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 Thursday, April 17, 1941

Just back from another hula lesson – I’m getting promoted into a dancing class – out of fundamental steps to dances so I can learn more in the two months I have left to take.

Had loads of fun last night – we four had dinner out on the lanai -– and afterward accumulated quite a party – Holland, Dunlop & date, Beth Herman & a cute bachelor from Shafter – droll & funny, but a marvelous dancer -- & some dopey navy doctor with an acquired English accent, who tried to teach me to tango – and the wonderful Brightinaw. After ten o’clock “taps” at the club we acquired proper chaperones and partied over to the DeRussy B.O.Q. to dance to the phonograph. It was such a congenial crowd – and so much fun.

I made a date with Holland for Sat. afternoon & night – DeRussy style.

Honestly, it’ amazing how many, many compliments I’ve gotten on that little red & white taffeta dress – every time I wear it, so many people rave about it! At this point, it’s another big white elephant to go on my cleaning bill – which will be horrible. If I save $20.00 for the Hilo trip – the cleaning will run clear into May allowance.

The water is so beautiful today at Waikiki – from the several drab olive shades of breakers near the shore, out into turgid and light blue, to the indigo of the deep. The green of palms and grass, and solid threes of peach, orchid, and flame flowers.