Class of 1953 Reunion

Dear Classmates of Kaunoa '53',

The intrepid and conniving women of the Kaunoa class of '53 are busy doing it again. A reunion to give them something to talk about for the next decade. And I'll bet you thought they never ran out of things to talk about. Anyway, it promises to be relaxing, entertaining, and totally destructive of anyone sporting age denial.

But you know how it goes--"promises, promises".

There are some things which can be said about the whole affair. You can travel in safety. Maui is not yet on the SARS beware list, and airport inspectors will confiscate that tape you have of Betty doing the hula at the bottom of the Halekulani pool (an obvious takeover weapon). So safety getting here should not be a concern.

Once you're here, its a different story.

In the works is an evening at one of our classmate's beach place--picture the sweet aroma of keawe beans, thorns in the foot, sand in the underwear--where we have the opportunity to relax and compare Long Term Care insurance policies. There may even be some hands-on demonstrations. Don't start salivating yet, or break out the Viagra. A certain classmate who shall remain unnamed has been working diligently over the last several years improving his insturmental skills with Hawaiian slack-key guitar. He may actually bring an instrument to this gathering. So you would be well advised to pack ear plugs (if you haven't lost that facility already). I understand the threat level of this happening is only marginal. So you can downgrade from level orange to powder blue--keep the plugs as they have a variety of amusing uses.

Kidding aside. Where but Maui can you bathe in the gold of sunset, and enjoy a meal with friends and classmates. The reunion promises to be a wonderful distraction from the vagaries of the mundane, not to mention the stress of having to do something. For a couple of days this summer we can avoid thinking altogether, lay back and "cruise"--be who we were (if we choose), or who we imagine we are/were in a great place of dreams. And since 9-11, traffic has improved. The great swarms of humanity are staying home. The place is ours.

Another home demolition pot-luck type gathering is planned where we compare notes on the best heart trouble medicine. I, in particular, am interested in this, as I seek an alternative to the wine I am currently using (in modest doses). Perhaps we can do a sampling, as most medicines of this sort can be found easily at Hawaii Liquor Superstore next to OfficeMax. No prescription necessary. (My keeper is shaking her head. I wonder why. Oh, well, forget. Stick to grape juice.)

The feasibility of a trip to Manele Bay on Lanai is also being explored. This would most likely be a simple bring your own shark affair. Of course, with biting comments from everyone, that might not be necessary. Advantage here goes to those who get seasick. I'm told vomiting repels most sharks (with or without legs). Although I;m sure some of us would not want to repel anyone, there does come a time. I've never been to Lanai, so I'm hopoing the connving ladies can put this one together.

Anyway, MARK IT NOW!

JUNE 27, 28 on Maui.

Come help us solve the world's problems; Sink the Titanic, Install a new government in Iraq, Rid the universe of mosquitoes, Begin giraffe rehab.

JUNE 27, 28 on Maui.

It's happening with or without you--but with you we hope. More details to come--probably from those who worry about such things (and tell the truth, however boring) or the conniving ladies mentioned above.

Aloha nui loa and God Bless.

Rick Wirtz

P.S. So da gals can plan da kine, let us know if you'll be joining the madness. I can be reached via e-mail at ricw@maui.net, or over the phone at (808) 244-4118. Annette, Laurel, and Betty can be reached anywhere. Or if they're lost, or you're lost, give me a call and I'll provide a target for your darts.

P.P.S. Festivities start at Betty's Paia home Friday evening. Please join us for dinner! Spouses are welcome!

Laurel