BIRTHDAY REQUIRES TWO DINNERS

Ron, Shawn and Robert Celebrating "Ron's 72nd"

There are times when the event is so large, it takes two celebrations to make it.

Ron's birthday was the 29th of April.  Feeling that one dinner would not do, Shawn took Ron and MOI to Kobe's Steakhouse.  That is the place where they cook the food in front of you, with the chef putting on a show as he slices and dices his way to preparing your order.  The chef also makes a volcano out of onion rings, does some magic and the whole thing lights up and blows alot of smoke.  Sadly, the chef who did his thing for us, was not in a good mood, and the volcano was very 'lame'...

As you can see from the photograph, Ron was decked out for his 'night out'.  Bling to the max.  Don't you just love the dark glasses with the diamonds???

A fun time was had by all and it will go down as a 'night to remember'...

The Kobe dinner was on the 26th, but the real celebration of Ron's 72nd Birthday took place last night at the Waikiki Beach Hotel.  The very same place the old geezer celebrated his birthday in March.

In truth, the picking of the restaurant was easy.  I had received a coupon for a free dinner, if another was purchased at full price.  Being ever so clever with cash, two for one works, and the reservation was made and the outing planned.

Ron is not one to dine early.  The reservation had to be for later in the day.

On the day of his birthday, Ron picked out his outfit with care.  Truth be told, Ron is not someone you would miss in a crowd of people.  Ron loves to dress up with all of his bling.   That means 'large' rings and a rather flamboyant watch, that is said to cost a small fortune.  The whole outfit has to 'work', from the shoes to the pants to shirt.

Knowing that Ron is most colourful, the old geezer splashed out on a present that was sure to stand out.  Early in the month, a visit to a hat shop found the perfect addition to Ron's colourful personality.  Can you believe they make a 'pink' "Panama" hat?  Well, they do, and that was what was got for the birthday boy.

There was not a soul met on the night of birthday that did not comment on the very colourful hat.  It was a hit, both with the public and Ron.  Score one for the old geezer...

The dinner at the hotel was lovely.  Friends of Ron had sent ahead a rather nice vase of flowers for the table, and there was a massive chocolate cake for afters.

Ron being Ron had the waiter cut up the cake and share it with the folks that were sitting next to him.  One of the new found friends was a Marine, with his wife, who was scheduled to ship out in the morning for another hot spot to protect.  The Marine loved the cake so much, he ate my large slice as well.

As is the case with a restaurant that caters to tourists and folks celebrating special occasions, there was a lovely lady taking keepsake photos.  Ron had to have one, in fact he had to have two.  Right dear they are, 15.00 per...

A very 'ALOHA' moment happened.  One that the old geezer has not seen too oft.  A man, not known to Ron at all, bought the photos for Ron, to mark his birthday.  Now that is an "ALOHA" moment.

Upon returning home, it was discovered that another of Ron's friends had dropped off another birthday cake.  A rather grand cake from one of the finest bakeries in town.  Talk about having cake...

Ron promised to scan the photograph from last night's dinner but it was not available when this post was done.  Thought the one of the earlier dinner would add a little flavour to this offering.  Having said that, you need to see Ron wearing his very PINK Panama and you will when the old man scans it to me...

I AM NOT DEAD YET

Robert enjoys birthday dinner

Right, the College of Cardinals did not see fit to elect me the new pope.  I rather thought I would have looked quite grand in red loafers...

The election of Pope Francis was not the only highlight of March.  March is also the birth month of the old geezer.

The year of my birth, March 28th was also Easter.  That could explain much about my life.  I have done a lot of hops during my time on earth.

My special day was very special.  It started with MOI being taken to breakfast by a lovely friend.  We went to Denny's.  Why Denny's?  Because they still give you a FREE breakfast on your birthday and the old geezer did not want his friend to go broke doing breakfast.  Mind, that did not stop MOI from ordering a massive glass of orange juice, which was not included in the FREE breakfast.  It is always a pleasure to share a meal with my good friend James.

The post had delivered a very nice card from dear friends living in Reno, along with a bit of cash.  Always lovely to get cash.  Alan and Paul are ever so nice to the old geezer and it is comforting to know that the long distance has not dampened our friendship.

Friends from round the globe went messages to email and there were lovely comments left on my Facebook page.

During the day of my birthday, Ron, who I share digs with in Honolulu and is a long time friend, had placed a brightly coloured package out for me to find and open.  Was gobsmacked to receive a rather nice personal DVD machine to play films on.  Due to hearing loss, is nice to be able to play the sound at a very high level without bothering anyone else.

Since the old geezer does not eat cake anymore, Ron thought cupcakes would work well.  Gave me the opportunity to share my birthday cake with one and all.  Ron is ever so clever, he thought that since my birthday had fallen on Easter, the yearn born, cupcakes with Easter themed frosting would be quite nice.  The were ever so colourful and all who got them thought they were very tasty.

I also got a bottle of gin.  Boodles, very British...

The day ended with a new found friend taking the old geezer to dinner at the Waikiki Beach Hotel.  There is a restaurant there that feature a three story aquarium, with a mermaid and loads of very colourful fish.

The main draw at the restaurant, besides the massive fish tank, is a buffet.  Regular Babette's Feast it is.  There is quite the selection of food.  Crab legs, three different kind, seem to be the bit hit.  There is also Prime Rib, chicken, pork, pasta, endless salads, fruits, and impressive selection of deserts.

MOI was quite careful in eating, as you can see from the plate in the photo.  Mind, the old geezer did taste quite a few items, but really hit the salads and fruits.  OK, so I might have had a little Prime Rib and past, but it was my birthday.

The host of the dinner party treated to the massive drink you see.  Have to see it when first placed before, when the dry ice is causing it to look like a volcano.  Lovely.  Also had a massive dink in a tumbler called a Tropical Itch.  Comes with a back scratcher...

Needless to say, the old geezer was full of good cheer at the end of the day...

What yesterday made me realize is that life is never over or dull.  There is so much to enjoy.  To be thankful for.

To one and all who made my special day so very special,  my most heartfelt thanks.

Christmas 2012

Back in 2008, the old geezer filmed this bit.  It got massive response.  Might well have been due to MOI being every so 'gay' at Christmas time.  Or the singing...

Now it is Christmas 2012.  While not so large, me spirit is still filled with the sounds of the season.

Back in Hawaii, and it seems ever so right to do this again.

Happy Christmas.  Best wishes to Alan, Paul, Jack, Scott, Pam, Glenda,Ron, James and Chandra, Clive, Harry, Tony, Laura.  Let it just be wonderful for all of the folks known, even if not named,

CHRISTMAS CARD LIST

Robert as Santa - Christmas 2007

I have a list of folks I know all written in a book.
Every year at Christmas I go and take a look.
That is when I realize that these names are a part
Not of the book they are written in but of my heart
Each name stands for someone who has crossed my path sometime
And in the meeting they have become the "rhythm of the rhyme"
While it sounds fantastic for me to add this claim
I really believe I am composed of each remembered name
While you may not be aware of any special link
Just meeting you has shaped my life more than you can think
Once you have met somebody the years cannot erase
The memory of a pleasant word or friendly face
So never think of my Christmas card is just a mere routine
of names upon a list, forgotten in between
For when I send a Christmas card that is addressed to you
It is because you are on the list of folks I am indebted to
You are a part of the total of many folks I have met
You happen to be one of those I prefer not to forget
Whether I have known you for many years or few
In some way you have had a part in shaping things I do
Every Christmas I realize anew
The biggest gift that life can give is meeting folks like you.

My dears, the above newspaper clipping was old when it was sent to MOI in a Christmas Card many years ago. It meant so much to MOI that it became a marker in my diary and it is seen almost daily. Some times it is just moved from page to page but at other times MOI reads it again and thinks of all of the lovely folks who have been a part of his life.

Many Christmas's have been enjoyed in the 60 odd years of life.  One of most remembered is last one spent with John, happy we were, even if we knew he would not be round for the next one.  There is a memorable one in Stockholm, and a few special ones in London.  Am very fond of the one spent in Hilo.  Then there is the one in Marysville, the one James and Chandra came into life.  Christmas makes MOI think back on the lovely times had with Paul.

This year, Ron is holding his annual Christmas Eve Party.  Ron ADORES Christmas, and loves to play Santa to all the folks known to.  May well be a Christmas to remember...

Many of you are 'au fait' with MOI sending E-Cards. Not a holiday or special event passes without a little something being sent to the folks who are special. A small number of folks write back and tell that they NEVER open the E-Cards, they are afraid that it will have a 'virus' but that does not stop MOI from sending them. Many know that it is just my way of letting all know they are thought of. MOI receives many as well and loves each and every one received.