"The Value of a Greeting Card..." 'Judith Whitehead' (Inspiration Sunday)

Judith Whitehead  lives in Amherst, N.Y. and has
worked in the ophthalmology field of medicine for
over 30 years. Today she talks about the good ole greeting card!.

Enjoy!

The Value of a Greeting Card

It seems the greeting card business has declined over the last few years; with the cost of postage rising, this weekend, in fact, many people have gone to sending e-cards over the Internet. 

WE now have a huge forum for greeting people over the electronic waves. Through Facebook and other venues we no longer have to send a REAL paper card for occasions, so many people think, I for one, still enjoy choosing a card for birthdays, holidays etc and personally mailing it to the person.  It still gives pleasure to open up a mailed card and feel and read it.  

My late mother in law always loved getting mail from us; there is a certain brand of card made by Papyrus that have very intricate covers to their cards and she so enjoyed studying them and collecting them.  We found that out when we had to clear out her apartment after she passed and found all the cards we had ever sent her collected and displayed. 

I will be one of the hold outs when it comes to mailing cards; it is still good etiquette to show someone you care and remind someone you still appreciate them.  The Internet will be with us for ever more and hopefully so will the greeting card business. 

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

"The good ole days..." 'James "Kimo" Rosen'

Waiting for da bus Hawaiian style at Keali'a bus stop,
sure beats waiting  for a bus anywhere else in the world.

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...

The good ole days

There is a frequently asked question in Hawaii, "How long have you lived here?" I use to despise that question since it is usually asked in an arrogant way. I was always under the influence that  a person who actually moves her on their own free will  is actually  here by choice, whereas a person born here that never left is only her because because their parents conceived them here.

Fast forward 15 years later and I am now asking the question myself. I am also cussing the "F " and "H" words behind my breath every-time I am in traffic caused by visitors and an overflow of rental cars causing a traffic jam.(even though I am "F-H" person myself )

I recently made the rounds on the Kaua'i bus to my doctor and  run a few errands. I have not used the bus much the fast few years and to my dismay the buses are  overcrowded. Like the airlines, seats are closer together giving you no personal head space between you and the people sitting in front, behind you and next to you. As my luck would have  it, the person in the seat behind me was a chronic cougher who do not cover her mouth.

My Doctors office was filled with out of town walk-ins causing a 90 minute wait. This used to be a small ma and pa doctors office used by  the community, now with tourism at an all time high I cannot even go to my doctors office without tourists and large crowds.

The public pool is no longer like cheers bar where it used to be a place where everyone knew your name and  they were glad you came. No longer are there the friendly hello's, head nods and small talk. Everyone is waiting for a lane to swim laps, and yes most lanes are now occupied by visitors.

I no longer recognize as any people  at the grocery store and the wait at the checkout lane is out of control.

Restaurants are charging an arm and leg and the quality of  food does not reflect the high prices being charged. The restaurants make money off visitors  with no worries about return business. Most restaurants after 7:00 P.M cater  primarily to   visitors. There is no incentive for our restaurants or food trucks to pass on reasonably priced meals since tourism is peaking and every night there will be new people, here today gone tomorrow. No need  for restaurants to be concerned with repeat business, since  new visitors come everyday replacing the ones from the day before.

Real estate is out of control. many locals living 2 and  generations in a small home. A fixer upper home in Hanamaulu on Kauai can cost upwards of 500,000 with no garage or basement. Hanamaulu is no resort, more a working class neighborhood.

The only thing that hasn't changed I cannot write about or talk about, since soon it will be discovered by the masses and I will be neglected for a more wealthy looking visitor.

I understand why locals are disturbed, I have only been here 15 years and can hardly believe my eyes on the changes and overcrowding.

Times are a changing, it's time for more roads, more hiking trails,  more franchise restaurants like Olive garden, Red Lobster,  Red Robin, In and out Burgers and some good cheap buffets. For now I'd settle for a nice Wendy's with a salad bar.

Things will never be what they were, everything changes for the good and the bad.For  many reading this,  these are the good ole days,  for me and the people of my generation the good ole days are gone. I sure miss them

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

"Blind Date..." 'Obama Da Dog' ( Source)

Obama Da dog wishes to share this joke about blind dates.
Obama just wants to make you laugh, hopefully out loud!  ;D)

Blind Date

Joe took his blind date to the carnival. "What would you like to do first, Kim?" asked Joe.

"I want to get weighed," she said. They walked over to the weight guesser, and he guessed 120 pounds. She got on the scale. It read 117, so she won a prize.

The couple then went on the Ferris wheel. When the ride was over, Joe again asked Kim what she would like to do.

"I want to get weighed," she said.

Since they had been there before, the weight guesser guessed her correct weight, and Joe lost his dollar.

The couple walked around the carnival and again he asked where to next. "I want to get weighed," she responded.

Joe decided Kim was weird and took her home early, dropping her off with a handshake.

Her roommate, Laura, asked her about the blind date, "How'd it go?"

Kim responded, "Oh, Waura, it was wousy."

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

"Mashed Potatoes..." 'Bettejo Dux' (Classic Wednesday)

Bettejo Dux has lived on the cosmic Garden Island of Kaua'i for over 40 years.
Bettejo is a regular columnist in the Garden Island news and is the author of the
famed novella, "The Scam."
www.bettejodux.com

Above photo; Bettejo Dux on far right holds a sign that says, "Live in Harmony," at the recent Martin Luther King Day celebration at Kuku'i Grove center in Lihu'e.

Mashed Potatoes

"When I was a little girl," I said, "the serving ladies at school called me 'mashed potatoes'. 'Get ready here comes  mashed potatoes,' was the cry down  line.

"I loved mashed potatoes and, I guess,  'cause I was little and skinny, they decided to fatten me up. I'd leave the counter with a tray almost too heavy for a runt to carry."

"Oh gawd, it's gonna be a story."

"Shut up and munch."

"Ten to one she'll divulge a recipe," he munched.

"You're on," another muncher munched. "Good thing. They're delicious."

'When was the last time you baked anything?"

"That's why I brought  this beautiful lady."

His beautiful lady rolled her eyes. "That and uncorking the wine and making the bed and cleaning  house. I like red better

than white with these things. Can I call a Cab?"

"Of course. Potatoes go good with red. It's a color thing. I love potatoes. They're versatile. Thank you Walter Raleigh and mother earth. Think of the versatility! You can make potato soup, potato salad, casseroles. You can roast'em, bake'em, slice and dice'em in omelets or fritatas. Hash'em. You can dress 'em up, dress 'em down, disguise 'em and you can eat'em for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks , happy hour. Soirees. They're vegetable. Remember them? A staple. They keep well. They're abundant. Easy to grow.  Not that expensive. They're  also very nourishing and  they're not fattening. A medium size baked potato, grown in rich soil, contains about a hundred calories, 2 grams of protein, 22 grams of carbohydrate, .5  grams of fiber, a trace of fat, no saturated fat,  3 mg iron, 60 mg. of calcium, 180 grams of potassium, 420 mg of sodium,   a trace of B1 and B 2, 3.2 mg of Niacin, 15 mg. of C."

"Did anybody get that down?"

"I recorded it. She likes to hear her own voice."

"I like'er better when she does the Alice B Toklas thing. When do we get to the hash?"

"Alice B Who?"

"Peasant."

"This ignorant younger generation."

"Alice  did fudge. Not potatoes. Don't get this one  riled or you'll get that shillelagh on your noggin."

"I never turn my back on'er when she's got that shillelagh in her hand."

"Do you want the recipe or not? There's also a beauty secret exposed here."

'I love beauty secrets."

"It isn't original - the beauty part is- use russet potatoes cut into 1/2 inch size. Extra virgin olive oil. Always. Don't peel. The skin's most nutritious.  Salt. Pepper. Oh, yeah, heat the oven to 450F first.

Soak the potatoes in ice water for about 15 or 20 minutes. Stick'em in a non stick tray in the oven. Bake for 15 or 20 minutes. Turn and bake for another 20 minutes, turning once in a while or until they're crisp and golden.That's  tricky.  Little more salt and pepper.  Serve fast. You can also toss 'em in Parmesan cheese. Minced garlic.  Chopped parsley."

"The beauty?"

" Snowden. State secret divulged."

"All that olive oil on your hands.? Don't wipe it off, rub it on your face."

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

"What's the problem officer..?" 'Robert Bitos Gandia' m (Source)

 Please  welcome Dakinetalk's newest guest-blogger,Robert Bitos Gandia.
Robert is an avid cook (ono gandule rice) and always laughing!!
He works at Syngenta as a Research Associate.
Robert lives in Kekaha on Kauai's west-side and loves football!!

What's the problem officer?

A male driver is pulled over by a cop and the following conversation takes place:

Man: What's the problem officer?
...
Cop: You were going at least 75 in a 55 zone.

Man: No sir, I was going 65.

Wife: Oh Harry. You were going 80.

(Man gives his wife a dirty look.)

Cop: I'm also going to give you a ticket for your broken tail light.

Man: Broken tail light? I didn't know about a broken tail light!

Wife: Oh Harry, you've known about that tail light for weeks.

(Man gives his wife a dirty look.)

Cop: I'm also going to give you a citation for not wearing your seat belt.

Man: Oh, I just took it off when you were walking up to the car.

Wife: Oh Harry, you never wear your seat belt.

Man: Shut your mouth, woman!

Cop: Ma'am, does your husband always talk to you this way?

Wife: No, only when he's drunk.

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"Hero for a Day-2.." 'Deborah Morel'

Guest-blogger and friend Deborah Morel is currently teaching
 English in Thailand and loving every minute of it!

Deborah Morel, Director of English Program, and Teacher, with Thailand Government School, Wat Bangplee Yainai School. 
"I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to be a part of such a fine school as Wat Bangplee Yainai School. The Administrators, Teachers, all staff, and children, make Wat Bangplee Yainai School the exceptional school that it is each and every day." D. Morel

Hero for a Day-2

It is said that heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and under any number of conditions and circumstances. We need heroes in our lives--to keep the light of hope and faith in human nature burning 
bright. Heroism is often born in a flash moment; however, the surreal act etched in time forever. 

With a previous employment in law enforcement, and now employed as an English Teacher at a fine government school in Thailand, I would find myself recognized as a hero once more…these crystal words expressed with all confidence, and by a young child at the School. 

Thailand is known as “The Land of A Thousand Smiles,” and to have the friendlies people in the world. Yes, this is true what is said—Thai folks are some of the friendliest, kindest people in the world. And yes, they are always smiling and laughing. I believe that this is contributed to their disciplined practices in Buddhism. 

As in any school around the world, the day would come that a stomach virus was circulating. And, there it was in class one day as I looked up to see one of our happiest children in class having just “tossed her cookies,” and a fine job she did at that. The projectile reach was…well, in a way, impressive. 

However, I had instant concern that this child could choke. My motherly, and law enforcement, instincts kicked into high gear. I sprang into action, quickly helping the child move into a safe position. This, all the while the child was smiling as best she could. 

Another teacher dashed-- springing for a trash can. The homeroom teacher leaped for a box of tissue, paper towels, rags…whatever possible while directing students to “leave the scene.” This, all the while one fellow student sat splattered and surrounded by…well, by vomit. This child, too, sat patiently, smiling. 

The next day in good humor, and reminiscing about the scene, our most seasoned teacher would coin the student surrounded, and immobilized, by “tossed cookies,” as “the victim.” So, there we had the “response team” in action: Trash can quickly retrieved by one teacher, my helping the child move to the trash can. Whew…just in time for a second wave of “tossed cookies.” Students were directed to move their desks away from the “scene.” The students
 couldn't move fast enough! The scene was fluid…no pun intended. 

The scene soon stabilized. I, and a student, walked the sick child to the school clinic, this sick wee girl smiling all the way…covered from head to toe in…well, you know, in vomit, yet, smiling all along the way. 

 I had to laugh to myself. What a sight we were at this moment. I have to admit that I have never seen so much “relief”come out of such a small child in all my days. I asked the child, “Do you feel better now?” 

The response was, “Yes, teacher, I feel better,” and with a smile that reached from ear to ear—not a 
single complaint. “What a brave child,” I thought to myself. 

When I returned to the classroom, one of the young students came immediately to me, running and smiling big, with sparkling eyes, seeming so anxious to tell me something very important. The child exclaimed, “Teacher Deborah, Teacher Deborah, Fah says, ‘You are a hero! You are a hero!’ Fah and I 
say you are a hero!”

I laughed at the irony of this heartfelt expression, and thanked these children from the bottom of my heart. What more distinguished recognition can any individual receive in a lifetime than to be named a “Hero for the Day” by children? 

Thank you children of Wat Bangplee Yainai School. I love you. 

Hana Hou, (Encore) Shared from D. Morel's archives of fun stuff...

"The true meaning of “Stand by” reservations..." 'Judith Whitehead' (Inspiration Sunday)

Judith Whitehead lives in Amherst N.Y. and has worked in the
medical field of ophthalmology for over 30 years.
Today she blogs about  flying the friendly skies of stand-by..
Greeting from California!

The true meaning of  “Stand by” reservations

I have been flying all over the country for the last 50 years and amazingly have never had my
Reservations’ cancelled because of the weather; well, there is a first for everything they say. Last week
we had planned a trip to California to attend some engagements and visit with family…a long awaited
vacation to escape the cold tundra of Buffalo.  We were surprised with a winter blizzard that froze
everything including the airline schedule.  At 3am on  the morning we were to leave, we were called by
Southwest cancelling our flight. The thought of being stuck in Buffalo after all our planning was
extremely disappointing.  Our only option was to go to the airport that was re opening later in the day
and sign up for “standby” ; it was a long shot with  one stipulation,  we had to be present when the
flight was announced.

We decided to lighten our carry on, take the bare minimum and get to the airport to camp out.  Even
parking our car was difficult because of the heavy snowfall and  the lot attendant had to plow us a space to
store the car.  We waited 4 hours in the airport until the flight was called; we were told to wait until
everyone had boarded and then we would be called at the end and  would get any seat left.  We were no longer
flying the route we had booked but going to Baltimore and changing planes twice and ending up at the
wrong airport in California; we were willing to make the sacrifice just to get out west.  I felt like a prize
winner when our names were called.  All our efforts to take on a small carry on were for naught because
since we were last to board we had to check our bags, no room in the overhead left either.  We were on
our way and relieved only to find out that the whole trip would continue to be standby and when we
then again made it to Atlanta we were asked to de-board the plane and got bumped.  By this time it was
9pm at night and we were exhausted and disappointed.  Of course our bags went ahead of us to Los
Angeles and we prayed that Southwest airlines would somehow get us out there still. After much
juggling we were offered Airtran that is owned by Southwest and would arrive in Los Angeles after our
luggage at 1 AM.  Drained from our ordeal we were still happy to be on our way and hoped our luggage
would not be lost.  We were to be the last flight leaving for the night which became delayed because of
a connection problem.  Arriving at the airport we walked into a luggage bone yard  with  others that had
the same experiences and began to sift through the many bags to find ours.  To my great relief with
some help from the airport staff  , we did find them and then began to wait another hour for the
transportation to take us to our hotel.  At this point it was four in the am and since we had been up from
our cancellation phone call that previous am at 3 we were taking on zombie features.  After getting
settled in the hotel we collapsed into a deep sleep for 7 hours; the most I have ever slept since I am a
light sleeper and usually only get 4-5 hours a night anyway.

It was well worth it though to see sunny skies and feel the warm breezes of California escaping the cold
tundra of Buffalo; I must be getting old because these cold spells  with “white out” driving are really getting
to me.  I think we need to start planning our future and spending some extended time in the warmth
during our cold winter months.  Now I know the true meaning of flying “standby” because we got to feel
the full effect on this trip. I must commend  the airline for trying every effort to get us on our way; it was
a nightmare for many airlines that week and we were one of the lucky ones to get through. 

Judith and husband Steve in Hollywood!

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