Dinner at Orchestria Palm Court Restaurant with 20th Century Self-Playing Musical Instruments for Entertainment

We had dinner with our friends Nelson and Susie Bye at Orchestria Palm Court in downtown San Jose that specializes in Continental Cuisine is housed in a rustic refurbished auto showroom from 1910. With its original roof, framing and skylights, it is reminiscent of the restaurant and bars of the early part of the 20th century. This period was largely defined by mechanical musical equipment. These machines, like the Coinola electric piano which plays the hits of the early 20th century represented the “high tech” of its time.

The mania to out-engineer and out-market its competitors was as fierce as today’s Silicon Valley’s high-tech industries. Engineer Mark Williams, the owner of Orchestria Palm Court, whom Nelson and I met behind the bar, collected a wide array of such machines over the years and are on display for patrons to enjoy. The restaurant also features two orchestrions, a machine that can mimic the sounds of an entire orchestra; electric pianos; two jukeboxes from the 1926 and 1928 era, and a Violano-Virtuoso Player Violin. The music ranges from bluesy jazz, catchy show tunes, operettas, clever novelty songs, and more.

Nelson brought a bottle of Hightower Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 from his wine collection to share. He and I had French Onion Soup with Gruyere cheese to start. For our entrees, Nelson, Susie and I had the Boeuf Bourguignon—the classic French braised natural beef with red wine sauce, with pearl onions, mushrooms, bacon, and carrots, served over roasted potatoes. Cecile and the Sustainable Sea Bass with Crayfish topping served on a bed of zucchini string salad with roasted potatoes. We all shared the Pesto Gnocchi with pesto sauce with fresh Parmesan cheese, and vegetable plate, and Cecile, Susie and Nelson shared the Shrimp Scampi on pasta—wild-caught Gulf shrimp, in garlic butter scampi sauce, with Farfalle (butterfly shaped) pasta, sun-dried tomato, and kale.

For dessert, Nelson and Susie shared a Traditional Banana Split and I had lemon and raspberry sorbet with strawberries.

Postscript: Orchestria Palm Court is located at 490 S 1st near the San Josie Stage Company, the South Bay’s leading professional theatre is open only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5:45 to 8:30 PM, and reservations are highly recommended.

Thank you Susie for this great find.

Visiting My Volunteer Locomotive Engineer Friend at the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad (BJWR) at Oak Meadow Park

Back Story: In the early 1950s, Walt Disney visited Billy Jones railroad on his 10-acre ranch in Los Gatos, CA. They established a long friendship between the families. On the opening day of Disneyland, Billy was given the honor of operating one of Walt’s steam locomotives that looped around the new park. Jones, a former engineer for the Southern Pacific Railroad opened his miniature railroad in 1943, offering free rides. It became a popular attraction over the next twenty-five years.

After his death in 1968, a grass roots effort was undertaken to keep the railroad in the community. Fundraising efforts were held and a new non profit organization was used to purchase the equipment from the Jones family. Volunteers constructed a roundhouse station, turntable and a quarter mile of tack at the new location in the back part of Oak Meadow Park. In 1970, the Billy Jones Railroad officially opened averaging 100,000 riders annually, becoming a true Silicon Valley success story.

I stopped to take a photo of an engine, that a volunteer was working on. His name is Kelly and was very friendly. He said he used to be a payed employee, and after retiring he stayed on as a volunteer, making it over 50 years working on train locomotives. I asked him if my old friend Tony Hoffman was still volunteering. He said, “yes and he cooks for all the volunteers every Tuesday." He offered to escort us into the working garage and let Tony know I was asking for him. It had been a long time since Tony and I lost touch. We hugged and chatted for about ten minutes and agreed to have lunch together soon.

Tony, a successful real estate agent and investor, and I met around 1977 at an EST seminar, a two weekend Personal Transformational program founded by Werner Erhard in 1971. We became fast friends. We traveled to Kenya, taking a camera safari in the late 1990s. Cecile and I attended his and his wife Jane’s annual October Fest parties. I also went sailing with him on the San Francisco Bay. Afterwards, Bill and I then had lunch at The Happy Hound before making our way back home.

Postscript: If you live locally, it would be worth your while to ride the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad around the park with your young kids or grandkids. In the winter, their weekend hours are from 10-3 pm.

Source: Some of the historical info: K. Middlebrook

Dinner at Dan Izakaya Japanese Restaurant in San Jose with the Rothenbergs

"An izakaya in Tokyo made international news in 1962, when Robert F. Kennedy ate there during a meeting with Japanese labor leaders.”

—Wikipedia

Historically an izakaya is a type of casual Japanese bar that serves alcoholic drinks and snacks for after-work drinking similar to an English pub, a Spanish tapas bar, or an American saloon or tavern. Dan Izakaya is a full service restaurant in San Jose, CA., that serves cocktails, wine, beer and an array of sake. Izakaya-style establishments existed in Japan at the early 700s. Dan Izakaya presents itself with a warm inviting atmosphere and bright ceiling lamps.

Always open to try new places, Bill and Sarah recommended Dan Izakaya, a place they had eaten at once before. Bill and I shared a bottle of Sapporo Premium beer. For our appetizers we all shared a Sashimi Salad with avocado and tomato served over romaine, topped with sesame seeds, green onions and shredded seaweed, Miso soup; and Steamed Gyoza (little potstickers) stuffed with pork, chicken, and vegetables.

For our entrees, Sarah and Bill ordered the seared Salmon Meshi sashimi and flying fish roe on crunchy skillet of rice in a stone pot topped with green onions, sesame seeds, and shredded dried seaweed. Cecile had Salmon Teriyaki Don: grilled Salmon with teriyaki sauce on the side, with rice topped topped with green onions and and sesame seeds, and I had grilled Salmon & Beef Teriyaki Don prepared the same way. The food was excellent, our waiter was friendly and service was timely. Though the Yuzu Sherbert (100% Freshly squeezed and quickly frozen) sounded refreshing, we hit the Dairy Queen for dessert.

Revisiting Teleferic Barcelona Restaurant in Los Gatos: Leave Your Passport Behind

Teleferic Barcelona is a family-owned authentic Spanish cuisine and innovative cocktails, and a variety of hand-crafted sangria. The Padrosa family, are pioneers in the art of ‘Pintxos,” the smaller Basque cousins of Spanish tapas, that justifies the phrase “haute cuisine in miniature.”

The food and lively ambiance creates a dining experience that transports its customers to the vibrant city in Barcelona, Spain without the need for a passport. Cecile and I made 5:15 PM reservations to beat the crowd, and the crowd beat us. We were surprised that the popular extensive outdoor seating with heat lamps were taken. That said, we were seated by the hostess at a cozy, romantic table in the corner away from the hustle-bustle of the main dining room. We were fortunate enough to have the affable Julio as our waiter again.

To start, Cecile ordered a glass of Barceloneta Sangria consisting of sparkling wine, lemonade prickly pear, honey, rosemary orange and mixed berries and I had a bottle of Estrella Mediterranean Pilsner Lager Beer. We ordered marinated Tuna Tacos with mashed avocado & crispy wonton shells; Pan con Tomato: Traditional toasted bread with tomato dressing and chorizo butter; and for our main Platos, we shared Prime Wellington consisting of juicy braised short ribs & Iberia ham encased in a flaky puff pastry roll, and Spanish-style potatoes. One of the server injected savory sauce in the pastry roll. Everything was prepared to perfection and in a timely manner. We were full enough to pass on dessert.

Lexington Reservoir An All Terrain Bicycling Adventure with Unexpected Radical Detours

“Sometimes the best [fun] things in life are unexpected.”—Faith Sullivan

Bill and I decided to go to the Lexington Reservoir in the Santa Cruz Mountains. We have done this ride a great number of times. At first in was pretty uneventful, that is until we got to "Road Closed" sign, except for deliveries. So we slipped through until we hit another road closed sign that at first glanced seemed more formidable due to a large collapsed road under repair. Bill found a narrow opening closer to the canyon below. The other option was lifting our bikes over the cement barrier and make our way to the far left where there was an unobstructed way to continue our ride. I just had a dental implant the day before, and the last question I asked my oral surgeon “Can I ride my bike.” He said "yes, but be careful not to fall!” I thought to myself, when he said yes, I don’t think he was envisioning this.

We chose the narrow path. It was a radical detour to be sure. Bill took the lead to show me it was doable. Looking back at the photos Bill took of me coming through, it is hard to imagine we actually made it. As they say it was all down hill from here. We were surrounded by beauty. We enjoyed that fresh mountain air and stunning views of the reservoir from up above and at the water’s edge below. The last section however, was a bit perilous. There is a narrow section near the water’s edge. Recent rains cause it to be muddy and it took more time to navigate. Though we took it slow, our bike tires were fishtailing back and forth as we slogged through the thick muddy terrain. In fact we had encounter variable terrain: paved, gravel, rock, dirt and mud. It was clear sailing from here. As we made our way back home along the Los Gatos Creek Trail, stopping briefly to view the Vasona Reservoir.

Postscript: The only creepy thing that happened was Bill pretending to eat a banana slug he found on a muddy surface behind the cement barrier of the closed off road and pretended he was going to eat it. The banana slug which happens to be the most common slug on campus is the mascot of UCSC.

Exploring The Guadalupe River Art Walk & Lunch at the San Pedro Square Market

During our 23-mile roundtrip ride to San Jose, what caught my eye in particular was the colorful mural that's called “We Are Still Here” by retired postal worker and muralist, Alphonso Salazar (2021), that dominates the wall along the Guadalupe River that flows through downtown San Jose. The mural recognizes the Muwekma Ohlone that were the first inhabitants of the region for around 10,000 years. It portrays the face of Ohlone Chairwoman Charlene Nijmeh, adorned in a warrior eagle headpiece with a basket-weave pattern and a hummingbird warrior face mask, a tribute to the indigenous tribe's creation story. The river itself has been a major ancestral heritage site for approximately 2,000 year, which the tribe’s leadership has had oversight on since 2012 as part of their reclamation process.

Staying on the art theme, there has been a movement over the years to have murals commissioned by artists to paint the bland grey sides of downtown buildings. One in particular that I took a photo of is a beautiful mural that runs the entire length of the hotel’s west-facing wall of the Hotel De Anza known for its interior art deco design, featuring the image of a woman, surrounded by a cornucopia of fruits and vegetables painted by Jim Minor called “Life Abundant."

We paused at "Monopoly in the Park" to stretch a bit. Located on the California Discovery Meadow, near a children’s museum, the board is the largest permanent version of the game in the world. There’s even an immovable set of dice that you can sit on or do a yoga squat pose on—as I did.

There was a lot of activity at the FurCon Confusion, annual furry convention at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center with outside Mexican food stalls set up for the lunch crowd. What’s a furry, you might ask? These are often animal of animal-themed characters in movies, cartoons, books, or comic. Many people who attend create their own characters, and some attend in costume. Though I’m told you don’t have to be a furry to attend. Before heading back home, Bill and I ate a Chicken Banh Mi sandwich at the San Pedro Market, home to one of Spanish California’s last remaining structure from El Pueblo de San Jose de Guadalupe.

Fists-up at the Olympic Black Power Statue at San Jose State University on MLK’s Birthday

Biking buddy Bill and I were surprised there were no activities scheduled in downtown San Jose in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday yesterday. We decided to cut through the San Jose State University (SJSU) campus and I had a “duh,” moment. Right before us, as Bill reminded me, was the bigger than life olympic medal awards podium that we have seen before. It is associated with a silent protest by two San Jose State University African-American track and field medal winners, Tommie Smith and John Carlos. At the 1968 summer games in Mexico City, Smith won the 200 meters track gold medal, and Carlos took the bronze.

As the Star Spangled Banner played, both athletes, standing shoeless, bowed their heads and raised their fists in a defiant black power salute until the music ended. They intended to place the world spotlight on human rights, particularly injustice and inequality for African Americans. Unfortunately it was perceived as an aggressive political act. They were booed by the stadium audiences, and ceremony etiquette experts around the world became enraged. The two sprinters were expelled from the games and received numerous death threats to boot.

It took decades for the fury to die down, and in 2005, SJSU unveiled a heroic sized tribute—a 23 ft. tall sculpture of that moment in history they stood on the medalist awards podium.

The university sculpture conspicuously leaves out the 2nd place medalist, Australian Peter Norman (see the black and white photograph), who was criticized for wearing an Olympic Project for Human Rights pin, in solidarity with Smith and Carlos, who wore them. Norman declined to be depicted in the sculpture, which left the silver medal tier platform I was standing on—with Bill to my left open. Visitors are welcomed to pose and raise a fist. It so happened we met a friendly woman who was admiring the sculpture and offered to take our photograph with one of the most iconic images in world history.

An Ode to the Often Misunderstood Turkey Vulture I Encountered on the Way Back From a Bike Ride

“Let us praise the noble turkey vulture: No one envies him; he harms nobody; and he contemplates our little world from a most serene and noble height.”

—Edward Abbey

Have you even seen an old cowboy movie where a character is out in the desert, hot, lost, thirsty with an empty canteen looking up toward the sky to see circulating turkey vultures, worrying he was going to be their next meal. This is a myth or in modern day parlance "Fake News!” Vultures do not circle and follow dying animals and humans.

As I rode my bike on the block long tree-lined sidewalk leading to the entrance of our gated-community I saw what at first glance thought was a big crow. As I got closer I realized it was a turkey vulture. I had seen the tough fuchsia skin of its head, with a bone-white beak, and chestnut layered feathers that ended abruptly at its neck. They are typically not dangerous to humans or other animals. Despite a generally negative view from humans, they play an important role in the ecosystem by scavenging and cleaning up “carrion" which means dead animal flesh before it rots and poses a health risk.

In this case it appeared to be a dead squirrel. They possess an extraordinary keen sense of smell from a mile or two away. These peaceful animals that have a life span of up to 24 years pose no risk to your pets, children, or infants. I had to ride past the Turkey vulture and I knew it would probably slowly take flight as I got closer. I was prepared to take serial photos of its launch with my new i-phone 15 Pro. It was poetry in flight.

Postscript: It is interesting to note that there are dozens of stories in the Native American, Celtic, African, and Tibetan culture that praise the vulture as a beacon of spiritual renewal, cleansing, purification, and patience. In fact, Tibetan monks who believe in rebirth, say they want to return to earth as vultures in their next lifetime because they do not kill to survive. Perhaps, this is why the Cherokee refer to Turkey vultures as “Peace Eagles."

Men at Work Instead of Jail & Riding my Bike on the San Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail

It was 45 degrees out with sunny blue skies, as I rode my bike onto the Los Gatos Creek Trail off Hacienda Drive.

The first thing I noticed were a slew of men in two areas wearing orange vests with yellow green stripes with the letters SWP stamped on the back. They were transported here in an old White Sheriff’s bus to do landscaping work. SWP stands for Sheriff’s Work Program, a Public Service Program whereby the Courts of Santa Clara County—where we live—identify low-risk offenders and sentence them to the Sheriff’s Work Program as an alternative to jail.

This reduces employment difficulties and related financial burdens for both the individual as well as society. Also, by serving in the Sheriff’s Work Program, it provides a valuable service to the community by alowing offenders to serve their sentences in a productive and cost effective way. Prior to being accepted the SWP participants are thoroughly screened by the Courts and the Probation Department prior to being accepted to the program. The participants serve their sentences on weekdays and weekends, allowing them to retain their regular employment. The Programs Unit has established about 67 locations throughout out the County where offenders can complete their sentences.

The other thing I noticed for the first time was a colorful historical marker by the National Park Service designating the area I had been riding on as the "Juan Bautista De Anza National Historical Trail” referred to as A Trail of Hope. It represents a familiar story of migrants crossing great distances and enduring hardships in search of a better life. Unlike the massive migration crossing our borders in the tens of thousands, some 30 families of soldiers, farmers and townspeople of European, Native American and African heritage traveled overland from New Spain (now Mexico) to establish the Mission and Presidio of San Fransisco, Mission Santa Clara and Pueblo of San Jose.

These growing communities altered the natural and cultural environment around the Bay Area. New agriculture and religious practices forever changed the traditional lifestyle of the native Ohlone tribe who already lived here. Throughout California, customs and cultures of settlers and native people intertwined, creating a unique “Californio” culture. This tale of hope and change goes on as today’s diverse cultures and communities continue to intermix and adjust to our changing world.

It’s a Boy: Welcoming our new Grandson Who Recently Made His Debut on the World Stage

“A new baby is like the beginning of all things—wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities—Eda J LeShan

A Heartfelt congratulations to our loving daughter Michelle and Kyle on the birth of our grandson "August William Lewis" who was born on January 9, 2024. Mother and child are doing very well. Our little bundle of joy weighed in at 7 lbs 8 oz. His big sisters Lyla, 5 and Emmy, 3 next month, were ecstatic as is the Lewis, Chien, and Augustine families who waited anxiously for little August to make his debut on the world stage. Just when you think you know love, someone so little, magical, and precious comes along to remind you just how big love really is. He’s already brought warmth, happiness and light into all of our lives. The first time I held him on my chest, I felt so peaceful as if I was breathing in new life into my heart. I know Nonnie Cecile agrees with me that you can’t buy happiness, happiness is born.

Kyle, who shares my interest in derivation and meaning of names, told me that the name August was inspired by the Augustine family name. August (pronounced “aw-gust” comes from the Latin word “Augustus." I had already researched the name August, which means “great, magnificent,” while Augustus—from which it came means—“consecrated” or “venerable. Kyle also added it mean "protector."

There are many nicknames associated with the name August and Augustine. My younger brother Steve, our late brother Michael and his boys (my nephews, Mikey, Andrew, Brock, and Alex), and my father I were called "Augie." Then there’s Auggo, Goose, Gus and Gusto. Lyla and Emmy like to call their new brother “Gus.”

Thank you soooo much, dearest daughter Michelle and Kyle for giving us the most handsome grandson! He’s already stealing hearts.

Back in the Saddle: A 20-Mile Ride on My New Bike Since Returning from Maui

“It’s the beauty within us that makes it possible for us to recognize the beauty around us. The question is not what you look at but what you see.”—Henry David Thoreau

It took me three days before getting my energy back from respiratory viral symptoms (not Covid) I contracted toward the last half of our two week vacation in Maui. Some friends said, they couldn’t tell I was sick from the photos I posted during our stay. My response is life is about balancing the joys and struggles that visit us—sometimes in the same day or during a much anticipated vacation.

The late Israeli poet Yehuda Amichai said we must “laugh and cry with the same eyes.” I call it non-judgmental awareness or accepting what is. It’s not always easy to do, but we do the best we can. Integration is the ability to hold two realities simultaneously. The truth is that holding both positive and negative experiences is possible.

It felt good getting back on my new Specialized Como Turbo. It rides like a dream. I had a new bike rack adaptor installed at Wheel Away Bicycling Center in Campbell to accommodate my utility bag to hold tools, snacks, and often times buy take out food for dinner or lunch for Cecile and I. The forecast called for rain and I was able to squeeze in just under 20 miles on the Los Gatos Creek Trail and Oak Meadow Park before the rain began. The varied cloud formation, flowing creeks, reservoir spillways, wooden bridges, and varied terrain kept things interesting.

Exploring the Elaborate Asian Art & Sculptures & Exotic Wildlife and Manicured Gardens at the Hyatt Regency Resort

From the beach walk side of the Hyatt Regency Resort beyond the beautiful pools and water slides, are a network of streams, waterfalls, ponds, grottos, gazebos and a long bouncy rope bridge are lagoons and creeks that meander around and through a Japanese garden replete with lanterns and statuary, while ducks, white and black swans, doves, red-crested cardinals, African golden crowned cranes, and other exotic creatures walk the grounds.

One of my favorite things to do during our annual vacations in Maui is to mindfully explore the elaborate museum—quality Asian art and sculpture collection that is tastefully displayed in the inside corridors and amidst the lush manicured Japanese gardens of the Hyatt Regency Resort. The sculpture that first gets my attention is the white marble standing Buddha on the far left side of the front entrance whose hand gestures called (mudras) symbolize fearlessness. Many of the sculptures—are from the Thai and Chinese Buddhist tradition. The simple message of inner peace that the artwork inspires, is responsible for the appeal of Buddhist art among people around the world. In the fourth and fifth centuries B.C., the time of the great thinkers such as Plato and Socrates in Greece, Lao-Tzu, and Confucius in China, India had its own great philosopher, thinker, and inspirational teacher: called the Buddha (The Awaken One), who achieved enlightenment while meditating under a banyan tree.

Cecile and I Sitting on the Pineapple Chair: Maui’s Largest Centerpiece

Succulent pineapples became synonymous with gracious hospitality in colonial America. Sea captains who sailed the Caribbean would spear a pineapple on a fencepost outside their home to signal their safe return and welcome friends to come eat, drink and be merry.

According to a 2017 poll by Public Polling, the United States is a nation divided over whether or not pineapple is an acceptable pizza topping, with 47% of Americans approving, 32% disapproving, and 20% undecided.

Cecile and I are taking this opportunity to confess once and for all—on this pineapple chair—that we like pineapple topping on our pizza, a virtual taboo to some celebrities like Gordon Ramsay, Jimmy Kimmel, and Stanley Tucci. My Italian family and friends on the East Coast would probably take issue with adding pineapple on my pizza too. On the other hand Dwayne Johnson does eat pizza with pineapple, and I would venture that he has our back:-)

As to what country first put pineapple on pizza? It was in Canada in 1962 by a Greek immigrant called Sam Panopoulos, who along with his brother owned a restaurant in the province of Ontario.

Visiting the Pink Flamingos, Colorful Macaws, Shimmering Koi Fish & Christmas Decorations at the Westin Resort on Kaanapali Beach

Christmas season in Maui truly makes for the most wonderful time of year. When Cecile and I entered the corridor of the Westin Resort and Spa, we found ourselves drawn to the the decorative wall of a Poinsettia and green Ivy wall h\edge with the the words Island of Maui on one side and Aloha on the other. I’m still not sure if it is a true living wall plant or a high quality artificial replica. After a quick breakfast at Starbucks, Cecile and I watched the graceful pink Flamingos that inhabit the large water pond and waterfall area. It is a joy to watch them stand on one leg and see their bodies reflected in the water.

While on a camera safari many years ago, I had the opportunity to see huge flocks of flamingos gather in the shallow soda lake in the Rift Valley. They blanketed the lake, giving the impression that you’ve just entered a real life Candy Land. The Westin also has some decorative big than life flamingos that are beautifully designed to complement the Christmas trees. We also visited with Kalako, a female Scarlet Macaw and Bob the Blue Macaw. Bob likes to hula and wave goodbye with his wing, while Kalako likes to say “hello” to guests and visitors. I had seen the shimmering Koi fish earlier on my own. We ended the morning with some shopping for the grandkids, and I bought a couple of caps and a shirt from Tommy Bahamas before heading back to our place a the Marriott Ocean Club.

Another Lazy Day in Paradise: Last Dinner with Jason Before He Returned Home

“Maui is a symphony of colors orchestrated by the setting sun.”—Author Unkown

After ten days together, our son Jason flew back to the mainland. The time went shockingly fast and we miss him already. I took a long walk on the beach, and around the Kaanapali golf course. Last evening we had our final island dinner with Jason at Longhis, the same place we had dinner when we first arrived. We have a lot of history with Longhis. Before we had kids, Cecile and I first began going to the restaurant when the late Bob Longhi opened his first established on Front Street in downtown Lahaina in 1976, a year after Cecile and I moved to California.

In early 2019 after 45 years in business they closed that location. They eventually opened up their latest restaurant at Maui Marriott Ocean Club on Kaanapali Beach where we have the same spacious 3 Bedroom, 3 Bath, Ocean Front Villa Timeshare with a full kitchen on the 5th floor that we bought before the Lahaina Tower was built. For dinner Jason had the Rigatoni Bolognese with Italian sausage, Maui Beef, Red Bell Peppers, Tomato, Fennel, Ricotta and a touch of hot pepper. Cecile and I shared the same Italian treat along with a Greek Salad with Bulgarian sheep’s Feta.

Hang Loose Gesture: What it Symbolizes and How it Came to Pass

“Hang loose,” “Right on,” “Thank you,” “Things are great,” “take it easy.,” “Chill”—in Hawaii, also known as the “Shaka sign,” expresses all those friendly messages and more. As the story goes, the gesture traces its origin back to the early 1900s, when Hamana Khalili worked at the Kahuku Sugar Mill, where working conditions on the plantations weren’t that great.

His job as a pressor was to feed cane through the rollers to squeeze out its juice. Once day, Kalili’s right hand got caught in the rollers, and his middle, index and ring fingers were crushed. After the accident, the plantation owners gave him a new job as the security officer for the train that used to run between Sunset Beach and Kaaawa State Beach. Part of his job was to prevent kids from jumping on the train and taking joyrides as it slowly approached and departed Kahuku Station. If Kalili saw mischievous kids trying to get on the train, he would yell and wave his hand to stop them. Of course that looked a bit strange since he had only two fingers on his right hand. The kids adopted the gesture; it became their signal to indicate Kalili was not around or not looking, and the coast was clear of them to jump on the train.

In Hawaii, everyone from keiki (child or youngster) to kipuna (grandparent, ancestor, honored elder or keeper of ancestral knowledge uses the Shaka to express friendship, gratitude, goodwill, encouragement and unity. A little wave of the hand spreads a lot of aloha.

Jason Treated us to Dinner at Son’z Steakhouse at the Hyatt Regency Resort

Nestled in Kaanapali’s Hyatt Regency Maui Resort is Son’z Steakhouse, a family-owned fine gem. It overlooks the enchanting Swan Court lagoon and waterfall where you’re likely to see swans, ducks, and pink flamingoes during the day. This evening there was also a waxing crescent moon. This elegant eatery offers a selection of prime steaks and fresh local seafood.

Cecile and Jason had Mai Tai’s and I had a glass of Obsidian Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon and we shared shared a platter of fried Pork and Vegetable Dumplings alongside pickled vegetables and Cilantro Sweet Thai Chili Sauce as our appetizer..

For our entrees, Cecile had a GREEK MAUI WOWIE, which included Romaine lettuce, hearts of palm, feta cheese, avocado, onion, tomato, and Shrimp; and Jason and I ordered the Filet Mignon. We all shared sides of Crispy Brussels Sprouts with bacon and parmesan; Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes; Bacon Mac & Cheese, and Sautéed Spinach & Onions. The food was exceptional.

We ended our dinner with a Warm Chocolate Flourless Cake with warm Fudge, Vanilla Ice Cream and Fresh Berries.

Sunset Dinner at the Hula Grill on the Kaanapali Waterfront with Cecile & our Son Jason

Maui is home to several great restaurants serving both local and international cuisines. One of the most popular in West Maui is the Hula Grill. The beachside eatery is located in Whaler’s Village a two-level shopping mall in the heart of Kaanapali Beach. It has open-air tables that open to the gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean and a bustling open-air kitchen which is a sight to see. The vibe is truly romantic, especially at sunset. It is a wonderful place for people watching. Across the Hula Grill is their bar named the Barefoot Bar for more casual dining area with a different menu and live music. The bar features thatched-roof umbrellas with tiki lamps flickering from the ocean breeze.

Jason ordered his favorite Akamai Tai cocktail and I had the hula Hefeweizen beer to go along with Kabocha Pumpkin hummus with chilled seasonal veggies and wood oven baked naan bread for the table. Cecile, Jason and I had Fresh Tomato Soup and surfing goat cheese focaccia crostini. For our entrees, we collectively had Wood Grilled Mahi-Mahi & local veggies and Kiave Roasted Chicken with rosemary mashed potatoes and balsamic onions. For Dessert we shared the Famous, Heavenly, Hula Grill Ice Cream Pie. It is served on a plate with the name on it, and engraved on fork-edged spoons.

Postscript: The back entrance to Whaler’s Village has a large Sculpture of a female Humpback Whale with the suckling of twin calves which is a rare occurrence that was drawn and documented by Captain Charles Melville Scammon, an explorer and naturalist, in his book “Marine Mammals” in 1874. Whalers Village Museum has adopted this event as its symbol of tribute to Hawaii’s State Marine Mammal, the Humpback Whale.

My Daily Aloha Inspired Yoga Class at Club Thrive Studio in Maui

“Within you, there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself.” —Hermann Hesse

I’ve had the same two teachers for all the many years we have vacationed at the Maui Marriott Ocean Club where classes are complimentary. Today, I had the opportunity to take a restorative yoga class with a new teacher, named Sophie from Houston, Texas who joined the team last February.

In Hawaii, aloha is more than just a greeting, it is a way of life, especially when it comes to yoga. The first part of aloha (alo) means ‘to be with.’ The second and the (ha) means 'breath. Placing them together it means the presence of breath. In yoga practice to be with one’s own breath is the foundation of yoga and meditation practice. When we begin to pay attention to our breath and recognize we are exchanging it with those around us, we notice we are all connected at the most intimate level of life, and sense the interplay of being both human and Divine.

In our final series of relaxation poses Sophie had us apply a sensorially pleasing, skin-soothing sheet mask, that we chose before class. Yesterday, I chose a premium lavender and today berry. There are cutouts for the eyes, nose and mouth. There is nothing like incorporating a Spa treatment with a restorative or gentle yoga class. Ahhhhhh! I can get used to this:)

Dinner at the Exotic Japengo Restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa Overlooking Ka’anapali Beach

Over the years, Japengo has been one of our favorite places to dine. It draws Inspiration from Hawaii’s freshest locally grown ingredients, coupled with exotic flavors from the Pacific Rim. The restaurant is ideally situated along the famed Ka’anapali beach and overlooks the island of Lana’i with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Japengo has been recognized for “Best Asian Cuisine” and “Best Sushi” by the readers of Maui No Ka ‘Oi Magazine 2022.

For starters, Cecile, Jason and I shared and order of Thai Style Chicken Lettuce Cups and Pork Belly Bao Buns. For our entrees, Jason had the Pork Tenderloin Tonkatsu with guava katsu, and guava sauce, and a side of Lavender Honey Heirloom carrots. Cecile had a Japengo Salad, and I enjoyed a Stir Fried Vegetable & Tofu dish with Chinese cabbage, mushrooms, tamari, snow peas, tomatoes and a side of Jasmine rice. For dessert we shared a Ka’anapali Pie: brownie crust, banana, macadamia nut ice cream whipped cream and caramel & chocolate sauces.