MOI - N'EST-CE PAS?

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.

Wig Looks Like Mop head

Lacking anything regal, as in British, the old geezer thought he would look rather smart decked out in something French.  The Palace of Fontainebleau, must have been on mind, as I took to the 'french' look completely.

Life is So Hard

It did not take much to get the old geezer in Fancy Dress.

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...

WAIKIKI FLAT COMES TOGETHER...

 For several weeks, seems like a lifetime, I have been renovating my flat in Waikiki.  It is coming along nicely, and I thought I would share the progress, as we come into the home stretch...

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.

 In a corner of the large living area, I have set up a computer area.  The folding screen behind the table is to block a view into my flat by folks walking by the windows on landing.

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.

 I took time to sit in one of the comfy chairs, to show off the bronze bust I have on the column.

 Here I am approving of the placement of the massive telly.  Not that I watch much.

 View of kitchen area from the front door.  The table and chairs were a steal and work well with the space of the kitchen.  Not crowded at all.  There is even a leaf to the table....

For my smart candle lit suppers....

 Another view of the kitchen.  Check out the tile floor and the massive icebox...

 The bed is a massive mahogany one, with a nice design in the head board.  It is for a full mattress.  At present I am using a twin.  Well, I sleep alone.....

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....

 Another view of the bedroom.  Artwork hung and a nice chest of drawers.

 The plan was to hang drapes on opening of the closet.  The set came with red center.  Upon reflection, I thought it was too gay....

Bought another set of matching drapes.  Much better.

Will end this presentation with a snap of one old geezer standing next to a bronze bust of another ancient...

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...

GOT TO LOVE THE LIKELIKE

One of the first roads travelled on when returned to islands.  Made me realize that I had passed over into paradise.....

Taking it one step further, Ron and I went to the LikeLike Drive in on first night and had a real LOCAL meal.  Talk about feeling 'home'.

Did I mention the weather is wonderful?

HAWAII CALLS

45 years ago, this old geezer heard the call of Hawaii.  The spirit of Aloha brought me to Waikiki many times over the years and even had me living on Oahu for 7 years at one point in me charmed life.  Were I to tell of the wondrous things seen and heard over the years would take far more time than the space here would allow.  There has been much change, in the islands and this old geezer, we are both not what we once were but the magic of younger days still is there.

After some sad times, this old geezer will return to the Land of Aloha, to make it home for the rest of days.  I have found that place which I want to die.  Mind, it is hoped that my departure from the land of the living is quite a bit of time off.

This old geezer is not unique.  There are many who have heard the call of Hawaii.  In the past, this old geezer has met and listen to the tales told of what brought folks to visit Hawaii.

Many come on holiday.  How grand it is to get away from the cold.  Some come for a week, others for longer periods.  How long the holiday lasts is dependent on the cash in the pocketbook.

Then there are the snowbirds, folks lucky enough to decamp the cold and spend the winter in the sun.  They come from Alaska, Canada and most of the states on the mainland that experience harsh winters.  Some of the folks have loads of cash and can rent condos for their holiday, others get weekly deals in budget hotels and then there are the backpackers.  Mostly young folks who feels that it is still possible to live off the land.  Just pitch a tent and all is right in the world.  Some even have visions of sleeping on the beaches.

Some folks land in Hawaii with very little cash.   They have come to experience ALOHA and feel that all will sort self out.  Sadly, it is not possible to come to Hawaii with no coin in pocket, and while there is much Aloha, these are also mean times and there is not much cash to give to folks in need.  All very sad to see good folks fall on hard times and one wonders what happens to some of them.

There are folks who come to Hawaii in search of jobs.  No clue what runs through the minds of some who feel that Hawaii is filled with jobs just waiting to be filled.  The hard economic times on the mainland have hit here as well.  Most who have been here long time, tend to have more than one job to make ends meet.  It may be the Land of Aloha, but it is bloody dear to live here.

Truth be told, the folks who come to Hawaii to soak in the spirit of Aloha and have adventures in a most wondrous place are the ones who come away from a Hawaiian Holiday much the richer.  They return to regular life much refreshed by what has been experienced here and with the magic of Hawaii deeply implanted into them, they will return again and again to drink from the well of Aloha.

This old geezer is blessed to be able to wake up each day to another life experience in Hawaii.  To soak in the warmth of the people and marvel at all of nature's wonders.  Trust me, I know how fortunate I will be.

I hope that Hawaii continues to call to folks.  With any luck, folks will come to Hawaii without 'great expectations and see it for what it is.  Mind, that in and of itself is grand...

RON ADORES CHRISTMAS

Ron at annual Christmas Party

Ron LOVES Christmas.  Each year he plans a massive party.  Everyone who attends leaves with a present and some lucky folks ever get special door prizes.

The big event is Christmas Eve and Ron is busy setting the stage for his Christmas Blowout.  Every year has a theme.  Rumour has it that the theme this year is; 'Even The Gods Celebrate Christmas'.

LAURA ADORES HALLOWEEN

Laura, that would be the lovely lady dressed as a Playboy Bunny, reminded me that this is her most favourite holiday.  Must run in the family.  The HUGE woman in the center of the snap is her brother Ron and the lady with the Balloons is her sister Stwyla.

Waikiki can be rather fun on Halloween.  The visiting party seekers buy into the fun massively.

Rumour has it that Ron is having a sale of costumes and more than like will sit down in car park until he gets all of the cash available from last minute shoppers.

Fond memories...

PUSSIES READY TO ATTACK BIRDS

As if having 7 pussies were not enough, Ron informs me that he now has 15 birds, locked in cages, stacked in the living room of his flat.  Does he not know that pussies and birds do not mix?

Gobsmacked I am at the ever growing zoo at Ron's flat.  Makes me think he is in competition with his sister Laura who has 15 pussies, 3 dogs, one-eyed rabbit and a gerbil.

Who has the time to take care of all of these animals, much less the cash to feed.

You do realize that I loathe pussies...

SAD BUT UNTRUE TALE

Local man Jim Trevarthen was once a surf instructor on Hawaii's renowned Waikiki Beach but now he is one of the many homeless people who are being moved away from Hawaii's renowned tourist areas. 

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-2751058/Honolulu-bans-sitting-lying-sidewalks-Waikiki-drive-homeless-tourist-hubs.html#ixzz3D1w7aoYg
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Was gobsmacked to see the photo of this man in article in Daily Mail.  This homeless man is well known to the old geezer.

One might almost blame Jim for being the reason the new laws were passed.  Allow me to enlighten the reader.

Daily I would go for a long walk on the beach in Waikiki.  There was a space containing some benches near the road and upon one would sit Jim.  Long before you came right up on, you could smell the foul odor that came from the bench that Jim sat upon.  It was a mixture of filth and urin and booze.  Right nasty it was.

Being the sort of person who chats with folks, it came to pass that I would strike up a conversation with Jim.  Jim can be personable when he wants something, and Jim saw me as a new victim to get cash from to supply his need for Alcohol.  That did not happen, although I did buy him a sandwich.

Days became weeks that became months and Jim never left his place on the bench.  He had got so good at working the system that social workers would come and deliver his medications, along with toilet articles and fresh clothes from time to time.

It got so bad that I could no longer contain meself.  I walked up one day and asked why he did not seek help, stop drinking or at least give his body a much needed cleaning.  He became angry and told me that I was dressing him and he did not want to hear 'negative' comments on his behaviour.

Jim is well known to police.  Hell, he is well know to all social agencies in Honolulu.

Jim begs for spare change.  Jim is very clever at getting large amounts from tourists, with the promise that will use the cash to better self.  Right, when Jim gets a good score, he gets folks to go to store and buy him the alcohol.  Drinks himself silly.  Mind, he uses the grass to pee and has been know to do the 'poo' there as well.  The smells do not seem to bother him.

There have been several times that Jim's condition became so severe that he had to be taken to hospital.  They would dry him out and at least twice placed him in a 'home' that was off the street, was clean and safe.  That never lasted too long.  Too far from the tourists to beg from.

One would be shocked at the enormous pile of cash that has been spent on 'helping' Jim.  Nothing works as Jim likes the lifestyle.

Waikiki is a dream vacation for many and having to deal with harden homeless alcoholics like Jim ruin the 'trip of a lifetime'.  No local or tourist should have to deal with the likes of Jim.  It is about time that measures were taken to drive Jim and his sort off the street and into programmes suited for turning lives round.

What bothers me most is there are folks who buy into the tales of woe that Jim and other homeless folks tell.  A little checking with local police or social agencies would lay waste the lie.

Truth be told, the article should have given Jim credit for getting the new laws passed.  He is the perfect 'poster child' for the the law.

PLATE LUNCHES WITH MUCH ALOHA

Plate Lunch to die for

Potato and Taco Salads

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

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

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

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

Robert with his plate lunch

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

Paul is gobsmacked at large plate

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

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

Anna and Robert -  Friend and Organizer

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

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

Val- One of the cooks and my friend

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

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

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

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

Musubi anyone????

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

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

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

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

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

I GIVE MYSELF PERMISSION TO HAVE A GOOD DAY TODAY!

Right, it is not Oklahoma but who can deny that the message is quite clear?

Rather than regret the arrival of another day, this old geezer faces the day with much promise.  What wonders will unfold this day?   Where will life's journey take one?

I am going to have a most excellent adventure today.  Will you?

MAY DAY IS LEI DAY

Will long remember running a Lei Stand with a good mate.  What is not to like about making folks feel happy?

IS IT COLD FOR YOU???

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

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

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

Best weather on the planet some say...

ROBERT AND MOST COLOURFUL FRIEND

Robert and Russell AKARoxanneAKARocky

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I can do that...

HOMELESS VET DESERVES BETTER

Whatever the reason that retired MSG James Finney is homeless does not negate the fact that we as a society should owe him a debt that can not be paid.

Retired MSG James Finney gave 20 years honorable service to this country.

There is no doubt that there are issues at play that gave cause to retired MSG Finney finding himself living on the street and sleeping on a bus stop bench.

Retired MSG James Finney is neither an alcoholic or drug addict. Retired MSG James Finney has lived in Waikiki most of his time in Hawaii, and that period goes back some 25 years. Why is it that housing, with a little help and understanding, can not be found for retired MSG Finney in the community he feels a part of? Why is the only option to bunk down in a programme loaded with ex-servicemen who are unable to deal with life without drugs or alcohol. OR, to sleep in a homeless shelter totally unsuited to his needs.

Having come to know retired MSG James Finney, I know that he is not looking for a free ride, just a little help in getting into an affordable housing situation that he can cope with due to his medical proplems.

A LITTLE HELP AND UNDERSTANDING. Not $30,000.00.

I have no doubt that IHS and USVETS do some good in helping the homeless. The homeless that who get all of the attention.

Retired MSG James Finney gave much to this country. We, each and everyone of us, owe him help and support, in his hour of need.

Call me stupid but if we can not help a valued retired MSG, who can we help.

Retired MSG James Finney reminds me that he is not 'homeless', just housless. This is due to his belief that 'home' is where the 'heart' is. Retired MSG James Finney has a great heart, witnessed by his 20 years of honorable service to this country.

LAURA IS A LOT OF ALOHA

Laura's Massive ALOHA

Did one ever doubt that the old geezer knew folks who were 'larger than life'???

The snap featured is of my lovely friend Laura, sister to another person known to.  To say that there is a story to tell would be putting it mildly.

I first met Laura some years back when she was in hospital fighting a nasty infection.  Laura is a massive woman and required a very large hospital bed.  Although she had been in hospital for some time, Laura was quick with a laugh and seemed delighted to have met another new person.  I remember we chatted for some time and then I left, not to come upon her for a number of years.

Waikiki is a small place and it was only a matter of time before I would run into Laura again.  Laura is a wee bit crazy when driving herself round in her mobility chair and it was at one of her brother's famous 'yard sales' that we re-connected.  Laura has lived in a small flat just blocks off the beach for years.

What started out as a kindly gester to visit one trapped in a mobility chair and living alone, turned into on-going visits that were a source of cheer to both Laura and me self.  Truth be told, Laura can be quite entertaining.  Laura is well read, surfs the Internet on her mobile daily and loves to watch reality shows on the telly.  Add a rather colourful life lived and you have endless hours of chin wagging to do.

The snap of Laura on the beach is a bit dated.  Laura is so much larger today.  At 4'10", Laura weighs in at near 400 pounds today.

The old geezer has had his problems with weight.  Bloody hell, at the largest, it was over 400 pounds for my frame as well.  Fat, for the old geezer, came late in life, but it was still a huge burden to carry.  When the lamp came on to take off the fat, it was over time and due in large part to a complete change in the way groceries are viewed. 

Truth be told, Laura's weight repulsed and frightened me.  So unsure of being able to keep the same thing from happening to me again.  I said some rather unkind things to Laura about her weight.

The odd thing about friendship is that it either overcomes the negative and grows into something beautiful of withers up and dies as a weed.  My ever growing friendship with Laura has allowed me to accept Laura just as Laura is.  Most of my willingness to see Laura is a positive light is due in no small measure to the sort of person Laura is.

Plagued by multiple health problems, Laura has still continued to find beauty in her world and to add love to it.

Laura took in a rabbit that no one wanted.  The old geezer thinks the rabbit looks evil, with one dead pink eye looking at one.  Laura loves the rabbit and cares not a fig that the rabbit is odd looking.  Laura took in a guenia pig that no one wanted.  Then there is FEBE, her rather large and very weird dog.  FEBE has a tail that wags so hard that when one is hit with it, it feels like whiplash.

Then there are the cats.  6 living in the flat and one male cat that wanders the neighbourhood feeding from one and all.  Did I not mention in the past that I loathe cats?

Laura plans her day round the needs of her pets.  Feeding, watering and cleaning up after is a very complicated process that takes hours of her day.  It is Laura's labour of love that she performs without complaint each and every day.  Laura loves her animals and in turn the love Laura unconditionally.

I adore Laura.  Like the old geezer, Laura is not without baggage, can be rather hard to take at times.  At the end of the day, Laura has a heart full of joy.  She still wants desperately to believe that folks have value, even the ones that have shat on her in the past.

Laura lives on a small social security check.  A good part of that small check goes to feed and care for her 'family'.

Laura is very clever.  She knows that the weight is not healthy.  Like I said, Laura loves her groceries.  So comfy am I with my ability to deal with food, is no longer bothers me that Laura eats more than required.  Some think of the old geezer as an enabler.  I do go to market and get food for Laura.  If I did not, someone else would.

Whatever faults Laura has, does not negate the fact that Laura is a very loving person and tons of fun to be with.  Truth be told, Laura keeps the old geezer so amused and depression is not a constant companion of late.

Laura's brother is having another one of his 'yard sales' today.  Rather think the old geezer will have to go and see of there are any items of clothing for Laura.  You never know what you will find.  Gobsmacked I have been in the past to come on items Laura was able to transform into a serviceable MU MU.

There you have it.  Another look into the world of Robert and the different sorts of people one meets in the walk through life...

SAME DOOR - DIFFERENT 'ME'

Robert - October 2012

Robert - May 2013

Allow the old geezer to brag...

WE CAN NOT LET JAMES DIE

After weeks in hospital with a painfully swollen leg, my friend James is once again back out on the street, in a wheelchair and a whole lot worse for wear.

Loaded up with pain killers, medicine to fight infection and his blood pressure medication, James is finding it more and more difficult to get around and to find a comfortable spot on the bus stop bench to try and rest.  Truth be told, James is looking more fragile than ever.

The old geezer spent hours on Saturday trying to convince James that he needs to get into some sort of programme and end his life on the street.  He is now more at risk than ever before.  My fear is that James will die on that bench and no one will discover him until he has grown cold.

Whatever the mental condition of James, he is not an alcoholic or a drug abuser.  James' biggest problem is that he believes that he needs to care for another homeless person and if he leves the street, this homeless person will do himself in.  Fact of the matter is, this younger homeless person has tried to kill himself before, latest time was before Christmas last, almost did it, but lived and spent 40 days in hospital coming back from the grave.

James needs help now.  James is 70 years old and quickly sliding deeper and deeper into a high risk situation that could cause him to die.  The swollen leg is not improving.

This day, the old geezer stripped off the old bandage and applied lotion to the leg.  Peeled off lots of dead skin and re-applied a bandage to the leg.  Got James to take all of his medicine and made sure he had water and something to eat.

James promised that he would get to a store and purchase some socks for his feet, get some sort of footwear and other items he needs to cover some of his medical problems.  Like adult diapers.  James can not always get to a toilet and the diapers help him cope.

James is in need of some sort of respite, he can not continue to do without sleep and proper care.  James knows that my good friend Marc Alexander, with IHS, is aware of his condition and willing to work with him to get him some sort of help.  James is also aware that I have made Care-A-Van aware of his condition.  James is leary of authority, afraid to be placed in a situation where is is unable to get about.  However strong his dislike of authority, James is also aware that he can not continue as he is.  That the situation of his caring for another homeless person is not healthy for him.

If I have learned anything in doing good deeds, it is that you can not help everyone.  Some homeless are not reachable.  You have to try with the ones you feel can still be reached.  I believe James is still reachable, it will not be easy, but it can still be possible for James to become more safe than he is at present.

I am going to forward this post to Marc Alexander at IHS.  I am going to forward this post to Care-A-Van.  I will also forward this post to any number of other folks who do outreach to the homeless.  I will be padantic with members of the local newspaper and the mayor and a state senator.  This post will find its way to two sites that deal with the homeless condition.

I can not save the world.  I can stop and take the time to help one person, hoping that one person will find relief from suffering.  James is my friend.  James is also my responsibility as a member of society, the same society I am a part of.  His life matters.