My 80th Year

My birthday this year was less than perfect. Got a bad cold a few days before. So I pretty much canceled  all my plans. I still  heard from friends and family, and that felt good. I guess I’ll have all year to celebrate.

Moved to Hawaii

Moved to Hawaii in September 2024. Living at Mānoa Gardens with Aggie in a studio. Most everyone here is in a studio with alcoves. Some are one bedrooms. Lots of outdoor space, resident gardens, community gardens and well kept landscapes. 

It was an effort to move from our house in Oregon. Some help from Aggie, Paddy and Lisa was needed. Both Pinkie Pie, Cosmo and the rabbit died this year. 

Stopped in Maui on the way to stay in a beautiful condo on the beach with Paddy. Very relaxing and healing. 

In Manoa Gardens we have two classes I go to-Zumba Gold and yoga. I became responsible for Zumba. Also took a Hula class with Pua another woman who lives here. That and a little gardening keep me occupied. 

76 Trombones Birthday

Yes, I turned 76 and my girlfriend came to Eugene for my birthday. It was a mellow wonderful time. I had some cards and visits but mostly spent the time with Aggie. 

I made two different cakes out of gluten free (kosher for Passover) premade vanilla and chocolate cake. The chocolate I layered with chocolate mousse, and the vanilla with strawberry sauce and whipped cream. Both were yum. 

 

It rained the first few days but got nicer the last few. Eugene is beautiful in the Spring. We moved the bunny cage and planted strawberry plants over the fertilized ground. 

 

Went to Heritage Distillery with Harriet and tasted their Butchy Bourbon. Bottled two to take home. Maya came by three times. So good to see her.

Went to two Seders this year. One, sort of traditional, one informal and intimate. They were both wonderful.

Also reconnected with my work friends for brunch. Very fun. 

2022 A new year

Another year completed. I’m in Hawaii for the winter Dec.1 - Jan. 20, 2022. We watched fireworks from the lanai. Had some effervescent Mead wine, and sushi. Made it through the holidaze. 

When I first arrived we had lots of visitors. Harriet and Basja, and then Maya and Aisha. It rained, and stormed wildly the first few days. Record flooding.

We went on a “Booze Cruise” catamaran at sunset with Maya and Aisha. It was a highlight, so wild, young people singing and dancing their hearts out.

Aggie after the waves swelled

Sunset at the Mai Tai lounge

Dining at Barefoot Beach 

H and A

Basja and Toby scooting around Manoa

It is still the pandemic but
we are at least out about it

Aggie harvesting her green onions 
to bring to Kokua Market

Aggie is living the dream. Involved in a food coop and a garden. That makes her so happy. 

On Linda’s Boat with Di, Agg, Birgit and me and a couple of dogs

Me I like to eat and drink. After eating in restaurants early December it was nice to do some home cooking. Samaya made a cioppino and I made crab toasts. 

Feast of the Seven Fishes

That takes us to New Years. Watching fireworks from the lanai and drinking lilikoi mead. 

75th Birthday

Yes, This is what an old Lesbian looks like. Had a lovely birthday celebration, small but intimate, with my oldest friends. Paddy came down and stayed here for three nights. We ordered from Sabai our favorite foods. Basja came down from Portland, Harriet and LaRosa came too. We sat on the deck with the gas fireplaces.

The weather was beautiful, we ate outdoors a lot. Paddy made a delicious coffee cake. I made Mojitos.

Sally came over with her annual planting party for my birthday. Its become a new tradition.

Feeling grateful I made it to now, and can appreciate my retirement. Went to Hawaii after my birthday and stayed for three weeks, this time. 

I also have pictures of what a young lesbian looks like, thanks to Anno.

Passover during Coronavirus

Setting the table for the virtual Seder through Zoom. We will see if we can pull it off. These have been unusual times. We have been social distancing for several weeks. Aggie is in Hawaii, and I'm in Oregon with Maya. 

I've been busy doing crafts, making prints on cloth, and making masks for protection. Planning on drinking 4 cups of wine, eating bitter herbs, and charoset and make 4 wishes for the world.

Will make matzoh ball soup, and matzoh fry. Stay healthy everyone. Kunehura, Dayenu, and Shalom. 

Just Mauid

Aggie and I went to Maui and the Big Island for our honeymoon. It was a wonderful vacation, we got along so well and had fun exploring the two islands. 

We started our vacation in Portland with Basja and went to a sushi restaurant with the sushi belt. Then on to our condo in North Kihei. It was right on the ocean beach and we saw the sunset and whales from our lanai. 

We went to the Big Island to visit Diana and Lori. We stayed in Lori's condo, and it was quite wonderful. Lush gardens and a solar heated swimming pool. She lent us her truck for getting around the island. We went dancing at Gertrude's a jazz club, and yes we danced. 

One day we visited Lori at the beach where she was protecting a baby seal that had just been born. After that we went to a bar and had pupus and drinks. Lot's of fun. 

When we got back to Maui rented another car and was upgraded to a Jeep. Drove the road to Hana, saw beautiful water falls and pools. Went out to the Maui Arts Center and saw Keali'i Reichel for an amazing show. Bought some pillow cases from local artist. 

Here we are on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck to clear the road of a vehicle that almost went off the side. Drove back to our B&B which served us the best fresh fruit every morning. We were in paradise, and enjoyed every moment. 

All in all a great relaxing joyful time.