A Sunday Journey: St. Francis, Comfort Food & the Art Center 🌤️🎨

by Dennis Augustine

A Sunday Journey: St. Francis, Comfort Food & the Art Center

After attending the 10:30 service at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Michelle and Maybelle treated Cecile and me to lunch at Chris’ Family Restaurant in the Lehigh Valley section of Allentown.

It was the perfect stop for classic comfort food and a warm, welcoming atmosphere after church.

We then spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the exhibits at the Allentown Art Museum—a relaxing and inspiring way to round out a wonderful Sunday together.

Sometimes the simplest days—faith, family, good food, and art—become the most memorable.

A Tokyo-Style Night in Allentown — Izakaya Vibes & DJ Music at Okatshe Restaurant 🎶🍣

by Dennis Augustine

After a full day that included morning coffee and croissants at Gems & Joe, lunch at Michelle and JJ’s apartment prepared by Maybelle, and a visit to the Farmers Market in Allentown — where many Amish vendors sell baked goods and local specialties — the evening’s highlight was dinner.

Cecile and I hosted our dear friends at Okatshe, the vibrant Japanese izakaya created by Iron Chef Jose Garces and located beside the stylish Moxy Allentown Downtown Hotel.

The neon-lit space, DJ music, and imaginative décor set the stage for a memorable evening. The Asian fusion menu — with subtle Latin American accents reflecting Garces’ Ecuadorian heritage — was a hit, from fresh sushi to creative shareable plates.

After dinner we showed our friends the playful Moxy Hotel lobby, where the décor mixes whimsical circus touches with hints of African wildlife.

A fun, energetic night and a perfect way to end our Allentown day.

A Delicious Vietnamese Dinner & Sweet Reunion — Peek-a-Boo & Precious Moments with Baby Lyanna 🍜👶❤️

by Dennis Augustine

Knowing how much Cecile and I enjoy Vietnamese food, Maybelle, her daughter Michelle, and husband JJ treated us to dinner at Pho Nom 1 Nal Vietnamese Cuisine.

We shared pho, brisket and chicken rice plates, a bánh mì sandwich, and fresh vegetable summer rolls with peanut sauce.

The highlight was their adorable daughter Lyanna. After a little shyness, she had us laughing—pretending to feed us with her spoon, playing peek-a-boo, grabbing our phones, giving high-fives, and even clapping after each little “performance” and getting us to clap along. Not quite two years old and already a natural entertainer.

We gifted the family a box of famous See’s Candies chocolates, and Lyanna received a doll engraved with her name.

Eight years may have passed since we last saw each other, but we picked up right where we left off—a sweet highlight of our trip to Allentown with our Burmese friends.

From Myanmar to Allentown—Eight Years Later 🌏✈️❤️

by Dennis Augustine

…and a Playful Stay at the Moxy

Last night our dear friend Maybelle and her lovely daughter Michelle picked us up at Lehigh Valley International Airport. Hugs all around—it had been eight years since we last saw them in Myanmar (Burma), before Michelle and her husband JJ were married. A very special reunion.

Soon we were on our way to the playful Moxy Allentown Downtown.

Concerned we might be hungry after the trip, Maybelle came prepared with Lo Mein noodles, fried chicken, and a delicious Indian wrap dessert. What a welcome!

The Moxy has a bold, whimsical vibe—like a stylish circus with a touch of the African continent—with playful art, animal motifs, and unexpected details everywhere. Cozy, colorful, and full of personality.

After a great night’s sleep, we strolled down the street for breakfast at MO’s Restaurant. From there we continued our walk a bit further to admire the impressive Soldiers and Sailors Monument—with its bronze statues, eaglets, American flags, and towering presence honoring those who served.

A perfect, relaxed start to our visit in the Lehigh Valley.

The Journey Before the Destination ✈️

by Dennis Augustine

Cecile and I are on our way to Allentown via Chicago to visit friends.

Grateful for smooth travel — no delays, no cancellations — and we missed the East Coast blizzard.

At San Francisco International Airport, a colorful Chinese New Year display caught my eye.

No rush. Cecile brought croissants from Croissante and I walked over to Peet’s Coffee for coffee.

While waiting to board, I enjoyed watching the quiet ballet of planes from different airlines positioning themselves for the runway — a little airport choreography before takeoff.

Airport choreography — giant birds patiently lining up for the sky.

Using our United MileagePlus miles, we upgraded to first class — warm nuts, drinks, and a surprisingly nice lunch at 35,000 feet.

The journey begins.

Saturday night family dinner at Moonraker Brewing Co. in Cameron Park, CA — and what a first impression.

by Dennis Augustine

Walking in feels like discovering an aircraft hangar transformed into a modern gathering hall — expansive, energetic, and buzzing with life. The ceilings soar, the space stretches wide, and there’s a celebratory hum in the air.

It was packed (always a good sign ), so we found an our door-side seating area that turned out to be perfect for our crew — especially the grandkids, Lyla, Emmy, and Gus — and for Kim & Al’s dog Honey (for obvious reasons!). A little space to move, laugh, and not worry about little feet wandering too far.

Huge indoor layout, generous outdoor sections, award-winning craft beers (their hazy IPAs are what put them on the map), and elevated pub fare that satisfies everyone at the table.

Big place. Big flavors. Even bigger joy watching the grandkids soak it all in.

Thank Heaven for Little Girls — Happy 5th, Emmy 🎀

by Dennis Augustine

Happy 5th Birthday to our precious granddaughter, Emmy.

Five years ago, our lives were blessed with a little girl who brings sparkle, sweetness, and boundless joy wherever she goes. Watching her grow is one of the greatest gifts of our lives.

Last night was pure magic at Shogun Hibachi Grill. At the end of dinner, the staff crowned our birthday girl with a tiara and surprised her with an ice cream cake topped with a glowing candle. As we all sang “Happy Birthday,” her radiant smile lit up the entire room — brighter than the flame itself.

What made the evening even more meaningful was seeing her surrounded by so much love — grandparents, parents, and family gathered together to celebrate her. Different journeys, one shared devotion: our beautiful Emmy.

As Maurice Chevalier so sweetly sang,

“Thank heaven for little girls.”

And thank heaven for ours.

Happy Birthday, sweetheart. You are cherished beyond words.

Spur of the Moment Dinner at Hanna Asian Noodle Bar in Los Gatos 🍜🌧️

by Dennis Augustine

Cold rain all day, colder rain all night.

Life happens while we’re busy making other plans.

In this case, the causes and conditions —

a steady winter storm —

gathered us together.

My longtime biking buddy Jimi and his lovely wife Jennifer,

both dear friends to Cecile and me,

met us in the warm glow of Hanna Asian Noodle Bar.

Cecile and I cradled bowls of chicken and vegetable pho,

steam rising like comfort itself.

The Hunters chose vibrant Pad Vietnam vegetarian and

Curry Noodles in a bowl,

bright against the gray beyond the windows.

We spoke of kids and grandkids, of travel plans and muddy trails,

accepting that Thursday’s bike ride will have to wait.

Outside: near-biblical rain. Inside: broth, laughter, and friendship

—right on time.

From New Jersey Ice to Olympic Gold — Thinking of My Brother ❤️🏒🇺🇸

by Dennis Augustine

When Jack Hughes scored the overtime golden goal for Team USA, the nation erupted.

For me, it was personal.

My late brother Michael loved hockey. He passed that love to the four greatest joys of his life — Michael Jr., Andrew, Brock, and Alex. Being their dad meant everything to him.

He cheered for the New Jersey Devils with pure Jersey loyalty — there’s a photo here of him at a 2017 game, smiling exactly where he belonged.

Watching Hughes battle through pain, praise the women’s team , show sportsmanship , and speak proudly about his country — that’s more than talent. That’s character.

Behind champions are strong families. Hughes’ mother won Olympic silver and raised her boys with heart. That legacy shows.

I know Michael would have been on his feet — maybe calling each of his boys after the final buzzer.

This wasn’t just gold.

It was legacy.

Fathers and sons.

Love passed down.

Somewhere, I know he was smiling — proud of the game, and proudest of his boys.

God bless America!

Justice, Peace & the Future of Iran

by Dennis Augustine

After taking a deeper dive into this issue — attending a peaceful protest in downtown Los Gatos square, and after heartfelt conversations with our Iranian friends — I’ve come to better understand a people who have been suppressed for nearly 50 years under a theocratic regime that has ignored the will of their people.

The protests in Iran are not only about economic collapse or social restrictions. They are about dignity, freedom, and the right to choose one’s future.

My namesake, Augustine of Hippo, wrote about what constitutes a just war. For Augustine, force is only morally justified to restrain grave injustice and protect the innocent — never for domination or revenge — and always ordered toward peace.

That moral lens matters: Iran’s ruling system — particularly the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) — has fueled instability across the Middle East through its proxy networks. The violence we’ve witnessed in the region, including October 7, did not emerge in isolation.

Yet the Iranian people themselves are not the architects of that policy. Many are its victims.They are asking not for chaos — but for liberation. Not for endless war — but for accountable governance. Not for domination — but for the freedom to decide.

Iran is home to nearly 90 million people shaped by one of history’s great civilizations — a culture that has given the world poetry, mathematics, medicine, architecture, philosophy, and art. Imagine what could happen if that creative energy were fully free again.

A free Iranian people would not destabilize the region — they could help stabilize it. Peace in the Middle East will not ultimately come through fear or suppression, but through justice rooted in freedom. A free Iran strengthens not only its own people — but the hope for peace in the region.

Rekindling a Friendship Over Exotic Persian Cuisine

by Dennis Augustine

Cecile and I met our dear friends Mo and Simin for a 6:30 dinner at Chelokababi Persian Cuisine, and the first order of business was big hugs.

Chelokababi — the national dish of Iran — features fragrant saffron basmati rice served with perfectly grilled kebabs. The flavors are rich yet comforting, and the family-owned restaurant (since 1979) exudes a warm, old-world charm.

When Mo and Simin had first asked where we’d like to go, I suggested Chelokababi — only to learn they’ve known the family for years, and Simin once worked at a rental business next door decades ago.

Our friendship goes back to our Bay Club Courtside days — yoga classes, selling our Saratoga home, and helping us settle into Rinconada Hills, a gated community. Between the Covid crisis, leaving the club and becoming grandparents, too much time had passed.

Sharing cream puffs and chocolate lava cake — and their insistence on picking up the bill — made the evening even sweeter.

A beautiful night of saffron, stories, and rekindled friendship — the kind that reminds you how big a place good friends hold in your life, even after the passage of time

Aloha, Mike Yarman — A Celebration of Life & Memorial Tribute to our General Manager at Rinconada Hills 🌴🌺

by Dennis Augustine

Cecile and I attended a beautiful Celebration of Life for our longtime General Manager at Rinconada Hills.

For 20 years (2006–2026), Mike led our Association with expertise, humor, and dedication. His passing after a serious fall shocked our community.

In honor of his love for vintage cars , world travel , and especially Tahiti , we dressed Hawaiian style. His vibrant shirts were displayed — a joyful reflection of the luaus and themed gatherings he created for us all.

The photos on display told a deeper story. In them — and in the many who gathered — you could see a man who truly loved life to the fullest. We saw shades of that joy at so many association events over the years.

A culinary school graduate, he shared his talents at countless holiday and cultural celebrations.

One small memory stays with us — during the COVID vaccine rollout, we found ourselves seated beside him. In that simple moment, we were just neighbors navigating uncertainty together. It humanized him in a lasting way.

Mahalo, Mike. You will be deeply missed.

Elevated Comfort Food & Valentine Cheer at Dry Creek Grill in San Jose

by Dennis Augustine

Cecile and I celebrated Valentine’s Day with our dear friends Nelson and Susie Bye, home before noon from their 16-day Hawaiian cruise and still ready for a festive night out.

We reserved early and enjoyed a cozy private booth in this classy, mellow setting that never disappoints. Nelson generously shared a Montagu Cabernet Sauvignon from his collection.

We started with fried Brussels sprouts, roasted beet salad, short rib Beef Wellingtons—then, realizing we were happily full, skipped entrées and shared two plates of ravioli.

Dessert: lemon, mango, and strawberry sorbet with crème brûlée.

A sweet Valentine’s evening all around.

Then and Now — Still Us

by Dennis Augustine

There we were — dressed up,

a little younger, standing side by side

not yet knowing all the chapters ahead.

We had dreams. We had hope. We had each other.

And somehow, through every season —

careers, moves, family, laughter, losses,

ordinary days and extraordinary blessings —

we kept choosing love.

Cecile, you have always been my calm,

my wisdom, my patience when I needed it

most, and my greatest gift.

The years have only deepened what was

already true in that photograph —

you are my soulmate.

Tonight we celebrate not just Valentine’s Day,

but a lifetime of “yes.”

Still us. Still grateful.Still in love.

Happy Heavenly Valentine’s Day to My Beloved Mom (Maria Augustine)

by Dennis Augustine

Today mine arrives with memory.

You were my first Valentine —

the first to show me love that stays,

love that sacrifices quietly,

love that never fades.

Though heaven holds you now,

your love still blooms in me.

Missed every day. Loved forever.

Honoring Thai Monks Walk Across America for Peace — Echoes of My Monastery Days

by Dennis Augustine

After 2,300 miles and 108 days, these remarkable monks quietly entered Washington, DC — welcomed along the way by people of every ethnicity, background, and belief. Religious or not, many recognized something rare: discipline, humility, and genuine peace.

Rooted in the Thai/Burmese forest tradition, their walking meditation carries generations of monastic training — simplicity, restraint, and unwavering mindfulness.

Before my 3-week retreat at a Burmese monastery in Bangkok in 2008, I had completed four retreats in Myanmar under my teacher, along with former monk Steve Smith of Vipassana Hawaii. I did not return that year because the military government would not allow Westerners.

I know the rigor. The silence. The steady step. Watching lead monk Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara — faithfully accompanied by Aloka, the Peace Dog he rescued in India — walk across America is deeply moving.

Peace is not an agreement.

It is a practice.

(My monestery photos in Bangkok are my own; the screenshots are from CNN and AP).

Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show: “Amazing” — Tom Brady 🏈🎶🔥

by Dennis Augustine

Bad Bunny is the Most-streamed artist of 2025. A smart and strategic pick for the NFL’s global reach — Capitalism at its best.

I’ve traveled to Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Mexico, Costa Rica, Cuba, and Peru—the Latin beat has always moved me.

My wife Cecile who taught Puerto Rican children, 4th and 5th grade in Chicago loved it, and so did I.

Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin, and Cardi B were smart crossover surprises.

I don’t want to be told who to vote for—or what music I’m allowed to enjoy. Sometimes music is just music. Sometimes it's symbolic. And sometimes… it’s simply Amazing and stirs the soul.

Farmers Market Fight Club (Very Friendly Edition)

by Dennis Augustine

After a 14-mile bike ride with Bill, we rolled into the Saratoga Farmers Market—mission accomplished: bakery goods secured, rotisserie chicken claimed, tacos acquired.

Just as I was wrapping up, minding my own business, this guy casually asks if I want a short boxing lesson. My first response? “I don’t want to hurt you.”

He smiled. He was affable — about 35 years younger. Clearly harmless. The last time I was in a ring was in Cambodia in 2018 (video clip).

So I thought… what the heck. Next thing I know, gloves are on, a kind stranger is snapping photos—and somehow even filming a video.

Proof that you should never underestimate a farmers market stop… or what happens after a bike ride. Fitness, food, and friendly sparring—Saratoga style

Happy Birthday & A Shepherd’s Farewell: Thank You Cardinal Dolan 🎂🕊️⛪️

by Dennis Augustine

Whenever we visited family or traveled in the New York area, stopping at St. Patrick’s Cathedral felt essential. I’m originally from Hoboken, NJ, and my wife Cecile—who is Jewish —and I always felt welcome there. Under Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Cathedral felt joyful, human, and open to all, and a powerful voice against antisemitism as is Pope Leo. Last visit there was with our friends Nelson and Susie Bye.

As Cardinal Dolan celebrated his final Mass as Archbishop of New York on February 1, it’s a moment of gratitude and farewell. For almost two decades, he was a steady, unmistakably New York presence —plain-spoken, warm, quick with a joke, and deeply connected to the people he served.

Tomorrow, February 6, His Eminence turns 76 and officially retires as Archbishop of New York. He has warmly welcomed Archbishop Hicks, saying simply, “I love him already.” Big shoes to fill —but the spirit of teamwork and joy clearly remains .

Cardinal Timothy Dolan in no means finished yet…in good health and full of energy, he is by no means at the end of his ministry or influence. His presence will be felt stateside, and in Rome, for years to come. And we thank God for it.”

— George Weigel

Liking the Music, Questioning the Message

by Dennis Augustine

I like Billie Eilish’s music. This isn’t about canceling an artist or denying Indigenous history.

But slogans like “No one is illegal on stolen land” blur important distinctions.

Acknowledging historical injustice matters. Using it to undermine modern law is a false leap.

ICE agents aren’t colonial architects — many are Latino, many from immigrant families, enforcing laws passed by Congress. Turning complex realities into moral soundbites may earn applause, but it doesn’t educate or unite. We owe each other more, especially in a divided country.

We can appreciate the art and question the message.

That’s not hostility — it’s civic responsibility.