another of Ron's friends had dropped off another birthday cake.  A rather grand cake from one of the finest bakeries in town.  Talk about having cake...

Ron promised to scan the photograph from last night's dinner but it was not available when this post was done.  Thought the one of the earlier dinner would add a little flavour to this offering.  Having said that, you need to see Ron wearing his very PINK Panama and you will when the old man scans it to me...