January 2024 Journal Photos


Year of the Dragon.

New Year's Day

Andrea and I stayed home and worked around the house on January 1. We both organized drawers in the kitchen. Andrea had gotten me a new office chair for Christmas and I disassembled the old one and put it in the trash bin.


Malia gave me the chess T-shirt for Christmas. Standing in my coffee corner, ready to make toast.

Citizen's Patrol Walk

We met at the Hind Drive bridge at 07:30 for the first civil patrol walk of the new year.


We arrived right on time and everyone was ready to go.


They formed up for a group photo.


Group photo cropped by Andrea, gamma corrected by me.


Andrea took this group photo in selfie mode. I flipped it for her.


Talking with Randy. Another one I flipped for Andrea.


Andrea photographed the sunrise on our before-breakfast walk on Thursday.

FIRST Robotics Competition Kickoff

The FRC kickoff was at 07:00 AM local time on Saturday, January 6.


Team Magma, FRC 3008, met at 9:00 AM in the Robotics Lab at Kalani High School.


Mr. Kwok studied the manual with some students.


We met in the "cave" to analyze the game.

Becky's Visit

Becky flew in on Tuesday afternoon, January 9.


I gave her a white ginger lei. Photo by Andrea.


Now we just need to wait for the bag she brought. Photo by Andrea.


Selfie! Photo by Becky.


A nice man offered to take our picture.


We have wine and pupu in the living room. Photo by Becky.


Wednesday afternoon I took Becky to the beach.


Walking back from the pull-up bars.


I can still do pullups but not as many as before. Photo by Becky.


Upcoming event, coffee with a cop flyer.


I got my CoCoRHas certificate.

Suitcase Painting

When we were at the airport, waiting for Becky's suitcase, there were lots of gray ones, and I suggested that she needed some travel stickers to better distinguish hers. She suggested that we could paint it like a Jackson Pollock painting, so we did it.


We masked off the wheels, handles, and zippers and then started with yellow. Photo by Andrea.


We flipped the suitcase over and Becky did the other side. Photo by Andrea.


We alternated colors and sides through the day. Photo by Andrea.


We ended with blue. Photo by Andrea.


On Friday the 12th we walked down to the Aina Haina Shopping Center for breakfast at Jack's.


Waiting for our food. Photo by Andrea.


Digging in to my two eggs over medium, wheat toast, link sausage, and white rice. Photo by Andrea.


A good breakfast as usual.


Double rainbow on the way home.


Becky with the suitcase after masking tape removal. Photo by Andrea.


Emma on chair. Photo by Becky.

Mits Aoki Legacy Foundation 6th Annual Meeting

Andrea, Becky, and I attended the Mits Aoki Legacy Foundation 6th Annual Meeting and Scholarship Luncheon at the Church of the Crossroads on Saturday, January 13. Becky drove separately in the Toyota so she could later meet friends who flew into Hawaii the night before.


We arrived early and parked in the church parking lot. We then walked to King Street and went to the New Year's Festival at the Japanese
Cultural Center. We stopped at the Manoa Heritage Center table personed by Jenny Engle and Keala.


We walked all around and looked at exhibitors.


Inside the gallery history exhibit.


More of the Japanese history in Hawaii exhibit.


Classic Bonsai Club had an exhibit on the fifth floor. Nelson, Alvin, Charlene, and others we know were there.


We went into the sales area and bought four red dragon T-shirts for the anniversary party coming up next week.


We went back to the church and into the sanctuary and I showed Andrea and Becky where my Mom's and Mits's ashes are stored. Photo by Andrea.


The Koa crypt cover. Photo by Andrea.


The larger space.


Dr. Rae Seitz, MD, receiving the community service award.


Everyone waving hello to Dr. Pat Nishimoto, an awardee who had to be on the mainland on this day.


Jon Osorio playing and singing while Alan Gamble, Chairman of the Legacy Foundation, records the performance (on right, background).


Alan did some more video recording. Photo by Andrea.

Rainbow Bonsai Club Meeting

Andrea and I took Becky to the monthly RBC meeting on Sunday, January 14. It was a cool sunny day and we drove over the Like Like Highway.


Andrea and Becky in the sun to get warm before the meeting. They went for a walk before the meeting started.


Becky won several prizes in the benefit drawing.


We stopped at the lunch take-out tent in Waimanalo on the way home and got three mini-plates and some lau lau for dinner.


We took a walk after dinner. Photo by Becky.


We watched an episode of Hawaiian Eye on Andrea's computer. Photo by Becky.


After dinner Becky installed the toe plate for the dishwasher. The remodeling crew had lost the brackets and screws so Andrea ordered brackets
online and I scrounged screws from my carport shop collection.

Repotting Ficuses with Becky

On Monday, January 15, Becky and I repotted the two ficus trees she won at the bonsai club meeting.


She won two ficus chinensis, both potted in clay soil in plastic pots, so we needed to repot them into
ceramic growing pots with good soil (mostly organic with some sand and cinders). Photo by Andrea


Rinsing off the clay. Photo by Andrea


Planting angle determined by gravity (in this case). Photo by Andrea


Pouring water and washing hands at the same time. Photo by Andrea


Becky unpots the second tree. Photo by Andrea


Washing the roots. Photo by Andrea


Holding the tree and filling the pot. Photo by Andrea


Firming up the soil with fingers. Photo by Andrea


Watering in the roots. Photo by Andrea


Finished product. Photo by Andrea

Kukaniloko Visit and Drive Around the Island

Andrea and I went to Wahiawa to visit the Birthing Stones at Kukaniloko and drove through the north shore to get home. Becky washed clothes and went to the beach before picking up Eric and some friends at the airport in the evening.


The sacred birthing stones. Click the image to see the full resolution version.


We learned some geography from old times.


The piko stone with concentric circles, enhanced with water.


Group photo by Kumu Hula Jo Lynn.


We stopped at the Beachhouse Restaurant in Haleiwa for lunch.


Haleiwa Bay. Photo by Andrea.


Surf was up.


I had the Andy's teriyaki beef sandwich and Andrea had the fish and chips. Two iced teas. Photo by Andrea.

Eric's Visit

Eric arrived Tuesday evening, January 16, and Becky drove the Toyota to the airport to pick him up.


Wednesday morning we all walked down to Jack's in the Aina Haina Shopping Center for breakfast. We stopped to taste poke at Foodland on the way back.

Aina Haina Prepared Monthly Meeting

I attended the first AHP in-person meeting in years at Gavan's house on Wednesday evening, January 17.


It was a productive meeting. I retired as VP. Next meeting is on February 28.

Fifth Anniversary Party for Eric and Becky

Andrea and I threw an anniversary party for Becky and Eric on Friday evening, January 19, five years, exactly, from their wedding day here under the lychee tree.


At the wedding reception at the Aquarium five years ago.


Visiting the Aquarium where the reception was held five years ago. Becky found the Primo can in Horan's floor tile installation. Photo by Becky.


Becky examines one of the souvenir tiki glasses for mai tai punch that guests were invited to take home.


Guests with pupu. Photo by Andrea.


Group photo before the sun went down. Photo by Simina.


Becky and Jo. Photo by Andrea.


I got a plate. Photo by Andrea.


Enjoying food, drink, and conversation. Pete and Si came too.


Enjoying the food and drink.


Betty came with her walker with Libby.


Lots of good food. Carl, Kai, Simina, and Jenny.


Photo by Andrea.


Photographing Eric and Becky before my poetry reading.


Eric and Becky before my poetry reading.


Seating inside as well as out.


Photo by Andrea.


Andrea photographed back at me.


All ready for the poem.


The poetry reading. Video by Slava.


We gave books to Sadat and Adam and I signed them.


Many conversations in the evening.


Guests relaxing.


Andrea talked with Simina and Jo.


Man group photo by Becky.

Happy Anniversary Poem for Eric and Rebecca

I ka makahiki o ka moʻo lāʻau
In the year of the wooden dragon

Holo i Hawaiʻi pumehana no ka lā ʻumi kumamāiwa o Ianuali
Travel to warm Hawaii for January 19th

E leʻaleʻa me ke kuleana ma ka aina a me ka wai
Have fun responsibly on land and water

E hoʻomanaʻo i ka male nui ʻelima mau makahiki i hala
Remember the great wedding five years ago

ʻO ka hana nani ma lalo o ke kumu lāʻau lychee
Beautiful ceremony under the lychee tree

E ʻimi i nā ala ala a me nā kahakai one
Explore the trails and sandy beaches

E hoʻolauleʻa me nā hoaaloha a me ka ʻohana
Celebrate with friends and family

ʻElima makahiki o ka hauʻoli pū
Five years of happiness together

Hauʻoli lā makahiki ʻaha hoʻomale ma Oʻahu
Happy wedding anniversary on Oahu

—Richard Jeffery Wagner, January 19, 2024

Here's a PDF of the: Happy Anniversary Poem.

I created a separate page for the Fifth Wedding Anniversary photos.

Hawaii Bonsai Association Board Meeting

I attended the quarterly HBA board meeting on Sunday morning, January 21.


There was a good turnout at the Susannah Wesley Community Center on Kaili Street.

The Lifespan of a Fact at the Manoa Valley Theater

Andrea and I attended the excellent play Sunday afternoon, January 21.


Outside before going in. We talked to Bill and Carolyn for a while.


The stage set before I turned off my personal device.

How to Get a Literary Agent

I attended the OLLI Zoom class on Monday afternoon, January 22, while Andrea went to her hula halau.


We had about a dozen attend the informative class.


It was Kilohana's birthday at the halau at MHC.

Writing Circle Meeting

I attended the bi-weekly OLLI Zoom session Tuesday afternoon, January 23, but did not take a screen shot.

Cocktails and Pupu at the Moana Hotel

January 23: Andrea and I went with Becky and Eric to the Beach Bar at the Banyan Tree Lanai at the Moana Hotel in Waikiki on Tuesday evening. Friends Eric and Christine Joined us there after dark.


We had two orders of poke nachos. Eric had the Lava Flow, I had the Blue Hawaii, and the ladies had mai tais.


Becky and I went out to the beach to photograph the sunset. We both saw the green flash! It was ideal conditions and I saw the green light
accumulating turbulently around the rim of the sun and a steady blue-green dot when the limb of the sun went down.


Selfie shot of us. Photo by Becky.


The other bearded Eric and Christine also had a plate of nachos and mai tais.


We played Hawaiiopoly with Mike the next evening. Photo by Becky.

Manoa Heritage Center Tour

January 25: I led a tour at the MHC. A couple from Minnesota and one from Chicago. Becky and Eric came along.


On the front lawn of Kuali'i.


Going down into the white garden. Photo by Becky.

Dinner at Arden Restaurant

January 25: We took Becky, Eric and Mike to dinner at Arden restaurant in Waikiki (in the Lotus hotel).


We arrived ten minutes early so I showed them the secret passage to the beach. Photo by Becky.


Michelle's in the Colony Surf and the Outrigger Canoe Club are behind me. Photo by Becky.


There was a young monk seal sleeping on the beach by the jetty. Photo by Becky.


Here's to Mom. It's her birthday. Photo by Eric.


Ready for a wonderful dinner.


Cake and ice cream for dessert. Photo by Andrea.


The big impressionist painting has been there a long time. Photo by Becky.

Mission House Tour

Friday, January 26: I drove Andrea to the Mission Houses for 11:00 AM, dropped her off and went to get my monthly Xgeva shot at Straub outpatient clinic. Then I got lunch to go at the Straub cafeteria and drove back to Mission Houses where we ate lunch and Andrea gave a tour at noon. Then we drove home for a nap. Becky and Eric had used Andrea's car to take Mike to Hanauma Bay.


The Chamberlain House annex and printshop.


Andrea secures the door of the Chamberlain House.


We barbecued chicken for dinner and Mike showed us how to play the somewhat macabre trolley problem game.

New Year Dragon Painting

I began painting dragons on a bonsai pot on Saturday, January 27. Andrea had a MHC tour and Becky and Eric took Mike to the airport.


I drew around a stencil that Andrea made for me.


The first of three painted dragons is done. I used the finest paint brush I have.

Kahala Mall

Andrea, Becky, and I went to Kahala Mall on Sunday afternoon, January 28, to look for new slippers for me. Got some at Coco Nene and then we went to Longs for toothpaste and mouthwash. Andrea got on-sale Christmas cards for next year. Then we went to Whole Foods and got ten tiger shrimp for dinner.


I the morning I showed Becky how to husk a coconut after we cut down several and two fronds. Photo by Becky.


On the way we stopped at the old Murphy house, now owned by Beth McDermot, to take her some maiapilo seedlings. A beautiful view.

Makapu'u

On Monday, January 29, I took Becky to Makapu'u beach for some swimming and a picnic lunch.


We rested after a short swim. I had packed salami sandwiches, green tea drinks, and cherries.


On the way back to the car.


We went to Dave's Ice Cream in Waimanalo for dessert.


I had a rocky road waffle cone. Photo by Becky.


That evening we went to Roy's for dinner. It was raining hard so we sat upstairs this time. Photo by Andrea.


Becky had the fizzy drink.


And a mai tai.

Sans Souci Beach

On Tuesday, January 30, Andrea and I took Becky to the beach at Sans Souci Beach Park. The showers were out of order so I showered in the Natatorium restrooms.


Becky and Andrea spent a lot of time in the water.


Fishing from the beach in Waikiki is legal in even numbered years. It ought to be outlawed completely so the reef fish come back as in
my new novel Brent and Edward Go to Hawaii, to be published later this year.

La Mariana Sailing Club

Andrea and I took Becky to the La Mariana Sailing Club for lunch on the way to the airport.


We stopped at the Ulu Chip Factory on the way. We bought ulu chips.


Across the street is the Hawaiian Chip Company. We bought kalo chips.


Situated at the restaurant.


A table with a boat view.


We stopped at the gift store on the way out. Becky bought two t-shirts


We looked at the boat dock.


Eric sent a photo of the new tiny dragon. He will make more for favors for our party on the seventeenth.

Email Richard dot J dot Wagner at gmail dot com

index.html: This hand-crafted, human-readable, HTML file was created January 1, 2024.
Last updated February 19, 2024 by Dr. Richard Jeffery Wagner. Text and images copyright © 2024, unless otherwise attributed, all rights reserved.