Springtime In Guam

Subject: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 06 Oct 04 - 08:32 PM

I know, it isn't springtime chronologically but it is in my life. I am now officially retired. It has been one week since my last post, being that long before I could get to a computer, and now that I have checked into my old thread, News From Guam, I see a couple of suggestions that I start a new thread. So, here we go.

I am one week into my new life as a retired person. It's weird. Everything I do is tainted with the idea that I need to finish it up before the end of my "day off". I keep thinking I shold set the alarm at bedtime so I won't be late for work. I hope this doesn't last too long.

I am continuing to empty sooty boxes. I keep making discoveries, some wonderful and others less so. The other day I ran across a picture of my last girlfriend. That went straight into the trash though Wakana suggested I keep it for my memories. Some memories I don't need.

Wakana has gone back to Japan for a visit and a new visa. She has left quite a hole in our home. I sat in the living room last night and noticed the difference in the house. For a little woman she sure takes up a lot of space.

My library is full, bookcases are groaning under the load, and books are piled on the floor. The little desk is hidden under non-book items. There is a box full of video tapes and DVDs and anotherr three boxes full of music cassettes and recorded videocassettes. Sigh, I wonder how I ever got to own so much!

On the ID theft front there are still fraudulent checks rolling in. I no longer find that these rend my heart. It is too laughable. The checks that are rolling in now are from an account I closed last fall! And they are huge checks. Someone on the island is really screwing the merchants. It should be interesting when the police finally do something about it. As it stands I cannot write a check anywhere on the island except to the companies that I deal with regularly, power, water, electricity, cable, etc. Anywhere else I must pay cash. So be it. I don't mind that.

There has been no news so far on the lawsuit (knock on wood). Maybe the guy's lawyer explained to him that it was his responsibility to have insurance to cover his building and the security deposit is all he can expect to get out of me. More to come.

So anyway, here is my new thread. Life in Guam is still warm and pretty. The new house has a lovely view of the valley leading down to the Philipine Sea and Apra Harbor. We can see the high school looming up out of the greenery and a few roofs. The sky is generally blue because we are moving into the dry season. The sea reflects that blue. We can see ships moving out there and planes occasionally making their approach to the airport. Once we get past the ID Theft life is settling down pretty well.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: JudyB
Date: 06 Oct 04 - 08:47 PM

Welcome back to the 'Cat! I was just thinking it must be about a week since you retired, once I factored in the strange way days come and go as once circles the globe. I've been hard at work, moving into the new (and actually smaller) office that goes with my little promotion. That song you sing about the lockkeeper comes to mind - parts of me would really prefer to be retired, though this is good, too. Well, at least it will be interesting.

Did you ever meet with that Senator or whatever it was? It does boggle my mind that no one will let you write a check, but they'll let that bozo do it - and on an account that's closed! Similar (though on a much more serious scale) to my anger when I discovered that I needed to give my ISP my new credit card number in order to keep my service, while the jerk who was using my old number could automatically pay the AOL account he opened with my old number - and have it billed to my new number! Aren't banks strange little entities?

I had an impression that you'd brought quite a few books with you - something about Charley warning me to watch out for the rebound effect (usually seen when glaciers thaw) the day you moved the boxes out of the basement here....

It does sound most beautiful there, and a break from the rainy season sound like a good thing. Do keep us posted when you can.

Hugs,
JudyB

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 06 Oct 04 - 08:54 PM

I met with the senator and was treated to a nice version of political mouth music. I intend to write him a letter to let him know that the failure of the police to act has now cost Guam merchants upwards of $15,000.

By the way, when I left the house this morning I had a flat on my pickup. I wonder how that happened. I will have to change it when I get home. Little things like that are easily within my ability to handle. ID theft is not.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: bbc
Date: 06 Oct 04 - 09:53 PM

Happy new thread; happy new life!

love,

Barbara

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 07 Oct 04 - 09:54 AM

Barbara said it so beautifully. enjoy life

sandra

as you say, now that the fraud tops $15,000 maybe they might do something about it

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 07 Oct 04 - 10:57 AM

The old song says....
When it's sprintime in Italy, it's Wednesday over here.

Ergo.... It's Thusday here, it must be sprintime in Guam.

Sounds idyllic, wish I were there. I retired unofficially about 4 months ago, and I'm getting quite good at it now.
Enjoy
Giok

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Charley Noble
Date: 07 Oct 04 - 04:49 PM

Brett-

I think the last time I held a regular job was back in 1979.

It just gets better and better!

Looking forward to seeing you when you're able to wind things up in Guam.

Don't forget to vote!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: GUEST,winterbright
Date: 07 Oct 04 - 07:22 PM

Glad to see you back in touch with the rest of the world!
We had FROST (I say) yesterday morning... something I'll be you don't even consider, since it's Spring for you. The trees are glorious, the crickets are winding down; I only hear them now on warm days.
I'm still walking everywhere, and feeling good about it.
Halloween's coming, and I'm feeling GOOD about that!
If you can check out "Lost" - new TV show - and see the first episodes, it's VERY cool! Sarah and I are hooked.
You'll adjust to the retirement thing before you know it, I'm sure. Throw the damn alarm clock out the window... just so you can have the satisfaction. Really. Go ahead. Preferably some morning when it'll feel REALLY good!
Or hit it with a hammer.
Enjoy!

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Lana
Date: 07 Oct 04 - 08:21 PM

i know the feeling Dad, i'm still adjusting to not being in school, this the first autumn that has rolled around since I was five that I haven't had to go to school. I keep waiting to summer to end and it hasn't yet. weird.

love
kelli

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: JennieG
Date: 07 Oct 04 - 08:21 PM

Brett,
Enjoy your new life, it sounds wonderful. All the best to you and I'll see you again next time you come to Sydney!
Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: JennyO
Date: 07 Oct 04 - 10:25 PM

Same here. I hope that will be soon. By the way, it IS springtime here. The garden is starting to come to life, the big christmas bush has got all its white flowers on, ready to start turning red soon, and the barbeque area is looking VERY inviting!

Jenny

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Ebbie
Date: 07 Oct 04 - 10:56 PM

A friend of mine, after a year of being retired, said, Haven't had a bad day yet!

May it be ever so in spite of the bumps and dips in the road.

As the man said, anything that doesn't kill you makes you stronger (paraphrasing here); it is obvious that you are stronger. Enjoy.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 08 Oct 04 - 05:44 AM

I sure am feeling stronger. It's funny but the clouds have cleared off and the sun has been shining a lot lately. As I drove up to Tumon earlier today I noticed how nice the weather was.

I am settling into the retired lifestyle very well. Occasionally I still think that I am only off for a few days and will have to go back to the office but I am getting over that. I have officially declared the word "w--k" to be a four letter word. No more to be under thrall.

I am at Gordon's house on a Friday evening. He invited me down for dinner. The table has plenty of food and I am knocking back a Smirnoff Ice. They are calling me to eat. More later.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: GUEST,Canberra Chris
Date: 08 Oct 04 - 06:01 PM

Brett,

If you want Spring, there's a bed spare here. All you need is a ticket. I am not ready or able yet to retire, but my friends who have are blooming like the flowers.

I am trying to cope with a return to work after a month in UK, mostly on family business, but I got in some singing, mainly in Chester with the Poms From Oz. Also I got to sing Fields of Gold at my niece's wedding reception, that was a nice moment.

My 10 yr old nephew was also inducted into the folk scene. He can SING. Another nice moment was a bar in Coniston breaking into applause when he emerged from the gents, from where he had halted all conversation with Norfolk Whalers through two wooden doors. That's projection. He did then hide under the table!

So I suppose my thoughts are more about passing on the torch than retiring from the fray.

Do come back.

Chris

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 12 Oct 04 - 02:06 AM

Well, now, ain't this sweet. I am in my own home typing on to the Mudcat. Ah, life is good.

Gordon got this computer at a rummage sale for $40. He then had to buy a power cord for it. I have it until I can get a real computer. This is an old Toshiba Satellite Pro 440CDX running Windows 95. I had to reload Windows but now I am back on line. The computer is slow but it works.

I am two weeks into my retirement and life is good. The pain of August and September is fading and I am enjoying life. My motto these days is, "Twenty four hours a day and they're all mine!" I set myself up with a few errands each day and take them slowly enjoying each one. Today I paid some bills and got the materials I need to fix the side of my filing cabinet where it got burned.

On the way home I stopped at Ylig Bay to take pictures. Dad wants them to see how the area has changed since 1947. I don't think he will come to Guam. He is not interested in the long flight.

Wakana is still in Japan. We call each other nightly. She has apparently radically changed her hair style. Good thing she warned me. I have a bad habit of not noticing such things.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Lana
Date: 12 Oct 04 - 07:26 AM

Papa isn't coming to England either, his back is too bad to be able to handle the flight.
I hope he gets better soon.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Charley Noble
Date: 12 Oct 04 - 09:32 AM

Brett-

Welcome back to the www. Now you can receive spam again!

You're missing a cold blustery rainy day here in Maine. About the only thing good I can say about it is the kaleidoscope of leaves blowing past the windows. Time to close up the cottage! Time to batten down the cellar windows!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Oct 04 - 09:56 AM

Brett,
It is one of those rainy blustery fall days that makes you celebrate being alive. I may wander over to the lighthouse and get rained on. Though I haven't retired, I am unemployed and enjoying every minute of it...at least until the money runs out.
Enjoy!
SINS

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: GUEST,Uncle Jaque
Date: 12 Oct 04 - 01:04 PM

Ahoy Mate!

I seem to have wandered off for a season or two; have not kept up on the megga-Guam thread, but I think I sorta get the Reader's Digest version on this one. Sounds like it's been... aahhh.. "interesting".

Happy Retirement! Sounds like you couldn't have picked a much better place to enjoy it.

I finally picked up Social Security disability (somewhat by surprise, as I didn't think they approved anybody before at least one appeal) last month, so it seems that I'm now officially "Retired" as well.

After a lifetime spent mostly in service to Community and others - law enforcement, developmental care (Pineland), Rescue, Teaching etc., I frankly feel pretty burned out, beat up, and broken down in a number of ways...

So I'll take my pension with gratitude!

Hope you take good care of yourself and your Beloved, stay healthy, and enjoy yer "new" life, Brett.

UJ

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 12 Oct 04 - 08:45 PM

I am still working on getting that little computer to work. It doesn't have enough memory to download an entire web site, only 32 MB. But it can run Word and Excel and will do other minor tasks.

So I am on Gordon's computer again. I hope to be up and running at home soon.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 12 Oct 04 - 11:35 PM

I guess I got it. Here I am at home again and it seems to be working. Next step is to check some other more complicated web sites.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: GUEST,winterbright
Date: 13 Oct 04 - 10:48 AM

Whatever Wakana's done to her hair, tell her you love it!
:-)

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 13 Oct 04 - 06:18 PM

I'm not retired either, but my temp job (held since mid-July with lots and lots of overtime) is winding down. I've got til the end of next week max. But it's lasted a lot longer than the 6-8 weeks they originally promised and when the work picks up again after Christmas (Martin Luther King Day, Washington's Birthday, St. Patrick's Day) I may get a call again. They like me -- they liked me a lot.

At least Tom's got a project starting the day before my last day, so we should have some sort of income continuity.

Didja ever get that article? Sorry -- I didn't keep a copy, so if it's gone, it's gone.

Linn

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 15 Oct 04 - 12:20 AM

No, Linn, I didn't get the article. Too bad.

As for Wakana's hair I know there are a lot of potential comments and I know which ones NOT to use. I just saw a GEICO commercial where a woman steps out in a dress and asks her husband if the dress makes her look fat. He says "yes" without missing a beat. The announcer then says, "In the time it takes to pull out the sleeper sofa..."

It has been rainy over the last two days. We have a tropical depression forming over us. There is one moving off and another moving in. The one that's moving off seems to be forming up to be Typhoon 23 and the one moving in on us may be typhoon 24. For us it is only some wind and rain. There is a lot of ocean on the other side of us for them to strengthen in. If they track more northerly it will be headed for Japan. They've taken two or three hits so far this year. Just like Florida except that they expect them and prepare for them.

I don't think I have adequately described our little slice of paradise. The house doesn't look like much on the outside. The driveway is rough and we have to park in the front lawn. The left side of the yard is mostly churned up mud and the trench that the Mitsuko River used to run in. The river has finally dried up but the ground is still saturated. The right side of the house has a nice little lawn. Around that side of the house is a high steep wall of clay and jungle growth. It might be twenty feet high with a houase on top of it. All we can see of the house is a part of the roof line.

The house is rectangular with a small extension on the right side. That extension is the kitchen and an outdoor closet. The roof overhang or eave is quite a bit deeper over the closet creating a small porch like area. I have extended that into a patio using some concrete sections laid on the ground. Once we get all the junk from the old house cleaned up I will smooth that out into a real patio.

Behind the house there is a small strip of lawn between the walls and the jungle. The land slopes steeply up with nothing but jungle between the house and the mountain peak.

The left side of the house was damaged in Typhoon Pongsana. A tree came down and wiped off the eave of the house on the back corner. That area is now a tangle of broken concrete and re-bar.

The house is white, mostly. There is a mix of blue and white paint as well as dark mold. Once we get the outdoors cleaned up Gordon will bring up his power washer and we will wash it down and paint it. Eventually we will get that back corner cleaned up too.

Inside we have a nice large living room and three bedrooms. There is no dining room but there is room in the kitchen for a small table. This is in keeping with the local custom. On guam you do not invite people over for supper. You have a barbeque and eat and entertain outdoors. There is no place in this culture for a dining room.

The master bedroom is in the front of the house. It is large and sunny. All the windows in the house are large making it bright and pleasant. The closet has no doors, none of them do, but I will change that once I get some form of workshop.

The bathroom is small with a tile floor and walls. Unfortunately the tile is an odd shade of yellow. But the fixtures are in good condition.

The back bedrooms are not as good as the rest of the house. The corner bedroom is the worst in the house. It needs paint and patching. The door has a hole smashed in it where a former owner expressed his emotions with his fist.

The other bedroom we call the green room because it appears green on sunny days. The paint is white but the green is the reflection of the jungle behind the house. This is the "library". I put that is quotes because a real library has all its books on shelves. This one has all the shelves full and then more books on the floor. There are also more books in boxes in the other bedroom. Sigh, I may have too many...

The view from up here is not spectacular but it is pretty good. On a clear day we can see the valley down to the head of Apra Harbor and the ocean out beyond it. We face too far to the north to be able to see the sunset but wee can see the tail of it when it really put on a show and we can walk out to the end of the driveway to see the whole thing.

This then is our home. We are very secure here. The locks are new and all the windows have locks. There are security doors but I need to correct the installation.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Amos
Date: 15 Oct 04 - 12:29 AM

Wunnerful!! Very best of wonderful times in your new home, Brett!

A

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Oct 04 - 01:13 AM

That sounds grand, Brett! I love to read your descriptions. Sorry I haven't called...it's been a hectic week...winding down now and I keep thinking to do so late at night when it is too early in the morning there! Have written myself a note to remember earlier in the day!

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 15 Oct 04 - 06:55 AM

I'm looking forward to your call Kat.

Today I had a surprise waiting for me at the post office. When I opened the mailbox I found a block of envelopes, 45 of them, all from the same source, the credit card company for the forgotten card. Once I factored those into the mix I came up with a total of $25,913 taken by the thief. I am thinking of writing an open letter to the businesses of Guam telling them what happened and warning them to make sure they are very careful about seeing picture IDs. I intend to put in a statement about the cops not bothering to investigate this and pointing out that approximately $17,000 could have been saved if the police had taken the initiative.

In the meantime I have 45 forms to fill out and send to the credit card company. They were expecting the forms by 10/13. They arrived here on 10/15. Sigh, I guess I better get to work.

On the positive side I brought in the last sooty box and moved the other stuff in under the awning. There are no more boxes to be cleaned. I can now start to organize the stuff inside the house. The first step will be to clear up the living room and make it look more civilized. Then we will see what we will see.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 17 Oct 04 - 06:12 AM

Yesterday was Saturday, the real Saturday, as in every day is a Saturday when you are retired. We had our regular Saturday meeting of the Traditional Seafarers. It is only the second time I have been to a meeting since the fire. We have moved the canoe into an enclosed coutyard where it can remain protected from the sun but open for the public to see.

Our first order of business is to build a dolly so we can easily get the canoe in and out of the wwater. It's all very well to gather a crew to chant and heave the canoe into the water but if we want to sail it regularly we will have to make it easy for a minimum number of people to move it.

We are also trying to get under way on building the utt, the traditional canoe house. We had to remove the four upright posts that remained from the old utt. The guys had already removed three of them and we set about removing the last one. It would have been easy if we'd had a crane or boom truck. Instead we had a come-along and a chain.

We ran the come-along to a tree and used it to loosen the post. We dug around the post and attached the chain down low and then built a lever. Unfortunately the lever we had to use was a small telephone pole so it was heavy as the devil. We lifted it, placed the fulcrum, and pressed it down. the post rose a few inches and we started again. the pole had to come up about five feet. We worked up quite a sweat getting it up.

Tuesday we go to the telephone company to get more poles to build the base of the utt. There is a pile of them there, piled like jackstraws. We have to select 8 or 10 good ones and drag them out to where we can load them on a truck on Saturday.

Today, I worked on replacing electrical receptacles and switches. Wakana wanted them all to be white. Now that I have done the living room I can see that it might have been a mistake to go with white. The switches are almost impossible to see against the white wall. I hope Wakana likes it. I'd rather not replace them again.

I also rearranged the living room. It should be an interesting day when Wakana sees it.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 17 Oct 04 - 09:45 AM

no wonder you worked up a sweat!!

keep enjoying those Saturdays.

sandra

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 17 Oct 04 - 09:48 AM

Brett, the article was in Conde Nast Traveller, but I can't remember the date (or even year, but it was either last or this year) and was how a guy got one of those air tickets that includes all the flights (on a list of carriers) you can make within x-amount of time -- and he used it (to write the article for the magazine) to hit as many countries around the world as he possibly could. (I don't think he slept except on a plane.) Maybe somebody else has a copy of it.

Linn

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 18 Oct 04 - 01:00 AM

Thanks Linn, I'll check around for it.

Today has been a lazy day. I can't figure out if I am worn out from yesterday or mentally preparing myself for tomorrow when we go gget those poles.

I guess I'll take a nap.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 19 Oct 04 - 08:31 AM

Busy day today. The island is battening down for Typhoon Nock-ten. I went out this morning to run some errands and do laundry. The laundromat was crowded, no surprise, and several of the businesses were closing early so their employees could prepare for the storm. It was eerie driving home past businesses all closed up with storm shutters. What made it eerie was that the days was sunny and bright with a light breeze and lovely puffy clouds defining the sky.

But, according to the weather forecast we will experience high winds and rain all day tomorrow. I have battened dow everything except for putting up the storm shutters. I'll do that in the morning if it turns out to be necessary.

For those who are curious, yes, Wakana is due back tomorrow if the typhoon allows it.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Charley Noble
Date: 19 Oct 04 - 09:00 AM

Brett-

Never mind the weather,
As long as you're together,
It's off to see the Wild West Show!

It's down to the 50's around here in Maine now during the days, and close to freezing during the nights.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 19 Oct 04 - 03:44 PM

When I did the laundry yesterday I washed my mittens and watchcap. You can never be too careful. The mittens are leather and fleece and were stained with soot as was the watch cap and a shirt. I had the mittens on the dashboard. drying, when I visited Gordon on my way home. His wife laughed at the mittens. I told her I was ready for the typhoon....

Guam is in Condition Of Readiness (COR) 1. I just heard a public service announcement about the typhoon on the radio. It included a suggestion that women in their third trimester of pregnancy should report to the hospital. It appears that there is an up surge in births during a typhoon and again nine months later. Hmm, I wonder why...

Anyway, it's 5:57 AM and the typhoon is 245 miles out. The skies appear to be cloudy though it is still dark. It has been raining but there is little wind so far in this little nook where my house sits.

Southern Japan is currently under typhoon conditions and now Guam is too. If I believed in fate I would say the world is keeping Wakana from coming home. Fortunaately I believe in coincidences.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 21 Oct 04 - 11:02 PM

Yesterday when I finished writing what follows I found that the computer was no longer connected to the internet. Our phone was out. It turned out that the entire telephone system was down all over the island including cell phones. I figure the system is plugged into a single scoket and someone tripped over the power cord, unplugging it from the wall.

******
Nock-ten never turned north so our preparations were unnecessary. Still, it could have so maybe they were after all. Yesterday was bright and mostly dry with a bit of wind, maybe 30 to 40 mph. It was similar to a holiday in that all the stores were closed and nobody was driving anywhere.

Wakana got home last night. She brought a suitcase full of Christmas presents, Japanese foods, and personal belongings. We spent this morning opening them and discussing who should get which present. For my daughters I have this to say, "Nyah, nyah, nyah, nyah, nyaaaah, nyah, I know something you don't know."

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Oct 04 - 01:01 AM

How wonderful! It must feel great to have Wakana back home and making plans for the holidays. Please keep sharing with us, Brett. It is all so interesting and wonderful to read about. I am glad you missed the typhoon!

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Lana
Date: 22 Oct 04 - 07:34 AM

well you can tell Wakana that Nyah Nyah Nyah, I know something she doesn't know. ;)

love
kelli

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 12:58 AM

Lana, I have been teaching her the old "Nyah, nyah, nyah, nyah, nyaaaah, nyah, I know something you don't know." She has learned it well.

The weather has been near perfect lately. It hasn't been very hot and the sun has been shining. The surf is beautiful. It's still high and the bright son gives it a gorgeous blend of blues and greens which change to white as the waves curl over and collapse.

Tonight some friends come in from Japan to visit for a few days. They are old friends of Wakana's who have been educated in the USA so they speak clear English. I don't have to sit silent and wondering as the conversation carries on around me. Should be fun.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 09:24 PM

Dinner last night was fun. We met Wakana's friends at the airport and took them to the hotel. Then we went to a Chinese restaurant for dinner. The only table available was a large round table for at least 8 to 10 people so we were not set up for conversation but we did OK.

The restaurant is a traditional Chinese restaurant with dishes served for the table instead of individually. There is a large glass lazy Susan in the center and the dishes were laced there. Then the diners could just turn the lazy Susan to reach whatever they wanted. Plus the waiters could serve the table without encroaching on the personal space of the diners. We had hot & sour soup, pork dumplings, shrimp shaumai (a steamed meat dumpling), chop suey fried rice, and fried noodles. For desert we had Chinese fruit coktail which had a Chinese "jelly" made of almonds in with the usual fruit cocktail mix of peaches, pears, and grapes. We also had sesame balls, a ball of mashed rice cake covered with sesame seed and filled with mochi, a sweet paste made from red beans. It was delicious, filling, and relatively cheap. The whole meal for four people ran us only $44. Plus the restaurant accidentally gave us an extra serving of the shaumai.

Tonight Umiko and Yamachan will be coming to dinner. I will amke a pot roast in the crock pot with biscuits.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: GUEST,Millie Webb
Date: 24 Oct 04 - 09:52 AM

Hi!
I have been reading the posts about Guam all Summer long. My daughter married a sailor who is stationed in Guam for three years. She is trying to move to Guam to live with him but since they were married after he received his orders, she and my grandson are not part of the orders. Navy paperwork is NOT quick and easy! She is going to Guam in the next few weeks to try to work on the paperwork in person- to make a personal connection. It has been so helpful to me to read how life there is. The more I read, the better connected I feel. Please keep these posts going.
Millie Webb
Williamsburg, VA

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 25 Oct 04 - 08:35 PM

Hi Millie, welcome to the readership. I'm glad you've enjoyed these threads.

Yesterday Wakana and our Japanese friends toured the southern part of the island. It was something Wakana and I have not done in a long time. For once it wasn't raining down there and we enjoyed near perfect weather all day though the clouds were heavy.

We started by visiting the Quest so they could see the traditional seagoing canoe of the Carolinian Islands. Then we paid a visit to some Japanese caves and bunkers from WWII. After a visit to Latte Stone Park we headed to the dive shop to get snorkeling gear for a visit to Fish Eye.

Fish Eye is a wonderful snorkeling spot. They've been feeding the fish out there so there are schools of beautiful tropical reef fish, some small but mostly large with irridescent colors and bright stripes. The corals are lovely, yellows and purples, dark brown weeds and white sands.

After that we went up on to Nimitz Hill to the War In The Pacific Park overlook. The War In The Pacific Park system is a series of parks that memorialize specific areas of Guam. We headed up to the Japanese command post for the invasion by the American forces. It provides a beautiful view mof the coast and the park we call Little Waikiki.

Then it was off to Tuan's for lunch. We had cold noodles, a wonderful combination of noodles, vegetables, fried meat (chicken, beef, or pork). Then we headed south stopping at various scenic overlooks and beaches. It was a lovely day for a drive and we used the whole day. The sky was mostly cloudy so we didn't get the emerald greens and pure blues on the ocean. Instead the sea was siver and gray. Not quite as pretty as under a blue sky but not bad at all.

Today they head home. We will take them to Faifai beach to see Two Lover's Point from below and to see some traditional latte stones in the jungle.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 26 Oct 04 - 03:15 AM

We met our friends at noon and took them to Gun Beach and Faifai Beach. I had never been to either of those places. You can drive to Gun Beach which is named for a Japanese shore gun placed at the base of the cliff. It is a mass of rust but it still seems to menace the harbor.

Then we walked on further, over a trail over the rock formation that separated the two beaches. A trail has been cut into the old coral rock, with bamboo handrails and catwalkks made of old telephone poles. At the other end of the trail is one of the pretiest beaches I have seen in a long time. The sand is soft and white, nearly powder, and the water is protected by the reef so it is like a mill pond while the wild surf crashes just a hundred yards away. The other side of the beach is lined with Australian pines and palm trees. It's really lovely.

Afterwards we went to the Nikko Hotel for the luncheon buffet. That was lovely too. There was so much to choose from, most of it Japanese or based on Japanese cooking so that our friends and Wakana managed to get plenty to make them happy. I did too though not the same stuff. I am finding that Japanese food is a taste that has to be learned.

Now the day and the visit is over. Our friends are winging their way back home and tomorrow will be back at w--k (sorry abbout the four letter word).

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 01 Nov 04 - 03:00 AM

Before Wakana left home she mailed herself a box full of her favorite videotapes and books. Among the videotapes are three animated movies from Ghibli Studios. If you haven't seen anything from there do yourself a favor and find something. The movies we have watched so far are Porco Rosso (I know, it's Italian), and Naucissa Of The Valley of Wind. they are beautiful movies with rich color and very detailed backgrounds. Porco Rosso (The Red Pig) is especially cool with wonderful seaplanes and sailboats cruising the Mediterranean Sea. She has one more that we will probably watch tonight.

We spent today cleaning up the workshop and putting together an erector set workshelf. What a piece of trash that shelving is.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Nov 04 - 03:39 AM

More beautiful pictures, Brett! Thanks so much for sharing...I still say it all belongs in a book.**bg**

Did you get to vote there or do they do it all by absentee ballots? I will finally call...after Tuesday!

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 02:22 AM

Today we spent the day pulling old telephone poles out of a pile that looked like giant pick up sticks. We are hoping to build a traditional canoe house. We pulled about 8 good poles out of the pile and now I am sunburned, sore, and tired. I got home covered in dirt and sweat.

One of our group is an interesting character. He is originally from Virginia and maintains his residence there but lives in Taiwan and Guam. He's building a house here but owns several businesses in Taiwan including a few restaurants and a bakery. He also sails professionally and supervises a crew maintaining a fleet of racing sailboats for a wealthy Hong Kong businessman. He is currently building a big cruising powerboat to work down through the islands carrying mail and supplies to the more remote places in the Pacific. It will carry three tons of cargo. He wants me to work the boat with him. He laughs about using it for smuggling and a little bit of piracy. Should be interesting. Tomorrow he will be meeting with the Taiwanese ambassador here on Guam to discuss free medicines for delivery to the islands. Yo ho ho, and a bottle of rum!

Yesterday I proposed to Wakana. She says it is traditional for the woman to think about the proposal for a "while".

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 08:38 AM

congratulations to you for proposing & to her for considering the proposal.

I hope to see the answer when I log in again in about 24 hours

sandra

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: JennyO
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 09:14 AM

Yes, me too!

Jenny (waiting with bated - or is that baited? - breath)

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: MMario
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 09:25 AM

Yesterday I proposed to Wakana

You just slip that in there as a casual statement. I'm not sure I could do that. From what you have written the two of you make each other very happy - I hope you can formalize the relationship and continue happy. Best of Luck to both of you.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Charley Noble
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 06:03 PM

"Yesterday I proposed to Wakana"

What's wrong with living together for 10 or so years? Seemed to work for Judy and me. Yah, sure, we finally did get married and had a big party, even invited you! You young fellows are always in such a tearass rush!

Anyway I'm looking forward to hearing more about THE ADVENTURES OF BRETT AND THE PIRATES IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEAS. Don't forget to take your pass port and several pairs of clean brown underwear.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble, back in Maine where the car windows need defrosting every morning now

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 10:08 PM

Wakana has accepted my proposal. We are researching the process. I think we will marry in Japan next month. This is a difficult process because of the two nationalities involved plus the oddball system of laws here in Guam. It appears to be simpler to marry in Japan and then bring the paperwork back here.

As for it being a casual statement, well, I was setting up the dramatic pause she was forcing. I don't think I have been too open about our relationship. We've had ups and downs. There have been tearful disagreements and happy days. At one time she was packing a bag to get out of here. We have considerable difficulties caused by our disparate cultures. A casual statement by one can cause deeep misgivings in the other. For example, a while back she was sewing curtains and I was working in the other room. I found a set of curtains my mother had sent me years ago. She'd bought them in a sale. I'd never used them and I wanted her to know we had them. Unfortunately her interpretation of the event was that her work was not good enough and that the curtains were important because they'd been a gift from my mother. It took a while to unravel that problem. However we have forged a tie that includes a resolution to always talk out whatever problems arise, that we will try to be flexible in our cultural differences. We feel good about this.

Another reason it's a casual reference is that I am aready committed to her and she to me. If we were both Americans or Japanese we wouldn't bother with marriage. Unfortunately we have legal issues as well as the love we have for eacch other. The marriage of our souls is an accomplished fact. This is a legal connection that we need to be able to stay together. Without the marriage we can only be together 3 months at a time and neither of us can go to live in the other's country and work.

I hope this doesn't sound too mercenary. It isn't intended to. Theese considerations are secondary to the real reason for the marriage. It is a marriage based in love and tenderness. We do love each other and consider this a lifetime committment.