Wonderful Misadventure With Our Granddaughter

Aloha Everyone,

Today was the second time our granddaughter and I played badminton. Since the main field of the park was being used by people playing tag football, the two of us went to one of the smaller grassy areas. Our granddaughter can be very intense and focused when engaged in any activity.

So when she asked if we could treat badminton as just "FUN" and not think about techniques, rules or keeping scores, I eagerly agreed.

There was some wind factor but mostly it was our inexperience that got the shuttlecock stuck in tree branches not just once but three times. In the attempt to get it loose, we even got the racquet stuck twice.

Finally, we had to go back home, get a volleyball and retrieve the shuttlecock. My granddaughter commented that this badminton session was far more enjoyable and memorable. The two of us couldn't have scripted a better misadventure.

Aloha -- Cathi

Time to Upgrade My iPhone

 Aloha Everyone,

My iPhone is an integral part of my daily life. I use it everyday to make and receive phone calls, to write and receive text messages and emails, do FaceTime, to read news, and to take on-line classes. I listen to meditation music and play online games. J.J. and I also use it to make appointments, make purchases and payments, to search for information and for Honu's navigation.

Most of the time, my iPhone is in a leather pouch worn around my neck so it is easily accessible to take photos for our daily blog. Yes, I use notepad of my iPhone for writing.

So to upgrade my iPhone 5s to a later model is a serious decision. I am comfortable with Apple but also exploring options of other mobile device. Visiting the Apple Store at the University Town Centre in La Jolla with our son gave me ideas on what might be in store for me in terms of models, features and costs.

Any suggestion and input are welcome and appreciated.

Aloha -- Cathi

Back to La Jolla

Aloha Everyone,

The good news is after the awful I-605 traffic, there is the priceless reward of seeing our son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter!

J.J. and I stopped for a quick Greek lunch before arriving at our family's home in La Jolla.

All is wonderful and peaceful. Our granddaughter spent hours telling me about her 5th grade classes, teachers and forthcoming school activities, including a week-long camping trip.

She also invited me out to the neighborhood park to play badminton. This is another activity which I have not engaged in since our sons were about our granddaughter's age.

Not sure how much of it is skill and how much is a luck in making the racquet come in contact with the shuttlecock. After about an hour, both of us needed a good shower and dinner.

A special treat for dessert was enormous and juicy Cheon-An Pears imported from Korea which our daughter-in-law purchased from a Korean market.

Aloha -- Cathi

Update on Honu's Repair

Aloha Everyone,

J.J. and I stopped by to check on the status of a new inverter for Honu. We were told that Ralph, the owner, had gone to pick it up.

The next day, we gave Ralph another cash payment to cover the equipment purchase.

Another good news is Ralph agreed to work on Honu during the time J.J. told him would be ideal for us. This is the period when we are in Hawaii. So far so good. I plan to purchase a box of mouthwatering donuts to gently remind Ralph and his crew that we would like special attention on Honu :-)

Aloha -- Cathi

Reflection

Aloha Everyone,

The weather, if you are willing to disregard hot and humid summers, is one of the top reasons why senior citizens flock to the Sunshine State.  Florida also has no state income tax. J.J. and I met many residents and "snow birds" in Florida. They are from Canada, New England states and the midwest. These people have either sold their primary homes and relocated or downsized and maintain two seasonal homes: summer and winter.

Furies of nature bring so much destruction, loss of lives, loss of homes and loss of security. Yet, from such tragedies, outpouring support, heartwarming stories of heroism, strength of human character emerges.

Our thoughts and prayers are with people in the Caribbean Islands, Florida, Texas and other places who have directly or indirectly been affected by 2017 hurricanes.

Aloha -- Cathi