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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Biking 'n' Eating Day at Mendicino Farms in Silicon Valley

Good habits are as addictive as bad habits, and a lot more rewarding, which is why I have made it a point to upgrade my addictions over the years

It’s never too late in the day for a bike ride. Bill Rothenberg and I began our 16-mile roundtrip journey at 11:30 AM, an hour and a half later than usual. It was brisk with overcast. I had the new grey ear muffs that Bill in a "random act of kindness" had Amazon ship to me. It was a perfect day for them. I had little sleep the night before and felt a bit grumpy. But after a mile of riding along the Los Gatos Creek Trails, I found my happy place again. To extend our ride we made our way to the red pedestrian bridge at the 152 acres Vasona Lake County Park including a pit stop at the Vasona Lake Dam spillway seen in the photos. 

We then reversed course and made our way to the Mendocino Farms Sandwich Market (great soups and salad too) at the Pruneyard Shopping Center in Campbell. Their motto is: “We’re All About Selling Happy."

Bill and I both ordered the "Save Drake Farm’s Salad.” He called it his wife Sarah’s favorite. As my late dad would say they put everything in it but the kitchen sink. I have to say, it was out of this world GOOD. It included shaved, roasted chicken breast, Herbs de Provence marinated Drake Farm’s goat cheese, pink lady beets, green apples, dried cranberries, crushed honey roasted almonds, red onions, Scarborough Farm’s greens, chopped romaine (620 cal) with citrus vinaigrette (240 cal), with a Wheat Tortilla on the side. I took advantage of a photo op with the blue and white cow statue out front that was practically begging me to take a photo with it.

My Facebook Friends often tell me the restaurants I frequent with friends and post about should hire me as their publicist. A friend affectionately referred to my posts as "Dining with Dennis.” But, it's really a labor of love to write about such things. It’s all about celebrating life. As we rode back home, I was reminded about St. Pete Petersburg (St. Pete’s) Bike ’N’ Eat in Florida that promotes physical fitness and mental well-being using bike riding as a catalyst to promote locally-owned restaurants. This is a modest version of it. I just cut out the middle man.

Postscript: Photo of 5 feral cats eating I took on the trail is for friends Jimi and Jennifer Hunter who lovingly feed a cadre of feral cats that visit their home.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Perks of Bike Riding Along the Percolation Ponds on the Way to San Jose

"Tomorrow isn't guaranteed, so live today!"
—Keanu Reeves

It was so nice to get back on my Sondor’s Electric Assist (E-Bike) yesterday after a 6-week hiatus. One of my riding buddies, Bill Rothenberg and I began our 15-mile adventure along the Santa Clara Valley Water District’s network of manmade perc ponds (short for percolation ponds). They were designed to help refill underground aquifers, which are capable of holding more water than all 10 of the county’s reservoirs combined. We couldn’t have timed our brisk ride on the Los Gatos-Campbell border heading to San Jose more perfectly—in advance of today's rainfall.

We passed the Oka Land Groundwater Recharge Ponds behind the Jewish Community Center, which was built in 1958. The captured water for these recharge ponds, the large blue sign says, percolates through the earth’s surface for the valley’s groundwater. This process helps filter the water so it can later be pumped from wells used in homes and businesses.

We continued along the Los Gatos Creek Trail through the moderately trafficked loop near Campbell Park to Meridian Avenue in San Jose which is great for all skill levels. There is plenty of wildlife like ducks, egrets, Canadian geese; it is well suited for walkers, joggers and is dog-friendly. In fact, there is a dog park nearby. It's nicely paved in some areas, quiet and peaceful except for the areas along the highway. I love traversing the bridges, on and off ramps seen in the photos and passing fellow bikers along the way.

Biking is such a good way to keep physically, mentally, and emotionally fit and healthy, and a great adjunct to my yoga practice, nature walks and swimming. It also connects you to the outside world more directly, freedom to roam and explore the less beaten paths.

When Bill asked where I would like to eat, I said on cool days like this I love to eat Pho (pronounced fuh-like the first part of saying fudge). All my trips to Southeast Asia has made me a fan of the national soup of Vietnam. Though described as soup, it shouldn’t be mistaken as a starter or side dish. Pho itself is the main course.
Bill recommended Pho Wagon which happened to be close to our turnaround point to return back from whence we came. I had the thinly cut brisket and rare steak with my vermicelli noodles. All the soups include fresh cilantro, beansprouts, Thai basil, jalapeno and lime that you can add into the broth. It was perfection. Vegetarian options are available.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peace & Love!

Hanukkah Dinner Celebration: The Jewish Festival of Lights

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Lavish & Whimsical Christmas Eve Dinner Party in a Framed Heated Backyard Tent: Absolutely Magical

"Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality.”
—Washington Irving

"The invitation was simple enough: Kim wrote, "We’ll begin with some Christmas cocktails and appetizers followed by dinner in the Christmas-annex (tent) and we'll open Kris Kringle gifts while enjoying dessert and coffee. The tent is heated but you might want to bring a sweater." 
On Thanksgiving, we drew names for our Kris Kringle gift exchange. We were asked to purchase a gift valued at $50. Each person brought one gift for their designated pick. 

There is a lot of anticipation mixed with joy when attending one of Kim and Al Chien's holiday events. You know you are in for a special treat. Just when I think she has outdone herself, she does it again. The way she tastefully arranges the decor, the lighting and sets a table in the most inviting way is beyond words.

In an article that appeared in The House & Home magazine on June 19, 2018, Barbara Weldon wrote, “Formal table settings are an art form." If that’s the case, Kim Chien is an artist extraordinaire. Over, the years our appreciation for her gift and talents has grown more and more. 

Barbara Weldon adds, "The traditions surrounding placement are grounded in history, can be traced back to the Old Testament and are even found in the writings of Homer.”

Kim puts a lot of love in what she does, taking extra care to make sure dinner is perfect and honors all her guests— family and friends alike. She makes it look easy but it requires weeks of preparation. While we were basking in the sun in Maui, Kim was hard at work setting the foundation for a perfect evening. It was peaceful, it was exciting, it was relaxing, it was soulful, it was heartfelt, and the evening flew by.

We are so grateful to Kim and Al for creating an intimate, sacred space, to nourish our bodies, energize our minds, and renew our spirit. All we have is the gift of the present moment. May we be thankful for it, may we celebrate it, and may we share it with those we love.

I will let the photos tell the rest of the story.
Merry Christmas to all!
Love, 
Cecile and Dennis

P.S. Thanks again for acknowledging the recent loss of my brother Michael Augustine. Christmas was his favorite holiday. His absence is palpable.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aloha Spirit: Visiting with Islander Friends, Pool Time & Family Dinner at Umula's at the Hyatt Regency

A local guide once said, the true meaning of ALOHA goes well beyond saying hello and goodbye. Native Hawaiian’s believe a life of Aloha is one when the heart is so full of love, peace, and compassion it is overflowing with the ability to influence others around you with your spirit.

Speaking of influencing others around you with your spirit, Cecile and I invited our islander friends, Al and Jane Nakatani who live in Wailuku, to join us for lunch at the Kaanapali Grill. They have known Jason and Michelle since they were kids, but this was their first introduction to our granddaughter, Lyla.

Cecile and I have this "see you again next year” relationship with Al and Jane that began many years ago when the once Bay Area social worker and elementary school teacher respectively, retired to Maui. We missed them last December when Lyla was born, and Jane was in Golden Gate Park memorial grove in San Francisco to mark the 25th Annual World AIDS Day to receive the Humanitarian Leadership Award on both of their behalf. After two of their three sons died after being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, they went on to create a nonprofit organization called "Honor Thy Children" (also the name of their book & screenplay), where they have addressed schools, faith based and government organizations, discussing the importance of showing compassion for those affected by HIV/AIDS. Hugs and bows to Al and Jane for helping thousands of people and their family's around the country. 

Later in the afternoon, we hung out near the pool and Jacuzzi, with Jason, Michelle, Kyle and Lyla and had dinner at Umalu, a poolside eatery overlooking the ocean at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort, just down the promenade from the Marriott Maui Ocean Club where we are staying.
We enjoyed a Margarita Flatbread for the table, followed by an Umalu Burger, Shrimp Tacos, Fish Tacos and Chips with fries, Chicken Stir Fry. But, mainly we enjoyed each other’s company and taking great joy seeing Lyla taking in all the new sights, sounds and flavors during her first visit to this hospitable island whose tropical air embraces you. It is true Lyla will never remember this trip. I will have to show her my blog where my post and photos will be stored for her to see, and our daughter Michelle, Kyle, Uncle Jason and I "will" remember and that alone makes it worth the extra effort and joy of documenting this very special time together.

Note: Honor Thy Children: One Family's Journey to Wholeness by Molly Fumia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunset Majesty on Kaanapali Beach on Maui

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

Our Flight to Maui Forced to Abort over the Pacific Has a Happy Ending: We Lived to Tell About it.

“There are only two emotions in a plane: boredom and terror.”
—Orson Welles

We have been taking this flight to Maui almost every year since the late 70s. In a sense it was routine. Sometimes, we didn’t get the fare or the seats we wanted, sometimes our flight was delayed, turbulent, uncomfortable, but this experience was something else all together.

We had already flown almost halfway way to the Island of the Sun, our home away from home, when the flight attendant calmly and apologetically announced there were mechanicial problems with the aircraft affecting the air condition’s compressor (it was cold), and we had to return to SFO. There was cause for concern. Then she then added that we would have to circle the airspace for 2 1/2 hours to use up some fuel because it would be unsafe to land, and lastly, that we would have to change planes, that added another level of complexity. We safely deplaned, and had to wait three hours to board another aircraft and managed to get to Maui 9:30 PM instead of 1 PM.

It reminded me of "The Royals", Prince William and Kate Middleton’s flight to Islamabad in Pakistan in mid-October on the Royal Air Force aircraft which was forced to abort landing twice and had to turn back to Lahore after thunderstorms caused severe turbulence. The crew tried to land at two airports in Islamabad but decided the storm meant it wasn’t safe to land, and it was safer to fly back to Lahore. They were forced to stay overnight and were grateful to the crew for taking care of them. So, kudos to United Airlines for a safe conclusion and for valiantly taking care of our needs in a calm, confident, reasuring way.

After a good nights sleep we awoke to a splendid morning in Paradise, the sun was out, the surf was pounding, the birds were chirping and we could see the ocean and palm trees from our bed out of our 5th floor window. We took a walk along the promenade of Kaanapali Beach, enjoyed brunch at the Kaanapali Grill and, laid by the pool reading and doing crossword puzzles. I took a gentle yoga class at 1 PM with Tawney Lee Hunt, a teacher at the Maui Ocean Club whom we have come to know over the years. No matter how indulgent or fancy the term may sound, Tawney is a strong advocate of "self-care" which is crucial for our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. She believes as we do that there is a calmness to a life lived in gratitude even under the most trying circumstances of one’s life. It’s been said that in bad times, we choose to grow stronger. In good times choose to enjoy fully, and in all times choose to be grateful. Or as Tawney likes to say, live your life and do your practice with an attitude of gratitude.

Photo: Tawney demonstrating Warrior 2 Pose on the Balancing boards (she’s an avid surfer)
Photo: World travelers, George and Cheryl Wightman. Cheryl took the yoga class and afterwards introduced me to her husband George who used to teach at Saratoga High School around the same time our son Jason was a student there. They both live in Capitola and live life to the fullest.
Photo: Joe, the young man next to me is from Queenstown in the Gold Coast of Australia. I told him about my Sicilian cousins in Fremantle, in Western Australia, whom Cecile and I and our son Jason and daughter Michelle visited in 1989.

Celebrating our Granddaugther Lyla's 1st Birthday at La Rinconada Country Club

“Loving a baby granddaughter is a circular business, a kind of feedback loop. The more you give the more you get and the more you get the more you feel like giving.”

—Penelope Leach

Kim and Al Chien hosted a luncheon for our granddaughter Lyla's First birthday, and Cecile and I invited Glory, a whimsical faerie from "Happily Ever Laughter,” to entertain our precious little princess along with the children that joined in on the birthday celebration. Glory performed a magic show, did face painting and created balloon sculptures. From the moment she walked into the room, the kids knew they were in for something special. She added whimsy and sparkle to the event and it didn’t take long for them to fall under her enchanting spell.

Family and friends enjoyed an open bar, waiters and servers brought out platters of empanadas and spring rolls, and the luncheon offering were three types of salads, and a delightful assortment of finger sandwiches, followed by French macaroons, and birthday cake. After the event, we gathered up all the framed photos of Lyla with loving family members, grandmas, and grandpas, and filled up the back of three cars with presents for Lyla from family and friends who overrode the request not to bring gifts. When we left the venue the pouring rain scattered the avid golfers we saw when we first arrived and the sun was shining. It was replaced by a full rainbow. A small group of us including our daughter Michelle, Kyle and Lyla, and other family members met up at Kim and Al’s, had some drinks, and watched a little football while Lyla took a nap. When she awoke, we helped her open her birthday gifts. She was energized, cheerful and sported a smile that lit up the room, and oh my God, Al and Kim bought Lyla her first car and she was raring to go.

Getting back to the rainbow we saw earlier, It’s been said that rainbows speak directly to the heart and soul, offering the promise that the troubles of the day will surely come to pass, and in its’ place, fresh new beginnings. Cecile and I leave for Maui tomorrow, where rainbows make a frequent appearance. We can’t wait to share a little bit of paradise with Lyla who is taking her first maiden voyage to the great island in days to come.

Ode to Lyla

Your cute eyes

Your chubby cheeks

Your adorable sweet smile

Your curly little toes

Your tiny soft hands

Your itsy-bitsy feet

A little princess that makes our lives complete.

We smother you with cuddles

Shower you with kisses

Embracing you with love

Happy Birthday our sweet little misses!

Nonnie and Papa

Happy Birthday to the Best Daughter we Could have Ever Dreamed of Having in our Lives💓🌹💓

“A child will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, the past is forgotten and the future worth living for.” —anonymous

Dearest Michelle, your mom and I want to wish you a very Happy Birthday. We were happy to offer you a romantic evening with Kyle, why we babysat Lyla. Experts say that memories reflect the fabric of our lives and the person we have become. They can also reflect the impact of the type of childhood we enjoyed. Experiences are not just what happens to us, they are the raw material we utilize to shape our identity. 

Looking back at some of your childhood photos, particularly during our three week trip to Israel when you were 7 years old, and your brother Jason was 12, it brought back some fond memories. It is nice to recall how happy, playful and free you were as a child. As you follow your mother’s footsteps, who was very happy as a young girl growing up in Chicago, so too will precious Lyla, follow in your footsteps.

What your mother wanted most for you and Jason, when you looked back at your childhood, was for you to remember that she gave it her all. As you got a bit older, she was fond of saying: “I’m your mother, it's my job to worry.” She will be the first to tell you she failed at times, believing she fell short in her role as a mother. But, she tried her hardest to teach you about kindness, love, compassion, and honesty. Apparently, it worked as you display all those traits and more. She coached you on how to make the right decisions. She loved you enough to keep going, even when she was unsure of herself. She wanted you to remember her as the woman who always had your back. As do I, sweetheart. We love you unconditionally.