Thursday, August 13, 2015
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
MAGIC BAND OR JUST MIND OVER MATTER?
They say a fool and his cash are soon parted and that may well be what happened to this old geezer in Waikiki. Fleeing the rays of the sun, MOI darted into a shop and came upon the band pictured.
The salesperson told that it had 'great powers'. Power to ward off the evil spirit and to provide the body with energy and make pain go away.
Sign me up. I could not get cash out of pocket fast enough and slipped on the band. For the first few day, nothing was felt. Mind I felt like a right fool to have forked over $25.00 for a rubber band.
As if by magic, on the third day of wearing the band, I felt I could walk without cane, the pain in legs was not so great. Truth be told, there was still pain and one had to be careful.
My dears, it may well be a case of legs growing used to the long walks. The spirit of ALOHA returned with may well account for MOI being untroubled by evil creatures and able to gt them to move on.
WHATEVER,,,,
The band looks cute on wrist and gives MOI the ability to launch into another re-tell of Waikiki Tales...
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
'SMALL PET WITH DEPOSIT'??
"Rats are clean, intelligent, affectionate little animals which bond to their human companions in much the same way that dogs do, (I call them "mini dogs"), and with the right care should provide a comparable level of love and companionship for the whole family."
Just when you think all has been heard, there comes a tale that takes you aback.
A would be new tenant asked if pets were allowed. NO PETS. Would I consider a 'well being' rat???
Mind, if a mistake was been made, you, the reader, would be getting posts from the belly of a massive python, hidden in the closet to feed on the pet rat.........
Rather think this 'well being' animal business is much abused.
Monday, August 10, 2015
Sunday, August 9, 2015
SOME PEOPLE ARE JUST MEAN TO THE CORE
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| John and Robert - Christmas 1987 |
My dears, my life has a few defining moments, but the time blessed to have shared with John is the strongest example of how MOI grew as a person. John taught MOI that money is not the end all in life. There is no coffin built that allows you to shovel it into along with the things one collects. We enter this world with nothing and we leave with nothing. John taught MOI to give to others, to try and treat each and every person met with honour. John taught MOI to believe in self, to fight for that was right, even if others did not agree with. To be true to one's self. John taught MOI to love GOD, and to follow his faith. John made MOI promise to LIVE, to get over grief and go about building a life without him. There was so very much John gave and one wonders if he truly knew how MOI felt of him.
On the last trip to Hawaii, MOI shared a walk on the beach with John. It was important to know if John felt happy, felt pleased with how life had gone between us. John told MOI that he had no regrets and was proud that MOI was not going to die in the same way. He also told that he felt that he had lived a life most excellent and much of that was due to being a part of MOI's journey. Felt that stories told of far off places visited by MOI made him feel as if he was on every trip taken. He loved all of the people he met through MOI. "Rob, who else do we know that has the Mayor of San Francisco ring up?" Bit of a snob my John was..........John told that he would always be with me and hoped that MOI would never forget how much he loved him.
They say that folks who are soon to die, hang on for special moments. John did that. He wanted to be alive for my 40th birthday. That was the one day he did not want to miss. John had arranged for flowers to be delivered and a massive balloon bouquet. There was also a small box given to MOI. It contained the antique silver ring with stone that MOI wears to this day.
john gave MOI the courage to keep going. There were a few mis-steps but in the end, firm footing was found and MOI lives on. There is not a day that MOI looks to memory of John and hopes that he continues to be proud of MOI. John made MOI a better person for having known him and in no small measure is John responsible for leading to the light and never, ever, losing sight of what is truly important.
The other day a mean and hateful former tenant mention that I had had a former companion die. The the old geezer was mean and angry because of the loss. That the old geezer was a mean man due to my loss.
It is no secret that I have a blog, and was not surprised that this person had discovered and pulled out information to be hateful with.
Truth be told, the former tenant does not have a Clue, was just angry that this person would try to sully my memory of John.
"THERE IS NO THERE, THERE"
Truth be told, KUHIO Avenue is rather straight as a road.
The quote used in heading comes from Gertrude Stein and she was talking about Oakland. Ms. Stein was being facetious, I am beginning to feel a bit more than that about conditions at the Tropic Surf.
Metaphorically speaking, what is going on the Tropic Surf Complex can be likened to the crew of the Titanic fighting passengers from getting out of the bloody lifeboats and returning to the stricken vessel. Gobsmacked I am at the number of folks who leave under a cloud showing back up to strut their stuff for all to see. Steerage passengers climbing back on the sinking ship to pass selves off as FIRST CLASS to allow them a ring side seat to the final curtain act to the mortally wounded ship that they think the Tropic Surf is.
My dears, you know me to be wickedly cheeky, you best grab a cuppa and to quote Bette Davis; "Tighten seatbelts, it is going to be a bumpy ride."
This old geezer is a true diarist. What will follow is my venting events that play into a decision that is very hard to make. I took to me cot and had a hard think on of what is to be revealed and wanted to allow time to pass before writing. Is always best to let fire die down before you write.
History has proved to me that you can not save folks who have no desire to be saved The on-going battle to win over folks who can not share in vision of an improved Tropic Surf is long and hard.
At first, I thought that example could lead the way. I be wrong. The old addage that "you can not teach an old dog new tricks" is so very true. I feel gutted this morn that I allowed anger to cloud my language yesterday afternoon. The hated "F" word was hurled at one. It was used as an adjective to describe an action, not as one to shame the person hurled at, Regardless, it is a rather mean word and should not have been used at all. Shame on me none-the less. I know better, even if the person addressed does not.
The tenants remaining at the benefit by all of the changes and improvements. To keep sending them mixed signals in these trying times serves no real purpose, other than to sow unrest with what remains that is good. What part of "STUPID" do I not get?
I was told yesterday that if I did not like what was happening, "I could leave", How interesting.
Past history has taught me that one can not allow negative vibes to poison your view of the world. I knew when I landed here that there was challenge here. I moved in to see if one person could set an example, raise the bar of Civic Pride and Moral Responsibility higher. Passionate I be in the belief that what ruins a road or a complex is APATHY. Buckets of it Apathy could be found. Folks were so used to the dirt, they no longer knew what clean was. To be true, dirt was leading cause to what ailed the complex. Management was not very clean and set the stage for all of the tenants to follow. How else to explain being able to visit flat of resident manager and ignore the smells and the filth. How else to show flats that were down right filthy. No one truly thought that the Tropic Surf was the "Taj Mahal" of flats and when they moved into the filth and broken down flats, showed their anger at having been taken by not following the rules or paying rent and adding to the decay of unit during their stay. Why was that so hard to see or understand?
Events of yesterday and other days have made me realize that however well meaning some folks are, they can not be trusted to be of value if the world of MOI is to be brought right. I am but one person and can not do all things or be all things to folks. I do not walk on water and my ability to work magic is limited by support round. I will not go to my grave over the problems at here.
I will depart the Tropic Surf when I am ready. Not one day sooner. Problem with some folks is that they are so limited in their act, they feel more comfy being round folks who are without shame. More's the pity that.
However much some horrid people would like to see the back of the old geezer, they do not have the power to control my life. Gobsmacked at how easily some can lie and cheat and have no shame. A lot of people were in on the trick that caused problems. Angry they are that the game is up.
Saturday, August 8, 2015
GOOD OR BAD - TENANTS HAVE RIGHTS
Long gone are the days when a landlord could throw someone out at will. Even if a landlord wanted to do bad, the times we live in pretty much dictate that will not happen.
Much has been said of the problems faced by rentals gone bad. Not much has been said about the good tenants that pay rent and follow the rules. Rules in the rental agreement that are binding on the part of the tenant and the landlord. Mind, tenant problems are not just to found in Waikiki, many who follow me blog are renters as well and the following post might open a few eyes as to what one has the legal right to expect in renting a flat.
Many absent landlords hire an on-site manager. By law, it is required to have an on-site manager if the complex contains a certain number of units. The on-site manager is the legal agent for the landlord and the actions of that on-site manager can be used to force the landlord to keep their end of the rental agreement.
Dear reader, if any moved into a flat and did not read the rules of the agreement, shame on you. Signing a rental agreement is serious business, the rules you do not take the time to read can come back to haunt you. Mind, if you did take the time to read the rental agreement, the rules can also help you to level the playing field if on-site manager fails to enforce them equally.
My dears, the Code Enforcement Department of any city or county is there to serve and protect both the LANDLORD and the TENANT. If problems arise in a flat and there is no response to issues raised, one can always ring up Code Enforcement and file a complaint. Experience has shown this old geezer that giving your name is a real plus, makes the task of getting problems fixed as there are folks out there who will hide identity just to file false frivolous complaints.
On-site managers or absent landlord can not apply rental rules in an arbitrary manner. What is good for the goose is good for the gander. What follows are some of the rules that might not be equally applied and can be used to add weight to any fight with the landlord;
Pets- if allowed, the rules must be equally applied. Size of dog, number of dogs or cats allowed, walking of and removal of poo must be the same for all. That would include tenants and management. No exceptions. Rather think NO PETS is clear enough.
NO GUEST PARKING is another oft broken rule. Folks get right mad when vehicle is towed. Mind, multiple placards notifying do not seem to be read.
Drug Policy- if management has a NO DRUG policy in place, it must be enforced. Moving in with the expectation that management will honour this, gives the tenant right to demand that illegal drugs use be removed from complex.
NO SUBLETTING does not mean that a tenant can move in an army and get away with it.
Peace and Quiet- It is the responsibility to ensure that all tenants have the right to enjoy the complex equally. When this rule is not followed, it is the responsibility of the landlord to enforce it.
My dears, just because one has signed on the dotted line, does not mean one has to allow abuse of rules or conditions to force one out of flat. Landlords or On-Site Managers will quote; "If you do not like it here, move." Quite right but that does not give the landlord or management to do a 'defacto eviction' to get you to move. Every tenant has the right to get wrongs righted. Good or bad, the rules apply to one and all. Most of the problems stem from folks not reading the rules agreed to when moved in and management not enforcing the rules on an equal basis.
When things break in the flat that are not fault of renter, it is the responsibility of the landlord to fix. The management team in place can not read minds, and there must be an effort to write down what is broke and turn in a work order. The tenant has every right to expect that electric and plumbing problems will be fixed according to code. If there is a problem with electric or gas, make sure that it is fixed proper. Gas can kill and electric can cause a fire. Code Enforcement should be called if you feel that serious issues remain in flat that could cause harm to health. Tenants have a responsibility to not abuse plumbing, the loo is not to be used for female products or towels or toys or knives or spoons.
I get emails from folks who ask questions. I am not a lawyer, I do not give legal advice. I can only tell what is right. Reading the rental agreement provides many answers, and there are government agencies available to call to ask questions about health and safety issues. Years of experience have taught this old geezer that following the law, to the letter, makes it easy to look a tenant in the eye and tell them to do what they must if they feel wronged.
Clever landlords know that a happy tenant is a good tenant. Payment of rent is what makes repair and improvement possible. Right daft it be to have all move out of complex. Holding management responsible for the condition of complex is also a good thing. Reporting wrongs to proper authorities makes good sense. Code Enforcement and Section 8 are required by law to ensure that the flat rented is safe and healthy to live in. Local government agencies that govern health issues can be contacted to report neglect. Dog poo, rubbish bins, tree limbs, exterior building lighting, pot holes can all be addressed with proper agencies.
A neighbourhood or complex goes bad if all the good folks move away. One should take heart and stay. Be an urban pioneer and make a difference. Help make the patch of earth you live on a better place to live.
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
PAUL PLAYS FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE - REVISITED
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| Paul - A Real 'Angel of Mercy' |
There is nothing like 'illness' to bring to the fore who your real 'mates' are...
Nothing prepared me for all of the acts of kindness that Paul would show me during my recent surgery and after.
Where do I begin? For starters, Paul made sure that I arrived at hospital on time on the day of surgery. He acted as my ears and helped navigate the filling out of forms and passing on information. Being used to my deafness, he knew just how to get the information to me. Paul sat with the old geezer before the surgery and came back to collect me when it was time to go home.
When the blood flow from the operation filled the protective cup covering the ear, he changed the dressings multiple times, rang the doctor, fetched more dressings and kept me calm. He covered the bed so that the blood would not ruin the linen and set up water and pills and other needs to help me get comfy. Not wanting to leave me unattended, Paul made up the couch in the living room so that he could check on me through the first night and was quick with a wash cloth to clean me up when the blood leaked out and covered me face and neck. Made sure I took the pills to fight infection.
Paul prepared light food to eat, even though I could not taste it. More on that later.
Day after surgery, when his vehicle would not start, rang up a taxi to ensure that appointment was kept with doctor to do follow up, and got us back home.
Paul ,is no spring chicken, and has his own problems with a bum leg, so to put himself out for this old geezer was touching to say the least. I have not known Paul for ages, and being room-mates does not mean he signed on to play Florence Nightingale. He could not have been more of a comfort and it was all very touching.
This old geezer has had a much easier time of it due to Paul and his care. Who would have thought?
Just when you thought you knew who care about you the most, something wondrous comes along and makes you realize that you are much cared for in a quarter least expected. Along with Paul, there has been the dry wit of Alan, along with his prayers, The Big Kahuna with his wicked sense of humour,
This old geezer can be a bit much for some to take, and for Paul to take the time to 'sign' (or some form of), talk loudly and do all of the small acts of kindness, has not gone unnoticed. I do not know where to begin in my effort to thank.
Since I first wrote about Paul, there have been a few other entries on the blog about Paul. Some were not kind, due to his drinking. Sadly, I received word today that Paul lost his battle with the bottle.
Paul was the worst kind of alcoholic. He drank in bars to have people he hardly knew join him in having fun. Paul was very generous in bars. He drank heavy and made sure that all in the bar drank heavy as well. They did, on his dime. Barkeeps made a small fortune keeping the alcohol flowing.
Paul would buy the barkeep everytime he needed his glass filled, and pass over a generous tip.
I knew Paul for 4 years. During the four years, I got to hear all of Paul's stories. You know the kind of stories, where I lived, what I did for a living, who my folks were, how much money I spent and the people I loved.
Paul knew at early age that he was homosexual. Paul also knew that being homosexual in rural Nevada was not going to go over well. Paul learned very early on to hide his true sexual self. He did that all of his life and only came to realize how heavy a price he paid too late in life.
Like most closeted homosexuals, Paul was convinced that no one knew. When he tried to beat back the alcoholism later in life, he joined AA and starting to talk about some of the reasons he drank. He told one meeting that he was homosexual and was shocked when members told they already knew that. Seems Paul was not very butch when he drank...
Paul got lucky twice in life. Came into family fortunes twice. All of that money allowed Paul to visit the casinos in high style. Paul was a BIG SPENDER. Follows that the casinos were more than willing to pander to him to get his cash. They did twice.
I got the feeling from talking with Paul that he resented losing all of his money, never got over it. Mind, his alcoholism did not seem to be to blame.
Paul started to lose control of his drinking some time in 2013 and it got much worse in 2014. Multiple trips to hospital revealed that if he dd not stop, life would end. Paul would stop for a few weeks and then return to the bottle or more a day habit.
I had a ring side seat to just how bad alcoholics get. Not bathing, not eating. Complete lose of self esteem. The filth.
One Christmas I went to visit and try and cheer up Paul. Paul had been drinking all day and was in the crying stage of the bender. Paul told me that he envied me. ME. I asked why. Paul told me that he admired the fact that I had lived an open life. I had lived for me and not others. One of the great sadnesses of his life was hiding his true nature and never allowing love to happen.
Truth be told, I have made my share of mistakes. Things could have been different but as a whole, I am pretty happy with life. It was very sad to hear Paul tell of his unhappiness with life.
Paul drove most of his friends off. The drinking and his filthy living conditions did not encourage people to visit.
I stayed close to Paul for a long time. Actually was happy to have place thousands of miles between us, as I could not face seeing him doing terrible things to self. There were telephone calls. Telephone calls that Paul made drunk and went nowhere. Paul just made me sad.
Paul died on July 30, 2015, weeks shy of 73rd birthday.
I will alway remember Paul taking care of me when my ears went bad. Paul was very kind.
That is the Paul I will remember. I hope Paul has found the peace he was so desperate to have.
Sunday, August 2, 2015
FRIENDSHIP DAY
- "The best friend is the man who in wishing me well wishes it for my sake." - Aristotle
- "The better part of one's life consists of his friendships." - Abraham Lincoln
- "Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light." - Helen Keller
- "Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend." - Martin Luther King, Jr.
- "Anybody can sympathise with the sufferings of a friend, but it requires a very fine nature to sympathise with a friend's success." - Oscar Wilde
- "Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity." - Khalil Gibran
- "True friendship is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until it be lost." - Charles Caleb Colton
- "A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out." - Walter Winchell
- "Your friend is the man who knows all about you, and still likes you." - Elbert Hubbard
- "Don't walk in front of me. I may not follow. Don't walk behind me, I may not lead. Walk beside me and be my friend." - Albert Camus
Gobsmacked I am. Received a card from a friend the other day. Not just any old card, but a "Friendship Card". Completely unexpected and must tell true it brought a massive smile to my face.
I am not a man of many friendships, know loads of people but call few "Friend". Has always been like that.
From the very first I knew that this friend and I were going to get on well. Actually, I took a shine to the person but it required a little work on my part to get the person to open up. It was well worth the effort.
This friend 'knows' MOI. Everything. Warts and all. My friend still likes me. Gobsmacked I am. Truth be told, I like him as well.
I had a huge grin when I received he card and no doubt will be thinking of my friend this day and be smiling all day.
Placed the lovely card on the icebox, will see it when I am having my morning coffee.
Saturday, August 1, 2015
LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL
Life is not fair. The skies are not always cloud free. There is no 'free' lunch. There are falls along the path of life. There is loss and pain in life. BUT...
LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL. Beats the alternative by a long shot.
Walking yesterday, I was in a most reflective mood, and the mood continued as I walked, sat, walked and sat. Right good think on MOI had.
Brick by brick, MOI is rebuilding his 'house', been a few complete re-models in me day, but this one has to last longer than the hip replacement...
There is a lot to be said for allowing a good mate throw buckets of truth at. Takes even more to know that much of what is said is done in kindness and not meanness. Always knew in me heart of hearts that such a good mate was to be found in Alan. There be some who would think that Alan and the old geezer are like chalk and cheese, the ones who feel that do not really know either of us. Completely different, to be sure, but good hearts...
Given all of the drama of last year, MOI had learned to play the role of broken down old man well. Right, so the hearing is shot and the leg a bit lame, but that did not mean that the grave was upon. There have been a few times when it might well have been welcomed, but that seems to have gone. What is left is a renewed interest in the 'land of the living'. MOI wants very much to continue to hear the stories round and enjoy being an active part of life, even if it is limited a bit.
How do you place a value on the gift of friendship received? A friendship that has not always been equal?
There have been three people who has witnessed the rise and fall of me fortunes. Three good mates who never turned back on. Always were there when a shoulder was required to cry on. Some longer than others but in the end each took the old geezer to bosom and held close throughout good times and bad. Each hoped that MOI would 'pull it together', buck up and carry on.
Rather think I have been extraordinarily lucky...
Friday, July 31, 2015
Thursday, July 30, 2015
"I AM THE MASTER OF MY FATE: I AM THE CAPTAIN OF MY SOUL"- Invictus
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| Rob De Frees - age 10 |
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| Robert at 65 years |
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
"Invictus" is a short Victorian poem by the English poet William Ernest Henley (1849–1903). It was written in 1875 and first published in 1888 in Henley's Book of Verses, where it was the fourth in a series of poems entitled Life and Death. It originally bore no title. The familiar title "Invictus" (Latin for "unconquered") was added by Arthur Quiller-Couch when he included the poem in The Oxford Book Of English Verse .
Some 57 years separate the snaps featured at the beginning of this post. It will come as a shock to some, that this old geezer had a most handsome visage once. The gap between 'golden' youth and 'OAP' decrepitude is filled by many life experiences. Have been most fortunate to have learned much, experienced much and lived much.
Like most, the journey through life has not been without its share of misfortune and sadness. Missed opportunities, mis-steps, failed friendships, lost loves, have all shared a spot on me path, as have love, lasting friendships, triumphs and lasting peace with the inner MOI. What I have forgot in life is almost as large amount remembered. Mind, there be many who think this old geezer forgets NOTHING.
At every stop in life, there be folks who do not credit MOI with knowing who he truly be. They do not realize that I long ago took stock of inner-self and am 'au fait' with the spirit inside me skin. However changed the visage be from youth, I see me, warts and all. Truth be told, am very aware of how I come across to many met. I make no apologies.
Today's 'sharing' comes about due to the many emails and comments received from new readers, who have yet to decide which 'label' on the old tin that be me, applies. Loud, rude, obnoxious, negative, fey, self-aggrandizing be but a few considered. Some feel that, this old geezer has no right to question anything seen or heard. That walking about chatting and taking mental snaps of what crosses path is an outrage foisted upon local citizenry by an ill-tempered old geezer with nothing better to do in life.
I am passionate in belief that if one is going to live, one has to truly LIVE, not through others but by the actions of self. Far too many folks live vicariously. Fail to question anything, realizing not that 'what is' can be changed to 'what if', if they only take part.
I am not a perfect person, have made my share of mistakes and no doubt will make more in the days ahead. Opinions held are not absolute and am more than willing to be proved wrong. That does not mean that this old geezer will become 'most popular', it is not fashionable to be different, no matter how colourful.
I try daily to make self 'more perfect' as do I try to make patch of earth lived upon 'more perfect'. What is the harm in that?
I am not troubled by nasty comments made about me, by folks who do not know me. Life is too short, and truth be told, never wanted to have massive number of 'friends'. They only folks who can hurt one are the ones trusted. Not being GOD, am naive enough to believe that everyone have value, that change is possible in all met, and that was life led before met is not of greatest import, but what is lived after met is. I have mis-judged before, and no doubt will in the future. Is always a let down to try and make one more brilliant, only to discover that they be a fraud, using friendship as a ruse to get over on. There be one close to to old geezer who reminds oft of the folks who have let this old geezer down. Quite true, but then I would rather have tried to help one than to lump one and all in a nasty box and ignore. What is the trick in that?
“The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn, like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars and in the middle you see the blue centerlight pop and everybody goes "Awww!”JackKerouac
Climbing down off soapbox, this old geezer leaves you with one last quote to tide you over until we next meet;
“My fault, my failure, is not in the passions I have, but in my lack of control of them.”JackKerouac
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Sunday, July 19, 2015
WHAT DO YOU WEAR UNDER YOUR KILT???
Heartwarming to see wounded warriors with their personalities in tact.
STILL PROUD
'I had one vet who was very severely injured and he had to take some time to sit on them before publishing them. He said he just wasn't used to seeing himself like that,' he told Daily Mail Online. But after two weeks, the vet gave Michael the OK - and was glad that he did.
'He was shocked by the response - people telling him how sexy he was, how beautiful he was, that he's a hero. He was genuinely shocked and surprised,' he said.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3165402/Photographer-captures-amputee-war-veterans-posing-naked-proudly-revealing-injuries-powerful-picture-series.html#ixzz3gMNVeTyU
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IT IS WHAT IT IS
When folks want to be kind they accuse me of lacking 'tact and diplomacy'. When they want to be unkind, they accuse me of being sarcastic.
Truth be told, I am sarcastic. It is my manner. I do not apologize for it.
I am so very tired of folks who use filthy language to express selves. It grates my ears and closes my mind to further conversation.
Friends who are 'au fait' with the old geezer know what to expect from and either go with it or do not engage in a conversation that is pointless. Mind, I am guilty of pointless conversation as well, but that is a tale for a different story.
Sunday, July 5, 2015
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Friday, July 3, 2015
SIBLINGS ARE A PAIN
I share a birth mother with siblings.
There is no love lost between us. The brother is the 'coldest' person I have ever met and the sister lives in a fantasy world decorated with a cheap drawing of a woman who never loved her.
Age is catching up with all of us. I wonder who will die first (that is untrue).
Thursday, July 2, 2015
A ROOM WITH A VIEW
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| A room to relax in |
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| Art is subjective |
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| Plants give air quality |
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| WHAT DO YOU SEE? |
All I ever wanted was; 'a room somewhere out of the cold night air' and my flat is so much more.
I am every so private and do not expect that massive number of people will ever grace the place. That is OK with the old geezer.
I was sitting in the living room listening to good music (very loudly) and wondered what John would have thought of me new diggs. Rather think he would feel right at home. Been ages since I 'nested' this completely.
I took a risk in getting back into the mainstream of life but it seems to have paid off handsomely.
Life is up and down, or at least is for me. Truth be told I am the case of much of the turmoil. Never seem to be happy with what is, always search for something not possible. Like to think I am not in need of any new adventures in far off places.
MOI - N'EST-CE PAS?
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| The old geezer in Fancy Dress |
Dear reader, the whole point of the journey to Oahu was to rest me lame leg. When one has loads of time to sit, the idea of playing dress up comes to mind.
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| Wig Looks Like Mop head |
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| Life is So Hard |
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| MOI is Over It... |
Looking at the snaps, one has a giggle. The old geezer comes off like Voltaire. Flopped in a baroque chair, the old geezer comes off as a French Dandy. Did you catch the umbrella?
One has to wonder how chaps tolerated the bother of a wig. Was bleeden hot it was.
There you have it, proof that the old geezer can strike a pose...
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
A TREE GROWS IN WAIKIKI
At the very beginning and at the end of each day, t is a real pleasure to sit and ponder how lovely life is in Waikiki.
With the cover from the bright sun, it makes the perfect spot to 'refresh'.
Mind, I am right close to the rubbish bin and it is a carpark. IN WAIKIKI...
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
INTERNATIONAL FAIRY DAY
Today is International Fairy Day, it's the day for wishes to come true, and for humans to put aside "the cynicism of the modern world" and believe in fairies for a day.
But where did fairies, or "faeries", as they were traditionally called, come from, and were they always so beautiful and slender in form? Join us as we take a look at the history of the faeriefolk.
The earliest faeries
Much of the lore surrounding faeries seems to have come from European countries with Celtic beliefs, such as England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany and Nordic countries like Finland, Denmark and Sweden.
The earliest recorded mention of fairies comes from 1000 BC in The Iliad, where Greek poet Homer wrote "watery fairies dance in mazy rings". Many creatures that appeared in ancient Greek myths, such as satyrs, nymphs and sileni were also considered to be fairies, however.
The next oldest mention of faeries comes from 12th century England, when the historian Gervase of Tilbury mentions a type of fairy known as the "portune", which ranges in size from 1.5 inches to the height of a little finger.
According to Gervase, portunes looked like very old men with wrinkled cheeks, and they were said to have worked on human farms.
They could either be very helpful and finish any laborious task far sooner than any man could, or they would be mischievous and trick a lone horseman at night into going into a soft, muddy swamp called a slough.
The Norse traditions of Scandinavia, on the other hand, depicted fairies as elves, mostly female. Described as either small creatures, full-sized women or transparent spirits, elves were skilled in magic and illusions
In both Sweden and Denmark, tales are woven about beautiful female elves who bewitch careless men, suck their lives out or make them disappear.
Famous faeries
Of course, one of the most famous examples of fairies are the Tuatha De Danann. According to Irish myths, they were the first people of Ireland and had the ability to shape-shift at will.
Some of the Tuatha De Danann became the Daoine Sidhe, which means "people of the mounds". They retreated far away from humans and have traditionally lived underground in mounds of earth. Leprechauns, fairies, brownies and dwarves are considered to be part of these fairy people.
Other members of the Tuatha De Danann decided to remain on the Earth's surface as Fenian heroes and heroic fairies, and they then became interwoven in our legends of magic, where they would have been wizard
Other members of the Tuatha De Danann decided to remain on the Earth's surface as Fenian heroes and heroic fairies, and they then became interwoven in our legends of magic, where they would have been wizards and witches, as well as fine warriors and champions.
In Scotland, fairies took on another meaning.
The Scottish considered them to be unpleasant supernatural creatures like banshees (originally spelt "Bean sidhe"), that only appeared to foretell tragedies, or hags that haunted areas in the wilderness.
Another famously evil fairy was the "Jack-o-Lantern" or "Will-o-the-Wisp", a creature that haunts marshy grounds with a flickering lantern, ready to lead unwary travellers to their deaths.
The modern fairies
After the 16th century, it is believed that fairies took on their modern tiny, slender and beautiful form, partly popularised by William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, and sightings of faeriefolk began to decline as people ceased to believe in their existence.
Sunday, June 21, 2015
PULLING A TOM SAWYER
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| Paul paints my wall |
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| Paul does a brilliant job |
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| Paul works his magic |
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| THE WALL |
As for PAUL, I have to get him more paint....the stairwell is next...
Friday, June 19, 2015
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Monday, June 15, 2015
MAGGIE AND ME
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| Margaret and Robert - 2015 |
Margaret is a sweet old lady. Mind, that does not mean that Margaret is all sugar at all times. Maggie has a mind of her own and is not afraid to speak it. Can be a bit sharp at times.
I have know Margaret for about 6 years. Used to visit with her and always loved to hear her stories.
Times change and now I am Landlord to Margaret. She lives in a one bed room apartment. She has lived in this apartment for 25 years. The rent was $150.00 way back when and all these years later it is still only $395.00. That is for a one bed room apartment in Waikiki, just a few blocks from the beach.
Margaret does not get out much, she has a problem walking. She dow sit out on her lanai every day and take in the sun.
Margaret is a smoker. Has been all of her life. One after another. When asked about this, Margaret simply says that she smokes and that is the end of the story.
I am quite fond of Maggie. I try to visit oft and run errands for her. Truth be told, Maggie can be a little needy at times. Complains I do not come by oft enough for her taste...
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
HAWAII IS EXPENSIVE
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3106907/State-state-comparisons-average-wages-versus-cost-2-bedroom-apartment-reveals-renters-states-like-Maryland-Hawaii-forced-settle-studio.html#ixzz3buZi98Yj
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Wednesday, May 27, 2015
"IT TAKES A VILLAGE"
It Takes a Village is a book by then-First Lady of the United States Hillary Rodham Clinton. In it, Clinton presents her vision for the children of America. She focuses on the impact individuals and groups outside the family have, for better or worse, on a child's well-being, and advocates a society which meets all of a child's needs.
Metaphourically speaking, the Linda Villa is a village, contained in the villiage that Linda, Ca, be. With 38 families living within, containing close to 40 children, the Linda Villa is a microcosm of life in Yuba County. A more perfect place to make change could not be found.
Since telling the whole world of plans to host a Block Party, "LINDA DRUG OUT", many readers have written telling that it is high time one stepped forward to call attention to the plight. Mind, it is ever so kind of lovely folks to write and make this old geezer out to be special, BUT, one has to also remind that any effort to do good in Linda is COLLABOURATIVE, not just the actions of one person. Were it not for the brilliant efforts of Supervisor Vasquez, Sheriff Durfor and Murray Kay, MOI might well be a voice of one and not a chorus.
Adults in charge of children set the stage for much of what will follow in the lives of children. Drug use, filthy language, hurling rubbish about, benefits cheating and drink, all have marks to leave on impressionable children. The wee ones are what will make a differnece in the years to come. Truth be told, the adults with their child-like behaviour, have to be re-educated as well.
When the "Ice Cream Social" was held in August, to celebrate National Night Out, many of the adults in the complex did not come out. Many had run ins with the coppers in the past. Some were still doing wicked things and did not want the coppers to get a view of. There were adult family members who loathe the coppers, would not call them if they were on fire and in dire need of attention.
Many of the horrid folks who were in the complex are now gone. It has been right expensive to rid self of bad tenants. Just the other day, Murray and I journeyed to court to get a writ against one. Regular clever clogs they be. Pay no rent for months, steal electric the whole time a tenant and get nicked by the coppers for all sorts of things while living here. Had folks very afraid of. Chap would prowl the car park with a massive tourch, not to light way, more to show his ability to clobber with.
The nasty piece of work that is now history was not alone in living at the Linda Villa. It was almost as if every horrid tenant possible knew one another and had come to Linda Villa to slip under the radar. Turning on the lamps made many known for what they be. Some got nicked by the coppers and others rode out the eviction process. Some even did a mid-night move. Perhaps it was the notice that Kay Properties was prepared to reward folks for telling the coppers who the bad sort be.
Gone is the not so lovely lady who 'mooned' the car park, all the while hurling filthy language. Gone are the electric cheats. Gone are the deadbeat tenants who felt that life owed them a free ride. Gone is the look of neglect that make horrid folks believe that the Linda Villa was the perfect place to set up shop to perform illegal activities.
All new tenants moving into the Linda Villa are being told that they have the ability to get in on the ground floor of a wondrous thing, CIVIC PRIDE. Be true 'urban pioneers' and show the whole of Yuba County that we be brilliant here. Efforts are being made to let neighbours round know that they are more than welcome to join the crusade in righting the community.
My dears, there be some that think that this website does not reach the folks living at the Linda Villa. They be wrong. Know for a fact that many are well aware of this old geezer being on the INTERNET. Have been told and can tell from the looks given by visitors, they are well aware of me sharing life with the whole world. Not all that is written is appreciated, truth hurts.
All that is being done and planned for at the Linda Villa is to make it a better place to live. To make folks living here more brilliant. To be a part of the effort to make community lived in more brilliant. What passed as acceptable in the past is gone. Folks who light candles and wish for a speedy departure of this old geezer are in for a shocker. Not bloody likely to happen any times soon. Having stared down an evil bugger with a massive torch in car park, not likely to let the snide comments run me off.
The few tenants that remain who have no desire to become a part of the changes are invited to vote with feet. So hard up the Linda Villa is not, it needs to beg bad tenants to linger and destroy progress. More's the pity that some cling to belief that 'special dispensation' will be granted for massive animal populations in flat, too many vehicles or other behaviour that given a feeling of neglect to the complex.
It will take more than the denial of use of a lawn mower to kill the on-going campaign to make the Linda Villa more brilliant. Mean spirited folks who feel put upon cause life would not grant a FREE ride. Selling a tool to Kay Properties and then taking back due to a change in management. The sooner that the backs of horrid folks are seen the better. Why would any linger at a place that they had treated so poorly? What a giggle, one of the losers made comment to new maintainance man that the grass was in need of cutting. Mind, the grass might have been cut in past, at the expense of nothing else getting done.
Truth be told, am right excited for February 1 to arrive...
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Monday, May 25, 2015
Saturday, May 23, 2015
WAIKIKI FLAT COMES TOGETHER...
The first snap is of the living room area I have set up. I am quite pleased with how it is looking, even if I say so meself.
Bear in mind that the curtains were a first try, and I have found others I like better and they will be in the new pictures.
The table is rather long, topped with a nice marble top and base is painted chinese red. Works well.
I rather think I have to finish off the windows with curtains and have bought enough to match the ones I am placing on other windows.
For my smart candle lit suppers....
The bed was another steal. I had a workman place a thick board on the side rails, so as to not have to buy a box spring....
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