"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;