OT: Aloha Hawaii, Adios Cali.

@"AGRforever" said:

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"NorthernCalVike" said:

@"Vanguard83" said: After Friday, I won't be around the Longship as regularly.  In February we sold our house in So. Cal, and bought a place on Maui. Our daughter is going to start college there, then transfer to UH Manoa on Oahu. We fly out from San Diego with our four pups on Monday, our crate and cars just got there, so probably be doing a lot to put the house / furniture in order for a few weeks. I have a couple more years until I can retire, so I'm renting a room near the HS I teach, and will fly back as often as I can, but the deal we got on a gorgeous home on the Maui Lani dunes golf course prompted our sale / purchase.

I know what you're thinking.....but here's what you need to know: Gasoline, sales tax, state taxes, water, sewage, garbage, vehicle registration, property taxes, and even the house we bought is LESS in Maui than California.  Frankly, we've been taxed to death in California, combined with the money we spend to go to Hawaii two or three times a year (and my wife crying every flight back) it just makes the most sense for us to change our lifestyle for our "golden years".  I was born, raised, educated, worked in Riverside my whole life....I'll be damned if I'm gonna die there too.

Anyway, after Friday, I'll pop in from time to time to see what's up, but not with my typical frequency.  So if anyone asks, "Where's Vanguard".....Gone surfing.

Mahalo,
V83

BYW - What time will you have to watch the typical Viking game if you want to watch it live? And your definitely going to need a Hercules jersey! ;)

he will be tuning in at 7am local time for a Noon Central kick off.   Hawaii is 5 hours behind Minny.

mmmm, nothing like beer thirty at 7am!!

@"AGRforever" said:

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"NorthernCalVike" said:

@"Vanguard83" said: After Friday, I won't be around the Longship as regularly.  In February we sold our house in So. Cal, and bought a place on Maui. Our daughter is going to start college there, then transfer to UH Manoa on Oahu. We fly out from San Diego with our four pups on Monday, our crate and cars just got there, so probably be doing a lot to put the house / furniture in order for a few weeks. I have a couple more years until I can retire, so I'm renting a room near the HS I teach, and will fly back as often as I can, but the deal we got on a gorgeous home on the Maui Lani dunes golf course prompted our sale / purchase.

I know what you're thinking.....but here's what you need to know: Gasoline, sales tax, state taxes, water, sewage, garbage, vehicle registration, property taxes, and even the house we bought is LESS in Maui than California.  Frankly, we've been taxed to death in California, combined with the money we spend to go to Hawaii two or three times a year (and my wife crying every flight back) it just makes the most sense for us to change our lifestyle for our "golden years".  I was born, raised, educated, worked in Riverside my whole life....I'll be damned if I'm gonna die there too.

Anyway, after Friday, I'll pop in from time to time to see what's up, but not with my typical frequency.  So if anyone asks, "Where's Vanguard".....Gone surfing.

Mahalo,
V83

BYW - What time will you have to watch the typical Viking game if you want to watch it live? And your definitely going to need a Hercules jersey! ;)

he will be tuning in at 7am local time for a Noon Central kick off.   Hawaii is 5 hours behind Minny.

mmmm, nothing like beer thirty at 7am!!

Love Maui, that's super exciting. Congratulations!

Cali is so expensive to live in now. Crazy taxes and crazy house prices. People are definitely moving out.

A big Aloha and Congratulations! I did the opposite. Lived on Oahu and Kauai all my life and then moved to Virginia because the kids were going to start HS and the wife wanted to do retreats that needed lots of land. We loved growing up and living in the islands, but it was just time to move on. All our family and friends are still over there and they are island lifers. Everyone I talk to thinks we were crazy, I don't miss the islands for a second and can't see going back unless I have too. Kick back and enjoy the island life!

@"grpape" said: A big Aloha and Congratulations! I did the opposite. Lived on Oahu and Kauai all my life and then moved to Virginia because the kids were going to start HS and the wife wanted to do retreats that needed lots of land. We loved growing up and living in the islands, but it was just time to move on. All our family and friends are still over there and they are island lifers. Everyone I talk to thinks we were crazy, I don't miss the islands for a second and can't see going back unless I have too. Kick back and enjoy the island life!

Very exciting time in your life, VG83!  Congrats, and there's nothing wrong with following a dream.  Good for you and your family - cheers!

@"StickyBun" said:

@"grpape" said: A big Aloha and Congratulations! I did the opposite. Lived on Oahu and Kauai all my life and then moved to Virginia because the kids were going to start HS and the wife wanted to do retreats that needed lots of land. We loved growing up and living in the islands, but it was just time to move on. All our family and friends are still over there and they are island lifers. Everyone I talk to thinks we were crazy, I don't miss the islands for a second and can't see going back unless I have too. Kick back and enjoy the island life!

Hey grape.....I've heard this but not sure if its true: native Hawaiians are very standoffish to people moving from the States. I've heard they aren't that friendly. Any insight?

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"StickyBun" said:

@"grpape" said: A big Aloha and Congratulations! I did the opposite. Lived on Oahu and Kauai all my life and then moved to Virginia because the kids were going to start HS and the wife wanted to do retreats that needed lots of land. We loved growing up and living in the islands, but it was just time to move on. All our family and friends are still over there and they are island lifers. Everyone I talk to thinks we were crazy, I don't miss the islands for a second and can't see going back unless I have too. Kick back and enjoy the island life!

Hey grape.....I've heard this but not sure if its true: native Hawaiians are very standoffish to people moving from the States. I've heard they aren't that friendly. Any insight?

I don't think that's urban myth. My BiL lived 20+ years stationed @ Pearl Harbor, married an Okinowan. That certainly appears to be the case and for decades now if not longer. 

That said...

VG, best wishes to you and the family. Maui is truly a heavenly place on this planet - absolutely gorgeous. Man, I can't tell you the # of times we've thought about just packing-up and doing the same thing you have - especially now that we're empty nesters. 

The COL scares me though (vs what we're used to in the midwest). That and island fever....

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"StickyBun" said:

@"grpape" said: A big Aloha and Congratulations! I did the opposite. Lived on Oahu and Kauai all my life and then moved to Virginia because the kids were going to start HS and the wife wanted to do retreats that needed lots of land. We loved growing up and living in the islands, but it was just time to move on. All our family and friends are still over there and they are island lifers. Everyone I talk to thinks we were crazy, I don't miss the islands for a second and can't see going back unless I have too. Kick back and enjoy the island life!

Hey grape.....I've heard this but not sure if its true: native Hawaiians are very standoffish to people moving from the States. I've heard they aren't that friendly. Any insight?

I don't think that's urban myth. My BiL lived 20+ years stationed @ Pearl Harbor, married an Okinowan. That certainly appears to be the case and for decades now if not longer. 

That said...

VG, best wishes to you and the family. Maui is truly a heavenly place on this planet - absolutely gorgeous. Man, I can't tell you the # of times we've thought about just packing-up and doing the same thing you have - especially now that we're empty nesters. 

The COL scares me though (vs what we're used to in the midwest). That and island fever....

one of our members posted a story a year or so ago about the Hawaiian govt starting some campaign reminding the natives islanders that their state relies very heavily on the main landers dollars and basically telling their people to quit being assholes to the tourists.... basically to stop biting the hand that feeds you.

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"StickyBun" said:

@"grpape" said: A big Aloha and Congratulations! I did the opposite. Lived on Oahu and Kauai all my life and then moved to Virginia because the kids were going to start HS and the wife wanted to do retreats that needed lots of land. We loved growing up and living in the islands, but it was just time to move on. All our family and friends are still over there and they are island lifers. Everyone I talk to thinks we were crazy, I don't miss the islands for a second and can't see going back unless I have too. Kick back and enjoy the island life!

Hey grape.....I've heard this but not sure if its true: native Hawaiians are very standoffish to people moving from the States. I've heard they aren't that friendly. Any insight?

I don't think that's urban myth. My BiL lived 20+ years stationed @ Pearl Harbor, married an Okinowan. That certainly appears to be the case and for decades now if not longer. 

That said...

VG, best wishes to you and the family. Maui is truly a heavenly place on this planet - absolutely gorgeous. Man, I can't tell you the # of times we've thought about just packing-up and doing the same thing you have - especially now that we're empty nesters. 

The COL scares me though (vs what we're used to in the midwest). That and island fever....

one of our members posted a story a year or so ago about the Hawaiian govt starting some campaign reminding the natives islanders that their state relies very heavily on the main landers dollars and basically telling their people to quit being assholes to the tourists.... basically to stop biting the hand that feeds you.

One word to win over the natives...Highest per capita consumption on the planet of this stuff:

We've been two or three times a year for 15 years or so.  Different islands different locations. We have heard all the rumors too about discrimination against Haole.  In all our trips, not once, did any of the locals give us anything but smiles, great conversations, friendship.  

But we don't go in with that "Orange County attitude" that "superiority complex" that locals are there to serve drinks, dance at luaus, and bring fresh towels.  I've seen locals treated HORRIBLY by narcissistic, entitled people, on their "week's vacation" and I've actually apologized for the way these "Orange County A-holes" treated them.  They leave their garbage around the most pristine beaches, take coral, sand, lava rock as souvenirs... Believe me the problem in Hawaii isn't the locals, it's the way they are treated by us mainlanders who have no respect for their culture / values ... Locals call them "High Maka Maka"

I've seen mainlanders lose the Sh!t because they will have to wait fifteen minutes for their rental car....Rental agents apologizing for the delay.....They told me the same wait time, I'm like..."No worries, man...I'm HERE and thats all that counts"  BOOM (Sorry Wetlander) Free car upgrade.

 As a result we've been invited fishing, cookouts, football games for the Keiki...all the adults laughing at the game yelling "Play bettah!!!"  One of the smaller kids wearing Batman swim trunks all the locals yelling "Go Batman" !!!  We've made better friends in one afternoon in Hawaii than in the many years here in So. CA. EZ ups go up Friday night, cooking, water time and laughing all weekend until it's time to pack up.

The Golden Rule works, you treat folks with respect and kindness, take care of the land (Aina) value relationships over money, and you'd be amazed at the response by locals.

Congrats!

Hopefully this time next year I'm in Asheville or there abouts.

@"StickyBun" said:

@"grpape" said: A big Aloha and Congratulations! I did the opposite. Lived on Oahu and Kauai all my life and then moved to Virginia because the kids were going to start HS and the wife wanted to do retreats that needed lots of land. We loved growing up and living in the islands, but it was just time to move on. All our family and friends are still over there and they are island lifers. Everyone I talk to thinks we were crazy, I don't miss the islands for a second and can't see going back unless I have too. Kick back and enjoy the island life!

Hey grape.....I've heard this but not sure if its true: native Hawaiians are very standoffish to people moving from the States. I've heard they aren't that friendly. Any insight?

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"StickyBun" said:

@"grpape" said: A big Aloha and Congratulations! I did the opposite. Lived on Oahu and Kauai all my life and then moved to Virginia because the kids were going to start HS and the wife wanted to do retreats that needed lots of land. We loved growing up and living in the islands, but it was just time to move on. All our family and friends are still over there and they are island lifers. Everyone I talk to thinks we were crazy, I don't miss the islands for a second and can't see going back unless I have too. Kick back and enjoy the island life!

Hey grape.....I've heard this but not sure if its true: native Hawaiians are very standoffish to people moving from the States. I've heard they aren't that friendly. Any insight?

I don't think that's urban myth. My BiL lived 20+ years stationed @ Pearl Harbor, married an Okinowan. That certainly appears to be the case and for decades now if not longer. 

That said...

VG, best wishes to you and the family. Maui is truly a heavenly place on this planet - absolutely gorgeous. Man, I can't tell you the # of times we've thought about just packing-up and doing the same thing you have - especially now that we're empty nesters. 

The COL scares me though (vs what we're used to in the midwest). That and island fever....

one of our members posted a story a year or so ago about the Hawaiian govt starting some campaign reminding the natives islanders that their state relies very heavily on the main landers dollars and basically telling their people to quit being assholes to the tourists.... basically to stop biting the hand that feeds you.

One word to win over the natives...Highest per capita consumption on the planet of this stuff:

no offense to the good people of Austin... but that is the most disgusting stuff I have ever eaten... and I eat damn near anything.

Like above....gotta fry the Spam.   Fried Spam and eggs....good stuff, throw in a few malasadas...your rolling

@"Vikergirl" said:

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"StickyBun" said:

@"grpape" said: A big Aloha and Congratulations! I did the opposite. Lived on Oahu and Kauai all my life and then moved to Virginia because the kids were going to start HS and the wife wanted to do retreats that needed lots of land. We loved growing up and living in the islands, but it was just time to move on. All our family and friends are still over there and they are island lifers. Everyone I talk to thinks we were crazy, I don't miss the islands for a second and can't see going back unless I have too. Kick back and enjoy the island life!

Hey grape.....I've heard this but not sure if its true: native Hawaiians are very standoffish to people moving from the States. I've heard they aren't that friendly. Any insight?

I don't think that's urban myth. My BiL lived 20+ years stationed @ Pearl Harbor, married an Okinowan. That certainly appears to be the case and for decades now if not longer. 

That said...

VG, best wishes to you and the family. Maui is truly a heavenly place on this planet - absolutely gorgeous. Man, I can't tell you the # of times we've thought about just packing-up and doing the same thing you have - especially now that we're empty nesters. 

The COL scares me though (vs what we're used to in the midwest). That and island fever....

one of our members posted a story a year or so ago about the Hawaiian govt starting some campaign reminding the natives islanders that their state relies very heavily on the main landers dollars and basically telling their people to quit being assholes to the tourists.... basically to stop biting the hand that feeds you.

One word to win over the natives...Highest per capita consumption on the planet of this stuff:

no offense to the good people of Austin... but that is the most disgusting stuff I have ever eaten... and I eat damn near anything.

I have never eaten it. The smell is enough to make me want to hurl.

@"Vanguard83" said:

@"Vikergirl" said:

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"StickyBun" said:

@"grpape" said: A big Aloha and Congratulations! I did the opposite. Lived on Oahu and Kauai all my life and then moved to Virginia because the kids were going to start HS and the wife wanted to do retreats that needed lots of land. We loved growing up and living in the islands, but it was just time to move on. All our family and friends are still over there and they are island lifers. Everyone I talk to thinks we were crazy, I don't miss the islands for a second and can't see going back unless I have too. Kick back and enjoy the island life!

Hey grape.....I've heard this but not sure if its true: native Hawaiians are very standoffish to people moving from the States. I've heard they aren't that friendly. Any insight?

I don't think that's urban myth. My BiL lived 20+ years stationed @ Pearl Harbor, married an Okinowan. That certainly appears to be the case and for decades now if not longer. 

That said...

VG, best wishes to you and the family. Maui is truly a heavenly place on this planet - absolutely gorgeous. Man, I can't tell you the # of times we've thought about just packing-up and doing the same thing you have - especially now that we're empty nesters. 

The COL scares me though (vs what we're used to in the midwest). That and island fever....

one of our members posted a story a year or so ago about the Hawaiian govt starting some campaign reminding the natives islanders that their state relies very heavily on the main landers dollars and basically telling their people to quit being assholes to the tourists.... basically to stop biting the hand that feeds you.

One word to win over the natives...Highest per capita consumption on the planet of this stuff:

no offense to the good people of Austin... but that is the most disgusting stuff I have ever eaten... and I eat damn near anything.

I have never eaten it. The smell is enough to make me want to hurl.

Fry it up.

if it was good 'nuff for our boys in dubya dubya two....it's good enuff for YOU!

https://www.leonardshawaii.com/home/

The best!

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"StickyBun" said:

@"grpape" said: A big Aloha and Congratulations! I did the opposite. Lived on Oahu and Kauai all my life and then moved to Virginia because the kids were going to start HS and the wife wanted to do retreats that needed lots of land. We loved growing up and living in the islands, but it was just time to move on. All our family and friends are still over there and they are island lifers. Everyone I talk to thinks we were crazy, I don't miss the islands for a second and can't see going back unless I have too. Kick back and enjoy the island life!

Hey grape.....I've heard this but not sure if its true: native Hawaiians are very standoffish to people moving from the States. I've heard they aren't that friendly. Any insight?

I don't think that's urban myth. My BiL lived 20+ years stationed @ Pearl Harbor, married an Okinowan. That certainly appears to be the case and for decades now if not longer. 

That said...

VG, best wishes to you and the family. Maui is truly a heavenly place on this planet - absolutely gorgeous. Man, I can't tell you the # of times we've thought about just packing-up and doing the same thing you have - especially now that we're empty nesters. 

The COL scares me though (vs what we're used to in the midwest). That and island fever....

one of our members posted a story a year or so ago about the Hawaiian govt starting some campaign reminding the natives islanders that their state relies very heavily on the main landers dollars and basically telling their people to quit being assholes to the tourists.... basically to stop biting the hand that feeds you.

One word to win over the natives...Highest per capita consumption on the planet of this stuff: