APARTMENT FOR RENT

PEGADINHA:DIARREIA 4 no elevador (Diarrhea in the elevator Prank)

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...

'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.

FASCINATING AIDA - It Isn't Too Late To Be Famous

FASCINATING AIDA - Cheap Flights

SOME PEOPLE ARE JUST MEAN TO THE CORE

John and Robert - Christmas 1987

Many years have passed since John died. MOI has grown old, wiser even. John has never been far from his mind, he is with each and every day, would have it no other way. The many gifts received from John have never been forgot, or the lesson learned from him.

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.

COME AND GET IT

"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.

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.

Israel Kamakawiwo'ole - Over The Rainbow (Full Album)

Wind Beneath My Wings - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

Take Me Home Country Road - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

PAUL PLAYS FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE - REVISITED

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.

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.

Spamalot - Im All Alone (FULL)

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...