Celebrating at our Friend’s Sophie & Bernie Weinzimmer’s 70th Birthdays at Castillo’s Hillside Shire Winery

The guest invitation set the theme for the evening: Blast from the Past: "Dear Dudes and Dudettes, Turn the big 70. Bell bottoms and tie dyes would be fun threads to wear.” Over 50 friends and family members were in attendance for the funky evening that included the birthday couple’s beloved children and precious grandchildren. 

Sophie and Bernie join celebrities like Billy Crystal, James Taylor Stevie Nicks, Ozzie Osborn, Alice Cooper and Steve Tyler to name a few who have or are celebrating the BIG 70 this year. Can you dig it?

Dear Sophie and Bernie, in the words of Richard Gere, …”We are always the same age inside. Know that you are the perfect age. Each year is special and precious, you can only live it once. Do not regret growing older, it’s a privilege denied to many.” 

Thanks for inviting us to share your special milestone. The setting was enchanting, tranquil and serene. I had a moment to reflect and meditate at the whimsical pond and we were graced with a beautiful sunset.

May you live everyday like it’s your birthday!

Peace Out!

Ode to the K9s & the Power of Art Creativity to Promote a Good Cause

During our recent visit to Chicago, Cecile and I spent the last two days at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in the Magnificent Mile’s vibrant downtown commercial district. Everytime we went out for a walk around the neighborhood I found myself mesmerized by a colorful sculpture depicting a police dog in front of the Hotel EMC2, a few doors down.

Later I discovered that The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation and the PAWS organization (a national model for animal sheltering) partnered up to create a public art installation of fiberglass sculptures depicting police dogs 54 inches in height. Artists were commissioned to decorate and embellish the dogs in imaginative ways.

The one shown here with me at its side was one of three dog sculptures created by artist, Ken Klopack that was sponsored by Hotel EMC2. According to his website, "his art was inspired by the thematic designs of the hotel interior, which promotes the creative spirit of the arts and sciences."

Ken Klopack earned a Master’s Degree in art education at Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU). 
He was an art teacher in the Chicago Public School system from 1971-2005. He earned a Master’s Degree in art education at Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU).
Over the last 45 years this award winning teacher has been active in the Chicago art scene such as the Gold Coast Art Fair and the Hyde Park Art Fair, and is the author of “Show Off Your Art.” I was very impressed with his body of work. Shortly after we returned from the Windy City, I came across this untitled poem which I decided to call:

Ode to the K9s 

"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.
You are his life, his love, his leader.
He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. 
You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.”
—Author unknown

https://www.chicagok9s.com/sponsor-a-k9/
http://www.kenklopackart.com/news1.html

Celebrating Our Son Jason's Birthday at The Palms Restaurant with Family & Friends

As your loving parents, we wish you a life full of joy, light and meaning.

Cecile and I hosted Jason’s 37th Birthday party at "The Palms" restaurant, housed in the historic Mary Coggeshall Victorian Mansion (circa 1891) in downtown Los Gatos.

Jason, Cecile and I arrived 15 minutes early, and our Indian born waitress, Kremo (means thankful and grateful) escorted us to an intimate dining area with a partial see through cheese cloth drape on each side. We had a drink while waiting for Alex, Kim and Al Chien and our daughter Michelle and Kyle to arrive. 

Ron Garald envisioned a “Roy’s Light” type of restaurant modeled after Roy Yamaguchi, an award winning chef on the island of Maui whose restaurants we frequent each year during our family vacation. The Palms location, with palm trees, selected pieces of island decor and spacious outdoor seating areas, couldn’t have been a better spot for Garald to realize his new Pacific Rim restaurant dreams.

For starters, we had the Kalbri grilled beef with a vegetable stir fry, Red bell pepper Hummus, and California Calamari. Many of our guests opted for the popular Palm Burger with bacon, fried egg, butter lettuce, caramelized onions, pepper jack, chipotle mayo on a brioche bun with a side of fries. The rest enjoyed Tiger Prawns with Vegetable Stir Fry, Alaskan Sea Scallops, Halibut with Asian noodle and Halibut with garlic mashed potatoes and Filet of Steak.

The waitress brought out a chocolate bread pudding with a dollop of ice cream and candle on top for the birthday boy's dessert. After Jason blew out his candle, we showered him with gifts. Jason, no matter how many years have gone by since you came into our lives, your mom and I experience great joy celebrating your birthday. As you know, we love you to the moon and back and so do your friends who have come to know you.

An Unexpected California-Style Dining Experience at “Pacific Standard Time" Restaurant in Chicago

When I saw the white building with the name Pacific Standard Time in the River North areas of Chicago, I was a bit perplexed. Somehow, I didn’t get the memo that we were going to a restaurant whose menu was inspired by a convergence of West Coast cuisines. My wife Cecile, her sister Sherry and our niece Emily and I joined our nephew Jacob Schwimmer, his wife Amy and her well-traveled parents Mark and Sharon.

The eatery bills itself as, “A restaurant that brings the warmth and authenticity of California farms and artisans to the heart of downtown Chicago.” The large contiguous windows that wrapped around the exterior threw off plenty of light. The warm wood accents and spacious interior gave it a comfortable and casual feel just like restaurants in the South SF Bay Area. 

Jacob, who is the general manager of Nico Osteria—a critically acclaimed Gold Coast seafood restaurant—made the arrangements. It turns out one of the former chefs from Nico is the executive chef and one of the co-owners of Pacific Standard Time. Jacob, who has been in and around the food and hospitality business since the early 2000s has never steered us wrong. Our 3 hour plus feast of the senses did not disappoint. 

We shared a number of dishes including: Pizza, Roasted Beet Salad, Marinated Ahi Tuna, Swordfish, Roasted Black Cod, Roasted Skirt Steak, Palm Sugar, Lime, and Red-Curried Chicken Wings and fresh oven backed pita bread. We topped it off with Olive Oil Cake with Creme Fraiche Ice Cream to name a few.

Joining in Celebration of our Nephew Zachary Weiner’s Bar Mitzvah—a Jewish Rite of Passage

“Few of us go through life without taking part in some kind of rite of passage.”—Hank Nuwer

Zachary is the proud son of Cecile’s younger brother Mark and his wife Barbara Weiner. The weekend celebration began with a Shabbat (Sabbath) dinner hosted by Barbara's uncle Stuart & aunt Susie in a private room at Maggiano’s Little Italy restaurant in Skokie, IL on Friday evening. Many of our friends in California are familiar with this authentic family style restaurant at Santana Row in San Jose. However, the concept restaurant was founded in the Greater Chicago Area in 1991 by “Rich Melman’s Lettuce Entertain You." 

Zachary’s Bar Mitzvah took place yesterday morning at Congregation Bene Shalom which was founded in 1972. The synagogue welcomes Jews of all denominations, interfaith couples and the hearing impaired. The senior Rabbi officiating the service was Dr. Douglas Goldhamer. He is also President and Professor of Mysticism at Hebrew Seminary which he founded. For the past 45 years he has been the only full-time rabbi serving the deaf Jewish community in the United States. He is known for using healing prayer based on the great Kabbalistic thinkers.

The late mythologist, Joseph Campbell calls a Bar Mitzvah a “right of passage,” to help young boys move to the next phase of their lives with self-awareness and confidence. The words Bar Mitzvah means “son of the commandment.” According to Jewish law, a boy becomes an adult male around the age of 13. The history of the Bar Mitzvah dates back to the fifth-century in which the father recites a blessing thanking God for freeing him from responsibility for the deeds of his son who is now accountable for his own actions. 

Young boys like Zachary spend months of preparation studying the importance of observing the precepts to help deepen their understanding of what it means to be Jewish. Upon becoming a Bar Mitzvah, it is customary to read from the Torah (what Christianity calls the Old Testament) or other sacred Hebrew texts and describe what it means to them. Zachary chose a reading having to do with social justice and advocating for people in need or wrongly accused. 

One of the most impressive parts of the religious ceremony was when Zachary—who wore the prayer shawl that was handed down from his great grandfather—used “sign language" while reading Hebrew from the Torah. Zachary’s reading was virtually flawless. As Rabbi Goldhamer said rather "tongue in cheek," Zachary you didn’t do a good job, you did a great job.”

The religious ceremony was followed by a celebratory dinner, DJ led entertainment, activities for the kids and dancing in the alumni hall of Northeastern Illinois University where Zachary’s dad Mark serves as the Director of Dining.

Dear Zachary, your aunt Cecile and I want to congratulate you on a job well done. We are very proud of your achievements and the kind, bright young man you have become. You can be rest assured there will be other momentous milestones on your life’s path. We join your proud and loving parents, your beloved sister Ilana and extended family in wishing you a bright future. Enjoy the ride and take the time to experience and enjoy the fullness of life along the way! Mazel Tov!

Dinner at Uncle Julio’s & the Visual Delights at Westfield Old Orchard outside of Chicago

Dinner at Uncle Julio’s & the Visual Delights at Westfield Old Orchard outside of Chicago

We are staying at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel, across from Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center in Skokie, a stone’s throw away from where we used to visit Cecile’s beloved late parents, Margie and Harry. During our first night here we had dinner with Cecile’s brother Mark, Barbara and their children Ilana and Zachary—the soon to be Bar Mitzvah boy at Jameson’s.

Last evening Cecile and I had a Tex Mex dinner at Uncle Julio’s at Old Orchard. It is no wonder it has grown so rapidly since its debut in Dallas, Texas in 1986. The restaurant’s decor is classic Hacienda Stye and the original recipes employed are based on using the freshest and highest quality ingredients. Everything is made from scratch.
We began with homemade tortilla chips, salsa and fresh guacamole along with their signature frozen Margarita Swirl that combines a margarita layered with home-made sangria. We shared their special Skirt steak Fajitas and seared Ahi salad.

It’s amazing to see how shopping malls like Old Orchard have transformed the role they play in people’s lives by creating experiences that go well beyond traditional shopping. After dinner we walked around the colorful shopping center grounds. There is a real sense of community involvement here. We loved seeing the colorful art planters and the outdoor mannequins display that were created by New Trier’s High School students in Marketing and Merchandising in Fashion. They skillfully use recycled materials donated by Bloomingdales Lululemon and Nespresso as seen in the photos. There was also an unexpected Organic Garden filled with fruits and vegetables created by Old Orchard in partnership with The Organic gardener Ltd. The harvest is donated to the neighboring Niles Food Pantry.

There were many other visual delights including museum quality bronze sculptures by William Duffy, European-style fountains, sundials, Koi ponds, seasonal flowers, imaginative children play areas and lounge chairs to read, rest and take it all in. We finished the evening browsing the bookshelves and magazine racks at Barnes and Noble which has become a dying species these days before calling it an evening.

Daisy Gets Her 15 Minutes of Fame

“Every dog must have its day.”—Jonathan Swift

Daisy was featured in the Paw-Gress Report publshed by the June, 2018 edition of Rinconada Hills Register.
Walking Ms. Daisy helps keep Cecile and I fit. We clock up to three miles a day taking her on the winding trails where we live. The photo accompanying her bio was taken by our son Jason when he first adopted her six years ago. I added a few other photos to this post.
She loves to sunbathe on the patio or a cozy spot indoors where she can find a sun spot. 
Recently, Cecile bought her a hooded cave bed that replicates the feeling of being in a cave. Nestling in a tight enclosed space seems to provide her a sense of comfort and security. As a thin-furred dog who gets cold easily, the cave bed retains heat and keep her warm.
This is perfect for dogs like the Daze who love to crawl under blankets.
I hope you enjoy her story.

Brunch at True Food Kitchen with Loved Ones and a Memorial Tribute to Anthony Bourdain

“Meals make the society, hold the fabric together in lots of ways that were charming and interesting and intoxicating to me. The perfect meal, or the best meals, occur
in a context that frequently has very little to do with the food inself.”—the late Anthony Bourdain (See my memorial tribute to him below!)

Since Cecile and I will be leaving for Chicago next week and won’t be around for Father’s Day, we gathered together this mild 79 degree sunny day for a scrumptious Father’s Day brunch at True Food Kitchen in Palo Alto with Michelle and Kyle, Jason and Alex. It was the perfect place to socialize, share a laugh, get caught up and strengthen relationships. 

We were escorted to our a table by a young woman with interesting looking green dreadlock extensions that seemed to complement the green movement. True Food Kitchen has received gushing kudos on social media from celebrities like Gweneth Paltrow, Drake and Chris Hemsworth. 

Our young male waiter who bore the legend Honest* on his T-shirt took our orders. I had my usual Ancient Greens with Miso glazed sweet potato, turmeric, charred onion, snow peas, grilled portobello, avocado, hemps seed topped with a filet of salmon and a Bright Eyes speciality cold-pressed juice drink that combines apple, ginger, beet, pineapple, turmeric and carrot juice. 

True Food Kitchen continues to build up its street creds as the place where “Eating Well is Always in Season.”
Even before it won the 2018 Daily News First Place Reader’s Choice Awards, it was and is, one our favorite eating digs
for healthy eating based on the anti-inflammatory diet of Dr. Andrew Weil, the self-described guru of holistic health. I love the spacious dining areas inside and out and the open kitchen that connects patrons with the culinary craftsmen and craftswomen that prepare the dishes that incorporate “great-tasting ingredients that are at the peak of freshness.” 

It appears True Food Kitchen has now taken their popular waiters and waitresses T-shirts that bear legends such as Honest, True, Shine On, and Green Goddess into an online apparel phenomenon for consumers.

After we said our goodbyes to everyone Cecile, Jason and I took some photos together and I couldn’t resist taking photos of the pom pom looking white hydrangeas and other flowers, fountains and bronze sculptures.

Memorial Tribute to Anthony Bourdain:
Cecile and I were heartbroken to hear the news of the suicide death of Anthony Bourdain who once said: “Your body is not a temple, it’s an amusement park. Enjoy the ride!” One could easily take this out of context. I revere my body as a temple, but what I believe the celebrity chef, author and great story teller meant to say was we should see the world, see how others live their lives, try new things, eat their food, have an open heart and live life to the fullness. It coincides perfectly with all the things I write about on Facebook and my blog: enjoyyourlifenow.net

We had the pleasure of seeing and hearing a talk by Bourdain at the Flint Center at D’Anza College in Cupertino several years ago. The place was packed. We were seated only a few rows back. He was a Jersey boy like me, five years my junior. He was adored by his fans. We recall one overzealous fan stepping on stage and rolling his pant leg up and showing a tattoo of Bourdain. “I’m not sure what to make of that,” he said with an amused and bewildered look on his face. You could tell the witty, provocative star was caught off guard. That being said, His unscripted talk was a delight.

I loved his sense of adventure, his humanity, making himself transparent to the world, sharing his past nearly deadly addiction to heroin as a young man and in the process helped people feel they were not alone in their struggles—whatever they might be. It was President Obama that reached out to CNN to arrange the meeting with Bourdain in Hanoi, Vietnam. He was the person everyone seemed to want to be, who Don Lemon said was more of a journalist that many like himself in the business. Who Cristiane Amounpor said his show went beyond food and travel. He wasn’t afraid to tackle the political hot button places and events of the day during his travels to places like Iran and Israel, Libya and Myanmar (Burma). He strove to understand and help us understand one another’s stories, culture and struggles, believing the best way to do that was over a meal. He willl be missed. Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

Photo Credit CNN: Bourdain having a beer and slurping down some noodles with President Obama during a “Parts Unknown” episode in Hanoi, Vietnam, in 2016.

Lunch, Shopping & Photographing the Magical Gardens, Sculptures & Fountains at Stanford Shopping Center

“Whatever the season, the outdoor flower gardens are always magically in bloom.”

I’m not much of a mall rat, but I do love the iconic Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto which is Northern California’s premier open-air shopping and dining destination. Over the years it has been fashioned into a European Street fair. People come from all over the world to enjoy the breathtaking, colorful gardens, serene fountains, imaginative sculptures and the grand mural of a famous Parisian alley named “Rue du Chat qui Peche.” It is a photographer’s dream. One can have breakfast at La Baguette lunch at Cafe’ Bistro or enjoy the healthy fare at "Tender Greens" like we did. And, for those with a sweet tooth, Teuscher Chocolates & Cafe is worth a stop.

We love Tender Greens and used to frequent the one in West Hollywood where our son Jason used to live and work before moving back to the Bay Area. It is a fine casual eatery that offers fresh, healthy, farmer’s market grade food in a relaxed casual atmosphere at a reasonable price. Cecile and I enjoyed a thinly cut, lean Backyard Steak Salad with a slice of garlic bread. I had a Green Monster, a refreshing and energetic drink that combines fresh blended spinach, ginger, green apple, kale, celery and cucumber.

With temperatures hitting 99°F, we looked forward to spending time shopping in the comfortable air-conditioned department stores. Though, I must say I did most of the shopping. I’m typically a binge shopper, adding to my casual wardrobe perhaps twice a year when things are on sale. But Cecile did find a stylish pant and top outfit by designer Eileen Fisher that fit her perfectly. At my urging, Cecile upgraded her IPAD at the Apple Store. The Tesla showroom had plenty of activity and people watching is a spectator sport, including the security patrol on their Segues.

I was drawn to an interesting exhibit that profiled the Estonian people called “Masters of Our Own Homes: Estonia at 100. It commemorates a century since the founding of the Republic of Estonia and introduces its history, culture, contributions to sports to the world at large. In 2009, Jason, Michelle and Michelle’s friend Cece joined us on a two week Baltic Capital Cruise out of Denmark. One of the ports of call was Tallinn in Estonia with its narrow, winding streets, market squares and churches.

A number of innovative Estonians have become leading entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley, creating companies such as Skype. Learning about Estonia’s food, culture, history and its transformation in the last 25 years is worth a look.
Restless and peaceful, ambitious and cool-headed, rustic and tech-savvy, who enjoy congregating around bonfires and snapping photos with their smartphones, 
these insatiable people believe life is to be lived, and not a second of it is to be wasted.

Postcript: A free outdoor Summer Jazz series, sponsored by Nordstrom and See’s Candies will be held every Thursday from June 21 to August 23 at 6 PM to 7:30 PM in the courtyard between Nordstrom and Crate & Barrel.

Enjoying the Breathtaking Ambience of Nature and Wildlife Outside our Door

“I could not be a poet without the natural world…For me the door to the woods is the door to the Temple.”
–Mary Oliver

In the early morning, mid-day and after dinner, Cecile and I and Jason’s dog Daisy set out on the walking trails literally steps from our door.
We are immediately transported to a happy place in the midst of a 100 acre wooded area we call home at Rinconada Hills.
We pass the cactus gardens I can see from my home office window, a plethora of mature shade trees that line the self-guided nature trails that traverses a wide variety of terrain. 
The many tiny lizards flit about as they feel the vibration from out feet.
We could see and hear the mischievous squirrels shimmy straight up the tallest of trees in a way that defies gravity and then playfully jumping from branch to branch.
We see the many shy white cotton tail bunnies (we feared were wiped out by the coyotes) shift about trying to take cover as we draw near. The cherry trees and plum trees are bearing fruit, but too early to eat.
We climb the path to higher ground and then make our way down and around the pristine lake where the geese take their goslings for a swim when they are not grazing on
the grass. The aromatic smells from the pine and eucalyptus trees clears our sinuses.
Other than the few neighbors and their dogs we have come to know, we are alone to share the moment and majesty of this place. It reminds me of the poem by Mary Olliver called “When I Am Among the Trees,” that I have taken an exerpt from that goes like this:
"When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and pines,
they give off such hints of gladness,
I would almost say that they save me, and daily…
I never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, and bow often.
Around me the trees stir in their leaves and call out, “Stay awhile.”
The light flows from their branches.
And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say, “and you too have come into the world
to do this, to go easy, to be filled with light and shine.”

Doing a Few Yoga Poses Off the Mat While on Vacation

“Great is the human who has not lost his childlike heart.” —Mencius

“Yoga takes you to the present moment, the only place where life exists.”
—author unknown 

Even when we travel I like to engage in doing a few spontaneous yoga poses out in nature or in a urban setting.
Anything can be used as a prop, like these large colorful concrete soccer balls and basketballs in front of the FedEx Forum stadium-home of the NBA team, the Grizzlies on Beale Street in downtown Memphis. It is also the home of the Memphis Tigers basketball team who share the facility with their NBA Partner.

According to the Yoga Journal we sit an average of 7.7 hours per day. Why should we give a squat?
When we sit in our cars, watching TV, surfing the web on our computer, or working at a desk job the flexibility and strength diminishes in our legs, calves, ankles and our outer hips. Strong core muscles make it easier to do many physical activities. Sitting on chairs with back rests cause our core muscles which include our abdominal muscles, lower back muscles and the muscles around the pelvis to weaken.

As you know life is a balancing act. A well balanced life is essential for peace of mind and overall well-being and allowing time for fun and creativity. The yoga poses seen in these photos taken during a recent trip to Memphis are all balancing and strengthening poses: Standing (Mountain Pose); The Thinker Yoga Pose (modeled after sculptor, Auguste Rodin) and Squat Pose with hands in prayer help the core muscles. If you haven’t tried yoga yet, don’t panic. These are not traditionally performed with hard of flexible balancing balls underneath your feet. That said, when you develop a yoga practice for some years, the possibilities of adding your own twist on things is limitless. 
Photo credit of balancing boulders: Getty Images

Enjoying Authentic Southern Italy Cuisine with Friends at Doppio Zero

“Ideas are like pizza dough, made to be tossed around.”—Anna Quindlen, author and journalist

Thanks to an enthusiastic thumbs up from a friend, Cecile and I changed our dinner plans with Susan and Nelson Bye to give Doppio Zero (DZ) in Cupertino, CA a try. The words Doppio Zero means “double zero.” It dates back to a 200 year tradition of authentic Neapolitan pizza-making using the lightest and finest grade of flour.

There is nothing like Italian hospitality. Once you walk through their doors, Doppio Zero’s goal is to have you “become part of the extended famiglia italiana,” where you are invited to relax, eat (manga) and enjoy.

Though Neapolitan style pizza put them on the map, DZ offers a diverse menu of Compania style cuisine based on inexpensive ingredients like pasta herbs, fish, vegetable and fish. Compania runs along the gulf of Naples and Sorrento and is home to picturesque towns with strong cultural traditions that always caught the attention of artists and poets. During the Roman period, the region was a hot spot for the rich whose breathtaking villas dotted the coastline.

Our Italian waitress Chiara (means light) who served us well, made every effort to speak with us in between attending to the bustling crowd of Italian food lovers. Most of the young and energetic male waiters are from Italy as well.

The mission statement of DZ is to make sure your leave with a full stomach and a full smile. In this regard they did not dissappoint.
For starters we shared a Pulcinella oven-baked pizza that contains San Marzano cherry tomatoes, eggplant, fresh mozzarella, basil and pesto; and Trecciolina Salad: Organic Arugula, hearts of palm, tomatoes, shaved Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, mozzarella in lemon avocado vinaigrette; Brussel Sprouts with pancetta, parmigiana region and red wine vinegar. Cecile and I shared a dish of Spaghetti Bottarga: Fresh Spaghetti, roasted garlic, olive oil, cured Fish Roe, fresh salmon, lemon zest and Italian chiles The Byes shared entrees of Eggplant Parmigiana and Spinach Ravioli with wild mushrooms, ricotta and fondue truffle sauce. 

While waiting for dessert I texted a photo of all of us to our daughter Michelle and son in law Kyle who are currently in Rome. By the time we got home, it was morning in Italy and Michelle sent us a text back greeting us with "Buon Giorno," and photos of the gastronomic delights they indulged themselves with during the first two days of their arrival. Aside from planning to visit their old stomping grounds in Florence where they went to a school abroad program while at Cal Poly, they are intending to revisit Naples, the heart of the very pizza-making techniques we had just experienced. 

We all shared a delectable Tiramisu and Panna Cotta. By this time we exchanged a few pleasantries with DZ's affable manager, Francesco who is originally from Reggio Calabria, a ferry boat ride to Sicily, home of my ancestors. (photo). I shared stories of my Sicilian roots and our visits to family in the Amalfi coast, Torino and Rome. He offered us a complimentary shot glass of Limoncello before we called it a night.

Postscript: Many of you that follow me on Facebook and subscribe to my blog: enjoyyourlifenow.net have shared that you have tried some of the same restaurants I write about. Don’t let this one pass you by! 
Buon Appetito!

Exploring the Magical City of Nashville & Attending the Grand Ole Opry with Friends

“The Grand Ole Opry, to a singer, is what Yankee Stadium is to a baseball player…Broadway is to an actor. It’s the top of the ladder, the top of the mountain. You don’t just play the Opry, you live it.” —Bill Anderson

As first time visitors to Nashville, we never expected to have such fun and diverse experiences. It has all the excitement one would expect of a big city coupled with a small town feel that exhibits southern charm and gracious hospitality. It is full of recording studios, historical sites, amazing restaurants and has the cool vibe of of country as well as rock’n’roll music. The residents and tourists that come to visit Broadway Street know how to party. There are horse and buggy rides, trolley, double decker buses, Segues, rickshaws as seen in the photos that clearly outnumber automobiles. If you like drinking beer, you have many creative outlets such as pedal taverns to celebrate birthdays, private parties, and bachelor and bacheloratte parties. The vendors of these services offer an experienced bartender, a premium sound system and electric assist motor that everyone can pedal without strain while drinking their favorite brew. 

Aside being the epicenter of the country music industry, we saw The Parthenon at Centennial Park where we witnessed a full scale replica of the Greek Parthenon built in 1897. Before it was known as “Music City,” Nashville was referred to as the "Athens of the South.” Why? By the 1850s it was the first American southern city to establish a public school system, and several higher education institutions like Vanderbilt University, St. Cecilia Academy, Belmont University to name a few. Nashville was filled with wealth and culture, had several theaters and plenty of elegant accommodations. Everything was going well until the onset of the Civil War beginning in 1861 when Nashville was devastated until 1865, when the city began to rebuild itself.

We had tickets for the Grand Ole Opry for 7PM. We heard about a dozen performers from the old country musicians to newcomers on the scene. To name a few we saw Brook Eden, “Act Like You Don’t (Feb 2017 release) which scored 18 million plays on Spotify; Jesse McReynolds, 88, a veteran bluegrass performing artist playing the mandolin; Carson Peters, age 14, a child prodigy who plays the fiddle with his Iron Mountain band; Linda Carter, who performs with her All Star Band and sometimes with her daughter Jessica. Carter is also an actor who played “Wonder Woman.” But, Cecile and I especially wanted to see our favorite Charles “Chip” Esten who played the role of “Deacon Claybourne” on the hit ABC TV drama series “Nashville.” Esten made his theatrical debut in London portraying Buddy Holly, singing, acting, and playing the guitar in the hit West End Musical, Buddy. He performed for Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phiip and eventually for President and Mrs George H.W. Bush at the White House. During his first season on Nashville, Esten or “Deak” as he is called on the show was honored to make his debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage.

Before moving to the Opry House in 1974 and began to proudly boast that theirs was “The show that made country music famous,” it was housed at the Ryman Auditorium for 40 years. The Opry puts on three live shows a week in the same live radio format it has used for more than 90 years. 
The history of the Grand Ole Opry began on the evening of November 28, 1925, as a simple radio broadcast when an announcer on Nashville’s radio station WSM introduced fiddle player Uncle Jimmy Thompson as the first performer of the new show: “The WSM Barn Dance.” From these humble beginnings it became the live entertainment phenomenon it is today. The Opry has become an American icon and the city of Nashville’s number one tourist attraction for audiences of all ages.

Chillin' Out at Pajaro Dunes Beach Resort on the Shores of Monterrey Bay

“Life is different at the beach. Time doesn’t move hour to hour, but moment to moment. We live by the currents and let the day unfold into relaxation and bliss in
the company of those we love.” —Dennis Augustine

After a walk on the trails and early morning yoga class, Cecile and I and Jason’s dog Daisy drove over the Santa Cruz Mountains for a day at the beach. We were invited to join Kim and Al Chien and their family for a pre-Mother’s Day celebration. Esconced in her designer travel carrier bag Daisy was as excited as we were to hit the road. Our son-in-law, Kyle and our daughter Michelle, Al’s mom Dana and dad Jack, Al’s brother RIch and wife Lisa and their precious children Olivia and Simone were awaiting our arrival. Having just attended a wedding in London and on his way back from a side trip to Paris, Jason wasn’t able to join us. What can I say, he inherited his travel bug genes from his parents.

With instant communication being what it is, we were told to look out for Kyle jogging at the side of the road a couple of miles from the beach house. We picked him up as well as Michelle moments later who got a later start on “her" morning jog.

We arrived near noon in time for lunch which included a hot bowl of Clam Chowder soup, followed by a walk on the beach. It was on the cool and windy side but we were able to relax in the comfort of a well appointed home with floor to ceiling windows that gave us a panoramic view of the ocean. Pajaro escapes the usual pollution that is common in modern day life. The only sound we heard were the hypnotic roar of the crashing surf, the chirping of shore birds and wailing and squawking of seagulls. Some of us played Mahjong, Gin Rummy, while Michelle and Kyle, Al and myself played Scrabble. Al was ahead of the pack until Michelle hailed victory in the final minutes of the game. 

Kyle, who knows how to take care of his father-in-law made me back-to-back Moscow Mules, a cocktail he introduced to me a couple of years ago. We all enjoyed a casual dinner that included: Cioppino, crab legs, shrimp, fresh Halibut, sautéed bell peppers from Phil’s Fish Market, a 4 1/2 star rated eatery in Moss Landing. After dinner we had an assortment of speciality cookies Cecile and I brought for dessert from our favorite bakery, “Icing on the Cake.”

Pajaro Dunes is a beautiful beach north of the Pajaro River dating back to the 1800s when it became a popular recreation area for picnics, camping, and fishing. Archaeologists discovered the remains of campfires that were made by a Native American tribe of the Costanoan people. After discovering a large grass-fed stuffed bird mounted on at the mouth of the river, they chose the name “Pajaro,” which means “bird” in Spanish. The Pajaro Dunes resort was established in 1973 and is located on a 1 1/2 miles of uncrowded, pristine, sandy beach on the shores of Monterey Bay, near the midpoint between Santa Cruz and Monterey. It is made up of very distinctive fully-furnished homes, condominiums and event facilities in a private gated resort that harmonize with a rich natural environment.

Thanks to our hosts, Kim and Al for a pleasurable, relaxing day!

Touring The Country Music Hall of Fame & the Historic RCA Studio Built for Elvis

Nashville…is a music hub that accepts and allows all genres to be present, and I think there’s been a kind of fusing of genres lately that for me makes me happy and excited.”
—Taylor Swift

Cecile and I and Susan and Nelson Bye toured the vast and impressive Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame. The truth is it took me kicking and screaming to admit I was a fan of country music. Don’t get me wrong I enjoyed the music of some of the greats like Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Elvis Presley, and Dolly Parton. But, it was the more modern country and country inspired singers and musicians and pop crossover artists like Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift, Shania Twain, Kerry Underwood, Keith Urban and Blake Shelton that won me over. 

After the Hall of Fame tour, we boarded a tour bus to Nashville’s Only Historic Studio Tour. “RCA’s Studio B was built for Elvis,” said our guide and musician, George who performs in a country band with his brother David. “But, over the years 1000 hit records were recorded here."

George gave us a fascinating tour, recalling the history of the studio with all the passion only a lover
of music and musical greats could do. He shared a number of anecdotes with us. For example, he showed us a cabinet that a turntable used to sit on, that Elvis kicked causing a piece to break off. The reason: He was angry at RCA because of the poor quality of the turntable they provided him to audition songs he was about to record. 
RCA, displeased with Elvis’s temper tantrum refused to repair the cabinet and there it sits in disrepair to this day.

George showed us how the lighting system Elvis had installed to change the mood his songs evoked. As he played a dozen or so recordings, five by Elvis himself, he showed us how it worked. 
There was a vintage Steinway piano in front of the glass enclosed recording studio. What made it special was that it was Elvis’s favorite. I found this interesting since Elvis owned a gold grand piano that Pricilla bought for him which we saw on display at the Country Music Hall of Fame we had visited.

George offered to take a photo of us seated at the piano and since Cecile and I were the closest to it we stepped up take advantage of this opportunity. As George said, the piano keys contains the DNA of the some of the world’s greatest musicians.

After listening to Elvis’s songs and learning about some of the things that happened behind the scenes there was no denying that the spirit of Elvis was alive. George added that Elvis won’t be leaving this studio any time soon but unfortunately, after the next two songs, we must go.

Onstage with the Memphis Jones Band & a Pilgrimage to Graceland

“The many sounds of Memphis shaped my early musical career and continue to be an inspiration to this day.”
—Justine Timberlake

We disembarked the American Queen on the last day of our seven day cruise on the Mississippi in an upscale neighborhood in Memphis called Harbor Town, and made our way to Memphis Park on Beale Street. Our guide Allegra asked the driver to stop. She introduced us to Memphis Jones who was standing on the corner with his guitar. Before we knew it, he was invited to hop aboard the front of the bus. He welcomed us to Memphis and sang two songs by Elvis including Blue Suede Shoes and a song by Johnny Cash. Allegra said that he would be performing at B.B. King’s House of Blues at 5 PM. After Jones got off the bus, we followed as Allegra invited us to see the bronze statue of Elvis. I went up to Jones to thank him for his performance on the bus and asked him if we could take a photo together for my blog enjoyyourlifenow.net Not only did he oblige, the good natured guitarist unexpectedly took off his guitar and gave it to me to use as a prop, as we struck a pose.

Our group then explored Beale Street, which comes alive in the evening. Beale street has a lot of history. It is where General Grant had his Civil War headquarters, it is where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., marched, and where B.B. King and Elvis Presley got their start. Before the 1900s Beale Street was a place where Jewish, Italian, Greek and Chinese immigrants lived and worked, and where the African-American freedmen came to make a make a life for themselves. 

Our bus then proceeded to the Graceland Mansion estate that was owned by Elvis Presley which serves as a museum. It was declared a National Historic Landmark on March 27, 2006, and is the second (only to the White House) as the most visited home in America, with over 650,000 visitors a year. Elvis’s car collection and showcases of Elvis memorabilia was incredible. After having lunch there we checked into our hotel.

At 4:30 PM we met Susan and Nelson Bye at the Peabody Hotel to witness the Peabody Duck March, a charming tradition that has been going on for over 80 years. It began in 1933 after the Peabody’s general manager returned from a hunting trip empty handed with the smell of Jack Daniels on his breath. He bitterly released his English call ducks that he had used as bait into the Grand Lobby fountain as seen in one of the photos. It became a big hit with guests.

We then went to listen to Memphis Jones and his band perform the B.B. King House of Blues at 5:15 PM. It was a one of a kind interactive experience. Jones is not only an exceptional high energy performer, but an avid “music historian.” He can tell you the stories behind music. He pointed out B.B. King didn’t discover the Blues, he mastered it. Elvis didn’t invent rock and roll, he mastered it. After one of his sets, I went in front of the stage and asked Jones “Do you remember me? We met in the park this morning.” After dropping a $20 bill in the jar, he smiled, thanked me and said, “Would you like to come up on stage and have a picture taken with the band for your blog?” I said, yeah, that would be great.

After that fun encounter with Memphis Jones, we went to dinner with the Byes at Itta Bena on the top floor of the club. It was named after the town where B.B. King was born. The ambience couldn’t have been more perfect, the food exquisite and Nelson introduced us to a wonderful blend of wine from California called Conundrum. We topped it off with a peach cobbler.

Visiting B.B. King's Museum & the Ebony Club House of Blues featuring Jake and the Pearl Street Jumpers

"You only live...once, and when you die you're done, so let the good times roll."—B.B. King

Cecile and I, Susan and Nelson disembarked the American Queen at Greenville, the “Heart & Soul of the Mississippi Delta. We perused some of main attractions in town such as the Flood Museum, Hebrew Union Congregation established in 1880 and rebuilt in 1906, and The First National Bank Building built in 1903.

The next stop was the B.B. King Museum, the number one tourist attraction that was located in King’s hometown of Indianola. It was an old cotton mill where B.B., the son of a Sharecropper worked as a kid. The first thing you see when you see is his tour bus parked in the parking lot.

When we entered the museum we were welcomed by staff and escorted into a room where the United Male Chorus sang several sets of old time, inspirational, gospel music which had us clapping our hands and tapping our feet.

Afterwards, we entered the museum, watched a 15 minute narrated film of recordings and concerts of the greatest Blues Master of all time. There was a part in the film when B.B. admitted to being a naughty young man and his father said, “Boy, you might as well give your heart to God because your tail end belongs to me.”

After viewing all the exhibits and visiting the gift shop we paid our respects at B.B’s gravesite adjacent to the museum. It’s been said that when he was buried they didn’t have enough room in his coffin for his lifelong muse guitar, Lucille.

We then went to the Ebony Club House of Blues for lunch and were entertained by Jake and the Pearl Street Jumpers. They were awesome. One of the guitarists with a red guitar at the right of the stage is the grandson of Muddy Water.
A woman on our tour named Laney began dancing with so much passion, it was as if a tornado hit hit land. Just as I began to take a photo of the band she twirled her scarf over her head and I caught it on camera. She was so into it that Jake invited her up on the stage to dance with him. Afterwards, he said this music sneaks up on you.

Among other songs, the band played Tennessee Whiskey. Setting up the song, Jake said, “We have whiskey here that is 200 proof, we call it moonshine.”

On the way back to the American Queen, our guide said, “Now, I will tell you about B.B. King that they didn’t mention at the museum.” B.B. had 15 children by 15 different women which is ironic since doctors told him he could never have kids since he had a low sperm count. He had 50 grandchildren. He died at 93 and his estate was sued. Unfortunately, the only ones who will see any money are the attorneys. But, B.B. undeniably brought so much joy to a lot of his fans, and his legend will live on. Cecile and I had several opportunities to see him perform. The first time was in smaller venues in Chicago when we were in our early 20s. He was friends with Elvis and Frank Sinatra. Elvis got him to play in white clubs and Ole Blues arranged to have him play in Vegas.

After a nap and dinner, we hooked up with the Bye’s on the American Queen for the 7:45 PM show: "Let Freedom Ring" featuring Jay (Bird) Chalmers & the Syncopators. Jay is known for being Tennessee’s Best Live One-Man-Keyboard Entertainer. He jokingly stated that one of his CDs was a million dollar seller, meaning he has one million dollars worth of CDs in his cellar. Here is a photo that was taken of Jay and I at the end of the show.

An Evening with American Humorist & Novelist Mark Twain Aboared the American Queen

“The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.”—Mark Twain

"Life is short. Break the rules!...Kiss Slowly. Love truly. Laugh uncontrollably and never regret anything that makes you smile."—Mark Twain

We spent An Evening with Mark Twain while leaving the port of Natchez, Mississippi. Yes, I know he is supposed to be dead—again. Read on!
Cecile and I and Susan and Nelson Bye caught up with the great American humorist, novelist and social critic (formerly known as Samuel Clemens) before and after his performance (see photos). He said that Tom Sawyer was easy to write about because “I was writing about me,” then segued into “I wonder if God created man because he was disappointed in the monkey.”

While in London back in the day, someone started a rumor that he was gravely ill. This was followed by another rumor that he had died.

According to a widely repeated, legend, one major American newspaper actually printed his obituary. When Twain was told about this by a reporter, he quipped:

“The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.”

This was one of the first documented reports of FAKE News:-)

Twain couldn’t decide whether to be amused or annoyed when a New York Journal news representative informed him about a report that he was dying in poverty in London.

It was indeed true that in late May, 1897 the English correspondent for the New York Journal, Frank Marshall White, contacted Twain in London to inquire about his health when he was in the midst of a world wide tour. He had hoped to use his fees from speaking engagements to pay off his considerable amount of debts he owed in the US, due to a series of unsuccessful investments and publishing venture.

Twain said,“I can understand perfectly how the report of my illness got about, I have even heard on good authority that I was dead. James Ross Clemons, a cousin of mine, was seriously ill two or three weeks ago in London, but is well now. The report of my illness grew out of his illness. The report of my death was an exaggeration.” (See image of Twain’s handwritten notes about the incident).

Mark Twain played by actor, Lewis Hankins

Source: http://www.thisdayinquotes.com/…/reports-of-my-death-are-gr…

My Wife Cecile & I Doing Time at the Louisiana State Penitentiary—Known as Angola

Are you ready to go to prison, asked out tour guide? “You look like one shady bunch,” she joked. The last two times I found myself in a prison was visiting Nelson Mandela’s old jail cell with my brother-in-law, Joseph MCallister at Robbin’s Island in South Africa; and prior to this during my three month podiatry medical externship at Stateville Correctional Center in Jolliet, Illinois in the late 70s

We first toured the grounds with the Byes and our group. If you didn’t know you were on prison grounds you could have easily mistaken it for a country club or a rich farmer’s estate with wild lush grass and narrow creek beds and lakes running through it. During our visit, we were introduced to a fit 50 year old "lifer" named Daryl who has served 25 yeas behind bars. He was wearing a red t-shirt that read: Finding Higher Power 2018 Angola. He wasn’t permitted to talk about his crime, but rumor had it, he had committed murder while under the influence of alcohol. He has been a model prisoner, serving as a pastor and mentor to younger inmates. After the Q&A I told him I sat meditation with former inmates from San Quentin and Folsom at a meditation center in Redwood City, CA. Meditation has proven to reduce the recidivism rate of inmates. And, in the case of lifers, it helps them make peace with themselves and accept responsibility for the poor choices they made.

Afterwards, we visited with another prison inmate named Darren who was caring for a 27 years old Percheron horse, named Big Boy who weighed 2400 pounds. Big Boy was a beauty. He was gentle and seemed to love people. Darren told us that the horse was mainly used for crowd control during special events and for pulling the hearse during funerals of inmates. 

There are 6300 all male prisoners at the Louisiana State Penitentiary nicknamed the “Alcatraz of the South” and “The Farm” which was established in the 1800s. It is named after the 18,000 acre Angola Plantations and beyond that after the African Country that was the origin of many enslaved African brought to Louisiana. Angola is the largest maximum-security prison in the United States. 75% of the prison population is black and 25% white. The average age is 18-80. 5000 prisoners are in for life unless pardoned or released through the the great advocacy work of the Innocence Project. The top three crimes that have led up to their incarceration are homicides, aggravated rape and armed robberies.

Angola has become a tourist attraction. More than 75,000 people visit the prison each year. The prison houses the Angola Rodeo, has a 10,000 person arena, concession stands that serves family recipes of the inmates, wild horse racing and other events that bring in about a half a million dollars a year. The funds go towards maintenance of the multiple, chapels on the prison grounds, educational programs, sand seminary classes. An Arts and Crafts show runs during rodeo season featuring paintings by the inmates. There is even a golf course that was built by prisoners. Anyone can play a round of golf (except inmates)for only $10. Angola has its own newspaper, radio and TV station that is run by the inmates. There are 1600 staff members and 2200 head of cattle. It costs $1.43 a meal to provide inmates with 3 square meals a day.
Angola once designated the worst prison in America has come a long way. Except for the 75 men on Death Row, inmates live in dormitories, not cells. They wear T-shirts blue jeans, tennis sneakers. There are no conjugal visits in the state of Louisiana.
The inmates get good medical care and there are no problems recruiting physicians who are paid a good wage.

The Great Storyteller Tour Guides Along the Mississippi who are Making our Journey Come Alive

“Tell me the facts and I’ll learn. Tell me the truth and I’ll believe. But tell me a story and it will live in my heart forever.” – Native American Proverb

After an informative lecture about the Mississippi and a special presentation by special guest, Barbara Barnes Sims, called “Sun Records and the Birth of Rock and Roll," we disembarked and boarded a bus to the Nottoway Plantation, the largest and grandest plantation home in the South. It was completed in 1859 and is known for surviving the Civil War. The 53,000 square foot antebellum mansion was built by sugarcane magnate John Hampden Randolph for his wife and 11 children. Due to it’s elaborate Italianate design it was nicknamed The White Castle of Louisiana. We were greeted by a guide in a Victorian period piece dress who took us through the home. We then headed to the historic Laura Plantation where we learned about the fascinating world of true Louisiana Creoles who lived apart from the American mainstream for over 200 years. Our docent guide, Kati was one of the most prolific guides I have ever experienced during my years of travel. She was so emotive and passionate I felt like we were watching a one woman theatrical performance. She really brought the dark history of slavery to life in a way that would make any credentialed black history professor take notice.

On the way back to the American Queen, Theron, our 50 year old tour bus guide who reminded me of actor Terence Howard who stars in the hit series “Empire,” regaled us with stories like how he met Fats Domino who dated his father’s sister Josephine and how she broke his heart. Domino wrote a song about her called “My Girl Josephine.” Theron’s family has been here for 300 years. He speaks French and Spanish. “Louisiana was exploited by the Spanish and colonized by the French,” he said. At the same time, he told us hostile or not, many countries contributed to Louisiana's culture, especially in the area of cuisine. His parting words before we headed back to our boat was, “Kick back and relax and enjoy life in the Big Easy, and never let your journey end because it’s just the beginning.” When we exited the bus I told him he was a master storyteller. We took a photo together and exchanged contact information.

After a wonderful dinner on the boat with friends Susan and Nelson Bye, we walked around and decided to visit the engine room. Though it was humid it turned out to be a very interesting experience. I introduced myself to one of the crew members named Mark. He told me he was from Minneapolis, MN., works 20 days on and has 20 days off. He has two kids 9 & 5 and was hoping to take his family on a riverboat cruise. He was monitoring a terminal that had a lot of pressure gauge readings. I asked him if the steam engine for a boat is similar to a steam engine train. He said, yes, the only difference is that a steam engine on a boat is like a train engine on steroids.

After watching a “Southern Celebration” show put on by the American Queen Ensemble and the back up band performing some of the best music of the South, we headed to our cabin to relax, and get ready for the next days's adventure.