Enjoying the 24th Annual Palm Desert Greek Festival & a Whimsical Street Sculpture Exhibition on El Paseo

“Live every day as if it is a festival. Turn your life into a celebration.”
—Shri Radhe Maa

"Whimsical art is a vibrant and playful style of art that is childlike and carefree…this artwork lifts the sprit and makes you happy.”
—Thaneeya McArdle

Cecile and I were all in for a community celebration at the Palm Desert Greek Festival at Saint George Greek Orthodox Church. While we decided to drive a short distance from the Westin Villas, people were being shuttled in from thoughout the city in a yellow tram. We enjoyed the live Greek music performed by “The Greeks” a traditional Greek Bouzouki Band as traditional folk dancing demonstrations were on display. Attendees were encouraged to join in, learn the steps and “Be Greek for a day.” But the heart of the festival was the amazing, authentic, homemade Greek food created from family recipes handed down from generation to generation. Cecile and I shared four grilled lamb chops with a Greek salad and the famous Chicken Souvlaki with a skewer of chicken & vegetable kebobs, lemon juice, olive oil, Greek oregano, freshly made pita bread with Tzatziki yogurt sauce, feta cheese and Kalamata olives, tomatoes and cucumbers that satisfied our taste buds.

After lunch we walked a couple of blocks to El Paseo, Palm Desert’s world famous shopping mecca. Little did we know we were about to be entertained by new sculptures that marked the debut of the 2019/2020 Sculpture Exhibition already on display in the El Paseo median, including a fanciful red heart called “Stranded Heart”, a soaring butterfly, a comical visage of bigger than life eyeglasses and a big nose, and a wide variety of abstract pieces of the artist’s work that give free reign to stimulate the viewer’s imagination. Palm Desert’s Art in Public Places Commission selected 18 artworks among scores of artists from local Coachella Valley as well as from around the United States and Canada who submitted their work for consideration. A $5,000 honorarium was provided for each selected artwork by artists, galleries, museums/no-profit art organizations, and private collectors.

One may wonder do any of these sculptures sell. When I posed for Cecile in front of the giant nose and glasses I wondered the same thing. While I was entertained by it—put a mustache underneath the nose and you have a caricuture of Groucho Marx. I still have a plastic pair of the Groucho gag glasses that I used to entertain our kids with when they were young. Ron Simmer is the artist of what he calls the "Nose Knows,” and what's been reported is that he was embroiled in some controversy around the artistic integrity of the Nose, he quickly reminded the reporter that the “The Nose” is actually Nose 2, and that Nose 1, sold to a buyer in Twin Falls, Idaho, after being on tour to four different locations. Will Nose 2 sell like Nose 1. The jury is still out or to put it another way, nobody Nose😜

Visiting The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert for its' 50th Anniversary

“Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources…do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your country of its beauty, its riches or its romance.”
–Theodore Roosevelt

Cecile and I are at the Westin Desert Willow Villas in Palm Desert kicking back, doing a little yoga, walking the trails, reading by the pool and enjoying the 80 degrees temperate climate at this welcoming retreat style setting just past Frank Sinatra Drive.
We decided to revisit The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens five miles away during its 50th anniversary golden jubilee. We fell in love with this animal and garden sanctuary three years ago. Fifty years ago a leading band of visionary conservationists set aside some land to develop The Living Desert Nature Trail. The gardens came first, then the animals and then the crowds. The first year they opened they had a few thousand people visit their nature trail park. Last year they had more than 500,000 guests visit their park. They have achieved some incredible milestones since their humble beginnings. They developed eagle canyon which created the setting for more large animals like mountain lions and bobcats to village Watufu that capped off the African section of the park and the giraffe habitat that has grown within the last year. So much about this place reminds me of my trips to East Africa, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa.
There are so many exotic birds and animals, many of them I have photographed for this post. The most popular, accessible and beloved by children and adults alike are the giraffes. For seven dollars you get to feed these very social gentle giants. Some interesting trivia about giraffes. Their spots may look the same from a distance, but the truth is that every giraffe’s spots are different and unique. What looks like little horns on their head (they're not) are really temperature regulators. Like a martial artist, they can give off powerful kicks to each other. They have the longest tongues. They don’t require much sleep. They only sleep ten minutes to two hours daily. They have two speeds: fast and scary fast. Females like to go back to where they were
born to give birth. They have big hearts that weigh 25 lbs. Contrary to what you may think, giraffes do not rub 
necks out of affection. The necking they do is actually males testing who is stronger. They drink water with their front legs splayed out, making them easy prey, so in order to survive they have learned to adapt without drinking water for a couple of days, and satisfying their thirst from the water contained in leaves. 

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens was excited to report that all eleven critically endangered African wild dog puppies, born January 8, 2020, are healthy and thriving. The yet to be named puppies are the second litter for parents, Beatrix and Kiraka (ker-ah-kuhe). The pair’s first litter of six, born April 24, 2019, are eagerly awaiting their chance to meet the newest additions. All the puppies are healthy and absolutely adorable (see photo). Currently on the endangered species list, African wild dog populations number fewer than 5,000. Reason: decline due to human-wildlife conflict, habitat destruction and canine diseases, life distemper and rabies.

Kudos to the Living Desert who has taken on the important work of preserving, conserving and interpreting the desert and all its varied plant and animal life. The early pioneers foresaw the impact that resort development would have on their local desert ecosystem and residents and visitors alike have been the beneficiaries of their compassionate stewardship.
Photo credit: African wild dogs from Living Desert website

Biking Adventure to a Trio of Reservoirs Where the Pueblo & Ohlone Indians Used to Roam

"Be fluid. Be like water. Flow around the obstacles."
—Master Choa Kok Sui

Once again, I have to give “props” to my friend and neighbor, Bill Rothenberg, for recommending this biking route. Though the fat tires of my Sondor’s E-Bike allow me to tackle almost any terrain, this reservoir excursion Bill planned out for us is made to order for cyclists who like to keep their tires on level pavement. We drove to our starting point at Calero Reservoir in San Jose in Bill’s old Suburban. We logged more than 25 miles roundtrip around Calero, Uvas, and Chesbro reservoirs, where the Pueblo and Ohlone Indians used to roam for thousands of years before the arrival of the Europeans. 

The Calero County Park was once part of the Pueblo lands of San Jose and Rancho San Vincente land grant. This 4,471-acre park is nestled in the eastern foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The reservoir offers a host of water-oriented recreational activities, complete with its own boat launch. The adjoining “backcountry” contains California Oak woodland, chaparral, riparian plant communities, and wildlife habitats. During the months of March, April and May, the backcountry offers a spectacular display of wildflowers. The scenic 1,017-acre Uvas Park and reservoir is nestled below the Santa Cruz Mountains. it was once part of the 11,093 acres Rancho Las Uvas (meaning “Ranch of the grapes.”) The beautiful and scenic 232 acres Chesbro Reservoir County Park is named after a local doctor named Elmer J. Chesbro who was also president of the South Santa Clara Valley Water Conservation District. 

After snaking around Calero Reservoir and meandering alongside Uvas Road toward the Uvas Reservoir, we stopped along the moderately trafficked country roads making up this loop to visit and photograph some of the small farms and ranches including the Dini Mapes Ranch in Morgan Hill where three friendly horse gently trotted 20 feet to say hello. 

We passed the lush grounds Cinnabar Hills Golf Club, considered the best in Silicon Valley. We purposely skirted past Chesbro Reservoir and continued riding alongside Uvas Reservoir, stopping again for photos of a herd of cows. On the roundabout, we lowered our bikes under a closed iron bar that was blocking us from accessing the parking lot of the Uvas. Bill bumped into some county sheriffs and I was sure we were going to get fined. As it turned out the sheriffs had just pulled in themselves from another entry point to engage in diving practices. Besides spectacular views of the reservoirs, on which there were a few boaters and fishermen, we encountered a few people parked by the side of the road relaxing in their lounge chairs. We then doubled back to the road leading to the Chesbro Reservoir. Bill and I agreed that if we still had some energy left in us, we would complete the mission of visiting three reservoirs in one outing, which is what we did.

Aside from some impatient speed demons in their high powered pick-up trucks wanting to show us who's boss, and riding on sections of the road that had no bike lanes, it was a triumph to complete this bike road trip. The other challenge we had to overcome was riding up some steeper grade hills. But, these obstacles are also mixed blessings, giving cyclists like us a feeling of accomplishment as we approached the summit of a hill. Once we finally reached the top of the crest, overwhelmed with endorphins and excitement we were rewarded with a sense of freedom as we coasted downhill at 27 MPH. We made our way back to Calero Reservoir, packed up our gear and made our way to Happi House for lunch.

Valentine's Day Celebration at Portola Kitchen's Farm to Table Italian Cuisine

“Sharing food with another human being is an intimate act that should not be indulged lightly.”
—MFK Fisher

In the last two years, Cecile and I have grown less cynical of eating out for Valentine’s Day. Back in the day, we grew tired of the overblown expectations, underwhelming prix fixe menus, and price gauging by restaurants on this Hallmark holiday, who spin love into gold for their coffers. The truth is, it is still possible to dine out well on Valentine’s Day without feeling the whole thing is a scam. It is better than laboring romantically over a hot stove and even better to dine out with friends whose company you enjoy. 

Those friends this year and last were Nelson and Susan Bye whom we have traveled with and have shared many a meal in diverse and notable restaurants in the Bay Area and on a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi awhile back. This year, my beloved wife Cecile recommended the restaurant: Portola Kitchen in the Ladera County Shopping Center in Portola Valley, minutes away from the hustle-bustle of Palo Alto. “Everyone says they’re farm-to-table, but we have a unique opportunity up here, being so close to the local purveyors,” Mike Wallau, once told a reporter from the Palo Alto Daily Post that also covers the mid-Peninsula area of Silicon Valley. 

The tone for the evening was set when the hostess gave Cecile and Susan a long stem red rose before we were all seated.
We began our gastronomic adventure with a housemade thin-crust pizza with imported mozzarella from Italy and layered slices of prosciutto. Nelson and I had enjoyed our favorite Belgian-style Allagash beer served in many Bay Area restaurants. 

For our entree’s Nelson and I had the Valentine’s Day special, a mouth-watering filet mignon with mashed potatoes and broccolini. Cecile had an over the top freshly made Gnocchi with gorgonzola cheese and beets. Susan ordered a delectable dish of lasagne. 
The dinner was paired with a bottle of vintage and rather pricey Amarone Della Valpolicella red wine that Nelson and Susan were nice enough to bring from their wine collection. We had a friendly and engaging waiter named Ernesto. Nelson offered Ernesto who was familiar with wine to enjoy a glass and gave him the rest of the bottle. 

To cap offer the evening we shared two orders of the mixed berry crisp dessert with a chocolate heart flourish on top. Perfecto! During dinner one of Susan’s sons whom we knew as a young boy, his wife and children who happened to be eating at a sushi restaurant in the same center stopped by to say hello. You gotta love those synchronicities in life.

So impressed with Nelson’s charm offensive, when the bill arrived we discovered our waiter, Ernesto, waved the $25 corkage fee for the Amarone wine. As they say kindness breeds kindness. Thank you, Ernesto, and thank you, Nelson and Susan, for joining us for a wonderful evening.

Buon Appetitto and Happy Valentine’s Day to all the lovers out there however you chose to celebrate!
May you be safe. 
May you be happy.
May you be healthy.
May you be at peace.

Happy Valentine's Day to our Granddaughter Lyla Isabella Lewis

Ode to Lyla on Valentine's Day😍

Our little valentine
Sweet little valentine
Your angelic smile melts
our heart.
So cute and so laughable 
So photographable
You’re our favorite work of art.
We’re so in love with you 
Can’t wait to play with you
Nothing in this world can keep us apart.

Dearest Lyla, we love you unconditionally. We love you because you’re a gift—a living miracle, and, an act of grace.
Our LOVE for you is sooooooo... BIG, 
Nonnie Cecile, and Papa Dennis💓💓💓

The Tough Ascent: Biking Uphill To Guadelupe Reservoir & Lunch at House of Pho

"Keep challenging yourself, challenges keep you alive."
—Anurag Srivastava

This was the most challenging climb for Bill Rottenberg and me as we biked toward Mount Umunhum (Ohlone, meaning resting place of the hummingbird) which is four miles to the top and the fourth-highest peak in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The keyword here is “toward.” We only made it halfway or two miles up the steep hill to Guadelupe Reservoir which is five miles south of San Jose, CA., along Hicks road on Guadalupe Creek, a tributary of the Guadalupe River. The Guadalupe River was named after Rio de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (River of our Lady of Guadalupe) on March 30, 1776, by the Anza expedition, in honor of the Mexican Saint who was the patron saint of the expedition. The Guadalupe dam and reservoir were constructed in 1935.

Our Lady of Guadalupe is also known as the Virgin of Guadalupe and La Morenita (The Brown Lady), a Catholic title of the Blessed Virgin Mary. There is a venerated image enshrined within the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. It is the most visited Catholic pilgrimage site in the world and the world’s third most-visited sacred site. It has special significance to me since I had purchased a three-foot tall hand-carved wooden statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe for my parents when my late dad and I took an Amtrak train from NJ to our namesake city, St. Augustine, Fla. (See Photo of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Tepeyac Hill, Mexico City).

At the halfway point, we made a U-turn off Mount Umunhum Trail and made a few stops to stretch. I couldn’t resist doing some yoga poses (triangle pose and Squat pose) on top of some pink and cream-colored boulders. I took some photos of about 20 pairs of sneakers some people flung over the wires above us that spanned the width of the paved trail, a creek bed and when we made our way down, up and back Shannon & Kennedy Roads, some lush greenery, vineyards, deer, and an elegant chateau. 

After our 15-mile ride was completed we loaded our bikes on the bike rack and went to the House of Pho for lunch and headed home. Along the way, we spotted a cool guy driving an Ecurie Ecosse (French: “Scotland Stable”) sports car with the number 19 painted on it. Ecurie Ecosse (photo) was a motor racing team from Edinburgh, Scotland. The team was founded in November 1951 by Edinburgh businessman and racing driver David Murray and mechanic Wilkie Wilkinson. The team raced three Formula One races. Boy, would I like to have had a beer with the distinguished-looking driver who looked so contented in his rare, sleek, automotive pride, and joy.

A Reunion Brunch with our Children's Former Nanny from the Philippine Islands

Our world was made different back in the day because this nanny played an important part in our lives and the lives of our children.

Cecile prepared a wonderful brunch recently for Michelle and Jason’s former Filipina nanny, Norlita (Lita for short). It was more of a reunion of sorts. Lita, was a live-in nanny who helped care for Jason when he was six and Michelle was just over one year old, the same age as our granddaughter, Lyla. Since Michelle hadn’t seen Lita since her college years and hadn’t met Lyla and Kyle, we decided to have this nostalgic get together. Regrettably, Jason was on a business cruise with his co-workers in the Bahamas. I know, I know, poor guy, but someone has to help keep the economy going,🙂 and while he was gone we got to dog-sit our beloved Daisy 💓 who was regally lounging on our sofa (photo).

Cecile's bill of fare was: a fresh fruit bowl, cured salmon (lox), red and green tomatoes, red onions with bagels and cream cheese, mini sausages and cheese blintzes (their Yiddish name), which are of Hungarian origin and similar to a crepe. There is a big difference between a babysitter and a nanny. A babysitter is someone you hire for a few hours so you can enjoy a date night out with your spouse. They are usually the daughter of a neighbor or friend. Lita was not a babysitter. She was a real, true blue, responsible, compassionate nanny with a heart full of love for our growing family, and we had a heart full of love for her, and still do.

When I was cutting back on my work hours as a podiatrist, and Michelle was a young girl, I grew to appreciate what it took for Cecile to manage a big household, care for two young kids, still cook most of the meals, and work limited hours at home doing the books for our foot clinic. Lita was a blessing. She helped pick up the slack. For the five years she worked for us, we treated her like a member of our extended family. We took her on vacation with us, we paid for her driving lessons, donated clothing each year to send back to her large family in the Philippines, were at her side when she proudly became a U.S. citizen and were at the courthouse when she got married.

Lita liked to be called Yaya, which in Tagalong—the language of central Luzon in the Philippine islands where she is from—means nursemaid, caregiver, and/or nanny. But to us, she was far more than that. She was and is a dear friend. As the years flew by, we would see her from time to time when she could break away from her long hours working as a health care aide at Good Samaritan Hospital. We would invite her over like we did this day. No matter how busy she was, she would always bring my favorite home-cooked thinly cut steak with sauteed peppers and onions marinated in lemon juice with a large helping of rice. This day was no different. Thank you, Lita, for your goodness, for being a great co-caregiver to our kids and for the invitation to visit you in Manilla someday, now that you are retired. We just may take you up-on it.🙂

Biking up to Hunter's Point on the Fremont Older County Park & Lunch at Tamara Mediterranean Grill

“Every day may not be a good day, but there is something good in every day.”

Leaving from our respective homes at around 10:30 AM, my friend, Bill Rothenberg and I passed his old neighborhood, including the ten-acre Congress Springs Park in Saratoga, where he proudly pointed to his son Tyler’s name listed as along with his teammates as 1998 Baseball Champions for his District (Photo).

We then proceeded on the long straightaway dirt and gravel path along the old railroad tracks that cross past D’Anza Boulevard, past the Saratoga Country Club, stopping to photograph some colorful wild turkeys on the way to the 739-acre Fremont Older Open Preserve, part of a constellation of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. We made our way up to Hunter's Point, a 900-foot hilltop offering a stunning, sweeping panoramic view of Santa Clara Valley. A couple that came out of nowhere was kind enough to take our photo and I reciprocated. On the way back "it was all downhill from here, as they say.” I saw two women admiring a female statue enshrined within the stone grotto. There was no marker to define who the figure represented. It had a timeless quality about it and drew me in, making me wonder what the statue represented. I left satisfied not knowing. The mystery surrounding it was enough.

After completing our 16-mile bike ride, Bill recommended lunch at Tamra Mediterranean Grill. With 20 years of experience working in the food and beverage industry, growing up on a produce farm, and selling fresh produce at local markets in Israel and Palestine, the Shaqir brothers, Esam and Milad cultivated a passion for cooking with the most wholesome and freshest ingredients. 

A very pleasant waitress of Palestinian descent took our order. I had Lamb Shawarma Salad: Romaine hearts with grilled lamb, tomato, cucumber, parsley, cilantro, and house dressing. Bill enjoyed Kofta Kebabs (Middle Eastern Meatballs) on his salad. Both seasoned perfectly.

Postscript: A shout out to Nick Shain who had recommended this biking path several months ago. It was all that he said it would be and of course Bill who scouted out the park and led the way.

Spur of the Moment Dinner Plans with Friends at the Mint Leaf Cuisine

Spur of the Moment Dinner Plans with Friends at the Mint Leaf Cuisine

“Food may not be the answer to world peace, but it’s a start.”
—Anthony Bourdain

I had seen Bill Rothenberg in the distance walking his two Labradoodles on the nature trails toward the lake of Rinconada Hills, situated within the perimeters of the gated community where we both live. We were heading home in the opposite direction. I texted him with an invitation to resume brunch plans with him and Sarah that we had to postpone due to a family emergency awhile back. He said they were busy but were free for dinner that same evening. We agreed, they chose the Mint Leaf Cuisine in downtown Saratoga, one of our favorite places to dine. In fact, I have posted it on FB and my blog site: enjoyyourlifenow.net a few times during recent years as a colorful, festive place to go, to enjoy Thai/pan-Asian Fusion Cuisine. Their three-D elephant menu is the bomb and has quite a diverse assortment of Southeast Asian dishes. The decor reminds me of a small Thai temple with a smiling, peaceful Buddha looking down reminding us of our impermanence and to enjoy the present moment. Silk pillows and tapestries are used to soften the chairs and wood benches.

Some people hate being invited to spur of the moment dinner plans. I’m sometimes one of those people. The idea of dragging myself out of my comfort zone on such short notice can sometimes feel like being put on the spot. On the other hand, some people are big planners—booked up weeks in advance—and hate spontaneity. Empty nesters like us and the Rothenberg's tend to be more flexible and Bill and I are always making last-minute biking plans, so it’s all good.

Mint Leaf does not have a liquor license and invites its patrons to BYOB. The good news for those who enjoy a glass of wine with their meal, they don’t tack on an expensive corkage fee. Cecile and I brought a bottle of St. Francis (my middle name-the Francis part that is), Old Vines Zinfandel, Sonoma County) to share. The management also allows patrons to bring their own beer.

For starters, we shared Modern Pot Stickers and Roti appetizers, and between us, we had Drunken noodles with steak; Yellow Curry with cubes of steak, Scallops and usual favorite, Yellow Curry with Salmon with a side of brown rice.

The young friendly waiter that served us was from Vietnam, who also works part-time at the Golden Triangle, operated by the same owners in downtown Los Gatos.

We ended the evening with tea and babka (dense chocolate fudge layer cake of Eastern European Jewish origin) at our home. All in all, a multicultural evening.

Celebrating Al Chien's Birthday at Sorelle Italian Bistro: A Family Legacy

“Al, take it from me, don’t ever let anybody tease you about having grey hair, just tell them they are wisdom-highlights. You’re not getting older, just more distinguished.”🙂

Last evening, Cecile and I headed over to Sorelle Italian Bistro to celebrate Al Chien’s Birthday with his wife Kim, our daughter Michelle, son-in-law Kyle and our little cherub of a granddaughter Lyla, wearing a cute pink little tutu and little pinched ponytail.

Italian cuisine has influenced food culture around the world and for most Italian chefs is viewed as an art form.
Wine, cheese and of course pasta are important staples in Italian meals.

Sorelle was established by the late Francesca Rude’ who was born in Tricarico, Italy and moved to the United States with her parents and siblings when she was eight years old. After 35 years of service at Hewlett-Packard in 2013, she fulfilled a life-long passion for opening Sorelle Italian Bistro in Campbell, CA with her three beloved daughters, Deanna, Teresa, and Loriann. The name Sorelle is Italian for sisters, honors generations of women in her family from her own sisters, her mother and aunts, and her daughters.

We had the pleasure of being served by one of the daughters, Deanna, seen posing for a photo with me in her 49ners sweatshirt in contrast to my Chinese Taoist Tai Chi shirt. Deanna was friendly, accommodating and like myself expressed deep respect, pride and, love for her Italian family heritage. The Romans employed Greek bakers to produce bread and imported cheeses from Sicily as the Sicilians (my ancestral lineage on my mama Maria’s side) had a reputation for being the best cheesemakers. 

Sorelle’s, that has a casual, cozy type atmosphere, is known to serve large portions of great authentic homestyle comfort food. We started off with cocktails and wine, complimentary focaccia and roasted-olive oil, a platter of fried calamari, garlic bread, and melted cheese and fried breaded artichokes. Our entrees included Traditional Meat Lasagne, Ravioli La Teresa, Fussili with Chicken and Broccoli with pesto cream sauce, Bucatini pasta with ground sausage, mushrooms, onions, vodka sauce, and ricotta cheese. I feasted on Homemade Cavatelli Alla Mammella with bitter greens, chili flakes, sausage, olive oil and a generous adornment of romano cheese (photo), or what Deanna affectionately referred to as “peasant food.” 

After dinner, Al was served a slice of birthday cake, blew out his birthday candle, and opened his presents. Oh no, Lululemon again? Actually, we are both fans of Lululemon, it's all good.

Postscript: Thanks Deanna, for that heavy pour of Cabernet Sauvignon. I left feeling no pain:-) and the food was awesome.

Dining at "The Palms" with Friends: A Pacific Rim Crowd Pleaser at the Historic Coggeshall Mansion

“One of the delights of life is eating with friends, second…is talking about eating...” –Laurie Colwin

Cecile and I were invited by our dear friends, Nelson and Susan Bye to join them for dinner at The Palms. It was an offer we couldn’t refuse. We had been to this restaurant before and it was well worth the experience.

Before it was transformed into The Palms, a Pacific Rim-style crowd-pleaser in Los Gatos, the stately 1891 Queen Ann Victorian style, historic Coggeshall Mansion, was formally a mortuary where people were dying to get in. Okay, okay, it’s a corny joke for sure:-) It then became the Chart House, a California favorite that Cecile and I used to dine at during the early years of our move from Chicago to the South Bay. Then it morphed into Travese, a Michelin star-rated restaurant, followed by Palacio, a high-end Mexican and Latin eatery. The Palms has a laid back elegant feel about it with a stunning ambiance both inside and out. We chose a quiet table against the right wall of the main dining room.

While the ladies abstained, Nelson and I allowed ourselves a rare indulgence of sharing one pint 9.4 fluid ounces of Allagash by Curieux, ale aged in Oak Bourbon Barrels with a 10.4% alcohol level. Before our meal arrived, friends, Sanae and Burke from yoga at the Bay Club Courtside caught my eye, and I went over to say hello. It was a bit of a serendipitous event, the last Facebook post I saw today was by Sanae and she said she was thinking of me since she recalled my posting celebrating a family event at The Palms, in one of their palapas, a cloth enclosed table section that allows an added amount of intimacy and privacy for small gatherings. Sanae and Burke share our love for Maui and it was a good time to briefly reminisce about our favorite island in the sun. 

Cecile, Susan, Nelson and I started off our culinary adventure with The Wild Arugula Salad with sugared almonds, radish, strawberry, cucumber, feta, and citrus honey vinaigrette; and The Wedge Salad, with onions, mixed cherry tomatoes, blue cheese crumble and chipotle blue cheese dressing. For our entrees, we enjoyed a Macadamia Nut Mahi Mahi with wasabi mashed potatoes, braised bok chop, tropical fruit salsa, diner, beurre blanc, and micro cilantro; Seared Alaskan Sea Scallops. Continuing with the theme of Hawaiian style cuisine, we ended our evening by sharing a mud pie (aka Hula pie), a mainlander favorite that reminded us of our recent family vacation on Maui. 

The moon was mysteriously aglow when we left The Palms. We invited Susan and Nelson to join us at our home for tea and biscotti, talked about our planned fall cruise of the Great Lakes beginning in Montreal and Quebec City and ending up in Cecile’s home town of Chicago, and called it a night.

The Empty Chair: Remembering My Late Father on the 2nd Anniversary Birthday of His Passing

“Honor thy father, treat him with loving care, for you will truly know his value when you see his empty chair.”

Dear dad, what I would give if I could say, “Hey Pop,” in the same old way, to hear your cheerful voice, and feel the warmth of your ever-present friendly smile, to sit with you and chat awhile, like I did when I would come home to visit and see you sitting comfortably in your recliner chair. 

It has been a little over two years since my dad, Frank Augustine who spent his tender years as an orphan, died. My family and I were fortunate to have him in our lives for so long. He died two weeks shy of his 101st birthday of natural causes. On Sunday, January 5, 2020, he would have been 103. At this point, it becomes less about losing him and more about who he was, what I learned from him, and what mattered to him most as his lifespan was slowly coming to an end. 

Throughout his life, dad was ever curious and had many enjoyable pastimes. He loved to make wine in the backyard shed, he used unused oak wine barrels to create his urban garden and gave out gardening tips to passersby who asked. He was even written up in the local Hoboken, NJ paper as the "Urban Gardener." He loved to display and tend his Catholic shrine in the big bay window of the storage and laundry room at the ground level of the five-flat building he and my late mom Maria owned since the 1950s. As kids, my siblings and I lived with them on the middle floor. Dad held court on the concrete entry steps (“The stoop," as we call it in New Jersey). He and our mom were written up in the Jersey Journal for that as well by the Rev. Alex Santora, a local pastor who has had a column called "Faith Matters for over 20 years. 

Dad worked at Maxwell House (good to the last drop) coffee plant on the Hudson overlooking the NYC skyline for 25 years. He retired in June 1975, the same time I opened my podiatric medical practice in San Jose. In 1984 he gifted me his most prized personal possession, a free-standing golden brass and glass Atmos clock (photo) often given as gifts to heads of state. It told time by a circular, perpetual motion pendulum and had been given to him by Maxwell House Coffee at retirement for his years of service. All these years later, It still sits proudly on our library shelf. Dad was the oldest living member of the Elks Lodge No. 74 and served two terms (1996-1968) as Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus at the age of 79.

He was a life long member of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), representing the legacy of a very popular job relief program established in the 1930s by FDR as part of his New Deal platform to keep kids off the streets and pay them a living wage. He served in the Army at Fort Sam Houston, Texas and at Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland as a cook and Chaplain’s Aide under his mentor and friend Capt. William Walsh.

Like FDR himself, dad was active in the Boy Scouts of America for over 25 years as a scout leader, that welcomed young kids from all backgrounds and creeds. This was his true calling. He gave credit to the CCC for instilling a love of the great outdoors and living in harmony with nature, a gift he passed on to his young troop members. He was also active in the Honor Guard. That recliner chair he loved so much may be empty now, but the former occupier left behind a lifetime of memories.
There is a photo of my late brother Michael who made Eagle Scout standing joyfully between our mother and father with his sash of merit badges. He called our dad the best father he could ever have, and I’m sure on some level they are together now in the heavenly realm.

A Healthier Alternative to Making New Years Resolutions for 2020: A View from my Yoga Mat

“All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.”
—Blaise Pascale

“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.”
—Oprah Winfrey

First of all, Cecile and I would like to wish all our friends and family a blessed and healthy New Year 2020.

Some of my best insights or ideas come from being on my yoga mat. They could easily come from running, swimming, fishing, walks in nature preserves and other recreational activities that bring you joy, and relieve anxiety and stress. I took a restorative yoga class the other day led by a former nurse. It is a deeply relaxing practice designed to slow down the racing or “monkey mind,” breathe more optimally, and get a gentle revitalizing stretch. It consists of a series of floor poses supported by props that include blocks, pillows, and straps that are provided by the studio or club. Those with physical limitations or injuries find it particularly beneficial. The slow-paced nature of the class, the music, the candles, the soothing voice of the teacher encouraged us to be fully present. This practice doesn’t expect you to show up happy. You can arrive with a jumbled mind or a heavy heart. It doesn’t even care if you can’t touch your toes or meditate for hours on end. It simply asks for you to show up. The results, as a dear childhood friend, who teaches in New Jersey promises on his website are: "Relaxation Guaranteed."

Somehow the mind drifted as the mind has a tendency to do, to the uncertain world we live in, individually and collectively as a country, and as a world. In 1789, Benjamin Franklin wrote, “…in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” What Franklin forgot to add is change. It is another certainty that we can absolutely bet on. happening in our lives. In the Sonnets to Orpheus, Rilke challenges us to: "Want the change. Be inspired by the flame, where everything shines as it disappears.”
Why? Because this is the way it is. We try to organize our lives based on our likes and dislikes, but life is going to do what it does without any concern for our preferences. This is why 90% of our New Years' resolutions fail in the early part of the New Year.
By embracing the good, the bad and the ugly of change we are aligning ourselves with the truth of the way things are in spite of our lofty goals and agendas, and our need to control the outcome. Saying “it's all good,” is fine until it's not, and change is not always easy.

So how do we let go of the old and welcome the new year? Here is a hint by poet Danna Faulds, from her poem: “Let Go.”

Let go of the ways you thought life would unfold; the holding of plans or dreams or expectations. Let it all go. 
Save your strength to swim with the tide. The choice to fight what is here before you now will only result in struggle, fear, and desperate attempts to flee from the very energy you long for. Let go.
Let it all go and flow with the grace that washes through your days whether you received it gently or with all your quills raised to defend against invaders [adversaries].
Take this on faith; the mind may never find the explanations that it seeks, but you will move forward nevertheless.
Let go, and the wave’s crest will carry you to unknown shores, beyond your wildest dreams or destinations.
Let it all go and find the place of rest and peace, and certain transformation.

Peace & Love!

Hanukkah Dinner Celebration: The Jewish Festival of Lights

“…If you recorded every word you said for 24 hours, you’d probably find hundreds of references to light. Light, brightness, radiance—these are the metaphors we use when we wish to speak about hope, wisdom, and goodness. The candle flame, the ray of light, the glowing coal—these are the images in which we recognize our yearning for a better world…”
—Yanki Tauber, The Lightness of Being

Cecile and I were invited to attend a lovely Hanukkah dinner party at the home of our friends and gracious hosts, Yael and Elie Alcheck.

As a gentile (not-Jewish), and married to a Jew for over 44 years, I have come to appreciate and love Hanukkah and all other annual Jewish celebrations. I sang in a Jewish choir, participated in interfaith activities, led meditation and healing services before the regular Shabbat (Sabbath) service at Congregation Shir Hadash and wrote an article for a temple retreat last Memorial Day Weekend, at the Land of the Medicine Buddha entitled, “The Relationship & Spiritual Connection Between Jews and Buddhists in America. In addition, our kids Jason and Michelle were raised in the Jewish tradition. So even though I am not Jewish, I do have a Jewish identity. After all, 23andMe says I’m 6% Jewish🙂

If you're a Jew, bringing your own menorah (BYOM) to a Hanukkah dinner party is common practice and it allows everyone to light the candles together, enjoy each other’s company and bask in the warm glow of the candles (photos). To mark the holiday, one candle is lit each evening on a nine-branch menorah. The ninth candle—the shamash, or "helper candle" is used to light the other eight.

Hanukkah is the least formal of all the Jewish holidays but holds deep cultural significance.
Simply stated, Hannukah celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century B.C. when Jews rose up against Greek-Syrian rulers in the Maccabean Revolt and drove them out of Jerusalem. To mark their victory, they lit a menorah but discovered they only had enough olive oil for one day. Mysteriously, the one-day supply lasted eight days and is considered by many to be a miracle in the Jewish faith.

Over the years, Hanukkah has become a big deal in the United States, in no small part due to Christmas. In the 1950s, 40 percent of middle-class Jews in Chicago where Cecile was born, had a Christmas tree. In response to the seduction of Christmas, Jewish religious leaders worked hard to shore up the celebration of Hanukkah. Advertisers saw a great opportunity to market Hanukkah as the Jewish alternative to Christmas and encouraged parents to give gifts to their children to make them immune to “Christmas envy.” For many interfaith families like ours, the kids made out even better, Christmas gifts and Hanukkah gifts. What’s not to like? Tell a young kid it’s not about the gifts.🙂To be fair, Hannukah gifts, given over eight days tend to be smaller.

Postscript: Thanks to friend Ruth Litwin for the quote by Yanki Tauber. Also, the last three photos are of Latkes (potato pancakes) from Russ & Daughters in NYC as seen on Sunday Morning Show). The last colorful photo is of Florence, Italy back in the day where Cheese Latkes were all the rage.

Magnificent Family Dinner at Leilani's Beachside Grill & the Hawaiian Sunset Ceremony

“Sunsets in Maui are a special experience, and not just because of their beauty. They are evening shows that happen on cue, fiery ends to activity-filled days.”
—Bernard Spragg

It is about a ten-minute walk along the beach from the Maui Marriott Ocean Club to the restaurant, and boy were we treated to one of the best sunsets we’ve ever seen on the island. While Cecile and our son-in-law Kyle were strolling Lyla to the restaurant, Michelle and I were having a field day taking serial photos of this sky. It was like witnessing one eye-opening watercolor painting after another on display.

We enjoyed a casual dinner at Leilani’s which means Heavenly Flower, named after the daughter of one of the restaurants’ founders. “Leilani’s promise,” their website states, “is to make every guest feel like she took a lei from her shoulders, and gently placed it over yours" We began with cocktails, and Appetizers: Hummus Trio (Edamame, macadamia nut, taro, local veggies, flatbread) and Calamari Strips (Panko crusted ginger-yuzu cocktail sauce). For the main course Cecile enjoyed a Maui Onion, Walnut & Feta Upcountry mixed greens, Kula strawberries, candied walnuts, papaya seed vinaigrette; Michelle enjoyed the Fresh Hawaiian Catch of the day (Mahi-Mahi) and Kyle and I each had Fresh Fish & Chips (battered in Duke’s Blonde Ale) with lemon tartar. Lyla had a little of what everybody else was eating that was permissible. 

For dessert, we enjoyed Kimo’s Original Hula Pie, which is a mountain of pure delight. Ready-made ingredients include chocolate cookie pie crust, macadamia nut ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream, chopped mac nuts and no baking required. It is served on its own designated hula pie plate, is sized for sharing, and rarely goes unfinished.

The magical sunset this evening reminded me of a traditional sunset ceremony ritual that takes place at the Ritz Carlton in Kapalua, which is perched above an ancient burial site. The ceremony begins with the blowing of the conch (pu) just as the sun disappears from the sky followed by a beautiful incantation of a Hawaiian oli (a chant) which symbolizes the beginning of the legendary sunset. The chant calls on the gods and the ancestors to give its' people wisdom and to help them bid farewell to the day, whose light is represented through the heartbeat-like rhythms of the sacred drum. Releasing the day with the sinking of the sun evokes a soothing image of a moment of reflection and intention to release ourselves from our mistakes, failures, and misgivings each evening and begin anew the next day, fully refreshed.

Sea Turtles at Ho'okipa Beach Park, Mama's Fish House & Visiting the Great Buddha

“All journeys have secret adventures of which the traveler is unaware.” —Martin Buber

My son Jason, his partner Alix and I took a day trip to Ho’okipa Beach (means welcoming comfort), to see the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Hono) lazing on shore at the far end of the uncrowded long and narrow white sandy beach. We had a great vantage point close to the lookout cliff above, as well as on the beach itself. Most people don’t even realize they’re there because they look just like the scattered black boulders. If you look closely, they can be seen popping up in the shore break to beach themselves and rest (photo).

Little did we know that Ho’okipa Beach is also known as a Mecca for windsurfing aficionados that offers up dramatic surf for us sightseers as well. This magnificent sight provided us a rather stunning backdrop to watch the best of the best, effortlessly toy with the ocean in a way that us mere mortals can only fantasize doing. 

We were told that Ho’okipa isn’t complete without a culinary adventure at the upscale Mama’s Fish House.
It had been years since Cecile and I had lunch there. Since then it has become one of the top 10 dining experiences in the U.S. This family owned eatery actually overlooks the beach and sends its fisherman out on small boats daily to provide their patrons wild-caught fish within 24 hours. 

The boys choked at seeing the prices, but I assured them it was my treat😎. Jason and I had Mahi-Mahi with Caramelized Maui onions, Hawaiian chili pepper and avocado, and Alix had Macadamia nut Crab Cakes with fire and ice relish.

Freshest fish, gracious service, colorful decor, good company, and the tropical breezes made for an unforgettable experience. Who could ask for anything more?

Well, a visit to the Lahaina Jodo Mission to see the Great Buddha Statue is what I had in mind and Jason and Alix were game. The Mission was founded in 1912. A 12-feet tall Great Buddha statue brought over from Japan to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the first Japanese people coming to Hawaii, stands in the temple courtyard. The temple is located on Puunoa Point in Lahaina, overlooking the beauty and serenity of three neighboring islands: Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe. There is also a towering 90-foot-tall pagoda and an amazing 3000-pound Temple Bell which is rung 11 times each evening at 8PM. A lovely woman from Charleston traveling with her daughter was kind enough to take our photo in front of the Buddha.

Postscript: Buddhists do not worship the Buddha Statue as a god but rather take it as a source of inspiration
to practice meditation and other forms of more active meditation like yoga. It also a reminder of the philosophical teachings of the Buddha which led to his path toward enlightenment.

Drums of the Pacific Luau: A Cultural Feast, Song & Dance at the Hyatt Regency in Lahaina

Hawaii is paradise. It sounds cheesy to say it, but there’s music in the air there.
—Bruno Mars

"May you have grace in your step, song in your hand and Aloha in your heart.”
—Hula Blessing

This was a belated birthday gift from Michelle & Kyle & Jason for Cecile; that included Jason’s partner Alix, and myself. It all began with a Mai Tai greeting, a fresh flower lei I placed over Cecile and Michelle's neck, a hula performance that included audience participation, a lavish Polynesian buffet & open bar, and authentic Imu ceremony (underground oven for the Kalua pig). Our granddaughter Lyla colorfully dressed for the occasion was absolutely mesmerized by her very first lu'au. I brought her close enough to the stage to experience the older kids invited up to do the hula, that in ancient times was performed by men.

Sharing the legends and stories of Maui and Polynesia, the Drums of the Pacific re-enacts the contrast
of various island cultures, from the lyrical hula to the spectacular Samoan fire-dance, to the pulsating drum dances of Tahiti. The revue emphasizes the connection and similarities across cultures, including how guests
are welcomed. Polynesian cultures demand visitors or guests be treated well, fed well and welcomed with songs and dances, a lu‘au is an expression of hospitality at the highest level, where everyone gets treated like family (Ohana).

We saw nine performances including, “Tiare” a breathtaking signature performance showcase, that delves into the legend comparing the first woman created and the delicate French gardenia, the TIare flower.

Throughout the world, feasting has been a universal form of celebrating important events.
The Polynesians, and especially Hawaiians, have evolved this great pleasure into a unique cultural experience and culinary art form. At its' roots, was not just an ordinary meal, but a large feast with many people invited to the gathering. King Kalakaua was known for his love of giving parties and his love of the hula, earning him the nickname, the Merry Monarch. He threw a bountiful luau for his 50th birthday and invited over 1,500 guests.

Here is a poetic offering called  
Luau Memories
by Tatyana Carney
Frozen flower punch
Hibiscus blossoms for your ears
Luau skirts and fire rings
Streamers hanging in ther air
Cocktails soaked in pineapples
Roasting pit coals
Anklets jangling on your feet
Ambrosia mint in bowls
Smiles to pass with every song
Laugher jewels the moon
Eating the afternoon away
wit a Polynesian spoon

A Memorable Breakfast at the Gazebo Restaurant at Napili Point: The Annual Family Tradition Continues

Family traditions are an expression of values, identity, and personal history. This is why building one that lasts is such a…worthy [goal].
—Melania Juntti

Kyle and Michelle treated Cecile, Jason and I to breakfast at "The Gazebo Restaurant,” established in 1975, located right next door to Napili Point Resort, a stone’s throw away from the Napili Surf Beach Resort where Kyle, beginning in his mid-teens used to spend time with his family during the summer. The Augustine's, in turn took our annual family vacation during the winter at the Kaanapali Alii condominiums. Little did Kyle and Michelle know that one day, they would marry, bless us with a grandchild, and that we would all vacation together. The views overlooking the beautiful Napili Bay are incredible, the line (always a line) moves quickly, well worth waiting for, and the quaint, charming eatery sports one of the most delicious breakfast menus on the island. Kyle ordered fried rice for the table, considered to be the best on Maui, and for our individual dishes we feasted on Kula Veggie omelettes, a Breakfast Burrito, and Fresh Banana Pancakes. The generous portions makes it nearly Impossible to leave the table hungry. Their owners and the staff's goal is to put a "smile on your face, in your heart, and in your belly.” Even our one year old granddaughter Lyla approved, and she made sure to review the bill with Kyle's credit card in hand before paying the tab. No, really check out the photo:-) God willing, we’ll be back again next year to continue the tradition.

Postscript: Out in front of the Gazebo, you’ll find a whale alert bell affixed to a palm tree to ring when you see a whale (photo).

Dinner at the Monkeypod Kitchen in Maui: The Craft of Food, Drink and Merrymaking

Cecile and I, along with our son Jason, who just arrived yesterday to vacation with us on Maui, had dinner at the 
spacious, bustling, Monkeypod Kitchen at Whaler’s Village.

This unique eatery created by celebrity chef, Peter Merriman is a place to quench your thirst with hand-crafted cocktails, satisfy your palette and have fun
communing with people. The central focus of the restaurant is “The Craft of Food, Drink and Merrymaking.”
The Los Angeles Times call Merriman “The Pied Piper of Hawaii Regional Cuisine.

We began with Monkeypod’s signature Mai Tai, followed by an Avocado and Cucumber salad, Fresh Fish (Mahi Mahi) Sandwich, on a house-baked Portuguese sweet bread bun, Fresh Fish Tacos, and and order of Brussel sprouts for the table.

The word monkey symbolizes that playfulness and entertainment are good for the soul.
It reminds us that our journey on this planet is not a solitary one, and socialization is part of the fabric of our society. Monkeypod Kitchen is about bringing people together in the most hospitable way.

With it’s social lounge, dining room, 40-foot long bar, wood-fired pizza bar and outdoor dining, the restaurant strives for an informal feel. Zagat gave Monkeypod
high marks, including a 24 score for decor.

The Monkeypod is a story rich tree. Legend has it that Mark Twain planted the first monkeypod tree in Waiohinu on the big island 1866.

Sunset Majesty on Kaanapali Beach on Maui

Sunset Majesty on Kaanapali Beach on Maui
I waited for the sun to drop below the horizon leaving behind grey puffy clouds and suddenly the light show began as it has done for millennia. A couple taking a romantic walk on the beach, kids laying on the hammock enjoying the mystery of the moment and a boat with its' pilot lights turned on, as the transition from day to night takes place.
Even after all this time, the sun never says to the earth,
'You owe me.' Look what happens with a love like that. It lights the whole sky.
—Hafiz
Wedged between night and day, for a split second
The splendor the Sunset Walker can see is captivating
Observing the color of the cloud's and sun's transformation
Seeing reflection transition flashed across the sky
The eyes take pictures of this wonder and describe it
So others can feel that they are walking along beside you.
Source: Lovetowritepoetry