I hope you all are having a nice day today, with family and friends. I can
remember past holidays with my family growing up, For the most part, it was
cloudy off/onall day today. and 80 degrees f.The slight tradewinds that we
get, are refreshing.I can really relate to those of you who are in states or
countries where it is turning into winter.Like most of you I have shoveled
many driveways and walkways.For seven years I worked for the DPW and one of
my duties was to plow and sand streets.One night I had the Boston College
area on Commonwealth Ave, and as I drove by, dozens of teenagers who were
lined up in the street,and they all nailed my truck with snowballs. It was
so cool, I went around the block again for the fun of it.There was no way
they could hurt me, so I was in no danger.A few times I drove those little
sidewalk plows called a bombardier. They are tracked vehicles,have a
v-shaped plow, and are fun to drive. I guess I just wanted you to know that
I really have experienced Thanksgiving, and  the winter holidays in all
their frigid majesty.BUT, forgive me please, I just learned today that
Thanksgiving here in Hawaii can be pretty darn nice.Don't throw anything at
me please, I bruise easily.I did not have my camera, or I would post a
picture.(Is that kosher in this n/g.)The dinner I was invited to consisted
of about 25 or 30 people.Then property was right on the beach in Kailua. I
knew vaguely that some folks are more fortunate than others, but this place
was the bomb. It was not the fanciest/ swankiest place I've ever been to,but
the house was beautiful in a kind of lived in way that gives a home its
character.There was a huge backyard, and the property backed up to a salt
water river, next to kailua beach. The food and companionship was first
rate, I loved the turkey. We dined outside in a covered patio.Most years if
I did the cooking, I really enjoyed making soup the next day with the
carcass.Mmm good soup.So if there are any of you folks out there who do not
want to be bothered, please send me your turkey carcasses, so I can make
soup.Boy, that's asking for trouble.This was the first holiday I actually
enjoyed here, and really needed that.I had a little Maui Wowie earlier, so
if I am not making sense, that may account for it.This evening the moon was
almost full, and it was so incredibly beautiful, like a velvet oil
painting.Not having socialized much lately, I sought out advice on how to
behave and not bore folks with my problems.I got some really great advice
from someone whom I respect. She said, let them do all the talking, she said
they will probably talk about themselves, and think you are the most
brilliant conversationist ever. That's what I did, sort of.There was one
lovely woman there, she was 95 years old, and in good health. She takes
pride in needing no medicine. She flew here from Portland, alone, just to be
with the grandkids.That's gutsy.There was a great deal of food there, but
wouldn't you know it, I forgot to take a plate to go. I truly hope all of
you folks had a day to remember today.
John