Visiting the Municipal Rose Garden in the Heart of San Jose with Cecile's Sister Sherry from South Carolina

“Love would never be a promise of a rose garden unless it is showered with a light of faith, water of sincerity, and an art of passion.”

—Jack Canfield

It’s always a pleasure to share what the Greater San Jose area has to offer out-of-towners especially when

it’s family. In this case it is Cecile’s sister Sherry who is visiting with us from South Carolina. She not only took the time to see the roses but paused—as we all did—to take a whiff of the intoxicating fragrance of the showy blooms that highlight the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden, designated as "America’s Best Rose Garden."

Hardly a day passes when some species is not in full bloom, featuring 3,500 plantings and 189 varieties, showcasing a breathtaking array of colors and delighting the senses of all who wander its winding paths. Though early May offers acres of sweet, fragrant, majestic roses at its most beautiful stage, they were joyfully blooming here in early August. The 1/2-acre Municipal Rose Garden which was once a prune yard is considered one of the most attractive of its kind in the world, drawing thousands of visitors each year.

When Cecile and I first settled in San Jose in 1975 to open the Park Avenue Foot Clinic, we used to take two-hour lunch breaks (picnics) at the nearby garden in the midst of the rolling green lawns. The intoxicating beauty of the roses had a calming effect on us, especially during the earlier years when the practice began to grow and prosper.

Nestled in the heart of San Silicon Valley, this fragrant oasis and botanical gem opened to the public in 1927, is one of the oldest municipal rose gardens in the United States.

Biking Around Shoreline Park & the Baylands Nature Preserve & Lunch in Downtown Mountain View

Bike riding is a beautiful thing. Peaceful and serene, flowing and artistic, freeing and blissful, pedaling a bike over hill and dale is ethereal.”

—Ted King

In the midst of Silicon Valley lies a man-made oasis that includes Shoreline Park and the vast Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve. Both offer a unique blend of natural beauty and diverse ecosystems, making them invigorating, peaceful and abundant spaces to hike, bike, golf and go bird watching. Both locations feature stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, marshlands, salt water ponds, and surrounding hills, offering a picturesque backdrop for many activities. All and all, the natural surroundings provide a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Shoreline Lake, which is part of Shoreline Park is a 50-acre salt-water lake that is part of the San Francisco Bay estuary system that lies under the Pacific Flyway, a migratory bird path. In order to reach warmer habitats, around a billion birds migrate along this route each spring and fall. The lake and its connecting estuaries are full of natural life such as fish, crabs, vegetation, crustaceans and mollusks, and is a great haven for a large variety of birds that feed on them, including herons, egrets, ducks, seagulls and pelicans.

The varied terrain trails offer a mix of flat, easy paths and more challenging routes. We enjoyed extending our ride by riding the sand dune-like trails that border many of the estuaries and to circumnavigate Palo Alto small craft commuter Airport where you can view aircraft take off and land.

We ended our 29-mile sojourn by riding the trail passing the futuristic Google Headquarters that overlooks the marshlands and continuing on to downtown Mountain view for lunch at Hummus Mediterranean Kitchen.

Having Fun at the Saratoga Classic & Stunningly Cool Car Show

“Vintage cars are living proof that the past can be beautifully preserved in the present, and exude a sense of elegance that transcends time.”

—Unknown

During our 19-mille morning bike ride Bill and I attended the colorful 13th Annual Classic Car Show at the Historic Saratoga Village on Sunday. While a great many of attendees had to take the free shuttle service from West Valley College, we were able to casually walk our bikes along Big Basin Way that was closed off to traffic, pausing to view the more than 250 plus cars on display. Owners of these beauties were seated nearby to answer any questions and bask in the praise of the passersby. We even saw a custom bike that belonged to a guy who has been making them for 30 years. The free public event was hosted by the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce. Interestingly enough, there were military vehicles on display including a US Army tank that Bill is positioned in front of.

Postscript: You don’t have to be a car buff to enjoy these events. Car shows bring people of all stripes together to share their passion for automobiles. These cars were freshly detailed and buffed to the nines, and are a big draw for people like myself who love photography and enjoys aesthetic beauty and art form of all kinds.

Take-Out Family Dinner from Yeung Shing Gourmet Restaurant for the Grandkids and Grandparents

“Like martial arts, the Chinese cuisine at Yeung Shing...packs a one-two punch in flavor.”

—Dawn Wright

“Everyone needs to have access both to grandparents and grandchildren in order to be a full human being.”

—Margarent Mead

Almost everyone has a favorite Chinese restaurant. One of our go to places—either to dine—in or take-out is Yeung Shing, which specializes in Shezchaun and Cantonese—style cuisine. Shezchuan tends to be hot and spicy and Cantonese is salty, sour and pungent, and prepared in a wok. The aromatics of the food is heavenly.

Cecile and I hosted the event on our backyard terrace on Friday. The timing couldn’t have been better. After another heat wave, the early evening temperature finally dropped from 95 degrees to 79, that made it possible to eat outdoors.

Our daughter Michelle and husband Kyle and Lyla, Emmy and baby Gus were surrounded by their grandparents and part-time caregivers, Kim and AL (Lolly & Pop); Ed and Gerry (Grampie and GG), and yours truly, Dennis and Cecile (Papa and Nonnie)

Kim and AL brought a tray of delicious baguette appetizers, from Kim’s late mother’s recipe and Ed and Gerry brought dessert: A Giant chocolate chip cookie that she cut in slices and served us with scoops of her homemade ice cream that was to die for.

After dinner, I took Lyla and Emmy on a walk/ride on the baby stroller—that they have clearly outgrown—around the lake in our gated community to see the ducks. Gerry asked Lyla to let her know how many ducks she and Emmy would saw when we got back. There were 19 cuddled up together at edge of the lake. They also saw a few white tailed bunnies and lizzards scampering along the way.

Brunch with our Granddaughters at Effies Restaurant & Reading Children Stories to Them at Barnes & Noble

“There is no substitute for books in the life of a child.”

—May Ellen Chase

Cecile and I took Lyla and Emmy to Effies Restaurant in Campbell for brunch. Their favorite dish are Mickey Mouse pancakes. Cecile had a Veggie Omelette and potatoes and I had a Turkey Club sandwich with French fries. Effies is known for its cozy and welcoming atmosphere with comfortable seating including old-fashioned Maroon booths. The ambiance is enhanced with soft lighting, disco-style mirrored ceilings which the kids love to see their reflections, vintage photographs and charming artwork that adorn the walls, adding a touch of nostalgia and personal character to the large dining room. Though it caters to an older crowd, the waiters and waitresses always give the girls a big smile and tender loving care.

After brunch, we took the girls to the Barnes and Noble's bookstore on Stevens Creek which has a large popular children’s section. Between us, Cecile and I read over a dozen books to them while they sat on our laps or on the bench beside us. The inventory is better than some local libraries. They also have a large selection of stuffed animals and toys, Before bringing them home we let them pick two books and a small “softy” stuffed animal, they can cuddle with. They were thoughtful enough to choose one for their baby brother Gus.

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.