The End of an Era

Les and I spent last week in Hawaii.  This time we cleared out everything we had on the island due to major changes with Les' employer.  In January the company was acquired, so Les has a new employer.  It has been great for him so far - he's busier than ever, but really enjoying his work.  

 

 

One of the policies the new company implemented was they would no longer pay for parking at the Hawaii office for employees that aren't in the office at least three days a week.  That meant we needed to get our car out.

Prior to COVID, we spent about 25-30% of our time in Hawaii.  That obviously dropped off during 2020 and 2021.  We thought it would pick up again, but we only made one trip to the island in 2022 and only one trip in 2023.  During each of those trips, we have thinned down the things we had over there, but we still had a lot!

The thought of trying to sell our car via Craigslist was not at all appealing.  We decided we would donate it to charity.  I spent the first couple days of our trip calling various organizations with little success.  The numbers were national call centers and they couldn't get a pickup scheduled in just a few days time.  I finally had success with Wheels for Wishes (part of the Make a Wish Foundation.)  But at Bible study on Tuesday night, as Les was giving Pastor McGriffin an update on our situation, he told us of a young man who had recently started coming to church and was in need of a car.  We were happy to give it to him instead and set up a time for Thursday evening.

 

I took some things to Goodwill while I still had the car, but by the end of the week we were down to what would fit in our suitcases.  One bag was about 38 pounds, but the other squeaked under the 50 pound limit at 49.7!

One of the pairs of shoes that I hadn't planned to bring home were sandals I had been wearing to church for more than a decade.  When I put them on Tuesday night, they felt "off."  Sitting in Bible study, I noticed the reason...

It wasn't all work while we were there - I enjoyed some great running and Les was able to get in a few bike rides.  We enjoyed some amazing food and especially enjoyed Bible study on Tuesday night.  We will be back from time to time, but not for the long trips like in the past or as frequently.  Hawaii will always have a part of our hearts.

Where Did September Go?

 

It's been almost six weeks since my last post.  We had a very busy end of the summer.  Les traveled to Philadelphia for work the last week of August.  We then enjoyed Labor Day at home - we even made s'mores in our backyard!

The day after Labor Day we flew to Hawaii.  DRC (Decision Research Corporation, Les' employer) celebrated 50 years of business and Les spent about 10 days in the office.  This was our first trip to the island this year - we've definitely missed it and our many friends, especially our First Church Hawaii Ohana.

 

 

We also enjoyed running and cycling.

 

Beautiful sunsets.

 

 

Friday night fireworks.

 

And a double rainbow!

We did not enjoy the fact that our Hawaii car broke down.  But God definitely led us to the right mechanic.  Sanchez Mobile Car Care came to us.  Jon was such a pleasure to work with and I immediately felt that I could trust him.  He had to replace the alternator and the starter, but his prices were completely in line with what we read online.  He had quite an office/diagnotics setup in his truck!

We got home from Hawaii Saturday morning, September 17th.  Victory Tabernacle Sunday school department hosted a Fun Day Sunday the next day.  The theme was Safari and our Sunday school department did an outstanding job!

We spent the afternoon outside - eating, fellowshipping and playing games.

The dunk tank was quite a hit!

Les had to fly to Las Vegas for a work conference the next day.  We decided I would go to Fresno on Thursday and he would fly from Las Vegas to Fresno on Friday morning when his conference was over.  We then drove home together.  I enjoyed some sister time!  I also saw my nieces and the sweetest little boy, my grand-nephew Bo!  (If you're local and want to see what he looks like, please don't hesitate to ask!)  Les got to meet Bo for the first time and Bo was fascinated with his great uncle!

No trip to Fresno is complete without a stop at Bravo Farms.  We had lunch there, then stopped at the fudge counter.  Whoever makes their fudge is a master!  The flavors are amazing.  We got Heath, Strawberry shortcake, Pralines, and Lemon meringue, because they always have "Buy Three, Get One Free."  Again, the flavors are amazing!

Last week we started revival with Evangelist Mike Truck and his wonderful family.  God is moving at Victory Tabernacle and we are thankful!

Hawaii Business

Last September we took a very brief trip to Hawaii to clear out of the condo we had leased.  You can read the full recap here.  We were finally able to go back last week.  Since we are fully vaccinated, we were able to get a wrist band at LAX that enabled us to get through the Honolulu airport very quickly.  We were dropped off at the Ilikai Marina, then dropped off our bags in the room and immediately headed to Cinnamon's.  It was still morning in Hawaii so we split their Guava Chiffon pancakes and they were as fantastic as we remembered.

It was then time to head over the Les' office to get our car.  We knew this was going to be an ordeal since the car hadn't been driven in over a year.  Naturally the battery was dead.  One of Les' co-workers had left a battery jumper in the office but it could not get the car started.  Several hours later another co-worker met us and attempted to jump the car with his car.  45 minutes later the battery was still dead.  Les bought a replacement battery on Monday afternoon after work and was finally able to bring the car to the condo.

Our auto business continued on Tuesday.  While Les was at work I took the car.  First stop - a car wash!  There were layers upon layers of dirt on our car.  I then went to Jiffy Lube for a long overdue safety inspection.  The car passed inspection but I couldn't get my safety sticker until I paid our registration, so it was off to the DMV.  The satellite city hall at the Ala Moana Center was nearly empty and I was able to pay for our 2020 and 2021 registration fees (ouch!)  This was something that had been stressful to me all these months away from Hawaii.  I knew our car wasn't being driven, but the fact that the registration hadn't been paid really bothered me.  After paying the registration, it was back to Jiffy Lube for the safety sticker. 

Tuesday night we were able to attend Bible Study at First Church Hawaii.  It was so wonderful to see Pastor and Sister McGriffin and the church family.  We hadn't been to church there since February 2020. 

The rest of the week was full of running, cycling, Les going to work, and me trying to sort through all the things we have accumulated in recent years.  Les brought home two mangoes from the tree of one of his co-workers and they were amazing.  His boss suggested putting them in vanilla ice cream and that was one of the best desserts ever!

I was able to run around Diamond Head on two mornings.  On Sunday morning I finally made it to my favorite mountain on Oahu - Tantalus!  It's a tough ten mile loop, but I was curious to see how I would do now that I've lost nearly 30 pounds.  I had my fifth best time and was only six minutes off my best time ever on the entire loop.  

 

While I was running Tantalus, Les was off riding his bike.  We then made our way back to Cinnamon's.  They had a new pancake option on the menu, pistachio, and they were fantastic!

We were back at church Sunday afternoon and are rejoicing at the many new faces.  There are no restrictions on the move of God's Spirit in the land.

 

We were up early on Monday morning.  Throughout the week we had been trying to thin out our belongings.  We were able to donate a couple of bags to Goodwill.  We also purchased another suitcase to bring some things home.  It took several hours, but we finally loaded our car back up.  We can now open the back doors without starting an avalanche!  We knew we had left things a bit crazy, and now we feel much more in control of our life on the island.

 

It was after 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning when we finally crawled in to bed, but it was a very productive week.  We hope to get back one more time before the end of the year.

Damsel in Distress

I was scheduled to praise sing for Bible study last night.  Practice started at 6:30 so I left our house shortly before 6:00.  One difference this pandemic has brought is traffic is much lighter in Southern California, but people are driving much faster. 

I made it to Burbank and stopped at a light about a half mile from the church.  And my car promptly died!  It completely quit running.  Nothing I did could get it to start back up.  My hazard lights wouldn't even come on. The light turned green and I started sweating, I knew people were going to be getting angry that I wasn't moving.  Of course a few honked and then blew past me.

The sweet girl directly behind me pulled up next to me and asked if I needed help.  I told her I would call our roadside assistance.  While she was talking to me my phone rang.  It was Sis. Michelle Miranda, they had driven by me on their way to church and stopped just on the other side of the intersection.  Her husband, Bro. Gonzalo, pushed my car through the intersection and safely to the side of the road.  I thanked them and let them know I would be fine waiting for roadside assistance.

I got on the phone and the wait began.  I was on hold for more than 20 minutes before talking to anyone.  I finally gave all my details and a tow truck was called.  ETA 75 minutes!  Of course I had to stay with the vehicle.  And it was getting dark out.

Where was Les in all this?  He was still working.  He still lines up his day with Hawaii, which means working 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. most days.  I sent him a text message but knew he was on his weekly one on one call with his boss.  He called a little after 7:00 and after chatting for a few minutes decided to head my way.

 

Finally loaded on the tow truck and on it's way.

More than two hours after my car conked out, the tow truck finally arrived!  I was able to go home with Les while the tow truck driver took our car to our mechanic.  Les went down and talked to them this morning and now we're waiting on the verdict.

One of the last things I said to Les last night was, "Thanks for coming to get me, I really don't like being a damsel in distress!"  It's not that I'm "Mrs. Independent, I Don't Need a Man."   I'm happy to let Les help and protect me, I just don't like being stranded on the side of the road!  Les reminded me that I have rescued him more than once when he's been stranded on the side of the road with his bike.

That led to a late night discussion of the meaning of "damsel in distress" and trying to figure out if there is a male version.  From Wikipedia, "The word "damsel" derives from the French damoiselle, meaning "young lady", and the term "damsel in distress" in turn is a translation of the French demoiselle en détresse. It is an archaic term not used in modern English except for effect or in expressions such as this. It can be traced back to the knight-errant of Medieval songs and tales, who regarded protection of women as an essential part of his chivalric code which includes a notion of honor and nobility."

 

The male version of damoiselle is damoisel, which means "young man who was not yet a knight and aspired to be one."  The French word damoisel translated to English is damsel.  So a damsel in distress can also be a man!  

The conclusion of this whole convoluted matter is simply this - we all need help sometimes!  While finishing up this post, I remember something I posted a few years ago about Mr. Rogers.  He said, "There was something else my mother did that I’ve always remembered: “Always look for the helpers,” she’d tell me. “There’s always someone who is trying to help.” I did, and I came to see that the world is full of doctors and nurses, police and firemen, volunteers, neighbors and friends who are ready to jump in to help when things go wrong."

I can't imagine a more fitting time than now that we need to look for helpers.  In this troubled world, look for the helpers.  Whenever possible, join the helpers.  And if you can't find one - BE the helper!

Coming Soon!

We have had a very busy few days and more to come.  Friday and Saturday was the Hawaii District Marriage Enhancement Retreat.  Dr. and Mrs. James Hughes were our guests and they were outstanding!  I have lots of notes and very few pictures.

Between sessions on Saturday we got new tires on our car.  We found a little lunch place and when we walked back saw this sign.  Some things just make you go hmm....

Last night Bro. and Sis. Banez from the Philippines were with us in service.  A light bulb went off in my head as Sis. Banez testified.  They attended Bible school in Manila in the early 80s.  After service I asked if she was there in 1984 and she was.  That was the year I went to the Phillipines so we felt like long lost friends!

Tonight we have Bible study at the University of Hawaii.  I have been asked to teach, so please pray for me today!

Aloha Friday!

Best license plate of the week!

Wordless Wednesday

Uh oh...

Great Car for Sale, Yo!

We are still looking for a car so I spent a bunch of time on Craigslist yesterday combing through recent additions. Here are some of my favorite descriptions {my thoughts in italics.} I appreciate the honesty and tongue-in-cheek humor.

Cons: The Convertable Top is ripped. Doesn't leak since I put duck tape on it! :)

No interior

Here's the deal: The transmission just failed yesterday and needs to be rebuilt or replaced. I don't have time do deal with this, so if you're a mechanic and want a solid, cheap ride, this might be perfect for you.

Both driver and passenger door handle are broken on the inside still can open from the outside {You can get in, but you can never get out!!}

This is the perfect beach car. You can park it anywhere and not have to worry about people wanting to break in!

The car comes with my awesome Hawaiian Print Seat covers {Major bonus!!}

I would like to see the car go to a college kid looking for a cheap ride, or a hippie, or just anyone looking to be more environmentally friendly with their automobile choice.

Car starts but not driveable.

Let my brother use my car and he blew the head gasket {blame it on your brother!}

Please NO SCAMMERS, or PAYPAL, I know who you are. Everyone of you scammers have the same stupid/sad/pathetic story.

Major engine noise the last time driven.

Owned by an elderly lady before me {and she only drove it to church, right?}

Blew the engine back in 93 and never ran her since...She's been sitting on the side of my house rusting away. It's time to stop fooling myself and give her to a home that will care for her.

$1800/firm. No more no less. {So if I offered $2500 you wouldn't take it?}

No key, starts with screw driver.

Just needs a little TLC and possibly a new transmission. {my favorite!}

Friday Funny

We have decided to look for a used car to purchase here on Oahu.  We're thinking really cheap.  Something we can drive while we are here, then sell when it's time to go back home.  Rental cars, even just for weekends, are pretty pricey so we decided this made more sense.

I found a 1997 Jeep Cherokee online within our price range.  Pretty low miles.  Listed in "good" condition. Les emailed the seller this morning with a few questions.  The seller's response:

It exploded.

Hahaha!!!  I guess it's not in "good" condition after all!  This really did make me laugh out loud, actually I was shrieking with laughter.  It's been a long time since we've looked at used cars, but this was definitely unexpected!

Midlife Crisis?

No, weren't not having one! But this is the car we drove for a day or so this week...


Our SUV was in the shop and they loaned us this!!


This thing was scary fast!! Especially when Les was driving...



I don't know if any other car will be as faithful as our Saturn, though!