Lunch with the Chiens at Plank Kitchen and Bar & Stroll Through the Historic Folsom District

Kim and Al Chien, were our guests at Plank Kitchen and Bar, known for its seasonal California comfort food and craft cocktails. The name Plank likely reflects the restaurant's rustic, wood-inspired ambiance, which fits well with its location on historic Sutter Street in Folsom. Many modern eateries use names that evoke craftsmanship and natural elements, reinforcing an artisanal dining experience. After lunch, we took a stroll through the beautiful preserved streets lined with a diverse array of boutique shops, delectable dining, inviting wineries and coffee shops, antique stores, and Snooks Chocolate Factory, where all the chocolates are made on location.

Biking the Folsom Parkway Nature Trails with Our Granddaughters & Rest of the Crew

Spent a fantastic time biking the beautiful nature trails of Folsom with our daughter Michelle, son-in-law, Kyle, his stepdad, Al, and our granddaughters Lyla & Emmy who piggy-backed with her daddy. The Folsom Parkway trails are a bicycle riders dream—winding through oak woodlands, open meadows, and alongside the serene waters of the American River. We enjoyed the smooth, well-maintained paths, shaded sections, and occasional wildlife sightings that made the ride even more special.

We wrapped up our adventure with a well-earned stop at Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters, where the girls savored some excellent hot chocolate and cream. I had a Chai Tea Latte. Nothing beats quality time outdoors with family, on a perfect sunny day, ands sharing the trails with others, young and old alike. Also, we were so proud of Lyla holding her own.

Fire, Family & and Celebrating our Granddaughter Emmy’s 4th Birthday at Chicago Fire Pizza

Ah, Chicago Fire Pizza at the Palladio in Folsom—where the deep dish and thin-crusted delight is as legendary as the popular TV series "Chicago Fire"—where every bite brings a little taste of the Windy City, the place where I studied Podiatric Medicine and Foot Surgery, met my beloved wife Cecile, and started a story that led us to this moment in time.

But this visit wasn't just about nostalgia or pizza, or the chicken wings, Chicken Parm, spaghetti, and garlic bread we feasted on, it was all about celebrating our granddaughter Emmy's fourth birthday. She had a blast opening her presents with her big sister Lyla, who was just as excited as she was, playing with her brother Gus, and playing with Al and Kim's puppy, Honey, who may or may not have been hoping for a piece of pizza crust to accidentally fall at her feet.

Between the laughter, the cheese-laden feast, the berry cookie crusted cake with whipped cream, it was the kind of gathering that felt like home, no firehouse drama, just pure, joyful chaos. And honestly, I think our granddaughters, Emmy and Lyla, and grandson, Gus, and Honey might have just stolen the show.

Historic Savannah Trolley Tour & Lunch at The Pirate's House & Meeting Piano Maestro Jimmy Maddox after his After Dinner Performance

Musical artist, Stephanie Yonskie, who sang country legend songs for cruise attendees last evening, joined us for breakfast.

After breakfast, Susan, Nelson, and Cecile and I, hopped on the "Old Town Trolley" right where the ship was docked, to begin a fully narrated sightseeing tour of Savannah. The expert tour conductors related the stories, sights, and landmarks of Georgia’s First City. With its emerald tree canopy, quaint cobblestone streets, and majestic architecture, Savannah’s Historic District was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966.

Nelson made lunch reservations at “The Pirates’ House, the longest running pirate-themed restaurant offering hearty Southern fare in a rustic, historic Inn. It was first opened in 1753 as an inn for seafarers, and quickly became a meeting point for sailors and pirates from the Seven Seas.

After returning to the American Liberty, we caught a post dinner show with piano maestro, Steve Maddux who performed nostalgic songs from the 50s & 60s. After the show he came over to say hello. We talked about Frank Sinatra, favored son of Hoboken, NJ., the hometown of my youth. Maddux said he did a gig in Elysian Fields, a recreational parkland two blocks from my childhood home. He was born in 1950 as I was, and said he has a son named Dennis. Before we bid each other farewell, we took a photo together.

Historic Hilton Head Alligator Tour & Dolphin Watching Cruise

After disembarking the American Liberty, we took a small boat to Harbor Town on Historic Hilton Head. Cecile and I, and Susan and Nelson took an hour guided exploration of the pristine freshwater lakes of the 600-acre Sea Pines Resort Preserve, in a covered 12-passenger electric boat to the nesting grounds of a number of belly—dragging Alligators, both big and small. We also got a close-up view of Hilton Head’s indigenous plants and other animal life like black turtles, the great blue heron, egrets and osprey flying above us.

Our next excursion was the Dolphin watching Cruise to discover how playful, endearing, and amazing bottle-nose dolphins truly are. We saw a number of them swimming nearby as they came up for air every few seconds.

For dinner we had a Georgia Tomato Salad with sliced peaches, Veal Piccata with Angel hair pasta, Seared Georgia’s Bank Sea Scallops, Tiramisu, Banana Cream Tartlets and ice cream for dessert.

For after dinner entertainment, Stephanie Yonskie, from New York, sang songs from country legends past and present, like Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, and Carrie Underwood to name a few.

Beaufort by Foot & Horse-drawn Carriage: A Ride Through History, Hollywood, and Southern Charm

We are currently docked in Beaufort, SC., a charming coastal town known for its well preserved antebellum architecture, 18th-19th century homes, waterfront beauty, and relaxed Southern hospitality. It was founded in 1711, and is the second-oldest city in South Carolina with a deep history tied to the Civil War, the Reconstruction era, and Gullah Culture.

We visited the Cypress Wetlands, a quiet, scenic off-the beaten-path site in the growing town of Port Royal, which features a boardwalk. It is home to a variety of birds, including herons and egrets, as well as turtles, and alligators.

Nelson took a photo of me with my feet in the "Big Boots of Beaufort" a series of large, artistically painted fiberglass boot sculptures scattered throughout the town, celebrating Beaufort’s connection to the Marine Corps at nearby Parris Island.

Beaufort has long been a favorite destination for celebrities and filmmakers like Pat Conroy, the acclaimed author of “The Prince of Tides and The Great Santini, that call Beaufort home. The iconic Vietnam war scenes in Forrest Gump (1994), starring Tom Hanks were shot near Beaufort.

Cecile and I Boarded American Cruise Line’s New Catamaran Called the American Liberty with our Travel Partners

After our stay in South Carolina, our dear friends and travel partners, Nelson and Susan Bye boarded the American Liberty heading to Amelia Island, FL., with exciting stops planned along the way. Catamaran ships, or “Coastal Cats” as they are called are innovative watercraft that enhances stability, speed, and maneuverability on the water. The design reduces water resistance, allowing them to glided smoothly through the waves. After lunch and checking out the ship, and getting settled in our room, our Cruise Director introduced us to his staff and the Captain of the ship who had a tattoo on his forearm that read: “What a Life."

We had a relaxing afternoon as the boat began passage on the Intracoastal Waterway, a sanctuary of serenity weaving through captivating landscapes of bays, rivers, and picturesque canals to our first stop in Beaufort, SC. Just before dinner we had the most spectacular sunset that Susan captured with her new iPhone 16 with a red sun dropping below the horizon line.

We had a wonderful dinner served to us by the same waitress, Claudia who took care of us during lunchtime. It so happens, the Peruvian, Mexican-American mother of two is a comedian of sorts which made it more pleasurable.

Entertainment for the evening was provided by Cyndi Wheeler who appeared on three Grammy-nominated albums. An older crowd means nostalgic songs from the 50s and 60s, and a more current song by Adele.

A Charleston Shabbat: Gathering with Family & Friends before our Upcoming Riverboat Cruise

The warm gentle breeze of a Charleston evening in Cecile’s sister Sherry's backyard as Brian worked the hot grill with practiced ease. He flipped the slices of yellow and green zucchini, their edges caramelizing to perfection, while the broccoli sizzled in a heated pan. The piece de resistance—seared Ahi tuna—glistened under the fading sun, its outer layer crisp while the center remained a perfect ruby red on some, and a little more cooked portions for others.

Sherry, ever the gracious host, had spent the afternoon kneading and braiding a golden challah, now resting on a crystal plate, then covered with a Star of David cloth. A hush fell over the gathering as she lit the Shabbat candles before the sun dipped below the horizon, the soft glow reflecting in everyone's eyes. We recited the blessing over the challah together, our voices blending in reverence and harmony.

Our friends, Nelson and Susan Bye who will be setting sail on a riverboat cruise with us to Amelia Island, Florida, had never met Brian or Sherry before, yet within minutes, the warmth of the table made it feel as though we had all been gathering like this for years. The bottle of wine that Nelson and Susan brought was uncorked and we raised our glasses in gratitude for good food, for good company, and for the journey ahead.

Brian, who had spent years as cook in kitchens from Lake Tahoe to Vietnam, plated the grilled vegetables alongside the seared tuna. The first bite was met with nods of appreciation, a quiet acknowledgment of his skill. As the evening lingered, Brian brought out a simple yet refreshing dessert, chunks of juicy watermelon and fragrant summer melons, their sweetness a perfect end to the meal.

Laughter, Brian regaling us with stories, and the clinking of glasses carried into the night. In that moment, the coming voyage and our separate paths ahead felt secondary. Here, in the embrace of candlelight and tradition, we were exactly where we were meant to be.

Lunch at the Vibrant Health-Conscious Basic Kitchen in Charleston: They Even Have a "Naughty Burger” Described Below

Cecile, her sister Sherry and I had lunch at Basic Kitchen. They offer light, energizing, nourishing meals, from colorful grain bowls and turmeric-hued wellness lattes to fresh juices and sustainable seafood dishes, in a laid-back setting.

For starters we shared tempura style Cauliflower Wings with a spicy buffalo sauce reminiscent of the Veggie Grill in San Jose, CA. Cecile and Sherry had the Basic Bowl (roasted sweet potato, chimichurri broccoli, citrus kale, Aleppo tomato, chickpeas, quinoa, magic green sauce; and I had a Naughty Burger: Brass town farm grass-fed, double patty smash, aged white cheddar, griddle onions, bread and butter pickle, sweet potato fries.

Basic Kitchen's design embodies a casual, beachy aesthetic with a modern yet relaxed touch. The space is filled with natural light, thanks to large windows and airy white walls that create an open, welcoming feel. We ate al fresco in the restaurant's courtyard, a charming outdoor space framed by lush greenery.

Maison: A Taste of Paris in Charleston—French Cuisine with an Elegant Ambiance

Cecile’s sister Sherry and son Brian were our guests for dinner at Maison, a French Bistro located at King Street in Charleston, South Carolina. The ambiance was welcoming and unfussy yet elevated, providing a lovely setting to diner.

As far as the decor, Maison features elements that evoke a Parisian atmosphere, including artwork and design touches reminiscent of France.

For starters, we all shared a Caramelized Onion Tart; Mussels Mariniere with parsley gnocchetti pasta; and Citrus and Fennel Salad with pistachio. For our entree Cecile and I shared Monkfish Chopped Almandine, broccolini, with lemon butter sauce, and Sherry and Brian shared Spiced Duck Confit, lentils, and foie gras.

For dessert we shared Fresh warm Madeleines and Chocolate Mouse with raspberries.

Harbor Tour Photos Added From the Carolina Belle

Cecile, her sister Sherry and I did the Charleston Harbor Tour. It showcased the rich history and scenic beauty of Charleston, South Carolina. Their flagship tour is a 90-minute narrated cruise aboard the Carolina Belle, where guests can view over 75 landmarks, including Fort Sumter, the USS Yorktown, and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Captain Ron was absolutely terrific. He was smart, knowledgeable and very entertaining

A Historic Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour & A Late Italian Lunch & Evening Comedy Show at Theatre 99

Cecile sister Sherry treated us to a comfortable one hour carriage ride tour with 14 other people exploring downtown Charleston with a friendly, engaging top-tear Palmetto Guild certified guide named Josh from Honduras of the Old South Carriage Company. The beautiful Belgian horse’s name was Cypress.

After the Carriage tour we went to “The Porchetta Shop da Toscano” for a late take-out lunch and ate it at Sherry’s home. The eatery is an homage to the sandwich stalls and carts found on the streets of Tuscany. I had Mozzarella da Buffalo with Prosciutto, tomato and basil and Cecile and Sherry shared an Eggplant Scapace: Marinated eggplant, arugula, dried tomatoes, whipped ricotta on house-made focaccia with some side dishes (Marinated Farro Salad and Marinated Chickpeas. I also had a Cannoli.

We ended the evening on a funny note. Our fun-loving nephew Brian (Sherry’s son) treated us to an 8pm improv Comedy Show at Theatre 99 & Drinks.

A Day at Charleston Tea Garden & The Sanctuary: A Spectacular Oceanfront Resort at Kiawah

Sherry took Cecile and to visit the historic Wadmalaw Island for a visit to America’s Tea Garden, in the beautiful South Carolina countryside, which is referred to as “Truly a Miracle of Nature." It is home to 320 acres of tea plants, making it the largest commercial tea plantation in North America. After sampling some teas, taking a factory tour, walking along the gallery onto the production floor, to see all the equipment it takes to make tea, we took a Trolley tour with our driver Steve, for a fun and educational tour through acres of Tea plants. The fields stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a serene, green landscape that’s perfect for photos. It is a wonderful spot to relax and enjoy nature.

We had lunch at Cantina 76, a vibrant Mexican-inspired restaurant in Freshfields Village, in Kiawah Island, where we ate a roasted chicken taco salad.

After lunch we headed to The Sanctuary, at Kiawah Island, a South Carolina luxury resort hotel and golf course and beach.

We were mainly went to check out the beach. The resort offers access to 10 miles of pristine, private beach along the Atlantic coastline. It is wide and flat, making it perfect for leisurely strolls. For dinner we had a takeout barbecue turkey and brisket dinner with Sherry and her son Brian.

Postscript: Kiawah is named after the Kiawah people, a Native American Tribe that originally inhabited the coastal regions of what is now South Carolina. In the 17th century they helped English settlers establish the colony of Charleston.

Witnessing the Majestic & Breathtaking Angel Live Oak Tree: One of the Largest in the United States

Cecile's sister Sherry took us to see the ancient Live Oak located on John's Island, a short drive from downtown Charleston, SC., is like stepping into a living piece of history. This Southern live oak, estimated to be around 400-500 years old, stretches its massive limbs in every direction, creating a canopy that spans over 17,000 square feet, presenting an aura like an angel. Its gnarled branches twist and turn, some even dipping down to touch the ground before curving back skyward, giving the tree an almost otherworldly, sculptural presence.

Standing beneath the Angel Oak, I felt enveloped by the dappled light filtering through its dense, evergreen leaves. The sheer size of the tree is 65 feet tall with a trunk circumference of 28 feet is awe-inspiring, but it's the quiet, almost reverent atmosphere that really leaves an impression. The moss-draped branches and the surrounding serene woodland make it feel like a sacred space, rich with stories from centuries past.

The experience was humbling, feeling both the weight of time and the enduring strength of nature. Whether you are there for a quiet moment of reflection, to snap some photos, or to simply marvel at its grandeur, the Angel Oak offers a powerful connection to the natural and historical heart of the Lowcountry (Coastal Carolina's).

Touring Mount Pleasant St. Carolina with Cecile's Sister Sherry: Historic Boone Hall Plantation, Mount Pleasant Pier & Shem Creek Park

Cecile and I checked into the Hyatt Hotel and are spending several days days visiting her sister Sherry and our nephew Brian who reside in the charming community of Mt Pleasant.

This morning Sherry drove us to the Boone Hall Plantation, that is listed on the Historic Register of Historic Places. Hollywood Movies: "The Notebook," "North South," & "Queen were filmed there." We entered a 3/4 mile dirt road bounded by a canopy of enormous and majestic live oaks. We passed by small brick buildings before seeing and touring the mansion. The brick buildings are former slave cabins, preserved for insight into Black American history. In fact, February happens to be Black History Month. Admission to the plantation includes the Gullah Theater, compliments of Sherry.

One of highlights of the day, even more than the tour of the Mansion, was Ms. Veronica Gaillard, our designated story teller, a true descendant of the Gullah people whose roots date back to West Africa. She presented the history of this culture, sang and spoke about the “spirituals" that had code words telling the otherwise carefully-watched enslaved people that an imminent escape for freedom was about to occur, or that it was cancelled. Veronica was at times educational, at times entertaining and at times.., very moving and emotional, sharing uplifting spiritual messages of love and understanding of how through overcoming the hardships of the past have brought them to a better place today.

One of the songs Veronica sang with such heart and soul when she just walked out of the cabin to greet us was “Wading in the Water.”

Happy Chinese New Year: Embracing The Year of the Snake

The first day of the Chinese New Year began yesterday, January 29, and it ushered in the Year of the Snake. In Chinese culture, the same is the symbol of wisdom, intuition, adaptability, transformation, and new beginnings. The Lunar New Year culminates in a parade and festival on Sunday February 16. Though the snake gets a bad rap in many Western cultures, the animal is celebrated and revered across the Eastern hemisphere. Just as a snake sheds its skin, people have the opportunity to slither into new beginnings by letting go of the past, releasing unrealistic expectations of loved ones and getting rid of bad habits. It’s no wonder why the snake in medicine represents healing.

Cecile and I have experienced Lunar New Year celebrations both here and in Southeast Asia, and witnessed firsthand how welcoming and vibrant the festivities are. The spirit of the holiday—renewal, family, and wisdom—is universal, making it something anyone can appreciated and take part in.

Postscript: Lunar New Year is also celebrated in South Korea, Vietnam, Thai-Chinese community, especially in Bangkok’s Chinatown and other countries.

The San Pedro Market Square Lunch Ride to Downtown San Jose

It began like all legendary midday escapes—under the golden California sun to offset the brisk winter air, with just enough ambition to justify extra carbs at lunch. The plan? Bill and I would begin our 23-mile round trip journey to San Pedro Square Market, fueled by friendship, adrenaline, and collective craving for Vietnamese food. We hooked up with Bill’s cousin Deli in Willow Glen, for the last leg of the ride to San Jose.

Our small squad—each of us pretending we were on a Tour de France breakaway—cruised down the blissfully car-free trails, dodging the occasional jogger, rogue squirrels, and cars on the few miles of off trail street traffic. The promise of San Pedro Market’s Vietnamese eats kept us pedaling.

By the time we rolled into the bustling square, we were ravenous. Helmets off, gloves shoved into pockets, we descended upon the numerous and varied food stalls like a pack of sophisticated, cycling wolves. The orders came fast: pho so steamy it could double as a post-ride sauna, chicken salad so fresh it probably did yoga that morning, and a chicken banh mi sandwich from "On a Roll,” with a crunch so satisfying we momentarily forgot about our burning quads.

Fueled by carbs, and just the right amount of hubris, we eventually saddled up for the ride back; another successful Lunch Ride in the books, just the right mix of speed, good eats, and a touch of mischief, and a lot of joyful laughter.

Birthday Celebration Dinner in Honor of Al Chien at Aldo’s Ristorante & Bar

Cecile and I had a delightful dinner at Aldo’s with our son-in-law Kyle’s mom, Kim Chien, and her husband, the birthday boy himself, Al Chien.

The evening was a joyful celebration filled with great food, laughter, and tradition. We shared a fabulous meal, sang “Happy Birthday” (or rather, “Buon Compleanno” in Italian), and watched as Al made his wish, blew out the candle on the restaurant's complimentary dessert, and opened the gift from Cecile and me.

Aldo’s provides a relaxed, welcoming setting that always reminds us of “Little Italy” in NYC, a place we’ve visited many times. The ambiance is charmingly Mediterranean, featuring terra cotta floors, light-colored walls adorned with tasteful artwork, and an open, airy layout.

The restaurant is owned and operated by the husband-and-wife team, Aldo Maresca and Barbara Lansbury. Aldo, a talented chef from Sorrento, Italy, immigrated to America in 1993, bringing with him the flavors and traditions of his homeland.

Years ago, during one of Aldo's rounds visiting customers at their tables, I discovered something extraordinary—we shared a special connection. Aldo revealed that he had grown up in Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi, a quaint town on the Sorrento Peninsula. Coincidentally, I had spent part of my childhood there, staying at the villa of Rosa and Mimi, close friends of my mother, Maria. Mimi, a pastry chef in Positano and later on the Isle of Capri, even invited me to meet his team and lent me a pastry chef’s cap to wear (see photo), leaving me with life long cherished memories.

Sant’Agata, perched on a ridge above the Bay of Naples and the Gulf of Salerno, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding hills and sea.

Celebration of Life: In Loving Memory of our Neighbor & Friend Howard E. Green the Beloved Son of Holocaust Survivors

by Dr. Dennis Augustine

Howard or Howie, as he was known to his friends, was Cecile’s and my next door neighbor. He died peacefully in his sleep, with his beloved golden lab, Cassie by his side on Friday, October 18, at the age of 70.

This was one of the most heartwarming "Celebration of Life" ceremonies Cecile and I have ever attended. Howie loved to cheer on the Yankees as a kid growing up in the Bronx, NY, and rooting for the SF Giants with his son Michael when he moved to California. It was also said, that "music filled Howie’s heart, books sustained his brain, and great wine soothed his soul." And boy did he have a collection of them all. In line with the generosity Howie showed in life, we were encouraged to consider helping ourselves with any of the books, record albums, and wine displayed in the room as a memento. Howie would be so happy to know we enjoyed it.

It’s often been said that in our day-to-day interactions, we see only parts of someone's life, the roles they play with us directly, like being a friend, neighbor, mentor, or colleague. We rarely have a full picture of their entire journey, accomplishments, and the depth of their relationships with others. These gatherings often reveal layers of their personality, the scope of their kindness, and the impact they had on the world that we might not have witnessed directly.

Born on March 28, 1954, in the Bronx, NY, Howard came from humble beginnings. His parents, Adele and Bernie Green, were Holocaust survivors who immigrated from Poland. They instilled in him a strong appreciation for the freedoms and opportunities America had to offer. His brush with death as a young adult encouraged him to live each day like it was his last. He was a proud graduate of Cornel University where he would forge friendships that would last a lifetime.

After graduating from Cornell in 1975, Howard attended the UCLA Anderson School of Management where he got his MBA in Marketing and Budget. In the early 1980s, Howard moved to Silicon Valley at the start of the high tech wave. He spent 10 of his 40-year career at Apple where he spearheaded initiatives that led to explosive growth in accounting software, videoconferencing, and speech recognition. Notably, he helped lead the launch of Apple’s FaceTime, as well as Apple Speech.

Howard is survived by his wonderful son, Michael, whom he adored, and daughter-in-law Jules, his beloved granddaughter Ayla, and his dog Cassie. May he RIP! He will be missed.

A Whimsical New Year’s Tale about the First Sunset of 2025

As the first day of the year began to fade, the trails winding around our home in our gated community beckoned with a quiet, enchanting charm. The air carried a crisp freshness, the kind that nipped at your nose and cheeks—a reminder that winter still held the season in its grasp. But Cecile and were dressed for it, wrapped in cozy layers that kept the cold at bay, allowing us to fully savor the beauty of the moment.

As we walked, the sunset began its magical performance. Soft whispers of pink spilled across the blue horizon, blending with bold strokes of orange and gold, as though an unseen artist was painting the sky just for us. Floating clouds drifted lazily, tinged with the softest blush of color, while the backdrop of the Santa Cruz Mountains stood steadfast, their peaks cradling the vibrant display.

The first sunset of the year unfolded in full glory, a masterpiece of fleeting beauty. Yet, I couldn’t help but think of how often we let our minds wander—caught up in to-do lists, memories, or daydreams. How many sunsets had we missed?

The sky’s colors deepened into royal blue and violet, the transition as smooth as the turning of a page. The trees stood like guardians, as their dark silhouette etched the brightening hues of the sky, and the mountains stood silent, as if to say, “This is just the beginning.”

As the last rays of sunlight dipped behind the mountains, we turned back home, our hearts full. The cold air nipped a bit harder now, but it didn’t matter. The trails, alive with nature’s gifts, seemed to carry the colors of the sunset with us—a vivid reminder to cherish the beauty waiting just above, if only we remember to look up.