ETHELDRETH DISCOVERS HILO

Etheldreth J. Spillman

What is in a name?  Quite a lot when it happens to be ETHELDRETH...

It is Welsh.  Not sure if James takes kindly to being called an Englishman.

Some weeks back, James wondered about visiting one of the outer islands.  I suggested he visit the island of Hawaii, being 'au fait' with the charms of Hilo.  I played the video I made of the Hilo Bay Hostel, and James was hooked.  He had to visit Hilo and he had to stay at the hostel.

Calls were made to the Big Kahuna and arrangements were made for James to stay for 5 days at the hostel.

On the day of departure, James was full of excitement.  He could not wait to begin his holiday.

James had a most excellent adventure in Hilo.  Was over the moon at staying at the hostel and all f the lovely people who looked after him.  Etheldreth could not say enough kind things about the Big Kahuna.  Mind he also had lovely things to say about Glenda.

Etheldreth loved his room at the hostel.  Only complaint was having to sleep alone...

Most days Etheldreth dined at a restaurant called "Pineapples", another of the businesses owned and operated by the Big Kahuna.  Together with his two sisters, the Big Kahuna has created one of the new 'hot' spots' in Hilo.  According to Etheldreth, the food is to die for.

Another of the hot spots visited by Etheldreth was  small cafe round the corner from the hostel.  Bears.  What was a puzzlement to Etheldreth was the fact that you could not get a fried egg.  You could order scrambled eggs but not fried eggs.  When Etheldreth asked, he was told it was against the law...

Etheldreth did a lovely tour, saw the many sights in downtown Hilo and took pleasure in just enjoying his stay at the hostel.

Etheldreth has macular degeneration.  Sooner than later, Etheldreth will be blind.  One of the things he wanted to enjoy was a trip to Hilo and the sights to be seen there.  No doubt he will long remember his visit.

Etheldreth is a new friend but fast moving up the chain as one of my most favoured people.  I admire Etheldreth, his courage in dealing with what must be a hard problem to deal with, going blind.

Etheldreth  has real grace.

HAPPY EASTER

James and Robert  Easter 2015

You, who are 'au fait' with the old geezer, know that Easter is a special day for MOI.  I was born on Easter Sunday.  Mind, the year of my birth was also the 'YEAR OF THE RAT'......

I digress..

There was never any doubt that I would celebrate Easter with my friend James.  James being my 'houseless' BFF...

Going to breakfast is limited due to James being in a wheelchair.  We wanted t go to Denny's but it was too far to go.  The distance required to travel also ruled out several other restaurants.  That left IHOP.  IHOP is but a few steps from the bus stop I meet up with James on a daily basis.

James had gone to a washeteria last night and got himself all nicely laundered.  Fresh as a daisy he was.  Mind, he forgot about the time and had to wheel himself back into Waikiki, the buses had stopped running.  James was a bit wore out from the long trip back.

IHOP is a bit on the dear side but it was Easter and I wanted James to have a lovely cook-up.  Nice thing about IHOP is the pot of coffee placed on the table.  One can just sip away.

We both picked a breakfast that was LARGE and contained pancakes.

We sat and chatted and filled ourselves with the lovely food.  Then it was time to pay the bill.  I did tell you that breakfast at IHOP in Waikiki is dear??

What I tell you now is why Hawaii is so special and the people who live her so special.

The wait person was a lovely lady named LeeAnn.  Turns out that she sees me and James having coffee at the bus stop every morning.  Actually, she seems to see plenty.  She told me that she thought it was wonderful that I bring food to James and Rocky and that I try to make a difference.  Turns out she is a volunteer at the local homeless shelter and is studying to get degree in social work.  The lovely LeeAnn told me that breakfast was on her this morning.  I was gobsmacked.  James was very touched.

LeeAnn Selfie with James and Robert

LeeAnn is a perfect example of the ALOHA that locals have in their hearts.

I am made wealthy by the people I come in contact with.  Today makes me understand the meaning of Easter more clearly than an hour in church.  Life is teaching me how to be a good christian.

I  hope everyone who visits this blog feels special this Easter.  I do...

ALOHA

APRIL FOOL'S DAY