Healthy Living, Happy Cycling & Doing My Civic Duty!

My morning began with 25 minutes of whole-body exercise, including foot-pedal resistance bands for core strengthening, Qigong, and yoga stretches.

Over the past year, at 6 feet tall, I’ve gone from 226 pounds to just under 200—a loss of 26 pounds! I credit portion control, daily exercise, and my love of cycling, averaging 8–10 miles a day, with longer rides of up to 25 miles through San Jose, Santa Cruz, and the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area.

Today’s ride had another purpose: dropping off my ballot for California’s General Election at the Saratoga Library.

From there, I pedaled to Togo’s for a regular sized California Club sandwich on wheat bread (I only eat half and save half), followed by a refreshing green apple and ginger drink from Jamba Juice, both to go.

A little exercise, a little democracy, a satisfying lunch, and plenty of fresh air!

My philosophy: Keep moving, eat mindfully, stay engaged, and enjoy your life now!

Exploring the Smokies — From Cades Cove to Cataract Falls!

by Dennis Augustine

Another memorable adventure in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park!

Cecile and I, along with Nelson and Susie, enjoyed a guided exploration of scenic Cades Cove aboard a Pink Jeep Tour, followed by a refreshing hike to Cataract Falls near the Sugarlands Visitor Center.

This wonderful complimentary excursion, part of our recent American Cruise Lines riverboat adventure, offered breathtaking mountain scenery, fascinating history, and exciting wildlife sightings!

Susie spotted a white-tailed deer, others saw a black bear perched high in a tree, and wild turkeys!

Black bear trivia: The Smokies are home to an estimated 1,900 black bears. They can run up to 30 mph and possess an extraordinary sense of smell, far superior to ours!

And here’s the funny part: We probably saw more stuffed black bears in the souvenir shops than real ones in the wild!

Nature, adventure, friendship, and a little exercise — another beautiful reminder to enjoy life now!

Two Faiths, One Humanity: Pope Leo XIV Stands Against Antisemitism

by Dennis Augustine

Words of moral clarity from the Vatican!

On October 22, Pope Leo XIV welcomed leaders of the American Jewish Committee and reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s commitment to fighting antisemitism.

“The Church does not tolerate anti-Semitism and fights against it, on the basis of the Gospel itself.”

Raised Catholic by devout parents, with a sister who remains deeply devoted to her faith, I have great admiration for Pope Leo XIV.

As a non-Jew married to a Jewish woman, with children and grandchildren who share that Jewish heritage, these words have special meaning for me.

The Holy Father reminds us that differences in faith must never become excuses for prejudice, hostility or hatred.

At a time when antisemitism continues to threaten Jewish communities worldwide, his message is both welcome and urgently needed.

Different faiths. Shared humanity. One common responsibility to stand against hatred.

Source: Vatican, October 22, 2026.

Happy Clouds, Happy Geese, Happy Water, Happy Trees… and a Happy Hound!

by Dennis Augustine

Another beautiful day cycling mindfully through nature, enjoying dramatic cloud formations, playful geese, peaceful waters, and majestic trees.

And then came my favorite guilty pleasure — a Chicago-style hot dog at Happy Hound in Los Gatos!.

It’s about as close as I can get to a Portillo’s hot dog in Chicago, where I attended podiatric medical school and where Cecile

Even better, I can reach Happy Hound mostly by bicycle trails, with very little car traffic.
Of course, a Portillo’s regular hot dog with everything reportedly packs a whopping 1,560 mg of sodium! 😳.
The good news? I burn calories pedaling there AND burn a few more on the ride home!

As for the sodium… well, that’s another story! Life is about balance — nourishing the soul, exercising the body, and occasionally indulging the taste buds!

Note: To see the short gaggling Geese video clip, double click on the title of this post!

An Evening of Mindfulness on Two Wheels

by Dennis Augustine

After dinner, I hopped on my e-bike for a sunset ride and was rewarded with nature’s spectacular canvas of golden light, dramatic cloud formations, and ever-changing skies.

This is one of the many reasons I ride nearly every day, except when we’re traveling.

It’s more than exercise. It’s an opportunity to breathe deeply, clear my mind, appreciate nature, and practice mindfulness in motion.

No rushing, no distractions. Just the rhythm of pedaling, the evening breeze, and the simple joy of being present.

Sometimes the greatest rewards in life aren’t found at the destination, but along the journey.

The time is now. Enjoy your life!

Photos by Dennis Augustine | Los Gatos, California

“Celebrating Kyle on his Birthday — More Than a Son-in-Law, a Cherished Friend.”

by Dennis Augustine

Cecile and I feel truly blessed to have Kyle in our family—not only as our son-in-law, but as someone we deeply love, admire, and proudly call a friend.

A devoted husband to our daughter Michelle, a patient and loving father to Lyla, Emmy, and Gus, a caring son, and a loyal friend, Kyle wears many hats—and wears them well!

An ambitious entrepreneur, passionate cyclist, and pretty darn good cook, Kyle knows how to balance hard work with family life.

I especially treasure our cycling adventures together, while Cecile and I cherish the many wonderful family memories we’ve shared.

Above all, it’s the love, patience, and devotion he brings to Michelle and their three children that touch our hearts most.

Happy Birthday, Kyle! Wishing you good health, happiness, countless adventures, and many more beautiful memories together.

With love, Dennis & Cecile

Walking Through Cherokee History

by Dennis Augustine

After lunch, our coach took us to Oconaluftee Indian Village in Cherokee, North Carolina, where a proud, friendly and knowledgeable Cherokee guide shared the history and living culture of her people.

The village recreates a Cherokee town of 1750, where contemporary Cherokee people demonstrate traditional arts including basket weaving, wood carving, pottery and cooking. We also enjoyed seeing the bear dance playfully performed, bringing another lively element of Cherokee tradition to the experience.

A Little Harley Temptation in Cherokee

by Dennis Augustine

Our travels brought us to colorful Cherokee, North Carolina, nestled at the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains and within the Qualla Boundary, the sovereign territory of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

We enjoyed a delicious group lunch at Native Brews Tap & Grill, with its lively atmosphere, local character and great food.

Then something shiny and blue caught my eye—a beautiful three-wheel Harley-Davidson!

Having owned several motorcycles in my younger years—my last a Honda CX500—I couldn’t resist complimenting the owner. On a whim, I asked if I could climb into the saddle. He graciously said, “Sure!”

What a treat! For a few moments, that wilder younger motorcycle-riding part of me came roaring back.

A Smoky Mountain Farewell Dinner at The Park Grill

by Dennis Augustine

We enjoyed a wonderful evening at The Park Grill in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, surrounded by the warm, rustic charm of this Smoky Mountain favorite.

The setting was lovely, but the company made the evening truly special—our fellow travelers, our fun-loving American Cruise Lines adventure guides, Amanda and Julie, and our funny, caring coach driver, Robert, who always “had our back.”

With delicious food, plenty of laughter, and such wonderful people, it was the perfect way to share one more memorable evening together in the Smokies.

AIR FORCE ONE TOUCHES DOWN — AND WE WERE THERE!

by Dennis Augustine

What an unexpected finale to our Tennessee adventure!

At about 11:10 this morning, Cecile and I were waiting at Gate 9 at McGhee Tyson Airport in Alcoa for our flight home when Air Force One came into view and touched down right before our eyes, bringing President Donald Trump to Knoxville for today’s Tennessee–Texas football game. We had purposetly decided to change our reservation with United Airlines to get home to get home a day early on Saturday, September 26 due to the expected massive crouds due to the game that caused hotel rooms prices to surge over $500 a night.

At that point we didn’t know Trump was coming—until we heard rumors and it began to show up on social media. We never imagined we’d have such a birdseye view from our gate along and over 50 people gathered around us. A few of them had had friends texting them that the president just flew over the stadium and that Air Force one was on his way to the airport.

Whether you liked the president or not, people got caught up in a memorable moment in history, one we least expected. As our plane slowly made its’ way on the tarmac, and prepare for takeoff, we passed Air Force one from a close vantage point. Our friends and traveling companions, Susie and Nelson Bye had a later flight on American Airline. Their flight was a little delayed. Susie had the opportunity to take a video of Air Force One taking off and heading back to Washington. If nothing else , it was a story to tell.

Note: Click on the title to this post to view the short video of Air Force One landing!

Climbing to the Top of the Smokies — Kuwohi

by Dennis Augustine

Our coach took us into Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and on to Kuwohi, formerly Clingmans Dome.

At 6,643 feet, it’s the highest point in the Smokies. The steep ½-mile climb gains 330 feet—and then comes the final ramp to the observation tower!

I started out like the hare, then became the tortoise—slowing down, working with my breath and steadily making my way up. People of all ages accepted the challenge, and somewhere along the way, our guide decided we earned our "I Hiked the Appalachian Trail" sticker!

Clouds and mist drifted across the mountains before giving way to moments of sunshine.

One step. One breath. One magnificent view at a time.

Exhilarating—and worth every step!

A Visit to Dolly’s DreamMore — A Memory Now Even More Meaningful

by Dennis Augustine

Our post-cruise adventure brought us to Dollywood’s beautiful DreamMore Resort in Pigeon Forge.

We had just 45 minutes to stroll the gardens, admire Dolly’s wall-to-wall album covers and memorabilia, take photos, visit the pool, and enjoy cocktails before our group buffet dinner. Nelson, Susie, Cecile and I found a table together as our Tennessee adventure began winding down.

Little did Cecile and I know when we booked this trip with the Byes that Dolly would pass away on August 25—just one day before my birthday.

Being surrounded by her music, memories and Smoky Mountain spirit made our visit especially poignant.

Dolly may be gone, but her dreams live on.

From the River to the Smokies — A Night at Dolly Parton’s Stampede

by Dennis Augustine

After disembarking the American Symphony, we met our adventure guides and traveled by coach to Townsend, Tennessee, for a group lunch at Peaceful Side Social, then continued to our new home base at the Residence Inn Pigeon Forge.

After settling in, it was off to Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction! The evening began with a lively country-music warm-up before the main event filled the arena with beautiful horses, skilled riders, music, comedy, colorful costumes and impressive stunts.

And while all that action was unfolding, the servers somehow kept pace with a hearty four-course feast—creamy soup, a whole oven-roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob and dessert. We even had vouchers for two drinks.

Quite a way to begin our Smoky Mountains adventure!

An Underwater Ballet at the Tennessee Aquarium

by Dennis Augustine

After lunch, Cecile and I walked across the street from the American Symphony to the Tennessee Aquarium — and our timing was perfect!

Two divers were feeding stingrays and fish, creating an amazing spectacle that looked almost like an underwater ballet.

We explored both River Journey, following freshwater from mountain streams to rivers and swamps, and Ocean Journey, filled with fascinating marine life. I even had the chance to gently touch the long, dark sturgeon as they swam by.

Another highlight was the Butterfly Garden, especially the beautiful Blue Morphos fluttering around us.

Cecile and I also posed beside Stella the Seahorse, a six-foot sculpture created from plastic debris recovered from beaches — beautiful art carrying an important conservation message.

A wonderful afternoon exploring the world from rivers to the sea!

Welcome to Chattanooga — By Land & Water!

by Dennis Augustine

After breakfast, our first tour of the day was a Chattanooga Duck Boat adventure — aboard an authentic WWII-era amphibious vehicle that travels on both land and water.

For the first half hour, Captain Bob entertained us with stories as we rolled through the Scenic City. Then came the fun part — splashdown into the Tennessee River!

From the water, we enjoyed beautiful views of Chattanooga’s riverfront, downtown skyline, Maclellan Island and the surrounding hills.

Along the way, we heard some great Chattanooga history: the MoonPie was born here in 1917, Chattanooga became home to the world’s first franchised Coca-Cola bottling operation, and in 1931, teenage pitcher Jackie Mitchell struck out Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig back-to-back! (Visit Chattanooga⁠)

And when Captain Bob asked for a volunteer to take the wheel, Susie was the first to step up and captain our Duck Boat!

Mooresville’s Historic Beauty, 1818 Farms & Feeding the Gentle Sheep

by Dennis Augustine

Our American Symphony docked in Decatur, Alabama, where we headed off with a local guide to explore historic Mooresville—often called “Alabama’s Williamsburg.”

Founded in 1818 and listed in its entirety on the National Register of Historic Places, this beautifully preserved village felt like a step back in time. We strolled its tree-lined streets, admired the gardens, and visited the c. 1821 Stagecoach Tavern and c. 1839 Brick Church.

At 1818 Farms, we enjoyed a hands-on pressed-flower workshop and watched a fascinating demonstration of natural dyeing and eco-printing.

Then came my favorite part—Susie and I feeding apple slices to the farm’s friendly, gentle sheep. They certainly knew how to win us over!

After a little gift-shop browsing, it was back to the American Symphony—another memorable day along our river journey.

THE SHOALS STUDIO EXPERIENCE — WHERE MUSIC HISTORY WAS MADE

After an early breakfast, Nelson, Susan, Cecile and I joined 20 fellow travelers for an unforgettable trip into music history in Florence and Muscle Shoals area of Alabama.

We sat at the piano where Lynyrd Skynyrd created “Free Bird.”

Stood where The Rolling Stones recorded “Brown Sugar.”

Visited the studio where Aretha Franklin found her legendary sound.

And walked through the room where Bob Dylan recorded “Gotta Serve Somebody.”

We visited three iconic locations — FAME Recording Studios, Muscle Shoals Sound Studio and Cypress Moon Studios. What a thrill to stand where so much music history was made!

And another great perk: after three cruises with American Cruise Lines, we qualified for the Eagle Society, so we no longer pay for excursions! Five cruises and counting!

What an unforgettable morning walking in the footsteps of music legends!

From the Civil War to Southern Hospitality at Hagy's Catfish Hotel — A Day in Tennessee

by Dennis Augustine

Saturday brought the American Symphony to Savannah, Tennessee, where we docked alongside our sister ship, the American Splendor.

Our half-day excursion, “Civil War — From Battles to Reconstruction,” began at the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center, where a ranger brought to life the battles, military encampments and Reconstruction years that followed.

Then came some true Southern hospitality at Hagy’s Catfish Hotel, a nearly 90-year-old Tennessee institution overlooking the river. We enjoyed a family-style feast of their famous fried catfish, chicken, ham and all the fixings in a wonderfully rustic, down-home setting.

Our final stop was Shiloh National Military Park, where we toured the preserved battlefield and learned about the pivotal Battle of Shiloh of 1862.

History, reflection, Southern cooking and another memorable day along the Tennessee River.

Wild Encounters Cocktails, Dinner & Songs of the Rivers

by Dennis Augustine

National Scenic Byway into Land Between the Lakes, the beautiful recreation area between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.

At the Woodlands Nature Station, our guide Vanessa introduced us to Rose, a rescued screech owl who can no longer survive in the wild. Gentle and curious , she gave us an up-close look—and demonstrated how owls can turn their heads an amazing 270 degrees!

We also met Ibu, a shy little hedgehog named Ibu , and watched the snapping turtles at feeding time.

Back aboard the American Symphony, it was cocktails and hors d’oeuvres , dinner, and an evening performance of “Songs of the Rivers” by the Wheelhouse Rousters—a lively mix of folk and bluegrass celebrating America’s river traditions.

Paducah — Where History, Art & Quilts Tell a Story

After breakfast aboard the American Symphony, we traveled by coach to Paducah, Kentucky, a UNESCO Creative City.

Our morning began along the waterfront, where colorful murals bring Paducah’s history to life. Then it was on to the National Quilt Museum, where the quilts were truly works of art—remarkable in their detail, creativity and craftsmanship.

As Cecile and I walked through the exhibits, we thought of our dear friend and former patient Mary Roy, who volunteers with a team of quilters creating beautiful quilts to help raise funds for veterans.

We also enjoyed chatting with one of the museum’s Ambassador Volunteers, who told us she’ll soon be heading to San Diego for the national quilt show.

A wonderful morning filled with history, artistry, creativity—and a special connection to home.