Beginning on November 1, 2024, which is the date of my mother’s first letter from her Hawaii trip 84 years ago, I am serializing day by day, the book, Cecilia King’s Extraordinary Senior Trip, which you can obtain from Amazon in either Kindle or paperback.

I hope you enjoy the upcoming nine-months in Hawaii 1940-41. You can order the entire book from Amazon in either paperback or Kindle format, click here.

Honolulu Sunday, March 30, 1941

Monday –

And at that point Bob hand called asking if he and Max could come in – so I started buzzing around to get ready. We played around Waikiki and DeRussy until five – then Max had to go back to Sch. For a cocktail supper. Bob insisted that I go back out with him to a regiment get together at Elmores. So we shot home for me to change garb & grab an overnight bag in case I decided to stay overnight. Bob & I had steak dinner at Kemoos – then on to Elmores. Major $ Mrs. Holmes were here – they’re an awfully nice couple – much older, of course. They’ve invited Max & me out next Sun. night if we don’t go on a picnic. Mrs. Holmes was quizzing me about all the 13th bachelors & their “gals” – quite confused because I was with B. hand instead of max – the whole crowd got a huge laugh when she asked who Hand went with, & I said “Max and me.” But it’s quite true – he’s such a dope, and seems always to rather go with us than a date of his choice – so we’re usually a trio.

Hand was going to bring me in today after pay-off, but Max found Bob Dunlop was coming in last night o I came on in with him – was too tired to be “questing.”

So Bob D. & I started struggling Honolulu-ward in his family aged yellow Buick, “Buttercup.” He proceeded to go to sleep – so to …

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Save my nerves & possibly both our necks I drove from Pearl City into town. What a night! After this, think I’ll plan to stay the night when at Scholfield – it’s too dangerous coming in late with a sleepy driver – and specially bad for him if he has to drive back alone.

Later: I just came back from calling on Miss Wing. She seemed quite glad to see me – asked all about you all and sent her love. Says friends all over the US have sent her clippings about your rugs, Mother, and I left her a little Putnam folder. She is retired now, & owns her home & a rent cottage on Black Point Road. Her little house is so picturesque and quaint – set up above a garden yard of knolls and knobs covered with fine Chinese grass – little flat rock walk with green among the steps – huge cactus (the yellow and green spider kind). Then in her back yard is an orchid house – twenty varieties and lovely. Particularly one called “Butterfly,” yellow & brown, three petals, & three long “antennae.” I certainly enjoyed seeing her. By the way – we were wondering – where is Mrs. Susie Dowdy now?

Something drastic has happened to Honolulu weather – temperatures below normal, high winds, heavy rain every night. There has been such a gale at the Pali – mountain pass – that the cars can’t drive over & beyond against the northeast gale. My time is spent sniffling, freezing, & worrying about rain spots & cleaner bills.

There is the strangest yellow light over everything this twilight – though the sky is dark with clouds