Choo Choo - ALL ABOARD!!

AMTRAK'S STARLIGHT EXPRESS runs from Seattle, WA to historic UNION STATION in downtown Los Angeles, CA. This is sort of a summary of my trip.

Today (this would be Friday, March 26th) more or less began at about 20 minutes after six, as I sat, awaiting sunrise in the observation car of the Coast Starlight, which at the moment was idling in the Sacramento Valley Station. I was having second thoughts as to the wisdom of my decision to take the Train from Oregon to California.

The novelty and “romance” of the idea have been rudely replaced by the harsh impact of reality. I didn’t get the west facing window seat I’d expected. There isn’t an electrical outlet “for every seat” as I’d been led to believe. The Train isn’t “only half full” as I’d anticipated by traveling mid-week, in that it’s Spring Break! The couple that boarded just as the sun was setting and were seated right in front of me. Their four young children included one screaming baby, a two year old with an incessant cough, and the other two bent on arguing over everything.

And to top things off, the rather stout fellow who got on in Eugene (two stops South of Salem) sat behind me, next to a rather un-happy, un-pleasant, un-feminine woman who got on at the same time I did. Regrettably, they hit it right off, and began talk, talk, talking… with him (the breakfast cook) telling inane jokes, and she (the abused women’s counselor) laughing hideously at each and every one.

The real capper came when the chatter boxes behind me, and the rowdy siblings in front of me were finally silenced by sleep – the Father turned out to be a finely tuned and pervasive snoring machine. I can't swear that it was a record, but he did go on, WITHOUT INTERRUPTION, change in pitch or missing a beat for well over two hours. Then, around 4:00am, when you thought it couldn't get any worse, and it was finally quiet all around... then came The Seeker. He was about 6'5" dressed in black with a silver studded belt. He first appeared lumbering down the isle, and passed through the car on his way through to the next. It wasn't long before he came back on a return trip.

A few short minutes later, he was back, this time holding a Cell phone high over head, sweeping from side to side, like a flash light... on he went, towards the front of the train. After another several minutes passed, he was on a return trip, still searching with the phone... Just when you thought it couldn't get stranger, sure enough, he was back, this time flicking a bic, from side to side. Yes, clicking a lighter every 3 steps. All the way down the car, and on to the next. Five minuets, he was on a return trip. Believe it or not, after two more trips (unaided by illuminatory devices) he finally came stumbling down the isle carrying a small black back-pack!

On the upside, when the sun did come up, it revealed clear skies and all the noise machines had gotten off (at Sacramento). So, what’s a little sleep? I managed to find an outlet and was able to charge up the old Laptop and so returned to my seat in Coach just about the time we pulled into Emeryville and was treated to a very scenic view of San Francisco. Easily recognized was the Transamerica Tower downtown, and across the Bay, the San Francisco Bridge. Then it was on to Oakland and the Jack London Landing.

Just past there we went by a Ship graveyard, full of de-commissioned Liberty Ships from WW2. Quite an interesting sight. In the distance was also a munitions depot which was the site of one of the largest non-nuclear expositions in history, the details of which escape me right now... Just a little before 7:00am I treated myself to breakfast (and fresh coffee) in the Dining car. It wasn't bad, but if it'd been a restaurant on the road, it's not likely I'd drop in the next time I was passing by!

Further South, not too far past San Luis Obispo we came out on the Coast and were treated clear skies and plenty of sea life on the Ocean, including Whales, sea lions & water fowl. Next was Vandenberg AFB, and the longest runway in the world (an emergency runway for the Space Shuttle).

As we neared Santa Barbara it was getting to be sunset time, and I snapped this last photo. I think I'd mentioned that there was no power available anywhere in the car I was in, so I'd solved that problem by gathering up my Laptop, my Dirk Pitt novel, camera and relocated to the Observation car for the day. I sat at a table at the lead end of the car, on the Coast side, and was able to plug in the computer at the "out of service" snack bar in the middle of the car. I'd charge for an hour, retrieve the computer, use it for an hour or so, and then return it to re-charge. The time passed rather quickly and the scenery was very enjoyable.

From Santa Barbara it wasn't long before we were stopping in Van Nuys, and I barely had enough time to gather my belongings, re-pack and get ready to get off at the end of the line. Unless I'm traveling with "someone" in which case I'd definitely go with the Sleeper, the next time I think I'll just fly. Lessons learned.

"Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it." - Mark Twain

Intra-State Train Ride & Dining Classics

Took the train from Salem, OR to Union Station, CA - 29 1/2 hours... didn't figure in the "people" factor on sleeping conditions... Spent $100 on Beer and a Sandwich... all in all enjoyed the trip anyway. (I'll add the full story when time allows.)

Good Friend JC picked me up at the Station, and promptly took me accross the street where I had my first Phillipe's (opened in 1908 and originator of the) double dip Beef French Dip (JC had the Lamb) - which for all my countless trips to Olvera Street and Union Station, I'd never been!

Today, we headed out to Anaheim where we were invited to the Grand Opening of a RUBY'S Restaurant, having gone to High School with the Sister of the Owner of the Chain. Ruby (Mom) was there signing autographs, there was a group from a Classic Car Club with some great rides, and quite a good entertainment event. The Kobe Beef sliders & Fries were TERRIFIC.

On the way home (after stopping at Knott's Berry Farm for a "short break") we stopped for Fertilizer for tomorrow's planting projects, gas for the car, and a quick spin at the store to stock-up on Ensure, milk and a couple other diet essentials.

Time is Nature's way of making sure that everything doesn't go wrong all at once.

It's Not the Beach, it's the Coast!

Here in Oregon I've often heard that you don't "Go to the Beach," you "Drive to the Coast!" And now it all makes sense... While there's a little sand here and there, there's definitely not what I'd call any Beaches! I know this because yesterday we (Kris, Jonathan & Nadia - you have been following along, haven't you?) took a drive "to the Coast."

From Salem it's about 60 miles or so, in the opposite direction from Bend, and again - THROUGH THE TREES. Trees all the way to the shore line. Trees, trees, trees...

We got a bit of a late start waiting for the Kidz, who sort of made a last minute change of plans so they could go along, and wound up arriving in Lincoln City just about mid-day. Conveniently located on the bluffs overlooking the (chilly) Pacific Ocean - is the CHINOOK WINDS CASINO where we stopped for the all-you-can-eat buffet (what else with a growing 19 year old young man).

Lunch was pretty good, a lot of choices anyway. From there we headed down the Coast to Newport where we actually went down to the water after crossing a great Bridge. Good golly, there's bridges and light houses everywhere.

And just like that our time was up, and we had to head back to Salem, as we were meeting Friend's of Kris' (Rev. Joel Brauer and wife Diane), her Pastor from Redeemer Lutheran Church, for dinner back in Portland. So after a quick change, we were off again. Imagine that - in Salem, the Capitol of Oregon with over 100,000 population, we have to go 40 miles to Portland to find a decent restaurant. Well, not exactly, as I found out later in the evening Joel & Diane actually live in (or near) Portland, so it made a little more sense. Of course here on the Mainland, everybody seems to think nothing of driving 30~40 miles for whatever reason.

But, I have to say the drive was worthwhile as we met at SERRATTO'S, a mostly Italian place with an excellent menu of which between us we had pretty much everything, from Pizza, to seared Scallops, to Boar's Head Pasta, to roast Duck and several extras. I don't think there was anything that wasn't savored to the max.

And so after an evening of lively conversation and being overly stuffed we headed back to Salem. Wednesday's going to be a "lay day" with nothing much to do but a few "chores" and a late afternoon lunch & Movie - we're going to see "Alice" (what else?) Clear skies and fairly "warm" (well, it was over 50 OK) so the weather's still been great.

"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia." - Charles Schultz

There's Snow Business Like...

Well we set out early this morning, for our 123 mile drive to Bend. While still a bit brisk, the skies were clear, and for the most part so were the roads. Somewhat of a different road trip for me though. First off gas was about a dollar less a gallon. Then there was the opportunity to drive Kris' Nissan Maxima, quite a sporty little ride, with great road handling qualities. But the most striking thing to me was almost 90 miles of solid TREES, as far as you could see to either side of the road.





As we neared Bend (the road from Salem to Bend cuts through the Cascade Mountains), the elevation rose to a little over 3,000 feet and oh my gosh - there was SNOW. Snow on the hills, snow on the mountains, snow in the trees, snow on the side of the road! At one point there was even snow on me!! We stopped to take this photo, so you wouldn't think I was making this up.





It did get colder as we got near Bend (38 degrees) but the weather held, it never snowed more and we barely had any rain on the way back. We had lunch at Anthony's, a seafood restaurant (and a good one I might add) in the Old Mill District, near where the Lahaina Gallery is located.





After lunch we stopped by the Gallery, to find Kevin Gagnon, the Director holding down the fort. I have to say, the Gallery is huge and Kevin has it hung awesomely. It's a beautiful show case for the Company, and far exceeded my expectations or what I'd envisioned from photos I'd seen. I'm really glad we made the trip. I mean, if anything after almost 20 years with the Company, I was admittedly pretty jaded as far as the artwork was concerned. However, the collection and the display approach definitely got my attention, and I say, "Atta Boy" Kevin & Jim Killett.





And on that note, we climbed back in the car, set the Garmin for HOME, and off we went. The reverse trip was even more rewarding as we were treated a half dozen or so very striking, snow capped Mountains, including Mt. Washington, Three Sisters, and Mt. Bachelor to name the more prominent ones. Very spectacular, but enough of the cold white stuff to last me a few years at least.

"The problems that exist in the world today, cannot be solved by the level of thinking that created them." - Albert Einstein

Dinner on the River

As we approached Portland yesterday afternoon we were treated a spectacular view of MOUNT HOOD, and with it being so clear and approaching Sunset it added a warm glow to the snow shrouded giant. A great backdrop for our shipboard dinner and show aboard the PORTLAND SPIRIT.



As we (Kris, her Son Jonathan and girlfriend Nadia) drove into downtown Portland, I was reminded again of what a really "pretty" city it is. With not a cloud in the sky and a brisk breeze blowing the setting sun glistened off the odd shaped buildings towering above the bridge crossed Columbia River. I loved the many bridges.



As we approached the city we encountered the inherent Friday traffic and had a few moments of trepidation as it could make us late. One thing you DON'T want to be when going aboard a boat. But that turned out to be a blessing, as we only had a short wait before we took the obligatory pre-boarding photo and made our way down the gangway and aboard.



The dinner Show was titled WHO STOLE MY DEAD HUSBAND? The storyline was based around an eccentrically dysfunctional Brooklyn Italian Family - "Whadda ya doin'?" To which the obvious response is of course, "What are YOU doing?" Although a bit loud, the "Family" was entertaining and definitely involved the audience as we made our way through a traditional four course Italian meal: starting with a Great Antipasto; Cesar Salad; Spaghetti and some Speecie spicy Meatballs; and topped off with Tiramisu - all of which included ample portions. Well, a good time was had by all and with Jon at the wheel, we all made it safely home.



Yesterday Kris' Sister Sandy and Family drove up from Eugene and with the weather still clear and (sorta) warm, we had an outdoor Bar-B-Que. Today it's off to a Friend of Kris', Maureen, for Brunch (not to worry, Kris was kind enough to record the Bristol Race for me...). Tomorrow we're off to Bend, to visit the one Lahaina Gallery I never made it to, and a little drive in the country...



"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." - Ted Giesel (aka Dr. Seusse)

It may ALWAYS BE SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA (NOT!)

And of course it usually is in Hawaii, but it sure is friggin' cold in OREGON!

Well, I made it from Hawaii to Portland. The flight on Hawaiian A/L flight HA 40L was pretty routine (aside from the howling baby two seats over, and the Tasmanian wild child behind me with legs about 6 inches longer than I'd of cared for) and we arrived on time. After collecting my baggage Kris was there, all bright and cheery to pick me up. Which was great, as is the enclosed parking - which meant I didn't have to get out in the 48 degree weather. But I have to say, the clear skies and Cheshire cat moon were a welcome site.

Woke up this morning to discover the outside temperature was 34 degrees, and, as I was certain I say a Groundhog staring in the window, I promptly turned over and went back to sleep!

Re-awoke to sunshine and the promise that "it might get up to "70" today... and on that promise, we headed out to the Farm and Garden show at the local Fair Grounds. Kris decided to "buy out" the place... and I even found something I couldn't pass up - WATERBEADS! Way too cool, they look like Jelly Marbles! About the size of bird shot, once you soak them in water they swell up to marble size. They come in 9 colors and clear, and are translucent when soaked.

We didn't stay long as we're off next to drive back up to near Portland, as we're going on a Dinner/Show Cruise on the Columbia River. Looking forward to that. My first exposure to the Columbia was last year, driving out from Utah, after I'd moved my Folks to Maui. We'd left their car at my Sisters and flew from Utah, so I had to go back to bring the car to California, which, after completing the Sale of their House, the Motor Home, and the few other loose ends, I shipped their car to Maui... Anyway, for those of you who may never have had the opportunity to meander down the Columbia River - it's pretty spectacular, so this should be fun.

As an added bonus, we're taking Kris' Son Jonathan and his Girlfriend, Nadia. On my last visit they joined us for our excursion to McMinnville, as I'd wanted to see the SPRUCE GOOSE which is housed at the Evergreen Aviation Museum. An interesting side note - Nadia and her Family are from Russia and a very dear Friend (Emily) is heading to Moscow to help run Maria's Children Orphanage for two years - I'll have to see if I can put the two of them in touch.

More later...

"Change your thoughts and you change your World." - Norman Vincent Peale

For those of you who use Google (is there ANYBODY who doesnt? ) I strongly suggest you CLICK on this link for a very interesting commentary.

On the Road Again...

'Tis truly time for the Luck o' the Irish, and when Arin goes Brahless... Oh wait, I may have that wrong! Sorry about that, what I meant to say is, "I'll bet you're all GREEN with envy" - that Ron is going off traveling again. OK, enough Blarney or Irish jokes - but, it is St. Paddy's Day after all.

But TOMORROW, I'll be boarding the big ol' Hawaiian Airlines Jet and flying off to Portland, OR.

Kris will be picking me up and then we head back down to Salem, where I'll be spending the week. The good news is they're expecting it to get up into the 60's. The bad news is, they only expect it to get up into the 60's.

Oh, you say you don't know who "KRIS" is... well, the short version is we were High School sweethearts, and were married for four years. Recently we have sort of "re-discovered" each other. So far, I have to say it's been rather nice, and I think we're both hoping good things will follow.

Then next week, I hop on Amtrak's COAST STARLIGHT at the Salem station, not far from the State Capitol - where incidentally Kris works at the Oregon Department of Transportation (or ODOT as the insiders refer to it), and carries the lofty title of Program, Resource and Data Manager; whatever that means. 8~)

29 hours, 23 minutes later I'll arrive at historic Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles. I'm fortunate enough to have my long time High School friend (and Brother from a different Mother) JC Agajanian, be willing enough to drive all the way from Hermosa Beach to pick me up. Not only that, but he and wife Franci have been kind enough to have me as a house guest for most of my stay in Southern California.

Among the high points JC has planned while I'm there are Easter with his Family; a visit to Parnelli Jones "Garage" for a Driver's Reunion; a night at Brixton's in Redondo Beach, to see Al Stewart (Year of the Cat); we'll do some "research" for our 45th High School Reunion next year; and one of our favorite little side trips... a day at Disneyland with Lunch at Club 33.

There's lots more to be sure, and I'll be doing my best to fill in the blanks along the way, but you'll have to check back from time to time if you want to be "in the know..."


Oh, and lest I forget (well, no, I didn't really) we'll be spending three days at the TOYOTA GRAND PRIX of LONG BEACH. Definitely a VERY HIGH POINT of the trip.

JC manages to arrange for Credentials which are totally cool and provide access to the Pits, the Track, Media locations and the Garages, as well as the Stands.

JC and a group of Friends have been playing Music as a band called GLASS, since back in the 60's (can you say Darby Park) and have won numerous contests, opened for Dick Dale and others. They're playing on Sunday night for the hospitality tent set up by SAM'S AUTO LAND, thanks to a long time Friend, Sam Kaskanian.

Interrupting my stay in Hermosa, I'll be heading further South to Corona del Mar, for a week with my old Friend, fellow Lahaina Yacht Club member and world renowned Marine Art Historian and Curator, Marcus De Chevrieux.

Another bonafied Disney Nut and Season Pass holder, we'll be making a few trips to Disneyland ourselves.

Marcus has warned that he'll be knee deep (well, he used different words OK, but I think you get what I mean) in doing his taxes, and I may find myself on suicide watch part of the time.

But Newport Beach is right around the corner, and one of my favorite places to visit when I was growing up. So lots to see, and Friends to call on. Aunt Elaine and several of her eight Daughters live not too far from Disneyland also and with luck will have time for a short visit there.

Then it's back to Jay & Franci's as Kris is coming down for a week! Hooray - now that'll be fun. We can go double dating...! (Jay - does that remind you of the old days at all? Craig Hanna, you got your ears on??) And then, after all that activity - I'll be ready for a rest, so it's off to Las Vegas for 4 nights, and a chance to visit my Son Carl, and his Family.

I'll be staying at the HILTON, which is pretty centrally located, just across from Circus Circus and near the Monorail. Vegas is definitely the Adult Disneyland... I can't wait.

Then, it's back on the plane to Portland, with a side trip to Salt Lake City and dinner with my Sister and possibly another High School pal, Rick Ortengurger and his wife Elfi.

OK - that's all ya get for now. I'll do my best to up-date AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK, I promise!

May your neighbors respect you, trouble neglect you, the angels protect you and Heaven accept you. - Irish Toast

Another Up-Date and Past Adventures

I realized that I hadn't really given a current up-date on my Cancer state of affairs. After having just now gotten around to filling you in on my "Oscopy" affairs, I thought maybe I should. This was made clear while I was having a terrific dinner at the Yacht Club last evening. On a whim I decided to have the Fillet Mignon, and not only was it "do die for" but it occurred to me that it was the first real "red meat" meal I'd had in almost a year and a half!



So - I'm more than happy to report that after several CAT scans, the same number of blood tests and several office visits to both the Oncologist and the ENT, I've no residual signs of Cancer whatsoever. Totally clean bill of health and very optimistic prognosis. I go back to the ENT in 3 months, and the Oncologist in 6. It was a long road to hoe so to speak, and I'd of NEVER made it without the love and care of my Daughter Amanda, and the support of Kelly, the rest of my Family and my very dear Friends. I hope you all know what a positive difference you made in an otherwise EXTREMELY unpleasant and un-nerving experience. Words cannot express my appreciation and gratitude. I shall be forever beholding to you all.



Which reminds me of a little side trip I treated myself to, almost two years ago when I was finalizing things to move my Parents here and sell their home in North Hollywood.

I'd originally planned to take a Train ride to the East Coast, but that sorta fell through as not only was I not up to it physically but had also discovered that I had WAY too much to do with the Folks.

So, instead I took the California Coastliner from the Burbank Airport station to Carpenteria for a brief visit with a Dear Friend from High School, Gayle (Thomsen) Clay. Her Hubby Jeff was off on a Golf excursion and we drove up the Coast to Hearst Castle for the afternoon tour. And lest I leave any doubts, Mr. Clay was home again that evening to assure the proper amount of propriety prevailed.

And, as is my focus, I'm looking forward to visiting good Friends and old acquaintances on my upcoming trip - and hope you're looking forward to hearing about it... Cheers!

Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do." - John Wooden

Familiar sight...

Alas - Dear Friends anywhere but HERE... I want to share this weeks AWESOME SUNSET with you... And also to be able to see it after I take off this Thursday for my 6 week Mainland visit (yes I know, I'm just a selfish old Codger at heart...)

And yo! Didja know that yesterday was Albert Einstein's Birthday? Coincidentally it's also my Nephew Joshua's DOB as well, HPY B-Day Josh!

"Imagination is more important than Knowledge." - Albert Einstein

Another overdue up-date

Well, with the "Travel Bug" rapidly approaching, I thought I owed ya'll an update about my little "venture" to Oahu at the end of January. As my luck would have it, after getting through all the Cancer stuff with a clean bill of health, those pesky Doctors just wouldn't leave well enough alone until I'd had a Sigoidoscapy followed by and especially lovely Colonascopy (the spelling is intentionally wrong, and reflects my attitude about the whole thing). God Bless her, that's what I have Amanda for!


Oh, and I must make one little Public Service announcement here... For those of you OVER 50 - do not, I repeat, DO NOT put off having the little scope episode with your Colon and Intestines. While it may be a bit uncomfortable or distasteful, EARLY DETECTION is what it's all about, and there's no other way to tell, and the alternatives are 100 times worse, I kid you not. Trust me on this one Folks, there's simply no way around it.


And sure enough, after the Colonoscopy there was "one little Polyop" that they just couldn't get to come away... And so, off to Oahu. Although ably attended by Dr. Janet Abidar and Dr. Eric Matayoshi (Head of the Department at Kaiser on Oahu) my little four day stint for the Laproscopy turned into eight! The photo above was at about Day five, when I was blessed by an overnight visit from Amanda (with Kelly closely monitoring things by phone), as I was at about my worst. Note the cot on the right hand side... they brought in a roll-a-way for her to sleep on... she has a knack for charming everyone on the Staff, and getting whatever she wants.

We had some "issues" over Meds, but once that was straightened out, and they re-opened the incision to let it drain (Oh that was Fun!), things started getting better.

Amanda flew back to Oahu to collect and return with me to Maui, and we were blessed to make that trip in the pouring rain! But it was great just to get out of the Hospital and back to Maui. As with during the Cancer treatments, I opted to just stay at Amanda's (Parents - treat your Children well - they can make all the difference in the rest of your life!)

Oh, and in case you might be wondering, the "tab" for that little visit came to almost $32,000. Thanks to my (albeit pricey) Kaiser coverage it was only several hundred dollars out of pocket to me. Amen.

And here I am, on her couch, two weeks later, and the smile can best be attributed to the handful of Popcorn I'm enjoying, as that's the first I'd had in over a year! It was good - however, note the two bottles of water close at hand, and the gum... Guilty pleasures do come with a price.

The upshot of the whole thing is, "they came, they saw, they took, and they left!" Everything checked out OK, and seems that although the little bugger was NOT Evil just yet, had they done nothing it was sure to turn sour in another 6~8 months, and then it would have been UGLY.

So - head my advice and stay on top of things... not for my sake but yours and your Loved ones.

"Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly." - Robert F. Kennedy

Need to back up just a bit...

Yes indeedie, as any of you regular followers are aware... I did a miserable job of updating this blog after mid-December of last year. so, in all fairness on several counts - please let me digress a bit, and set the record straight.

For the past two years "we" (that would be Amanda, her Family and those of us who've been able to make it) have been extremely fortunate to have been blessed with a visit from SANTA CLAUS (aka Uncle Dan Snyder) - obviously for the primary benefit of Tyler and Hailey.

Santa manages to show up on the roof, with toy filled bags for the Children, and surprises for everyone else. This year was a special treat, to have Great-Grandma Wall with us.

Another very special part about Santa's visit, is that it also seems to coincide with Aunty Bonnie Nelson's visit, and photography, thus the photos shown here, and the bonus of a video slide show adeptly compiled as well. This link: JONES CHRISTMAS VIDEO 2009 will take you there.

And more currently, for those of you who might be interested, Bonnie has put together a rather colorful video of our Non-Tsunami titled: TSUNAMI PUAMANA STYLE.

Back to Christmas... as you can readily see by the picture on the left, Mom's smile says it all. She was a real trooper, and never tired of all the activity, which between Hailey running in incessant circles and Tyler dancing in his Spiderman slippers... well, let's just say the action was non stop.

Another very pleasant part of this Christmas, especially for yours truly, was having a visit from my beautiful High School Sweetheart, and the First Mrs. Wall, Kris, who was visiting from Salem, Oregon where she lives with her Son Jonathan. I'd had the opportunity (and pleasure) of a short visit there last October on my way back from Southern California. Kris works for the Oregon Department of Transportation.

The photo below was taken at Yacht Club Friends Kent & Jannette Knowley, while we were relaxing at their Christmas Party. This photo was taken by another LYC Member and Friend, Bonnie West, the American Savings Bank Manager in Lahaina.

Change is what happens when the pain of holding on becomes greater than the fear of letting go. - Anon

Time MARCH'S on...

That's a fact Jack. So, here it is March already. Our Tsunami-NOT on Saturday was overshadowed by a much needed Rain squall yesterday, accompanied by chilly (61 Degrees at 5:00am) North winds (in the mid-Twenty MPH) all night long.

As you can see, the "PORCH" came through just fine, and all is well on the home front. It was comforting to hear from so many Folks who were concerned for our well being here in the Islands, and a real credit to our extensive technology and early warning systems. Now, if they could just get the results more accurately predictable...

Mind you, I'm not complaining... with all the potential for a huge disaster - it's a small price to pay for a "false" alarm. I think everyone here (well maybe not a lot of the displaced Tourists) agree that our Civil Defense and Government agencies did a good job and were well prepared to look out for the Public's interests.

While up on the hill Saturday, I also got word (and noticed her little yellow Mercedes zipping around) that good Friend Bonnie Nelson was also up above Laniopoko park. Well, Ms. Bonnie has become quite the Photo Journalist these days, and has become quite adept at putting together Photo Videos. Not surprisingly She's got a pretty good one of the Tsunami Day. The beginning shows a nice tour of the area above Laniopoko (Jeff's place is higher up, all the way to the top). About in the middle there's a great panning scene of the off-shore Boats, with Lanai in the background. And at the end is back in Lahaina, on the grounds of Puamana where
Bonnie, her Cats and the Butterflies live... Puamana Tsunami Thanks Bonnie!

Monday is one heck of a way to spend 1/7 of your life!