Happy New Year 2023: May it Be a Year of Peace, Joy & Freedom

“Never underestimate the power you have to take your life in a new direction” Every moment is a fresh beginning. Life’s not about expecting, hoping, and wishing. It’s about doing, being and becoming.”

—T.S. Eliot

Though Cecile and I are bit under the weather literally (serial rain storms), and will be spending New Year's Eve at home, we and our family wish you a New Year of peace, joy, and a sense of freedom. In the words of Neil Gaiman, “May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art—write, or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.”

While you’re contemplating the new year enjoy the youtube video clip by recording artist, Jon Batiste called “Freedom.” [see link below]! It’s about breaking through barriers, like James Brown or Elvis Presley did to become who they wanted to be and in the

process allowed black and white people to become who they wanted to be by “unlocking something in people that they were trying to hold in. These people became beacons of freedom, and you look at the way they move and the way they express who they are onstage. That becomes the way you want to be in life.”

Whether you are going out or staying in for New Years Eve this recording will make you feel like dancing your way into 2023.

Postscript: “Freedom” earned Job Batiste nominations for Grammy awards for ‘Record of the Year” and ‘Best Music Video.'

https://youtu.be/3YHVC1DcHmo

Thanks to good friends, Jimmy and Jennifer Hunter for forwarding me the Batiste video clip

Amazing Asian Art and Sculpture Collection and Whimsical Lush Gardens at the Hyatt Regency Maui

One of my favorite things to do during our annual family vacations to Maui is to mindfully tour the extensive Asian museum-quality art and sculpture collection throughout the corridors and amidst the lush manicured gardens and lagoons of the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa. The sculptures—many of them Buddhist—seem to go along with the wise words of one of the most celebrated religious figures in the world: The legendary Siddhartha Gautama, also know as Buddha, who once said: “Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace.” The simple message and the inner peace that the artworks that accompany this post inspire, are responsible for the appeal of the Buddhist art among people around the world. In the fourth and fifth centuries B.C., the time of the great thinkers such as Plato and Socrates in Greece, Lao-Tzu, and Confucius in China, India had its own great philosopher, thinker, and inspirational teacher: Buddha, who achieved enlightenment while meditating under a banyan tree.

Happy Hanukkah Day 3 (A Jewish Festival of Lights) & The Hanukkah Gifts we Brought Our Granddaughters

"Hanukkah is about the spark of the divine in all of us...”—Suzanne Fields

This past Sunday there was a Chanukah (alternate spelling) San Jose event for family, friends and the community

at Santana Row’s stage area where there was live music, dancing, singing including the children, and lighting of the menorah by Rabbi Mendel Weinfeld of Chabad House Almaden in San Jose, and others. A free Menorah and Candle kit were given attendees upon request. We had been invited to attend by Mendel whom Cecile and I have come to know over the past year. He is a real mensch and knows how to bring people, families, and a community together. It made no difference that I am not a Jew, though Cecile is, and our children were raised in the Jewish tradition and were Bar and Bat Mitzvah’d. However, in past years, I have worked with rabbis in interfaith dialogue, led meditation services and spiritual readings before Shabbat services, and even sang in a temple choir at Shir Hadash, a Reform synagogue. All this to say, I have a deep respect for the tradition and have done self-study in Judaism.

Unfortunately, for personal reasons we weren’t able to attend the grand event. But after, we got back from vacation in Maui

with our family including our granddaughters, I received a heartfelt message from Mendel, informing me that the event drew close to 2000 people. He added that had been thinking of me and said he was sure we were going to have some beautiful upcoming family celebration this year and wanted to take this moment to wish me and our family a happy Chanukah. The Rabbi ended with “May the light of the Menorah that shines so brightly continue to shine for you and your family.”

Speaking of light, Cecile and brought some Hanukkah gifts for our granddaughters Lyla who goes to Jewish preschool and her little sister Emmy who will begin part time in January. The custom is to give one big present and smaller presents for each of the eight days of Hanukkah. But, the light in our hearts that they place there, are for us, the most precious and joyous gift of all.

Origin of Hanukkah: It is a Jewish holiday which commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the larger Syrian army. It also celebrates a miracle that happened during this time. During the dedication of the Temple, there was only enough oil to burn the candles for one day. However, the candles burned for eight consecutive nights, giving the Jews time to find more oil. The eight days of Hanukkah celebrates this miracle and it teaches Jews, and perhaps all of us, not to curse the darkness but to light a candle, for if you keep your face towards the sunshine in the midst of adversity, the shadows will fall behind you.

Remembering & Celebrating My Dad on the 5th Year Anniversary of his Passing

“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard but always near,

still loved, still missed and very dear.” —Author Unknown

It was on December 18, 2017, eight days before Christmas that my dad died while we were vacationing in Maui. Cecile and I had taken him and my late mom, Marie—who passed away four years prior—to Maui in years past with our son Jason and daughter Michelle as seen in a couple of the photos included with this post. My siblings and I were blessed to have dad in our lives just short of reaching a 101. He was a gentle soul who loved wine making, gardening, reading about history, and hiking while being a scout leader for 25 years.

Whenever my mother announced that someone they knew passed away, my father would often say, “We all gotta go sometime.” It sounded so fatalistic, but the truth is, dad was a devout Catholic. He was a lay brother in the Maryknoll seminary in upstate New York, falling short of becoming a priest. Lucky for me, for had he gone on to take his priestly vow of celibacy, I wouldn’t be telling this story. However, he practiced his faith in other ways like volunteering to pass the long handled collection basket in the pews to parishioners at Our Lady of Grace Church in Hoboken, NJ, where I grew up. He was also a chaplain’s aide in the US Army in Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, and again at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD, working under Capt. William Walsh, who was his friend and mentor. After retiring he became the Grand Knight of the Knight of Columbus, a fraternal organization, and for many years tended a small shrine in the bay window of a storage room on the first floor of his and mom’s five-unit apartment building. He wasn’t at all preachy about his religious beliefs, but rather lived his faith. This caught the attention of a local pastor who wrote about my dad in his column called “Faith Matters,” in the Jersey Journal.

In the Company of Exotic Birds on Maui: A Metaphorical Gateway Drug to Learning More about Nature

“A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has song.”—Maya Angelou

I love being in the company of birds. From the time we landed on Maui, they made themselves known, especially when we were lounging around the lush vegetation near the pool and every time we had dinner in open air restaurants. At the Marriott Ocean Club, they have a cockatoo named Kukui (photo) who loves to whistle, and charm passersby by talking to them or mimicking their speech. It was heartening to notice that they kept Kukui mostly outside his cage. He is popular with the kids and adults alike and is well taken care of by the staff. I visited him before and after yoga classes. Our granddaughters Lyla and Emmy got to see and hear Kukui on the way to their art classes in the activity center.

There is an amazing on-site African Black-Footed Penguin habitat at the Hyatt Recency Maui, as part of their wildlife program that include exotic cranes, black and white swans and flamingos that hangout in the lagoons and ponds. Our daughter Michelle and Kyle took our granddaughters to visit them at their 9:30 feeding in the Atrium Lobby. I visited them recently before my yoga class. On average these playful creatures consume 100 pounds of fish every week. They are fun to watch swim, sunbathe, dig burrows in the sand, and just waddle around. This species of penguin is listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) red list of endangered species due to a combination of threats they face in the wild. I actually got to be in the midst of these beautiful creatures during a camera safaris in South Africa. African penguins are one of 14 species that live in warm climates. They can hold their breath over two minutes, swim more than 12 mph and dive over 400 feet. They are nicknamed “donkey pegs” for the braying sounds they make. One a year they lose all their feathers, a process that is referred to as molting.

The Black-Crowned Night Heron named Henry, is not an official part of the penguin habitat. He is basically a wild bird the visits so frequently that he has become part of the family. They can fly up to 35 miles per hour and can be seen surface swimming, diving or walking through shallow water.

Mynah Birds with yellow beak, feet and around the rim of the eye, were a constant presence. They are native to Asia.

One bird I was surprised to see while taking a walk, was a mother hen teaching her chicks how to eat earthworms in a patch of grass she unearthed. Apparently, baby chickens can eat mealworms beginning at around one to two weeks old. The high protein value makes words more nutrition than any other treats. You can’t really see the worms, but it is apparent this what is taking place.

"One reason…birds matter—or ought to matter"—says Jonathan Franzen, "is that they are our last, best connection to a natural world that is otherwise receding. They’re the most vivid and widespread representatives of the Earth as it was before people arrived on it."

The True Meaning of Aloha & Taking Yoga Fitness Balance Board Classes at the Marriott Ocean Club

“Change happens through movement and movement heals."—Joseph Pilates

People often ask what is the real meaning of Aloha? It actually is related to the presence of breath. The term Aloha is derived from the Proto-Polynesia period dating back to the early 1800s. The literal interpretation of the phrase translates to [Alo] meaning ‘presence’ and [Ha] meaning ‘breath’ for ‘breath of life.’ In the practice of yoga, we remember our breath as a way to bring us back to the present moment, and to link the body, mind, and spirit. WIth Aloha there is a recognition of the breath, the spirit within us, and the spirit [breath] that we all share.

I have been taking fitness balance board classes at the Maui Marriott Ocean Club for many years. The Yoga Fitness Balance Board is an offshoot of the original Indo Board used by surfers and skaters for land training and was then used to mimic Stand up Paddle Boarding. The wooden boards are roughly the size of a surfboard with rockers attached to the bottom of the front and back. The advantage of the Indo boards is that even if you can’t maintain your balance at times, your feet are only a couple of inches from the floor. It easy to touch down with one foot and bring it back up on the board. Working on your balance is especially important as we age. Because of the element of instability, the teacher conducts the pace of the class to flow more slowly than your typical yoga class allowing students to focus on breathing evenly and slowly; engaging your core muscles, build up you stamina; and, allowing you to really focus and concentrate on your balance.

Family Dinner at Hula Grill with Live Hawaiian Music, a Hula Dancer & the Original Hula Pie Dessert To-Die-For

“The Pied Piper” of Hawaii Cuisine.”

—Los Angeles Times about Pittsburgh-born, Chef Peter Merriman

Cecile and I hosted a family dinner at the Hula Grill in front of Whaler’s Village, located in the heart of Kaanapali’s south beach, also known as, “Dig-Me Beach.” It offers a stunning view of the Pacific and of the island of Lanai and Molokai. Dinner was served on the restaurants outdoor patio with live Hawaiian music and a hula dancer, which our granddaughter Lyla, particularly loved watching. We had everything from farm greens salads, fresh grilled Mahi-Mahi, Crab-Topped Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi-Mahi, Fresh Fish tacos, and shared sides of Roasted Beets, Colorful Wood-Roasted Glazed Carrots, Bamboo Steamed Greens, Pumpkin Hummus with Pita and raw carrots and cucumbers. Lyla and Emmy had Mac Cheese and Fresh Battered Fish. Dinner was followed by two Original Hula Pies the size of small footballs. It is made with chocolate cookie crust, macadamia nut ice cream, hot fudge, toasted Mac nuts, and whipped cream, Hula Pie is one of the best guilty pleasure desserts of all time.

In 1994, Pittsburgh native, Peter Merriman, partnered with TS Restaurants to open Hula Grill on Maui’s famed Ka’anapali Beach, and was touted as “the best fish house in the islands” by Honolulu Magazine.

The son of a respected food writer of the Pittsburgh Gazette, Chef Peter Merriman, cut his teeth on the finest culinary fare the city had to offer. He played football in high school and has reportedly uses the sport as a metaphor for cooking and running a restaurant. "It’s a team sport and you need a team you can count on."

He did an apprenticeship a the Woodstock Inn of Vermont, after earning a BA from the University of Pennsylvania. From there he worked at Martha’s Vineyard, then off to Germany where he worked for the Intercontinental Hotels. Later, with his partners he opened a number of successful restaurants.

Kyle & Michelle Treated us for a Memorable Brunch at The Gazebo Eatery in Napili

“Hawaii is not a state of mind, but a state of grace.”

—Paul Theroux

The Gazebo Maui is a small, hidden out-of-the-way gem located poolside at Napili Shores condos about 20 minutes from the Marriott Ocean Club resort where we are staying.

It was introduced to us by our son-in-law Kyle some years ago. He and his family used to frequent the eatery daily while on vacation when he was a kid. He affectionately refers to it as one of his favorite places to eat—of all time. The view is picture postcard perfect as it sits right on the ocean adjacent to Napili Bay. They serve only breakfast and lunch. They also serve mammoth-sized portions that include banana pancakes, omelets, breakfast burritos, burgers, sandwiches and so much more. They are also known for there huge signature fried rice platter that includes chunks of meat and veggies.

The well-loved, open air diner with congenial staff and fast service for good value is decorated with tropical plants and abundant Hawaiian memorabilia that line the upper walls as seen in the photos. We continue the ritual of eating here on our annual family vacation.

Observing a Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle (HONU) Basking on Kaanapali Beach Near a Capsized Boat

I overheard a woman tell my daughter Michelle that there was a beached giant turtle in the front of the Maui Marriott Ocean Club Molokai. As it turned out it was a Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle (Honu) near an abandoned boat that was shipwrecked from last years storm while we were here. Honu are the only sea turtles in the world that regularly bask or sunbathe on shore. Though singular sightings near where we are staying are infrequent.

A sign was posted letting tourist know the turtle was not stranded, and should not be touched or fed, and view them respectfully from ten feet distance. Of course, several weren't heeding the distance restrictions. They are native, wild animals that are best left alone. They are protected under State and Federal law. Do not disturb on land or in the water

Many people consider honu their family guardians. In Hawaiian culture hey are a symbol of wisdom, longevity, good luck, peace, lifelong protection and mana (spiritual energy). They are depicted in ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs, artwork, and mythology and represent the eternal link between man, land, and sea. They are thought to live up to 80 years and reach maturity at about 200 pounds.

Honu or Turtle Wisdom:

Spend more time at the beach

Let worries roll off your back

Swim at your own pace

Enjoy time by yourself

Come up for air

Trust the flow

Slow Down

Breathe

Happy Birthday Michelle: Here are Some Recorded Magical Memories in Living Color

"What I like about photographs is that they capture a moment that’s gone forever, impossible to reproduce.”

—Karl Lagerfeld

Dearest Daughter Michelle,

When we look at you and how much you have grown as a human being, we feel so proud. It’s not just the beauty

in your face, but the shining spirit that lights up our world and the hearts of friends and family who have come to know and love you over the years.

We don’t know where the time has gone or when yesterday became today, but hopefully the photos I recorded (or arranged to have recorded) since you were a child will bring back some fond memories. Each time we think of the joy you have brought to our lives, as Lyla and Emmy have brought to your life, Kyle’s and our extended family. What comes to mind is how much we are all truly blessed.

It was great to see you, Kyle and the girls this evening at your home and can’t wait until you guys join us and Jason in Maui next week to celebrate your birthday again, and record new memories.

Aloha!

Mom and Dad

Lunch at the Bell Tower Cafe with Friends: Housed in a Former Church with 19th Century Origins

Old friends are like old stories. You have to visit them from time to time. Cecile and I recommended our favorite place for casual dining, perfect for a Sunday outing with our dear friends, Nelson and Susan Bye. It was a chance to refuel, be grateful for our blessings, take a deep breath and relax.

The historic Bell Tower Cafe in the heart of Saratoga has three patios and fresh-air seating options. One open-air patio sits in the front of the cafe, and two covered and heated back patios provide patrons and their families, comfortable dining areas. They welcome dogs with complimentary water and dog treats. They offer breakfast and lunch dishes all day. For eggs benedict fans, I counted eight variations on their extensive menu. They also serve an assortment of breakfast burritos, omelettes, waffles and pancakes, crepes and classics. Other offerings include sandwiches, panini, combination plates, burgers, salads, soups, fresh squeezed orange juice, cocktails, beer and wine, coffee, coffee and cappuccino, etc.

Churches worldwide have been given an afterlife by savvy entrepreneurs who Convert them to libraries, schools, housing, bars, theaters and restaurants. The Bell Tower Cafe was a former Methodist Episcopal church dating back to 1896. This charming Saratoga eatery that opened in 2010 provides fresh air and the freshest of ingredients. All the produce is locally grown and they make their own bread, potato chips, baked goods and sauces.

They offer patrons friendly, attentive and quick service.

Bell Tower has an idyllic shady garden, stone cherubs, potted plants, and an arbor with vines and flowers. There is even a red phone booth that in the age of cell phones is an whimsical relic of the past. The building was used by the Red Cross during WW l, the city of Saratoga’s Town Hall, and even a school. In 1924 the church became an art gallery and sometime later housed a bridal salon. Though there is no longer a bell to ring in the Bell Tower, I love to ring few of the ornate bells located on a stand in the reception area just in front of a blue sign that boasts, “Best of Saratoga 2012.

A Thanksgiving Eve Spin Art Studio and Pachinko-Like Slot Game with the Grandkids

“If children are the rainbow of life, then grandchildren are the pot of gold.”

—Author unknown

Cecile and I accepted an invitation from our friends and neighbors, the Rothenbergs to bring our granddaughters Lyla and Emmy to an outdoor Spin Art Activity and a Pachinko-like Slot Game with their granddaughter Eliza. Their sons Clark was visiting from Austin, while Bennett and his wife Kristina, Eliza and baby Gus-whom I got a chance to cuddle with-were visiting from Chicago for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Spin Art is a very popular activity for children. Check out the Amazon website and you will find an abundance of spin art machines or you can make a homemade one which my creative friend and biking buddy Bill Rothenberg did using a forty-year old record player he had in storage. For the canvas you can use thick paper or paper plates. Pick up a medium like tempera or activity paint, a smock, apron or old clothes and you’re all set to go. Emmy took to the spin art right away and turned out a couple of fun pieces. Lyla was more interested in the Pachinko-like game and being with Eliza. Bill created a modified version of the Japanese Pachinko in his and Sarah’s side yard, a game suited for kids and adults. It involves launching miniature striped and solid pin balls by feeding them up a crank delivery system Bill designed which goes into a feeding tube that leads to a slanted play board as seen in the photos and video clip.

As the balls drop down the board they randomly end up in numbered slots below. Each numbered spot is worth a certain amount of points. Bill added a little variation to the game by declaring if the grandkids choose the striped balls, they win, and if the grandpas choose the solids we win. Having met Bill and Sarah’s granddaughter Eliza from Chicago for the first time, she was shy during the spin art, but was very animated when she and Eliza won two out of three.

Postscript: Traditionally Pachinko machines can be found in Pachinko parlors. The earliest form of Pachinko was called “pachi-pachi” for the click-clacking, rolling sounds the balls make which is half the fun. Later, the game gained an adult audience and became known as Pachinko when the board was made vertical and prizes were offered. Takeichi Masamura became known as the Father of Pachinko.

Early Dinner at Fresh Catch Fish House at Stanford Shopping Center with our Son

Generally speaking I am not a fan of shopping malls, but Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto, situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, is in a league of its own. It is considered to be Northern California’s premiere open-air shopping which includes upscale high end stores like Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Neiman

Marcus, Wilkes Bashford, and over 140 world-class specialty stores. With designer facades and interiors beyond the the boring commercial architecture of old, since its major renovation several years ago. There are a number of amenities that makes spending time at the center an

absolute delight. This place is a monument to affluence and privilege as it can get, and boasts “breathtaking gardens, sculptures, and fountains, that accent the garden-like environment that people come all over the world to see. The Center also has an abundance of places to sit outdoors, where you can have a cup of coffee, or an ice cream cone, people watch and dog watch. There are about 14 restaurants to choose from including P.F. Changs China Bistro, True Food Kitchens, The Melt, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar and California Pizza Kitchen to name a few. Cecile, our son, Jason and I decided on the spacious and sustainable Pacific Fresh Westcoast Fish House. It appeared that we all in the mood for salmon. Jason had a salmon burger on a poppy seed bun with salad and fries; Cecile enjoyed a salad with grilled salmon and I had two Salmon Tacos with refried beans and salsa and chips.

While Cecile and Jason were waiting in line to buy some See’s Candy, I took some photos of artist, Albert Guibara’s humorous three signature Bronze "pin heads” sculptures that were designed and built on site in Burlingame, CA. A lifelong resident of California, Guibara was born in LA, and spent the entirety of his professional life in San Francisco. I also love visiting the whimsical Frog Fountain called the "Merfrong Family” public fountain (1978) by David Gilhooly, that is always filled with coins thrown in by passersby. It is always a great hit with kids and adults alike.

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.