Tuesday, August 12, 2008 Weather: Nicel and dry. We need some rain, oh rain dancer in the sky.
Hi temp: 81, Low temp: 62. Perfect in Minneapolis.
Weather in Honolulu: Hi temp: 90, Low: 76. Muggy this week and expected to hit 90! Gas Watch:Minneapolis area: At Costco $3.49; other places: $3.46 Honolulu: At Costco: $4.19; Lex Brodie: $4.11; everywhere else: $4.29 and up.
Mood: Still reflective. Lonnie Hysong helped me along. See note and pic below. Also, watching the Olympics. Can you believe the Men's 4x100 relay team?
Going to the Vegas Reunion?
Marion sent the list of paid reunionites, so see the "Who's Coming" link at the left. Scroll down that page and you'll find those who are coming to Vegas. Remember, it's never too late to check in for Vegas, just Contact the Webmaster. For those who sent deposits, Marion will follow up to see if you forgot or what. DID YOU? Do you need a personal reminder from the Webmaster??
The Webmaster's EMAIL REMINDER
Please Contact the Webmaster via those little icons thrown around these web pages OR correct your address book to this address. OK, The Webmaster is really getting annoyed with Excite, so she is going to drop it completely. 125 spam in one day is way too much. They want me to pay for their Excite Plus. You don't think The Webmaster is going to pay for email, DO YOU?
Who checked in? Lonnie Hysong visits Washington, DC and the VietNam Memorial every year. Lonnie is a vet of the war. He took a tracing of two classmates we knew well. When I think of Frank Rodriguez and Rudy Sagon, I think of two gentle guys who were gentlemen, quiet, determined and smart. Sometimes I think wars are nothing but a waste of young men and women. Sometimes not. Life is never black and white. If the Webmaster has ever learned anything in life, it's that there are shades of gray everywhere and labels are useless. Thanks, Lonnie, for sharing with us a moment in time with Frank and Rudy.
Thanks for checking in, Nancy (Ofoia) McCloud. Hope you received all the information you need for Vegas and Honolulu. Del Matheus (Class of 62) signed up for Vegas. Nice to know an upper classman like Del holds us in such high regard. LOL. Heard from Marge (Napier) and Rock Macedo, who will be coming to Honolulu. Heard from Dave Gibson, who also sent in a wonderful picture and bio, here. Will we see you soon, Dave?
Lunch with Arlene Revival
Ah yes, Arlene is back on the lunch circuit, even for just a little while. All you repeat visitors to this website know that it's the source of many reunions of classmates who are looking for others. Kathy (McQueen) Kendall wrote a few weeks ago excited about finding the website and wanting to find other classmates in the Portland area. With Jane (Coley) and Lyman Rigby in Portland (where Lyman has family), the Lunch with Arlene crowd got together in Arlene's Hawaiian Room. Arlene has a treasure trove of Hawaiian memorabilia and cool stuff that totally outdid The Webmaster on island stuff. No lie! And wouldn't you know, Kathy, Jane and Arlene spent grades 7-9 together at Radford.
Also, Nancy (Arnold) Riggins sent a picture of the beloved Karla (Douthitt) Butterworth, who suffered from Alzheimers. Karla passed away in 2004. Below, Karla and her sister, Karla is on the left.
Best wishes til the next update.
Monday, July 28, 2008 Weather: Weather is a little wet.
Hi temp: 85, Low temp: 67. Sunny, warm in Minneapolis.
Weather in Honolulu: Hi temp: 90, Low: 76. Muggy this week and expected to hit 90! Gas Watch:Minneapolis area: At Costco $3.52; other places: $3.48 Honolulu: At Costco, it's still $4.19; Lex Brodie: $4.28; everywhere else: $4.30.
Mood: Reflective. Been thinking about some long ago classmates who aren't with us anymore.
Going to the Vegas Reunion?
If you are, be sure to email The Webmaster. See who else is going at the Who's Coming link. For those arriving from the mainland, here's some new info: Ohana Malia will have sections of the hotel closed for renovation during October. They are referring tourists to Ohana Waikiki West. They have a swimming pool! For more info on Ohana Waikiki West, go here.
Heard from Annita (Clark) Madden, from La Brea, CA, who will make the trek to Vegas. Anyone else??? A reminder. There are no fees for Vegas and no program. We are getting together for breakfast, lunch and dinner and classmates are free to have fun in Sin City, hang out with other classmates and catch up on the past 45 years. To see where, refer to the mailer that went out in March 2008, or check the sidebar at the left for last minute changes.
PAY BY JULY 31 - all final payments must be received by July 31! OK, Marion reminded me that it has to be postmarked by July 31, otherwise, the price goes up to $80 per person!
The Webmaster's email, revisited
Last week the Webmaster told you about the Excite email being such a pain in the okole, so she switched to Gmail. Again, please Contact the Webmaster via those little icons thrown around these web pages here and there. As a rule, I do not expose anyone's email on this website unless they tell me it's OK to do, because of Spam harvesters. Please, please, please, do not send the Webmaster any mass email where email addresses are exposed. That's just plain rude and careless to do. Even though I am on a Mac (virtually virus-free), Macs now run Windows and Windows are well known for hackers and viruses. In fact, there was a virus about 2 weeks ago that slowed traffic on the internet. When you send spam or FWDs, it can infect all those emails in your address book or any email that's exposed. The Webmaster does not open any FWDs or Spam/mass emails. They go straight to the trash. Mahalo!
Who checked in Toni (Estrella) Hatfield reports she is back in Vegas, under meds and feeling a little better. She reports that Raymond Rios is doing very well after knee surgery and we'll see him at the reunion. Heard from Kathy (McQueen) Kendall once more. We are catching up on 50 years. Jan Smith Olivas sent a photo of her Alaska trek. It's the last frontier and we're so glad that Jan and Dick had a great time in our 49th state. She's now back in Santa Barbara with sister city friends visiting at her hacienda. And it is quite a hacienda. See gorgeous Jan below.
67-Year old rocker The Webmaster and Rollie were treated to the best present ever (next to my beloved iPod). The Neil Diamond Concert in St. Paul last Sunday, by our "son," Steve. Neil kicked off his 37-city tour because the Twin Cities have always been so good to him. This Brooklyn boy (hey Sharon, does he live near you?) put on a very personal concert. He writes all his songs, of course, and some are drinking songs (Cracklin' Rosie), some are gospel, alrighty, Jewish gospel, and many are classics, like Sweet Caroline (how many 7th inning stretches?), Forever in Blue Jeans, etc. Frankly, the Webmaster has never seen 18,000 white haired folks rockin' and dancin'. OK, so the booze was flowing at the Xcel Energy Center. But then, weren't we the rock generation? No intermission, no opening act. Just Neil, his backup singers and an extraordinary band for 2 hours. If he's in your city, go see Neil. It just doesn't get any better than that! If You Know What I Mean!Thanks, Steve! (photo from Minneapolis Star/Tribune)
And Finally, what the Webmaster is excited about... The Webmaster is so excited about coming back to the Twin Cities and taking on the Minnesota State Fair after some 13 years of not being there. If not the largest, it is one of the largest in the nation, with over 1.5 million fair goers every year. Grandstand shows, crawling on farm machinery, champion cows, pigs, roosters and lambs--um all clean and well-groomed. Magic shows, state fair winners in art and crafts. Lots of vendors and food, food food and all the milk you can drink for a few cents! Oh, those Tom Thumb donuts, waffle ice-cream sandwiches and gyros. Of course, Rollie has chosen to go to California for 2 weeks during that time, but that won't stop me from having some fun with little Sadie when the gates open on August 22.
The Webmaster got to see so many changes in St. Paul (Minnesota's capital), and I can say they are great changes. St. Paul was always the "poor" sister to much wealthier and bigger Minneapolis. Now it has the Xcel Energy Center which will host the National Republican Convention in about 5 weeks. The Science Museum built on the shores of the Minnesota River; so many new restaurants and so many parking ramps that are well-marked to accommodate the big city events. It's good to see a vibrant city doing things right.
In spite of all the talk about the frozen north, the Twin Cities is home to many major corporations: Medtronic (all those medical devices), Target Stores, Best Buy, General Mills (aka Betty Crocker and the Pillsbury Doughboy), 3M Company (you like Scotch tape and band-aids?), Best Buy, El Cheapo Airlines (aka Northwest Airlines) and my beloved Dairy Queen! Indeed, John Paul Getty was born in Minneapolis.
Aloha til the next update.
Saturday, July 19, 2008 Weather: Weather is just fine. Dryer air moving in tonight.!
Hi temp: 80, Low temp: 62. Sunny and cooler in the Minneapolis area on Saturday.
Weather in Honolulu: Hi temp: 88, Low: 75. It was the same last week! Gas Watch:Minneapolis area: $3.86; the Webmaster is trying her best not to pay over $4per gal. for gas. How about you? Honolulu: $4.19 ave price.
Mood: Happy. The granddaughter is spending the weekend with the Webmaster.
Going to the Vegas Reunion?
If you are, be sure to email The Webmaster. See who else is going at the Who's Coming link. For those arriving from the mainland, here's some new info: Ohana Malia will have sections of the hotel closed for renovation during October. They are referring tourists to Ohana Waikiki West. They have a swimming pool! For more info on Ohana Waikiki West, go here.
PAY BY JULY 31 - all final payments must be received by July 31!!
Who checked in? Bob Van Limburgh who wanted to be sure we get his name up for Honolulu. Toni (Estrella) Hatfield, who is in Modesto, CA for a little R&R. Toni will be back in Vegas in a few days. Jane (Coley) Rigby called so the Idiots could make arrangements for Vegas. George Blank sent a note about not attending. C'mon George, spend a few of those bucks for the wife. Dan Mickel sent some photos of his retirement ranch in East Texas. Dan sounds like a do-it-yourself guy, because he's doing a lot of improvements to the ranch, including a beautiful porch. See photo below. Need to see some chickens, Dan.
Arlene called to say that Del Matheus (class of 62) and wife visited for 3 days. She's doing well and taking delight in Daniel. And what a coincidence, both Arlene and The Webmaster are having sleepovers with the grandchildren this weekend! Since no one sent in pictures of their grandkids, the Webmaster is treating you to another picture of her precious little 23-month old peanut, Sadie Schuft below, now fully recovered from pneumonia and growing hair. Finally. Also checking in was a blast from the Webmaster's past. Where has Kathy McQueen Kendall been for 50 years? The Webmaster was a new freshman at Radford (from Aiea Intermediate School) and Kathy was a very good friend. But, by the end of summer, Kathy was gone, like so many other military kids. See her bio here with pictures below. About the Webmaster's new email address...
Too many problems with Excite. Lost emails, too much spam (that ain't no food) and a redo of their email pushed the Webmaster over the edge. If you want to get in touch, just hit Contact the Webmaster icon found on this and many other pages on this website and it will take you to my new Gmail account. A reminder: You can still get in touch via Excite, but I won't be checking email at Excite very often. Kay (Shoemaker) Matney, please contact the Webmaster, your email keeps bouncing back to me.
What else is going on?
It's lazy days of summer in the Midwest. So many things to get accustomed to once more. So many new old friends. So many miles more we have to drive to get anywhere. Like most of you, we are trying to ride out the ridiculous price of gasoline to power up our car. Thankfully, the Webmaster and Rollie only drive one car. And glad to report, after living in Minnesota for nearly four months, the Webmaster finally got her Minnesota Drivers License. No big deal you say? It was a big deal here, since I had to have a certified copy of my birth certificate AND a certified copy of the marriage certificate. Try sending away to whomever for these documents. Whatever, the Webmaster is now "legal." Now, on to medical insurance and a passport, cuz the Webmaster wants to go to Canada next even though the dollar sucks!
Aloha from The Webmaster, til the next update!
Saturday, July 12, 2008 Weather: Oh, ho, ho! Black clouds full of rain! Tornadoes to the west. We got the dogs inside, because a nasty storm passed through the Twin Cities last night!
Hi temp: 80, Low temp: 62. Sunny and cooler in the Minneapolis area on Saturday.
Weather in Honolulu: Hi temp: 88, Low: 75 Gas Watch:Minneapolis area: My goodness! $3.99 Honolulu: $4.48 ave price.
Mood: Cranky at the airlines. We have to pay $15 for each bag on El Cheapo Airlines (NWA). Does that mean we get $15 back when they lose our luggage?.
Going to the Vegas Reunion?
If you are, be sure to email The Webmaster. See who else is going at the Who's Coming link. Aaahhh, the life of the party, Ernie Onaka and Clint Liu, signed up for Vegas.
PAY BY JULY 31 - all final payments must be received by July 31!!
Who checked in? Ernie Onaka with some news about southern California. The Webmaster has her Usual Bunch of Idiots. Ernie has The Lunch Bunch. Heard from Kugaman, who had to evacuate from his Santa Barbara home for 2 days due to the fires in the area. Received a card from Jan (Smith) Olivas, who also evacuated out of Santa Barbara for 3 weeks to Sitka, Alaska. Webmaster erred, she's not taking a cruise, she's mooching on relatives. LOL.
Had a long talk with Arlene. She's doing well; on oxygen some of the time. And she's determined to make it to Honolulu and Vegas. Arlene, we love you! And you've got the damnest bunch of dogs! I laugh just thinking about them, especially the one without a bark. I'm thinking about dogs, because the Webmaster now has 2 dogs to take care of this weekend.
Don't buy that convertor box! You don't have to buy one of those digital converter box in February 2009 if you're on cable TV. They will automatically change the signal to accomodate your old analog tuned TV for you. So, don't let Best Buy or Circuit City talk you into a new TV or buying a convertor box. You don't need it with cable. Of course, if you're on cable, please feel free to get that coupon and buy a box.
The state of the economy You already know when you bought your ticket to Honolulu for the reunion, or your ticket to Vegas for the mainland reunion – sticker shock! Your gas bill is some outrageous bucks more at each fill up. Milk went up 39 cents to $2.49 a half gallon since I moved to Minneapolis (and to think I used to pay $4.00 for the same thing at Times in Waimalu!. ) No doubt, your retirement stocks are tanking big time, so you can't take that vacation or make it to the reunion this year. Yes boys and girls, we are in a recession and you don't need the Bush to tell you that. The government has racked up out of this world deficits and your kids have to work, not for money, but to pay for health insurance and child care. Terrible, isn't it? It's not the world we planned to leave our kids with. But you know, the Webmaster is just thrilled that a Target store will open on October 12, just 4 miles from where she lives– she has to be content with little things in life, including the 22-month old granddaughter – in spite of such depressing news. Do you feel that you're better off than you were eight years ago?
Aloha til the next update.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 Weather: Sunny in Minneapolis area. Hi temp: 81, Low temp: 60.
Weather in Honolulu: Hi temp: 87, Low: 75 Gas Watch:Minneapolis area: Wowza $3.82 Honolulu: $4.19 at Lex Brodie.
Mood: Happy days of summer! The weather is definitely not boring in Minnesota. There are no floods in this area, but an occasional tornado comes through along with quick thunderstorms and lightning shows. In the Midwest, every rainy day is a gift from heaven because we need the rain to raise crops to feed a hungry nation.
Going to the Vegas Reunion?
If you are, be sure to email The Webmaster. See who else is going at the Who's Coming link. Toni (Estrella) Hatfield heard from Diane (Caires) Kamalii, Cookie (Bagano) Servantis and Larry Cordeiro as attendees at the Vegas get-together. So where's Ernie Onaka and Clint Liu??.
And don't forget!!! For the Honolulu reunion, all final payments must be received by July 31!!
Kugaman's son makes the grade Jan Smith Olivas bulletin: Congratulations to Patrick Kuga, oldest son of Ginny and Jim Kuga.Patrick graduated from Cal Poly in May. Check out the other handsome Kuga below. And best wishes on a successful career in engineering. She's cute even when she's sick...
We are, of course, talking about the adorable granddaughter, Sadie Olivia Schuft, below. Yes, she was at the Children's Hospital ER, diagnosed with pneumonia. Even with an IV and puffy eyes, she was still a little champ and a cutie pie. With some strong antibiotics and time, she will be just fine. The Webmaster enjoys her company several times a week and sometimes even for sleep-overs. The Webmaster would also like to congratulate the sometimes forgotten daughter, Megan, because the little granddaughter is more fun than daughters sometimes. On Saturday, June 21, Megan completed the Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, Minnesota -- 26 miles in rain and hot weather and 10,000 runners. Nearly 2,000 ended up in the hospital from cramps or heat exhaustion. But not our Megan, who fulfilled a personal goal. Of course, the Webmaster thought she was nuts, but you know, parents just keep supporting the goals children set for themselves. She thought she could do it, and she did it! Thanks too, for the support of Steve, who will enter the Twin Cities Marathon in October, while we are in Honolulu.
Speaking of Honolulu, The Webmaster booked her flight to the islands for the 45th Reunion. Have you all done that yet? Had a bit of sticker shock, since airfare from Minneapolis to Honolulu went up $350 per ticket. Yikes! So, we hope many of you booked before this ridiculous price of oil shot up.
Had a nice long talk with Cathie Parks and Jane (Coley) Rigby. Cathie went back to short term work but school is out now, so she's enjoying her summer. Got an email from Lonnie Hysong, who's been spending time in Ohio with his 90-year old father. We're hoping Lonnie can come to the Midwest soon, because a guy on a bike in my neighborhood would be big hoot. Also heard from someone that Bob Stevens retired as principal of Radford High School. Jan (Smith) Olivas is about to take the Alaskan Inland cruise this week. Received a message from Bob, Measel, Jr. about the passing of his mother on the Big Island. Services were held earlier this week. Contacted Tommy Maze about an emergency in his family. Received some sad health news from Toni (Estrella) Hatfield.Toni will get more tests done and possibly a medical and health regimine for her ailment. As always, best wishes and prayers for Toni.
And FINALLY...
About SPAM--the food! It's made right in Austin, Minnesota at the Hormel company. Just finished off a can of something new, which would appeal to all my island friends: Garlic Spam, a new flavor! Hawaii has it good, because SPAM in Minnesota, where it's made, is $2.89 per can. When last I left the islands, it was selling for about a buck CHEAPER! But then you island folks do not have the SPAM Museum, where you can pick up SPAM T-Shirts, caps and other colorful stuff. And you don't have a Trader Joe's!
Monday, June 2, 2008 Weather: Sunny in Minneapolis area. Hi temp: 80, Low temp: 58.
Weather in Honolulu: Hi temp: 86, Low: 75 and dry, dry, dry Gas Watch:Minneapolis area: Wowza $3.90 Honolulu: $4.05. And it's gonna take you higher. Mood: Happy! First 80 degree day in the Twin Cities! Tornado went through the northern suburbs last week, and we had some lima-bean size hail on Thursday evening. OK, had to check my insurance policy to be sure our home was covered by wind damage. It is!
Going to the Vegas Reunion?
If you are, be sure to email The Webmaster. See who else is going at the Who's Coming link. Christie (Reid-Selth) Hepner wrote that she's coming to Vegas. Also received an update from Marion (Shiraishi) Snyder about those attending the Honolulu Events. Marion called a committee meeting on June 29. Hey, The Webmaster will miss the laulau I always had at the Moanalua Ethnic Village (aka 99 Super Market).
Jan and her big fat Greek Wedding
Our friend, Jan (Smith) Olivas married off her very handsome son, Terry Casserly, to Euguenia at the a traditional Greek ceremony (includes those wild and crazy Greek dancing at those big fat Greek weddings) in Santa Barbara last weekend. See the pictures below. The Webmaster thinks that Terry inherited his father's coloring, but has the smile and cheekbones of his Mom. Congratulations, Terry, and we wish happiness and good health to you and your new bride. And Jan, you did good!
A Blast from the Past The Webmaster hung out with some Class of 1964, most notably, my good friend, Cricket Mowat, aka Kona Brunkehoffer. Kona had a medical crisis two months ago as the Webmaster was finalizing her move from Honolul, hope all is well, Kona. Another Class of '64 Radgrad found my website and sent a blast. Stan Sumner hung around art classes and the Art Club with the Webmaster. The last time I saw him was in Los Angeles, when he came to visit me as I was a senior at UCLA. He was in the Navy, then. Thought of him often, always wondered how he did after the war. Stan and I have a lot of catching up to do.
And Finally... The Webmaster is in need of some good news (aren't we all?). OK, here it is because the Webmaster and Rollie went shopping again. We seem to be doing a little too much of that lately! Bananas are still 59 cents a lb. And fruits and veggies are so darn cheap along with all dairy products. But you know? These stores have gotten sooo big. Rainbow Foods, Super Duper Target, Target Greatland and the extra large Home Depots. Why, the Webmaster is getting exhausted just finding her way through these very large super stores. She has to find her husband with her cell phone. Then, there's the Mall of America, where each floor is a mile around, so you do the 3 floors, you would have walked all you need for the day, while munching on all those Cinna-Buns. I forgot that there is so much space in the Twin Cities, that they build bigger stores and it's a real hike from one end to the other. Wow, I need a rest from all this walking to find pocket bread and Spam. More about Spam next update!
Sunday, May 11, 2008 Weather: Sunny in Minneapolis area. Hi temp: 56, Low temp: 48.
Weather in Honolulu: Hi temp: 84, Low: 72 Gas Watch:Minneapolis area: Went up 21 cents overnight to $3.63 on Friday. Honolulu: Much higher, of course, around $3.85. The Webmaster is happy to be driving a hybrid. Mood:The Webmaster is starting her 60th day away from Honolulu. Been through 3 snowstorms and a gorgeous lightning show. Definitely a change of location! But hey, the Webmaster gets to have Mother's Day with her own daughter. You cannot imagine how incredibly happy that makes me! Hope all you mothers have found happiness with your family today too.
Going to the Vegas Reunion?
If you are, be sure to email The Webmaster. See who else is going at the Who's Coming link.
What has the Webmaster been doing? The Webmaster and Rollie moved into our new home in Minnetrista, Minnesota on April 30. Waited for the appliances, emptied out all the boxes from the movers. Oh, all you islanders contemplating a move, Pacific Transfer (Atlas Van Lines affiliate) did a splendid job of packing and containerizing our load. Once our load reached Long Beach, the local Atlas companies took over, located us and delivered everything on time. Does anyone know, are you supposed to tip the mover guys?
Yes, things are run very differently here in Minnesota as is most of the states on the mainland. Lots of local government. We live in a city that has about 4,2500 residents. Has its own little city hall, its own police and volunteer fire department and street department. It also doesn't have any industry. It is strictly a bedroom community about 35 miles west of Minneapolis and part of the Lake Minnetonka area. Our license plates say "Land of 10,000 Lakes." Not only did we choose a state where our little granddaughter lives, but also, we chose a state that will never run out of water--because you know, snow has to melt. Someday.
So, we've been out almost everyday getting "stuff" for the house. Like had no idea appliances cost so much. Ditto with furniture. TVs got a lot bigger, fancier and lots of dinero. Cars too! So, the Flugums have done their part in keeping the economy going. Now, if only the IRS can catch up with us for our rebate check, we'll be happy campers!
You know, though, The Webmaster still can't find all her stuff. Like the battery charger for my camera. As soon as I find it, I'll post a picture of my family and the place we now call "home."
Newsy Toni checked in
Our gal in Vegas, Toni (Estrella) Hatfield sent a newsy email about some classmates: George Uyeno and Cookie (Bagano) Serbantes are planning on the reunions. Carol Ahnee and Judi Nolan too. She also heard from Diane (Caires) Kamalii (Class of '64), who observed the first anniversary of Rodney Kamalii's passing. Hope you can make it the reunion, Diane.
And Finally...
What it means to be a mother. I've had a while to think about this one. About 28 years. In just a few days, my daughter will be 28. I've often told her that she is the best thing that ever happened to me. Not only because she was a wanted child, but also because our time with her has been so rewarding. Yet, I think about my own mother and whether I lived up to her expectations. Then I realized that our children shouldn't have to live up to our expectations. We raise them and send them on their way to find their own way in life. Sometimes they dissappoint us. Sometimes, they do stupid things. But always, they have to carve out their own lives without judgement from their parents. I do know this: We have children so we can have grandchildren. Ahh, Sadie Schuft is my reward for having a daughter as lovely as Megan.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008 Weather: Sunny in Minneapolis area. Hi temp: 70, Low temp: 45.
Weather in Honolulu: Hi temp: 83, Low: 71 Mood: Saw some big buds on the bushes so you just know spring will be here soon. Also saw a lot of crazy people at the post office yesterday getting their tax returns in. You weren't one of those people, were you??
Going to the Vegas Reunion?
If you are, be sure to email The Webmaster. See who else is going at the Who's Coming link.
Who checked in?
Heard from Sharyl (Asao) Smith, our Indiana girl, who said she's coming to Vegas, maybe even Honoluluâ“someone, twist Sharyl's arm so she and Dave will come. Heard from Diane (Miller) Ramsey, aka Kay (Miller) Ramsey, living in Colorado. Kay is the one next to Bette Midler in the yearbook (see Senior Class upper left sidebar). Kay is planning a trip to Vegas in May and would like to take in Bette's fabulous show. She too has seen Hattie (Nolan) Surles in Colorado. Thanks for the news, Kay! Also heard from Jan (Smith) Olivas, who is planning a wedding for her son, Terry, in May in Santa Barbara.
We also received an email from Toni (Estrella) Hatfield, who reported that Raymond Rios would be having hip replacement and six weeks later will have a total knee replacement. He was so looking forward to going to the reunion in Hawaii, but said he doesn't think he'll be able to make it to any of the reunions. Our prayers are with you Ray, for a very fast recovery.
The Granddaughter
Oh, it's so much fun hugging Little Sadie, even when she's crying. She's an active child and has been spinning to the beat with "Dancing with the Stars." Yes, The Webmaster is a sucker for dancing because she was born without rhythm. And just to show you that Sadie's grown a lot more hair since (along with Sophie, the Wonder Dog), we arrived in Minneapolis nearly a month ago, here's a little bonus picture of Sadie Schuft below, plus a recent pic of Susan Wedow, who was at Jan (Smith) Olivas' home in SB.
Gas Watch:
Costco gas in Hawaii: $3.62; everyone else: $3.70.
Costco gas in Minneapolis: $3.16; everyone else: $3.23.
Sunday, March 30, 2008 Weather: A little cool for Easter, but heat wave coming up! Sunny. Hi temp: 48, Low temp: 32. Mood: Only hot soup, hot chocolate or hot chili. Need some hot kim chee too.
Going to the Vegas Reunion?
If you are, be sure to email The Webmaster. See who else is going at the Who's Coming link.
Where has the Webmaster been?
Been visiting friends and family all over several Western states. Yes, kiddies, our handy-dandy Chevy S-10 pickup truck, of which the farthest it ever traveled was 40 miles--from Halawa Heights to Hawaii Kai and back--went 2,200 miles to Jan (Smith) Olivas hacienda in Santa Barbara (more later, see below), to Anaheim, CA with sister, Kay (and a visit with my nephews and nieces) and her hot Camry Hybrid, through Needles, Flagstaff, Santa Fe, NM (no, we did not see Julia Roberts), Denver, Omaha, Des Moines and on to Minneapolis. We avoided or outran all the foul weather along the way--and some of it was nasty. It took 4 days from Anaheim to Mound, Minnesota and we arrived just before 6 inches of wet snow greeted us in Minneapolis over the weekend. We spent Easter Sunday with my brother and his family in Menomonie, WI (just 100 miles from where we are living right now).
The Webmaster, Rollie and Sophie, the wonder dog are now in the daughter's warm home and we've taken over the basement floor while we find a home of our own. Sophie is being chased by the Jack Russel Terror of the house. What did the Webmaster find in her new location? Cheaper gas! $3.04 per gallon. Bananas are 59 cents per pound, and a half gallon of skim is $2.54. And gang, all restaurants you've heard of, such as Ruby Tuesday, Macaroni Grill, even Taco Bell and KFC have prices that are 20 percent cheaper than Honolulu. Of course, no 'mo saimin, fishcake or char siu bow. But the Webmaster will take what she can get at Costco, like an Easter ham for $2.19/lb or butter for $1.19/lb. and the ever present sushi. Sushi is popular no matter what state I've been in!
Jan's Hacienda Jan (Smith) and Dick Olivas have the best looking home in the area. And, the bestest guest suite ever. A kitchen to die for too -- 6 burner Viking range, Thermador refrigerator and lots of granite countertops. We had a mini '63 reunion at Jan and Dick's, that included Jim and Ginny Kuga and Susan Wedow.Dick makes fantastic guacamole. The Webmaster must admit, Jan is one terrific cook. Ohhhh, so good to have great Mexican food once more.
Jan and Dick took the Webmaster on a tour of Santa Barbara in the morning. Exxtemely attractive city along the Pacific Coast (but sorry, the Pacific looks way better in Hawaii). While having a breakfast burrito on the beach, Jan whipped out her phone and called Cathie Parks in San Diego. We had not seen Cathie since our Idiot trip to Vegas in November 2006. Cathie is fine, but recently experienced a sad time with a beloved uncle who passed away. We caught up on the latest with Cathie and she said she would make it to Vegas! Hooray!
And Finally... The Webmaster did not think leaving the islands would be so emotional. And it wasn't, until the Hawaiian Airlines 757 pulled away from the jetway, when I realized that the land of my birth and where I had spent the last nine years were years of being with my parents: nursing them, bathing them, and seeing them through their final moments. It was also the place I had made new old friends and family. That's when the tears flowed. I miss my Mom and Dad. I miss the friendships I made.
Saturday, March 8, 2008 Weather: Warm! Sunny. Hi temp: 83, Low temp: 70. Mood: Shrimp Tempura. Only at Gyutako- the $6.89 special before 6 p.m.
Going to the Vegas Reunion?
If you are, be sure to email The Webmaster. See who else is going at the Who's Coming link.
Who checked in? Dan Mickel, now fully retired from Shell Oil and living in a little berg in Texas, finally has DSL -- hooray! Glad to hear that Dan is doing just fine and looking forward to the Reunion in Vegas.
John Velasco Stories The Webmaster received an email from Nicole Velasco, grandaughter of Coach John Velasco. Nicole is a senior at Princeton University and is writing her senior thesis. She is looking for information and memories of Coach Velasco, from those who attended Radford. This research will consist of a collection of memories about him. If you'd like to contact Nicole, email her here.Please contact The Webmaster if you'd like to share your information personally with Nicole.
The Divine Ms. M
We've heard through the grapevine that Bette's new show at Caesar's Palace, "Kiss My BrAss," is fabulous, full of energy and fun. Thought you'd all enjoy the Divine One's recent pics, including her daughter, Sophie and the other from Parade magazine in February.
The Academy Rewards
Did you'all settle in for the long show a couple Sundays ago? Did your favorite win? Ha! Ha! They were all foreigners in little seen movies, except, of course, for "Juno," made for $7.5 million and it just went over $135 million over the weekend. Yes, it was my favorite, but "No Country for Old Men" was also a favorite of the Webmaster. Masterfully told, a visual delight, sparse dialogue and the scariest villain since Norman Bates.
But, the Webmaster must have a shout-out to the land I will soon be returning to since Minnesota won big at the Oscars! That's right, the Land of 10,000 Lakes spawned the Best Director Cohen Brothers (responsible for that altogether hilarious, murderous black comedy, "Fargo") AND the Oscar-winning screenwriter, Diablo Cody, a former stripper, who wrote the "Juno" script in a Target store in Crystal. Ok, Cody grew up in Chicago, but lived a bunch of years in the Minneapolis area. The Webmaster follows her blog on My Space, plus she visits our little forum and loads up on gossip and fun, where we snark and dish on celebrities in all manner and form.
Gasoline Update The Webmaster from Virginia (Radford, Class of 1964), who likes to torment the Webmaster about gas prices over there, said it was $3.03 per gallon. Over here, Costco: $3.36. Everyone else: $3.46. YES, still the most expensive in the USA.
And Finally: The Webmaster will be offline for about two weeks. Next update will be from Minneapolis, Minnesota, where it snowed 2 inches on Thursday, but HEY, it will be 40 degrees today--a virtual heat wave!!!
Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008
Weather: Big surf, baby! Sunny. Rain expected. Hi temp: 82, Low temp: 70. Mood: Hungry for Italian.
Going to the Vegas Reunion?
If you are, be sure to email The Webmaster. See who else is going at the Who's Coming link.
Halsey Terrace Update
Some of you Navy brats lived on Moore Ave, some on McFadden. The renovation of Halsey Terrace started about 3 years ago. It is almost complete. Those of you who will be visiting the islands in October, will be surprised, nostalgic and maybe shed a few tears. The Halsey Terrace you knew 45 years ago is no more.
The entire site was bulldozed. In its place are brand new single family, two story homes with 2-car garages and duplexes with garages; streets have been realigned and some have disappeared and the homes renumbered. Yes, Jan, 405 McFadden is gone, but there is an 805 McFadden. Hays St. is still there, and so is Arizona Ave.
Remembering Ruth Ballard
Some of you had Mrs. Ballard as your counselor, some of you worked in her office. Like many who needed an "easy" class amongst the languages and higher math, The Webmaster was one of those office monitors for Mrs. Ballard. I knew she was good humoured, never took the boss (Arthur Mann) very seriously, and laughed off students who got on her nerves. Sadly, The Webmaster knew very little about Mrs. B and never bothered to ask, because, like so many others, I was so self-absorbed.
Ruth S. Ballard passed away last week. She was 87.
Leaving the Islands The Webmaster is almost ready to bid adieu to the island of her birth and notorious past. In about three weeks, Rollie and I will be leaving to be with my family in Minneapolis. Oh yeah, no mo' mango tree in the backyard, no mo' shoyu chicken or laulau and no Makapuu Lighthouse hike. Instead, I get snow and cold for 4-5 months. However, we'd like to remind everyone that we're leaving because of the little granddaughter below. Gasoline Update
So how much did you pay today to fill up your SUV? Costco: $3.26. Everyone else: $3.33. See? Ours goes down 2 cents at a time. Bet yours went down another 10 cents!
AND FINALLY...
There's a law for everything in Hawaii and if there isn't one, they'll make up one, causing government red tape. That's what Marion Snyder keeps telling me and she's right. Which made me start wondering about why government officials are rated below used car salesmen. Why have we become so cynical, yet we keep voting for the same old rascals year after year. No wonder politicians think they can keep getting away with "stuff."
Rollie started this idea years ago: Never vote for an incumbent, no matter what party they belong. Of course the young Republican that Rollie was (until the Webmaster set him straight, after 42 years of marriage, hee!) sees himself having to vote for weak Republican candidates in Hawaii (Hawaii is overwhelmingly Democrat) and that just goes against his marriage (hee!), so he has had to make a some exceptions: No incumbents unless the opponent is a real idiot. Now, that's critical thinking (hee!). But, I get his point. Right now, a lot of local people think The Webmaster is crazy because she has not and will not support the re-election of Senators Dan Inouye and Dan Akaka. Inouye, 84, is the senior Senator from Hawaii. Akaka, 86, is the junior senator. Do you get my drift? It's time for retirement and a change, Reublican or Democrat, makes no difference to The Webmaster.
Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008 Weather: Warming up, sunny. Hi temp: 82, Low temp: 69. Surf is up. Mood: Sleepy dog. I want to lay around like the dog. I want to be the dog..
Mailing to go out in March
The Reunion Committee met on Sunday and finalized a lot of things. See the sidebar at left to see the updated information. Vegas dates will stay the same, but the events may shift around. Some classmates will come earlier, some later. Please email The Webmaster if you will be at the Vegas reunion. Also, check out travel agent Jeanette Pang's outstanding travel arrangement to Vegas for $637, which includes virtually everything!
Another mailing will go out in March. It will be the last mailing you will receive from the committee, so please get your banquet $ in to Marion by July 31. If you don't receive a mailing, it's because your address is not current and it was expunged from the master list.
All other info will be posted at this website. No computer? Get out of the house and go to the library, or to your neighbor or your son's house. Or, join the tech revolution and buy one -- they're cheap! Time to learn something new!
Thanks to all classmates who went above and beyond with their generous donations to make the reunion "da best evah!".
Below, your Reunion Committee is hard at work. No laughing, please! Left to right: Jeanette Pang (travel arranger), The Webmaster, Twinkles Reitmeister, Henry Keohouhou, Dorothy (Takahashi) Kekaula, Roland Agbanlog, Marion (Shiraishi) Snyder, Kathleen (Onaga) Nakamoto. The haole guy took the picture.
Who checked in? Mitze (Tanimoto) Austin wrote The Webmaster a note. Hope I answered your question. Lonnie Hysong made a date with The Webmaster to meet in July in Minneapolis. Jan (Maynard) Maggio sent a note writing that she would be at both reunions. Fantastic, Jan! Received a note from Toni (Estrella) Hatfield. Yes Toni, am receiving all your emails. The Webmaster has been busy with a lot of things. So if I don't reply, it's not because I am ignoring you, I just have so many hours in the day and starting work at 4 a.m. makes me a little wonky by the end of each week.
Received a long note from Jon Dodson, who is an on-site volunteer mentor to our seriously wounded soldiers, airmen, Navy corpsmen, and marines at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) and the Washington DC VA Medical Center in Washington DC. Jon himself is a TBI (traumatic brain injury) vet of Vietnam. Jon was appointed by the president to serve on several boards relating to determine new and effective ways to treat these veterans. Thanks for the heads up, Jon and thanks for serving our soldiers in this endless war. No matter what your attitude about the Iraq war, our wounded soldiers deserve outstanding medical care and support.
And Finally...
Here's some pics of the Coco Palms Hotel on Kauai. Latest word is that it's up for sale once more. In the end, it would cost way too much to renovate and some who reside near the hotel opposed the plans for spas and condos. Below are pictures taken in the lobby and from the famous bar looking out at the lagoon. Go here for a nostalgic look.
Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008
Weather: Rain at night and still windy. Hi temp: 79, Low temp: 69 Mood: Calm and waiting for the java cuz it's very early in the morning
Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008 Weather: Rainy and windy. Hi surf. Hi temp: 80, Low temp: 68 Mood: Wanna curl up with a warm blanket and chicken soup
Some Software Problemos:
Please bear with the Webmaster as she resolves a corrupted file. Been trying to update for several daysâ“have to reconstruct, gah, computers. Love 'em and hate 'em!
Cuteness Overload:
For the past two weeks The Webmaster and Rollie have been treated to their adorable granddaughter, Sadie Schuft. Sadie, her Mom and Dad, her Granpa Warren, her two Aunties and a tiny cousin named Ainsleigh â“ only 6 weeks old, have been with us. We've enjoyed every minute! It was a baseball team catching Hawaiian Airlines, two vans, two condos and three grandparents to pass the bambinos around. See the pics below and you will understand why The Webmaster and Rollie will be moving to Minneapolis very shortly.
Who Checked In:
We heard from Lori (Bojac) Bonilla, who wanted to be sure that The Webmaster knew she was a great-grandmother already. We also heard from Toni (Estrella) Hatfield, who says she won't be a great-grandmother for a very long time. We heard from Jan (Smith) Olivas, who is heading to Mexico in mid-March. Also, from Sharon (Nakamoto) Bower. Yes, Sharon, thanks for all the nice comments â“ really appreciate your kind words. Also checking in was Jane (Coley) Rigby, who says her Mac computer is all fixed; so now I can email her. Heard from Arlene, who is doing OK, spent a few days on the Oregon Coast a couple of weeks ago. And, we heard from Kathleen (Vance) Holt, who inquired about the Vegas Reunion.
We want to remind classmates, that if you're coming to Vegas in November, please email The Webmaster, and you'll be added to the List.
Gas Watch:
Costco: $3.30, Everyone else: $3.33. And some Webmaster in Virginia is rubbing it in cuz gas where he lives is $2.76-2.78. OK Al, now go shovel your walkway.
And Finally...
The Movie Tour was a real trip down memory lane at the Coco Palms Hotel. If you've watched those Elvis movies, you all remember "Blue Hawaii" with Chad marrying Maile on that beautiful lagoon. The Webmaster saw the severly hurricane damaged Coco Palms. A very wealthy Californian bought the hotel two years ago, plans some $200 million in restoring the hotel (and a few condos), while trying to conserve the historic nature of the site. The hotel is scheduled for reopening in 2009. The bungalow that Elvis stayed in whenever he visited Kauai will be turned into a movie museum. And people still get married there with the "Hawaiian Wedding" Song playing in the background.
