Post #192567 by pablus on Fri, Oct 14, 2005 5:50 AM

Another year older and completely out of debt.
Well, except for that little 'ol Lagoon Lounge payment.

Weird Tiki Year.

Lots of great music and fun this year thanks to my friends Kanekila, Jumpin' Josh and Joe the Beachcomber, Haole Kats!

Thanks to my uke-mates as well, Rustiki and Koka Nut. We're learning.

Wrote some nifty tunes and worked out a few others. Bali Hai was a bear because of that "head sticking out of a low flying cloud..." phrase and its odd chordal finish. I never get tired of playing Nani Hanalei.

Fell in love with the Slack Key guitar. I will learn it.

Had to give up drinking almost enitrely. Sucks in a way... in a way it's great, like most intense experiences. And drinking, for me anyway, was always an intense experience. I miss the complex flavors as much as the buzz. Kuku Ahu and I were discussing how to make fine mock-tails and I got a chance to experiment at the Mai Kai this last weekend since they have a lot of ingredients. I think I can approximate their Zombie.

My health has greatly increased in proportion to the decrease in mass.
Sheesh, what a hog. Good thing my bicycle has a steel frame.

The Lagoon is getting dolled up nicely. Couple of new tikis - that's only a good thing. C'Al's tiki chess set is about the coolest thing I've ever owned. The garden is a bit out of control right now - but nothing a couple of days of work wouldn't have in shape. I love bamboo. I have 4 kinds growing here now.

Life is good. Looking forward to my best year ever. I still love to wander into the warm confines of the Lagoon Lounge and hear the soft Hawai'ian music in the background and see the plants and the art that reminds me of Polynesia. And then I love to get on TIki Central and read about far away places or places of yesterday - new recipes - new artistic endeavors - stuff to buy - songs to play or listen to - people to meet - events to attend or wish I had. I love it here.

Once again, thanks to all who contribute here in every forum. I read them all.

I'm glad BK is back with a renewed vigor.
I do miss Tiki Bong but that's all I'll say about that. I miss Flounder, too.

And if Kanekila does that "Margaritaville" finish to one more Hawai'ian tune, I'm going to snap a string around his neck.