Aloha Friends and Brothers, Mahalo for the kind words & well-wishes. Yes my lovely, and patient wife deserves many kudos for putting up with me for so many years, and helping to raise two awesome sons which we are both very proud of. FYI for those not in the loop I have been living on the Island of Oahu since September of 2007 shortly after my father's passing at the request of my 4 other siblings who no longer reside in Hawai'i I being a caretaker of the old homestead until we are ready to sell which will be difficult to do with the emotional attachment we have for this place. I miss Maui a whole lot not just the place but all my friends many of whom are my childhood friends who relocated there many moons ago, miss the hunting, fishing, and general comradery we shared. Got a another taste of this with my dear friends during the Levergun's Texas Safari 2008. Life on Oahu has been mainly healing from loss, and healing from 2 additional back surgeries but not much else besides a little fishing and Hawaiian music. Also having to deal with family problems on wife's side. Life was nice for both of us being away from family while on Maui for 12 years. Haven't done any hunting but my nephew and son are bugging me to go on a wild cattle hunt on the Big Island of Hawai'i so hopefully my back will allow this in the not too distant future, "Smelly Nelly" my 45/70 SMLE at the ready.
Grizz- I got a free neglected 16' Dory a few months back that needed a little work a few months ago, and since already having my dad's rowing Dory I decided to add an engine well to the stern of this one. I got a nice piece of 2" x 12" Teak from a cabinet maker friend at no charge to make my motor mount from, and even a free 2.5 hp. motor which I refurbished and got running like a champ. Also added skeg to the bottom so she would track straight especially while rowing, and got this boat back in the water just a couple of weeks ago and sea trial went very smoothly, can't wait to take her offshore after Ahi. I name her "Masae Maru" in honor of my mom since my Dad's dory I named after him. They look great together.
My apologies again for not having anything on topic to share but when I have something worthy to post (40th anniversary?) I shall be sure to do so even it if take another 10 years.
Aloha a hui hou, Ji
PS. Ricky & Joe would love to do a Texas dove hunt some day when life back on cruise control.
![Wink :wink:](./images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)