Ever since we moved to Hawaii in 2008, we've been slowly adjusting to the Hawaiian lifestyle. When we first had a family dinner party I put out our pretty Mikasa plates on placemats with cloth napkins, fork, spoon and knife. Nowadays, it's mostly disposables if we have more than 8 people. And placemats? Forget about it! Never mind cloth napkins ever.
Our wardrobe? Shorts and t-shirts. When we go to a funeral, Art wears a subdued aloha shirt. When we go to a wedding, Art wears a more colorful aloha shirt. The rest of the time, he wears a t-shirt from his HUGE collection. I wear shorts or capris with tank tops or short sleeve blouses.
Here in Hawaii I might dash off without makeup and wearing just shorts, t-shirt and sandals. On the mainland, I'm careful to put on a little makeup and nicer clothes. The main reason is probably because I might run into my former students or their parents.
Here in Hawaii, I will often talk to anybody in line at the bank or grocery store. I'm a bit more circumspect on the mainland.
And yet, I loved my life in Illinois and still do when I visit. I also love my life in Hawaii. It's all good, in different ways.
Here in Hawaii I might dash off without makeup and wearing just shorts, t-shirt and sandals. On the mainland, I'm careful to put on a little makeup and nicer clothes. The main reason is probably because I might run into my former students or their parents.
Here in Hawaii, I will often talk to anybody in line at the bank or grocery store. I'm a bit more circumspect on the mainland.
And yet, I loved my life in Illinois and still do when I visit. I also love my life in Hawaii. It's all good, in different ways.
When I visit my sister in Florida, I wear sandals and shorts with t-shirts and not much else. But here? Only in the summer when it's really hot do I pull out the shorts. Otherwise, it's long pants. :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat? No mumu's on Fridays? I found that one of the best clothing customs when I visited last. I even own one mumu...a Hilo Hattie tourist thing. LOl
ReplyDeleteHere in OB, I wear sweats and T-shirts in the winter, and shorts or capri's in the summer. I used to live in swim suits, but no more of that.
Art, are you smiling under your moustache?
ReplyDeleteYep Kay, that's the good way to live.
this makes your state very appealing!!I think that's a good way to live anywhere!!
ReplyDeleteWe need to start using disposables when having family and friends for meals,, it would be nice to not have dishes to wash, I do not have an electric dish washer,, mine grumbles a lot, ( his name is Garry ),,so I'm sure he would like disposables, I just hate to make more garbage,,
I just never think of them,,I notice here things are far more casual too, I was just thinking of that very thing today, sadly I know I will have a family funeral to go to very soon and I was thinking I might just wear jeans and a nice blouse with boots,, instead of the dress pans or skirts I normally have to wear, even mean here now wear jeans to funerals or casual pants,,things have changed here , not as formal as it once was which is such a good thing, its crazy to spend money on things you hardly ever wear,,
I live in Kansas and right now we are under a winter weather advisory. I enjoyed visiting Hawaii when my son lived there but I imagine I couldn't afford to live there year around. Lucky you!
ReplyDeleteAdd long pants and a hoodie for NE Ohio right now.
ReplyDeleteJust for fun, I've taken to starting little conversations with people standing near me in lines. Results are amazing. Many seem genuinely pleased to exchange a few words with a stranger, and I've never had a negative reaction. Maybe people would relearn how to like each other if we just gave it a try now and then.
ReplyDeleteThe relaxed fashions remind me of my days in the deep, deep southern Arizona desert. Guayabera shirts in summer in place of suits, which are simply unbearable in the heat. Capris in winter in case of "cold" weather.
ReplyDeleteSounds a lot like Florida living and even a bit like Arkansas living except we dress warmer here. Love talking to folks in line. Makes waiting almost fun.
ReplyDeleteit never fails to surprise me just how much of a uniform shorts, tee shirt and flipflops are even in Vermont--and even sometimes in the winter.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you are living in the perfect retirement area!
ReplyDeleteYes, you do appear to be enjoying life. The thing I notice most is you and Art appear to be friends. That's a wonderful thing. I've missed my blogging friends so decided I would start blogging again. lrth42.blogspot.com, 'Two Fixer-Uppers'
ReplyDeleteIt is good to have a husband who is your best friend. I'm so glad you're back, Linda!
DeleteWow! You are relaxed over there!
ReplyDeleteHawaii taught you to be laid back which is a much healthier lifestyle. I wear my t shirt and shorts and three former students live right on my street. And then , I don't allow former students to call me mister. It's my first name please.
ReplyDeleteI talk to everyone. As for dressing, even in summer I don't wear shorts in public, preferring capris and skirts in hot weather.
ReplyDeletePlacemats? FEGITABOUTIT!!! HA! You sound like a New Yorker!
ReplyDeleteKay, I love your laid back lifestyle in Hawaii! Art looks very healthy and so do you, keep healthy and happy, my friends!
It must be hard for you sometimes - having one part of you in Illinois and another part of you in Hawaii.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I could ever move away from here - island mentality has grown a fence around my preferences and thinking. My kids are able to move away so I suppose they are more open to new situations and new living than me. I'm just an old dog that likes her little island paradise with all of its quirks and perks.
Seattle is very casual too, and I especially am. "Forever in blue jeans", that's me. Short sleeved tees in summer, long sleeved tees in winter, and layers of fleece as appropriate. I do like to talk to people in line if I find an opening that is not awkward.
ReplyDeleteDressy or casual, make-up or no make-up, you both would still be too dressed up for WalMart:-)
ReplyDeleteah that's the place to retire....
ReplyDeletestill use cloth placemats and cloth napkins. It's cheaper than paper, that you have to replace. LOL
ReplyDeleteWe're pretty casual in small towns, here in Ontario! I cannot use paper plates or knapkins, as I loathe throwing them into the landfill!
ReplyDeleteSounds like the best of both worlds. That is totally the way I would do it too.
ReplyDelete