Back in Ohio – Mom Stable
Posted by Bob on Tuesday, June 8th, 2010I was able to catch the “red eye” at 11 PM to Detroit and then Cleveland. All went without a hitch. I headed straight to the hospital arriving around 10 a.m. Mom has loss her ability to speak but is cognisant of those around her. We continue to prayer. I extend my appreciation to those who have offered support.
Tomorrow, I hope to take us a different direction but will continue to give updates on Mom’s progress.
May peace be with each of you,
Bob
Flying Home – Emergency
Posted by Bob on Tuesday, June 8th, 2010I am at SEA-TAC awaiting an 11 PM flight for Detroit and then Cleveland. I received a text message from my sister this afternoon to call either my wife or her. Right away I knew that bad news awaited. A call confirmed that my mother had a major stroke and was in the hospital unable to speak. However, she could recognize what people were saying. Ironically, today is her 87th birthday. She must have had a premonition that things were not well as she verbally stated on several occasions that she hoped this birthday would pass quickly. The importance of my tai chi conference quickly moved to the back burner. While we all realize that we are not physically immortal, somehow we always wish that our loved ones are. More later…
Back to College (I’m too old…)
Posted by Bob on Sunday, June 6th, 2010
Not the Ritz
Departing 7 a.m. for the 80 mile drive to the Cleveland Airport; land in Minneapolis and do about a mile jaunt from Gate G to C; arrive in Seattle and sent to two different carousels for luggage – each at the opposite end of the terminal; finally find the right shuttle to the University of Puget Sound; and register to discover my room to be a traditional college dorm with all the fixings including common showers and bathrooms. Hmm, nothing like last year’s resort hotel. At my maturing age I have decided that I do not want to return to college life. Have been there and done that. But, I am here to learn a new tai chi form. So I will smile and enjoy!
I may have to write a piece on the importance of being flexible and learning to adjust to life situations.
By the way, we took a short jaunt on Thursday and Friday of last week to Madison, Indiana – quite a beautiful restored river town. I will update you on that mini-adventure, perhaps starting tomorrow.
Going to Tacoma, WA for Tai Chi Conference
Posted by Bob on Sunday, May 23rd, 2010Starting on Sunday, June 6, follow me and my adventures at Dr. Paul Lam’s Tai Chi Conference in Tacoma, Washington. I will also be including pictures of the area as time permits. Be sure to link to the RSS feed to keep track of new entries. I will be housed at the University of Puget Sound in downtown Tacoma. Stop by and visit if you are nearby.
Day 31.5: Final Aloha and Mahalo
Posted by Bob on Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010
Looking one direction on Sunset Beach
This is the final entry on this Hawaiian journey. I hope you have enjoyed traveling with me.
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Day 31 Tue: Oahu, the Gathering Place Isle
Posted by Bob on Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010
Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden, undiscovered secret by tourists
Saying goodbye to Maui is always tough, but Oahu, nicknamed the Gathering Place Isle, welcomed us with sunshine and magnificent vistas. Upon arriving we headed straight into the island’s interior. One place I always love to visit is the Byodo-in Temple. When you click here, you can see pictures of this temple along with Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden. Later tonight we fly home with an expected arrival of Wednesday evening. Yes, it is a long flight (14+ hours) plus losing 5 hours crossing time zones.
Day 30 Mon: A Bit of Culinary Memories
Posted by Bob on Monday, March 1st, 2010
Paia elementary students perform at fundraiser
Anyone that knows me or reads my newsletter is aware that I enjoy “good” food. As I think about my month here, I have had many excellent meals, most have been mentioned in my daily blogs. However, two stand out. The first is the world famous Mama’s Fish House. We ate there twice, most recently on Sunday for lunch. The level and quality of food and service are above almost anyone else’s on the island with the possible exception of Bev Gannon’s Haliimaile General Store. (I am excluding the restaurants
Day 29 Sun: Last Full Day on Maui
Posted by Bob on Sunday, February 28th, 2010
The tented church on a sunny day
Where has the month gone? The nice fact about daily blogging is the opportunity to look back and reminisce over the fun filled times that are now part of memory. For the first time since our arrival, Maui has had a good drenching, something sorely needed. We used the rain opportunity to go a different direction and headed up to Makawao to attend the Po’okela United Church of Christ. The church, which was built in 1843, is being totally remodeled so worship services are being held in a large tent. Through the rain and wind we made a mad dash to the entrance, questioning our wisdom.
Day 28 Sat: The wave I didn’t ride
Posted by Bob on Saturday, February 27th, 2010
What are they staring at?
For the last four weeks I have been razzing my family and friends about the weather in Hawaii versus the terrible winter storms Ohio has been experiencing. Today, the tables were turned. Hawaii had its first serious tsunami warning in years. The broadcasters started on the topic late last night. At 7 a.m. there was a pounding on the door to wake up and turn on the T.V. Since our condo is within a potential flood area, we were to evacuate and head to high country by 9 a.m. Though the initial indications were that the surge would not be large, we played it safe, packed everything, loaded the car, and headed upcountry.
Day 27 Fri: “Admiral, there be whales here!” – Scotty
Posted by Bob on Saturday, February 27th, 2010
Two males challenging each other to impress the lady
In Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, Scotty exclaims the above quote when whales are beamed onto the Enterprise. Every time I go on a whale watch, I remember that quote and the fact that their existence determined the future of the planet. Today was the second whale watch we have taken on this trip. The creatures are truly magnificent, particularly this time as a number approached within a hundred feet of our boat. They were so close that the captain was required to turn off the engine. There was plenty of action as several males courted a lone female. The “testosterone flowed” so to speak as they battled each other for her attention. Similar to some human interactions I have observed.