Babysitting our Granddaughter Emmy is a Gift That Keeps on Giving

“Grandchildren are the dots that connect the lines from generation to generation.”

—Lois Wyse

Now that our loving granddaughter Lyla, nearing three years old is in preschool, most of the babysitting we share with other grandparents each week are now focused on our precious good natured seven-month old granddaughter Emmy (short for Emmeline) whom Cecile and I gladly babysit on Mondays and Wednesdays.

It is exhausting to be a parent living and working in Silicon Valley while raising a family. The arrangement we worked out with our daughter Michelle and son-in-law Kyle who now live closer to us has created a closer bond for all concerned. They really appreciate the help and we are flexible enough to happily provide the assistance. If either of the grandparents takes ill or goes on vacation we graciously cover for each other. The trade off is worth it. They have the help they need and we get to be a part of our granddaughters lives. As grandparents we give them a cultural connection and reassurance of their roots, and in exchange they give us continuity that our lives will live on through them. Cecile and I marvel how Lyla and Emmy have developed their own unique personality.

There’s an old saying: “A grandchild is a treasure whose worth you cannot measure except by the love in your heart." Even when they are not in your arms, on your lap, or in your home, they are always in your thoughts especially when you're on vacation. They make your world a little softer, a little kinder and, a little warmer. It is the simple moments with our grandchildren that so often become the most precious memories. They are like flowers, you never get tired of watching them grow. Bottle feeding Emmy has a calming effect on us, and watching her eat cut up strawberries, avocado, carrots, squash and yogurt is not only nurturing but a source of entertainment. She has learned to let out a yell when she wants more.

These photos mostly of Emmy since her big sister Lyla is in pre-school all day were taken over the past few weeks while in her stroller while we walked on the trails around the lake, ponds, and waterfalls where we live and while babysitting her in our home.

A Windy Cloud filled Sky Bike Ride and Lunch with a Friend at Andale’ Mexican Taqueria

“Clouds are on top for a reason. They float so high because they refuse to carry any burden.”

—Jasleen Kaur Gumber

Yesterday was a great day for a bike ride. The clouds were in abundance, making all sorts of dazzling patterns. I love how they arrange themselves high up in the sky in interesting and beautiful formations as seen in the photos I took. As a kid I gazed at clouds for long spells daydreaming while laying on the grass. They have the power to bring rain and within hours or days dissipate, reminding me that everything changes in life just like moods, thoughts, emotions, and aging. The air was cool and windy. Trees where swaying in the direction of the wind. There were some dark clouds on the horizon, forewarning rain was on its way today, and here we are the rain came and went for now.

Bill and I got off to a late start. We met at 11:30 AM, close to lunch hour and knew at some point we would be hungry.

We left with the idea of riding our bikes on the protected Los Gatos Creek Trail to the back of downtown Los Gatos and having lunch at Andale’ Mexican Kitchen Taqueria To Go, a little cantina with a lot of heart at edge of the strip. This eatery is not to be confused with the larger Andale’ Mexican Kitchen and Bar Patio across the street, owned by the same family.

I can’t think of a better name than Andale’ for a Mexican Restaurant that is geared up for a quick bite. The Taqueria has very limited seating on the inside as well as seating in front which allowed us to more readily keep an eye on our bikes. One of the most popular uses of the word ‘andale’ is as synonym of ‘hurry up’ or ‘come on.’ As a synonym for ‘come on’ it means to show agreement as to a situation or proposal, in our case we agreed to have lunch. It also fits the synonym of ‘hurry up,’ as in hurry up and eat, we have more riding to do.

Andale has a decent menu. Bill had a burrito and I had fish tacos, though most often I order their fresh mesquite chicken salad. On the way home—virtually a circular loop—we took a quiet scenic short cut to Highway 9 (aka Los Gatos-Saratoga Road), at the foot of the Santa Cruz Mountains and another short cut to and through West Valley College back to Rinconada Hills where we live, having completed a 15-mile loop.

Cecile and I Offering our Best Birthday Wishes with a toast to Our Son-in-law Kyle

A loving husband to our daughter Michelle, devoted dad to our most treasured granddaughters Lyla and Emmy, and a avid cyclist whom I have had the pleasure to ride with on a few occasions.

Postscript: We called to drop off some birthday gifts for Kyle and some treats from "Icing on the Cake" and were asked to join them for dinner (Take out from Brothers Italian Restaurant), an offer we couldn't refuse:-)

Slurping Down a Steaming Bowl of Ramen Noodles with my Son Jason at a Family Owned Japanese Eatery

“Good food is very often, even most often, simple food.”

—Anthony Bourdain

Several years ago Former President Barak Obama and the late food critic Anthony Bourdain proved that you don’t need a five-course meal at a fancy restaurant to enjoy yourself when they sat down on plastic chairs and slurped down some cheap, but delicious noodles at a restaurant in Hanoi. Our son Jason stopped by, and it was Cecile’s Mahjong night with her friends. I asked him if he wanted to grab dinner out. I told him I had a craving for Ramen noodles. He was of like mind and found one close by near the Pruneyard, called Hinodeya Dashi Ramen.

We were first-time customers and didn’t know what to expect. We chose to sit on their covered outdoor patio. The place has nice casual atmospherics. The waitress told us to order online by placing our cell phone over the barcode on our table to check out the menu. Before, I was able to take out my credit card, Jason said he was going to treat. It was the best offer I had all day:).

We ordered a bottle of Sapporo, a crisp refreshing lager and a side dish of Gyoza, which are dumplings filled with pork and chicken and served with dashi sauce. For the main dish we ordered Tori Paitan (Chicken Ramen). It was a nice layered dish with Ramen noodles and a tantalizing rich dashi-style broth at the bottom followed by leaves of fresh spinach, fillet of chicken, Shiitake mushrooms, a half soft boiled egg at the top, and a slice of crispy kale on the side of the dish. The Ramen was fresh and we loved the savory taste. What distinguishes Hinodeya from many Ramen bars with its light clear dashi-style broth is fish-based as opposed to being pork-based. The owners are a Japan-based family whose culinary business ventures go back 136 years in Northern Tokyo founded in 1885. Hinodeya first made its debut in San Francisco ten years ago. Seven types of ramen are offered with wheat noodles or vegan spinach noodles. Home Ramen Kits available for takeout or delivery. I am definitely going back again for more.

Photo Credit of Former President Obama & the late Anthony Bourdain (Reuters)

An Exotic Dinner with Friends at Mandala Indian Cuisine

“Life is like Indian food, both are tasteless without spices.”

—Kumar Naresh

Cecile and I were invited to join our friends, Sarah and Bill Rothenberg for appetizers and drinks in their backyard patio that was followed by dinner at Mandala Indian Cuisine, a recent addition to historic downtown Saratoga. We managed to get outside seating with a heating lamp. I have had the good fortune of visiting India three times back in the day. Whether I stayed at an ashram (a meditation and yoga retreat center) or a hotel the food never disappointed. The same can be said even more so for the Mandala Indian Cuisine Restaurant. The food experience including the presentation was a true feast of the senses.

Bill had a bottle of Taj Mahal beer and I ordered a bottle of Kingfisher beer. Sarah happily sipped through a Mango Lassi, a sweet yogurt drink traditionally made with yogurt, cream and Mango. We ordered Naan, a tandoori baked unleavened bread, one of the most popular Indian flatbreads for the table, as well as Papadum, a thin crisp made from black gram flour that is accompanied by three basic Indian chutney dipping sauces

Indian food is full of complimentary flavors. It provides balance, color, and cleanses the palate. Mandala offers an extensive list of exotic dishes that can be intimidating to some people of western cultures unfamiliar with the food choices. It might have something to do with fear of the unknown. People assume that it’s all curry and therefore all spicy. In reality, all palate preferences are fully represented from spicy, sweet, hot, and sour. You can tell the helpful waiters to ask the chef to tone down the spice.

We decided to share the following: Chicken Momo: a famous Nepalese style steamed chicken dumpling served with tomato and sesame chutney; Lamb Rogan Vindaloo: Lamb cooked with potato with blend of spices; Mix Tandoori Kebabs Platter that included Seekh kebab, salmon, Chilean sea-bas, tandoori chicken and rack of lamb skewered in a clay oven served with vegetable puldo; Vegetarian Biryani: Saffron basmati rice, mixed vegetables, mint, fried onions cooked dum-style,and white Basmati rice. This was accompanied by Raita, a basic condiment, made from yogurt with cucumber, mint and toased cumin seed used to cool and temper heat and spice. Instead of a traditional midday buffet, the three owners of Mandala elected to offer a “bento box” for lunch, with more than 30 entree choices which has been reported to have won over customers.

The inside of the restaurant is nicely appointed, including a bronze statue of Ganesh, the elephant deity that sits high up on a wall shelf that symbolizes wisdom, understanding and is considered the remover of obstacles that paves the way for people to move forward in life.

Postscript: Meaning of Mandala: It is the interplay of vivid colors and ancient symbols. Tibetan monks spend hours creating mandalas with grains of colored sand. The purpose is to call the community to meditation and awareness of something larger than their own small world. Once made, they destroy it. Why? The underlying message is that nothing is permanent. All things are in a state of flux. It may be beautiful, ephemeral, and moving, but it is temporary, just like the beautiful and artful presentation of food we ate for dinner. That said it was good while it lasted:-)

The Joy of Running Together Sculpture that Captured Our Imagination

“In honor of the Bloomsday Run…This sculpture represents people of all ages and nationalities, creating a positive symbol by acknowledging the larger spirit of our local community and the world.”

—David Govedare, the artist

As a novice watercolorist for several years with the former Saratoga Community of Painters in Saratoga, CA, I have an appreciation of art including muralists and sculptors that make a statement for the public good. In this case, I was absolutley awestruck when my eyes first layed sight on the Joy of Running Together sculptures, a public work comprised of 40 life-sized figures, all posed in the motion of running located near the finish line of the race. I loved it so much I wanted to be a part of it—as you can see in the photo as did our friend Susie Bye, a triathlete who beat me to the finish line:-)The sculpture is intended to give encouragement to the runners in their last leg of the race.

The Bloomsday Run is an annual timed road race in Spokane, WA where we recently visited for a few days. What began as a small run with about 1,200 runners over 40 years ago has become an annual tradition and national running event attracting tens of thousand of runners every May, thought the last two year were done virtually due to the pandemic.

“The Joy of Running Together,” sculpture by Govedare is a gift to the City of Spokane by individuals and businesses who helped sponsor the work in friendship with the Lilac Bloomsday Association (1985).

*Bloomsday celebrates Thursday 16, 1904, the day depicted in Irish writer James Joyce’s novel Ulysses. The day is named after Leopold Bloom, the central character that the novel chronicles

Enjoying the Iconic Riverfront & Manito Parks the Crown Jewels of Spokane City & Touring Bing Crosby’s Family Home

The Post-Cruise Port of Call was Spokane, Washington which was two hours by bus from Clarkson where we disembarked from the American Empress, the end of our seven day riverboat cruise. We were provided a light lunch at Manito Park, a 78-acre garden of native and cultivated landscape with 20 acres of world class botanical gardens. They are considered the crown jewel of Spokane City Parks. The name “Manito" is a Native American world meaning “a supernatural force that pervades nature.”

Our next stop was the home Bing Crosby grew up in. We toured the inside of the house which contained many of his memorabilia and awards such as the Academy Award he received for Best Actor in “Going My Way,” in 1944. Our friend Nelson, who comes from a family of golfers met Crosby on the 1st Fairway at Pebble Beach in 1975 and got his autograph.

After our bus tour was over we saddled up at the historic 1909 Looff Carrousel at Riverfront Park, the former grounds of Expo ’74, the environmentally themed world’s fair. It is considered one of the Ten Best Carousels in the United States. We bought two red carousel T-shirts for our granddaughters Lyla and Emmy. We checked into The Davenport Grand Hotel.

Later we explored the rest of the 100-acre Riverfront Park, branded as Riverfront Spokane that is a public urban park in downtown Spokane situated along the Spokane River and encompasses the Upper Spokane Falls, which is the second largest waterfall in the United States, and, when combined with the Lower Spokane Falls, creates the largest urban waterfall in the country according to Wikipedia. The site of the park and surrounding falls were a Native American gathering place.

After resting up a bit, we had dinner with Susan and Nelson Bye at Anthony’s Restaurant in the heart of downtown Spokane and that overlooks the Spokane River and upper falls. The view of the cascading river gushing over the Spokane Falls provided a rustic and romantic backdrop for a wonderful and memorable time. While waiting for our outdoor seating to free up we enjoyed Fresh Huckleberry Daiquiri featuring hand-picked huckleberries from Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams in the Cascades that are naturally organic. For dinner we enjoyed Anthony’s Award-Winning Clam Chowder, Tempura Green Beans with orange saffron aioli, Northeast Seasonal Salad, Roasted Scampi Prawns, Crab cakes, Fresh Halibut and Grilled Silver Salmon with Cornbread and cooked Huckleberries. To cap off the evening we had ice cream with huckleberries, continuing with the theme for the evening.

Postscript: Bing Crosby died October 14th from a heart attack doing what he loved just a few yards away from the clubhouse while playing golf near Madrid, Spain.

A Master Native Tribal Storyteller Addresses our Group & Hells Canyon Scenic & Fast & Furious Jet Boat Ride

“I don’t think [the meaning of life] is what we’re seeking. I think [it’s] an experience of being alive, so that our life experiences on the purely physical plane will have resonances within our own innermost being and reality, so that we actually feel the rapture of being alive.”

—Joseph Campbell

During an enrichment presentation aboard the American Empress riverboat docked at Clarkson, Washington, J.R. Spencer, also known as Whitebull addressed our group. He is an artisan, educator, and performing artist of Native culture and living traditions of his people, the Nez Perse Tribe. He regaled us with the rich history of native stories and traditional music in a touching, lighthearted, and respectful manner. He took us on a journey dating back to the Legend [Dreamtime] Days of his ancestors and shared how these stories were passed down from one generation to another. During his talk, Whitebull told us that his people are very childlike and the wisdom teachings are from the heart. He began to chant in his native tongue and we were transported to another time and space. Suddenly, he turned to English and kept repeating “I love Oreos I love Oreos I love Oreos ” After nervous laughter engulfed the room, he added: “Now that your heart is open, let’s continue.” It was simple, it was wise and as he played his flute and played his tambourine, and continued to chant our hearts opened ever more to what he had to say about the wisdom teachings of his ancestors.

After a light lunch, we boarded a coast guard approved Jet Boat nature adventure into Hells Canyon. We felt the excitement rise as we first stepped aboard the covered, comfortable jet boats prepared to travel through North America’s deepest gorge that has peaks that rise almost 8,000 ft high. It was electric. It was fast like a “Bat out of Hell.” We witnessed the canyon’s beautiful, blue waters and roaming wildlife that included horses, cows, birds, and long-horned sheep in the cliffs. The ride was exhilarating to say the least as we ventured through the narrowest sections of Hell’s Canyon along the Snake River. Our knowlegeable and experienced captain named Justin, provided a narration about the canyon in detail, including the history and geology of this natural wonder of the world. He informed us that we would be riding through three states: Washington, Oregon and Idaho. He paused the boat to show us where the Pittsburg fire in Hell’s Canyon Recreation Area on the Wallova-Whitman National Forest, which was started by lightning burned through 6,400 acres. About half way through our half a day ride, we relaxed at the Idaho Garden Creek Preserve owned by the Nature Conservancy in Hell’s Canyon to stretch our legs, stroll through the orchard where turkeys make there home. Lemondade and chocolate chip cookies awaited us at The Porch.

We returned renewed and fulfilled as we re-boarded the Empress just about the time for dinner. We feasted on Crispy Fried Chicken Livers, Wild Rice Soup, Hand-tossed Caesar Salad, Lamb Ragu with Creamy Polenta, Duck Breast with Currant-Orange Gastrique, Grilled Shrimp with Champagne Sauce, wine and dessert followed by entertainment by the Empress Quartet.

Exploring The Culture and Art Scene at "The Dalles," Oregon & WIne Tasting at the Jacob Williams Winery

“The scenery in Oregon is varied, romantic, picturesque and grand. There is certainly nothing to equal it in North America.”

—Overton Johnson and William Winter (1846)

Cecile and I and the Byes spent the day in The town of "The Dalles,” Oregon, a relaxing retreat along the banks of the Columbia River that serves as the eastern gateway to the Columbian Gorge National Scenic Area. Native populations had used the area as a trading center for a least 10,000 years.

After breakfast our American Empress bus driver drove us to the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum that is located in a beautiful and unique ecosystem native to the area. From there the next stop was the National Neon Sign Museum that focuses on the evolution of light from the light bulb signs (1880-1920) to the introduction of neon to the United States in 1923 and the unique role advertising and signage has played in American history business. It was a very entertaining and dynamic presentation featuring familiar named brands like Mobilgas, Borden’s Ice Cream and Cadilac Service to name a few.

In the afternoon we were taken to the Maryhill Museum, an elaborate artistic dream of eccentric millionaire Samuel Hill that is perched high atop the bluffs overlooking the meandering Columbia River. It included an eclectic collection of local, indigenous people to international works of art including 80 works of Auguste Rodin, objects from the palaces of the Queen of Romania and more. Prior to our bus ride to the museum our guide directed our driver to show us Sam Hill’s reconstructed Stonehenge positioned on the edge of the gorge. Built in 1918 to resemble the Neolithic original as a memorial to those who perished in World War l.

Our afternoon was concluded at the stunning family owned Jacob Williams Winery, a picture-perfect location with bright red umbrellas to sample their award winning and locally made wines. We sat back and enjoyed the incredible views of Mt. Hood, the Columbia RIver Gorge, orchards, vineyards and the rolling hills of Washington. Our guide, who had announced on the bus she was of Sicilian heritage (like myself). She sat with us for about twenty minutes. She had an impressive resume including serving 20 years in the military that included a stint in Afghanastan working as an advanced Intelligence Interrogator, and 20 years of teaching. Retired now from both, she works as a tour guide. In her spare time she kayaks daily with her three dogs.

Entranced by the Majestic Mt Hood & Exploring Stevenson Along the Columbia River Gorge

“We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment.”

—Hilaire Belloc

After Astoria, we cruised all day, reached a point where we basked in the ethereal majestic peak of Mt. Hood along the way. We cruised to the Bonneville Lock & Hydroelectric Dam. This navigation lock raises and lowers the river traffic 60 feet. In our case our boat entered the lock and waited for the water to rise as scheduled until it lifted the boat to the level of the river on the other side, a fascinating event to witness.

We continued cruising until we docked at Stevenson, Washington, our next port of call. Stevenson is one of the many river towns along the Columbia River Gorge that feature awe-inspiring views of the Cascade Mountains and intriguing historic sites. The spectacular and varied terrain of the untamed Pacific Northwest is simply stunning. After breakfast aboard the American Empress, we explored the area with a riverfront walk and later explored the nearby Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center by the Hop-On Hop-Off excursion. The first native people to settle the area were the Cascade Chinook Indians. After visiting the museum we watched the nearby migrating salmon travel upstream to spawn at the underwater fish viewing rooms next to the fish ladders at the Bonneville and Dam we had crossed over earlier in the day. The ladders allow the salmon and steelhead to climb 60 feet to bypass the dam, a truly amazing feat.

We had another amazing and delicious dinner accompanied by premium wines. I had cantaloupe and ham, kale salad, eggplant parmesan, and short-ribs and bananas foster flambé Our favorite server was our 21-year old waiter named Marcus. Cecile and Susan adored him in a motherly way (photos). We ended the evening with seeing two back-to-back Broadway shows as the American Empress continued cruising on to our next destination.

American Empress Riverboat Cruise Adventure Exploring Astoria, Oregon

“To move, to breathe, to fly, to float. To roam the roads of lands remote, to travel is to live.”

—Hans Christian Anderson

Astoria is located at the mouth of the Columbia River within a few miles of the Pacific Ocean beaches. It is the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. It has close historical ties to the Lewis & Clark Trail. It was named American business tycoon John Jacob Astor. His American Fur Company founded Fort Astoria in 1811. An American Queen tour bus took Susan, Nelson, Cecile and I to visit the 125 feet high Astoria Column, a historical landmark containing fascinating pieces of American Indian, US and Oregon history. It sits on a wooded area on Astoria’s highest point with sweeping views. Italian immigrant artist, Attilo Pusterla was retained for his expertise in Bas relief technique called sgraffito, and Italian Renaissance art form that combines paint and plaster carvings to decorate the Column exterior with a free of 22 significant events that occurred in the region.

Afterwards, we had lunch outdoors at the Astoria Brewery downtown, strolled along the shops, cafes and other breweries of the Riverwalk and visited the barking sea lions under the pier that make their way here from California. The Riverwalk stretches across the entire length of the waterfront. After resting in the afternoon we attended an excellent presentation called “Welcome to the River” in the show lounge about the boat, the region, and facts about the Columbia and Snake rivers.

We had a 5:15 PM early dinner in The Astoria Dining Room enjoying everything from baked salmon, steamed lobster claw, penne pasta marinara, Stuffed Sweet Bell Peppers, great wines and dessert. Showtime was at 8:30 PM and featured Lindy Pendzick in what was billed as a celebration of Life, Love, and Music that incorporated show tunes and some opera. She was accompanied by the Empress Quartet of seasoned musicians.

At 9:30 PM we attended Rockin’ with Ryan for “Beatles Night” where he played favorites from the fab four and we were encouraged to sing along. It was very nostalgic, romantic and fun.

Postscript: We have been impressed with the safety protocols. All guests had to be double vaccinated (Cecile and I and the Byes have had our booster shots). We had our temperature checked at the hotel and Covid-19 nasal swab test. Anyone who didn’t pass these tests were required to make other arrangements.

Amazing Sunset Dinner at Twigs Bistro & Martini Bar on the Waterfront in Downtown Vancouver, WA

“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” —Virginia Woolf

(The above quote sits over the open see-through kitchen of Twigs Bistro…)

After enjoying a wonderful vegetable frittata and a short stack of pancakes for breakfast at the Hilton Hotel Cecile and I hooked up with our good friends Nelson and Susan Bye who just returned from the Portland area visiting family. We did a self-guided walking tour of downtown Vancouver enjoying the local parks, colorful wall murals, other public art, and other points of interest. We decided to grab a milkshake and ice cream cone for lunch and save our appetite for dinner. Cecile and I had enjoyed an amazing dinner with an unexpected fiery sunset at the Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar on the shores of the Columbia River—so much—the night before we went back again for an encore with the Byes. We began with Happy Hour cocktails, beer and wine along with appetizers that included fig and prosciutto flatbread with gorgonzola and chives. For dinner we feasted on Orange Chicken Salad, Grilled Ribeye with veggies and mashed potatoes, and southern style cornmeal crusted Lemon Caper Halibut with caper sauce, veggies, tomato confit and jasmine rice.

Vancouver’s new waterfront is the Pacific Northwest’s newest destination for waterfront adventure with unbeatable views. It is nestled along the curves of the Columbia River just 10 minutes north of Portland, Oregon. The 7-acre waterfront park includes the striking Grant Street Pier and renown restaurants such as the Twigs Bistro. The pier juts out 90 feet over the Columbia River and was specifically designed by nationally-renowned public artist Larry Kirkland to evoke the billow of a passing sailboat. It is a popular gathering point for people to take in the wondefrul ambiance and take photos. The Vancouver area was originally established by Native American tribes, including the Chinock, Klickitat, and Cowlitz nations. The Columbia River Renaissance Trail connects downtown Vancouver to the picturesque Columbia River waterfront, and is a perfect outlet for walking, jogging, biking and rollerblading.

By the time we made it back to our hotel we all had easily completed our ten thousand steps for the day and I ready to relax and get ready for our Columbia riverboat cruise tomorrow afternoon. To further that goal, I took a Jacuzzi and swam laps in the indoor large size pool that I have been fortunate to have all to myself the past few days.

Vacationing in Vancouver, WA and Portland, Oregon Before Boarding our Riverboat Cruise

Cecile and I are currently staying at the Hilton Hotel in Vancouver, Washington across from the 69 feet tall Salmon Run Bell Tower and Glockenspiel clock tower located at Esther Short Park. After a quick cup of coffee and light breakfast we walked through the park and headed to the Vancouver Farmers Market, the number one visitor attraction in the Southwest that sits on the north bank of the Columbia River directly across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon.

Afterwards we took an UBER across the Columbia River Interstate Bridge (I-5 Bridge) to peruse the Portland Saturday Market located in Waterfront Park and Ankeny Plaza in Portland’s historic Old Town. It was the brainchild of two women artists in 1973. It is considered the largest continuously operating weekly open-air crafts market in the United States. It also has a very colorful section of handmade, exotic ethnic food offerings including Greek, Lebanese, African, Indian and Kathmandu. Cecile and I had a delicious beef/lamb gyros with onion, tomato, lettuce, cucumber, feta and tzatziki sauce wrapped in toasted handmade pita from Angelina’s Greek Gyros booth.

We decided to take a scenic walk along the beautiful Tom McCall Waterfront Park, a car-free bike and pedestrian trail along the West shore of the Willamette River. It was such a pleasure to see everyone having fun.

Is Portland Oregon safe? We had the same reservations as many have given the history of political unrest. Travel Portland affirms the city remains a safe city for visitors and are unlikely to see signs of the protests that have been shown in national news media. It recommends that visitors exercise the same caution, concern and common sense when traveling to any metropolitan destination. As far as Vancouver, WA, as of November 2020, it was considered to be the 14th safest place in the country.

Postscript: On Sunday, we will hook up with our friends, the Byes who are visiting family in the area to board the American Queen for a riverboat cruise on the Columbia River and its’ tributary Snake River.

California-Style BBQ Dinner in our Daughter Michelle and Kyle's Backyard Patio

“A successful dinner [barbecue] is one that lasts a while and one where everyone leaves happy…”

—Laurie David

Dinner was called for 4 PM Saturday evening. Kyle and brother Chip's dad, Ed and Gerry, Chip and his wife Katie, and our son Jason attended.

There was ample time to socialize over appetizers of gourmet cheese and fresh veggies with hummus dip. The libations included beer, whiskey, Rombauer Cabernet Sauvignon wine from Napa Valley, and Kunde Cabernet Sauvignon wine from Sonoma Valley. Kyle, uncle Jason and I took turns pushing Lyla on her swing strapped to a most interesting mature, gnarly tree in the back of the yard.

Her "all smiles" baby sister Emmy got passed around to anyone who wanted to cuddle her which was pretty much everybody. The bill of fare for the evening was salmon and tri-tip as the main course. The side dishes were watermelon and feta cheese salad, grilled asparagus, Caesar’s salad that Gerry made, and oven- roasted baby carrots with sprinkled parmesan cheese that Cecile prepared. When it comes to barbecue, the tri-tip is king. It is a triangular cut from the bottom sirloin, mostly found in California. It is the brainchild of Bob Shultz who first introduced it in the 1950s when he owned the Santa Maria Market on North Broadway in the Central Coast region. Instead of grinding it up, he decided to roast a chunk of the lower sirloin and it became a hit. It is known as “California Cut” or "Santa Maria Steak.”

There are different types of barbecue. Texas has brisket, the Carolinas have pork, and California has the trick-tip.

As is customary, the incredibly tasty tri-tip is charred on the outside, and medium-rare rosy pink on the inside, with a mix or balance of tender and chewy consistency. Our grill master was our son-in-law Kyle Lewis—who also makes an amazing Margarita—and his older brother Chip was the master carver. Just before the sun began to set Kyle turned on their outdoor stringed patio lights that provided an exceptional, cozy ambiance. For dessert, we had anise, pumpkin, and chocolate chip biscotti that Cecile and I bought at the Saratoga Farmer’s Market earlier in the day. Last but not least Gerry and Ed contributed some homemade moist chocolate fudge brownies with a pinch of salt, and extraordinarily luscious homemade strawberry ice cream that Gerry made in her ice cream maker.

Postscript: My granddaughter Lyla walked over to where I was sitting and offered me a slice of cake on a lavender plate from her play kitchen.

A Loving Family Meal Prepared by a Loving Mother and Wife on Yom Kippur (The End of the Jewish New Year)

“…Yom Kippur is a day to lift the spirits...”

—The Talmud

Cecile prepared another fabulous traditional meal for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement (At-one-ment), to conclude the Jewish new year which ended on Thursday evening of September 16. Our son Jason, daughter Michelle and husband Kyle and our granddaughters Lyla and Emmy joined us.

Yom Kippur is considered one of the most important religious days in Judaism that follows Rosh Hashanah which we celebrated just over a week ago. It is accompanied by a fast that begins the eve the day before and ends at sundown for those who are observing. The intention is to begin the new year with a fresh start. The "break the fast" meal normally consists of eating dairy products and light foods to gently ease out of the fast. Of cause we may have pushed the envelope a bit.

We indulged ourselves with a wonderful, tasty, and plentiful assortment of food including blintzes, latkes (potato pancakes) with apple sauce, and seasoned smoked salmon, lox and bagels with variety of fresh tomatoes, red onions and capers and fresh vegetables with avocado dip. For dessert we had fresh fruits and a homemade berry crisp.

Our granddaughter Emmy entertained us by her attempt to eat soft solid food (apple sauce, etc.), and Lyla coaxed me to go out to our back yard patio with her. “Papa lets go outside,” she said after dinner. She inquired about our mechanical decorative water fountain. I told her the water basin was dirty. She responded with “Maybe we should clean it.” Out of the mouth of babes, I thought:) Since it was on my "to do list," using an old plastic Tupperware bowl I scooped out several quarts of standing water and leaves. I guided Lyla's hand on the handle of the water hose and filled the fountain back up with clean water (her favorite thing to do). Then, I lifted her up with outstretched arms so she could press the switch that turns the fountain back on circulating the water from the lion's mouth, over the cherubs and back down to the catch basin.

Though a child’s life is innocent, cleaning and refreshing the fountain seemed to me to be an apt metaphor for becoming cleansed and purified by owning up to one's past misdeeds by atoning for them which is at the very core of Yom Kippur.

Welcoming My Great Nephew Baby Luka to the World Who Was Born on 9/11

“Children bring us a piece of heaven on earth.”

Roland Leonhardt

While the date September 11 often carries with it much sadness for many families in remembrance of the terrorist attacks that took place in 2001, this September 11 has also become a joyous one for a wonderful couple and our family.

I am happy to report that my nephew Brock and his beloved wife Alix Augustine who live in Mansfield, Texas

welcomed their first child, baby Luka Francis Augustine into this world on Saturday, 9/11 at 7:38 PM. When they say everything’s bigger in the Lone Star State, that includes babies:) Luka weighed in at a healthy 9 pounds, 2 ounces.

Lucky for Luka, the city of City of Mansfield is a growing community in the Dallas-Fort Worth area named by Money Magazine as one of the “Best Places to Live in America." He will be surrounded by a loving family. Congratulations to the new parents and family members on both sides. In a recent exchange with Brock’s mother and Luka’s proud grandmother Carla, she said: “Luka is pure joy, such a good baby and Brock and Alix are amazing parents!"

Luka’s middle name Francis whose middle name I happen to share is popular in the Christian religion and its main origin is Latin meaning “Frenchman or free man.” Francis was originally an ethnic name meaning ‘Frank,’ my late father’s name. It was the name given to Saint Francis of Assisi, the gentle patron saint of animals, and the name taken by Pope Francis.

Brock, and his brothers Michael, Andrew and Alex are my late brother Michael's sons. They had a special bond with my brother. He loved them unconditionally and vice versa. I have no doubt that he is looking down from above with great joy at the birth of his first grandchild. Congratulations to the new parents and family members on both sides. Parenthood is a life-changing event. May you cherish each and every moment of it with your new baby Luka. Your aunt Cecile and I send our love from California and are so happy for you both.

Postscript: Other than immediate family and some friends, few people know that my brother Michael witnessed the 9/11 attacks from a safe distance. He was on the roof of a construction site he was working on in New Jersey—where we grew up—overlooking the Hudson and billowing smoke from the Twin Towers when the planes hit. Perhaps someday when Luka is older, he will learn about 9/11 in history class and will tell his classmates, “My grandpa Michael saw it happen."

Congratulations dear brother, on the birth of your grandchild Luka Francis Augustine! You are deeply missed.

Photos: courtesy of my sister Josephine, nephew Brock and Alix and Brock’s mom Carla

Celebrating Kyle's Brother Chip & Katie's Wedding at the Historic Estate of Allied Arts Guild

"Once in a while in the middle of an ordinary life love gives us a fairytale.”

—Author Unknown

Cecile and I attended our son-in-law Kyle’s older brother Chip and Katie’s outdoor wedding at the Allied Arts Guild, a historic estate in Menlo Park, CA. It was an enchanting venue for the bride and groom, families and honored guests who were surrounded by vintage Spanish architecture, a whimsical fountain and lush seasonal gardens. It was an idyllic place to exchange ones vows.

As guests began to take their seats, a quaint white parasol was available to offer shade against the sun. A musical trio was performing in the backdrop. The long red brick walkway led to an arbor where Chip and Katie exchanged their vows. Katie’s friend Libby officiated. Everyone agreed Katie and Chip made such a handsome and loving couple. Our granddaughter Lyla and her friend Summer were the flower girls. They were too cute for words.

Kyle, the younger of the two brothers was Chip’s best man. During the dinner speech Kyle took us down memory lane recalling very vividly what it was like growing up with his older brother. The speech was skillful, hysterical and loving. Kyle spared very few details about the their sibling rivalry, emphasizing that on one hand being the youngest, he always lost at anything he and his older and stronger brother did together. On the other hand, being the baby of the family, he used it to his advantage. At the end of his speech, Kyle acknowledged very tenderly that despite earlier turbulent rivalries he knows Chip always had his back and that Katie is a perfect partner for him.

Cecile and I were happy to share the table with Kim’s cousin Lynn and Pete Metrulas and their daughter Elizabeth, and Lynne’s sister Pam and husband Dave visiting from Medina, Ohio. Also, a special thanks to Lynn for extending some tender loving care (TLC) to our granddaughter Lyla by playing with her at our table and dancing with her on the dance floor. Ditto to Lisa Chien who also danced with Lyla.

Katie and Chip, Cecile and I wish you a lifetime of happiness together and a love that grows stronger with each passing day. We were happy and honored to be a part of the festivities. Also, a heartfelt congratulations to the immediate families of the bride and groom.

Celebrating Rosh Hashana (Jewish New Year) with a Symbolic Family Dinner

“And above all, remember that the meaning of life is to build a life as if it were a work of art.”

Rabbi Abraham Josua Heschel

Cecile and I enjoyed a dinner last evening at our home with our daughter Michelle, son-in-law Kyle, and our granddaughters Lyla and Emmy, along with our son Jason and Alex.

We had an assortment of appetizers including eggplant and Israeli hummus dips with pita bread and fresh veggies, dried Turkish apricots, gouda and manchego cheese and Spanish Marcona almonds. Cecile made a delicious Chicken Marbella, a Spanish and Moroccan-inspired chicken dish with green olives and marinated in Pino Grigio wine. She also prepared a fresh and colorful green salad with tomatoes, sliced nectarines and figs with homemade crusted corn bread croutons served with basmati rice. For dessert we had apple pie, shortbread cookies with chocolate and a homemade Iced Cream pie with Oreo cookie crust and topped with fresh whipped cream that Michelle and Lyla made.

Rosh Hashanah (Hebrew for “head of the year”) which began yesterday at sunset commemorates the creation of the world and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a ten-day period of introspection & renewal that culminates in the Yom Kippur holiday (Day of Atonement). It is a time for people of the Jewish faith to take stock of the past year and become mindful of what they want the next year to bring. God knows with all that has happened in the world of late we (Jews and non Jews alike) can use a little renewal. I feel blessed to have married into a Jewish family and partake in celebration of the Jewish New Year 5782. It is customary to wish those celebrating the New Year “Shana Tova,” meaning “for a good year.”

Honey is one of the central foods enjoyed during Rosh Hashanah, which is popularly incorporated into cakes, cookies, challah (bread) and other foods as well as enjoyed on its own or with a slices of apple. Eating honey symbolizes a hope for a sweet new year. Another important food tradition is to serve food that is round. Traditionally the Jewish Sabbath bread, challah is oval-shaped. However, on Rosh Hashanah, a round challah as seen in some of my photos symbolize the never-ending cycle of years and seasons. Before eating a prayer was said over the bread called the Hamotzi led by Michelle. Cecile (Nonnie) had purposely brushed a swipe of honey at the top of the challah and embedded some multi-colored sugar pieces for Lyla to enjoy.

The shofar, is another custom or ritual utilized during Rosh Hashanah. It is a special instrument that sounds like a trumpet, and is made out of a sheep’s horn that has been hallowed out. The shofar blast, which in ancient Hebrew times was a call for battle is a call to turn inward to contemplate one’s life so one is able to then burst out and contribute to the world. The one shown sitting on a plexiglass stand in front of the white hydrangeas and roses in the photograph was given to Jason as a gift for his Bar Mitzvah when he came of age (13). The colorful quilted blanket our granddaughter Emmy is blissfully laying on was a gift for Jason after he was born.

Shana Tova!

Birthday Lunch at San Pedro Square and a Family Dinner Celebration at Sweet Sicily Italian Restaurant

“Life is short, and it is up to you to make it sweet.”

—Sarah Louise Delany

I was blessed to have had a full day of celebration for my 71st Birthday yesterday. My biking buddy Bill Rothenberg treated me to lunch at "On the Roll," a Thai inspired Vietnamese fusion restaurant and surprised me with a Nutella birthday crepe that we shared at San Pedro Square in San Jose during our 24-mile bike ride.

For dinner, my dearest wife Cecile had made early reservations at Sweet Sicily Italian Restaurant in downtown Sunnyvale. Our daughter Michelle and husband Kyle and our granddaughters Lyla and Emmy joined us as did our son Jason and his partner Alex. As a first generation Sicilian-American I couldn’t help think about my late mother Maria Micalizzi, who had the courage to come to America by ship in 1947 during a challenging electrical storm to meet my late dad Frank. They married, and mom gave birth to me in 1950, with three of my siblings to follow years later. We were escorted to our table by our waiter Emanuel from Modena, in Northern Italy, a region where promising chefs go to learn the trade, source of the finest balsamic vinegar, and, best known to sports car fans as the birthplace of Enzo Ferrari. The ambiance couldn’t have been more inviting. It exuded a feeling of eating in a piazza in Italy. Historic Murphy Avenue which is blocked off is the home of Sweet Sicily as well as other ethnic restaurants. The heat of the day gave way to a gentle breeze. We checked out the pastry case just inside the open air entrance. They looked like works of art.

We began with beer, wine and cocktails and a Stagioni pizza with mozzarella, Italian ham, mushrooms, artichokes and oregano; and Rigatoni Alla Norma: fried eggplant, pecorino cheese, mint and tomato sauce for the table. It was a great start to a great feast and the entrees were equally outstanding. Cecile enjoyed Amalfi-style swordfish with potatoes, cherry tomatoes, black and white olives, capers, and white wine. Jason savored his Spaghetti Carbonara; Alex and Michelle had Pappardelle Pavarotti with miniature meatballs, diced tomato, guanciali, butter and basil, Kyle Involtini Marsala: Chicken wrapped with bacon, wine Marsala sauce, butter, tomato sauce mushroom and I feasted on Lasagna Della Nonna: ground beef, onion, carrots, celery, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and béchamel sauce. Lyla shared food some morsels of food, including pizza.

After dinner I got to open my birthday cards and presents from the kids: An Apple TV app, and a cushiony bicycle seat for my long bike rides.

For dessert, we had cannoli with Ricotta Cheese and Pistachio ricotta cheese that was out of this world. Lyla devoured her gelato. Our waiter Emanuel offered a shot of Limoncello liquor. “It’s on the house,” he said, adding “I made it." It was compliments of the owner, Saverio D’Anna from Palermo, Sicily who brought it to the table giving us a chance to talk a bit about the changes to the old country.

When we Cecile and I returned home, there was a Lemon Bundt Cake from Budnt Cakes with their signature cream cheese frosting waiting at our door from Kyle’s mom Kim and husband Al Chein with a heartwarming card. Thank you!

I am feeling gratitude. A more perfect day, it could not have been.

https://sweet-sicily-restaurant.business.site

Lunch at the American Bistro at Shoreline Lake and a Hike on a Beautiful Summer Day

"We forget that the water cycle and the life cycle are one."

—Jacques Yves Cousteau

Cecile and I decided to take a respite from a week of 90 degree weather by driving to Shoreline Lake past the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View which is about thirty minutes north from our home in Los Gatos. We had lunch at the American Bistro (formerly the Lakeside Cafe) at edge of Shoreline Lake and next to the Lake Boathouse.

We sat on the outdoor waterfront patio with stunning views. The Mountain View Voice calls it the Best Place for a date & Best Place to take a Visitor. Shoreline Lake is a man-made, 50 acre, salt water lake filled by waters pumped in from San Francisco Bay nearby that circulates back out into Permanente Creek. Predictable summer breezes and the intimate, enclosed nature of the Lake make it ideal for learning to sail or windsurf.

When we first arrived there were a group of cyclists having lunch a few tables away. Cecile ordered a Salmon Salad: Fillet of Grilled Salmon, raspberries, candied walnuts with raspberry vinaigrette on a bed of Farmer’s market greens. I enjoyed a Wine Country Chicken Panini: Grilled Chicken Brie, baby spinach and caramelized onions on French baguette with side of watermelon salad with homemade Kettle Chips. Afterwards, we took a hike around the right edge of the lake to enjoy the wide open tranquil spaces. Beyond the lake is the South Bay which offers opportunity for longer hikes and bike rides alongside its edge that extend to the Bay Area Nature Preserves and bird sanctuaries. Palo Alto’s small communter airport and Moffett Airfield are not far away, so there are lots of plane sightings overhead.