Enjoying a Relaxing & Casual Lunch at the Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay

"Today is your birthday. We're gonna have a good time..."

—Paul McCartney & John Lennon

Having lunch at the Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay is a luxurious experience, offering stunning coastal views. Cecile and I chose to dine on the Ocean Terrace. We shared Chicken Tacos and a Harvest Salad. The waitress had forgotten to bring a place setting and felt so bad she insisted that we choose a dessert on the house. Rather than order two desserts we shared a chocolate mousse and chocolate sorbet. The Ritz-Carlton is perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the golf course. It is a great choice for a leisurely and relaxing lunch.

The Ritz-Carlton offers direct access to coastal trails, so after lunch we took a stroll along the cliffs, after which we sat on the deck chairs absorbing the beautiful surrounding making it a full experience of luxury and nature.

Relaxing at the Cypress Inn on Miramar Beach in Half Moon Bay

Cecile and I are at the Cypress Inn on Miramar Beach in Half Moon Bay for a few days, a great place to relax and rejuvenate. We have an ocean front room with a cozy balcony with table and chair just steps from sand and sea, tucked between forested hills and some of the most beautiful coastlines in California. It is favorite getaway destination. After enjoying European-style hors d’ oeuvres with a glass of wine from a Sonoma Coast wine bar, and later house-made chocolate and oatmeal cookies we took a walk along the beach walk watching people walk and okay with their dogs, and ride their bikes. We returned to our room and gazed upon the Pacific Ocean and let the soothing sounds of the crashing waves lull us into blissful relaxation while watching the golden sunset behind the coastal clouds.

Riding Over the Stylistic Don Burnett Bicycle & Pedestrian Bridge & Lunch at Nick the Greeks & Visiting Bubba the Bear

We began the bulk of our 20-mile ride along side the Union Pacific Trail that runs by the railroad tracks beginning from Saratoga to Cupertino where we and walkers, runners and bikers have exclusive access to unpaved roads without having to stop stop for cars. We enjoyed majestic oaks along the way. Bill took a photo of me seated in a bulldozer at the side of the trail, to add to my collection over the years riding oon roads less traveled. We then made our way through the 112 acre De Anza College in the heart of Silicon Valley, with award winning building arranged around a series of open plazas.

We then headed to Cupertino’s Don Burnett (Mary Avenue) Bike Pedestrian Bridge. We crossed over the 500-foot span cable-stayed steel bridge over the 280 freeway. Used by pedestrians and cyclists, including jogger and walkers of all ages. It is a popular placer for children to lear how to ride a bike or a scooter. Mid-span, we enjoyed a view of the valley and the old Quarry next to the Steven’s Creek Reservoir that Bill and I have frequently rode our bikes. The bridge is a social and artistic magnet that draws photographers searching for a compelling artistic photograph.

I started taking photos immediately of the metal birds atop a larger boulder at the Mary Ave/Meteor Drive entrance to the Don Burnett Bridge. After retracing our way back we stopped for lunch at Nick the Greeks in Sunnyvale. On the way home we stopped to see the famous "Bubba the Bear" on Bubb Avenue in Cupertino that was carved out of a 45-year old drought-stricken pine tree by Glen Sievert from Humboldt.

Hawaiian Luau Dinner Show at Rinconada Hills in Los Gatos

“Tropical nights and hula delights, this luau ignited our island flights."

Having vacationed in Maui annualy for almost 50 years, the invitation from the Rinconada Hills Association (RHA) to attend a Hawaiian Luau dinner on our Clubhouse Lawn within walking distance of our townhome was too good to pass up.

"Bring your own Aloha spirit and join us for a night of fun, delicious food, and festivities,” it read.”! Be enchanted by the captivating moves of Hula Dancers “Island Spice.” Dance the night away with the beats of “Wesside.” Tiki Mai Tai Bar, cocktails, wine and beer bar, and a Feast Fit for a Chief” Enjoy mouthwatering appetizers, authentic Kalua Pig, and a lavish Hawaiian buffet with neighbors and friends." Upon arrival we were given a Lei, a symbol of friendship and love, a big part of the Hawaiian tradition, used for celebrations of all kinds.

The excitement kicked in when the Island Spice Hula Dancers began the show dancing to the catchy theme song of the iconic TV show Hawaii Five-0 that captivated audiences for over a decade with a fictional portrayal of a elite police task force solving crimes in beautiful Hawaii. The picturesque landscapes and stunning beaches showcased in Hawaii Five-0 had a profound impact on tourism in Hawaii, inspiring many viewers to visit the islands.

Thanks to Dee Blumenthal, head of the social committee for organizing the event and to Mike Yarman, the general manager of RHA and his assistant manager, Ray Ramirez who both have put their culinary school skills in service to our gated-community to give it’s owners and guests a starlit evening under the majestic palm trees to remember.

Mahalo!

Note: See Video Clip with Island Spice Hula Dancers dancing to the iconic Hawaii Five-0 TV show theme song!

Visiting the Montalvo Arts Center Installation Honoring The Ohlone Indigenous Tribe

During our 10-mile bike ride Bill and I decided to visit a new installation at the non-profit Montalvo Arts Center in Saratoga which also includes a park, hiking trails and the historic Villa Montalvo, an Italian Mediterranean mansion nestled in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

For me Villa Montalvo has high sentimental value. The now defunct Saratoga Community of Painters, a plein air watercolor group I belonged to used to paint on these magical, peaceful, and meditative grounds. We even showed our work there and I was lucky enough to have the director of the arts purchase one of my paintings of the mansion.

Just short of the mansion we saw a neon sculpture with boldly stitched words, TURTLE ISLAND, by artist Marie Watt. I would later find out it was meant to “catch people off guard and encourage deeper inquiry and understanding.”

According to Wikipedia Turtle Island is a name for Earth or North America, used by some American Indigenous people. It is based on a common creation story or myth.

We then spotted the Hummingbird statue by San Jose artist Francisco Graciano that also honors an indigenous tribe’s creation story—in this case the Ohlone tribe whose offspring still walk prominently among us.

Bill who also has an appreciation of art, and creates whimsical art forms such as sun dials, and wind chimes from bicycle parts, asked me to feed the hummingbird. Hence, I lifted my palms upward just under its beak, creating a real time interactive piece of art of a living or animate being (yours truly) with an inanimate being, (the hummingbird).

Postscript: When we approached the Amphitheater, Bill spotted some wild turkeys which added authenticity to the exhibit.

Exploring the Iconic Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San Jose

“The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum offers a rare and comprehensive glimpse into ancient Egypt, presenting one of the finest collections of artifacts outside of Cairo.”

—Time Magazine

Cecile and I, and her sister Sherry participated in a 30-minute docent led tour of the Egyptian Museum located at Rosicrucian Park in the Rose Garden area of San Jose, just four blocks from where we used live in 1975 when we first moved to California. It is one of San Jose’s most treasured unique landmarks.

The museum founded by the Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis in 1966 is truly a magical place, blending history, mystery, and spirituality. With over 4,000 artifacts, it houses the largest collection of authentic Ancient Egyptian on display in Western North America. This magnificent educational system complex also included a Planetarium, Labyrinth, and Library. The grounds outside the museum are as much of a wonder as the collection inside.The Peace Garden has a tranquility pond, Egyptian-style structures, and winding walkways adorned with unique and exotic plant-life. The Mystery-shrouded Labyrinth was designed after the Chartres Cathedral in France.

The museum hosts more than 100,000 guests per year, including 26,000 school children. The central feature of Rosicrucianism is the belief that its members possess secret wisdom that was handed down to them from ancient times.

An Exotic Dinner at Urfa Bistro & Dessert at The Penny Ice Creamery in Los Altos

“The best recipe for a wonderful dinner is good friends and family, good food, and good conversation."

Cecile and I and her sister Sherry visiting from South Carolina had an exotic dinner with good friends Sarah and Bill Rothenberg at Urfa Bistro in Los Altos. We were warmly greeted and seated at a comfortable corner table with a colorful view of the outdoor seating with red umbrellas.

Named after a city in South-Eastern Turkey, Urfa Bistro Mediterranean offers an exotic blend of cuisines from the many

civilizations that ruled in Urfa. The dishes span from the Mediterranean and the Middle East, and carry names in Kurdish, Arabic, Armenian, Syrian, and Turkish, and are prepared and seasoned to perfection. According to legend Urfa is the birthplace of many dishes including Raw Kibbe (CIG Kofta) that was crafted by the prophet Abraham from ingredients he had at hand.

Everybody loved their plentiful dishes and most of us had leftovers packaged to go. One of the things we were grateful for was our ability to conduct a conversation without the echoing noise in many high-priced-restaurants that spin the idea that a hustle-bustle atmosphere is a sellable feature.

For dessert, we walked down State Street to The Penny Ice Creamery, which was founded in Santa Cruz. They craft ice cream from scratch using local, organic and seasonal ingredients grown from farmers they know. Cecile and Sarah had their cones topped with melted marshmallow. It was a perfect evening.

Explored Sea Quest Interactive Aquarium & Zoo Adventure with our Granddaughter

Lyla hadn’t started school yet, so Cecile and I and her sister Sherry seized the opportunity to take her to Sea Quest, a unique interactive marine, exotic mammal, and bird/reptile life chain founded by Vince Covina. It features hands-on animal interactions at shopping malls around the country. We explored the one at the opulent Palladio, at Broadstone in Folsom, which is a Lifestyle Center for people seeking the ultimate experience in shopping, dining and entertainment for adults and kids alike.

Sea Quest is committed to protecting our oceans and wildlife around the world.

Family Dinner at Elegant Sutter Street Steakhouse in Folsom

Cecile and I hosted a family dinner at the award winning Sutter Street Steakhouse in the Historic Downtown Folsom district. Those who joined us included Cecile's sister Sherry from South Carolina, our son Jason and Alex, our daughter Michelle and husband Kyle, our granddaughters Lyla and Emmy and our grandson Gus. The restaurant offers Prime Cuts of Beef, Fresh Seafood, and a full service bar,

and an extensive wine list.

We ordered cocktails, wine, and beer to accompany our shared appetizers of Brie and warm sour dough bread and a platters of calamari with Basil Aioli and House Made Cocktail Sauce. For our main course, collectively, we had Halibut, Prime Flat Iron Steak with Caramelized onions with mashed potatoes, Scallops, Heirloom Tomato Panzanella, side dishes of Mushroom Sauté, and Grilled Asparagus. Our granddaughters had Mac & Cheese and Mashed Potatoes.

The restaurant prides itself on offering a casual affair to a gourmet dining experience and the staff is committed to presenting an evening to be remembered and they did not disappoint.

Cruising Some of the Best Biking Trails in Folsom with Kyle

Folsom is home to more than 50-miles of bike and pedestrian trails for walking, running, hiking, and cycling. Since my Specialized bike is in the shop, I used my old fat-tire Sondors bike that I had taken out of storage for today's exceptional ride.

My son-in-law Kyle mapped out some of the best trails which included the Humbug-Willow Creek Loop, Johnny Cash Trail near Folsom Prison and Folsom Lake, Natoma Lake, and downtown Folsom. It was our first time riding this area. The first two trails offer a variety of natural habitat such as riparian zones, wetlands, and oak woodlands. We saw native plants like cottonwood trees, willows, and oak trees. The wetlands support a diverse ecosystem with aquatic plants and animals.

The Johnny Cash Trail runs behind the City Hall campus, and continues on a scenic path with views of the American River and across the newly constructed Robbers’ Ravine Bridge. Kyle and I traversed safely under Prison Road through a newly constructed tunnel, and then parallel to E. Natoma Street up towards Folsom Crossing and over the Johnny Cash Over-crossing Bridge near Folsom Lake.

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.