A Triple Anniversary and Three Dead Oxfarts

 8/29/20

Aloha Everybody.....

Whew!  By our sluggish standards this was a very busy week.  My eyeball exam last Saturday went great!  No injection needed as the new drug seems to be working its magic again – I’ll go back in 6 weeks to have another checkup, and by then I bet I’ll need another shot when the magic wears off. Even more good news this week, though was that the approval to cover the cost was extended until February!  Gee, I sure hope no one messes with Medicare.....

On Tuesday we celebrated the first of our three anniversaries this week – our 53rd wedding anniversary and the two days each of us didn’t have to return to our respective teaching jobs (this year we’re especially thankful not to return).  We couldn’t really do anything super-special on Tuesday, but did manage to go snorkeling (only me, though, because Karen had a swollen lip from a minor gardening mishap), then lunch at a shoreline restaurant, and finally some champagne at sunset.  We had more champagne for each of the other two celebrations but that was about it, though we did reflect on the challenges facing those who are trying to return to the classroom this year.

On Thursday we both had our teeth cleaned back-to-back by the same hygenist– normally not a event worth reporting but these days it is a very big deal. And on Friday Karen went through the ordeal of having her driver’s license renewed.  She’s on the geezerette short cycle of having to renew every two years. I’ll go on that cycle when mine expires in 2022.  Hawaii is very strict on documentation, even if you’re just renewing: Proof of Hawaii residence and legal presence,, Social Security number, and proof of name identity.  For women this can be a bit difficult if they have changed their name, and most go with a bundle of stuff including their marriage certificate.  For Hawaii residence you have to show recent statements from a bank or utility company, which can be very difficult in this day of electronic statements that aren’t really mailed to a physical address.  Also, even though most of our accounts are in both of our names, the statements most always appear to be mailed to just me.  Anyway, it all worked out and Karen is set for two years and even has the Gold Star thingy.  By the way, registering to vote here requires much the same documentation.  Mail-in ballots (all of Hawaii now votes by mail) are sent only to registered voters who have all this recent documentation.  Our signature-verified ballots can be tracked by voters online to make sure they were delivered and counted. Our recent primaries went very smoothly and results were made available in a day. Sorry DT, no fraud or delivery issues here.

On Thursday our 2003 Miata had to go in for service. Turned out to be a faulty ignition coil, which my trusty mechanic replaced and also replaced the sparkplugs and ignition wires.  Runs like a champ now, even for being 17 years old!

We have a very nice fig tree in our yard that has delicious fruit.  But just when the fruit is getting ripe it has been disappearing.  From past experience we suspected rats were stealing the figs at night. As I explain in my blog “How To Kill An Oxfart” we’re believers in using the most humane methods of control possible, in this case an electronic trap that renders them unconscious immediately and stops their heart.  This is arguably the best technique other than the good old snap trap, which is also instantly fatal. Anyway, the rain we’ve been having has prevented setting the electronic trap – until once last week and two nights this week.  Bingo, three dead rats.  I suspect there may be another one though because so far all the casualties have been female. I doubt there will be more than four – the maturing figs will be the evidence.  Unfortunately, then we will have to beat off the birds, who also find these figs tasty and will try to get to them first. Another tribulation of our stressful lives......

The Covid 19 upsurge is continuing and Oahu’s medical facilities are near capacity.  Here on our island we have nearly 100 active cases as of yesterday, nearly all on the east side of the island.  It is just a matter of time before our side is seeing cases though, because so many people from Hilo area and south commute to work in Kona.  Here’s my response to those who think this is a hoax or that because they are young and healthy they shouldn’t be required to wear a mask: Ok, but we know that even asymptomatic people (estimated to be about 40% of those who are infected) spread the virus to those who will be ill enough to need hospital care.  Now imagine you or your loved ones are in an accident, have a heart attack, or some other health crisis and need to be treated at one of the facilities that your selfish behavior has led to being overwhelmed.  By wearing a mask you may be saving your own or your loved ones’ life.

Ok, enough.  Off to Farmers’ Market, beach breakfast and our weekly workout.  Then home for a much-needed nap.