Our 94 year-old goes home to Honolulu? Yes, in February. Naturally against the wishes of her doctor who strongly advised her to stay closer to home. Should anything go wrong it’s a six hour flight to get back home …
However, Francine, being Francine, was adamant that she was going. Mom adores Hawaii so much that she considers it her second home. She’s been there over 40 times. Two were contest wins. Seriously? Yes, this is Francine we’re talking about, remember. The first time was for a jingle she wrote for Skylark bread in the 50’s and a second was for figuring out clues and guessing the location of a hidden key in a contest held by our local paper in the 70’s.
Hawaii is her happy place. She is determined to spend the days that are left to her, being happy.
So who got to go along with her? Me. At least this time I knew her doctor wasn’t in favor of the trip, unlike the time we zipped down to Los Angeles and I overheard her telling a complete stranger that she shouldn’t be flying.
Our 94 Year-Old Goes Home To Honolulu
So why is she so attached to Hawaii? Well, it just so happens that this is where her interest in Asian antiques was sparked. She met Bard, a dealer in Japanese antiques in Honolulu, on a visit there when I was 12. She and Dad ended up buying seven tansu (storage chests of varying sizes) in one fell swoop and boom! She opened her own Asian antiques and collectibles store in Vancouver a mere 10 years later. And the rest is history.
Now that she’s 94 and less keen to body surf, parasail or suntan, first on the list is shopping.
Check out this beaut that she picked up on sale!
While we were at Macy’s Dept. Store in the Ala Moana shopping centre she was stopped by a woman who enquired about Mom’s “wheelie.” Apparently it’s very hard to find appropriate “wheelies” on the islands. You want one that you can sit on, wheel about with ease and be able to fold up and pop into the back of a car easily. This one does all that. It’s the Canadian Cadillac version, apparently.
Here Francine is extolling its virtues to some very interested Hawaiians.
Everyone was so very kind to Mom, offering to hold the elevator, lift her wheelie while she took the stairs, and help carry it onto the free tourism trolley that was offered by our hotel. Personally, I think we should all get one.
However, not all was smooth sailing at first.
“But Kelly, I do want you to have a good holiday, too. I do think I could hike up Diamond Head, it doesn’t look that hard … “
vs
“Mom, there will be another trolley in 20 minutes or so. We don’t need to bolt to catch this particular one …”
Happily we figured out a routine that worked. We’d do one outing a day and then come back and sit by the pool and read.
Funny how my patience was ever so much better when an afternoon cocktail was involved.
To give you some perspective on Francine’s Diamond Head comment, take a gander at the crater looming in the background of this photo. That is Diamond Head. The hike she was referring to ambles up to the 760 foot summit and takes about an hour for a healthy 20 something …
Bless her.
This next photo was in complete contrast to something I’d just written about for the book I am currently writing about the ten years we worked together in her shop. (Oooh, I have a working title now – Hanky Panky With Frankie. No, that will NOT be the name, Mom. It’s just a fun, quirky ditty I came up with, so don’t get your knickers in a knot. Thank you).
Cast your eyes on those animated hands. Mom is actually singing along to the tune playing on the trolley sound system. I couldn’t believe it. She was so relaxed and happy.
The last time I took public transit with her was back in the late 80’s. We were in Chiang Mai, Thailand on a buying trip and running late for a dinner appointment. We hopped into an empty multi passenger tuktuk. Everything was fine until two other passengers hopped on. Francine determined that she didn’t like the looks of them and began hissing at me in the loudest of stage whispers that we were going to be robbed. To my mind, the women could not have looked more innocent. Francine began reaching for the emergency cord. It didn’t work. She was convinced now that the driver was in on the scam and we were being kidnapped and … Golly, you’re going to have to read the book to find out how THAT turned out.
That’s enough about our 94 year-old goes home to Honolulu. I’m curious about you. Would you have been the perfect traveling companion for Francine? Ever been kidnapped? Ever had the world’s best Mai Tai? If you’d care to share, I’d love to hear.
42 Responses
Would love to have travelled to Hawaii with her. Maui though Ms. Frankie. It is my happy place for sure!! If being kidnapped meant being there – COUNT ME IN??????
As for your book title ; The Life and Times of the Devine Ms. Frankie!
Hi Janice! I do thank you for your suggested title – Mom will love that – and yes, Hawaii is the land of plumeria, mai tais, cooing doves and much, much joy, is it not? Let’s zip back tomorrow, shall we?
All I can say is nui nui and mahalo, dear sis. Mom has never had a better time on the islands except, maybe, for that time when she lost her bathing suit top body surfing.
Is that in the book?
The losing of the bathing suit top? No, that isn’t in the book as it took place when I was 12. Book is about the years I worked with her in the store – from my late 20’s on. However, it is worthy of a blog mention or perhaps an essay! Thanks for popping in and asking, Yvonne.
Hahahahah! Yes, now THAT’S a story. Can you remember if it was at Waimanalo that she lost it? That’s how I remember it but as we drove past last week she couldn’t remember. Oh, she remembered the suit top all right, phewf,just not the beach.
Love it. Live the stories and the mai tai. Love Francine and her glorious living of life to the fullest. (And you’re pretty cool yourself.)
Thanks, Jen. As I’ve probably said to you before she really is one in a million. I actually thought about you a fair bit when I was there. So many people were out paddling!
Oh my, the look of joy on your Mum’s face in the trolley says it all ! So glad that you took her to her happy place, it sounds like a wonderful trip, even though some alcohol was required !! I loved learning more about her start in antiques and trip wins too ! The Hanky Panky with Frankie is a keeper though !
Thanks, Jane. Yes, thank heavens for the afternoon cocktail. I could actually get used to that habit, but I’d best stick to my Divano coffees …
Makapu’u Beach 😉
Oooohhhhhh. Good one.
You make it sound fun, Kelly, but I’m sure traveling with Mom has its challenges. She is a good sport, though and sounds like a low maintenance 94 year old for the most part. And you are so lucky to have her!
Very wise, wise comment, Molly. Traveling with Mom is at times rather challenging – for the both of us, actually. She was overheard muttering “Just wait until you’re 90 …” more than once.
Oh Sis, love this post. Love the pic of Francine on the trolley. You can see the joy on her face. So glad you had such a wonderful time and you had time to squeeze in a cocktail here and there. Coincidentally, my Dad’s favorite place in the whole world is Hawaii too. Perhaps we can arrange a ❤ connection if she doesn’t mind an older man. he’ll be 99 in April. Have a great week, Sis. Aloha.
Just fire some dates at me, Sis. How fun would that be.
What I would give to take a trip with the two of you! You both are hilarious! I think that its about time that you visited Charleston, South Carolina! I could meet you there!
OH HOW FUN! I’ll suggest it. What a hoot that would be, Rena.
What an inspiration! So good that you took her to this happy place. Living life to the fullest- what more can you ask for!
Hi Marie! Just got back from having lunch with her today and as she said goodbye to me at the elevator she smiled and said “Can you believe we’ve already been back a week?” She’s hard at work on a painting that is inspired by one we saw at the Honolulu Art Gallery.
Hawaii is definitely on my bucket list. It sounds like you and your mom have had such wonderful adventures I’m so excited to read your book. Rest assured this East Tennessean always smiles when she sees a new blog entry of yours fall into her email-box. ?
Hi Lynette! Thank you so very much for popping in and leaving this lovely comment. The fact that you are grinning when a new Just TypiKel pops into your inbox is just the best. Truly. I do hope that you can get to Hawaii. It is a such a magical place.
I love that her wheelie was the hit of the islands. That picture of everyone fawning over it is too funny!
The last time I was in Hawaii was 25 years ago, when I took a nap in the mini-hotel at the airport before flying to Australia. Alas, there was no time to climb volcanoes, shop, or jam while riding the trolley. Next time!
Oh, Katy, much has changed in 25 years! Even at the airport mini-hotel, I’ll wager. Come with us next time! Francine’s plans are already underway …
I am so thrilled to find out it was Hawaii that you visited!
My husband and I were married in the gardens of The Royal Hawaiian. Honolulu holds a very special place in our hearts and we hope to return. We likely won’t be as lucky to return 40 times but I have been three times so far.
My favourite Mai Tai was at The Royal Hawaiian on our wedding day. Such sweet memories.
We were treated very nicely while on our honeymoon. There was the time we were pulled out of a long line in a restaurant and seated immediately, there were times when the service we received was as if we were royalty, we got lots of glances when folks heard our name.
We found it a bit odd but didn’t really put it all together until a local shared his excitement about our last name, Trask and what it means to Hawaiians. (I will let you look that Trask part up if you want.) Guess that explains the VIP treatment. My husband does look Hawaiian when he is tanned but he is not. Hmmm. That explains things even more.
Anyway, so happy to read of your Hawaiian adventure. Keep on wheeling as much as you can ladies!
Love from your fellow Canadian fan
Tammy, you’ve introduced me to the wonder that is Haunani Kay Trask. Holy Hannah – I just read her “lovely hula hands” essay. Was that ever an eye opener. Is she the reason for your special treatment? I’m thinking so. Wow.
Thank you so very much for popping in and leaving your wonderful comment. How special to be married on the grounds of The Royal Hawaiian. I can picture where you were! They were setting up for a wedding party when Mom and I were there. And yes, The Royal Hawaiian serves up the very best Mai Tais, hands down. How fun would it be to meet you as we indulge in one or two of them. Mom is already planning a return visit. If only our Canadian dollar would improve, eh? Sending you thoughts of warmth and aloha!
Ah, Hawaii… Truly paradise! How lucky for you that your mom has the travel bug and needs a companion! Those Mai Tais aren’t going to drink themselves! Please, please, please consider using “Hanky Panky With Frankie” as a subtitle or chapter heading…something/anything!
Absolutely those Mai Tais aren’t going to drink themselves. Thanks for your support with the Hanky Panky. If nothing else, you’ve got me thinking it as a chapter title.
Ha – luckily I’ve never been kidnapped. I’ve told you before how much I love your mom – she inspires me to never take no for an answer! I know where she’s coming from, as Hawaii is one of my happy places too. So glad she was able to take another trip. And that watch? Gorgeous!
Yes, isn’t her watch incredible. And the best part? She got it for $21.00. A salesman in Macy’s was being very dull and not paying attention to Mom, so just as we were about to move on, a saleslady zoomed over with a box and a smile. “Try this one! I think it might work and I’ll give it to you for a VERY special price.” So very kind.
Frolics with Francine, how lucky are you. I have never been to Hawaii, hopefully someday. Just returned from a few days with the Family Matriarch in Naples, Florida…lovely, i am in the midst of a blizzard right now. Our first snow day of the year and I am catching up on the blogs. Take care & I love the title.
Thanks for your “titular” support, Beemie. And I wish you lived closer. We’d have a lot to say over a long lunch about traveling with the Family Matriarch, I suspect.
I’ve never been to Hawaii – 40 times for your mom? Wow. Glad you had a great trip – I love that your mom still has the urge to travel. I hope I never lose mine either!
I know. 40 is excessive. She first started going there when my brother was little and suffering from asthma. When she ran the shop (17 years) she’d pop over several times a year on buying trips and for a little R and R. As for your urge to travel, I suspect you’ll never lose it, Dana. You’ve got a really curious mind.
Soooo inspirational. Your mother and you. My daughter went to Honolulu this Thanksgiving with her band to march in the Waikiki Holiday Parade. They hiked up Diamond Head and I couldn’t believe they got my then 15 year old to do that much physical activity for an hour and a half. And Francine was ready. I haven’t traveled all that much sorry to say. I saw where a friend of mine just took her daughter to Paris for college graduation. The thought of that intimidates me. Much less Thailand. So I really can’t answer your traveling companion question. I need to change that.
How wonderful that your daughter got to march in the Waikiki Holiday Parade. Love that. I hope you can visit Honolulu one day. It’s magical. I’ve never hiked Diamond Head. It wasn’t an option when I was younger. However, it was really neat to chat with the folks who had just finished and were climbing back on the trolley to return to their hotel. One day I’ll do it!
I love the joie de vivre reflected in your mother’s smile! What a lady!
Thanks, Corinne. She’s really quite something. I tend to take her for granted but comments like yours make me sit up and take notice.
Aloha!!! How cool that she is able to travel! I’d go with her. We were stationed in Hawaii over 30 years ago. I loved shopping at Ala Moana. Cheers and happy trails to you and your traveling mom!
Ala Moana! It’s still amazingly wonderful, Lynne. So much selection! It’s even better traveling with Mom and her wheelie. Everyone wants to chat with her so the majority of the time it’s one big meet and greet.
You inspire me. We’re taking my mother (71) on a month-long trip to Scandinavia this summer and I’m a bundle of nerves. She is not terribly spry and prone to mild memory loss and confusion. We are working hard to make this different from our usual trips, on which it’s not abnormal to log 10 to 15 miles a day on foot. Rushing to catch trains or ferries is the norm for us.
She is excited about the trip and quite sure she can hack any physical exertion (with her only frame of reference being a trip we took to Ireland 18 years ago).
Thanks, Beth! I wish you the very best on your trip this summer. It will be a different kind of holiday for you and one that requires a lot of patience on your part. I do hope it goes well.