Leave Only Footprints …
… take only photos. Isn’t that how the old admonition goes when traveling?
Well, no worries there! No sweat at all for the Mullen-Wilson dyad. We got all the way to Pa’ia, Maui and realized Ted had forgotten to insert the battery in his camera! We found a Costco just outside the Kahului Airport, but since the store is obviously on Hang-Loose Hawaii Time, its operating hours were from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. When we finally found the store open, we saw plenty of digital cameras on display, but no accessories. And no one to help us find a battery.
I saw a lot of t-shirts, too, that said “RELAX. THIS AIN’T THE MAINLAND.” Well, they got that right. So we did. Relax, I mean. We never bought a battery. And this is the long way of explaining why you’ll not see any photos on this blog of Maui’s North Shore or points between, beyond and next door.
I’m not complaining. We had eight luxurious days in a sweet little sugar cane plantation cottage, fully restored with wood floors, original wainscoting, big porch, squeaky ceiling fans. I felt like a female antagonist in a Hemingway novel (only a lot nicer to my husband than Pappy’s fictional harpies).
I’d been to Maui several years ago, but spent the entire three weeks on the isolated Hana (east) side of the island. This time was more about beaches, my first turn at snorkeling (amazing) and hiking deep into Halakalea’s crater–which was absolutely stunning. I only wish we had done it at sunrise. Next time.
As for the lack of photos, Ted kept telling me at least we would always have memories. Well, true enough. A friend who fancied himself a Buddhist — though I think he was more creepy New Age than anything — once told me that photos are for people who live in the past. I can see that to a point. I’m fine, at least, without a permanent image of how I looked in a swimsuit after a week of glutenous eating and drinking.
Meanwhile, and completely off-topic, go here to see that my little blog is ranked 19th among the 20 most-read political blogs in Utah. I was shocked. I’ve floated a good bit in the past few months as I’ve gotten busier and more involved with my full-time job at City Weekly. But then, I’m ranked below the Salt Lake Tribune’s political blog, which hardly stays very timely. And I’m also below the dreadfully bland Utah State Senate Site. So I ought to get my ass in gear, eh? I could maybe go up a couple of notches.
I’ve actually taken a lot of passes on political commentary on the Salt Lake City mayor’s race, given my stepmother relationship to Jenny Wilson. One day back to reality on the mainland, and several people have already asked me if I’ll start writing about the final election between Ralph Becker and Dave Buhler. I’m not inclined to get involved in it. For one thing, anything critical I might write would only be construed as sour grapes. And it would only harm whatever credibility I might have at CW. I’ve learned that much from the primary.
For another reason, the race promises to be a snore fest. Some have said the city is ready for a dull race/dull mayor given the eight years we’ve suffered under our current psychopath. I can’t think of my hometown in any way as dull though–so I hope we get a little huff ‘n puff in this election cycle.
But hey, this doesn’t mean you can’t all post away to your heart’s content about the mayor’s race, the 2008 presidential election, or any other political thought you are generating. I’m a millimeter away from supporting Hillary, BTW. I’ve got a whole blog entry planned for that as soon as I get my thoughts well in order. So think and write away. Besides, your participation might help keep mullentown.com in the VIB (very important blogs) listings. I’d hate to fade into total obscurity, and I’d like to get my ranking above that awful Senate Site.
September 22nd, 2007 at 9:28 am
Ah yes…..Hillary
My local social group is both liberal and activist. Several went to Lodi to campaign for Jerry McNerney and help bring down that awful primitive Pombo. The desire for a dem prez is palpable in the extreme.
Hillary ? Most of the group pretty much agree with her stated platform(s)…but a straw vote only gave her a 7-5 margin. Why the disaffected five ? Let me list the reasons for their dislike;
1.) resentment for her vote allowing Bush to use force in Iraq. Obama did not and Edwards,who did, has apologised.
2.) Hillary care, NOT that we don`t need health care for all…but her naked arrogance in proclaiming that the country got “two for one” when electing Bill is the ultimate chutzpa.
3.) she branded as liars women who she knew were telling the truth about Bill and his inability to keep his wick dry. The “vast right-wing conspiracy”. Indeed
The popular choice here is Al Gore 12-0, Wanna a distaff prez ? My dream would be Elizabeth Edwards. Both smarter than her husband and farther left.
The dems are toast if they lose the presidency next year. The one candidate who could lead them to defeat is Hillary.
Anyway, welcome back !
September 22nd, 2007 at 12:38 pm
Ditto on the welcome back!
I’m not surprised by the blog ranking as you have quite a following.
Being several years out of Utah, my thoughts go to the 2008 elections, so crucial to this country. I agree with chardonnay and friends’ take on Hillary, though would vote for her if she becomes the dem candidate, hopeful she would have an interesting VP choice. Elizabeth Edwards is terrific…if only….but I like John too. I also like Dodd, Obama and Biden and actually Chuck Hagel recently (of course not running)….ALL more than Hillary. What was that flag burning crap about? Makes me wonder… WHO is she?
What’s sad is how it’s all about money, leaving out potentially better candidates lacking the cash, connections and networking (often suspect.) Doesn’t allow for a candidate choice based strictly on merit. A tragic flaw to the system. But hey, life is flawed.
Your trip sounds lovely and maybe not having pictures meant a more relaxed and ‘enjoying the moment’ experience.
September 22nd, 2007 at 12:56 pm
Glad to see you back. I can only add this to the political discourse. If John Edwards is nominated I would vote for him. Otherwise, I will probably vote for Ralph Nader, again, if he runs. I have voted for him the last three elections, I think. My last winner was Bill for his first term.
September 24th, 2007 at 7:34 am
Your “psychopath” comment about Rocky reminded me of sitting in Kansas listening to my uncle tell me how lucky I was to have Ronald Reagan as our governor in California. As far as I was concerned, Reagan was a disaster to everything I held dear as a Californian and, as president, everything I held dear as an American. Of course, I hadn’t met Bush yet. Anyway, my point is, I admired Rocky from my California bleacher seat. At least he had the balls to take positions.
Can’t bring myself to support Hillary, I’m afraid. I’ll vote for her against any of the Republican contenders but I don’t think she can win.
Here’s another “Run, Al, Run!” wish. Gore got my vote when he ran and I’ve been wishing on stars for him since this whole 2008 election mess began. Haven’t made a campaign contribution yet in hopes that I can send him some money in the near future.
September 28th, 2007 at 2:23 pm
Holly,
C’mon The Tribune’s Out of Context barely stays timely? Take another look. We post prolifically. Compare the number of posts you made, for instance, during September so far, compared to us. That would be five to 24. Yeah, I know. You were on vacation. So compare another month — any other month. And the quality of the post. Well, they speak for themselves. Cheers.
October 1st, 2007 at 5:01 pm
You’re right, Dan. The Out of Context blog has gotten much better and more timely in recent weeks. I should be checking more often, eh? Oh well, sometimes I get a little busy with work and life. If I didn’t have a few real-world diversions, I’d be sitting on my ass and checking every blog, 37 times a day from here to Neptune and back. Anyway, congrats on prolific postings and I’ll keep checking in, so as to prevent any further on-line faux paus.