Author Archives: spikekalashnikov

No drama really just the generally delightful experience of living in Okinawa when it is cool. I order my usual dose of meat from a Halal butcher in Tokyo. https://aminhalalfood.com/collections/lamb I go down to the Tomari fish market. The marina … Continue reading →

The incomparable Kikuta Ichiro san https://kikutaichiro.com drops by to give me my unique byobu https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byōbu I think I am safe n saying that it is the only piece in the ancient tradition of byobu painting that depicts Puffins. Ichiro san … Continue reading →

San Francisco is such a pleasing place to live. Last week was particularly notable due to day after day of sunshine and blue skies. I have had a lot of trouble getting a ticket back to Okinawa. Something to do … Continue reading →

The daughter of one of James’ colleagues is a baking fanatic. She cooks him a Prickly Pear Pie. She is 14 and already has subscribers who get a cake of choice each month. Friend and ex colleague, Arisa san, brings … Continue reading →

“Old men have grey beards; their faces are wrinkled; their eyes purging thick amber and plum tree gum; and that they have a plentiful lack of wit, together with most weak hams.” So says Hamlet. How do I, given my … Continue reading →

Medi-Cal is state funded healthcare coverage for the poor and old. It has been wonderful to me. However the criteria for qualification have changed. If you have more than $130,000 in the bank you no longer qualify. As I have … Continue reading →

I devote myself wholeheartedly to recovery from pneumonia. This is very pleasant as it gives me the opportunity to do very little without the usual guilt. I go for a CT scan. It reveals that my lungs are drying out … Continue reading →

I get a call from Zuckerberg General Hospital, where I used to spend my time, they want me to be in a movie about the hospital. Big Money! Thanks for inviting me, I had a great time. The cheque will … Continue reading →

Happy New Year everybody! 2025, what a terrible year! 2026 has to be better – fingers crossed. Because I have been a good patient, Nurse James takes me on a New Year’s Day excursion to Point Reyes. Always a winner. … Continue reading →

Amid the storm and drang of hospital stuff, here is a still, small voice of calm. I need to renew my passport. I expect misery, pain and delay. Not so! His Majesty’s Passport Office has a very good web site. … Continue reading →