July 16, 2007
Hapa Mele, or Bits of News
A friend at work sent me this silly thing. I told her I would post it on the blog and she thought that was a cool thing. I just hope the title doesnt stick. She thinks that my ability to save her from certain doom when things go wrong on her desk at night deserves a title. I dont care what they call me as long as I dont find my desk packed into a box when I come in some evening....
She was trying to make me smile. Its been hard here at the Hale, and Woody's midlife crisis is still in evidence. But more on that in another post.
Its been a while since I have put out a post like this with a little of this and that. I find that my creative juices are a bit under the weather these days... but there are a few little tidbits that I would like to post on that dont quite make for a whole post.
I saw on the
news today that the "Hokulea" voyaging canoe, which has been one a multination west pacific tour has arrived safly home to Hawaii. If you like sailing or love the ocean as much as I do you will enjoy the photos and the story behind this beautiful ship and the impact that it has had culturally for Native Hawaiians. Their ships blog is found at the website of the
Polynesian Voyaging Society For some of the new readers, it was this vessel and the story of the "Star Of Gladness" that lead to my un official adoption of this name as a Nom De Plume... With all of our journeying its been most appropriate.
Ginger on the Cliffs near Hilo Hawaii
Speaking of travel, names and such. I am one of those poor souls trying to get my passport renewed so that I can travel, but according
to this report and others you are likely to have seen, its a nightmare that only the government could cook up. I complicate things only by trying to straighten out a mess created by other bumbling breaurocrats who insisted that I must use my old married name (that Id not used for years) because I didnt have a court order showing it changed back to the name given at birth. Now in these post 9-11 days of identity stringency, I need to have all forms of ID match. I was going to do this when the thing expried but didnt and now that I want to make a trip out of the country Im trying to get this handled. After 4 trips to the Post Office, staffed by people who dont care about their own jobs, let alone this task that has been thrust upon them by our government...(the post office is a private enterprise, not a government entity, most people dont know that). I was told to do something different every day, "fill out this form, no that form, no you need five more references... Why do you want to change your name?..."Because I have never been that person, nothing that I have shows that name." Well, they wont do it... "It's the name I was given at birth for Pete's sake...on my birth certificate yet..." If this comes back its not our fault... but we aren't allowed to offer an opinion about these things.
I walked out of the Post Office and threw a screaming fit in my car. Then I calmly drove to the courthouse in Bentonville. The Court Clerk looked and my paperwork, and had me fill out an additional form giving information regarding my divorce, and she stamped and packaged my documents. We paid the 127.00, and went to a PostNet and used UPS next day delivery to the processing center in New CAstle Delaware...This is the new home of the center that was once in New Orleans. Im told that if all goes well...max wait time is two weeks, if there is a hiccup, I could be in trouble.
And where do I want to go? I was approached by the people that put on the retreats that I have been going to to consider traveling with
John Michael Talbot to
Southern Ireland. This is a once in a lifetime trip that will go to places that are not ordinarily available to the average tourist. All of the accomodations are top drawer and nearly all expenses are included in the price. A single lady already traveling is looking for a roomate, and I could travvel with her. Woody is considering going but isnt passionate about it. Im very OK if he doesnt go. I was supposed to have a in this week but I am not surrendering a dime until I see my passport.
Should this not work out we are going to try to go to Panama either by taking a cruise or going to a all inclusive resort. Woody was born there and I would enjoy seeing the country and reveling in the fabulous beaches. We shall see...
We did become owners of a third vehicle, a 1996 Toyota Avalon, that Woody bought as a utility vehicle. I am putting a lot of miles on my van and I cannot ride in the Crossfire. We took the Avalon to run errands and I felt very comfortable in it. The neighbors will think we are crazy or trading cars for a hobby.
As a last bit of news... The Grapevine Mall closed ending our attempt to start a small jewelry business. I am sorry but relieved as I have a lot going on in my life...
But just as we were leaving, we sighted a truck out in front, with a cage full of ... puppies!...No we didnt become puppy parents that day but we are talking about it... and that is making Makkie and Nani very nervious
Hey! we dont need any dog... Now dont bother me!! Makoa in his carrier, He loves to snooze in this little nest, and will open and close the door at will
Labels: Breaking News, Cats, Hawaii, John Michael Talbot, Little Portion, Traveling, Woody
