QUEEN DROPS IN ON OLYMPICS



Sadly, NBC blocks the filmed bit of the arrival of the Queen with James Bond.  Bloody Brilliant it was

HIGHLIGHTS OF 2012 OLYMPIC OPENING

MR. BEAN IS A SMASH

LET THE GAMES BEGIN

LONDON SHOP OF OLD

If MOI gets this snap right, there were no pets on this road...

TUNA CASSEROLE ALA 'THE DIVA'

Two things you need to know about Ron AKA 'The Diva'.  He fancies himself quite the 'Gordon Ramsey' and he loves his groceries.

The other night Ron informed the old geezer that he would teach MOI how to prepare his world famous Tuna Casserole.  Ron would instruct and MOI would do the work.  Another thing you need to know about Ron is that he does things in a very set manner,  his way or the highway...

The onions has to be sliced in exactly a certain manner, as did the celery.  Mind, the old geezer has been known to be in the kitchen from time to time and is no stranger to a knife or a pan.  Been told that MOI makes a brilliant cuppa and has got raves on his 'beans on toast'...

Loading the skillet with dices onions and celery, Ron prepared to add butter.  Did MOI mention that Ron never met a stick of butter he did not like?  If one stick is good, two is more better...

Next bow tie pasta was cooked up, two family size bags.  This was going to be one tuna casserole.  Along with the pasta, three tins of tuna were prepared, as well as a family size tin of mushroom soup.  All of the item were added to the skillet, to cook as the pasta was cooked up.

When all of the items were ready to add together, a massive pan was made ready for the items of the casserole.  To be true, more butter was used to coat the bottom and sides of the pan.

First in was a layer of pasta, followed by a layer of tuna mix, followed by a layer of shredded cheese, another layer of pasta and tuna mix, followed by yet another layer of shredded cheese.  There was a goodly amount of milk added.  All of the casserole was 'dusted' with pepper and topped by crushing a bag of crisps on top of.  For good measure large amounts of sour cream were scattered on top of the casserole.

The casserole was then placed into the oven to bake...

Truth be told, when the pan came out of the oven, it looked very inviting.  Taking a small portion, MOI tucked into it and must admit that while there was no taste, it did slide down rather nicely.  The crushed crisps on the top made for a rather crunchy texture.

Needless to say, Ron made enough casserole to feed an army, there is a huge amount of casserole left.  Seems MOI recall that Paul in Reno could not cook unless it was in large quantities.

Rumour has it that the old geezer is going to be making another dish quite soon.  If this keeps up, MOI will have to seek a place on Gordon Ramsey's 'Masterchef' programme.

JETSTAR MEET AND GREET

In truth, this old geezer has never had a 'inflight' experience with Jetstar.  All that MOI knows of the low cost airline comes from folks who have had the privilege.  Season travellers who are not shy with comments...

As recently as a few days back, MOI had a lovely chat with Kevin and Jennifer, OAP's who had just arrived from OZ via Jetstar. The lovely couple had splashed out on 'business class' but still looked as if they had been on a 'death march' when seen on the veranda of the Moana.  A 15 hour flight will do that.  Jennifer thought so little of the flight that she had not even taken the breakfast offered...

An email from The Big Kahuna told that plans had changed and he was arriving in Honolulu two days earlier.  When MOI read the email, there was not much more than an hour to get to the airport to do a meet and greet.

The Bus got to the international arrival area just before 8am and within minutes, The Big Kahuna was standing there with his carry-on luggage.

Looking a bit tired, the swollen eyelids from sleep deprivation were the size of donuts, The Big Kahuna was pretty much as remembered when last seen a year ago.  The Big Kahuna travels much and has it down pat.  Getting from the plane to arrival area took less than 10 minutes.

The Big Kahuna was between flights.  Having come in from OZ, he had to wait three hours before his connecting flight to Hilo.  Mind, he must love 'death march' flights as he was booked on a flight to Hilo that would take him via Maui.

These days there are no facilities to do a proper 'mmet and greet', without a boarding pass, the old geezer was limited to a chin wag in the car park area....  Truly....

The Big Kahuna, having a prized 'boarding pass', went into the terminal and got two large coffees and some porridge. 

Making selves comfy in the 'taxi' area, we sipped coffees and caught up on the latest events in each other's lives.  The Big Kahuna loathes to see self on blog, hence no snap, and is not too keen on reading about self either.  "Have to be careful what I say, it will wind up on the blog, and folks tend to read between the lines".  As if the old geezer would ever say anything unkind about the Big Kahuna.

Meeting up with a much liked friend, be it in a car park or whatever, is as if one has not been away from.  From first greet, we were off and running with the conversation.  The Big Kahuna always has interesting things happening to.  The three hours flew by and it was soon time to shake hands and another plane to be caught.  MOI was going to head back to Waikiki and see if the kettle was still on...

WAIKIKI 'POSH' ON THE QT...

Every day, the old geezer takes his walk.  With English walking stick for support, it is onto to Kalakaua Ave for a refreshing stroll down the beach.  Rather easy to do this as on the beach side of the avenue, there is almost no breaks in the pavement and one can be safe from traffic.

The journey is broken by a stop at the Moana Hotel,  Posh hotel right on the beach and ever so inviting.  MOI likes to sit on the veranda facing the banyan tree, the very one featured in "Hawaii Calls".  As you can see, the chairs are comfy and the breeze from the ocean s refreshing.  It is also a lovely spot to read the daily copy of USA Today, to be found on a table by the dining room.

Right cheeky of the old geezer.  The newspaper is FREE to guest, but if you stretch the truth a wee bit, MOI is a 'guest', or has been in by-gone days.

Most of the folks on the veranda appear to be from Japan, but there are older travellers from mainland and elsewhere.  That is why MOI is able to blend in.  Looks like a 'tourist'...

The Moana is a lovely hotel and can well remember having 'high tea' on the veranda in days past....






Bad enough that MOI takes up space on the back veranda, but there is also a rather inviting veranda that facing the road in from of the Moana Hotel.  As you can see from the snap, there are lovely rockers to sit in and makes the 'people watching' ever so lovely.  Best place to watch newly wed folks enter their limousines for ride to begin married life.  Also a grand spot to watch the parade of folks in bathing costumes walk past on way to the surf.

Rather thing that folks are clueless that the old geezer is getting a 'bit of posh' on the cuff..

GARAGE SALE TALES

Today was the second day of the garage sale Ron put together in Waikiki.  Time to reflect on some of the happenings...

The day started out well enough.  Two gentlemen from China wandered into the car park in search of last minute gifts.  This was their 6th trip to Hawaii in last six months.  One of the chaps is the owner of 7 factories, he sells things to Walmart and Kmart.  Fancy that..

The owner of the factories was a shy sort of fellow, his travelling companion / interrupter, did all of his talking.  And he had quite a lot to say.  With a mixture of British and American slang, he told of having studied at university in Pittsburgh.  Seems his boss had an eye for some necklaces and they wanted to haggle over price.  Ron, The Diva, is the last person you want to haggle over price with.  After some back and forth, a price was agreed upon and then Ron had to explain that the necklaces, while quite lovely, had in fact been made in CHINA.  The two seemed pleased regardless and went happily away to catch their flight back to China.  No doubt to tell the tale of the great treasures found in Waikiki.

The next colourful customer, were in fact a returning trio from day before.  They had purchased some tattoo transfers and had such a giggle over breakfast, they needed to get more.  Nothing like happy shoppers.

A young lady showed up with loads of colourful stickers upon her face.  Very colourful.  She tried on a very brilliant jacket, would have matched all of the colour on her face.  MOI told her it looked rather smart, and was gobsmacked when the lady told that she thought it was a wee bit loud.  Not being able to hold tongue, the old geezer asked if she has looked in the mirror before venturing forth that day.  Really, one wonders...

Then there was the lovely gentle man, 86 years young with his lovely wife, 93 years young.  The spied a picture and asked the price.  Having shopped with Ron before, he graced them with the picture, free of charge.  The lovely chap told Ron that he just wanted the picture for the frame....

Roy had to attend to some personal matters and the old geezer was drafted into watching his share of the items for sale.  Seems easy enough.  NOT...

Shortly after Roy departed and old lady and her filipina helper arrived.  They had been at the sale yesterday and knew they liked to spend loads of time checking out all of the sale items.  The old lady looks like the last living survivor of the Titanic, frail but feisty, while he companion like to seek out all of the bargains she can.  Trying to help the old lady proved a total waste of time.  Might as well told MOI to bugger off..

With one had clutching her walker, she bent over the table with costume jewelry and went to work fingering every bead, chain and ear.  She did not want any help.  Neither did.  The hours ticked by and it became clear that they were waiting the return of Roy.  He would give them deals...

They were not the only ones, seems Roy and Ron have customers who will only deal with them.  Tell you right off that they know them well...  Fancy that.

The day slowly wound down, little by little the tables emptied of sale items.

Ron has a custom of holding a closing 'brown bag' sale.  Everything you can fit into a small brown bag is had for a 'fiver'.  Throughout the day folks told that they would be back a 4pm for the sale.  Cheeky buggers.

All in all, not a bad way to spend an interesting day in Waikiki.  Where else can you meet folks from China, Russia, all parts of the USA and a few from Europe...

WAIKIKI GARAGE SALE - DIVA STYLE

This weekend,Saturday and Sunday,  Ron, AKA "The Diva", will be holding another of his fab garage sales.  Mind, 'garage sale' is a wee bit mis-leading, as Ron places tables round the car park and loads them to breaking point with all sort of treasures collected since he last did a sale.

Having an apartment complex in Waikiki is the perfect way to gather many items for sale.  Folks move to Hawaii, thinking that life will be more perfect than when they came from, tire of all of the sun and living in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, and give up their collections to Ron, rather than pack up to ship back to the mainland.  Truth be told, it can be rather dear to ship home things.

Ron is a fixture in Waikiki, and all during the week folks drop by and leave things they no longer want or need.  There also are people who 'find' treasures and leave with Ron.  One is constantly gobsmacked at the amount of things that pile up, waiting for another sale.

Some twenty years ago, if not longer, MOI had set up a flat down the road from Ron. Not having any furniture, the old geezer made a beeline to Ron's, and in short order had a complete one bedroom fitted out quite nicely.  So good were the furnishings that when MOI made another of his moves back to the mainland, the items purchased from Ron some years back, brought a small profit...

There are 'garage sales' and there are "Garage Sales".  Never fails that as the date nears for the sale, the car park fills up with a most interesting collection.  There are 'rare' pictures, tellies, cameras, computer parts, furniture, records, dishes, cutlery, pots and pans, clothing and linen.  You might well find the kitchen sink there as well.

As usual, Ron will be joined at his sales by a good mate.  Roy has a shop in Chinatown, sells art and the like, makes jewelry and been known to paint a lovely picture or two.  Roy has been round Waikiki almost as long as Ron and between the two, there will be in-fighting, to see who runs up the most sales.  There will be other local colourful characters at the sale, meaning that chins will wag all the day long.

Truth be told, MOI is of the opinion that Ron gets more out of the meeting folks from all over the world, then he does from the money generated from the sale.  Ron has been known to meet a new resident to Hawaii, like them and gift them with all sort of things to furnish their flats.  Not rubbish but rather useful items.  There might be a chair, rattan of course, with lovely cushions, just perfect for the person to love being in Hawaii.  Or there might be a set of curtains.  Dishes and glasses and all sort of items for the kitchen.

Being that MOI is here before the sale starts, he got to look over some of the items.  MOI loves to travel light, and clothing was sorely needed.  To my delight,  several pairs of shorts (Tommy Bahama) revealed self.  There were shirts as well,  Ralph Lauren, Harley Davidson, Greg Norman, to name but a few.  Not worn out items of clothing but items ever so slightly used and in some cases not even used.  For less than a 'fiver' me wardrobe has increased big time.  Having gone through the shops in Waikiki, know full well that some of the items are $40.00 plus retail. Am over the moon at all of the cash saved.

The sale will last all day long, rain or shine.  If past is any clue, come late Sunday, the tables will be quite empty.

Am quite looking forward to the crowds that will gather to lock up real bargains.  Curious I am to see if all goes...

WHAT A COLLECTION OF PUSSIES

One would have thought that 4 fat and sassy pussies would be enough for one person.  One would have thought and been so very wrong.

My good mate, Ron, adores 'fat' pussies.  Never was there an over weight pussy that did not bring raptures of joy to Ron.  When MOI arrived in Waikiki, he was greeted by 4 pussies and quickly set about trying to warm up to the hair balls.  There was Hermie, Baby, Mayo and Ronnie.  Each had distinct personalities and a unique way of making the old geezer feel welcome.

Truth be told, Ron's pussies are unique.  Baby likes to drink water from a running faucet,  Hermie loves to lap up the water from the toilet bowl.  Lord knows how the other pussies get water but will leave that story for another day.  Each of the pussies has own special place to nap.  One loves to get on top of the clothes dryer, another lovers to top of the coffee maker, another camps out in front of the screen door and yet another loves to spread out on the top of the desk and watch Ron play on the computer.

The other day Ron went for a drive and found self in front of the local SPCA.  Ron is well known there, having rescued pussies in the past.  Asking if there were any 'specials' that day, the lovely lady at the centre informed Ron that due to his status as a 'senior', he could add to his family of pussies by taking home a recently dropped off 'ageing' pussy.  'Milo', aged 6, was given up to the SPCA as his owners were departing the islands and could not take with.  Milo is one large pussy.

To hear Ron tell it, it was love at first sight.  Milo did all of the right moves to move right into Ron's heart.  Ron is of the opinion that previous owners must have been on the older, larger size, as Milo just did his best to cozy up to Ron.  The SPCA makes it easy for seniors to take home a new addition to family, the shots required for the animal are are given, there is a starter bag of food, and a lovely carrier to transport the pussy.

With adoption papers in hand, Ron drove "Milo" to his new home.  Never was a thought given as to how the new addition would be taken by the 4 pussies already camped out in Waikiki.

"Milo" took to his new home right off.  Being older and somewhat larger than the rest of the pussies, he walked through the flat, sizing up the situation and trying to find that perfect spot that would become all his own.  Of the 4, the only one having a problem with the new addition was Baby.  Here to fore, Baby had been 'top cat' and was more than eager to put the new arrival in place.  Or so Baby thought...

Throughout the day, Baby and Milo eyed each other up.  When one spot was picked to rest by one, the other seemed to find reason to want the very same spot.  When afternoon treats were given out, Milo's portion was eyed by Baby, as if to question the portion size.

Early evening found Ron and MOI watching a bit of telly, with all of the pussies spread out in the flat.  Milo picked a spot on the floor in front of the telly, thinking it would be a good spot to relax.  Baby had other ideas and set about challenging Milo's position.  With a loud hiss and show of force, Milo got poor Baby so rattled that he hid underneath a bed for the better part of an hour.

A few days have passed since the arrival of 'Milo' and it would appear that the contest of wills between he and Baby is yet to be won.  They still circle round each other to see if one will catch the other off guard.   For now, "Milo" has the high ground, had found that he enjoys resting on top of the clothes dryer.  It being the stack type, affords him a perfect view of the comings and goings, and warns of the approach of Baby.

In years past, there was a 'cat lady' in Waikiki, Ron was not keen on here, one might even say he loathed her.  When she died, her love of pussies must have jumped into Ron, or so some say...

The snap used for this post is really quite good for the story told.  Ron takes grand care of his pussies, spares no expense to make them happy.  You might well say that they are indeed 'fat cats'...Pun intended...



TALK STORY...

Talk story is just the Hawaiian phrase for chatting, gossiping or shooting the breeze. This is what good friends do on a lazy Waikiki day, just get together and talk ...

Since Sunday past, the old geezer has had ample time to sit round the flat and have a right long chin wag with Ron about the 'good old days' and other things.  However much fun it has been to do that, Ron has no desaire to spend rest of days walking down memory lane every day.  There is much on his plate and he reminded MOI that one has to get out and sort things out on own, he, Ron, did not sign on as me social director...

Ron does not suffer fools, and he has enough to deal with in trying to rent out flats and deal with the daily drama of his tenants.  AND to be able to sit and sip and watch the world walk by his complex.  Ron is a creature of habit,  like most of us.  Very set in ways he is.  Howver gracious he is being to the old geezer, he never loses sight of what he wants to do for self.

The holiday was spent by MOI walking round Waikiki and re-visiting all of favoured places.  Much of what was here in late 60's is gone,and much that is still here is much changed.  There are some things that never seem to change.  Like a favoured eatery on Lewers, is just as it was when first discovered.  Another is a hotel on the beach.  Still has the veranda with the rocking chairs on, to rock away the hours, looking at all of the folks coming and going.  All very interesting.

Late in the day, we went to Walmart...  Life does go on, and Walmart is a clever place to shop for things at reasonable prices.  Very in with the locals.  We then went to one of Ron's favourite eateries for chinese food.  Off the beaten path and worth the visit.

Ron has much on plate today, what with the collecting of last rents owed, and the showing of two flats available to folks scheduled to come by.  Ron placed advert on Craigslist yesterday and the mobile has not stopped ringing.  No doubt the flats will go today.  Making for a very happy Ron.

The old geezer is going to get out and do things.  Am still waiting for some changes to sort self out and am limited in how hard can push some changes.  All sort of things have to be sorted out when one moves.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

DEVELOPING MOI

Not being blessed with the 'gift of sight', the old geezer is clueless what the future may hold in store for.  Mind, no 'gift of sight' is required to confirm what is well known to MOI.  That people who like MOI seem to hold fast to that 'like' for ages.  History has proved to MOI that there appears to be no middle ground when it comes to being liked by others.  Folks tend to adore the old geezer or loathe.  Case in point being "Peter Pan' in Reno, who seems to harbour very ill feelings towards.

Truth be told, the past few days to MOI have reminded of the many blessing in life.  Just when you think it can only be dark, the sun comes shining through.  Returning to Hawaii has made me realize that the adventure of living continues full throttle, and will have its ups and down but will nevertheless be worth the journey.

There will be many who will be puzzled by my return to Hawaii.  It is expensive, overcrowded and over developed.  What many will miss is the fact that Hawaii holds so many dear memories.  It was the spot that MOI holidayed with John for many a year, the spot returned to when John died to try and sort out the future, the spot that long time friends were met and held dear for many a year.  There is something magical about the place for MOI.  Might well be the very uttering of ALOHA.

Whatever the casuses for my very strong feelings for Hawaii, it is well true that the healing has already begun.  Not sure MOI thought of self as a victum, but did feel much put upon.  Not to be in the future.  Have clipped hair, dressed down and am marching straight into the sun.  Whatever is ahead will be faced with no fears.  Past trials will be put behind.

It is all about attitude, and am of the opinion me attitude is much improved.

ALOHA HAWAII

DATELINE - WAIKIKI

Sunday past, the old geezer packed his Gladstone and heading out on his latest journey.

Alan, a brilliant mate to, had agreed to chauffer MOI to Sacramento to get a better deal on a flight to Hawaii.  Lovely Alan was ever so much help to the old geezer in getting things sorted out in head as to what would be best for him.  Reno had been grand in the sense that the operation on ear had solved the major problem of the disease and MOI had got brilliant care in recovering from the stroke in late April.  But there was the future to face and MOI wanted to get that right as it was hoped that the future would be kind to the old geezer.  A move had to be perfect, as it was to be the last move.

Alan and MOI chatted about loads of things.   Friendship, courage, hope and missed opportunities were some of the subjects covered.  Alan is quite the good listener and has the ability to voice his opinions without fear of how they will be received.  He, Alan, was not afraid to throw a few pails of cold water on as we drove nearer and nearer to airport. 

My mind was made up.  Hawaii was to be my destination.  Only hope was that the airline would have space on flight picked. 

Parting at the airport was hard.  Have not known Alan long period but had come to admire and respect him enormously.  MOI treasures him and only hopes that the friendship made will last till end of days.  Tears were shed at parting and Alan being ever so kind gifted MOI with carton of ciggies.  How brilliant as ciggies in Hawaii are ever so dear, over a tenner per packet.  With heavy heart MOI took gladstone through door to airport and never looked back as Alan drove away.

The airline had space on flight and ticket was purchased.  Clearing security, the old geezer waited for the big plane to come and return to Hawaii.

Landing in Honolulu just before midnight, the old geezer felt spirits rise at the prospect of the new adventures to come.

MOI had emailed Ron that he was coming.  Ron and the old geezer go back some twenty plus years.  The problem being that Ron loves to get a good night's rest and one can not bother until he wakes and has his first cuppa in the morning.  What to do?

Took "The Bus" into Waikiki and made plans to keep busy until morning.  With but a gladstone bag, small in size, trusted cane and a sense of direction to all of the places remembered, the old geezer spent a night of walking, resting and sipping coffee.

MY NIGHT IN WAIKIKI WILL BE REPORTED IN LATER POST...

Morning brought a brilliant sunrise and the greeting of Ron at his door as he picked up the newspaper.  Ron has an apartment complex in heart of Waikiki, and being the first of month, has much on plate without having to deal with the return of the old geezer.  Ron makes no show for, speaks plain and treats the old geezer with as much attention as needed without getting behind on his duties in dealing with his tenants.

How brilliant.  Ron is ever so dear.  Between tenants, counting cash and dealing with telephone, the old geezer and Ron have quite the chin wag.  Bottom line was that Ron wanted to know if MOI had finally sorted things out and knew what he wanted.  Ron has firm views on the old geezer and is not shy about telling.  'The Diva' believes that MOI plays 'old' too much and should just get on with life and forget about age and just live.  Put the pains in basket and leave alone.

Good advice.  For once, the old geezer has nothing to come back with.  That is the plan.  To get on with life.

Hawaii is not for everone.  For MOI it is.  John's ashes are here and many of best memories are here.  My landing in Hawaii has been made 'soft' due to Ron being ever so kind to.  For a bit, the old geezer will rest himself at the apartment complex as future digs are found.  Spent Monday sorting out bank and other matters.  Am ever so happy...  Truly.