March 18, 2009

My car is here!

Hokulele arrived today, a day ahead of schedule. Henry the hunky Brazilian stopped his car carrier out front, blocking our narrow country lane. Not a problem, since there’s no traffic out here. No one needed to get by during the half hour or so that Henry was here.

He fooled with some ramps and drove her traveling companion out of the way (blocking more of the street, but … oh well.)

He fooled with the carrier some more and bridged the gap between Hokulele and freedom.

She didn’t need exit signs to show her the way and was purring happily as Henry drove her into the driveway.

That’s when the trouble started. Poor Hoku did not make the journer unscathed. Her rear bumper is totally mangled.

There’s a scrape on her roof as well. A mud guard that should extend below the front bumper was torn up and only a small piece of it remains attached. There are various other scrapes, knicks and dents. Henry and I compared paperwork. An inspection was done in my presence when the car was transported from my house via a tow truck to the dock in Honolulu. The diagram made from that inspection shows a couple of small scratches and dings. Another inspection was done on the dock in LA before Hokulele was loaded onto Henry’s transporter. The diagram from that inspection is cluttered with damage notations. Henry is in the clear, but the transport company isn’t. I’ve left a voice mail for them and will find out tomorrow what they intend to do. The shipping documents and contract are so full of disclaimers and double-speak that I don’t know what to expect. I’m going to be highly dispeased if they offer anything less than complete repair.

[tags]car, car damage, car transport, Saturn, travel[/tags]

October 29, 2008

Here’s my kid

He’s on a plane now, hopefully sleeping since he’s got to go to work in the morning shortly after he touches down at SFO. We had a good four days together, but our time was much too brief, as always. This morning he got all of the packed boxes (mostly books, mostly heavy) out of my screened lanai and into the living room so they won’t get wet next time it rains. Then we went downtown to Waikiki, where I had a termite inspection (yep - he got to watch this one.) It didn’t make sense to drive almost two hours to get back home, spend a couple of hours there, then go to town again to get him to the airport. We had a nice lunch in town instead, chatting about the World Series and NC health insurance and various other topics that bubbled up. Then we went to a mall where he spent a couple of hours playing some games while I mostly slept in the car (I wasn’t feeling quite well.) I dropped him at the airport much too early for his evening flight and came home to my panting dog.

We paused briefly in the parking garage for photos after I finished my inspection. I thought the view of the gateway to Waikiki would make a nice background. It didn’t quite turn out that way - not much background showing behind our big heads, is there? I cut his head off in the first picture, so he decided to have some fun with the second one. The third is the larger pciture at the top of this post. Not perfect, but then, neither are we. That’s us - me and my kid.

[tags]family, family photos, mothers and sons, sons[/tags]

August 28, 2008

Staying toasty-warm

I haven’t left the island of Oahu in over nine years. When my off-island family and friends moan and groan about their weather I don’t exactly smirk, but I’ll admit that I’ve gotten a little spoiled. A hot day here means the temperature has gotten into the high eighties in the afternoon. When we say that it’s cold we mean we needed a lightweight blanket in the wee hours because the temperature plummeted to the low sixties. I hinted last week that some major changes are coming in my life. I’m still not ready to tell all, but here’s another clue that might help you figure out what my big announcement might be: I should be in Texas sometime this coming winter. I’m looking forward to my trip. Almost everyone I’m related to lives near Dallas, so I’ll get to spend some time with people I love very much but haven’t seen in ages. The only thing I’m not looking forward to is experiencing cold again. I own three light-weight, dressy jackets. That’s as close as I come to having a winter wardrobe. I’ve already started shopping online for sweaters and long-johns and other winter gear. I haven’t made any purchases yet, but I have decided on one thing I absolutely have to have. It’s a Cabin Cuddler and it will come in handy for my flight, but that’s not why I have to have it. I need it because I know I’m going to be spending a lot of time sitting on my aunt’s couch visiting with relatives and at my sister’s kitchen table catching up with her life. I already know it will be cold the whole time and I don’t want that to take away from the experience. I’m sure my Cabin Cuddler will quickly become a family joke because I intend to take it everywhere I go. I’m going to be wrapped up and toasty warm every time they see me!

I’ll be documenting my trip here, of course. It’s what I do. There will be lots of photos too, because that’s also what I do. I’m already anticipating your comments: “Oh, skeet! You look just like your cousin! You look kinda cute wrapped up in your travel blanket, too!” And: “Um, skeet? Did you take any clothes on your trip? All we’ve seen so far is your Cabin Cuddler.” Hey, get used to it, folks. I intend to have a wonderful time this winter, but I do not intend to be cold! I was actually dreading that aspect of the trip, but I’m feeling much better about it now, thank-you-very-much! The Cabin Cuddler folds up compactly in its own little travel tote, so I’ll be able to keep it in my bag and always have it handy as I hop around from relative to relative re-establishing the ties that I’ve neglected so dreadfully these last few years. It’s got its own inflatable travel pillow, too, which will come in handy for my flights (since those penny-pinching airline don’t supply pillows anymore.) At $29.95 I may even buy two of them, just to make sure there’s always one handy. A certain cousin who shall remain nameless will ask to borrow one and might not want to give it back. Yep, I love her enough to be prepared for that eventuality, but I don’t want to have to suffer for the sake of that affection. And, hey - get this: shipping is free, even to Hawaii. (Y’all know it’s one of my pet peeves that free-shipping offers never include Hawaii.) I still have a lot of ducks to get into a row to make this trip happen, but knowing I will have a Cabin Cuddler and won’t have to freeze has gotten me over a huge hurdle.

This concludes my second clue to the startling news I’ll be announcing soon. You may now commence with your guesses as to what is going on in the world of skeet!

[tags]blankets, Cabin Cuddler, cold weather, family, travel, travel comfort, travel blanket[/tags]

June 20, 2008

What’s your vacation destination?

Do people take road trips for family vacations anymore? We did that many times when I was young. We’d drive all day, stopping at cheesy roadside attractions and theme parks, eating at small town diners and enjoying the surprises we found along the way. The one surprise I remember as being not-so-pleasant was the overnight accomodations we sometimes had to endure. After passing neon “No Vacancy” signs for an hour or so we’d be ready to settle for whatever we could get. Sometimes we got lucky. I remember a travel court with an icy-cold, springe-fed swimming pool - a great relief after hours squeezed between siblings in the back seat of the old Buick with no air conditioning - and bear-cubs cavorting in the parking lot at another place (great fun when you’re a kid!) Other times we had lumpy rollaway beds with broken springs and shower stalls with green fuzz. I still like spontaneous adventures, but when I’ve traveled as an adult I’ve always pre-planned my accomodations to avoid the pitfalls of “finding a place when we get there.” Give me a comfortable bed, a clean bathroom and fresh, hot coffee within moments of waking and I’m a happy camper. Oh, the camping trips - no, never mind. You don’t want to know! What you need to know, instead, is how to find the lodgings that suit your personal style. Whether you’re wanting the pampered luxury of Destin resorts or the ultra-privacy of Kissimmee vacation homes, you can find just what you want at Rentalo.com, an award-winning travel lodging directory used by 5.2 million travelers to find vacation rentals, hotels & bed and breakfasts. One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to travel planning, but one site does because Rentalo.com can hook you up with whatever type of accomodations you want, within prices ranges to suit every budget. Whether you’re looking for Puerto Vallarta hotels for a scuba diving excursion or affordable accomodations near the kids favorite theme park, you’ll find it all on one site. If you’re coming to my place it’s free and you’ll settle for what you get. If you’re going anyplace else, better check out Rentalo.com first.

[tags]travel accomodations, vacation rentals[/tags]

May 18, 2008

Have you been to Branson lately?

I remember the first time I heard of Branson. I was watching country music Christmas special and several of the artists mentioned performing there. I’d never heard of the place, but that was a long time ago - maybe as much as two decades? We’ve certainly all heard of it today, haven’t we? If you were raised on country like I was, you’ve thought about going there. If you’re tired of the same old Florida theme parks for your family vacations, you’ve probably already done your research for this summer.

There’s never been a better time to go. Country music fans plan their vacations around the concert schedules of their favorite artists, but there’s so much more to do. Check out the Titanic Museum with its faithfully reproduced half-scale replica of the tragic ship. Enjoy the amazing feats of the Incredible Acrobats of China. Silver Dollar City will provide you with over thrity thrilling rides and attractions, and is home to the amazing Marvel Cave. The whole family will enjoy your visit to Branson. Want to know the best part? It’s affordable! There are numerous lodgings to chose from, so there’s sure to be something to fit your budget. Vacation packages and specials are always available, so do a little advance planning and save a bundle.

Have you been to Branson lately? If not, what are you waiting for?!

[tags]Branson, family vacations, vacation packages, vacations[/tags]

March 24, 2008

Rent a condo for your Hawaii vacation

Did y’all know that there’s an alternative to Waikiki hotels when you take your Hawaii Vacations? About half of the condos that I inspect are vacation rentals that you can choose instead of hotel rooms. If you want the glamour and bustle of Waikiki right outside your door, you can rent a condo at rates that are sometimes much better than regular hotel room rates. Here’s another option: see that scene above? How would you like to share your beach with a few people instead of a few thousand? That’s a picture I took on a recent inspection out here in the quiet countryside. You’ll find almost identical pictures from the same building on the Hawaii Vacations site. They have rentals available all across Oahu and on Molokai, Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii, too, with accomodations ranging from practical to luxurious. Pick up a few groceries on your way from the airport and you’ll have everything you need for quiet meals from your ready-to-go kitchen on the days you don’t want to sample our world-class cuisine. Amenities range from full service (like a luxury hotel) to minimal and unobtrusive, according to your tastes and your budget. Vacation condos are a great alternative to high-priced hotel rooms in crowded spaces. Check them out before you come over to visit me!

[tags]Hawaii, Hawaii vacations, vacation rentals, vacations[/tags]

December 11, 2007

Holiday travels

Are you going to be traveling over the holidays? If so, you’ve probably got your transportation arranged, your accomodations have been reserved (Mom’s place?) and you’ve gotten all the big important details tended to. It’s just no good to wait until the last moment, especially around the Christmas holidays when competition for travel spots can get pretty fierce. You’ve probably made very specific plans for some days: on Christmas Day you’ll be with family and friends opening gifts and enjoying a holiday feast; maybe you’ve dedicated December 26th to shopping the after-Christmas sales and perhaps you’ve set an evening aside to tour the Christmas lights in the hosting city. What are you going to do with the rest of your time, though? When that after-holiday slump sets in - you’re sick of cold turkey sandwiches and you will absolutely die (or perhaps commit a chargable offense!) if you have to listen to one more of your brother-in law’s ribald jokes - what then? I suggest that the best way to truely enjoy a holiday with family and friends is to get away from them for at least one day about midway through. You’ll refresh yourself and enjoy the rest of your holiday much more if you give yourself that little break. As a matter of fact, maybe you should subscribe to the Trusted Travel eNewsletter right now while you’re thinking about it. They have some wonderful suggestions for what you can do to perk up your holiday vacation in major metropolitan areas all over the US. As an added bonus, if you subscribe right now you’ll be automatically entered into a drawing to win an iPod Nano. (Offer ends December 31st, 2007, so you should do that today while it’s on your mind.)

If you’re visiting the New Orleans area I can think of no better way to liven up your vacation than with a walking tour of the French Quarter. You’ll find the heart and soul of New Orleans there, where the city began. I’ve posted recently about the walking tours we did when I was growing up. The romance and charm of this vibrant city cannot be seen and felt through the windows of a rental car or a tour bus. You need to trail your fingertips over a crumbly brick facade, press your face against the bars of a gate to view the slave quarters and patio behind a stately home, duck into an alley and see what mystery and intrigue waits at the other end. Dodge the gourmet fare on that day. Stop instead at a vendor’s cart and find out why N’Awlins folks loved Lucky Dogs long before Ignatius J. Reilly told the rest of the world about them in Confederacy of Dunces. Follow it up with bignets and a cafe’ au lait as your guide shows you the first apartment building in the United States. Mingle with the colorful characters who hang around Jackson Square and commemorate your day with a portrait by one of the sidewalk artists. It’s okay to break out into a sidewalk dance to the beat of the street musicians - or even to grab a stranger to be your partner! It’s New Orleans - folks do things like that! The last time I went home I spent most of my French Quarter time in antique shops and dusty vintage book stores, but there so much more you’ll want to see and do! Make sure you get some souvenirs, and take home a box of pralines and a muffaletta to pass around so your hosts won’t be angry about you skipping out for a day. I don’t know which of these specifics will be on your Trusted Tours and Attractions guided tour, but do that first to get acquainted with the Quarter, then you can take off on your own afterwards and do all of the things that don’t require a guide. You just can’t know New Orleans until you’ve strolled through the Quarter. Promise me you’ll put that on your list, hmmm? And do make sure you take lots of photos and invite me to see your blog post about your trip. I’ve made myself homesick just thinking about New Orleans, so I need to see it again though your eyes!

[tags]French Quarter, guided tours, New Orleans, travel, vacations[/tags]

October 7, 2007

Free Raleigh, NC Getaway

We usually took two-stage vacations each summer when I was a kid. The trips to Dallas were great because I got to spend time with cousins, grandparents and other family. At home I was part of a smallish family, with just our parents and my siblings living in the New Orleans area. In Dallas I felt like I was related to everybody, because Mom and Dad both came from large families and we were pretty much the only ones who ever moved away. Our summers always started with the renewal of all the family ties we’d been missing since our last trip. It’s the second phase of our vacations I want to talk about today, though. We spent part of almost every summer traveling around the South, visiting battlefields, museums, state fairs and other attractions. That’s something I really enjoyed and would love to do again. Actually, I’m sure I’d enjoy it even more now, because so many of my blogging friends live in the South and I’d love to have real-life meetings with them. How cool would it be to win a FREE Raleigh Getaway so I could get reacquainted with North Carolina and meet up with my friends? Raleigh is the Old South at its best, with plenty of contemporary attractions too. If I were to win their contest I’d kick my visit off to a great start with:

One night accommodations for two at the Courtyard by Marriott Raleigh Crabtree Valley
$25 gift certificate to Bloomsbury Bistro
Free VIP admission for two to Rum Runners
2 tickets to the North Carolina Theatre
2 tickets to the N.C. Museum of Art’s Landscapes from the Age of Impressionism
2 tickets to Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences

I’d have to stay a little longer than just the free weekend, though, because there’s so much to see and do in Raleigh. I’m a huge American Idol fan, so I’d have to spend several days at the North Carolina State Fair. Rubben Studdard is performing on October 14th, followed by Kellie Pickler on October 16th and (be still my heart!) the incredibly sexy Chris Daughtry on October 20th. There will also be a chance to see Trace Adkins in Concert, as well as Sara Evans, Josh Turner and MercyMe. As if all of that isn’t enough, Paula Deen will be at the State Fair on October 17th, and I know y’all know how much I love the Food Network folks and would love to see Paula live! My old bones will keep me from looking for the campsites I stayed at in my youth, but I can still revisit the past by visiting the State Capitol to learn about secret rooms, ghost stories and the principles upon which the State of North Carolina was founded, and I’d have to pay my respects at the Confederate cemetery, too (which I probably visited all those years ago.)

It’s just a pipedream for me since I can’t shut down my business right now, but maybe you can be my proxy and enjoy the Fall Getaway for me? Register to win that free weekend for me, will you, and get to know North Carolina while you’re there. I’ll be living vicariously through you, so I’ll expect some great blogging and lots of photos from you when you get back. Chris Daughtry’s autograph, signed “To Skeet, with all my love” would be an added bonus. You could do that for me, couldn’t you?

[tags]contests, family vacations, North Carolina, Raleigh NC, travel, vacations[/tags]

July 12, 2007

Dream vacation

I’ve never been outside the US. Well, I did go to Cuba once to service a contract, but I was on Gitmo the whole time and that’s US territory, so it doesn’t really count, does it? I have two uncles who have lived right across the Rio Grande from Mexico for over twenty years. I’ve never been down to visit their ranch and I’ve never been to Mexico, either. How pitiful is that? Mexico is a place I’d really like to see. The history and culture would have to get some of my attention if I ever make the trip. I know that exploring ruins in a jungle might not appeal to everyone, but I’d love to do that. Having lived in Hawaii all of these years, though, I’ll admit I’ve gotten spoiled. I’d have to spend some time in a nice beach resort setting recuperating from the skinned knees and mosquito bites I’m sure I’d get while tramping around ancient temples. One of the Cancun Hotels would be a nice place to recover. Staying right on the beach with the wide blue ocean outside my door is my idea of paradise. I haven’t been diving in a few years, but my dive magazines are full of beautiful photos and articles about diving in Cancun, so I’d have to book a couple of dive tours for my stay. Some of the marine life would be the same fish and corals I see here, but there would be new creatures and underwater wonders I’d just have to get acquainted with. I’m sure I’d probably snorkel every day that I didn’t have a dive boat scheduled, because snorkeling is something you can do every day and is another great way to visit the underwater world. I’d have to carry some evening wear with me too, because Cancun has a rocking night life. I know a lot of people travel there as couples because Cancun is such a romantic destination, but I think I’d rather travel alone and let romance find me when I get there. Hey - it could happen. I’m old but aventurous. There’s bound to be a few mature eligible men just waiting for the opportunity to wine and dine me and sweep me off of my feet. Well, that’s what they’re doing in my dreams, anyway. Guess I’ll have to wait until I get there to find out if dreams do come true.

[tags]Cancun, Cancun hotels, Cancun vacations, resorts, travel, vacations[/tags]

July 3, 2007

Coastal Golfaway

You haven’t gotten around to planning your summer getaway yet? You were planning on finally taking that golf vacation you dreamed about all winter and you just haven’t gotten to it yet? Not to worry! Coastal Golfaway can help you plan the perfect myrtle beach golf vacation! Their currently-featured specials will get you three nights and four rounds for as low as $299, including 3 nights lodging, 4 rounds of golf, all green fees, cart fees, daily full breakfast, and all taxes. Prices and packages vary and there are several Discount Golf Vacation specials still available for the summer months. Coastal Golfaway has been helping golfers plan their golf vacations since 1986, so you know they’ve got the experience to help you enjoy that perfect golf vacation you’ve been dreaming of. I know you can’t all manage a trip to visit me in Hawaii this year, so get on over to Coastal Golfaway and book your Myrtle Beach Golf Vacation instead. You can always visit me next year!

[tags]Florida golf, golf, golf vacations, Myrtle Beach golf[/tags]