Israel Day on Fifth Avenue: A Powerful Display of Unity and Resolve

by Dennis Augustine

How good and pleasant it is when people dwell together in unity.” — Psalm 133:1

Yesterday, more than 50,000 people representing over 250 organizations filled New York City’s Fifth Avenue for one of the largest Israel Day Parades in recent memory.

One thing that struck many observers about this year’s parade was that it wasn’t simply a political event. The Muslims for Israel delegation, pictured here, lead by civil riights activist Anila Ali captured that spirit beautifully. Alongside Jewish organizations, Christian allies, interfaith leaders, veterans, students, and community groups, they demonstrated that support for Israel can transcend religious, ethnic, and political differences.

In a world often divided, it was inspiring to see people of different faiths and backgrounds standing together for freedom, peace, mutual respect, and Israel’s right to exist in security.

#IsraelDayParade #AmYisraelChai #BringThemHomeNow #InterfaithUnity #Israel

Happy Birthday to Our Nephew Jacob

by Dennis Augustine

Greetings from California to Chicago. Though we celebrated your birthday within the last two years, the milestone celebration that especially stands out was your 40th birthday in 2019 — when our granddaughter Lyla, whom you proudly held in your arms, was still an infant.

Wish we were in Chicago to celebrate with you in person, but for now, here are a few photos and memories from down memory lane.

Wishing you a wonderful birthday filled with happiness, laughter, good health, and the love of family and friends. May the year ahead bring many new adventures and blessings your way.

Happy Birthday, Jacob!

From Burgers at Shake Shack to Backyard Fun & Mexican Dinner from Zócalo

by Dennis Augustine

Cecile and I had lunch from Shake Shack with our son Jason and granddaughter Lyla and grandson Gus, while our daughter Michelle took granddaughter Emmy to a friend’s birthday party.

We spent the afternoon relaxing and playing in the backyard with the ever-imaginative Lyla pretended to open her own eatery that we named “Lyla’s Café,” while little brother Gus was more than happy to help.

For dinner, we ordered Mexican food from Zócalo and enjoyed another easygoing family evening together in Folsom.

Memorial Day Santa Cruz Mountain Ride with Friends

by Dennis Augustine

This Memorial Day, Bill and I met up with our good friends Jimi and Jennifer Hunter at their home near downtown Los Gatos before heading out on a beautiful ride around Lexington Reservoir in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

According to my Strava app, our ride covered 27.38 miles with nearly 2,700 feet of elevation gain over 2½ hours of riding.

The route took us through towering redwoods, peaceful reservoir views, and winding mountain roads far removed from heavy traffic. After a steep climb to the upper water level, we enjoyed a leisurely ride tracing the shoreline high above the lake with breathtaking scenery at every turn.

One of the unique experiences of riding in the Santa Cruz Mountains is the changing microclimates — cool coastal fog and brisk morning air giving way to warm canyon sunshine.

After descending back down, we ordered sandwiches from Mr. Pickle’s in downtown Los Gatos, and enjoyed a well-earned picnic lunch beneath the shady eucalyptus trees at Jimi and Jennifer’s home. A perfect Memorial Day filled with friendship, fitness, nature, and gratitude.

VIP Baby on the Way: A Magical Baby Shower in Tiburo

magical, poetic afternoon celebrating Behnaz and Kayvon at the historic Landmarks Art and Garden Center in Tiburon.

Perched on four stunning terraces overlooking Richardson Bay, the romantic setting was the perfect backdrop for the theme: VIP Baby on the Way!

The grounds wrapped us in lush greenery, hiding a mystical spirit house among the leaves. Before the main Persian feast, we enjoyed sweet and savory delicacies that were true works of art.

Ghadam-e no resideh mobarak! (قدم نو رسیده مبارک) — "May the arrival of your new little one be blessed."

What made this day extra special for Cecile and me was sharing it with Michelle and Kyle, whose close, longtime friendship with the parents-to-be brought us all together. Watching our grandchildren, Lyla, Emmy, and Gus giggling and twirling miniature white umbrellas added pure childhood magic to the day.

Our hearts are full as these two beautiful souls prepare to welcome their first child, a sweet baby boy. May his life be as beautiful, rich, and filled with love as the unforgettable afternoon we spent celebrating his upcoming arrival.

@lovelymomentsplanning

“Let’s Play Papa,” my sweet grandson Gus said on the eve of our first day in Folsom. 😊

by Dennis Augustine

We began with magnetic play structures behind the living room sofa, but things quickly shifted into high gear when I invited him to guess what I had hidden in my hands. Out came two diecast model cars — a red Mustang and a black-and-white police car.

For those unfamiliar, diecast models are detailed miniature metal replicas of real classic or sports cars. To Gus, though, they were pure magic.

We played for well over an hour before dinner, filled with nonstop laughter, imagination, and joy.

Meanwhile, Nonnie Cecile was nearby reading stories to Lyla and Emmy — one of those simple family moments that quietly becomes a treasured memory.

Note: Photos of Gus with me taken by his daddy Kyle and Uncle Jason.

The Vatican Reaches Out to Buddhists Worldwide on the Festival of Vesak (Buddha Day)

by Dennis Augustine

As a Catholic participating in interfaith dialogue and a longtime student of Buddhist Studies and mindfulness practices — both here and throughout Southeast Asia — for over 40 years, I was happy to see the Vatican reach out to Buddhists worldwide for Vesak, celebrated this year on May 11, 2026.

Vesak is the major Buddhist festival commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha.

For 61 years, the Catholic Church has long affirmed the importance of embracing “all that is true and holy” in other religions. In its Vesak message, the Vatican noted that Buddhism’s path toward liberation and enlightenment “finds deep resonance in our shared pursuit of truth and fullness of life.”

Over the years, I’ve attended meditation retreats and spiritual programs abroad — including in Mandalay, Myanmar (Burma) — alongside Buddhist monks, Catholic nuns, priests, and rabbis, many of whom felt these experiences enriched their spiritual lives and deepened their compassion and understanding.

At a time when the world often feels divided, respectful interfaith dialogue and mindfulness practice can help open hearts rather than close them.

Mother’s Day Dinner with Cecile at Cetrella 🍷🌿 A Mediterranean Escape in the Heart of Los Altos

The venue features a full bar, terrace seating, an arcaded paseo, and colorful umbrellas floating high above the walkway . There is even a downstairs speakeasy dining area and teaching kitchen, giving it a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere.

For starters, Cecile enjoyed crispy roasted Brussels sprouts with pomegranate glaze while I had the Organic Tuscan Kale salad . Cecile paired dinner with a Cabernet Sauvignon and I enjoyed a Riesling .

For our entrees, Cecile chose grilled filet mignon with purée and asparagus , while I had a tender lamb shank with polenta, garbanzo beans, and green olives .

Dessert completed the evening beautifully Cecile had an Affogato with house-made vanilla gelato and espresso, and I enjoyed a Blackberry Panna Cotta .

We also had the pleasure of meeting Director M’hamed Bahet, whose inspiration for Cetrella comes from the Isle of Capri .

With exceptional hospitality, ambiance, and cuisine, it’s easy to understand why OpenTable gives Cetrella five stars.

Lucky in Miami: A St. Patrick’s Day Full of Surprises 🍀

by Dennis Augustine

Cecile and I checked into the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay, while Susie and Nelson settled right next door at the DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Hotel Biscayne Bay.

We hopped on a water taxi and cruised over to lively South Beach, where we celebrated at La Trattoria. Great food, great company, and a festive table—complete with bright flowers and a cheerful little “Lucky” sign that made us smile.

Then came the unexpected highlight… our wonderful waitress, Augustina from Argentina (with family roots in Padua, Italy ). We discovered something fun—her first name and my last name are almost identical… just one letter apart!

We both had a good laugh—on St. Patrick’s Day of all days, it felt like a little wink of Irish luck.

A Gentle Finale at Sea: Lunch, Tea, Comedy & Anniversary Celebrations 🚢🍰🎻😂🥂

by Dennis Augustine

We skipped breakfast and met in the main dining room for our last lunch of the cruise before docking tomorrow.

During lunch, the cruise director announced we were passing Cuba , a special moment as we sailed by that Susie experienced from the fitness room and brought back memories of my trip to Cuba years ago with my brother-in-law, Joe.

Afterward, we attended a talk by Martin P. Lee on Miami: Magic City, delivered with his signature dry British humor.

The afternoon was perfectly relaxing with tea and pastries, accompanied by the Amadeus String Duo.

Before dinner, we enjoyed comedian Darrell Joyce in “Contrarian: Somebody Has to Say It!”—a great start to the evening.

We then celebrated our upcoming anniversaries—Cecile & I (March 25) and Susan and Nelson (March 22)—with a special dinner at Polo Grill.

A Night of Headliners: Great Music, Great Crew, Fine Dining & Appreciation 🎤🎶🚢✨

By Dennis Augustine

The Headliners production show by Nautica took us on a musical journey through the hit songs of legends like the Bee Gees, Cher, Tina Turner, Celine Dion and more. A lively evening of music, memories and outstanding performances.

It was also a moment to celebrate the many people who make this voyage so special—the Captain and officers, the talented culinary chefs and their teams, the performers, and the entire Oceania crew whose dedication keeps everything running so beautifully for their guests.

Following the celebratory event we enjoyed another wonderful dinner in the Grand Dining Room. Freddie and his assistant Myo, both from Yangon, Myanmar (Burma), have taken excellent care of us throughout the cruise—whether at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Their warm hospitality has been truly appreciated.

A memorable evening of great music, fine dining, and gratitude at sea.

Buggy Rides, Tequila & Flamingos in Costa Maya 🇲🇽

by Dennis Augustine

Costa Maya, Mexico sits along the brilliant blue waters of the Caribbean, near the small village of Majahual — once a quiet fishing community surrounded by miles of low-lying coastal forest and mangroves.

Our guide Jorge led a lively caravan of open-air buggies as we set off exploring. Nelson took the wheel while Cecile and I enjoyed the ride through the warm Caribbean breeze.

We paused briefly at a lighthouse before heading to Hacienda Tequila for a bit of history — and of course a tequila tasting.

Afterward came some relaxing free time at the beach, soaking up the sun and those turquoise Caribbean waters.

Before returning to our ship, we stopped to see the flamingos — graceful, vocal birds in a small habitat tucked behind the Costa Maya cruise terminal shops. A fun and colorful final photo stop before boarding again.

Another memorable day along the Caribbean coast aboard the MS Nautica.

Cruise Day Five: Discovering Harvest Caye, Belize 🦜🌴

by Dennis Augustine

We arrived at Harvest Caye, Belize at 8 AM — day five of our seven-day cruise. The island’s seven-acre beach is known for its powder-white sand and crystal-clear Caribbean water.

Susie skipped breakfast with us today as she headed off for a Rainforest River tubing adventure through the jungle.

After breakfast, Cecile, Nelson, and I took the shuttle to the end of the pier to visit the Wildlife Center. We got up close with a green iguana , and admired the colorful scarlet macaws and toucans in the aviary.

The butterfly garden was magical — especially the brilliant Blue Morpho butterflies , among the largest in the world with 5–7 inch wingspans, along with fascinating owl butterflies gliding through the garden.

A beautiful Belize morning discovering the island’s wildlife before continuing our Caribbean voyage.

📱💥 From Viral Mirror Selfies to Platinum Pacesetter: Amy Does It Again! 👑

by Dennis Augustine

Breaking News!

We are beyond proud to celebrate our family member, Amy Telpner, on an absolutely legendary achievement! She finished the 2025 fiscal year as a Platinum Pacesetter and ranked as the #5 top stylist at Nordstrom in Chicago

Amy’s husband (and our awesome nephew), Jacob Schwimmer, proudly shared the news on social media—beautifully calling her his “plus one forever.” Safe to say, they’re a true power couple lighting up the Chicago scene.

While Amy is elevating the high-fashion experience at Nordstrom’s iconic Michigan Avenue flagship, Jacob is thriving as a Partner at Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, overseeing standout Mediterranean concepts Aba and Ema.

Amy, we’ve watched you build your business one mirror selfie at a time—and we know the dedication, care, and hustle behind every post and every client interaction. This recognition is so well deserved.

Congratulations on an unforgettable year—Cecile and I couldn’t be happier for you!

@jacobschwimm @Luv2Style @nordstrom

#PlatinumPacesetter #NordstromStyle #ChicagoStyle #PowerCouple #FamilyPride

From the Captain’s Welcome to Elegant Dinner & Pop and Motown Grooves 🚢🍸🎶

by Dennis Augustine

Cecile and I attended the Captain’s Complimentary Cocktail Celebration with our friends Nelsonand Susie, enjoying a festive gathering with the captain and several senior officers aboard the beautiful MS Nautica.

After cocktails and conversation, we made our way to an elegant dinner in the main dining room — always a highlight of life at sea.

The evening wrapped up with “Good Lovin’,” a lively performance by the talented Nautica Production Cast, bringing the house to life with soulful ’80s pop and Motown classics that had everyone clapping and singing along. Another memorable evening aboard the Nautica — good friends, great music, and the joy of cruising together.

A Golden Gate Milestone Birthday Adventure & Lunch in Sausalito 🥳🚗🌊

by Dennis Augustine

My dear friend Bill — you got your wish! Together with your cousin Del, we made your dream 70th milestone birthday extra special: crossing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and celebrating with lunch at the “Joinery Beerhall & Rotisserie” on the waterfront in Sausalito.

What a perfect day — fresh breezy ocean air, spectacular crystal-clear views of the bridge from all sides, no fog, a lively yacht harbor, Alcatraz in the distance, and the San Francisco skyline shining proudly.

Here’s to friendship, milestones, and making memories that last a lifetime. Happy 70th Birthday, Bill, and remember 70 is the new 40.

Roatán Welcome: Drums, Wildlife & Island Discovery 🥁🌴

by Dennis Augustine

This is how it all began as we walked off our ship: At the port in Coxen Hole on the island of Roatán, guests from Oceania Cruises aboard the MS Nautica were welcomed by the vibrant rhythms of traditional Caribbean drumming.

The energetic greeting reflects the culture of the Garifuna people, whose music and traditions remain an important part of island life just off the coast of Honduras.

Cecile and I had a photo taken with the friendly drummers who welcomed us ashore, while our friends Susie and Nelson enjoyed the lively scene nearby.

The four of us then set off on our island excursion — feeding the gentle iguanas at Arch’s Iguana and Marine Park, and exploring Mayan Eden Eco Park, a sanctuary devoted to rescued animals. We wandered through the bird sanctuary and butterfly garden, surrounded by lush tropical nature.

A memorable day discovering the culture, wildlife, and natural beauty of Roatán with good friends.

Our World — A Night of Music & Magic at Sea 🎭✨

by Dennis Augustine

Last night aboard the beautiful Oceania Nautica, Cecile and I enjoyed the spectacular “Our World” performance presented by the talented Oceania Cruises Show Band and singers.

The show was vibrant, theatrical, and full of energy — a musical journey across cultures and rhythms that had the whole audience applauding.

After the performance, our friend Susan Bye kindly snapped a photo of us with the show’s top performers — a fun way to capture the moment and the spirit of life at sea.

Cruising truly brings the world together… on one stage and one ship.

Snorkeling the Brilliant Reefs of Cozumel 🐠🇲🇽

by Dennis Augustine

Cozumel — the largest of Mexico’s Atlantic islands — is famous for its reefs and the lively town of San Miguel. Archaeologists have even uncovered evidence suggesting the mysterious Olmec civilization preceded the Mayans here.

Nelson, Susie and I joined a Fury Catamaran Snorkel & Beach Party, while Cecile chose a relaxing morning on the pool deck aboard the Nautica.

The reef was alive with delicate, colorful fish — parrotfish, angelfish, damselfish and surgeonfish. The little beauties swam right up to us in the clear water as we reached out. We also saw tangs, snappers and groupers — and Susan even spotted a barracuda!

Back aboard the catamaran, our entertaining host and a playlist geared to our generation kept the Caribbean mood going. Music, sunshine, and a spectacular reef made for a wonderful Cozumel day.

An Evening in Tuscany… Without Leaving the Ship 🌊🇮🇹✨

by Dennis Augustine

Cecile and I enjoyed a wonderful dinner tonight with Nelson and Susan at Toscana aboard the Oceania Nautica.

Toscana is a complimentary, reservations-required specialty restaurant known for its authentic, family-inspired Tuscan cuisine and romantic ambiance. Many dishes are served on elegant Versace china, adding a beautiful touch of Italian style.

With great friends, excellent service, and classic Italian flavors, it’s easy to see why Toscana is considered one of the finest dining experiences on the ship.