Starting Our Drive to South Dakota

Aloha Everyone

5 days stay at ESA went by fast. Returned rental car to Enterprise then walked about a mile to Hertz for a three month rental.

My sister dropped by to see us.

Our first break was at Cracker Barrel in Victorville. We both had their trout meal and two veggies' sides. However, the waiter served us large, loaded baked potato which we requested. They charged us extra at $2.29 each. With state tax, local tax, mandatory tip came to $48.22. Cracker Barrel is no longer cheap eats.  Perhaps the reason is because this location was in California and their operation cost more.

Aloha -- Cathi

Las Vegas to Celebrate Jeff’s Birthday

Aloha Everyone

Jeff invited the two of us to spend his birthday in Las Vegas. Luxurious stay in the W adjacent to Mandalay Bay on the strip. In addition to our daily walking activities, we dined in Mexican, Italian, Chinese restaurants and a steakhouse. It was truly a memorable time we spent with Jeff.

Aloha -- Cathi

Our Granddaughter’s Graduation from Mt. Everest Academy

Aloha Everyone,

Big family reunion. J.J. and I from LA, Jeff from Hawaii, and our granddaughter’s other grandparents also from Hawaii, late night all gathered for our granddaughters Commencement Ceremony Class of 2025.

It was heartwarming to see her surrounded by friends and classmates. With only 29 graduates, the ceremony took a mere 35 minutes. Time for refreshments and gifts and lei giving totaling another 25 minutes.

Master Miguel, our granddaughter’s martial arts teacher and his son were unexpected guests. Master Miguel has known her since she was 6 years old. He was beaming and surreptitiously wiped away tears.

Aloha -- Cathi

Eva Longoria, Searching for Spain

Aloha Everyone,

This is the second travel related program we watched recently. Unlike the story of Venice, the producer, Eva Longoria spent her time promoting a number of her personal projects including fashion, travel plus regional foods.
Unfortunately, this episode lacked substance with no depth in promoting Spanish cuisine, missing historical background. 

These destination programs combining regional foods are popular and relatively cheap to produce. National Geography’s program featuring actor and chef, Stanley Tucci have a weekly program called “Searching for Italy”. Compared to Eva Longoria’s program, National Geography’s photography is superb and dishes they introduce are interesting with “ah ha” reactions from the TV audience.

Aloha -- Cathi

Transition Day

Aloha Everyone,

There are always unexpected changes that come up even though we had our check lists. Walmart Pharmacy texted J.J. regarding his 3-days medication to reduce sodium levels. We gave high priority and went to Walmart.       

Luckily our suitcases were packed last night anticipating any last-minute changes.

Aloha -- Cathi

Tucci in Italy

Aloha Everyone,

Stanley Tucci is an actor, producer, director and screen writer.  Among Tucci’s long list of accomplishments include dancing. J.J. and I were impressed when he appeared in “Shall we dance” with Richard Gere & Jennifer Lopez.

 

In “The Devil wears Prada” he showed his serious acting skills opposite Meryl Streep & Anne Hathaway.

Recently, Tucci hosted a National Geographic program featuring regional Italian cuisines with stunning views of famous places.

Aloha -- Cathi

Joyful Attitude

Aloha Everyone,

On our Panama Canal cruise, J.J. and I met a young man who was autistic young man who was traveling with his caregiver father.

Every time we saw them, the young man had a Disney coloring book and a couple of large crayons to put colors on. Both crew and passengers would accept his gift “artwork” with grace.

It was nice to see the expression of joy and happiness.

Aloha -- Cathi

Hertz Car Rental

Aloha Everyone,

The two of us went to inquire about getting a car from the Hertz Car Rental located in the lobby of Marriott Hotel nearby. There were a number of obstacles we had to overcome. First of all, the visitor parking at Marriott is $21 for two hours. Hotel guests parking overnight at Marriott pay $48.

J.J. cleverly found a free parking stalls in the mall located across the street. We found out that others were likewise utilizing it.

Long term rentals were not available. A rental agent gave J.J. a direct contact number to call to ask about 3 months leases which would likewise lower our daily rate.

J.J. then arranged to pick up the car at the Marriott location. Hertz will deliver it one day before the pickup day.

Aloha -- Cathi

A New Episode of “The Whole Story, Venice”

Aloha Everyone,

The program was about Venice sinking and radical plans to lift the entire city above rising flood waters.

Historians say that Venice started to sink more than 500 years ago. The popularity of this unique, charming, one-of-a-kind island destination attracts year-round visitors who come to see this beautiful medieval city.

I recall when J.J. and I visited Venice the very first time. We have returned to Venice more than 6 times and each time we’ve seen the flood waters markers going up. We are willing to abide by the city’s rules regarding the tourism taxes and limited accessibility for foreign visitors. Hopefully the new radical solutions proposed by Italian artisans and restaurant owners will bear fruit.

Aloha -- Cathi

J.J. Got a Haircut

Aloha Everyone,

With our small rental car, it is a lot easier to find a parking spot to squeeze into. 

J.J.’s haircut at Supercut was efficient and the operator did a good job cutting his hair and thinning the sides and the backside where the hair tends to grow faster.

The cost of haircut was $27 for adult. J.J. gave a generous tip of $20. She was happy to have a good first customer of the day.

Aloha -- Cathi

Take Out Sushi & Japanese Bentos

 Aloha Everyone,

One of our favorite comfort foods is sushi and various Japanese bento. Here are some that we had this week:

Aloha -- Cathi

Our Breakfast at the Extended Stay America

Aloha Everyone,

Here are our breakfasts at the ESA for the last three weeks:

Aloha -- Cathi

We Have a North American Pope

Aloha Everyone,

A huge, unexpected news for Catholics and non-Catholic Americans. We have a new pope, and he is from Chicago, Illinois.

Robert Prevost. Pope Leonard XIV.  

Aloha -- Cathi

I Also Got My Lab Tests Completed

Aloha Everyone,

After phone calls to the OPTUM office, I finally got confirmation that the Lab received the order request. More waiting but once I was seen a technician, the procedure was less than 10 minutes. 

We went to purchase weekly provisions of crackers, blue corn chips, and organic veggies from Trader Joe’s, then to Walmart and to Mitsuwa for 2 days of food.

Aloha -- Cathi

Movie: Erin Brockovich

Aloha Everyone,

2000 American biographical legal drama film. The film is a dramatization of the true story of Erin Brockovich. Excellent acting by Julia Roberts. Erin Brockovich worked for a law firm who initiated a legal case against the Pacific Gas and Electric Company over its responsibility for the Hinkley groundwater contamination incident.

This resulted in the largest legal settlement at the time.

Aloha -- Cathi

Movie: Hacksaw Ridge

Aloha Everyone,

The true story of Pfc. Desmond T. Doss who was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor despite refusing to bear arms during WWII on religious grounds.

Doss was drafted and ostracized by fellow soldiers for his pacifist stance but went on to earn respect and adoration for his brave, without firing a shot, saved 75 wounded men in the Battle of Okinawa.

Blood, gore and cruelty however there’s also love and humanity. Worth watching even though I covered my eyes numerous times.

Aloha -- Cathi

Our Target: Purchase a Car

Aloha Everyone,

Too tense and too excited. We were prepared to purchase a car. Went to the Toyota dealership. The saleswoman was too aggressive, too hungry for her commission, and their final price reflected items that are unnecessary like window tinting and floor mats. These extras were for a used car.

We went to Hertz Car Sales next to the Enterprise Rental. They were all smiles. J.J. had explained to our salesman what our plan is. When his supervisor sat with us and started to explain, their story changed. Either they are incompetent, or this is how they hook potential clients. 

J.J. signaled for us to walk out. Back to Enterprise Cars for a one-month rental. Very disappointed. A frustrating experience.

Aloha -- Cathi

Our Granddaughter’s Tang Soo Do Medal

Aloha Everyone,

According to our daughter-in-law, the latest Tang Soo Do Medal was a huge achievement. Our granddaughter won a silver medal in her division in forms.

But what she (and her teacher) was proudest of was her sparring match against the reigning female world champion. The score was tied and went into OT! While our granddaughter lost by one point, it was a really her best sparring match ever.”

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Aloha -- Cathi

Supermarket to Purchase Filipino Food

Aloha Everyone,

Filipino food is mostly Chinese, Spanish, Thai and Malaysian origin. J.J. loves these dishes. For me, it is an opportunity to get some good photos to make our blogs more interesting.

Aloha -- Cathi