Aunt Ginny

Ten years ago, Ginny came to visit in 110-degree July heat. This year, the weather was a little more palatable. She was in California to introduce her company's veterinary products, and was able to arrange a couple of days in Sacramento to visit us again. We went to dinner at Scott's Seafood on the River, and ordered a pizza the second night. Hoping it won't be that long before we see her again!

Bill's Memorial Service, July 8, 2009

While in Hawaii, we got a call from our cousin Gertie in Manteca that Bill Cummings, her son-in-law, had passed away. He had, in November of last year, developed shoulder pain and a cough; in January, they called it cancer, and began chemotherapy to shrink the tumor. Then they discovered additional tumors, and on July 5, in the morning, he entered eternal rest.

Bill's memorial service on Wednesday, July 8, showed how well-loved he and Janice have been in their community. Over 200 friends and family members came to celebrate his life. Janice's niece sang the opening song; Janice's brother Jim delivered a moving eulogy which elicited both tears and laughter, and three of Bill's favorite songs provided interludes between the readings. Here is the first of them.



This is one of those times I wish I had been a little more assertive about keeping in touch with that branch of the family. It is, after all, geographically closest of all the branches in our "tree". However, the occasion drew together family from across the country. At the reception across the street (Chez Sheri's, at the top of the Manteca Golf Course) we were able to visit with Gertie, Jim and Ro and their three daughters and one son-in-law, as well as Ro's mother, Mildred. Gary Bacon was there with his wife; his daughter Kristin, and Gary's father and stepmother, his sister and her husband also attended. On Bill's side, his two daughters, their husbands and six grandchilden came. Many, many friends also stayed.

Goodbye, Bill, until we meet again. Janice, we love you!

Independence Day, 2009

We're so lucky that the 60-somethingth annual Kailua Fourth of July parade passes just a block from Mom's house, and we're on the shady side of the street! This is the biggest parade in Hawaii, and today it lasted nearly 2 hours. The Navy band led, followed by the dignitaries: Grand Marshall Wally Amos, Governor Linda Lingle, Senator Dan Inouye, and others from Washington and Honolulu.

Then came the veterans: Viet Nam, Korea, Foreign Wars, and the Hummers, ambulances and Jeeps (with machine guns) from the various services. The Boy Scouts were there, several mounted horse units, several hula halau, several local businesses, churches, alumnae associations, senior groups, ... Hit of the day was the Kailua High School Alumnae, who bombarded the bystanders with water cannons - actually very welcome after an hour in the sun! If Mother cooperates (and goes to bed on time,) I plan to walk down to the beach to see the fireworks at 8 p.m.

A couple days ago, I went to Lanikai Point, about a mile from here, to photograph the point and the USGS marker at its base. A colleague and I discovered geocaching independently of each other, but at about the same time. I told him I'd photograph the Lanikai marker to add to his collection.

The view from the Point back across Kailua Bay was very beautiful that morning, too.

Two Women, Three Tables

Met a new neighbor the other day, who has only lived on this street for 6 months. She invited me to go snorkeling this morning, and I was delighted to go along. She has a retired Thoroughbred jumper boarding near Pupukea, so we stopped there first to check up on him and give him some carrots. We then continued to Three Tables, making a short detour into Foodland to grab a sandwich for lunch.

The snorkeling was beautiful - saw many kinds of fish, including a huge, fat, bright blue parrotfish, a school of baby cornet fish, and lots of Moorish Idols, tangs, trigger fish, wrasses and boxfish. Next time, I'll even take a snorkel! (I had rented a "prescription" mask, but declined the snorkel and fins because Neighbor promised to loan me some gear. But she forgot - so I "snorkeled" finless and snorkel-less, and enjoyed myself anyway!

Tomorrow is the Fourth of July, and there will be a parade down North Kainalu from Kainalu School to the Kailua Rec Center. It goes right past Mom's street, so we'll walk the block down to the corner, set up our chairs under the big trees, and wave and cheer. If Mom goes to bed on time, I also plan to walk down to the beach to see the fireworks.