A Taste of Africa from Nopnala Foods—Mama Africa Approved Cuisine was a Pleasant Take-Out Surprise

“A recipe has no soul. You, as a cook, must bring soul to the recipe.”

—Thomas Keller

In recent months I have joined my friend Bill on early Saturday morning bike rides that ends with a stop at the Farmer’s Market in Saratoga, CA. Earlier in the year I noticed a new food vendor: Nopnala Foods Mama Africa Approved. Having traveled to Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa, and eating Ethiopian food in the the US, it peaked my curiosity.

Hajj, the friendly owner-entrepreneur who operates the kiosk has drawn a lot of attention. Since he has been following me on Instagram, I thought it was about time we get personally acquainted. After introducing myself, he said “You really travel a lot.” He even told some of his customers about my love of travel. Hajj will be the first one to tell you that his cooking background was inspired by his long journey and experiences through his travels.

Some of his popular dishes that come fresh-chilled or frozen are African Gumbo, African Peanut Stew, and green Chicken Curry. I decided to buy a quart size of African Peanut Stew, a rich flavorful melody of 100% Sonoma County Grass Fed Beef, Yams, Snap Peas, regular sweet peas and Corn with Coconut Peanut Sauce. Cecile and I had it for dinner last evening over a bed of brown rice and a fresh salad and it was delish. For those who live locally, you can speak to him at the Farmer’s Market or message Hajj and he’ll set aside what you need.

@saratoga.farmersmarket from 8:30am to 1pm

#africancuisines #africa #delicious #soulfood

Amazing Dinner at Bevri Georgian Cuisine in Los Altos with the Rothenbergs

Cecile and I and good friends Sarah and Bill enjoyed a savory and delicious dinner at Bevri, a popular Georgian restaurant known for offering authentic dishes from Georgia, a country at the strategic crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, making it the hub for diverse cultures, trade and conflict. Bevri is celebrated for its use of fresh herbs and spices and hearty flavors. The ambiance is warm and inviting, often reflecting elements of Georgian culture, including its rich culinary traditions and artistry.

Rather than order an entree, we ordered an array of starter plates (tapas-style): Pkhali Sampler Baby spinach and beets pkhali with walnuts and herbs served with eggplant rolls; Artichoke with Baje: fried artichoke, walnuts sauce, tashmijab (cheese melted into mash potatoes), red adjika oil and svaneti oil; Lamb Khinkali Dumplings; Khachapuri Adjaruli: Boat-shaped cheese bread with butter and an egg. It is so good it became their logo. I created a short video of our waiter preparing it for us. Their menu states: No tipping necessary, but we gave our very capable and friendly young waiter a generous cash tip anyway. We walked two blocks to the Penny Ice Creamery for dessert.

Postscript: After we finished our meal, I saw this unusual woolen head covering. The bartender encouraged me to try it on. “It’s called a ‘papakha’ which means ‘hat’ he said. Apparently, it is part of the rich tapestry of Georgian traditional attire that evolved over centuries influences by a complex history and interactions

with neighboring cultures. It is a sign of honor and dignity. Former UFC champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, brought the papakha to the world stage (see photo). Honoring the traditions of his Dagestani ancestors, he wore the white woolen hat to all his fights and weigh-ins. Many of his wrestler’s fans would also wear the hat to support him.

A 23-mile Lunch Ride to the Historic San Pedro Square Market in San Jose

Bill and I rode our bikes on the Los Gatos Creek Trail, a mile from our homes to his cousin Del’s home in Willow Glen who joined us for the ride. We then hopped on the Three Creeks Trail nearby. A replica water tower sculpture with the number 3 marks the entrance to pedestrian and biking trail. The Three Creeks refers to Coyote Creek, Los Gatos Creek and the Guadalupe River.

San Pedro Square in San Jose is a vibrant spot known for its mix of historical charm and casual, communal setting. Glowing red letters above the entrance announced our destination. It is recognized as a thriving community hub and a great place for food lovers to discover different ethnic cuisines. There is plenty of outdoor seating with a relaxed open-ambiance. When you step inside to place your order, you’ll discover a fashionably industrial interior with transparent warehouse-style doors, modern fixtures, and weathered brick.

The Peralta Adobe, the oldest building in San Jose, is located in the square providing a sense of the area’s past. Located in downtown San Jose. It’s location makes it accessible to the SAP Center, tech museums and theaters. Bill treated us to lunch. Del had the chicken noodle soup and Bill and I had an abundant and delicious Chicken Banh Mi sandwich from a Vietnamese eatery called “On A Roll.”

Lunch with Cecile at Meso Modern Mediterranean Cuisine in Santana Row

After a little shopping at Westfield Valley Fair, Cecile and I went to Santana Row (SR), tucked in the heart of Silicon Valley in San Jose. It is a great place to shop and dine, and enjoy the California sunshine, with palm-tree lined streets, colorful hanging flower pots on lampposts, and plenty of cafes and restaurants with outdoor patios to satisfy any palate.

We decided to have lunch on the outside patio of Meso Modern Mediterranean Cuisine that delivers genuine hospitality, a stunning environment and what is described as a "deliciously curated selection of Mediterranean fare, all in the service of creating a modern oasis at the center of urban life on Santana Row.” They even have a beautiful waterfall fountain and a sculptured frog garden, a hit for kids and adults alike.

Cecile and I shared a Spiced Lamb Flatbread with yogurt, sumac onions, spicy Zhoug, oven roasted tomato, and sprouts; and a bowl of Roasted Carrot and Cucumber Salad with avocado, feta, dill, and dukkah. Meso is one of our top places to go for dinner.

A Full Day Pedaling Across the Iconic Golden Gate Bridge & Around Angel Island with Friends

Bill and I met our friends Jimi and Jennifer Hunter under the Golden Gate Bridge as the starting point for our all day 36-mile bike ride. Riding across the bridge is a thrill like no other. We’ve done this invigorating ride many times over the years. We were about 220 feet above the choppy waters of the San Francisco Bay. The gusty cold wind ruffles your hair, fingers of fog tickle your cheeks, and a little bit of sun is enough to illuminate the bright red suspension bridge that has been described as an engineering “Wonder of the World."

We continued our ride toward Sausalito and all the of San Fransisco’s iconic landmarks across the skyline. The Golden Gate Bridge from one end to the other remains one of the most romantic and photographed bridges in the world. One of the main highlights of the adventure aside from crossing the Gold Gate Bridge was taking a ferry from Tiburon to Angel Island State Park and continuing our ride around it and stopping to see some of the old army barracks no longer in use. The island sits in the “center” of San Fransisco Bay, and features great across-the-water views of San Francisco, a wide swath of the East Bay, Tiburon, Belvedere, Mt. Tamalpais, and the rest of lower Marin County.

Biking on Angel Island is very safe because there is no public motor-vehicle traffic to be concerned about. The old Immigration Station and its museum is referred to as the Ellis Island of the West Coast. The main trail is the paved Perimeter Road that traces the outline of the island near the shore with mind-blowing views. After spending two and an half hours on the island, Jimi and Jen treated Bill and I to lunch at “The Cantina” in Ayala Cove, before we taking the ferry back to San Francisco.

Lunch with Cecile at Siam Taste Thai Cuisine in Historic Downtown Sunnyvale

“Thai food is feast for the soul—colorful, aromatic and insanely spicealicious.”

Though a few restaurants were closed for Labor Day, we had plenty of eateries to choose from. We decided we were in the mood for authentic Thai food and after looking at their menu, we decided on Siam Taste Thai Cuisine. It was a nice breezy sunny day so Cecile and I decided to eat in the spacious outdoor patio made possible as one whole block of historic Murphy Street is closed to traffic.

We shared a fresh Papaya Salad with a spicy kick to it and a Thai Italian Fusion: Salmon grilled to perfection with noodles and a lightly-spiced Yellow Curry. Having traveled to South East Asia multiple times we simply love Thai food known foor its bold and complex flavors, combining sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements in a single dish.

Siam Taste Thai Cuisine is located at the historic Murphy Avenue, a trendy and colorful destination for a number of international restaurants and cafes, late-night drinks at an Irish pub, small specialty shops, historic buildings, a local movie theater that gives the downtown destination—that accomodates pedestrian traffic—a unique sense of characther.

Sunset Photos I took at Miramar Beach in Half Moon Bay & A Inspiring Poem by Mary Oliver

“Sunsets are proof that no matter what happens, every day can end beautifully.”

—Kristen Butler

An Adaptation of "The Sun" by Mary Oliver

Have you ever seen anything in your life more wonderful than the way the sun,

Every evening, relaxed and easy, floats toward the horizon

And into the clouds or the hills, or rumpled sea, and is gone…

And have you ever felt…such wild love—

As the sun reaches out, as it warms you as you stand there,

Empty-handed—or have you too turned from this world—or have you too

Gone crazy for power, for things?

The late Mary Jane Oliver is a beloved American poet who won the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize found inspiration for her work during solitary walks in nature. A collection of her works sits on my library shelf.

Mindfulness Meditation teacher Fay Adams once commented on this poem: “What could be more tragic than turning

our backs on the ineffable, beautiful, life-bestowing majesty of the sun? The wonder of life is offered to us every day on a universe sized platter, but we still turn our backs…’Have you too gone crazy for the power of things?’ Well, I confess I feel I’m still preoccupied with things a little too much for my conscience to rest easy, but I’m working on it!"

A Parisian-Style Dinner at Epernay Bistro Hosted by Kim and Al Chien

"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate."

—Opera Winfrey

Cecile and I were treated to an extraordinary dinner at Epernay Bistro and Champagne Bar—in honor of my birthday—on Main Street in Los Gatos. The Parisian-style eatery has received a lot of praise for creating a chic, cozy, and romantic ambiance, and providing excellent service, and authentic French-inspired cuisine.

We share a special bond with the Chiens, as Kim’s son Kyle is married to our beloved daughter Michelle and the blessings of that union are three very special and adorable grandchildren: Lyla, Emmy and bay Gus. Though we have enjoyed many family holiday events at Kim and Al’s home, we treasure the times we’ve gotten together as couples and friends.

Bon Appetit!

Postscript: Dear Kim and Al, thank you for the lovely birthday card, your love, your generosity, and the gift card to Teleferic Barcelona restaurant.

Enjoying a Relaxing & Casual Lunch at the Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay

"Today is your birthday. We're gonna have a good time..."

—Paul McCartney & John Lennon

Having lunch at the Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay is a luxurious experience, offering stunning coastal views. Cecile and I chose to dine on the Ocean Terrace. We shared Chicken Tacos and a Harvest Salad. The waitress had forgotten to bring a place setting and felt so bad she insisted that we choose a dessert on the house. Rather than order two desserts we shared a chocolate mousse and chocolate sorbet. The Ritz-Carlton is perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the golf course. It is a great choice for a leisurely and relaxing lunch.

The Ritz-Carlton offers direct access to coastal trails, so after lunch we took a stroll along the cliffs, after which we sat on the deck chairs absorbing the beautiful surrounding making it a full experience of luxury and nature.

Relaxing at the Cypress Inn on Miramar Beach in Half Moon Bay

Cecile and I are at the Cypress Inn on Miramar Beach in Half Moon Bay for a few days, a great place to relax and rejuvenate. We have an ocean front room with a cozy balcony with table and chair just steps from sand and sea, tucked between forested hills and some of the most beautiful coastlines in California. It is favorite getaway destination. After enjoying European-style hors d’ oeuvres with a glass of wine from a Sonoma Coast wine bar, and later house-made chocolate and oatmeal cookies we took a walk along the beach walk watching people walk and okay with their dogs, and ride their bikes. We returned to our room and gazed upon the Pacific Ocean and let the soothing sounds of the crashing waves lull us into blissful relaxation while watching the golden sunset behind the coastal clouds.

Riding Over the Stylistic Don Burnett Bicycle & Pedestrian Bridge & Lunch at Nick the Greeks & Visiting Bubba the Bear

We began the bulk of our 20-mile ride along side the Union Pacific Trail that runs by the railroad tracks beginning from Saratoga to Cupertino where we and walkers, runners and bikers have exclusive access to unpaved roads without having to stop stop for cars. We enjoyed majestic oaks along the way. Bill took a photo of me seated in a bulldozer at the side of the trail, to add to my collection over the years riding oon roads less traveled. We then made our way through the 112 acre De Anza College in the heart of Silicon Valley, with award winning building arranged around a series of open plazas.

We then headed to Cupertino’s Don Burnett (Mary Avenue) Bike Pedestrian Bridge. We crossed over the 500-foot span cable-stayed steel bridge over the 280 freeway. Used by pedestrians and cyclists, including jogger and walkers of all ages. It is a popular placer for children to lear how to ride a bike or a scooter. Mid-span, we enjoyed a view of the valley and the old Quarry next to the Steven’s Creek Reservoir that Bill and I have frequently rode our bikes. The bridge is a social and artistic magnet that draws photographers searching for a compelling artistic photograph.

I started taking photos immediately of the metal birds atop a larger boulder at the Mary Ave/Meteor Drive entrance to the Don Burnett Bridge. After retracing our way back we stopped for lunch at Nick the Greeks in Sunnyvale. On the way home we stopped to see the famous "Bubba the Bear" on Bubb Avenue in Cupertino that was carved out of a 45-year old drought-stricken pine tree by Glen Sievert from Humboldt.

Hawaiian Luau Dinner Show at Rinconada Hills in Los Gatos

“Tropical nights and hula delights, this luau ignited our island flights."

Having vacationed in Maui annualy for almost 50 years, the invitation from the Rinconada Hills Association (RHA) to attend a Hawaiian Luau dinner on our Clubhouse Lawn within walking distance of our townhome was too good to pass up.

"Bring your own Aloha spirit and join us for a night of fun, delicious food, and festivities,” it read.”! Be enchanted by the captivating moves of Hula Dancers “Island Spice.” Dance the night away with the beats of “Wesside.” Tiki Mai Tai Bar, cocktails, wine and beer bar, and a Feast Fit for a Chief” Enjoy mouthwatering appetizers, authentic Kalua Pig, and a lavish Hawaiian buffet with neighbors and friends." Upon arrival we were given a Lei, a symbol of friendship and love, a big part of the Hawaiian tradition, used for celebrations of all kinds.

The excitement kicked in when the Island Spice Hula Dancers began the show dancing to the catchy theme song of the iconic TV show Hawaii Five-0 that captivated audiences for over a decade with a fictional portrayal of a elite police task force solving crimes in beautiful Hawaii. The picturesque landscapes and stunning beaches showcased in Hawaii Five-0 had a profound impact on tourism in Hawaii, inspiring many viewers to visit the islands.

Thanks to Dee Blumenthal, head of the social committee for organizing the event and to Mike Yarman, the general manager of RHA and his assistant manager, Ray Ramirez who both have put their culinary school skills in service to our gated-community to give it’s owners and guests a starlit evening under the majestic palm trees to remember.

Mahalo!

Note: See Video Clip with Island Spice Hula Dancers dancing to the iconic Hawaii Five-0 TV show theme song!

Visiting the Montalvo Arts Center Installation Honoring The Ohlone Indigenous Tribe

During our 10-mile bike ride Bill and I decided to visit a new installation at the non-profit Montalvo Arts Center in Saratoga which also includes a park, hiking trails and the historic Villa Montalvo, an Italian Mediterranean mansion nestled in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

For me Villa Montalvo has high sentimental value. The now defunct Saratoga Community of Painters, a plein air watercolor group I belonged to used to paint on these magical, peaceful, and meditative grounds. We even showed our work there and I was lucky enough to have the director of the arts purchase one of my paintings of the mansion.

Just short of the mansion we saw a neon sculpture with boldly stitched words, TURTLE ISLAND, by artist Marie Watt. I would later find out it was meant to “catch people off guard and encourage deeper inquiry and understanding.”

According to Wikipedia Turtle Island is a name for Earth or North America, used by some American Indigenous people. It is based on a common creation story or myth.

We then spotted the Hummingbird statue by San Jose artist Francisco Graciano that also honors an indigenous tribe’s creation story—in this case the Ohlone tribe whose offspring still walk prominently among us.

Bill who also has an appreciation of art, and creates whimsical art forms such as sun dials, and wind chimes from bicycle parts, asked me to feed the hummingbird. Hence, I lifted my palms upward just under its beak, creating a real time interactive piece of art of a living or animate being (yours truly) with an inanimate being, (the hummingbird).

Postscript: When we approached the Amphitheater, Bill spotted some wild turkeys which added authenticity to the exhibit.

Exploring the Iconic Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San Jose

“The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum offers a rare and comprehensive glimpse into ancient Egypt, presenting one of the finest collections of artifacts outside of Cairo.”

—Time Magazine

Cecile and I, and her sister Sherry participated in a 30-minute docent led tour of the Egyptian Museum located at Rosicrucian Park in the Rose Garden area of San Jose, just four blocks from where we used live in 1975 when we first moved to California. It is one of San Jose’s most treasured unique landmarks.

The museum founded by the Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis in 1966 is truly a magical place, blending history, mystery, and spirituality. With over 4,000 artifacts, it houses the largest collection of authentic Ancient Egyptian on display in Western North America. This magnificent educational system complex also included a Planetarium, Labyrinth, and Library. The grounds outside the museum are as much of a wonder as the collection inside.The Peace Garden has a tranquility pond, Egyptian-style structures, and winding walkways adorned with unique and exotic plant-life. The Mystery-shrouded Labyrinth was designed after the Chartres Cathedral in France.

The museum hosts more than 100,000 guests per year, including 26,000 school children. The central feature of Rosicrucianism is the belief that its members possess secret wisdom that was handed down to them from ancient times.

Explored Sea Quest Interactive Aquarium & Zoo Adventure with our Granddaughter

Lyla hadn’t started school yet, so Cecile and I and her sister Sherry seized the opportunity to take her to Sea Quest, a unique interactive marine, exotic mammal, and bird/reptile life chain founded by Vince Covina. It features hands-on animal interactions at shopping malls around the country. We explored the one at the opulent Palladio, at Broadstone in Folsom, which is a Lifestyle Center for people seeking the ultimate experience in shopping, dining and entertainment for adults and kids alike.

Sea Quest is committed to protecting our oceans and wildlife around the world.

Family Dinner at Elegant Sutter Street Steakhouse in Folsom

Cecile and I hosted a family dinner at the award winning Sutter Street Steakhouse in the Historic Downtown Folsom district. Those who joined us included Cecile's sister Sherry from South Carolina, our son Jason and Alex, our daughter Michelle and husband Kyle, our granddaughters Lyla and Emmy and our grandson Gus. The restaurant offers Prime Cuts of Beef, Fresh Seafood, and a full service bar,

and an extensive wine list.

We ordered cocktails, wine, and beer to accompany our shared appetizers of Brie and warm sour dough bread and a platters of calamari with Basil Aioli and House Made Cocktail Sauce. For our main course, collectively, we had Halibut, Prime Flat Iron Steak with Caramelized onions with mashed potatoes, Scallops, Heirloom Tomato Panzanella, side dishes of Mushroom Sauté, and Grilled Asparagus. Our granddaughters had Mac & Cheese and Mashed Potatoes.

The restaurant prides itself on offering a casual affair to a gourmet dining experience and the staff is committed to presenting an evening to be remembered and they did not disappoint.

Cruising Some of the Best Biking Trails in Folsom with Kyle

Folsom is home to more than 50-miles of bike and pedestrian trails for walking, running, hiking, and cycling. Since my Specialized bike is in the shop, I used my old fat-tire Sondors bike that I had taken out of storage for today's exceptional ride.

My son-in-law Kyle mapped out some of the best trails which included the Humbug-Willow Creek Loop, Johnny Cash Trail near Folsom Prison and Folsom Lake, Natoma Lake, and downtown Folsom. It was our first time riding this area. The first two trails offer a variety of natural habitat such as riparian zones, wetlands, and oak woodlands. We saw native plants like cottonwood trees, willows, and oak trees. The wetlands support a diverse ecosystem with aquatic plants and animals.

The Johnny Cash Trail runs behind the City Hall campus, and continues on a scenic path with views of the American River and across the newly constructed Robbers’ Ravine Bridge. Kyle and I traversed safely under Prison Road through a newly constructed tunnel, and then parallel to E. Natoma Street up towards Folsom Crossing and over the Johnny Cash Over-crossing Bridge near Folsom Lake.

Biking Around Shoreline Park & the Baylands Nature Preserve & Lunch in Downtown Mountain View

Bike riding is a beautiful thing. Peaceful and serene, flowing and artistic, freeing and blissful, pedaling a bike over hill and dale is ethereal.”

—Ted King

In the midst of Silicon Valley lies a man-made oasis that includes Shoreline Park and the vast Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve. Both offer a unique blend of natural beauty and diverse ecosystems, making them invigorating, peaceful and abundant spaces to hike, bike, golf and go bird watching. Both locations feature stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, marshlands, salt water ponds, and surrounding hills, offering a picturesque backdrop for many activities. All and all, the natural surroundings provide a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Shoreline Lake, which is part of Shoreline Park is a 50-acre salt-water lake that is part of the San Francisco Bay estuary system that lies under the Pacific Flyway, a migratory bird path. In order to reach warmer habitats, around a billion birds migrate along this route each spring and fall. The lake and its connecting estuaries are full of natural life such as fish, crabs, vegetation, crustaceans and mollusks, and is a great haven for a large variety of birds that feed on them, including herons, egrets, ducks, seagulls and pelicans.

The varied terrain trails offer a mix of flat, easy paths and more challenging routes. We enjoyed extending our ride by riding the sand dune-like trails that border many of the estuaries and to circumnavigate Palo Alto small craft commuter Airport where you can view aircraft take off and land.

We ended our 29-mile sojourn by riding the trail passing the futuristic Google Headquarters that overlooks the marshlands and continuing on to downtown Mountain view for lunch at Hummus Mediterranean Kitchen.

Having Fun at the Saratoga Classic & Stunningly Cool Car Show

“Vintage cars are living proof that the past can be beautifully preserved in the present, and exude a sense of elegance that transcends time.”

—Unknown

During our 19-mille morning bike ride Bill and I attended the colorful 13th Annual Classic Car Show at the Historic Saratoga Village on Sunday. While a great many of attendees had to take the free shuttle service from West Valley College, we were able to casually walk our bikes along Big Basin Way that was closed off to traffic, pausing to view the more than 250 plus cars on display. Owners of these beauties were seated nearby to answer any questions and bask in the praise of the passersby. We even saw a custom bike that belonged to a guy who has been making them for 30 years. The free public event was hosted by the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce. Interestingly enough, there were military vehicles on display including a US Army tank that Bill is positioned in front of.

Postscript: You don’t have to be a car buff to enjoy these events. Car shows bring people of all stripes together to share their passion for automobiles. These cars were freshly detailed and buffed to the nines, and are a big draw for people like myself who love photography and enjoys aesthetic beauty and art form of all kinds.

Take-Out Family Dinner from Yeung Shing Gourmet Restaurant for the Grandkids and Grandparents

“Like martial arts, the Chinese cuisine at Yeung Shing...packs a one-two punch in flavor.”

—Dawn Wright

“Everyone needs to have access both to grandparents and grandchildren in order to be a full human being.”

—Margarent Mead

Almost everyone has a favorite Chinese restaurant. One of our go to places—either to dine—in or take-out is Yeung Shing, which specializes in Shezchaun and Cantonese—style cuisine. Shezchuan tends to be hot and spicy and Cantonese is salty, sour and pungent, and prepared in a wok. The aromatics of the food is heavenly.

Cecile and I hosted the event on our backyard terrace on Friday. The timing couldn’t have been better. After another heat wave, the early evening temperature finally dropped from 95 degrees to 79, that made it possible to eat outdoors.

Our daughter Michelle and husband Kyle and Lyla, Emmy and baby Gus were surrounded by their grandparents and part-time caregivers, Kim and AL (Lolly & Pop); Ed and Gerry (Grampie and GG), and yours truly, Dennis and Cecile (Papa and Nonnie)

Kim and AL brought a tray of delicious baguette appetizers, from Kim’s late mother’s recipe and Ed and Gerry brought dessert: A Giant chocolate chip cookie that she cut in slices and served us with scoops of her homemade ice cream that was to die for.

After dinner, I took Lyla and Emmy on a walk/ride on the baby stroller—that they have clearly outgrown—around the lake in our gated community to see the ducks. Gerry asked Lyla to let her know how many ducks she and Emmy would saw when we got back. There were 19 cuddled up together at edge of the lake. They also saw a few white tailed bunnies and lizzards scampering along the way.