As the season progresses toward chillier days and nights, I thought it would be nice to take one last look at the colorful beauty of this autumn, seen in our yard and in Washington Park.

As days grow shorter, the island skies at sunset glow with the most spectacular hues, blooming with pinks, reds, and oranges.

Autumn also provides the last few opportunities to get on the golf course before the weather turns cold and soggy.  This is the first time this three generations of Cornelius’s have gotten together on the course.

Fall also brings Halloween parties, big pumpkin contests, and a trip to one of the local farms.

As this time of year rolls around we also recognize Vivian’s birthday, birthday number 2.  Two years of feeding her, cleaning up her litter box, buying her toys, and providing a roof over her head.  And what do we get in return?  We are disregarded, ignored, and shown no appreciation.  Is this normal cat behavior?  Lisa wants you to know there are signs of improvement.

I drove our Lexus, Baby Blue, to Utah and to deliver the car to Sasha and James.  They are the new owners and will take good car of Baby Blue. 

Before we sold our rental home to Ian and Kaylene, Lisa and I wanted to complete the front yard landscaping, including some really big rocks.  

It only took a five month wait period for the county to give us approval for our application to demo our beach home.  No wonder people have lost faith in responsible government.

After a three year hiatus from playing racquetball, I’m back on the court again.  I received a cortisone shot in my right shoulder which relieved the pain enough to allow me to play. 

Lisa and I recently viewed a documentary account of the life of a woman living in Japan and  reveals the value of humility for one soul, and the impact service with heart has on countless others.

 Her name is Haruko Nitsu.  She was born of a Japanese father and Chinese mother sometime after World War II.  Following the war, bitterness between the two cultures remained so vile Haruko was shunned and bullied while yet in China and after moving to Japan received the same abuse.  Education beyond elementary levels was impossible and employment was relegated to the low grade of cleaning public toilets and urinals.

But Haruko would not allow despair to diminish or control her life.  After making every effort to do the best she could in every menial, tedious task, she determined to follow the admonition her employer offered who said, “You must put your heart into it!” She did exactly that. With humility and determination, Haruko applied herself in the seemingly mundane world of cleaning and, over time, developed skills and techniques never before applied.

In time Haruko was recognized for her endeavor to clean better than anyone could possibly imagine and won a national contest demonstrating her talents and cleaning expertise.  This caught the attention of airport administrators, building management companies and a host of public institutions across Japan and Southeast Asia who know the value of quality cleaning embedded in the economics of facility maintenance, public health and enjoyment.

Haruko’s expertise became renowned.  Yet her humble manner did not become distorted.  She remained dedicated to making public spaces sparkle and safe for children as well as all humanity using our physical environment.  When filmed and interviewed by a Japanese film company Haruko would comment with sayings revealing wisdom far beyond what is recognized as being the possession of a common cleaning woman.

On one occasion, in response to a question about her kindness, Haruko said, “You cannot be kind to others without being kind to yourself.”  Her statement was centered on the worth of what she did which was a benefit to others.  Regarding such worth she replied, “When we recognize the worth of others we liberate their spirit to become better at whatever they pursue.”  Then she followed with, “I know, for it was so with me.”  On one occasion, while being interviewed, Haruko made a profound observation, saying, “A simple thank you can be the greatest feeling the receiver may ever experience.”  Again, she added, “I know for such a thank you once came to me and swelled my heart.”