Local Bike Ride & Lunch at Sweetgreen Restaurant at the Pruneyard

We the heat wave finally receding we started out planning a lunch ride to Willow Glen in San Jose, but the Los Gatos Creek Trail was blocked due to maintenance repairs. After riding several miles we reversed course and had lunch at the fairly new Sweetgreen Restaurant at the Pruneyard in Campbell that specializes in customized healthy and fresh salad and grain bowls.

The Los Angeles based chain with 12 in the Bay Area emphasizes using locally sourced, organic ingredients with a seasonable menu that changes throughout the year. After lunch we resumed our ride on the trail to Oak Meadow Park and Vasona Lake County Park, downtown Los Gatos. Some of the photos were taken on a trail adjacent to the old Union Pacific railroad tracks in Saratoga (Triangle South).

Postscript: The first photo of Billl and I was taken in front of the Wildcat Carving at Los Gatos High School. It was carved out of a majestic Sequoia redwood that used to grace the school's expansive lawn for over a half a century before sucumbing to the four-year draught several years ago. German Steffen Merla carved the school's wildcat mascot from the stump of the Sequoia redwood in 2016.

Dinner with Friends at Cucina Venti Authentic Italian Cuisine in Mountain View

Kudos to my wife Cecile, for discovering Cucina Venti, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, less than one mile from the futuristic Googleplex headquarters.

Though the outdoor patio in the back is spacious and well-appointed, with elegant and comfortable seating arrangements, due to the residual heatwave effects we’ve been experiencing, we decided to eat indoors in the comfort of A/C.

Nelson and I ordered a bottle of Hoegaarden wheat beer and Susan and Cecile had a Lemon drop cocktail. For appetizers we ordered Bruschetta for the table and were given complimentary house made dinner rolls. Nelson had a Greens & Pears Salad with Romaine lettuce, gorgonzola cheese, walnuts, cranberries, pears, served with a poppy seed dressing.

For our entrees, Susan had Porcini Mushroom Ravioli, which she shared with Nelson, Cecile had Seared scallops, as did Nelson, served with grilled asparagus, roasted potatoes, corn, mushrooms, bacon and spinach; and I had a Halibut fillet, with black truffle risotto, English peas, and Chanterelle mushrooms with assorted mushrooms, mascarpone cheese, and truffle oil.

Cucina Venti is highly praised for its delectable Italian-American cuisine, elegant ambiance, extensive menu and luxurious dining experience that we can certainly attest to. The waitress was very attentive and friendly.

For dessert, we decided to go to Castro Street in downtown Mountain view which in the aftermath of the pandemic continues to remain a pedestrian mall which is closed off to vehicle traffic. It was a great place to walk off our dinner and search out future dinner venues from a diverse and abundant choice of ethnicities. We had ice cream cones for dessert at Ice Cream Kween whose motto is “Ice Cream Solves Everything."

Escaping the Raging Heat Wave in Silicon Valley: Biking from Santa Cruz to Capitola

“Enjoy the little things in life because one day you’ll look back and realize they were the big things.”—Kirt Vonnegut

According the the National Weather Service our raging heat wave of up to 100 plus degrees is expected to last until July 10. Sometimes a change in venue is all that is required to stay cool outside rather than being cooped up in your home all day. Yesterday, at 8:30 am, Bill and I drove 22-miles south over the Santa Cruz Mountains from Los Gatos to Santa Cruz which took about a half-hour. There was literally no traffic to suffer through as most people had already headed to the beaches before or on the 4th. The fog lifted rather quickly and the temperature was a welcomed 70 degree with the gusty, cooling wind at our backs.

This quintessential California beach area serves as a mecca for surfers, sun-worshippers, biking and boating enthusiasts, hikers, volleyball players. We road to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the Wharf to see and hear the barking sea lions swimming and resting under the pier, while the seagulls were soaring and diving into to the ocean to catch their prey. We rode to the Walton Lighthouse at Seabright State Beach to watch the surf splash over the rocks.

We continued on to the Santa Cruz Small Craft Harbor before heading on to Capitola Village. The pier that had collapsed at its center has almost been completely replaced, and soon to open to tourists again. We stopped to see the surfers on Pleasure Point Beach. After stopping for an outdoor lunch near at the Lighthouse Field State Beach, we did a five-mile loop to Natural Bridges State Beach before heading back home by 2 pm. After clocking 24 miles, we felt so invigorated and fulfilled by the experience of communing with nature.

Happy Fourth of July Weekend Everybody

“One flag, one land, one heart, one hand, one nation evermore!"

—Oliver Wendell Holmes

“Liberty has been planted here; and the more it is attacked, the more it grows and flourishes.”

—Samuel Sherwood

It’s hard to believe that Lady Liberty is celebrating 248 years of freedom this 4th of July. I must say she doesn’t look a day over 200:)

Independence Day is a moment of reflection to honor the past, embrace the present and to shape the future.

Note: Many of the photos were taken at San Jose’s Rose, White & Blue Fourth of July Parade and Festival (2023)

Bike Riding to the Los Gatos Farmers Market & Returning on Vasona Lake & Creek Trail

My friend Bill and I road our bikes to the Los Gatos Farmers Market at the Town Plaza to purchase some organic produce and baked goods for our respective families. A few of my favorite vendors also sell their goods at the Saratoga Farmers

Market Cecile and I frequent on Saturdays.

I took a photo of two couples riding in a cool looking two-door yellow open air jeep across from the market on Main Street. After the blond in the front passenger seat yelled out, "Hey, you need to pay for that photo, they waved and gave me the thumbs up and proceeded to taking a photo of Bill and I exciting the market on our bikes.

We decided to take the nearby scenic Los Gatos Creek Trail through Vasona Lake County Park (a short cut open only to pedestrian, fishing and biking enthusiasts) on our way home. Some of the photos of the sailboats, pedal boats and kayaks that are available for rent at the Vasona Boathouse were taken early in the week.

Postscript: Severe Weather warning by the National Weather Service announcing a heat wave startubg Tuesday, July 2 and continuing through July 8 with temperatures reaching a high of 103 degrees.

Visiting the Johnny Cash Memorabilia Exhibit at Folsom Prison Museum with my Son

I was a fan of the late larger than life Johnny Cash long before I developed a growing interest in Country Western music. I also had a fascination with prison life ever since I did an externship for three podiatrists which included treating and operating on notorious inmates at Statesville Correctional Center (SCC), a maximum security state prison in Joliet, Illinois, near Chicago

Johnny Cash opened almost all his concerts with “Folsom Prison Blues,” after greeting the audiences with his trademark

introduction, “Hello, I’m Johnny Cash,” for decades. He performed the song at Folsom Prison on January 13, 1968.

It was later recorded and released as a live album titled "At Folsom Prison".

Contrary to popular belief, Cash was never incarcerated at Folsom. That said, he was arrested seven times and spent a few nights in jail. He wrote Folsom Prison Blues after watching the 1951 crime drama Inside the Walls of Folsom Prison. “Folsom Prison Blues” won him the Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance. In 2018, Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison on Columbia Records was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

More than any other song, “Folsom Prison Blues” cemented his status as the outlaw country archetype. Performing live shows for inmates made him an iconic figure with a reputation of reckless bad-assery.

Video Clip: Johnny Cash: Folsom Prison Blues in Las Vegas 1979

https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=aaplw...

Celebrated our Son Jason’s Birthday at Sienna Restaurant in Eldorado Hills

Cecile and I and Jason’s partner Alex celebrated Jason’s birthday at Sienna Restaurant in El Dorado Hills, California. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, 22 miles east of Sacramento, this popular dining spot is known for its upscale casual dining experience. It features a diverse menu that includes American cuisine with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including steaks, seafood, salads, and pasta. Additionally, Sienna has a full bar with an extensive wine list and craft cocktails. Jason had an Aperol Spritz and I had a Blood Orange Hefeweizen draft beer.

The ambiance of Sienna is warm and inviting, making it a perfect place to celebrate Jason’s birthday.

We shared Ahi Nachos & a Burrata salad, and for our entrees, we collectively had Grilled Salmon salad, their salad special, pappardelle pesto pasta with chicken, and Prime Rib.

For dessert, we shared the complimentary birthday cheesecake.

Lunch with Cecile & our son Jason at the Lazy Dog Restaurant at the Palladio Shopping Center in Folsom

Lazy dog is a relaxed chic chain restaurant founded by Chris Simms, CEO, serving global comfort food and craft drinks in 48 locations around the country.

Happy Fathers Day in Heaven to My Late Dad & the Neil Young's Classic Song "Old Man” Seems to be a Fitting Son's Tribute

(see video clip link!)

Neil Young’s 1972 song “Old Man” classic helped me take a renewed look at my relationship with my late dad, Frank Augustine, who lived to be 100. This classic, reflective, nostalgic, and introspective song explores the similarities and differences in perspective between a young man at the beginning of his life journey, and and old man who is closer to the end of his. It shows that the two men, despite having vastly different circumstances in life, ultimately have much in common. The lines “Old Man" look at my life, I’m a lot like you were” highlights this connection. Many like myself discovered that this song helped them navigate their relationships with their own dads.

As I grew older I noticed similarities between my dad and I, and began to recognize that no matter how different I believed we were, there will always be a sacred thread and bond that connects us. Like Young, I experienced early success, lived in a “paradise” but was still searching for something more, something that "can't be lost like a treasured coin that won’t get tossed away.” That ultimately came as I focused more and more on total acceptance and unconditional love of my dad. In later years, I worked hard to get him recognized by city, county and state officials, and the Office of Veteran Affairs and Senior Citizen community in New Jersey for his many contributions to his community and his country.

Happy Fathers Day to all Fathers and Father Figures!

Postscript: Neil Young—Old Man (Live) [Harvest 50th Anniversary Edition] (Official Music Video link)

https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=aaplw...

A Father's Day Family Barbecue & Pool Party at Chop’s Place in Scotts Valley

Cecile and I were invited to a Father's Day backyard BBQ and pool party hosted by Chip and his girlfriend Julie at in Scotts Valley, California, located in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Once a stagecoach stop between San Jose and Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley’s deep history goes back more than 150 years.

Our daughter Michelle was there with our granddaughters Lyla and Emmy, and grandson, little Gus, who always keep us entertained. We couldn’t have asked for a better day. Everyone brought a side dish and the gourmet dessert table was to die for. All the dads and stepdads opened there presents. Special thanks to The Metrulas family for the lemon and strawberry print dresses they gave Lyla and Emmy who were elated.

Postscript: Father’s Day was first celebrated on June 19, 1910, in the state of Washington, and became a nationwide holiday in 1972

On Father's Day we honor all fathers in our lives:

Grandfathers

Dads

Step-Dads

Adoptive Dads

Dads-In-Law

New Dads

Godfathers

Expecting Dads

Honorary Dads

32-Mile Bike Ride with Friends at Ed Levin County Park to Sunol Regional Winderness with Scenic Views of the Calaveras Reservoir

Bill and I and friends, Jimi and Jennifer Hunter met at Ed Levin County Park, a 1,558 acre regional park in Milpitas in Santa Clara County where we began our 32-miles roundtrip adventure. We rode on Calaveras Road past the reservoir to Sunol Wilderness. Calaveras is a beautiful, paved, rolling road that is a joy to ride. The air was sweet, there were plenty of shade trees, and 12-15 mph winds to help stem the forecasted 93 degree heat that would hit us on the way back. Bill recommended we begin our journey early to miss some of that heat and make it to lunch by noon. We continued our ride to Sunol Regional Wilderness in Alameda County. We achieved an elevation gain of 2,459 ft., and downhill speeds of 30 mph.

Upon our return, Jennifer spotted a snake that turned out to be a "Pacific Gopher Snake” native to the western coast of North America. They are spotted (dark brown), nonvenomous, good natured, and not harmful to humans. The last time Bill and I made this trip we witnessed a tarantula in the middle of the road.

Jimi and Jen treated Bill and I for lunch at “El Buen Gusto" in San Jose, two blocks from Cherrywood elementary school where he used to teach before retiring. After a long trip to Peru, it was nice to ride and together with friends again.

Lunch at Hummus Mediterranean Kitchen & A Blooming Garden Walk at Stanford Shopping Center

Cecile and I combined a little shopping, with a middle-eastern lunch and aesthetically pleasing Garden Walk experience Stanford Shopping Center is known for. They lead the way in transforming their community of storefronts into an enchanting, picturesque floral wonderland designed with the help and vision of garden designers. There are welcoming, stunning blooming flower beds everywhere.

But, first it was time for lunch. Ten years after launching their first Hummus Mediterranean Kitchen in San Mateo where our daughter Michelle and family used to live, the owners of this Turkish-style eatery expanded their reach with their fourth Bay Area restaurant at Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto last fall. On their grand-opening day the civic-minded owners donated 50 percent of sales to the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital nearby. The fresh offerings are made in-house using the finest ingredients.

Though we are a fan of the traditional pita bread, we prefer their nicely seasoned bread rolls which according to our water are baked regularly during opening hours. Though they have an extensive menu, Cecile and I were more than happy sharing their Appetizer Sampler Plate which included Hummus, sautéed eggplant, mediterranean Salsa, Baba Ghanoush, tzatziki, dolmades and falafel. The restaurant easily fits 80 people indoors and out doors. They have a fancy bar and a small take-out bakery kiosk.

Dinner at the Florentine Trattoria on Big Basin Way in Historic Downtown Saratoga

We had dinner this weekend with Susan and Nelson Bye at this old-time favorite that has come back into vogue as dinning has become an expensive enterprise due to sky high commercial rental rates. Sometimes, your're just not in the mood to be ripped off in overprised noisy restaurants, The prices prices at Florentine are reasonable, meal selections and portions are abundant (abbudanza).

Desserts are varied and creative including a Sicilian Lemoncello Swirl, the main dining room is spacious, alternate outside seating and private dining party room is available, and last but not least an after dinner "La Passeggiata," Italian for a gentle and slow stroll through the main city or town, reminds me of after dinner walks with family in Rocculumera, Sicily, 20 minutes from Taormina. Nelson must have read my mind. He brought a bottle of reisling wine from Napa and we each had a bottle of Heiniken before dinner.

"A Fireworks of Happiness" for a Kenya School Community that Began as a Loving Tribute to my Niece Selina

by Dr. Dennis Augustine

It has been six months since the loss of my niece and goddaughter. Some of us find solace and meaning after a loss by creating a legacy of love by helping others in need. My brother-in-law Joe Mcallister, my sister Josie, and family accomplished this by creating the "Selena Mcallister Computer Classroom" at the Masogo School in Kenya. Thanks to the Mcallisters, other family members, and family friends (Justin Stallard & Jack Broadnax), the program has expanded thanks to a long time friendship with Noel Olweny, a respected community leader whom Joe helped fund his masters degree in Land Management back in the day.

In the last several months the program has expanded, providing food subsidies for the school as well as an abundance of high quality school soccer jerseys, boots, socks, nets, balls, etc. In a most recent significant development, Joe provided the funding for sports uniforms and cleats for a visiting school, a commercial lawn mower to maintain the soccer fields, food, drink, and supplies to cover a celebration between the schools, teachers, and other members of the community. The following is an edited version of an updated report by Noel—whom I met with Joe at the Kenya Safari Club in 2006—on how the programs have grown and impacted this impoverished community.

"JAMBO ALL! Warm greetings from Kenya. Today is a 'Day of Days' to be remembered by many with long-lasting positive impacts. We had 160 visiting students from the Onong’no community and 322 from our Masogo school district including teachers and community members who came to witness the creation of the Selena McAllister Computer School. It all began with a staff meeting from the Masogo School and our visiting Onong'no School.

“We want to thank you all for making it happen. The JERSEYS were received with Immeasurable LOVE AND HAPPINESS.

“What a wonderful feeling it is to be in this state! From passing out the gifts, music playing continuously, dancing, enjoying watching the two friendly and spirited matches between schools. What a wonderful bonding event between staff, students, and the community as a whole. It is indeed the talk of the Kisumu district today. In Swahili, we refer to this experience as "KULIWAKA MOTO MOTO NA FURAHA KENYA,” (English translation: FIREWORKS OF HAPPINESS), to welcoming the Jerseys, and gifting the guest school who never in their dreams expected this level of generosity. We were able to feed over 500 people.

“Though my mama could not make it, as her body was not in the right shape, she prayed that everything went well, that the kids were happy and had enough to eat?”

“ASANTENI SANA.. MUNGU ABARIKI WOTE. May the Almighty bless everyone together with your families. Please share with your friends and family our LOVE.

“This reminds us that we are not alone in this world, we feel loved by beautiful people with selfless compassion and care that Selina Mcallister left us with.

“Noel's family, Masogo & Onong’no Schools and community at large in Kenya.”

A Day in a Life of a Delightful Farming Family in a Province of Cuzco in Peru

After visiting some local markets, our Trip Experience Guide, Salvador, had our driver take us to

the farm of a friend of his. This was an alternate activity he was offering us since the Cruzpata School, sponsored by Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) we were going to visit was closed on this date. While the husband was out of town, we did get to meet his lovely wife, Maria, her first born son, David (pronounced Daveed) from her first husband who is deceased, her youngest son Ben Hameen, and her beautiful daughter Sarah. Maria had inherited the farm from her mother.

The kids went to school, but helped out with farm activities. Maria and her husband have several parcels of properties. They have five cows, two steers on the farm we were visiting. They also had bee hives and made and sold honey which was offered to us as a snack. They harvested a ton of potatoes, fava beans, and other agricultural products, and were breeding rabbits and guinea pigs.

Sarah said she wants to work in the cosmetic field (i.e., make-up,) though some of the women travelers in our group said she was pretty enough to be a model. When Salvador asked if she had a boyfriend, she blushed, smiled, and stood silent, to which my late dad would say: “There’s your answer.” All in all, it was a pleasure meeting this handsome and cordial family, and how they have been afforded several opportunity to grow the family business.

The Tranquil Taquile Island Where Time Stands Still & Traditions Run Deep on Lake Titicaca

When we reached the stop, of the steep mountain, I felt like I was on top of the world. In the middle of the Peruvian half of Lake Titicaca, the shores of Taquile are at 12,960 above sea level, while its highest point reaches almost 13,300 ft in elevation. Said another way, this place is literally breathtaking at this elevation. We have all heard the term food insecurity, well, at these levels you can definitely feel "Oxygen insecurity."

Our guide Salvador, who always gives us options, invited anyone who wanted to climb the hill to the top could join him, or we could go back down to the waters edge with our local guide Bross and wait there for the ferry to return us to Puno. I chose to follow him slowly up to the top of the village main square (or plaza) where to our surprise there was some unexpected flag-waiving and colorful religious festivities.

Situated on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca, the island’s secluded location has allowed locals to continue their traditions without too much Western influence. Islanders numbering around 2,200, continued their generations-old-traditions of farming and fishing. This island was one of the last locations to fall to the Spanish during their conquest of Peru. Its stunning view of the lake, rich mountain landscapes, and colorful and stunning weaving traditions is a big draw for 40,000 plus tourists who visit annually. Even our guides love to come here to escape the busy streets of Lima city. It’s very common to see men knitting at breakneck speed, like our waiter (photo) who served us at the family-owned restaurant on the island before we made our ascent.

The tubular shape and bold read Cantutas (photo), in Taquile Island, is the national flower of Peru and nearby Bolivia. It is not only admired for its beauty but revered in the indigenous Andean cultures. During the Inca Empire, the Cantuta Flower was used as a symbol of identity and unification of the Inca people. The Incas planted this flower in their gardens and used it in their

religious ceremonies and festivals.

UNESCO recognized Taquile and its Textile Art as “Masterpieces of the Oral and intangible Heritage of Humanity” in 2005.

Dinner with Jason at Organika Farm-to Table Restaurant in the Ancient Inca CIty of Cusco

After experiencing the rich culture, the incomparable beauty of this ancient Inca city nestled in the Peruvian Andes, we were also exploring mouthwatering food. Jason and I decided to have dinner on our own and I left it up to him to choose where we should eat and he chose well and wisely. We went to Organika, a friendly and lively farm to table restaurant that offers authentic Peruvian cuisine.

Judging by the conversations in the full and busy dining room, it appeared to be a favorite of expats or English speaking tourists. The locals in Cusco are patient with foreigners because so many pass through here. Unlike Lima, Peruvians in Cusco speak at a slower pace. Dishes are thoughtfully presented and feature fresh ingredients prepared with produce from Urumbamba-based farm in the Sacred Valley.Main courses range from $12-15.

Jason had Quinoa soup and Homemade gnocchi with tomato reduction sauce, served with goat cheese and basil leaves. I had the Purple Cabbage cream soup in red wine and a tender, slow-cooked Osobuco with fine herbs in white sauce with sunflower seeds, basil, radish and homemade fava beans, for my entree.

Elegant & Jaw-Dropping "Balcones de Puno" Dinner Show & Birthday Celebration of our Guide

Before the colorful show, a birthday cake was brought out by friends and associates of our professional Overseas Adventure Travel guide, Salvador Torres. The dinner show showcased by singers and dancers that previewed traditional Peruvian music and dances. The costumes were worthy of anything seen at a Las Vegas performance. The show had us hooked from start to finish. The food presentation was equally wonderful. The dancers and band do not get paid and depend on the generosity of its patrons and we gladly contributed to the hat that was passed around. The show was conveniently located off of Ave Lima (tourist district) and the performances did not disappoint. After the show members of the audience were welcomed to come up to the stage and have your picture taken with the performers.

Boat Ride Across Lake Titicaca & Visiting the Uros Indians On Their Floating Islands

We explored Lake Titicaca by private boat with a local guide named Bross, an associate our our main tour leader, Salvador Torres. We began the day’s discoveries with a visit to the Uros Islands where indigenous people make their home on floating islands,” made of reeds that grow in the lake’s shallow waters. The Uros Indians are well-known for their Totora reed boats, called balsas, which are primarily used for fishing are sometimes affixed with sales, also made of reeds. We were met by a representative of the encampment who explained how the unique islands are made.

The women were weaving goods for sale. We were permitted to see their very small living quarters that fit a family of five. It was the oddest feeling walking on the reeds which yields on impact, a bit like a trampoline. We got to meet their pet dog, and their kids who were both playful and curious of the newcomers who were paying the elders a visit. For $5 one of the younger family members readied us for a ride on their boat. Their children climbed the platform and as we were about to leave the port, they sang us a couple of songs as their older family members had done earlier.

From there we made our way to Taquille Island. Once part of the Inca Empire, this island was one of the last locations to fall to the Spanish during conquest of Peru. We had dinner at a family-owned restaurant on Taquille. We had a mishap on the two hour boat ride. The captain of the boat got caught in the reeds and we required assistance. Fortunately, there was a boat nearby that towed us away from the reeds, and we were on our way.

Discovering the Ancient Pre-Incan Ruins of Sillustani Plus the Fertility Garden & More Lamas

We drove to the mysterious ancient pre-Incan ruins in Sillustani, called Chullpas, or funerary towers, where the Colla tribe buried their elite class in massive carved tombs that were built by them over 1,000 years ago without mortar, showcasing incredible engineering and precision tone masonry techniques.

This "city of the dead,” that has captivated visitors and adventure seekers from around the world consists of a group of cone-shaped towers overlooking Lake Mayo. The chullpas are made of enormous stones—bigger at the top than the bottom—and most date to the 15th century at the time of the Inca occupation. Steeped in history and mystery, Sillustani offers a glimpse into the remarkable engineering and spiritual beliefs of the pre-incas cultures.

We also did a city tour of Puno, featuring it most interesting sites, including the Baroque cathedral. We had lunch and ended our day visiting the Fertility Garden, and, visiting llamas, alpaca’s and hybrids that we couldn’t get enough of.