"Thanksgivingkah…a new word in our vocabulary…" 'Judith Whitehead' (Inspiration Sunday)

Some call it Thanksgivekkah, some call  it Chanukah, others call it Hanukkah
 and still others call it Thanksgiving. On Kaua'i  we call it Chanukaua'i.
Judith calls it Thanksgivingkah. No matter what you call it, the bottom is  we
all have  something (s) to be thankful for. Gobble Tov!
Judith Whitehead lives in Amherst N.Y. and has work in the ophthalmology
field of medicine. for almost 35 years.

Thanksgivingkah…a new word in our vocabular

This will be the first and last time we will see such a word that has been going around the universe this week; the clashing of the two holidays, Thanksgiving and Chanukah happened many thousand years ago and will not again happen in our lifetime .  

Our unusual celebration with family and friends started with lighting the Chanukah candles and enjoying the traditional turkey festivities.  Along with our turkey, stuffing and squash came latkas and Chanukah foods.   Both joyous  celebrations to enjoy!

So for this year and this year only…Happy Chanukah, Thanksgiving and Thanksgivingkah to all our friends Jewish and non Jew alike …enjoying the Festival of Lights.

Hana Hou, (Encore) Shared From Facebook...

"What I have..." ' Shirili Green' (Re-posted in memory of Shirili on this Thanksgiving day, this blog originally ran Thanksgiving day 2011.)

Shirili, Mia and Derrick Green

Please note that  that Shirili passed away on June 17,2013.
What a beautiful soul and spirit. She will be sorely missed.

From Shirli's  Facebook page on June 17,2013, her husband posted the following: https://www.facebook.com/shirili.green?fref=ts&ref=br_tf

This message is from Derrick;
 "I would like to thank all who have supported us and been amazing friends during this extremely difficult last few years. Shir lost her battle with cancer today but I am happy that she no longer has to suffer, either from cancer or the treatments. I appreciate all the love and well wishes. Mia and I look forward to you all being a part of our lives for years to come."

This is one of Dakinetalks most read blogs with over 10,000 hits.

In memory of Shirili on this Thanksgiving and Chanukah we would like to revisit and share Shir's story on this day of thanks.

This blog originally ran Thanksgiving day on  November  23,2011

Shalom and Aloha

Thank you to Anchorage Daily News and Marc Lester the photographer who documented Shirili's moving essay with his moving photos as well...
http://community.adn.com/node/158745 (Please watch this slide show) I am not allowed to publish the pictures but am allowed to link you to this, it's powerful,www.adn.com/whatihave

 Shirili, daughter Mia and friends rally for  a cure for cancer...

 In 2007, Shirili Green was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was just 33 years old. After years of treatment, including a double mastectomy, she discovered the cancer had returned in 2011. It  spread to her liver and bones. The cancer, stage IV, is terminal. Shiri writes about the experience of living with the knowledge that she's dying...  May G-d Bless Shrili and her family... Shiri also narrates the enclosed video documentary of her situation; http://community.adn.com/node/158745

It's been nearly eight months since my breast cancer made its return. Eight months ago, I was -- or so I thought -- a healthy survivor. Life was somewhat normal, occasionally interrupted by routine checkups and doctor visits. Though I was aware of the chances of recurrence, I was miserably unprepared for its vigorous come back. Just as my body and psyche were recovering from my first bout with this invasive disease, the cancer was silently spreading over my bones and nesting in my liver. It's a very elusive enemy, I've come to find out.

Four years earlier, I fought cancer for the first time. At 33, I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). My breasts were removed and I went through an aggressive chemotherapy treatment to eradicate an unequivocally aggressive cancer. The invasion of cancer derailed my life, together with the lives of my family and friends. It sent a shock through my physical self, but it didn't stop there. It took everyone for a ride. Our lives would never be the same.

My daughter, Mia, who was just shy of her fourth birthday at the time, learned about cancer and its implications at that very tender age. Of course, at the time, we had one plan and one plan only: to fight and to win. My dear daughter inevitably became an integral part of the effort to rid mommy's body of cancer, and though we did all we could to protect her and provide a stable, normal routine, the cancer was fighting back, and it was insisting on making its vicious appearance. It took several forms, but most were expressed through the ugly side effects of chemotherapy.

In addition to frequent vomiting, there was the endless nausea and fatigue. Soon after I started chemotherapy, my hair fell out. My young daughter who used to play with my long, thick hair now had to get used to mom's bald, shiny skull. Derrick, my husband, who loved my hair, had to watch the woman he loves lose the physical attributes of her femininity. My father's face was filled with agony. My mother and sister put on a brave front for my sake. My friends kept saying I looked great, and though they clearly lied, it was a fib I was happy to hear.

In the next few months, my parents and sister cared for Mia as Derrick and I focused on treating and healing. For a while, the cancer made us think we had won, but we hadn't.

Nearly four years later, the cancer viciously came back. The diagnosis was shocking. Cancer on every bone from pelvis to skull. Cancer in the liver and cancer in the eye. Stage IV. Terminal. Just when I thought I had my life back, the heavenly jurors changed the verdict. Recovery is no longer an option. It's the death penalty this time around. I started to spin, but then I decided to fight.

I was outraged. This can't be! I've done everything I could! It wasn't supposed to come back. But it did, and I had to start living the rest of my life. I had no idea how to do so. How do I move on? How do I find the strength to wake up? But the next day, I woke up. And from there, life took control. I started chemotherapy for the second time, only this time, there wasn't as much hope. There was my indescribably strong will to live, but living seemed less likely and dying inevitable.

About a month after diagnosis, things took a devastating turn. My lungs and the sac around my heart were filling with fluid. It seemed like the end, but it wasn't. After cardiac surgery and a procedure to remove the fluid from my lungs, I began to see some light, and the chemotherapy began to work. Systematically, my body started responding to the chemotherapy, and hope began to rise. Then, four months later, another devastating blow. The cancer found its way to my brain. It spread so fast through my cranium that in four months, I went from no brain metastasis to having too many lesions to count. My brain was literally infested. Once again, we thought it was the end, but, thank God, and thanks to Whole Brain Radiation, it wasn't.

Life must be lived regardless of the cards we are dealt. I never thought I would have to deal with dying in my 30s, but I do. Every morning that I get to wake up, I have to remind myself that it may be my last day. And I want to live each day to its fullest -- I really do! But just as always, life dictates the pace. I've been dealt a death sentence, but for now, the show must go on! Yes, I am fighting cancer, and yes, I will eventually die. For now, however, I get to take my darling daughter to school almost every day. I get to sleep in the arms of my loving husband at night. I get to spend more time with my aging parents, and celebrate life with all those who are dear to me. Can I ask for more? I think so, but I must also be satisfied and fulfilled. The only alternative is to be miserable, and I refuse to go there. I'm determined to enjoy the rest of my life.

I'm still here, and I get to write, and read, and see the leaves turn. I get to change my tires to snow tires. I can go out to lunch and joke with friends (who continue to graciously compliment my appearance). I get to correspond with my daughter's teachers, and sign permission slips for days of fun. I get to see my dogs run in the yard, enjoying the golden falling leaves.

I get to snuggle with my daughter as I put her in bed at night, and sing with her and listen to her sing. I get to play board games with her, and watch her growing up. One day at the time. One day and another and another . . . I get to choose clothes at the store with her, and do homework every night.

I also get to be upset at times, and I even get to be disappointed and sad.

Most importantly, I get to be alive!

For now, I get to live my life.

~ Shirili Green
All photos courtesy of Shirili Green...


May Shirili's soul rest in peace.

T
P.S. This year the Jewish holiday of Chanukah happens to fall on Thanksgiving. Many are call it Thanksgivekkah. Check out the enclosed uplifting Youtube music video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xKomL1j9OI&sns=em

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors and forum participants on this blog site do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Publisher of Dakinetalk the blog, but they could? ;D)

Curiosity..." 'Bettejo Dux' (Pronounce Dukes)

Bettejo Dux has lived on Kaua'i for  over 40 years and is a regular columnist   for the worlds greatest
newspaper, (The Kaua'i Garden Island news) Bettejo is pictured above with friends at Costco
Outdoor cafe.
www.bettejodux.com

Curiosity

"Curiosity killed the cat."

Doesn't that kind'a cliché, sound bite, kind'a make your teeth itch? Who comes up with this stiff? Who spreads it around? It sounds cute, except for that poor little cat, but hey, do you know a dead cat is the most valuable thing in the world?

"What?"
"Nobody can put a price on it."
Fast curtain.

Don't worry, we'll get back to the  furry feline before this is over.

Curiosity is, actually, one of the most delightful of human traits. Think of bright young minds. They ask a zillion questions. Why is the sky blue? Do fingers on both hands always add up to ten? How far away is the moon? Will it fall down someday? Do skyscrapers really scrape the sky? If they don't, why do they call them skyscrapers? Is there really a Santa Claus ? Where do babies and old people come from? Is 2X3 always six? Where'd you hide the cookie jar?

After a few hours of this, I can sort of understand an exasperated adult, in despair, screaming out the dead cat thing. But we mustn't ask our kids to take it seriously. For goodness' sakes don't kill the desire to ask questions. I think that's what we're here to do: inquire. Imagine. Create.

My American Heritage Dictionary, which bumps my shoulder at my desk, defines it as: 1. A desire to know or learn. 3. An object that arouses interest, as by being novel or extraordinary. 4. A strange or odd aspect. It goes on to more esoteric definitions which are interesting, but, did you notice, I left out 2?

There's always a dark side. 2. A desire to know about people or things that does not concern one: nosiness. A gossip.

Someone said, "Bright people talk about ideas, mediocre minds talk about things, simple minds talk about people." I'll buy that.

Scrolling down the page I see Curitiba. Whats Curitiba? A city in southeast Brazil southwest of Sao Paulo. It was founded in 1654 but did not grow rapidly until the late 19th and early 20th centuries when German, Italian and Slavic immigrants began to develop the surrounding area. Population 1,024,975.  That's 1992.

In 2010 it had a population of 1, 760, 500.Wow. Today it is a gorgeous city with a luxurious **** Sheraton Four Points Hotel. The food looks delicious. The city also has one of the World's Greatest Attractions, their Botanical Garden, Jardin Botanico Fanchetta Rischbieter. I'm taking the

tour, smelling the flowers, I'll be right back...

...Oh my gosh.Glorious. Stunning architecture. That Green House...

"Hello, Bettejo?"

"All right, I'm back. What were we talking about?"

"Curiosity."

"Yeahbut you should've seen that city! That hotel. The lobby. The bars. The restaurants. Rooms. Spas. Food..."

"See any cats?"

"I'll go back and look."

"No.

Okay.I was born with an overactive sense of curiosity.  Drove my mother nuts. It's never left me and it's never let me down. Cats or no cats-dead or alive-never step on your kids' inquisitive mind.

I'm outta here. Gonna  miss my flight. Curitiba here I come.

P.S.----Meet disfigured man kissed by pope
http://www.kitv.com/news/national/meet-disfigured-man-kissed-by-pope/-/8905418/23168498/-/12ssp9nz/-/index.html?utm_source=hootsuite&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=kitv

Hana Hou, (Encore) Shared from Facebook...

"Much to be thankful for..." 'Judith Whitehead' (Inspiration Sunday)

Judith Whitehead lives in Amherst New York and has worked in
the ophthalmology field of medicine for over 30 years.
Happy Thanksgivekkah!

Much to be thankful for

This year we will once again gather with good friends and family to celebrate the holiday of Thanksgiving and also Chanukah which hardly ever happens on the same day; it won't happen  again for more than 90 years from now.  

We will greatly miss sharing our holiday thoughts and prayers with our dear mother and mother-in law that have since passed away.  Having just returned from California to lay my mother in law to rest, we feel the emptiness more than ever this year.  We are more than thankful for this holiday to share with the people that mean the most to us and want to wish everyone a happy healthy holiday season; we have much to be thankful for.

Hana Hou, (Encore) Shared from Facebook...

"Time for a "Chow" Break..." 'James "Kimo" Rosen'

 

Rainbows are a common delightful site in Hawai'i, while the UH Rainbow Warriors
aren't quite as delightful...

Editors note, UH lost another one today (11-23-13) to Wyoming,
56-59. This team just cannot win, no matter how many points they score. It really is time for
the coach to step down or be fired.
Read all about the latest game on Hawai'i news Now;
http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/24053247/uh-falls-to-wyoming-in-ot-59-56

Rainbow Warrior Football and Time for a "Chow" Break

Hawai'i doesn't  have a professional football team, therefore  the state makes use of it's college team for the  enjoyment of watching football.

Tickets are expensive and if you want to watch on TV, Time Warner cable charges an overwhelming amount of  
 $75.00 to watch  home games .

A coach is the key ingredient for a winning team. When you examine the NFL teams with  great coaches, they  win most their games, just as business'es with great managers and CEO's make money.

The Rainbow Warrior football team at the time of this writing are 0-11.
Coach Norm Chow is a gentleman and  nice guy, however  as the expression goes, 'Nice guys finish last." It's time to be fed a winning formula and for  Chow to step down.

The players have been fed their  "Chow,"however the chow they have been fed is not working.  

Hana Hou, (Encore) Shared from Facebook...

"Potluck, not for me..." Obama Da Dog' (AKA James "Kimo" Rosen)

A simple plate lunch from Panda Express with fried rice chow mein, steak, shrimp
and a fortune cookie for under $8.00 is much better than the food at most potlucks.

Potluck, not for me

I never understood the concept of potluck parties. Everyone attending is suppose to bring a dish to share with whatever  number of people the host  estimates may attend.  Being a single man, if I get invited to a potluck with 15 people, am I suppose to bring enough entree or dessert for 15 people?  

Potlucks are never fare,  there are the lazy and cheap people who bring chips or prepared food and on the other hand you have the people who bring expensive salads and such delectable items like smoked salmon  entrees. Then there are  people who bring nothing to potlucks, they are usually the couples with 5 kids,  what a deal for them. I find it ironic I can buy a delicious plate lunch for under $10.00 at many decent establishments. After-all why should a single person at a potluck be required to bring enough food for 15-20 people?  

Potlucks were originally intended so the host was not out  a lot of money. However I feel they are unhealthy. You do not know the condition where each guest prepared the meals. One guest may have prepared their contribution on a diaper changing table. Someone else may not practice proper Hygiene and someone else may not know to keep the mayonnaise refrigerated, this could easily lead to many guests   contacting a variety of food poisonings.

In my day, when I was a couple and owned a business we had many parties that were always hosted by us. When I attended parties they were hosted by the host. Although not billed as potlucks I always brought something for the host, a bottle of wine, something from the garden or  a nice gourmet dessert.  

I was taught when you have a party you are the provider, not asking guests to be the provider. I know people who sponsor potlucks just so they can live off the leftovers of everyone's labor.labor. Remember that restaurant  food has to pass FDA guidelines to safeguard patrons from diseases such as e.coli, botulism and salmonella.

I would much prefer to buy a fresh plate lunch, at one of the local Chinese, Thai or Korean restaurants and go to the beach with my dog and a friend or two than attend a potluck with food made at who knows where? Restaurants need to pass inspections, there are no inspections for your friend who makes pickled picks feet in his garage.

Potluck sounds like something that a stoner might say if they found someones stash, "Potluck" Foe me potluck is just that, your testing your luck on whether you get food poisoning or don't. My monies on the traditional  plate lunch with FDA approval.

Potluck, some luck, a little luck or no luck, I'll take my chances on no potluck, did I mention I  don't like potlucks? 

Han Hou, (Encore) Shared from Facebook...

"Dance..." 'Bettejo Dux' (Classic Wednesday)

Bettejo Dux at 83 still strikes a dashing yoga pose.
Bettejo has lived on Kaua'i for over 40 years.
She currently has a regular column in the local newspaper and is the author
of the famous Novella, "The Scam."
www.bettejodux.com

Someone once said, "You don't grow stiff because you grow old, you grow old because you grow stiff." That  makes sense to me.

Just as we're apt to use our brains less-and suffer from dottage, senility and such-so are we apt to use our bodies less. We seem to do lots of couch potatoeing and sitting around in comfy chairs watching the tube or the cars go by. We're  often advised to go to a gym or a spa or take a long walk. Rarely are we advised to find another venue: dance.

We don't have to do a Grand jete-that's a little far out- and many of us over eighty don't look so hot in  pink tutus or purple leotards. I still practice Yoga, but the last time I assumed the plough I had a devil of a time unwinding. There are a lot of Yoga postures I still  do, love to do, but they're far less athletic than they used to was. Besides, unless you've practiced Yoga all your life, you can't possibly be expected to take to the Eagle  in one swell swoop.

I love the Tree and the Lotus and the Child, but what I love better is to dance.

If you're  still on two legs moving, upright-steady as you go and breathing, which is always nice-you can dance. It's one of the most wonderful exercise/pleasures a human being has. You use your entire body, legs, feet, arms, shoulders, hips, neck and head. Your arms can stretch and flutter like a bird. Fingers, hands, wrists moving in symmetry and grace. Your spine can bend, your toes can stretch, your head can bob and tuck and nod. You can move with muscle and sinew and joints to music.-the music of your heart, your mind, the spheres.

You can be Fred Astair or Ginger Rogers or maybe Michael Jackson. Hey, there might even be some modern  rock dandies-there's always Madonna-you can pretend to be. Make it up as you go and, if you croak in the process, it's almost as good as dying with your boots on.

Give yourself space. Give yourself time. Dancing in the aisles of the grocery store is always fun. Everybody loves you and you love them and sometimes others join you. Sometimes the music is delightful. Sometimes challenging.

Whoevers, watching you on the  spy-eye overhead,  pay compliments when you stand in line-still and  sweetly sweating- at the counter. "Boy, can you dance," is not an uncommon remark, even if it's sometimes  bogus.  But heck, I'm sure it's better than keeping a sad and mournful eye on candy-popping shoplifters. And you know, in the privacy of your home, you don't even have to wear clothes? I'm a little reticent to suggest you purchase  fans or pasties,  but the opportunity 's there, if that's your style. Over eighties might wish to avoid  mirrors. And you know what else? It's free.

Come on, ladies-guys, too if you like-dance your way to health, happiness and prosperity.

Hana Hou, (Encore) Shared from Facebook...

"An Indian, Pilgrim and a Rabbi..." 'James "Kimo" Rosen'

James “Kimo” Rosen is a retired professional photographer living in Kapa'a with his
best friend Obama Da Dog, Rosen also blogs as a hobby ...

This blog  also appeared in The Kaua'i  Garden Island news on 11-18-13
http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/guest/an-indian-pilgrim-and-a-rabbi/article_fb236f26-4ff3-11e3-85c3-001a4bcf887a.html

An Indian, Pilgrim and a Rabbi

Thanksgiving is my favorite  holiday since it is not a religious holiday but an American holiday most the time.
This year is different and special for Jewish Americans, Thanksgiving falls on the first day of  Chanukah.

Many  including the national media are  calling it "Thanksgivukkah!" Here on Kaua'i I coined the phrase, "Happy Chanumahaloka." For those not familiar with the Hawai'ian language "Mahalo" means thanks, therefore the combination 'Chanu,'  'Mahalo' and 'Ka,' equals a greeting for a wonderful  thankful holiday! Many Jews on Kaua'i just say happy Chanukaua'i.

The Jews follow a lunar calendar. Since the lunar month is approximately 29.5 days, the Jewish month varies, some months are 29 days and some are thirty. This adds up to an average year of 354 days. The fact that the lunar year is eleven days less than the solar year is problematic. 

The convergence has only happened once before, in 1888, and won't be seen again until 2070 and again in 2165, according to calculations by Jonathan Mizrahi, a quantum physicist at the Sandia National Laboratories in New Mexico. After that, the two holidays aren't set to overlap until 76,695.

The Jews and Indians  were both being religiously persecuted," "both celebrate overcoming a struggle ... and being thankful." Therefore this Thanksgiving will be the most special Thanksgiving.  It will be A day of Thanks and Matzo Balls.

Chanukah is probably one of the best known Jewish holidays, not because of any great religious significance, but because of its proximity to Christmas most years. Many non-Jews  think of this holiday as the Jewish Christmas, adopting many of the Christmas customs, such as elaborate gift-giving and lights.

Chanukah,is also know as the Festival of Lights, The orthodox spell  this holiday Chanukah, the reform spell it Hanukkah.  Either way is acceptable. The orthodox just like  the  "Ch" sound, it just sounds more Jewish that way.

Chanukah celebrates victory from the  Greeks led by the Maccabees in the year 167 B.C. Upon returning to the temple to rededicate the Menorah. The Maccabees found only one small flask of oil, enough to kindle the Menorah for one day. Miraculously, the flask of oil lasted endured eight days, hence the celebration lasts eight days. This is why Chanukah is referred to as the  the Festival of Lights. My mother always said, "the world has it wrong and that the Jews are the ones who should have their homes decorated with lights."

This year a deep fried turkey would be the appropriate way to merge two great holidays. Chanukah tradition is to eat deep fried food in memory of the  lanterns only having enough oil to burn one day,  but lasting eight days. The most traditional food  is a deep fried  potato pancake known as a latke, doughnuts are also popular.

There is also the custom  for the children to play with a  dreidel, a four-sided spinning top with a Hebrew letter on each side. It is used during Chanukah to play  popular children's games. I am thinking of making a dreidel with illustrations of  an Indian, Pilgrim, a Rabbi and a fried turkey  in lieu of Hebrew letters. Meanwhile A 9-year-old boy from New York City invented the "Menurkey" a  turkey-shaped menorah.  

The most wonderfully fun thing about Thanksgiving happening on Chanukah according to comedian Rabbi's is that food has zero calories on this special American-Jewish Holiday.  Enjoy this untroubled tranquil day which comes but  once  in a lifetime, although it would be romantically utopian having Thanksgiving and Chanukah everyday. 

 I have a picture in my head of The pilgrims, Indians and Jews sitting by the menorah feasting on deep fried turkey and Matzo balls while drinking Mogan David wine wishing everyone L'chayim (to Life)

Happy Chanumahaloka, Happy Thanksgivukkah, Happy Chanukaua'i and instead of Amen, let us all say, "Oy vey!"


"As seen in the hard copied edition of the Kaua'i Garden Island news..."

Hana Hou, (Encore) Shared From Facebook...

"Rest In Peace Among The Angels..." 'Judith Whitehead' (Inspiration Sunday)

Judith Whitehead lives in Amherst N.Y. and has worked in the ophthalmology field
of medicine for  almost 35 years. Our condolences go out to Judy's family
on the passing her mother-in-law. (Judy's mother-in-law is pictured above)

Rest In Peace Among The Angels

Today with heavy heart I am preparing to fly out west to lay my sweet mother in law to rest; after 91 years of vivid life she will now join my father in law who pre-deceased her many years ago. 

 She will be well remembered among her friends and family as a loving, caring, giving woman who was an honor to know.  She has always treated me as a daughter all the 45 years I have known her and I will miss our frequent talks we shared every few days . I know she can rest in peace now among the angles.

Hana Hou,(Encore) Shared From Facebook...

"The Horse..." 'Obama Da Dog' (Shared from Facebook)

Young John moved to Village of Hempstead, New York and bought a horse from a Old Farmer for $100.00. The Old Farmer agreed to deliver the horse the next day. The next Day he drove up and said, “Sorry, Son, but I have some bad news, The horse died.”

John replied, “Well, then just give me my money back.”

The Old Farmer said, “Can’t do that. I went and spent it already.”

John said, “Ok, then, just bring me the dead horse.”

The Old Farmer asked, “What you going to do with him?”

John said, “I’m going to raffle him off.”

The Old Farmer said, “You can’t raffle off a dead horse!”

John said, “Sure I can. Watch me. I just won’t tell anybody he’s dead.”

A month later, the Old Farmer met up with John and asked, “What happened With that dead horse?”

John said, “I raffled him off. I sold 500 tickets at two dollars a Piece and made a net profit of $898.00.”

The Old Farmer said, “Didn't anyone complain?”

John said, “Just the guy who won. So I gave him his two dollars back.”

John grew up and now works for the government.

"LOVE THY NEIGHBOR..." 'Bettejo Dux' (Classic Wednesday)

Bettejo Dux has live on kauai over 40 years and is a columnist for the local newspaper along as being the author of the famous Novella, "The Scam." www.bettejodux.com

Did anyone ever wonder why 'devout non believers' like myself always get such a bad rap? Hey, I'm somebody's neighbor, too.

I 'm so lucky, in my green bowl of fresh air, to have the most wonderful neighbors in the world. Two legged. Four legged. Feathered.

There are six houses on my side of the one lane bridge that crosses a recently dried up-stream, and two houses on the other side. When you start down the hill, on a two lane, narrow, twisty old road that was once a side road off the main road to Waimea-by foot or horseback or truck or car or bicycle 0r motorcycle or running in a marathon-you are surrounded by open fields and a jungle growth of buffalo grass and hale koa which Ari loves to munch on. I warn him too much hale koa will make his tail fall off- honest- and I can't afford to buy him a fake one. No vain roan horse wants to be seen without a tail.

On the mauka side of this stretch is a vast all-encompassing vista of everywhere and everything north-eastward. Cloud capped Mt. Kahili reigns supreme and no civilized distraction-house, highway, telephone pole-insults the eye of the beholder. A jungle growth and tottering fence claims ownership of this side. Inside the fence, on a bank that once grew pineapple- the old cannery is just around the corners-I can walk and watch dark rain filled clouds slug slither down the mountain side hell-bent on drenching me, and everything in the valley, to fullness.

If Ari and I and Boots catch sight of this forthcoming disaster we race back to the barn post-haste.

When you reach the bottom of the road and make the hairpin turn you're in paradise. Open pasture-where Duke made his runaway flight- now full of horses...

...horses!

The property was purchased by a mainlander- fenced and harshly gated-with intent to build. But something changed. An old Kalaheo horse- loving family equipped with gorgeous kids leased the property and filled it full of horses. Ari and they talked horse story back and forth across the air space. I love to hear horses talk to each other. They were getting acquainted. I was eavesdropping.

I thought I sensed a jealous speak in Ari's voice. Here were new friend in lush green pasture, which he doesn't have, so quickly made contact with my wonderful new neighbor who gave me permission to let Ari roam and graze. I could hardly wait to turn him loose.

When that day came, first light, I led him over. Opened and closed the gate and told him to go run and jump and play. No other horses were in sight. I kept a vigil. Watched him. And guess what? He careened back down to the gate and called.To me.Paced. He wanted to come home. He loves his home.

Okay. But I love my new neighbors and they love me. if Ari wants to be standoffish that's his problem.

"Misplaced my glasses..." 'Chester "Unc" Lau' (Source)

Chester "Unc" Lau' is a retired cinematographer
living on the island of Oahu and giving politicians a hard time.


Misplaced my glasses.

Yesterday my daughter e-mailed me again asking why I didn't do something
useful with my time. Like sitting around the pool and drinking wine is not
a good thing.
Talking about my "doing something useful" seems to be her favorite topic
of conversation.
She was "only thinking of me" and suggested I go down to the senior center
and hang out with the guys.
I did this and when I got home last night I decided to teach her a lesson
about staying out of my business. I e-mailed her and told her that I had
joined a parachute club.
She replied, "Are you nuts? You are about 80 years old, and now you're
going to start jumping out of airplanes?"
I told her that I even got a membership card and e-mailed a copy to her.
She immediately telephoned me, "Good grief, where are your glasses!
This is a membership to a Prostitute Club, not a Parachute Club."
"Oh man, I'm in trouble again; I really don't know what to do... I signed
up for five jumps a week." The line went quiet and her friend picked up
the phone and said that she had fainted.
Life as a senior citizen is not getting any easier but sometimes it can be
fun.

Hana Hou;

"And The Winner is..." 'Judith Whitehead' (Inspiration Sunday)

Judith Whitehead has works  in the medial field of ophthalmology
for over 30 years. she currently resides in Amherst N. Y.

And The Winner is..


They say you never know when luck will fall into your lap...

I am one who will enter many contests, like my dad who did for his whole life and won many gifts along the way. Yesterday, to my delight and surprise, I was called with the news that I have won 2 tickets to see Jerry Seinfeld perform at Shea's theatre tonight with orchestra seats...this is a sold out show. I can't wait to enjoy his spiel...goes to show you, you never know what tomorrow will bring and never stop entering contests!

P.S.
This story will bring tears to your eyes, an officers last conversation;
http://www.godvine.com/Police-Officer-s-Final-Act-of-Kindness-Caught-on-Tape-Before-Dying-1065.html?utm_source=hootsuite&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=kitv

Food Trucks... James 'Kimo" Rosen (re-run by popular demand)

"Food trucks need to quit charging 5 star prices in a fast food environment..."
This blog original appeared on Dakinetalk blog on 2-24-12 Blog #584
http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2012/02/food-trucks-james-kimo-rosen.html

"Every Food truck I have visited on Kaua'i is priced way to high..."
This blog was published as an opinion article on 03-14-12 in the Kaua'i garden island news.
http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-wednesday-march/article_018dbf4c-6d92-11e1-ac45-001871e3ce6c.html  

Food trucks are known and famous for large portions of ono grindz (delicious food) at very reasonable prices.

Food trucks do not have the overhead of a conventional restaurant, therefore one would think the savings in overhead would be passed onto the consumer as I have witnessed on Oahu.

Every Food truck I have visited on Kaua'i is priced way to high. There's a relatively new food truck I pass by everyday, however after looking at the menu, it was the same old story,  expensive! prices.  
The only thing that looked reasonable was  the kids menu, however you must be 12 or under, isn't that discrimination?
 The icing on the cake is  the audacity to have a mayonnaise jar on their counter in sloppy handwriting that  says "TIPS!". My only tip to these food trucks is lower your prices and think volume or go out of business  trying to get five star prices in a fast food environment.

http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-wednesday-march/article_018dbf4c-6d92-11e1-ac45-001871e3ce6c.html

Editor's note, Dakinetalk guest bloggers do not necessarily represent the opinions of dakinetalk. Guest bloggers are given space to express their beliefs and or opinions. We feel there are many roads and like to give people space to express their thoughts,after-all that's what dakine is...Aloha, James "Kimo" Rosen, Publisher.

"Oh What a Wonderful World ..." 'Chester Unc Lau' ----Unc is the source of this wonderful story...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPcgM1MnDnI  listen to this classic!

Grandson of slaves, a boy was born in a poor neighborhood of New Orleans, known as the "Back of Town".
His father abandoned the family when the child was an infant. His mother became a prostitute and the boy and his sister had to live with their grandmother. Early in life, he proved to be gifted for music and, with three other kids, he sang in the streets of New Orleans and his first gains were the coins that were thrown to them.

A Jewish family, Karnovsky, who had immigrated from Lithuania to the USA , had pity for the 7-year-old boy and brought him into their home. Initially given 'work' in the House, to feed this hungry child. Then he remained and slept in this Jewish family where, for the first time in his life, he was treated with kindness and tenderness. When he went to bed, Mrs. Karnovsky sang him a Russian Lullaby that he would sing with her.

Later, he learned to sing and play several Russian and Jewish songs. Over time, this boy became the adopted son of this family. The Karnovskys gave him money to buy his first trumpet; as was the custom in the Jewish families, they sincerely admired his musical talent. Later, when he became a professional musician and composer, he used these Jewish melodies in compositions, such as St. James Infirmary and Go down, Moses.

The little black boy grew up and wrote a book about this Jewish family who had adopted him in 1907. In memory of this family and until the end of his life, he wore a star of David and he said that it is in this family that he had learned "how to live real life and determination. ''


This little boy was called Louis
Armstrong.

What a wonderful world !!

"THE WORLD IS ALIVE.." 'Bettejo Dux'-----Bettejo is a columnist in the Garden Island newpaper and author of the Novella, "The Scam."www.bettejodux.com

...with the sound of nature. A song that's been sung for a thousand years. This world fills my heart with the sound of nature. My hearts wants to sing every song it hears.

Oh, boy, I really got going this morning. The roosters in the Kalaheo hillside were out in force. I've heard roosters only crow when they've been awakened by a light. One sees a light, wakes up another rooster-who probably hasn't seen the light- and pretty soon the scattered flock is chiming in, sounding up, and joining the chorus.

If that's true, we woke them first. That's a switch.

They don't write letters to the Forum complaining. Guess I'll have to do it for them. I stand staunchly on the side of the rooster. Turn out the darn lights. Probably some drunk coming home late.

I think I'm lucky I live in old Hawaii. Surrounded by lots of open space. Cleanest, freshest air. Green hillsides full of cattle, horses, goats. Birds a twitter- when twitter was a sound and not a space in cyber. "The sound of cattle mooing is a comforting sound," my neighbor once said. I like that. Once a bellering mama cow, trying to give birth, kept the entire neighborhood up all night. We were all relieved- and delighted- when a healthy happy baby boy plopped out at glorious sunrise in a grassy green pasture. His mama was vey proud,.She licked him dry, and soon he was up and on his wobbly feet slurping breakfast.

We named him Sunny.

He lived a short fat life of luxury. Free. Fed. Watered. Loved. He gamboled. Then we grocked him to fullness. His parting was swift. Painless. I won his liver. Oh, my, does anyone remember the taste of grass fed calf liver? You have't lived.

Soon at a little ladiys' afternoon party-back when I was doing 'little lady'- the right red or white stemmed wine glasses, little fingers coiled, hair coifed, beef liver pate on a porcelain plate-a darling feral piglet, in broad daylight, invited itself in. I was proud of my guests. Not one of them fainted. We fed it crackers and cheese, it had such a soft little piggy snout, and soon trotted off to find his mama when she snorted.

And you want to talk about bird noise in the morning? Back in Transpac days with a rollicking frolicking drunken fleet of drunken sailors-boys and girl-awoke hungover to the max in Lahaina and those blankety blank mynahs- at least a zillion of them in- in the Monkey-pods hastened all us hung over morning after nuts-quckly to the bar at the Pioneer Inn to ease the pain. Pushing through the crow of groaning staggering mankind I threw rocks at the trees and swore. When I was racing with my husband I could swear in fourteen languages. Sailors swear.

I'm getting better. I only swear, under my breath, at Kauai Rooster haters.

I will defend, to the death, the rights of sleep deprived roosters, to crow. So there.

"Death, taxes and eating organic..." 'James "Kimo" Rosen' This blog also appeared as my column in the 11-05-13 , Kaua'i garden Island news

http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/guest/death-taxes-and-eating-organic/article_a9d4fa5e-4508-11e3-b02a-0019bb2963f4.html

Death, taxes and eating organic

If carbonated beverages, hot dogs, french fries and fried chicken also known as comfort foods were known as healthy alternative foods would you eat them more often? How many people actually given the choice between the perfect french fries or carrot sticks, would choose carrot sticks? My guess is the majority would prefer french fries? 

Recently  a big box store sold a batch of organic berries from Oregon where 87 people nationwide including  5 people in Hawai'i  contacted the  Hepatitis A virus.
http://www.komonews.com/news/health/Hepatitis-A-linked-to-frozen-berries-sickens-Washington-211038151.html

Sometimes eating organic really is not that healthy after all. There have been numerous accounts of organic produce, meats and poultry being recalled for salmonella, botulism, E.coli  and many other life threatening diseases. I have never heard of a GMO being recalled, but that's for another column.

Pesticides can be used in the growing of “organic” vegetables and fruits, and often are. They just must be derived from natural sources, not synthetically manufactured. My question, is this any better? Not to me.  Just because it’s a “natural” pesticide,  doesn't necessarily mean it’s safer or even good for you. For further reading check out the article;"Eating Organic may be harmful-  the truth behind organic produce."
 http://www.elephantjournal.com/2013/03/eating-organic-may-be-harmful-the-truth-behind-organic-produce-doug-smith/

Did you know that the french fries at Burger King  are cooked in trans fat-free vegetable oil and do not contain animal products,while the side salad ranch dressing alone has 240 calories--ironically, making the value sized  french fries with 200 calories a more healthy alternative to a side salad and dressing.

My brother in laws brother a strict vegetarian for many years and the poster child for eating healthy died a young man at age 53 from Leukemia. An obese friend of mine who ate almost anything  she desired her whole life lived into her mid 80's.

What really aids longevity? Some say happiness, some say diet, some say genetics? Nobody can answer why a smoker may live longer than a non smoker, or why a junk food junkie can live longer than a someone practicing a strict vegan or vegetarian lifestyle.

Kauai has a huge alternative vegan and vegetarian culture believing they are living a healthier lifestyle. For some it may be true, for others it may not. There are people that need the proteins from meat, poultry and fish to function optimally, while others can get by without.

The answer seems  different with everyone.
Is it possible many things we know are wrong concerning health? Could it be that the all American hot dog is the new health food? Remember one mans meat is another mans poison.

I recently saw a bumper sticker that said, "Try organic food...or as our grandparents called it, "Food!" My favorite organic food joke; the wife says to the produce manager,"these vegetables are for my husband, have they been sprayed with any poisonous chemicals?" The produce manager replies, "No, ma'am,you'll have to do that yourself." 


Whether it's fat free, sugar free, or gluten free, or whether your a carnivore, vegetarian , vegan, hot dog junkie or keep kosher. One things for sure-- death, taxes and eating organic, nobody's getting out of here alive.

Hana Hou, (Encore) Shared From Facebook...

"The Elderly Need Advocates..." 'Judith Whitehead' (Inspiration Sunday)

Judith Whitehead pictured above with her 94 year old father, Bert.
Judith lives in Amherst New York and has worked in the ophthalmology field of
medicine for over 30 years and counting...

The Elderly Need Advocates

The elderly need an advocate to be their mouthpiece
I have worked with the elderly population for many years in the medical field, have a bachelors degree
in Gerontology and  have seen people suffering from dementia in many stages.
Recently my elderly dad became very ill with a blood infection, high fever and Kidney infection; he was
taken to the ER for diagnosis and treatment.  Being 94 yrs old, confused and with some dementia he was
combative and scared.  Within 12 hours he was in a room to begin treatment for his sepsis; the quickest
mode of treatment was with IV antibiotics  and hydration.   The next morning he declined to drink any
fluids, was tired of having his veins collapse and was very angry.  His case was given to a “hospitalist”
which is who  inpatients are now assigned when entering a hospital for care.  She spent a very short
time with him and made a judgement call…she decided to call palliative  and  hospice in for a consult
with the family; in other words, make him comfortable,  and not treat his infection.  Needless to say, I was livid.
In no uncertain terms I informed her we would not be giving up on his so easy;  we started an oral pill
the next day.  He began to respond, feel better, lost his fever and his white count dropped after a few
days to the normal level.  He began to eat hearty meals and was able to return to his assisted living
facility in 4 days.
The hospitalist made a judgement call.  Do we look at the elderly now as disposable; are they no longer
going to receive the best care first before giving up on them?  Do we feel their lives are no more
important than a 50 year old with the same symptoms? I can see if he had had an ailment that was not
reversible; I can see if extraordinary   measures were being asked of us; they were not. He merely had a
bad infection that could have been treated and by God it was.

His life may not be a bed of roses; true his mental capabilities are not what they used to be and he has
limited motion but was by no means ready to pack it in yet.

I hope health care is not veering  in this direction;  I hope our concern for cost effective measures do not
outweigh the compassion and concern for our elderly that they so greatly need.  We are all going to live
longer lives with the medical advances available today; we had better learn to make better calls when
evaluating our senior patients. It’s a scary world out there if you are alone and elderly; line up an

advocate to be your mouthpiece in advance for these occurrences’ for they happen without warning.

Hana Hou, (Encore) Shared from Facebook...