A 4th of July Dinner Seasoned with the Ingredients of Food and Love of Family & Country that Binds us Together

A 4th of July Dinner Seasoned with the Ingredients of Food and Love of Family & Country that Binds us Together

“Life without liberty is like a body without spirit.”

—Kahlil Gilbran

"For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”

-Nelson Mandela

Our 4 th of July cookout yesterday was a family affair, not all could be present, but intimate and fun nevertheless. Our son Jason was able to join us. He and I began and ended the evening with one beer. He had a Blue Moon Light Sky Citrus wheat beer and I enjoyed a mango wheat ale made by Road Brewing Mango Cart. Jason helped me with grilling the lean hamburgers topped with cheese and showed off his casual one-handed grilling technique of summer Veggie Kabobs on our Weber Grill that Cecile skewered and artfully seasoned. This colorful and healthy treat consisted of zucchini, red and green bell pepper, red onion, yellow squash, and mushroom. Cecile prepared an unmashed Italian potato salad with organic extra Virgin olive oil. She also put together the fixings: avocado, red onion, tomato, cole slaw mustard, ketchup, arugula on a sesame seed Wheat Bun. In other words, Cecile did most of the work, combining the ingredients of food and love, that—as always—binds our family together. The only thing stronger than our family bond is our desire to beat the Food Network star chef and resident grill-master, Bobby Flay. Of course it’s magical thinking. But If any of us is deserving of going up against Bobby Flay, it’s Cecile. Aside from cherries and plums, we enjoyed a ready-to-bake box of chocolate chip cookies from New York’s most famous Levain Bakery’s that was simply gooeylishess.

After shopping for groceries earlier in the afternoon, I took a bike ride in the neighborhood and enjoyed witnessing the many homes that were adorned with the American flag. An even better experience was stopping to see the exterior of the historic building on Main Street in our town of Los Gatos that houses the office of the Veteran’s Memorial and Support Foundation that is painted with the stars and stripes of the American flag (photo).

It is a reminder that July 4 th is a time of celebration, reflection, gratitude and remembrance of all the men and women who put their lives on the line to defend us and our way of life. One can’t help but think about those service men and women stuck in some of the most dangerous places on earth. Many weren’t able to make it home and others will not come home whole. There is no holiday for them, only the acceptance of and commitment to duty to keep our country free. The actual memorial honors veterans and first responders, as well as 9/11 heroes is located at the Los Gatos Civic Center on East Main Street.

Dinner at Opa! Greek Restaurant with Friends in the Heart of Historical Downtown Campbell & Royal Akita Dog Sighting

“Part of why I love Greek food so much is that it is simple, but it’s unpretentious. It’s authentic.

—Princess Tatiana of Greece and Denmark

“Everything’s betta with a little feta.”

—El Greco

Cecile and I enjoyed dinner with friends Bill and Sarah Rothenberg on the outside patio of Opa, a concept restaurant owned in partnership

by Angelo Heropoulos and his partner Molly and Marcus Adams who ditched their careers in high tech to become budding restauranteurs expanding well beyond their brand. Opa was their first venture.

For openers the ladies had a glass of Opa! Sangria: a fresh fruit soaked blend of red wine, citron age, sprite, freshly squeezed lime and orange juices, and Bill and I had a bottle of beer.

We decided to share and appetizer Saganaki/Flaming Grilled Kasseri cheese served on a flat iron skillet with warm pita bread.

This ceremonial flaming cheese ritual originated by restauranteurs in Cecile’s hometown of Chicago, who encourage customers to yell, ‘Opa!’ as the plate was being ignited. We enjoyed the quick table side theatrics. Though the young waiter serving us had a little trouble igniting the flame, he was successful on the second try. He poured the cheese with a splash of ouzo, ignited the cheese and seared it until the cheese began to ooze and form a golden brown crust. It was a good way to spark up a little excitement before the main course. We ordered Greek Nachos for the table with homemade pita chips with gyro meat topped with tzatziki, fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives and sliced greek peppers with spicy avocado dip. Cecile enjoyed Horiatiki: The traditional Greek Village Salad with ripe red tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, peppers, Kalamata olives, fresh oregano, crumbles feta cheese served with a side of warm pita bread. Sarah had a Santorini Chopped salad with romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, artichoke hearts, red and yellow bell peppers, mizithhra cheese, red onions, pepperoncini peppers, Kalamata olives, grilled chicken which the menu states is enough to feed 300 Spartans.

I had a Pan Seared Mahi Mahi in a zesty lemon butter sauce over a bed of garlic mashed potatoes, green beans,’baby carrots and

cherry tomatoes and bill had Seafood Souvlaki: Two skewers of grilled prawns and scallops with rice pilaf.

We decide to stroll up and down the heart of the colorful and bustling downtown area. You can see the Historic Campbell Water Tower logo that has stood as a symbol of the city for the better part of the century. Bill treated us to ice cream cones at the Campbell Creamery. I couldn’t help notice a poster that read: “Ice Cream is Cheaper than Therapy,” which is also the name of a designer T-shirt designed and sold by Sara Eshak.

As we headed toward the car, we bumped into the owner of a long-haired Akita that caught everyone's attention when its owner ordered take-out from Opa (see photo) while we were at our dinner table. Those not familiar with the breed, Akitas are a large breed of dog originating from the mountain of northern Japan where they are considered a national treasure. Back in the day we had an Akita named Ninja. Cecile noticed the signature curled tail that sits on the top of the dog’s back.

Postscript: Famous author and political activist Helen Keller is credited with bringing the first Akita into the United States in 1937. She was inspired by the legendary Hachiko, the loyal dog who became world famous for waiting nine years at a train station in hopes his dead owner would return. Richard Gere played the owner in the movie Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009).

Photo of the short haired Akita shows a remarkable similarity to our late Akita, Ninja.

Paying Homage to Bill Bliss the Cyclist & the 'Bliss in the Moment' Monument in his Honor in the Palo Alto Baylands

“If you follow your bliss you put yourself on a kind of track that has been there all the while, waiting for you, and the life you ought to be living is the one your are living. When you can see that, you begin to meet people who are in your field of bliss, and they open the doors for you”

—Joseph Campbell

Bill and I drove our bikes to the El Camino Trailhead where we entered a series of interlocking pedestrian and bicycle bridges en route to Steven’s Creek Tidal Marsh Trail, Shoreline Lake, the Palo Alto Baylands, also known as the Baylands Nature Preserve. It is the largest undisturbed marshland remaining in the SF Bay.

The kids summer water-sports camp in Mountain View is in session as noted by numerous colorful paddle-boats sailboats, kayaks and paddle boards on the lake. We stopped along the jetty heading in the direction of Palo Alto airport to watch and listen to the awe-inspiring chorus of over 10,000 shorebirds.

As we have done in the past we rode the rutted sand dunes for several miles on our way towards the Palo Alto Baylands to see the new bicycle and pedestrian bridge project over Highway 101 that is nearing its' completion. It will replace the Lefkowitz underpass to provide year-round access.

Just shorty beyond the bridge project is the Bill Bliss Monument called "Bliss in the Moment" by Palo Alto artist, James Moore, that was installed along the Bay Trail in January 2011. The 6-foot-9 brushed stainless-steel sculpture has a Star Wars R2D2 feeling to it. The odometer on the bike reads 20,136, representing the number of miles Bill Bliss rode on his round the globe “Odyssey” during the year 2000 that took 366 days. Sadly, in 2005 a negligent driver ran into him as he was traveling with a touring group of cyclists bringing about his death. In this homage to Bill Bliss, It’s been reported the artist wanted “To pay tribute to his life’s work—I wanted to imply a place of rest,” and the placement of the figure and bike “are focused towards the wetlands in a pose that is relaxed and contemplative."

Since riding trails in the Bay Area I have become grateful to noble citizens like Bill Bliss who have made great contributions to the well-being of cyclists and hiking enthusiasts. Bliss served on the board of the Bay Traill for 15 years and made a significant impact on the development of the 500-mile Bay Trail project, that when complete will encircle San Francisco and San Pablo Bays with continuous trails.

To cap off our biking journey Bill and I had lunch (Bangkok and Golden Gate Salads) at the Crepevine in downtown Mountain View.

Celebrating our Son Jason's Milestone 40th Birthday at Steamer's Grillhouse

“Age is just a number. It has no meaning unless of course you happen to be a slab of cheese or a bottle of wine.”

—Your dad:-)

Interestingly enough Steamer’s began as a dream over 40 years ago by two brothers who wanted to bring a better

seafood experience to our quaint little village of Los Gatos, CA. It has since evolved into a fine eating establishment of fine cuisine focusing on the freshest ingredients and a "commitment to craft." As luck would have it, Jason’s birthday, was the day Steamer’s announced they were opening their inside & outside dining following the easing up of COVID-19 restrictions. We elected to dine on their spacious outside patio. Cecile and I met up with Jason and his partner Alex, our daughter Michelle and Kyle and our granddaughters Lyla and Emmy. The decor was bright with colorful umbrellas and lovely flower pots with hydrangeas, sunflowers which Lyla quickly noticed.

We began with beer, wine and cocktails and steamed mussels and fried calamare for appetizers. For our entree's we had some great tasting fresh Halibut, Asian BBQ Glazed Salmon, Chile Verde with rice and beans, Chicken Picatta with veggies, and Prime New York Steak for Jason. We capped off our meal with dessert including creme brulee, Fudg Brownie & Vanilla Ice Cream, and the complimentary birthday dessert of gelato in a free-form thin layer of chocolate in the form of a cup for Jason. Kyle and I enjoyed a shotglass of Graham's port. After blowing out the candles, Jason opened his birthday cards and presents. It was a pretty laid back event. It was nice to see people out and about again. Business at Steamer’s was brisk, the conversation was flowing and before we knew it, three hours had passed before we all hugged and called it an evening.

Jason, a new chapter of your life has begun, hence the phrase, “Life begins at 40,” coined by W.B. Pitkin,” applies here. Say goodbye to your past and pave the way for the future. Let a new story unfold, filled with happy anecdotes and infinite possibilities. Smile, laugh, and be carefree and bold. From a spiritual perspective, 40 is a special number signifying a year of personal transformation and transition, where we assemble our lives and ponder the meaning of life itself. It is the mid-point where your relatively young life turns into the mature one and the new phase of your life begins.

Happy Birthday,

Love,

Mom and Dad

Father's Day Celebration in our Romanesque Backyard Terrace with our Extended Family

“When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie that’s AMORE.”

—Dean Martin

We had the great pleasure to host a casual dinner in our backyard in honor of Father’s Day that

was preceded by a swim and ended with a walk on the trails around the one-acre lake of our gated community.

Our daughter Michelle and son-in-law Kyle, our precious granddaughters Lyla and Emmy, Kyle’s mom, Kim and Al, Kyle’s father Ed and Gerry as well as Kyle’s brother Chip and Katie and our son Jason joined us.

We began with cocktails. Jason made pitchers of Spritz Veneziano, otherwise known as an Aperol Spritz, an Italian wine-based cocktail, commonly served as an aperitif in Venice, and an assortment of beers. Michelle prepared a delicious antipasto tray, and served roasted brussel sprouts with Balsamic vinegar from Pastaria, Gerry brought a delicious bowl of Caesar salad and Kim and Al brought an exquisite layered cake from Marvel’s bakery.

For the main course we enjoyed pizza from Blue Line Pizza. Located in a historic bank building in downtown Los Gatos, CA., Blue Line Pizza that also has six other locations in the Bay Area was voted the “Best Pizzas in Silicon Valley." We ordered five out of an assortment of 12 “specialty pizzas,” including: Cheese, Chicago Chop (a seasoned blend of chopped pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and salami with fresh mozzarella, marinara sauce, and crushed red pepperI; Wild Mushroom & White Truffle Oil; Meatball (spicy house made meatballs, ricotta, spinach, mushrooms, red bells, marinara sauce and mozzarella) and BBQ Chicken (bacon, roasted chicken, pineapple, red onion, cilantro and mozzarella. Blue line got its’ name after the BLUE LINE train that runs between O’hare Airport and downtown Chicago and features the same award winning Chicago cornmeal rust deep dish and New York style thin crust pizza.

After an exquisite guilty pleasure layer cake for dessert, the dads who are also granddads (Ed, Al and myself) opened our cards and gifts. It used to be that I would receive yoga clothes from Lululemon, but that wardrobe is full. These days the theme is bike wear. Thank you all for the biking outfits, wine, and special thanks to my son Jason for my Vio Cabernet Matte color biking helmet with MIPS lights. It is not only vented to stay cool, but offers best-in class brain technology, and is indeed a work of art. But the greatest work of art, gifts and blessings that fill all of our lives with light are our grandchildren, Lyla and Emmeline (Emmy) and our children.

Postscript: The last three photos are in memory of Cecile’s late beloved father Harry Weiner, my late belated father Frank Augustine and my late beloved brother Michael Augustine.

My New Happiness Machine: A Specialized Turbo Ebike that Fell into My Lap at Just the Right Time

“The most important thing is to enjoy your life—to be happy—it’s all that matters.”

—Audrey Hepburn

“The way I think about a pedal-assist electric bike is that it’s just like I’m riding a regular bicycle, but with the fantastic illusion that I’ve magically gained the superhuman fitness of a Tour De France rider overnight (without the steroids-my emphasis:).

—Jimmy from Skirack Bike Department

I hadn’t planned on buying a new bike. I was happy with my sporty little black Sondors E-bike with the red wheel rims that I purchased online four years ago that impressionable young boys and girls would point at as I was zipping by and say, “daddy look at that!” The tipping point came when a Sondors' tech support person based on looking at photos provided by Arthur Rodriguez, my mechanical bike repair specialist determined that the internal parts of my rear hub-based motor had excessive corrosion. This was causing the wheel to annoyingly squeal resulting in a recommendation to replace the motor.

Meanwhile, in the words of Denzel Washington who played Frank Lucas in American Gangster, “My man” James (Jimi) Hunter who got me into Ebiking was aware of the situation. For some time now he has been urging me to upgrade to a high performance bike with local support. I resisted. But given the supply chain issues exacerbated by the pandemic and the frequency of how much I ride (six to seven days a week), he knew this was the ideal time for me to make the change.

Jimi found a listing on Craig’s list for a Specialized Turbo Como 5.0 with only 80 miles on it. He encouraged me to move on it quickly, since there were a shortage of bikes out there and I would save a $1000 from the current retail price and taxes. Unlike the Sondor’s Hub-Drive system, the Turbo is a Mid-Drive motor that resides within the frame and modulates how the power is delivered by providing a seamless, silky smooth, natural ride. The motor is simply an extension of my own strength (a force multiplier if you will). It senses exactly how I am pedaling. Whether it is slowly, quickly, with a little or a lot of power, and reacts accordingly. It is twenty pounds lighter than the Sonders. It is made of Aluminum alloy and is a great cruising bike with a high capacity battery allowing it to go 28 MPH. It can climb a steep hill before you realize you just passed it and you can adust the gear settings for a more or less workout.

There is a rear light at the end fo the back fender, a supernova headlight and comfortable seat deserving of someone like myself that rides over a hundred miles a week. The irony is that the Turbo Como I wound up purchasing is the same model and style as my biking buddy and neighbor, Bill Rothenberg, though one year newer and with some nice enhancements.

I feel so grateful to have a great support system (my posse) for what has become my favorite activity since the pandemic. My bike repair specialist Arthur who will replace the motor on my Sondors which I will put up for sale; my biking buddy Bill who always has my back and has shown me so many short cuts in and around our neighborhood and beyond, and Jimi whom you can always rely on for wise biking advice even when you are not ready to receive it.

Balmy and Pre-Sunset Dinner at the Wine Cellar at the Old Town Shopping Center with our Dear Friends

“For all the bad that came from the pandemic, reminding us of the joys of dining al fresco is a silver lining.”

—Rebecca King, food writer

We had an intimate and romantic dinner with our dear friends and neighbors Susan and Nelson Bye at the Wine Cellar on their award-winning patio as the sun was beginning to set between the trees. During the pandemic we mostly took turns having dinner on our respective backyard terraces at Rinconada Hills tucked away in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Ever so slowly we have been venturing out to enjoying fine cuisine at local restaurants that offer outdoor dining. Established in 1966 the Wine Cellar in Los Gatos (Spanish for The Cats) is the only remaining original tenant of the Old Town Shopping Center that was once a one-room schoolhouse that was built in 1875.

Nelson and I had an 805 Honey Blonde Ale for starters, Cecile enjoyed a glass of the signature Rombauer Chardonnay and Susan had a rum and diet coke. We had cause to celebrate, not just our enduring friendship but our upcoming trips that we have booked on a riverboat cruise in the Washington and Oregon area in the fall and the Great Lakes Victory Cruise beginning in Toronto next Spring and ending in Cecile’s home town of Chicago.

Once again Nelson and Susan brought a bottle of 2012 Campofiorito Amarone della Valpolicella red from Nelson’s collection to accompany dinner. We enjoyed Hoisin-glazed Australian free range Grilled Lamb Lollipops with asian cabbage salad, garnish, beurre blanc (gluten free); Flash fried Panko-Crusted Prawns with tangy cocktail sauce and fresh lemon. Harvest Salad with orchard pears, apples and candied pecans, mixed greens, gorgonzola cheese, citrus vinaigrette, toasted bread slices with grilled chicken; and a very special pan-roasted Parmesan Crusted Halibut with tomato-basil tapenade, tomato beurre blanc, Yukon gold-smashed potatoes, and grilled asparagus.

For dessert we all had an exquisite mixed Berry Puff Pastry composed of fresh strawberry, blackberry and blueberry compote sandwiched between a crisp pastry with fresh whipped cream and vanilla ice cream.

It was to die for.

After dinner with took some photos together with the very colorful Beautiful Los Gatos Cat posters in the backdrop next to Sephora before heading home with the renewed sense of freedom from the fallout of the pandemic becoming more palpable.

Dog Day Afternoon on Memorial Day: A Day of Remembrance, Reflection and Leisure

“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.”

—Unknown

My friend and biking buddy Bill Rothenberg invited me to take an early bike ride to beat the expected heat wave, but I slept in and began my solo ride at 10:30 AM. The Greeks and Romans considered “dog days,” as those hot, sleepy afternoons when dogs (and people) prefer to lay around and languish in the summer heat. I’m not one of them unless a pool is nearby. That will come later. As I write this the temperature is 95 degrees. By the time I rode my bike onto our driveway, Bill had already completed his ride and was walking his dogs Misty and Roscoe at about the time I was talking to my neighbor Bonnie with her black dog Blue and her friend who was walking her dog as well. It looked like a Labradoodle show and set the tone and theme for the day. When I hopped on the Los Gatos Creek Trail, heading toward Campbell and then San Jose for an 18 mile ride, I saw a mass of people in the distance. As I approached them more closely, I noticed it was a group walking their dogs. I stopped riding for a few minutes to take some photos of this rare spectacle.

By the time I made it to the colorful Willow Glen section of San Jose, I was ready to strip off my light, bright yellow riding jacket and indulge myself in a large icy blended "Apples and Greens" with ginger and energy boost. I saw a young girl and her dad sitting near the entrance with their little racing bike No. 4 also taking a respite and cooling off. I love this downtown area and though there are closer Jamba Juice shops, it was an excuse to ride. Not that I need an excuse to ride, mind you. After all it is never about the destination but the journey which always includes people watching and enjoying nature. When I returned to our home at Rinconada Hills, the flag in front of our clubhouse was flying at half mast, reminding me to take a moment to honor those who’s served our nation and who are no longer with us.

Postscript: The phrase “Dog Days” of summer is actually a reference to the fact that during this time, the Sun occupies the same region of the sky as Sirius, the brightest star visible from any part of Earth and part of the constellation Canis Major, the Greater Dog. Also Dog Day Afternoon is a 1975 American biographical crime drama starring Al Pacino chronicling a 1972 robbery and hostage situation that goes bad. Dog Day Afternoon is a metaphor meaning everything and anything (plans made, emotions, work, friendships, weather, etc.), can turn bad, very bad, unexpectedly and quickly with little or no chance of making it better.

Enjoying the Seasonal Wildflowers During our Bike Ride Around Lexington Reservoir and the Snake at the Side of the Road

“Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads.”—Henry David Thoreau

Thirty minutes south of the San Jose urban center, is Lexington Reservoir County Park that serves as a water supply for the area and is available for recreational purposes such as rowing, fishing, paddle boating managed by the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department. The 950-acre lake in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains is home to the San Jose Row Club.

One you arrive at the base of the reservoir from the Los Gatos Creek Trail, the mostly paved road traces the outline of Lexington Reservoir

As the road pitches down, the ride gets really interesting. In the beginning I used to be a timid descender anxiously clutching my brakes. But, having hydraulic brakes installed a while ago, accompanied by the large contact to the road afforded me by my fat tires, I am more confident careening down the mountain side at about 30 MPH. Bill has a more expensive Specialized bike that offers him the same advantages. Located at 17770 Alma Bridge Road in Los Gatos Lexington Reservoir is considered one of the top 15 best lakes in the San Jose area. I love the seasonal scenic vistas made more beautiful with the wildflowers as seen in the photos I took.

As we rounded the reservoir on the last leg of our ride, Bill pointed to a snake on the road. I had circled back to take a photo of what appeared to be a dead snake.

I use the words "appeared to be” dead because there are what’s referred to as "zombie snakes,” snakes that pretend to be dead or “play possum,” so to speak.

When a snake is feigning death, it will flatten its head to make it appear larger and then hiss, fill its body with air, roll over on its back and open its mouth and let its tongue hang out. luckily those type of snakes are not known to be harmful to humans.

Nevertheless, I have an active imagination and the snake on the road which looked like a Western rattler made me think of a story I read in Smithsonian magazine a few years ago about a Texas resident who discovered a Western diamondback rattlesnake nestled in some flowers in her back yard, causing her to let out a scream. Her husband quickly came to her rescue and decapitated the snake with a shovel. When he bent down to pick it up several minutes later, the severed head of the snake turned around, grabbed onto his hand and, bit him releasing all of its venom. He was air lifted to a hospital, went into septic shock, experienced internally bleeding, and nearly died. So when Bill stomped his foot on the ground and yelled out (Hah!) I nearly jumped out of my bicycle seat. We continued our ride and decided to make our way down the less trodden path to the edge of the water to take it all in. The skies were blue, the water was tranquil and aside for a few men fishing in the distance, we had a mindful moment of oneness with nature which is by far one of the joys of riding.

Exploring Organic Gardens and Visiting Enchanting Farm Animals at Hidden Villa with our Granddaughter Lyla

“Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.”

—Frank Lloyd Wright

“It was a really nice day, a really nice outing.”

—Lyla (after our picnic lunch)

Cecile and I took our granddaughter Lyla to Hidden Villa, a farm and wilderness preserve in Los Altos, to explore an organic farm, gardens and greet the

farm animals. They including lounging pigs, a regal looking ram, playful smiling goats, mellow chickens, gentle sheep and miniature jersey cows.

Some had colorful stage names like Etta the goat, Gordan Ramsey, the Horned Dorset Ram, and cows, Emelie and Harvey Milk. Nothing compares to nature’s

beauty and intelligence, from spring’s hopeful blooms, and seasonal vegetables and herbs and the whimsy

and joy of well-kept farm animals that bring joy and calm to so many visitors.

The recent four consecutive day 90-degree heat wave had eased up by 10 degrees. There was a mild breeze and plenty of open space to explore.

Farms are a magical place for little eyes and hands. I have fond memories of vacationing on a farm owned by family friends in the foothills overlooking the Amalfi coast when I was a child. The benefits of visiting an organic farm gives a child the opportunity to discover where the food comes from, how it is grown; and spending some time

outdoors in the fresh air. It is fun for kids and adults. Hidden Villa is part botanical garden, hiking grounds, retreat hostels and nature center. My wife Cecile, a former Chicago school teacher used to volunteer chaperoning kids in middle school field trips when are kids were young. Hidden Villa was a favorite destination. She would assist them in growing vegetables and herbs. Toward our two-hour visit, I took Lyla to the gardens while Cecile was setting up lunch at a picnic table nearby. After we ate, she joined Lyla and me to revisit the gardens that were teeming with life. The bees were pollinating, little lizards were slithering about, butterflies were gracing one flower after another, and hummingbirds were hovering above a water feeder and zipping about. Every conceivable herb and vegetable were labeled and growing in abundance.

After lunch, prior to making our way back home Lyla said: ”It was a really nice day, a really nice outing,” which reminded me of the biblical quote: “Out of the mouth of babes.”

Cecile and I are truly convinced if you bring joy to a child, they will mirror it back to you in unexpected moments.

Hidden Villa is the legacy of the late Frank and Josephine Duveneck who purchased the property near Los Altos, CA in 1924.

It is an educational nonprofit whose land stretches over 1600 acres of open space in the beautiful foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Their mission was sharing the land and creating humanitarian programs that have inspired many generations. Their vision was

to create a just and sustainable future for all by preserving the wilderness and manage the farm as a family ranch. Hidden Villa

today focuses on environmental education and sustainable agriculture, while sharing an abiding respect for all living things.

The earliest known stewards fo this land are the Ohlone Indians and Franciscan missionaries. Every year, 30,000 people participate in one of their programs and an

additional 20,000 visitors come to explore the organic farm and gardens, hike the beautiful trails and greet the farm animals including school groups and summercampers.

Postscript: Flower Supermoon Total Eclipse Visible from the Bay Area May 26, 2021, 1:47—6:01 AM

Named after the abundance of flowers blooming this month. It also happens to be a “Supermoon" because its elliptical orbit brings it to earth

Sweet & Intimate Mother's Day Brunch at the Chiens Thanks to All of Us Being Fully Vaccinated

“Motherhood is the biggest gamble in the world. It is a glorious life force. It’s huge and scary—it’s an act of infinite optimism.”—Gilda Radner

We were invited to a Mother’s Day brunch by our son-in-law Kyle’s mom, Kim Chien, and her husband Al.

Our daughter Michelle was holding our recently born granddaughter, Emmy. Our son Jason was able to join us and Kyle's brother Chip and his fiancé Katie also attended.

For families like ours, who relied on the vaccine before feeling totally comfortable reuniting with extended loved ones, it was a welcome step toward normal. Mother’s Day 2021 marks the first holiday since the coronavirus vaccine was made available. Hugs were shared and it felt good. In fact, it is safe to say that we will never take a hug for granted again.

The general family interactions are coming back on schedule with a new focus. Emmy’s pre-natal development & eventual birth in February gave us something to look forward to during the challenging pandemic winter months. She brings a burst of hope and happiness as Lyla did when she was born. We all went through this pandemic not knowing what would happen, and we can see once again that life goes on.

The Chiens provided the food and drinks and Cecile and I brought desserts from the renowned “Icing on the Cake." We sat having drinks first while lounging under a shaded trellis in the outdoor lounge area of the Chiens beautiful home getting caught up before sitting down at the table for brunch. Ever the hostess, Lyla insisted on pouring her uncle Jason a glass of champagne with his guided assistance of course. She also wanted to carry a bloody Mary to the table for Al (Pops) who was closely behind.

After brunch, the presents came out. Once again, Lyla was eager to carry the bags of gifts to the well-deserving mothers and grandmothers (Cecile, Kim and Michelle). The one bag Lyla toted outside was almost as big as she was. Anticipation, excitement and joy were in the air. The mothers loved their gifts. Just earlier everyone was raving about the sweets from Icing on the Cake, but the real Icing on the Cake was witnessing and holding our sweet granddaughters, Lyla and Emmy, and realizing that they are growing up in an atmosphere of love and attention showered upon them by a family that loves them unconditionally.

A Memorial Tribute to my Sicilian-American Mother Maria who Passed Away on Mother's Day Eight Years Ago

“I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.”

—Leo Buscaglia

My mom died on Mother’s Day May 12, 2013, at the age of 88. She was born in Roccalumera, Messina, in Sicily, which at the time was a poor fishing village. She arrived in the United States in 1947. She married my dad and had three sons and one daughter. I was the eldest child born in 1950. She was devoted to her family and loved her grandchildren. She worked hard as a seamstress for a local coat factory in Hoboken, NJ. I used to help her sew hook enclosures for fur collars on women’s coats when she got permission from her boss to work from home.

She was a beautiful woman, and when she smiled she lit up the room. She had a wicked sense of humor, was well liked, and was always hospitable to my childhood friends. She was also devoted to helping our grandparents and her siblings in the old country by regularly sending them clothing, gifts, and financial assistance whenever she could. She taught us to be proud of our heritage, wanted us to have the education that she never had. I have her to thank for introducing me to my late mentor, Dr. Carmine Sippo, a dean at Wagner College in Staten Island, NY whom she grew up with in Sicily and paved the way for me to become a podiatric physician and surgeon. When I was young, and later when I achieved success in my professional career, Cecile and I, would invite my mother to join us and Michelle and Jason to Sicily to see the family who lived a block from the Mediterranean Sea. They welcomed us with open arms that left us with unforgettable memories.

Let’s hear it for all the moms (or mom-like life guides) near and far, still with us and those who have passed on:

Your mother is always with you.

She’s the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street,

She's the smell of certain foods you remember, flowers you pick,

The fragrance of life itself.

She’s the cool hand on your brow when you’re not feeling well,

She’s your breath in the air on a cold winter’s day.

She is the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep, the colors of the rainbow,

She lives inside your laughter, the place you came from, your first home…

She’s the map you follow with every step you take.

She’s your first love, your first friend…

Nothing on earth can separate you. Not time, not space…not even death.

—Author Unknown

A special Mother’s Day to our dearest daughter Michelle, my love, Cecile, and Cecile’s beloved late mother Marge Weiner

Italian Dinner with Friends in their Beautiful Backyard in a Flower Garden Setting

The Pastaria and Market in downtown Los Gatos has become our favorite place for take-out food.

Our friends and family agree and have followed our lead. The plan for the evening was to meet Bill at 4:45 PM for a pre-dinner bike ride, and scheduled pick-up and delivery to Bill and Sarah's backyard at 5:45 PM where Sarah and Cecile were enjoying refreshments. The Rothenbergs moved into Rinconada Hills, a gated community sometime after we did over five years ago, and live just a short block away. We have known each other since our kids were young. The pandemic had forced Bill and I to create our own Door Dash type service strictly for our respective families and friends, made possible by the attached courier bags on our back fender racks.

Dinner was almost aborted as Bill got a flat tire on the Los Gatos Creek Trail that we took on the way back adjacent to Vasona Lake. Holding the record for the most flat tires in a year (5), I know that sinking feeling, especially in a place there is no car access. Fortunately, my handy portable electrically charged inflater pump at the bottom of my bag saved the day. It didn’t hurt that it was only a slow leak which allowed Bill to ride all the way home. Bill has bailed me out plenty of times, so it was nice to be in the position to reciprocate and being able to continue on with our social evening together with the ladies.

Sarah and Bill really know how to utilize their abundant outdoor space in their backyard with several levels of decking, a quaint gazebo which is a main focal point, elaborate, colorful and big roses and other flowers and plants including tomatoes that help to create a scene straight out of a storybook. Coupled with Bill’s artistic talents in painting and woodworking (his brother is an artist in NYC) that includes wood wind spinning widgets hanging from the gazebo and van Goughesque sunflower murals on the back and lower corner of his good neighbor fence to name a few.

The inspired setting is much better than a restaurant. We had an intimate dinner under a trellis and patio lights. We brought two bottles of Gerard Bertrand Cote des Roses Rose' wine that our son-in-law Kyle and Michelle gifted us and Sarah and Bill provided several beer and flavors of our favorite Talente Ice Cream. A restaurant grade propane heater eased the mild chill of the evening air.

Bill and Sarah’s dogs Roscoe and Misty provided the entertainment. Bill lifted Roscoe onto his thighs and jokingly stated this is our “lapdog" (photo), while Misty was nipping at Roscoe from below as if to say, “It’s my turn, I want some of that love too!” Van Goughish floral fence designs in the back corner part of his yard. As a former watercolorist for over seven years with the Saratoga Community of Painters I appreciate the childlike wonders and courage of an artist. Vincent van Gogh himself is quoted as saying he found “comfort in contemplating sunflowers.”

Postscript: After we finished off a bottle of the Gerard des Roses Rose’ Bill took a cutting of a rose from one of his and Sarah’s rose garden and placed in the bottle for me to give to Cecile. A class act.

Taking our Granddaughter Lyla for a Stroll & Flower-Gazing with Her Little Red Umbrella

Taking our Granddaughter Lyla for a Stroll & Flower-Gazing with Her Little Red Umbrella

"Every child is a different kind of flower,

and all together, make this world a beautiful garden."

—Author unknown

While Cecile was preparing lunch for our daughter Michelle who stopped by with our 2-month old

granddaughter Emmy, I played with Lyla who had been dropped off earlier. She had kept her Nonnie busy with only the love and tenderness a mother and grandmother knows. Lyla continues to love her American Girl dolls hand-me-downs from the 1980s that Cecile had saved from when Michelle was a young child. The dolls and wardrobe trunk are in mint condition and fall into the collector category.

Lyla is fascinated with the little red doll umbrella but she didn’t have the strength to open it fully. “Papa, can you open this?” she asked me.

At first I didn’t think it opened all the way, but with a little extra oomph I managed to get it open. Cecile reminded me to pick up the newspaper from our friends, the Rothenberg's drive-way who were out of town visiting family and place it in a secure place behind their side yard gate. I invited Lyla to take a walk with me and welcomed her to take her red umbrella. Technically, it is a parasol. Though the words are used interchangeably, umbrellas are to protect against rain and a parasol protects against the sun as you can see in the photos. I know it’s a grandfather’s pride speaking, but she looked too cute for words in her Barbie sweatshirt, pink slacks and her trusty parasol.

Along the way, Lyla stopped to see the bluish-purple irises and red poppies of another neighbor and friends (Gretchen and Bruce) on the corner of our cul-de-sac we share. Lyla compared the latter with her parasol by commenting on the similarity in color. As we turned the corner to the left onto the main street of our gated community we approached the Rothenberg home. I had Lyla pick up the newspaper and invited her to put it under their gate, which she did and then proceeded to enjoy the large blooming roses and an assortment of other flowers that were blooming quite beautifully.

We then took a short-cut to the tennis courts, ponds and waterfalls to see the ducks, geese and turtles. Placing her red parasol near the end of a wooden cross bridge behind her she proceeded to play with the graveled dirt always comparing it to the sand at the beach. After about 15 minutes of play time, we began to walk back and she reached out her arms for me to pick her up.

We returned to Nonnie and Papa's home and enjoyed a fresh mixed-salad with chopped eggs, mulberries sweet potatoes, avocados and other goodies along with baby artichokes. Michelle’s husband Kyle took a break from work to join us. Lyla shared her activities with Papa with Nonnie with her mom and dad. Aside from playing with Lyla, I got to hold and whisper pleasant tidings to baby Emmy, who shook her little arms and legs as newborns do, smiling and looking at me intently with her bright blue eyes. Who could ask for anything more? Thanks Michelle for capturing this tender moment.

Children [grandkids] are like flowers

Water them with love

Nourish them with praise

Give them a compliment

Each and every day

Be their sun

When all you see is rain

Protect them from storms

And shelter their pain

Children are like flowers

That blossom everyday

—Angela Charles

Enjoying Outdoor Dining at Mextizo Restaurant & Cantina: A Logical Choice in these Pandemic Times

After a year of mostly picking up take-out food on my way home from a bike ride, Cecile and I were in the mood for outdoor dining the other night. We chose Mextizo Restaurant and Cantina, formerly the home of The Blue Door restaurant at the West Gate Center in San Jose that featured Greek-inspired cuisine in an upscale setting that was affected by the COVID-19 shutdown. I had written a couple of positive posts while the Blue Door was in operation and had the chance and pleasure to meet Sylvia Foundas, one of its' founders.

She and her husband Peter, whose family is steeped in the restaurant business were faced with the challenge of making a big change in their offering. They decided to create a new concept restaurant and brought in Executive chef, Everardo Andrade who was a former cook at Reposado in Palo Alto and Olla Cocina in San Jose before joining the Blue Door Restaurant team. Andrade created a menu that reflects the food he enjoyed growing up in the Mexican state of Veracruz. The irony is that many years ago, the 8,000 square foot space was home to the Chevy’s restaurant chain. The owners believed Mextizo was a better fit for the neighborhood that they opened almost a year ago. The shutdown was a perfect time to engage in several weeks of a major renovation.

We ordered a beer and strawberry margarita with salsa and chips to start. Cecile enjoyed three Empanadas Vegeterianas for her entree that included cilantro avocado masa stuffed with shiitake mushrooms, butternut squash and Oaxaca cheese served with salsa tatemada and Mexican coleslaw. I had a delicious Traditional Asada: Grilled hanger steak marinated in adobo that was topped with Mexican green onions, cilantro, guacamole, radishes and red tatemada salsa. This was complimented with a side of refried black beans. We can’t wait to try some of their other offerings in the future.

Even though Cecile and I have been fully vaccinated, we are still avoiding indoor dining for the time being unless there is an open door with plenty of ventilation. “According to a recent article in The New York Times citing peer…peer-reviewed research published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, the odds of indoor transmission are about 19 times as great as the odds of outdoor transmission.” Of course other studies state there is a less than 1% chance of Covid-19 transmission with indoor eating. While they fight it out, we believe it doesn’t hurt to err on the side of caution.

A Coastal Biking Adventure & Soaking in a Hot Tub at a Magnificent Beach House with a Million-Dollar View

“To me, it doesn’t matter whether…the sun is shining…as long as I’m riding a bike I know I’m the luckiest guy in the world.”

—Mark Cavendish

Bill and I were invited to join good friends James (Jimi) and Jennifer Hunter yesterday at a beach house in Aptos where they are vacationing with their grandson Wesley. Mutual friend, Gary Covell joined the guys for a morning bike ride along neighboring beaches which included Manresa State Beach and La Selva Beach near Watsonville, Seacliff and Capitola. Jimi, a retired teacher, former triathlete and always the jokester welcomed us at the private gate of the home of a friend, wearing a white and green top hat with a cannabis leaf imprint, and a black Bicycle Outfitter shirt.

The magnificent three bedroom, three bath 2,200 square foot home known as La Casa de La Contenta (Spanish for House of Contentment) combines the love of nature and luxury and captures the essence of California coastal living. It sports a million-dollar panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and includes a relaxing hot tub which we luxuriated in after our 25-mile bike ride.

The Hunters also hosted lunch, which included BBQ chips, chocolate chip cookies, beer and soft drinks. La Casa is nestled within the grounds of New Brighton State Beach, one of the most popular and most visited state beaches in California.

This popular recreation spot is connected with Seacliff State Beach, where the Ohlone Indians thrived for thousands of years on the area’s plentiful natural resources. From the back yard

deck one could see Seacliff’s famous fishing pier in the distance that extends out to a unique concrete tanker, the SS Palo Alto, a remnant form the World War I era that never saw wartime service. It was turned into an elaborate amusement center, and later brought to rest in the shallow water near the beach. During our ride we stopped to take a group photo near this landmark.

Postscript: Jimi led us to Seascape Park, in Rio Del Mar where we unexpectedly found ourselves in the midst of a Tai Chi class in progress. Having taken Tai Chi classes at Courtside Bay Club—as did Jimi—we were happy to see the students keep their calm without being distracted by our intrusion in their space, and we respectfully moved on.

Picnic at Oak Meadow Park with our Granddaughter Lyla & Sitting in the Cockpit of a Decommissioned USAF Jet

“In the end, kids won’t remember that fancy toy you bought them, they will remember the time you spent with them.”

—Kevin Heath

"We don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.”

—George Bernard Shaw

Oak Meadow Park, is considered the gem of all Los Gatos parks. It features a large 12-acre playground

including a real decommissioned USAF T-33A “T-Bird,” America’s First Jet Trainer (Nicknamed: "Shooting Star.”) Lyla inspected the outside, walked onto the wing of the jet and sat in the cockpit.

I couldn’t help thinking about my nephew Andrew (Drew) Augustine, an F-15 Crew Chief at the United States Air Force stationed in Okinawa, Japan, and his lovely wife Kaylyn, a former airman in the USAF, who now works for VSE Corporation in Okinawa.

The park also sports a scaled-down red fire engine, corkscrew slides, swings, playhouses of different sizes, BBQ and picnic facilities, a large grass field for youth soccer games, a carousel, and a one-third scale Billy Jones Wildcat railroad that offers rides on steam-engine locomotives year-round in a creek-side setting.

Whenever I want to assist Lyla on climbing a play structure she always lets me know if she doesn’t want me to help her. She pushed my hand away, and said, "No Papa, I want to do it myself.” She’s fearless. It was a very colorful day. Parents were out riding bicycles with their kids. One guy was throwing a frisbee for his dog to catch in mid-air. Lyla met a cute 2-year old like herself who shared the steering wheel of the red fire engine with her.

Dogs are not the only living creatures that need a wide berth to run and play. So do children. Before we sat down for our picnic on-the-grass, Lyla began to run toward a whimsical covered performance stage a thousand feet away where summer concerts usually take place. A man watching began to laugh, saying: “Wow, she has a mind of her own, doesn’t she.” I smiled and said, “You don’t know the half of it.” It was like chasing a running back to the goal line. When she got to the stage she commanded it. She walked all over it in a circular fashion and I encouraged her to dance. Like the decommissioned USAF Jet trainer, she is the family’s “shootings star.”

We finally had our picnic on the grass. Lyla seemed very contented as she sat on Cecile’s (Nonnie’s) lap. The three hour playtime flew by. Yes, we were tired but contented as well. I couldn’t help think about the musical lyrics of the late Paul Vance:

"When this old world gets me down and there’s no love to be found;

I close my eyes and soon I find

I’m in a playground in my mind

Where the children laugh and

The children play

And we sing a song all day.”

Lyla awakens the child in us and we give her the space to be who she is: a loving, curious, determined, joyful child who knows she is loved unconditionally.

Happy Birthday to My Biking Buddy Who Always Goes the Extra Mile to Enjoy the Ride: Circumnavigating Lexington Reservoir

"Every mile brings new possibilities. Here's to another year of going wherever the road takes you."

—Author Unknown

At 8:26 AM I sent a text to my friend Bill Rothenberg to wish him a Happy Birthday and asked him if he would like to circumnavigate the Lexington Reservoir. A former Triathlete his comical response was: “I am one-third through my birthday triathlon: Dog walk: Done [he has two Labradoodles, Roscoe and Misty]; a Swim at 9AM and around 9:45 AM, a bike ride.” So, the answer was “yes."

On this beautiful, mild, sunny day we hit the Los Gatos Creek Trails, stopped in front of Vasona Reservoir and made a pit stop at Great Bear Coffee, where I treated Bill to a large iced coffee. Bill, doesn’t go anywhere without his caffeine fix to jumpstart his day. For myself, I’m a Jamba Juice kinda guy. Since Great Bear doesn’t sell Jamba Juice, I ordered their large special new Watermelon, Citrus Lemonade drink. Sugar is my fix and I added a breakfast muffin.

After hopping on a pedestrian/cyclist bridge behind downtown Los Gatos, we resumed our ride, switching to a gravel pathway parallel to Highway-17 leading to the Lexington Reservoir County Park. As many times as we have done this ride, it always feels fresh and new; mainly because like artists we recreate the experience newly each time. The other thing Bill and I have in common is that we are both Cycopaths: persons suffering from chronic bike riding disorder with abnormal urges to ride and feel free:-)

Though there are sections of the reservoir that are drying up due to draught conditions there were still some spectacular views of the water. The "creme de La creme" is when we got to the last quarter of the ride where we experience the coolness of the forested canopy and later switching from the paved roads to the narrow dirt trails just above the reservoir. All in all we rode about 28 miles with an elevation gain of 1,700 feet which took over three hours including returning on the creek trails most of the way home.

Final birthday greeting to Bill, a guy who has many talents, lives life at full throttle, who has introduced me to many trails and shortcuts, always has my back and, is fun to ride with. Best of all, we have great wives, his Sarah and my beloved Cecile who support our cycling adventures.

Reciprocal Back-to-Back Outdoor Take-Out Dining from The Wine Cellar and Aldo's with our Good Friends

“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.”

—Charles Shultz

“True friends are like diamonds—bright, beautiful, valuable and always in-style.”

—Nicole Richie

We were invited to join our good friends Nelson and Susan Bye in their back yard terrace for a take-out dinner from the Wine Cellar. The Bye's provided the drinks and Cecile and I brought chocolate cupcakes from from "Icing on the Cake” for dessert. They sat at the head of the table on one side and we sat at the other. Though the Wine Cellar restaurant was serving dinner under their big white tent on their outdoor terrace, we were perfectly content avoiding the crowd and enjoying the view overlooking the Santa Cruz Mountains as the sun was beginning to set. Though the temperature begins to drop after 5PM, we felt the warmth from the two towering, glowing restaurant-grade heat lamps that Nelson strategically placed for our maximum comfort. More recently, we ordered take out food from Aldo’s Restaurant and dined on our outdoor terrace with our Roman fountain flowing in the backdrop. Once again the Byes brought a bottle of 2012 Amazon della Valpollecella and Blue Moon Light Sky citrous wheat beer. We provided Dove dark chocolate ice cream bars.

Even though things have opened up of late and Cecile, myself and the Byes have been fully vaccinated, given the times we are in, we didn’t feel we missed out. With the recent birth of our new granddaughter, Emmy, we are still acting with an abundance of caution and still avoiding large social gatherings.

After all living in the same gated-community as the Byes, we don't have to drive outside the premises, there is no loud chatter or loud music to contend with, and we don't feel rushed to finish our meal. The three plus hours we spent in each others company during both get togethers never went so fast. Though we have adapted pretty well to the pandemic lifestyle, we speculated when it would be safe enough to resume re-booking our Great Lakes cruise from Quebec City and Montreal to Chicago we were forced to cancel last September. Though, It still feels like a distant dream. We are still shooting to resume our annual family vacation in Maui in December and perhaps rescheduling our Great Lakes trip in the early spring 2022.

For all who have endured difficult emotions triggered by the pandemic and accompanying collateral damage and financial and personal loss; are the subject of political oppression (i.e., the brutal military coup affecting our dear friends in Myanmar, etc.), and are feeling a sense of isolation:

May you be well.

May you be safe.

May you be happy.

May you be peaceful.

May you be filled with loving-kindness.

May things turn around for the better.

Love,

Dennis and Cecile

The Meditating Buddha Statue in our Atrium Has Become our Granddaughter Lyla's Imaginary Friend

“Minds are like flowers; they open when the time is right.”

—Stephen Richards

“See the world with the innocence fo children.

Approach the world with the daring of children.

Love the world with the readiness of children.

Heal the world with the purity of children.

Change the world with the wisdom of children.

—Neale Donald Walsch

Somehow the meditating Buddha in our atrium garden—one white and one black—has become Lyla’s imaginary friend.

One day she pointed to the black Buddha and asked what’s that? “The Buddha,” I said. She had a difficult time pronouncing his name at first. But, in no time she learned to say his name very clearly. I didn’t try to explain what the iconic figure represented except to say he is "happy and peaceful.” After all, she is barely 2 1/2 years old. One day, she had the desire to wash the Buddha with a wet paper towel. I’m really not sure why, but she did so with such gentleness and joy as if it were one of her favorite dolls. One day she witnessed me placing a rose on the lap of the Buddha. Suddenly, every time we baby sat her, she asked to do the same. She also began to take a few petals from our large potted jade tree and placed them in the lap of the Buddha and even try to feed him.

Today is Buddha’s birthday in the United States. In Asia it is celebrated during different times of the Lunar calendar. Temples are decorated with flowers. A special ceremony called “bathing the baby Buddha, is a popular ritual especially among children. People pour water over a statue of the Buddha. It is a way to show respect to the Buddha for his teachings and to celebrate new beginnings. It is symbolic of a purification process on the inside not an actual cleaning of the body.

Flowers are considered the most suitable offerings to the Buddha. There are frequent references to flowers in the sacred scriptures that the Buddha enjoyed their presence in the monasteries and gardens at the edge of Ganges, where he taught and meditated more than 2,600 years ago. Buddha means “one who is awake,” attributed to when he became enlightened. The former prince was not a god, but rather a philosopher, mendicant, meditator, spiritual teacher and religious leader who lived in ancient India.

In the town of Luang Prabang in Laos, where Cecile and I visited a few years ago, we witnessed and participated in rituals that form the basis of everyday life both for the monks and ordinary lay people. Every gesture and every object has a meaning and a history stretching back centuries. Many of these rituals are accompanied by flowers. The best flowers to offer are those that fall from a tree or plant, for it is believed that to cut a bloom is to destroy a living thing. The idea being not to remove or take anything that is not freely given, a hard concept to teach a child. Flowers represent impermanence—a central teaching of Buddhism. They are sweet-smelling one day and foul and withered the next. They also represent generosity and symbolize the beauty of enlightenment. The jade plant is often called the “friendship plant” and is a staple in many Asian households. In places like Bali, India, Thailand. Laos, Nepal you will see the remains of offerings everywhere.

The Lotus Flower grows in the deep mud, far away from the sun. But, sooner or later, the Lotus reaches the light becoming

the most beautiful flower ever. It is highly regarded in many different cultures, especially in eastern religions as a symbol of purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration and rebirth.

Its characteristics are a perfect analogy for the human condition: even when the roots are in the muddiest of waters, the Lotus produces

the most beautiful flower. The Buddha is sometimes depicted sitting on a Lotus Flower, symbolizing the one who overcame

the trials and tribulations in the material world and became enlightened, just like the lotus flower which begins to grow in the

muddy water but manages to surpass the water and produce the perfect flower.

Lyla, who wore a flower print dress today painted today with two brushes, planted a soon-to-become flower garden that Cecile bought for her and before we took her home

she helped me spread rose petals on the lap and at the foot of the Buddha.