La Jaiba Mexigrill — A Great Night Out 🌮🇲🇽

by Dennis Augustine

Cecile and I joined Sarah and Bill at La Jaiba Mexigrill and were pleasantly surprised. I was hesitant at first since “jaiba” means crab (I’m allergic ), but the menu is extensive and very accommodating.

Cecile and Sarah had enchiladas, Bill chose fajitas (half crab, half seabass), and I had fajitas with half seabass and half chicken. Bill and I loved the warm flour tortillas, and the portions were generous—we both had enough to take home for another meal .

This newer La Jaiba location at 10 E. Hamilton Ave (formerly Kazoo Sushi) is a vibrant expansion with an upscale modern vibe, full bar , colorfull murals, and live guitar music featuring classic Mexican songs. Friendly, attentive staff made it even better.

A great place to gather with friends.

Celebrating Al Chien’s Birthday at Aldo’s🍷

by Dennis Augustine

Cecile and I hosted an intimate (and laughter-filled ) birthday dinner for our dear friend Al Chien at Aldo’s Ristorante & Bar in Los Gatos—a cozy, old-school Italian favorite with a warm, familiar ambiance.

What began as a family connection through Michelle, Kyle, and the grandkids has grown into a cherished friendship and a fun tradition of celebrating each other’s birthdays throughout the year

We kicked things off with cocktails, Antipasto Misto, and artichoke appetizers. Al went with Rigatoni Paesani, Cecile enjoyed Grilled Salmon, and Kim and I ordered the house favorite—Cavatelli with ricotta, spinach, and tomatoes in garlic olive oil Fresh bread, olive oil & balsamic, and a generous bottle of Nickel & Nickle Syrah red wine from Al kept the good vibes flowing.

Dessert? Tartufo, Tiramisu, and Crème Brûlée. Belissimo!

We sang Happy Birthday, Al opened his gift, smiled big indicating he was pleased with the gift

Grateful for great food, shared traditions, and friends who feel like family

A Shoreline Blue Skies, Open Roads Day & Fresh Middle-Eastern Style Salmon Wraps for Lunch

by Dennis Augustine

Bill and I caravanned up with Jimi and Jennifer by car to the Stevens Creek Trail head in Sunnyvale where we off loaded our bikes. We road several miles before stopping for a quick group photo in front of Google HQ overlooking the South bay. When Jimi realized his e-bike hadn’t been fully charged,he encouraged Bill and me to ride on.

We continued to Shoreline Parklands in Mountain View and the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto—wide-open land, marshes, and an abundance of birds filling the air and water .

We capped off the ride with lunch on Castro Street in downtown Mountain View, enjoying fresh salmon wraps at Hummus Mediterranean Kitchen . A perfect blend of nature at its’ finest and miles well ridden.

Folsom Farmers Market, Outdoor Ice Skating Rink & Brunch Kind of Day 🥕⛸️☕️

by Dennis Augustine

Folsom Farmers Market, Outdoor Ice Skating Rink & Brunch Kind of Day

A joyful Saturday in Historic Folsom Plaza with Cecile and I, Jason, Michelle, Kyle, Lyla, Emmy, and Gus

The Farmers Market buzzed with color and music — artisanal treats, wagging tails , and the sweetest surprise: fluffy bunnies named Mango, Archie & Snoopy

Right nearby, the outdoor ice rink shimmered back in its beloved spot, circling the historic railroad turntable

Brunch at Karen’s Bakery Café was the perfect cozy finish Simple moments. Shared smiles. Saturday magic

Gus Turns Two: All Smiles and Surrounded by Love & Birthday Magic✨👧👦🎂💙

by Dennis Augustine

Friday night kicked off with a Chicago-style pizza party at Michelle and Kyle’s home, followed by an ice-cream dessert bar lovingly prepared with help from big sisters Lyla and Emmy, who proudly chopped the candied toppings . With his sisters by his side—Lyla even reading Cecile’s and my birthday card—Gus opened his gifts and lit up when he discovered his very own scooter, which he immediately put to joyful use .

Uncle Jason and his partner Alex joined the fun, along with their always-welcome pup Daisy, who is a big hit with the kids .

On Saturday evening, Cecile and I hosted a birthday dinner at Vacanza Romana in El Dorado Hills—a charming Italian restaurant tucked into an upscale hillside area. The space is warm and inviting, with classic Roman touches, rustic elegance, and a cozy neighborhood feel . We enjoyed a delicious meal and a beautiful assortment of desserts, ending the night with Gus blowing out his candles—wearing his million-dollar smile .

🦌🟤👊 Deer, Mud & a Well-Earned Fist Bump on Our Scenic Lexington Reservoir Ride 🚴‍♂️🌿

by Dennis Augustine

Bill and I took on a 25-mile round trip to Lexington Reservoir in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Deer paused for photos , then about a 2,000-ft section of the trail at the lower level adjacent to Highway-17 turned into a muddy test of patience—thick, wheel-caking muck that nearly stopped us cold .

Reaching the paved upper roads earned a fist bump . From there on, it was smooth riding under sunny 50-degree skies —earthy post-rain scents , sparkling green hills, and a reservoir mirroring bright, cloud-washed skies .

Totally worth it

New Year’s Day Magic: Feathered Friends Take Over the Creek Trails After Persisting Rainfall

by Dennis Augustine

Starting 2026 with a rare treat on the Los Gatos Creek Trail!

After weeks of non-stop rain and colder weather, I finally caught a break in the weather today. I bundled up in plenty of layers and headed out on my bike, hoping to see some cool cloud formations, which I did.

In addition I found something even better—an incredible number of egrets! There were so many small ones and several large ones gathered along the trail. In all my years of riding here, I have never seen this many at once. Apparently, the seasonable wetlands creates temporary feeding grounds for egrets by trapping fish, frogs, tadpoles, and insects.

It was such a peaceful way to spend the first day of the New Year. Nature always has a way of surprising us when we least expect it!

New Year’s Eve Dinner at Asa Restaurant, Los Gatos ✨🍷

by Dennis Augustine

Our friends Nelson and Susie Bye invited invited Cecile and I to join them for an early New Year’s Eve dinner at Asa Restaurant in Los Gatos—an elegant New American spot known for its Californian and Mediterranean influences, seasonal local ingredients, and intimate, Michelin-recognized ambiance.

Nelson arrived with a lovely bottle of Maxville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, which paired beautifully with the evening.

We dined in the cozy patio enclosure, warmed by heat lamps and good conversation. To finish, we all shared a delightful apple galette with vanilla ice cream—the perfect sweet note to end the meal

Back home afterward, we enjoyed a bit more dessert and watched Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest as the Times Square ball dropped. We happily toasted New Year 2026 at 9:00 PM California time, celebrating the NYC countdown from the West Coast

A relaxed, elegant, and grateful way to welcome the New Year. Happy 2026

Note See short youtube countdown link of countdown by Ryan Seacrest?

https://youtu.be/9C-M0D22zyY?si=dqhkDe0zyxR48A_E

The Time Is Now for 2026 🕊️

Wishing family and friends,

near and far, a peaceful and Happy New Year

We gave up making New Year’s resolutions

a long time ago. They always seemed to live

somewhere ahead of us. So instead,

We arrive here

A breath

A warm cup

A quiet morning light

Nothing needs fixing.

Nothing needs waiting.

The call can be made

The kindness can be offered

The first small step can happen

right now

Let go of later.

Let go of someday.

This moment is already enough

2026 isn’t a promise.

It’s an invitation

To be present.

To be gentle.

To begin—

again.

✨Zaila’s Magical 15th Birthday at Disneyland!

by Dennis Augustine

Today our hearts are traveling across the miles to the "Happiest Place on Earth." While Cecile and I are here on the West Coast and couldn't be there to observe the celebration in person, we are with you all in spirit as our wonderful great-niece, Zaila, marks her 15th birthday!

It brings us such joy to know Zaila is surrounded by the deepest love, exploring the park (her happy place for years) with a dear friend Valentina who also lost a parent at an early age, her uncles Jake and Joey and grandparents — my sister Josie and brother-in-law Joe McAllister. Having helped raise her, they share a bond that is truly a beautiful remarkable testament to family.

Tomorrow, December 28, carries a special weight in our hearts, as we remember our late beloved niece, Selina, who passed away on Zaila’s birthday two years ago. I still vividly remember the last time I spoke to her; Cecile and I were vacationing in Maui shortly before she passed. We know she is watching over this magical celebration today, present in every smile and every hug.

Happy 15th Birthday, Zaila! You are a light in all of our lives.

#DisneylandMagic #Sweet15 #FamilyLove #InLovingMemory #HappyBirthdayZaila

Chasing the Roar: Where the Water Finds its’ Voice 🚴‍♂️🌧️

After days of winter rain, the spillway at Vasona Lake comes alive—not just flowing, but roaring .

I waited for a lull, timed my ride… and still got caught in the rain . Cold, soaked, smiling.

One stretch of the trail was completely blocked, forcing a detour —a quiet reminder that nature leads, and we follow.

The sound isn’t just noise. It’s water moving fast, colliding, breathing air, releasing energy —a wild hymn of gravity and motion.

Pedaling through wet trails, mist in the air ,

it felt like a blessing: exhilarating, adventurous, and entirely worth it .

Sometimes the ride isn’t about staying dry—it’s about showing up and listening to the roar . Listen to the short video clip of the roar at the end of the photo gallery.

Wrapped in Light: A Christmas Eve Celebration with Family & Friends

by Dennis Augustine

Kim and Al once again hosted a beautifully decorated and joy-filled Christmas Eve dinner—an evening that felt both elegant and warmly inviting. With her event-planning touch, Kim created a setting worthy of Ina Garten’s Barefoot Contessa style: simple, refined, and full of holiday spirit.

Al prepared and carved melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon, followed by desserts that were nothing short of spectacular.

Before dinner, the magic truly belonged to our grandchildren—Lyla, Emmy, and little Gus—who delighted in opening the beautifully wrapped gifts gathered around the tree.

Cecile and I also enjoyed meeting new friends, Chip's girlfriend Julie's mother Annetta and Tom, who made the trip over the hill from Santa Cruz, adding to the warmth of the evening.

In a sweet Nonnie moment earlier in the week, Cecile and I took Lyla and Emmy for manicures—red polish for the ladies, and in a rare moment, clear polish for me.

Just before dinner came together, I was honored to offer a reading—“A Christmas Eve Gathering of Love and Light.”

Excerpt to follow…

When Christmas Songs Sway: A Youth Hula Night in Maui 🎄

by Dennis Augustine

Merry Christmas everybody — or as they say in Hawaii, “Mele Kalikimaka” This is the time of year when Santa leaves his sleigh at the North Pole and arrives in Maui on his outrigger with his helpers (see photo!)

Hula has a timeless place in Hawaiian culture—beloved by adults and pure magic for children. Sitting poolside with front-row seats, we were close enough to feel every movement and emotion.

This youth hula show at the Marriott Maui Ocean Club added a joyful holiday touch, with “Jingle Bells,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” sung and danced to in both Hawaiian and English .

In hula, the hands tell the story—

the ocean

the wind

love, land, and aloha

All the dancers were mostly children—the youngest just four—and Lyla, Emmy, and little Gus were completely mesmerized. Watching culture passed on with such confidence and joy was truly inspiring.

✨🕯️ A Wisdom Teaching for the 8th and Final night of Chanukah & the Handmade Sculpture I Brought Back from Israel

by Dennis Augustine

— the final lighting carries deep meaning of resilience, hope, and bringing light into the world

Today is the 8th Light candle lighting of Hanukkah.

This light awaits favor from above.

May you find grace where you didn’t expect it.

May doors open without force.

May people see you with goodwill,

not with resistance.

Let what you carry find a place to be received.

Let your presence land gently in the world.

Grace flows when humility becomes light.

Let the light do its work.

— Rabbi Shalom Landau

Source: Adapted from Daily Dose of Torah

Footnote — This metallic sculpture by Frank Meisler dedicated to Reb Alter (Hasidic spiritual leader and founder of Chabad) came home with us after our 3-week pilgrimage to Israel in 1993. It was at the threshold of Jason's Bar Mitzvah year and Michelle was still a child. I am not Jewish (though I celebrate the Jewish holidays with family and friends), yet its stillness, scholarly presence, and sense of devotion spoke to me deeply — then, as it does today.

Last Brunch in Paradise 🌴☀️

by Dennis Augustine

Cecile and I enjoyed our last leisurely brunch in paradise at Longhi’s Kaʻanapali—our main (and perfect) meal of the day. We spent the afternoon lounging by the pool, then packed just enough so we could fully savor the evening, letting the surf serenade us one last time.

“Every beautiful chapter knows when to turn the page.”

Advanced Relaxation: Restorative & Yin Yoga — Shared One Class with Sweet Daughter Michelle

by Dennis Augustine

During our stay, I enjoyed restorative & yin yoga at the Thrive Center with the wonderful teacher Kiara . One restorative class even included a firming, moisturizing dermal collagen facial mask —a spa-style touch you’d expect at the Marriott Maui Ocean Club resort , not a typical mainland studio.

I was one of just five in attendance , and to the untrained eye I may have looked completely motionless like a mummy . I was especially happy that while Michelle was visiting with Kyle and the grandkids, she joined me for one special class .

Full-circle moment: I used to teach yoga, certified 25 years ago , and now, while on vacation, I happily show up, slow down, and relax .

Maui magic, movement, and meaningful time together

An ʻUmalu' Evening: Dinner Poolside at the Hyatt Regency Resort 🌴🍽️

by Dennis Augustine

Umalu means shade or shelter in Hawaiian—perfectly fitting for the evening Cecile and I were seeking. After contending with 24-mph oceanfront winds at the Marriott, we welcomed the calm of ʻUmalu’s glowing, softly lit poolside setting at the Hyatt Regency.

Cecile enjoyed fresh mahi-mahi fish tacos with tortilla chips, while I had a tofu and vegetable stir-fry with chicken over fragrant jasmine rice. A peaceful escape, delicious island flavors, and a sense of shelter just when we needed it.

Quiet Winds, Simple Joys 🌬️🌴

by Dennis Augustine

With 17-mph trade winds dancing through Maui tonight , Cecile and I chose the easy comfort of Longhi’s—just a stone’s throw from the Lahaina Tower where we’re staying. Instead of the breezy oceanfront terrace , we cozied up in a booth and let the evening unfold at a gentler pace.

Do we miss our kids and grandkids? Always

Are we also enjoying some quiet time just for the two of us? Very much so

Two things can be true at the same time—and for the next three days, we’re embracing both

Dinner was shared and satisfying: a crisp Greek salad , hearty rigatoni with ground sausage , and warm focaccia fresh from the oven. Dessert in our room.

🌺 A Maui Farewell: Last Evening at the Hula Grill

by Dennis Augustine

Last evening, we shared our final family dinner together at the Hula Grill before Michelle, Kyle, Lyla, Emmy, and little Gus headed to Kahului Airport this morning for their return home to California. Goodbyes are never easy

We had also enjoyed the Hula Grill last week with Jason, making this dinner a fitting and meaningful bookend to our time together

The girls were happily focused on two things all evening—the mesmerizing hula dancers and the island favorite, Hula Pie .

We began the night with a group photo in front of the sandcastle created by local artists in the lobby of the Marriott Maui Ocean Resort and ended it with another group photo in front of the beautifully lit giant Christmas wreath outside the back exit of Whalers Village. A perfect Maui ending to a week filled with love, laughter, and treasured family memories .

From Pool Time to Mai Tais and Dinner at MonkeyPod Kitchen, Kaanapali

by Dennis Augustine

After breakfast with Jason and seeing him off to the airport, we spent the afternoon watching the kids conquer the pirate ship pool with Michelle and Kyle. By evening, it was time to relax—so we headed to Monkeypod Kitchen in Kaʻanapali.

Easy vibe, great service, and food that never disappoints. Fresh island ingredients, perfectly done fish, and those famous mai tais with lilikoi foam that somehow live up to the hype. Monkeypod is casual, welcoming, and always feels like the right Maui move.

A perfect way to end a full day.