Exotic Dinner with Friends at Kabul: Authentic Afghan Cuisine

“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.”

—James Beard

Have you ever attempted to make plans for dinner with friends and can’t think of where to go. How soon we forget about some great eateries of the past that escape our consciousness because it is not in our neighborhood. Bill recommended Kabul Authentic Cuisine, a place Cecile and I have gone to several times with friends back in the day, forgetting how good it is on many levels. The exotic entrees, the relaxing and hospitable ambiance, the big portions, and reasonable price have propelled them to the center of the Silicon Valley dining scene. Kabul came into existence in 1987 and moved to Sunnyvale near Murphy Street’s Restaurant Row, a year later. Owners, Najib and Adib Naimi’s traditional recipes are derived from their mother’s kitchen in the heart of Kabul, Afghanistan when they were teenagers, passed down from generation to generation. Afghan Cuisine is imbued with robust spices found in their home country and surrounding neighboring countries.

We shared two appetizers: Aushak, onion-filled dumplings topped with yogurt and meat sauce, sprinkled with mint; and Manta: dumplings filled with ground lamb, onion, and spices, topped with yogurt and vegetables. Bill and I had a Heineken and Sarah had a glass of wine.

For our entrees, Cecile and Bill ordered Kabul’s Combination Kabab: a skewer of lamb and salmon, with a side of fragrant pallaw (seasoned rice)

and salad. I had a skewer of lamb and chicken with the same side dishes, and Sarah had Marinated lamb loin chops, with rice. Each entree comes with Afghan nan which is almost a meter-long and half-an-inch thick. The skewers are sort of menacing. thoughts of sword swallowing on America’s Got Talent (AGT) came to mind, and Bill re-enacted what that may look like and I got him on video:).

Afghanistan is located at the culinary crossroads of many cultures. The food relies on spices such as cumin, sesame, cinnamon and coriander, which is also central to Indian good. The country’s many types of kebabs show kinship with the Middle East, including the liberal use of yogurt which gives the dishes

a cooling effect in contrast to the aromatic spices. As we feasted on our delicious food, it was difficult not to think that the country from where these delicious recipes are derived from, that nearly 20 million people in Afghanistan, almost half of its population suffering from food insecurity die due to Taliban’s rule, the US-led economic sanctions, and extreme droughts triggered by climate change.

Postscript: When we were escorted to our tables and took a seat, the first thing I noticed was a haunting image of “Afghan Girl”

who was arrested amid a refugee crackdown. He piercing sea-green eyes, captured by photographer Steve McCurry and was published on the cover of National Geographic.

Cecile and I Had Lunch at the Falafel Drive-In that Food Network Star Guy Fieri calls “Falafelicious"

Cecile and I suddenly had a yearning for a Falafel Pita sandwich. Feeling a hint of nostalgia we decided to go to the Falafel Drive-In, located in San Joe near our former residence and foot clinic we established in 1975 after moving from Chicago. For the uninitiated, falafel is a Middle Eastern delicacy comprised of deep-fried falafel balls made of chickpeas and lava beans with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, tahini sauce and their signature harissa chili sauce (if you want). It has been a popular spot since it was established by the late Anton Nijmeh, a former Palestinian policeman turned pig farmer before he and his family moved to the United states in 1966 for a fresh start. In 2003, Falafel’s Drive-In added American fast food (Including meat and chicken) to their menu to please their loyal following, but still remains true to its roots. But the mainstay remains the falafel pocket sandwich that initially became a hit with vegetarians. They also serve hot dogs, fries, burgers, kababs, gyros, tabbouleh, banana milkshakes, and the honey-drenched baklava to satisfy the sweet tooth.

Falafel Drive-In has become a bonafide institution that has been dishing out the irresistible falafels for over five decades and has attracted a customer base of students, tech entrepreneurs, engineers, construction workers and a diverse sampling of ethnicities from virtually every conceivable background.

Falafel Drive-In had become so popular that Guy Fieri made a televised visit there in 2007 and the show was featured on his Food Network series, “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Though the founder, Nijmeh passed away in 2006 at the age of 76, his family continues his legacy and are still very much hands-on with the

the business.

Postscript: Thank’s to artist Lila Gemellos whose colorful murals I adore and seen a taste of in downtown Willow Glen, Falafel’s Drive-In has a great deal of ambiance. Her 600-square-foot three-walls of outside eating area mural is not only and homage to their restaurant but all things Silicon Valley and beyond. Included in the mural is Guy Fieri.

Birdseye View of the Veterans Day Parade & Honoring Those Who Served

"We don't know them all, but we honor them all for there service."

My friend and biking partner Bill, who is out of town visiting family recommended I ride my bike to downtown San Jose

to attend the Veterans Day Parade, which continues a 104-year old tradition honoring those who served in the armed forces. The 21-mile loop, mostly done on nature trails unimpeded by car traffic was an excellent idea. It allowed me to get some exercise

and celebrate Veterans Day in honor of those who served, including my late dad, Frank, and late uncles, Anthony and Joseph Augustine who were all stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. Not having to worry about parking, I managed to get a birds-eye view of the celebratory event on the street side of the security guard rail. U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Anne Swap, served as the grand marshal. She is the National Capital Region market director at the Defense Agency, which includes Walter Reed National Military Medical Center where my dad served as a chaplain’s aide to U.S. Army Captain, William Walsh, who was also his mentor and friend.

The procession included military units, elected officials, vintage vehicles and scout troops, along with marching bands and first responders. The parade was preceded by a ceremony at the reviewing stand across from Plaza de Cesar Chavez.

Postscript: Dad, who was 97 at the time, received a two distinguished service medals and a Citation Certificate along with 80 other vets in the grand rotunda of the Justice Brennan Courthouse in Jersey City, NJ on April 15, 2014. The event was a joint effort by Hudson County Executive, Thomas A. DeGise, the Office of Veteran Affairs, and the Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Chaired by Anthony Romano. During the same event he also received a Proclamation from the Office of the Mayor of Hoboken at the time, Dawn Zimmer that was presented to him by his 6th ward councilwoman, Jennifer Cattino.

Happy Birthday In the Heavenly Realm to Our Late Brother Michael & the Memories We Shared

Even though our brother Michael no longer walks on this earth, everybody in our family agrees that our relationship with him is not over, by any means. At the beginning of the month we remembered the third anniversary of his death. Today we celebrate the anniversary of his birth and memories we shared while he was alive. Each of us remember Michael in our own way and keep in close to our hearts.

"A Bike Ride to Calaveras Reservoir & Encountering a Tarantula: A Reminder of Meeting The "Spider Woman" of Cambodia

seasons of life, living it, loving it

and sharing it. We rode our bikes out to the parking lot of Ed Levin County Park, the largest park in Milpitas, where we began our

adventure. We took Old Calaveras Road for a traffic-free scenic hilly climb overlooking the the Calaveras Reservoir that continues to the Dam in Sunol in Alameda County. The entire area is surrounded by mountain ridges and valleys. The natural beauty of this region is amazing and brought us great solace and peace of mind. During the Calaveras Dam Replacement Project to replace an existing seismically unsafe dam, five thousand fossils were found including whale skulls, sharks and hippo-like specimens while moving enough dirt and rock to fill four Levi Stadiums. The 20 year project was finally completed in 2018.

On most rides we always see some wildlife and this ride was no different. I took a photo of Minorcan cows, an endangered breed of cattle from the Mediterranean island of Menorca. In addition, and to my surprise I spotted a tarantula in front and to the right of me and called out to Bill who was riding 15 feet ahead of me. When he circled back, I pointed to the hairy spider and he said: “Wow! How did you see that?” I have come across tarantulas in Oklahoma where I went to college for two years and during my travels in Costa Rica and Cambodia. As an animal Totem, tarantulas signify patience above everything. It is an invitation to put all your ideas in the physical universe and make them materialize. We took photos of and with the tarantula. Tarantulas are quite docile and rarely bite people. They do have venom, but only toxic to small animals and not life-threatening to people.

During a trip to South East Asia with Overseas Adventures Travels (OAT) Cecile and I and our group stopped in the Cambodian village of Kampong Cham Province to visit a widowed mother of four who supplements her income by capturing and selling tarantulas. She is called the “Spider Woman.” Fried spider is a regional delicacy. She showed us where tarantulas can be found during the day, how she catches them and removes the venomous fangs and how she prepares them for eating. She marinates them in sugar, salt, crushed garlic and whiskey and then fries them in oil until fragrant. The taste can only be described as a cross between chicken and cod. It has a crispy exterior and a soft center. Ask actress Angelina Jolie who cooked and ate tarantulas with her kids and talked about the experience during an interview with the BBC to promote her movie filmed in Cambodia called “First They Killed my Father” about the genocide of the Cambodian People by the Khmer Rouge under Pol Pot, when Cambodians turned to tarantulas to survive. Even today, fried tarantulas are eaten by local residents and adventurous tourists alike.

Happy Birthday to the Amazing Woman that Gave Meaning to My Life

“A wife is the joy of a man’s heart—Talmud

That amazing woman is my wife Cecile. Our daughter Michelle and husband Kyle ordered middle eastern

cuisine from Dish Dash and the feast began. Emmy, currently 20 months old wanted Heritage Cereal Flakes. Her big sister

Lyla, followed suit: “I want cereal too.” But, after their chosen appetizer they also ate what the adults were having:).

The food from Dish Dash is phenomenal. It satisfies the palette and the stomach. Michelle brought a platter an assortment of desserts

that were heavenly. Ther girls were in heaven. A candle was placed into one of the desserts, we all sang the Happy Birthday song to Cecile and clinked glasses. Even our granddaughters enjoyed clinking the glasses of the rest of the family, not knowing that it is done during toasts,

because sound helps to please all the five senses, thereby completing the drinking experience. After dinner, Lyla took to opening the presents for her Nonnie with real gusto.

Cecile, I have a few things to say:

Once in a lifetime someone comes into your life that you really connect with,

Heart to heart and soul to soul.

A friendship kindles and love follows.

With every fiber of my being I know that you are my “once in a lifetime.”

Each time I think of you I realize how fortunate I am that we found each other.

Thank you so much for all your love, for all that you are,

And for being a part of my life each and every day.

You are the mother of my children, my truest and and greatest friend of all.

You mean so much to me, you’re beautiful inside and out.

You are my greatest support and biggest comfort.

And, what about those precious grandchildren:-)

Happy Birthday my love and enjoy the photos, the recorded memories of the past and present

Happy Birthday in Heaven to My Sicilian Mama Maria

“A mother is a son’s first love.

—Denzel Washington

“We are born of love; love is our mother.”

—Rumi

Life was not easy for my dear mother. She grew up in a poor village in Roccalumera, Messina (Sicily). She left her mama and papa, and and three siblings in 1947 to settle in Hoboken, NJ, in a strange country with a different culture, language and a society that often rejected her kind. She left her home for a better life, even though my grandfather, a fisherman had insisted she didn’t have to leave, they would make do. Like many immigrants who came to this country she was looking for the American Dream, and hoped to help the family she left behind.

My dad had to post a bond with the US government to assure officials that he and my mother would marry. I never realized it at the time but it was an arranged marriage of sorts. A friend served as a match maker and showed her a photo of my dad. Even though he was Italian he didn’t speak the language and my mother struggled to learn English. My dad worked at Jansens Dairy and she found work in the garment center, essentially a sweat shop. Later, she was able to work from home doing what was called piece work—sewing fur collars on coats. I was born in 1950, and three siblings, Josephine, my late middle brother Michael and brother Steven would follow. In 1957, mom and dad bought a five-unit apartment building in a nice neighborhood in Hoboken, leaving behind an apartment in a tenement building which would eventually burn to the ground. I was seven years old at the time and my sister was two.

My friends loved my parents. My mother had a sharp wit and a infectious laugh, and was a beautiful woman. She was my first love. I owe my career as a podiatrist to her. I was going to quit college and she encouraged me to consult a family friend that she grew up with in Sicily by the name of Carmine Sippo in Union City. He was a dean at Wagner College in Staten Island. He became my first and most consequential mentor who laid out a viable career path for me.

Our mother ran the roost. She took care of the bookkeeping and was instrumental in convincing our dad that they should become homeowners. I will always remember our trips to Sicily that began when I was a young boy and continued making those trips well into adulthood often taking my mom with us. We lost mom on Mother’s Day in 2013 at the age of 88. We were blessed to have her so long.

There are a lot of cactus plants in Sicily. When Cecile and I downsized to a townhome in a gated community in Los Gatos,

CA, there was a cactus garden with familiar oval cactus fruit right outside what would become my home office window. Every time I look down on it, I think of mom and all the sacrifices she made for me and my siblings. Buon Compleano, Mama. I love you.

Remembering My Late Brother Michael & The Amulet that Keeps us Spiritually Connected

My brother died unexpectedly on November 1, 2019, nine days before his 61st birthday. It was a shocking blow to all of us. There is an old wisdom saying that says “If you don’t remember somebody out loud, they die twice." People live on in the memories of those people around them, whose lives they influenced or affected. Speaking of good memories of a loved one, Michael is not just up there in the big sky, he’s right here in my heart and mind every hour I ride my bicycle which is about 60 to 80 hours a week when I’m in town.

This was made possible by my late brother’s oldest son, my nephew Michael Jr., who gifted me a silver amulet of an elephant on a silver chain with some of my brother’s ashes in them. My nephew thought I might enjoy taking the amulet with me on my bike rides. It was a brilliant idea and a way for me and my late brother to stay spiritually connected. I will forever be eternally grateful for this kind and loving gesture. In many ways the elephant amulet reminds me of the time Michael and I (along with my brother in law, Joe) went to Kenya on a camera Safari. He loved nature and wildlife, especially the majestic elephants as I do. The following poem is dedicated in Memory of our brother Michael.

The Train of Life:

At birth we board the train of life, and met our parents,

Believing they will always travel by our side.

However, at some station our parents would step down,

Leaving us on this life's journey alone.

At some point many significant people will board the train,

Siblings, children, friends, co-workers and our life’s partner.

Some of them eventually step down,

Leaving an empty seat no one else can fill.

This train ride will be full of joy, sorrow, fantasies,

Expectations, hellos, and farewells.

We don’t know at which station we ourselves will step down,

So we must live in the best way we can,

And offer the best of who we are, loving, giving and sharing.

When the time comes to leave our seat empty,

We must thank our Creator for the journey [we were given],

Praying [that] we too left behind beautiful memories,

For those who continue on the train of life.

Postscript: I adapted this poem from the author, Jean d’Ormesson, a famous French philosopher and write, who died in 2019

A Brief History of Halloween & Photos Taken of Elaborate Decorations While on My Bike

“There is a child in every one of us who is still a trick-or-treater looking for a brightly-lit porch.”

—Robert Brault

All Hallows’ Eve, or Halloween as it is commonly referred to, developed from the ancient Celtic ritual of Samhain, a festival celebrating the changing of the seasons from light to dark (summer to winter). Traditionally, a bonfire would be lit, sweets would be prepared, and costumes were worn to ward off the evil sprits. The ancient Celts believed during this time of year, the veil that separates the worlds of the living and the dead is at its thinnest.

Over time Halloween evolved into the holiday it is today. One of the reasons it is so much fun for me is the way people decorate their lawns. Many of the photos shown here were taken moving about various neighborhoods while on my bike. I also love seeing our granddaughters dress up for the occasion and go trick or treating. There is something special in dressing up and being anything you can imagine whether a unicorn, witch, the grim reaper or super hero. There is no one to judge you because this is what the day is all about.

SF 49ers VS. Kansas City Chiefs Pre game Festivities at Levi Stadium

Bill and I rode our bikes from the San Tomas Aquino Creek Trailhead in Santa Clara to Levi Stadium two hours before kick off. When Bill extended the invitation to ride our bikes there, I was someone hesitant to ride among the masses of fans attending the event. But, it was almost effortless and loads of fun. The people watching alone, was a kick.

While the game itself is almost always the main event, the pre game festivities are a gas. The name "Tailgate" party comes to mind, relating to a group of fans who congregate together to engage in pre game activities. Sometimes it "is" the main event depending on whether or not you have tickets to the game. Of course not everyone has a flatbed truck or RVs to set up. Yet, there were plenty of people we saw on the way to the stadium that where wheeling coolers on foot. The greatest aspect of this cherished ritual is the steadfast optimism that that no matter the odds against them, their team still has a chance to win. Regrettably, while the 49ers were ahead at the beginning they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 44 to 23. It doesn't take away that people had fun at this colorful event.

The social aspect is amazing. The most die hard tailgaters welcome fans with open arms even if they are from the opposing team. People were barbecuing and drinking up a storm, playing music (see and hear my short video)! There were other forms of entertainment including a corn hole setup, football throwing, and a table for beer pong to pass the time before kickoff. Almost everyone was wearing a 49er shirt and cap including Bill. There was one cool dude with a read shirt with Montana inscribed on the back, on his custom metalic blue Harley with his girlfriend holding on behind him. Everybody was there to have a good time and as far as we could see the mission was accomplished.

Dinner Al Fresco with Friends at Due Dieci Cucina Italiana at the Toll House Hotel

Sarah and Bill recommended we try the new restaurant Due Dieci (Italian for 210) a try. It is located in the posh Toll House Hotel in downtown Los Gatos, at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The restaurant was recently established by the five life-long partners of nearby Dio Deka that is known for serving Michelin quality Greek food. Building on the success and creative imagination of talented chef Nicko Moulinos, Due Dieci’s menu

also experiments with new combinations and flavors. One of several food servers that welcomed us and took care of our every need told us that a few months ago they had a “Soft Opening,” or soft launch before the official opening. Basically, it is a trial run for their operations whereby the doors are open to a limited number of people to test the menu, service and logistics allows them to iron our the kinds before opening day. It also helps create buzz in the community.

After ordering a bottle of La Follette Los Primeros Pinot Noir, one of the waiters brought an appetizer in pastry cups for all of us. We shared a Gemme Preziose salad, with local gems and bibs, roasted mushrooms, carrot, and truffle dressing; and a Funghi Pizza for the table. We were served a small cup of Italian style Gazpacho to cleanse our palettes before our entrees. Collectively, we ordered In-house handmade Pumpkin Ravioli of the day, and Rigatoni Alla Carbonara; Risotto with shrimp; and an 8 ounce three-way blend burger with provolone, prosciutto, roasted pepper and fries. One of us didn’t like the ravioli dish and the head waiter gladly swapped it out for another pasta dish. The service was excellent and everyone went out of their way to make sure we were happy.

The main dinning room was completely full. Luckily, we secured a table in the restaurant’s outside patio with a heater to keep us warm as the evening progressed.

We ended our dining experience with an assortment of ice cream and were brought a wrapped soft caramel candy complements of the restaurant.

Celebrating Our Son-in-Law Kyle’s 35th birthday at Kim and Al’s Home

We’ve always wanted the best for our daughter, and with the passage of time, we are so happy she found the best with Kyle and vice-versa. The greatest way to be a great son-in-law is to be a great husband and father, and that he is. The truth is most in-laws want to know that their child is happy and healthy and is fulfilled in their marriage. Kyle, when Cecile and I are around you and Michelle it is so comforting to see and to know how strong your relationship is. You have brought so much

love and happiness to our family. We are so proud of you, and eternally grateful to you and Michelle for blessing us with two beautiful grandchildren—Lyla and Emmy—who continue to bring us so much joy beyond measure.

Kyle, Cecile and I want to honor you for your birthday with a poem by Genie Graveline.

Son-in-Law

There’s a quiet strength about you

That we noticed from the start.

And a willingness to lend a hand,

To “more than do” your part.

For everyone around you,

For the ones you hold more dear,

You’re a source of love and comfort,

Treasured more from year to year.

You’re the Son-in-law we prayed for,

Long before we knew your name,

The “light within our daughter’s eyes,”

A sure and steady flame.

And with every day that passes,

There is one thing which rings true,

The love reserved for “family,”

Is the love we feel for you.

Dennis and Cecile

Sweet Ways of Bonding with our Granddaughters

"Grandchildren make the world a little softer, a little warmer, a little kinder and a lot happier."

Lyla had off from school yesterday so we had her and baby sister Emmy for the day. Nonnie Cecile baked croissants, one of the girls favorite treats, and they both joined us for a walk on the trails with Jason’s dog, Daisy. After that they did some watercolor painting on white construction paper, they painted and affixed stickers on the pumpkins Cecile laid out for them around our Buddha garden in our front atrium. After that Emmy wanted to blow bubbles while Lyla wanted to watch CoComelon and some of her other fun and some other favorite shows. Emmy had fun wearing Papa’s shoes and Cecile and I took turns reading books to her including a new one called “Jojo’s First Word Book.” We all had salad and macaroni and cheese, and watermelon for lunch, after which Emmy was ready for her nap. She practically begged me to put her sleep suit on and she went out within minutes of being placed in her crib and a few tummy rubs. She slept for almost two hours. In the early afternoon, Cecile enrolled Lyla in baking some rice Krispie Bars with marshmallows. Cecile did most of the prep work and Lyla helped melt a pack of marshmallows in

a pot and stirring the mix in the bowl. Emmy, a baker-in-training patiently watched as her big sister scooped up a big spoonful to taste. This is a tradition that Cecile began with our son Jason and daughter Michelle when they were young toddlers. After it was all done, they indulged themselves. There was even enough to take home. Though they can tire us out at times, these simple moments with them often become the most priceless and cherished memories.

Enjoying a Colorful Cancun City Tour and an Encounter with a Black Iguana

I just returned from Cancun on a three-day personal business trip and was able to fit in a two hour city tour with an English speaking driver/guide. Travelers love Cancun for its pristine turquoise waters and wide, white-sandy beaches. My driver wanted to take me on a drive through of "Zona Hotelera” or “Tourist Hotel Zone,” a narrow 14 mile long island where tourists spend most of their time. While my driver offered to take a photo in front of The Shark Tower in Puerto Cancun, the most exclusive community of condos, a shopping mall, restaurants, exclusive golf course and private marina he spotted a black iguana to my right (photo). As I bent down to get a tad closer, it quickly scurried into a nearby hole in the ground to seek refuge. The Westin Resort and Spa gives their customers a chance to feed a few friendlier iguanas. Though the black iguanas are one of the species that are not dangerous, the ones roaming around do have sharp teeth and sharp claws and it would be a mistake to try to pick them up.

While I didn’t mind seeing some of the more unique hotels and beautiful beaches and of course the iguana, I was very interested in the colorful Mexican Street Art Scene. Over the past couple of years large-scale public murals created by renowned Mexican and international street artists that has turned the bustling resort town into a vibrant open-air art gallery. The truth is there are no organized tours of murals. But my driver finally caught on and began to take me to several downtown buildings, sea walls, and street underpasses that had gone through a major transformation while highlighting a message of ecotourism and ocean conservation. I also saw some abstract lawn sculptures

My short visit wouldn’t be complete without a visit and photo in front of the famous and colorful Cancun sign in Playa Delfines.

Postscript: One of the more interesting and unusual murals is the museum or gallery of prominent figures including alleged corrupted politicians who abused their positions and damaged the country. It is a public Wall of Shame if you will that appears under the bottom of a bridge (Photo).

A Montage of Fun Play Dates with Our Granddaughters & A Family Dinner from Veggie Grill

“Speak to your children [and grandchildren] as if they are the wisest, kindest, most beautiful and magical

humans on the Earth, for what they believe is what they will become.”

—Brooke Hampton

We had a series of play dates and babysitting opportunities with Lyla and Emmy that culminated with a healthy dinner from Veggie Grill this past Saturday. The girls were excited that Uncle Jason would be joining us and of course they would get to see his dog Daisy whom they like to pet. Emmy in particular loves Daisy licking her fingers after she eats and Daisy can always count on Emmy to drop some crumbs on the floor accidentally on purpose:) for Daisy to snack on. Of course the state-of-play always takes on a life of its own, from playing with dolls, puzzles, stuffed animals and the miniature pinball machine in one of the spare bedrooms. There is also continued interest to play doctor in Papa’s room. In fact Lyla decided to give me an injection in my knee. Cecile and I did some art work with Lyla and Emmy separately and we read them some children books like the whimsical Lama, Lama series. Then I took the girls for a stroll around the ponds Michelle, Cecile and Jason continued chatting at the dinner table. Lyla sat at the edge of the stroller and became an easy target for her baby sister to pull on her braided ponytail and planting her feet on her back. Of course there are those tender moments when Lyla takes the lead in giving Emmy a hug.

Exploring Wildlife of the San Juan Islands Aboard the Odyssey with Captain Pete

“If we can teach people about wildlife, they will be touched…Because humans want to save

things that they love.”—Steve Irwin

We had a great time aboard the 65 foot Odyssey with Captain Pete and two of his amazing and knowledgeable naturalists on Puget Sound. The Odyssey was originally a US Navy search and rescue vessel built in 1941 that was later converted into a private yacht. The wildlife is quite diverse. The first sighting was that of a bald eagle, the most inspiring birds in nature. Nearly on the brink of distinction in the continental US they have made an amazing recovery. Though we didn’t see the majestic and powerful orca (killer whale), we did see Steller sea lions hanging out on rocky outcroppings and harbor seals lounging around, and soaking up the sun. Sometimes referred to as “dogs” of the sea, these adorable, playful, little animals resemble dogs swimming in the sea, often with their heads barely above water. Other more elusive creatures in the San Juan Islands that we got a glimpse of were minke whales that come up for a breath of fresh air and as quickly as they arrive, they’re gone again. Minke whales will often stay under water for 20 minutes or more and are considered the most populated whales in the world. We also saw the abundant Dall’s harbor porpoise often mistaken for the much larger orca whale due to their black and white coloring. They are very playful and tend to ride the waves of the boats bows with little effort. For us bird lovers, we spotted the gangly Double-crested Cormorant, a prehistoric-looking, matte-black fishing bird with yellow-orange facial skin. They resemble a combination of a goose and a loon.

Postscript: Thanks to San Juan Island Excursions for providing us all complimentary copies of the photos of the wildlife they took with their large zoom cameras. The other photos of sunrises and sunsets, the live crabs catch including a video clip were taken by us at the dock of Anacortes.

The Famous Pike's Place Market in Seattle: The Final Leg of our Cruise & a Bit of Beatlemania

“Seattle is for people who love culture, but refuse to sacrifice their wild nature to attain it.”

—Kimberly Kinrade

The final leg of our San Juan Islands Cruise took us back to the vibrant city of Seattle. Our tour bus driver dropped us off several blocks from Pike Place Market. On the way there we passed the nation's first Starbucks where people were patiently waiting in a long line to get their coffee fix.

Pike Place is a vibrant neighborhood that serves as Seattle's largest incubator of small, independent businesses, including shops and restaurants, craftspeople, farmers and permitted buskers (entertainers/street performers). For more than a century, it is the oldest continuously operating market in the country and one of the most popular places to visit. One of the most notable performers is the Accordion Cat, who has entertained visitors with his accordion playing such classic renditions like “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" for over 13 years, while wearing a cat-head mask all year-round as seen in the photo. After perusing the shops and markets Nelson and I dropped in at the Locust Cider & Brewing Co. for a beer. We also took advantage of a photo-op with the 7 foot and 4 inch wood carved Bigfoot Statue (aka Sasquatch) inside Pike’s Place Market.

Considering the frequent rain Seattle gets during the course of the year, Susie, Nelson, and I had an abundance of sunshine and needed to seek refuge in the shade, We found it on the front yard patio of Kells Irish Pub and Restaurant. Cecile had a cold and rested aboard our cruise boat where we would all stay another evening before our flight home the next morning. All except Nelson, that is, who planned a trip to Walla Walla, where he hooked up with his two brothers to go wine tasting.

Postscript: One of our tour guides named Spencer Fairbanks shared a little Beatlemania story. In 1964, during their first world tour, the Beatles stayed at the Edgewater Hotel at a time no other hotel in the city would accept them as guests. Beatlemania consumed Seattle. It was so chaotic that the Edgewater had to install cyclone fencing around the hotel to keep screaming fans literally at bay. Some die-hard fans tried to swim across Elliott Bay to reach the FAB FOUR. After the concert, the Beatles were rushed back to the hotel in an ambulance. Meanwhile taxi cabs and stand-ins were cleverly used as decoys. During their stay at the hotel, they famously fished from the window of their suite. The attached photo of them doing so became legendary.

A Self-Directed Tour of The Picturesque Town of Poulsbo also known as "Little Norway”

“Travel gives you a new perspective…and lets you meet some great people along the way.”

—Richard Tinkler

Who better than our guest speaker throughout our cruise, Brian J. Walsh, to give us a brief overview of our next port of call,

Poulsbo, where he and his wonderful wife Gayla call home. Brian is an environmental policy expert with a passion for nature photography dating back to his early childhood in Pennsylvania. Cecile and I, and our friends, Nelson and Susie Bye had the pleasure of having them join us for dinner one evening and connected with them several times throughout our cruise.

Poulsbo, a small town of over 10,000 is nestled in between the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges and the Puget Sound in Washington State. Historically, it was inhabited by the Suquamish people, many of whom moved to the Port Madison Indian Reservation. Poulsbo was settled in the 1880s by a group of Norwegian immigrants led by Jorgen Eliason who felt that the shores of Liberty Bay where our cruise ship—the American Spirit was docked—reminded them of the fiords of their motherland. Because of their Nordic roots Poulsbo is referred to as “Little Norway,” or “The Norway of the Pacific Northwest." It holds an annual Viking Festival and has a prominent "Sons of Norway lodge" of which Brian and his wife Gayla are members. Front Street is the center of a colorful historic downtown district where many of the shops sell Norwegian goods. Smack in the center of Poulsbo’s Front Street lies Sluys Bakery, which has become a staple of Poulsbo life since 1966.

We were told it was the best place in town to satisfy our sweet tooth with donuts to die for. It didn’t disappoint. This would be our breakfast along with a cup of coffee at the Coffee Haus that has a big mural facing their front patio that read: Velkommen [meaning welcome] til Poulsbo.

As we were ready to make our way back towards our ship, Nelson and I noticed Brian walking towards us with a big smile. We were happy to see him too. He wanted to say goodbye. Nelson took a photo of Brian and I in front of a mural before we all bid each other farewell. In the short time we had come to know him, it brought to mind a quote by Jim Henson: “There’s not a word yet for old friends who we’ve just met."

Postscript: A bronze statue of Viking King Olaf was installed at a small grassy park at Muriel Iverson Williamson Waterfront Park after a visit by King Olav V of Norway in 1975. Critics felt the statue with the mangy coat and pot helmet didn’t fit the fantasy of a Hollywood heroic Viking figure however historically accurate it maybe, so in 2012 Poulsbo erected a second more satisfying 12-foot-tall concrete Viking statue with the familiar horns was installed at the edge of town.

Enjoying the Charm and Scenic Beauty of Port Townsend, Washington

We docked at Port Townsend, Washington, which was discovered by Capt. George Vancouver in 1792. He named it after his friend, the first Marquis of Townshend. This small coastal town community prides itself on historic charm and scenic beauty. It is known for its many Victorian homes dating back to the 19th century. Cecile and I had lunch at the Light House.

I later explored the Jefferson Museum of Art & History and enjoyed homemade Italian Ices at Elevated Ice Cream and Candy Shop on Water Street. Fort Townsend is well known for finely crafted wooden boats, and the artisans who build them. The ceder welcome totem pole at the Northwest Maritime Center pays homage to them both. This historical marker was erected in 2019 by Jamestown S’Kallam Tribe was a gift to the Northwest Maritime Center, to celebrate their shared love and respect for the Salish Sea and the vessels that ply its waters.

Our friends Nelson and Susan took a half hour public bus tour of the town and vintage homes in the area.

Sunflower Steals the Show at the tranquil and Aromatic Lavender Farm in Sequim, Washington

“Wherever life plants you, be like a sunflower and bloom with grace”

-Adapted from a French proverb

I took this photo at the Jardin du Soleil Certified Organic Lavender Farm in Washington’s beautiful Olympic Peninsula owned by former Californians Jordan and Paula Schiefen.

Back History of Sunflowers: They sunflower or Helianthus Annus are native plant of North America. The word helianthus refers to a plant which turns its flowers and leaves to the sun and the name Annus means annual. It is derived from the Greek language, with helios meaning sun, anthus meaning flower and annus meaning annual. Sunflowers are believed to have grown by Native American Indians in Arizona and New Mexico dating bacck to around 3000 BC. The seeds were ground or pounded into flour for cakes and bread or cracked and eaten as a snack, the meal was mixed with other vegetable and oils used from the seed used to make bread. Non-fused uses include dye for textiles and body painting. Some plants were used medicinally including seed oil for skin and hair and dried stalk for building material. It was also used to treat snakebites.

Sunflowers were taken to Europe by Spanish explorers around the 1500 and became widespread thoughout Western Europe for ornamental and medicinal use. In the 18th century they became popular in Russia. By the late 19th century sunflower made its way to the USA. THere are now over 80 species, ranging from lemon to golden yellow, orange, pink, red and almost black.

In Chinese culture sunflowers are said to symbolize good luck, long life and lasting happiness, while in native American culture, sunflowers symbolize harvest and provision. The sunflowers is the national flower of both Russia and Ukraine.