Kukui: The Feathered Ambassador of Aloha 🦜

by Dennis Augustine

Spending time with Kukui, the salmon-crested Moluccan Cockatoo at the Marriott Ocean Club, is always a joy. Native to Indonesia, this magnificent bird is one of the largest cockatoos—known for remarkable intelligence, affection, and a vibrant personality

Cockatoos symbolize joy, communication, loyalty, and emotional connection, and Kukui embodies them all. Of his many words, his favorite seems to be “Aloha”—a greeting he shares generously with everyone who passes by

Whether we’re heading to the health club or walking our grandkids to the activity centers and shops, Kukui always makes himself known.

Born December 9, 2006, on Kauai, he’s a daily reminder of connection, curiosity, and aloha

Quiet Winds, Simple Joys 🌬️🌴

by Dennis Augustine

With 17-mph trade winds dancing through Maui tonight , Cecile and I chose the easy comfort of Longhi’s—just a stone’s throw from the Lahaina Tower where we’re staying. Instead of the breezy oceanfront terrace , we cozied up in a booth and let the evening unfold at a gentler pace.

Do we miss our kids and grandkids? Always

Are we also enjoying some quiet time just for the two of us? Very much so

Two things can be true at the same time—and for the next three days, we’re embracing both

Dinner was shared and satisfying: a crisp Greek salad , hearty rigatoni with ground sausage , and warm focaccia fresh from the oven. Dessert in our room.

🌺 A Maui Farewell: Last Evening at the Hula Grill

by Dennis Augustine

Last evening, we shared our final family dinner together at the Hula Grill before Michelle, Kyle, Lyla, Emmy, and little Gus headed to Kahului Airport this morning for their return home to California. Goodbyes are never easy

We had also enjoyed the Hula Grill last week with Jason, making this dinner a fitting and meaningful bookend to our time together

The girls were happily focused on two things all evening—the mesmerizing hula dancers and the island favorite, Hula Pie .

We began the night with a group photo in front of the sandcastle created by local artists in the lobby of the Marriott Maui Ocean Resort and ended it with another group photo in front of the beautifully lit giant Christmas wreath outside the back exit of Whalers Village. A perfect Maui ending to a week filled with love, laughter, and treasured family memories .

💔 Hanukkah Night of Terror, Courage, Terror & Resolve — Mass Shooting in Australia

by Dennis Augustine

Cecile and I were shocked and deeply saddened by the terror attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney during the first night of Hanukkah. A celebration of light was shattered by hatred and violence. Dozens were injured and sixteen innocent people were murdered including Chabad Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a devoted father of five — one just two months old — killed in cold blood.

As friends and supporters of Rabbi Mendel Weinfeld, Executive Director of Chabad Almaden in San Jose, this tragedy hits close to home. We were blessed to attend the joyful Chabad Hanukkah celebration at Santana Row in 2024 and would have attended again this year had we not been on a family vacation in Maui.

Rabbi Weinfeld made it clear: it is full steam ahead — working closely with law enforcement to ensure safety while continuing to bring light to the world. He echoed Rabbi Schlanger’s powerful belief:

They try to spread fear — we answer with light.

They try to silence us — we respond with mitzvos (good deeds)

They try to bring darkness — we fill the world with the fire of the menorah.

Amidst the darkness, there was courage: Ahmed al-Ahmed, a 43-year-old fruit shop owner and father, reportedly confronted and disarmed one of the attackers — saving lives. The assailants were a father who died on the site and his son who is under custody.

Condolences to the families of the victims who died including a Holocaust surviver. May their memories be a blessing.

Hanukkah Night Turned to Horror We answer hate with light.

From Pool Time to Mai Tais and Dinner at MonkeyPod Kitchen, Kaanapali

by Dennis Augustine

After breakfast with Jason and seeing him off to the airport, we spent the afternoon watching the kids conquer the pirate ship pool with Michelle and Kyle. By evening, it was time to relax—so we headed to Monkeypod Kitchen in Kaʻanapali.

Easy vibe, great service, and food that never disappoints. Fresh island ingredients, perfectly done fish, and those famous mai tais with lilikoi foam that somehow live up to the hype. Monkeypod is casual, welcoming, and always feels like the right Maui move.

A perfect way to end a full day.

An Early Hula Show & a Rain-Kissed Dinner at the Westin Maui Resort 🌧️🌺

by Dennis Augustine

We took the whole family to the complimentary youth hula show at the Marriott Maui Ocean Club. The dancers were all kids—the youngest just four—and ours were completely captivated.

Afterward we walked to the Westin for dinner at Hale Mo‘olalo. A light sprinkle turned into a full Maui downpour—and no umbrellas! But with warm rain, good food, and Gus’s adorable antics, we loved every minute.

The girls wrapped up in Cecile’s beach shawl and towels as we made our rainy dash back. Back at the suite, dessert and tired, happy kids ended the night. A sweet, and another unforgettable Maui evening.

Two Birthdays, One Beautiful Evening at Japengo Restaurant Celebrating Michelle & Lyla!

by Dennis Augustine

Our birthday girls arrived this afternoon, and the kids headed straight to the pool waterfalls for some Maui fun.

We celebrated tonight with 6 PM reservations at Japengo at the Hyatt Regency—an exotic, open-air Asian-fusion restaurant filled with tropical décor and even a playful red Pinocchio mask at the reception desk.

We enjoyed cocktails , pork belly buns , and calamari .

Kyle, Michelle, Jason & Cecile shared a beautiful sushi platter , and I had the Shaking Beef noodles.

Michelle opened her gifts, Lyla proudly wore hers, and Uncle Jason surprised Lyla with another present back at the hotel before dinnerl.

Our waiter finished the night with two complimentary birthday desserts for us to share.

A perfect double celebration for two very special girls.

Dinner at Hula Grill Kāʻanapali 🌺🌅 Whalers Village • Maui Magic at Sunset

by Dennis Augustine

Cecile, Jason, and I settled into that balmy Kāʻanapali breeze this evening—palm fronds swaying, the sky sliding into its famous watercolor sunset—perfect timing for dinner at Hula Grill.

We started with an Akamai Tai, their classic 1944-style mai tai made with Kula toasted coconut rum… smooth, fragrant, and pure island nostalgia. Alongside it: house-made focaccia and pork potstickers—a delicious warm-up.

For dinner, we somehow ended up with four entrées (it’s Maui… who’s counting?):

• Jason went big with the Kiawe Grilled Filet Mignon

• Cecile kept it fresh with the Localicious Vegetable Salad

• She and I shared a fantastic grilled duo special—fire-grilled ahi steak and mahi-mahi

• And the table shared a platter of colorful glazed carrots—as bright as the sunset itself.

To finish: the legendary Hula Pie, compliments of the Marriott Ocean Club. A perfect ending to an already perfect Maui evening.

Breathtaking Views of the Pacific Ocean from our Lanai & Dinner at the 'Beach Walk" on Kaanapali Beach

by Dennis Augustine

Cecile, Jason & I are soaking in the sweeping views from the lanai of our 5th-floor, oceanfront corner unit — three bedrooms, three baths, and endless horizon. After lunch and an afternoon lounging by the pool, we enjoyed a casual fresh Mahi-Mahi dinner at the Beach Walk and ice cream at Hula Scoops as the day faded into sunset.

Vacationing in Kaanapali between Thanksgiving and Christmas has become our sweet spot: fewer crowds, warm breezes with less rain, better prices, the early arrival of whale season, and that unmistakable festive Hawaiian vibe — all before the holiday peak.

It’s a tradition we look forward to every year, and Maui never disappoints.

Touchdown in Maui, Topped Off with a Sunset Dinner

by Dsnnis Augustine

After landing in Kahului, Cecile and I met Jason shortly after his Sacramento flight. We picked up the rental car, made the essential Costco run, and checked into the Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club on beautiful Kā‘anapali Beach.

We wrapped up the day with a sunset dinner at Longhi’s, right at the resort. Open-air breezes, warm woods, and relaxed island charm made it the perfect first-night spot.

Mai Tais to start, Sicilian Cauliflower to share, Cecile’s Greek Salad, Jason’s Rigatoni Bolognese, and my Parmesan-crusted Chicken Piccata—finished with a warm macadamia nut pie crowned with coconut ice cream. A perfect Maui beginning

“Pastor Sparks Controversy with Empty Nativity Scene — What Would My Dad Say?

by Dennis Augustine

My late father, Frank Augustine, nurtured his Nativity Shrine with a devotion rooted in his childhood hardships, including becoming an orphan at a young age. He also served as a lay brother at a Maryknoll seminary and as an Army chaplain’s aide.

Throughout the year, he displayed a beautiful manger scene in our storefront window, alternating it with an Easter display. Neighbors would pause, pray, and reflect on the sacred scene. Pastor Alex Santora of the Church of Our Lady of Grace in Hoboken, New Jersey, where I attended elementary school and mass, even wrote about it in his “Faith Matters” column in the Jersey Journal. Dad, who passed away just shy of reaching 101, lovingly cared for these displays.

Therefore, seeing St. Susanna, a Catholic church in the Boston suburb of Dedham, display a Nativity scene outside the church with an empty manger and a sign that read, “Ice was here,” was disconcerting. It not only upset the community but also angered C.J. Doyle, the executive director of the Catholic Action League of Massachusetts. He reportedly argued that Father Stephen Josoma, the pastor at St. Susanna, was politicizing Christmas and exploiting and trivializing the Holy Family to score political points.

While it’s true that the Holy Family faced hardships, their story is sacred, not a modern-day slogan. Scripture emphasizes the importance of balance: respecting lawful authority (Romans 13) but never bending God’s truth to human agendas (Acts 5:29). The Nativity deserves reverence, not politics. The manger is meant to illuminate hearts, not strike political blows. For my father, these displays were never mere props; they were prayers. And they deserve to remain sacred.”

Walking in the Footsteps of Pope Leo XIV in Lima

by Dennis Augustine

As part of my three-week trip to Peru last year, Jason and I spent a memorable pre-trip in Lima—walking the very places that shaped Pope Leo XIV. As an Augustine, it struck me deeply to stand in spaces tied not only to my childhood faith but also to my namesake’s spiritual legacy.

We visited sacred sites woven into Peru’s Catholic soul:

Cathedral of Lima – where faith and history meet

Basilica & Convent of San Agustín – a special stop for me

Convent of Santo Domingo – home of St. Martin de Porres & St. Rose of Lima

Sanctuary of the Lord of Miracles – Peru’s beating devotional heart

Recently, a new statue of Pope Leo XIV was unveiled in Lima—capturing him in a gentle, contemplative pose, hand slightly extended as if inviting believers and visitors to deeper compassion. A beautiful tribute to a pope shaped by this city.

Happy Birthday, Michelle — Our Light, Our Joy, Our Heart

by Dennis Augustine

“Every photograph holds a story—every story holds a heartbeat.”

Your Hebrew name, Hila — halo of glowing light , couldn’t be more fitting. From your earliest childhood photos to our family adventures across the world , that light has never faded — it has only grown.

There is no one quite like you. Your compassion, your beauty, and your strength as a mother of three fill our hearts with pride. No matter how many candles you blow out , you’ll always be our Little Girl — the one whose smile brightened every room and whose laughter carried across oceans .

As you close your eyes and make your wish this year , we pause to honor all the moments behind us — and all the memories still waiting to be made. We look forward to celebrating your birthday together next week

Honoring Spc. Sarah Beckstrom’s Final Sacrifice

by Dennis Augustine

Today we honor Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and SSgt. Andrew Wolfe — both attacked while carrying out their mission in Washington, D.C. Spc. Beckstrom passed on Nov. 27, her grieving father tenderly holding her hand in her final moments.

SSgt. Wolfe continues to fight, and we lift him in prayer as we hope for a full recovery.

Their courage reflects the very best of our Guard. And according to federal watchdog agencies, no matter how dedicated our personnel were, there is simply no world in which 80,000+ evacuees could be fully vetted during a total collapse. Our heroes were standing watch in the aftermath of decisions far beyond their control.

Today, flags were lowered to half-staff as the WVNG paused for a moment of silence to honor their service and embrace their families in grief. May Sarah’s memory be a blessing, and may we stand united against this cowardly act.

Khao Thai: Saratoga’s New Culinary Gem that Brought Back Memories of Thailand

by Dennis Augustine

Cecile, our son Jason, and I had a craving for Thai food and followed Bill and Sarah’s recommendation to try the new Khao Thai in Saratoga — formerly Rojoz Wraps & Smoothies.

The space is beautifully transformed and instantly welcoming. We shared Thai Spring Rolls, Som-Tum salad, Cashew-Nut Chicken, and classic Pad Thai — all fresh, bright, and full of flavor . Dessert was sticky rice with mango and fried bananas (normally served with vanilla ice cream, but they had just run out).

Short take: Great ambiance , friendly service , generous portions, and authentic Thai flavors. A wonderful addition to Saratoga. Fun fact: “Khao” means “rice” in Thai — a fitting name for a restaurant rooted in comfort and tradition.

The evening even brought back memories of meeting our Thai friend Cherry in 2018 for lunch and a cultural event

A Thanksgiving Family Feast & A Quiet Gift of Gratitude

by Dennis Augustine

Once again Kim and Al opened their home and their hearts for our Thanksgiving feast. Cecile, Jason and I arrived to find little Gus perfecting his golf swing in the backyard, with Kyle, Michelle, Lyla, Emmy, Rich and Alivia filling the house with energy, laughter, and that unmistakable Thanksgiving warmth.

Before dinner, I shared a reading from a freeform poem I wrote, “The Quiet Gift of Gratitude.” Here’s an excerpt that captures what this night means to me:

“Before we share this meal,

let us pause long enough

to truly feel the miracle of being together —

the hum of conversation,

the scent of food lovingly prepared,

the stories that bind us.

Gratitude doesn’t deny life’s challenges;

it lightens them from within,

turning a heavy load into what’s meaningful,

and what’s fleeting into what’s cherished.

So tonight we give thanks —

for the hands that cooked,

the hearts that gathered,

the memories that make us smile,

and the moments that remind us to slow down and simply be.

Thankful for this circle, this tradition, and this moment we’ll never get back again."

Postscript: Happy Thanksgiving season to Cecile and My respective families around the country

A Thanksgiving of Love, Loss, and Remembrance of Family Members

by Dennis Augustine

This Thanksgiving, my heart turns to the loved ones who were part of, or shaped my life but are no longer with us.

I’m remembering my mom Maria (2013), my dad Frank (2017), my brother Michael (2019), my niece and Goddaughter Selina (2023), and my Uncle (Zio) Lillo from Sicily (2025) at the age if 92. I also hold close the memories of my earlier uncles—Anthony, Joseph, Carmine, Eddy, and Nino, Aunt Mary, Aunt (Zia) Cettina, Nona Giuseppa, Nono Concetto (my Sicilian relatives)—whose presence lives on in our family stories. I aso included a photo of my-brother in-law's late mom, Sally McAllister with Cecile and my mom, my late inlaws, Margie and Harry Weiner.

Holidays bring both warmth and a quiet ache. Today I give thanks for their lives, their love, and the imprint they’ve left on all of us.

The late Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese monk, world peacemaker, meditation teacher, and writer of matters of the spirit, wrote: “If you look deeply into the palm of your hand, and within the depths of your heart, you will see your parents and all generations of your ancestors. All of them are alive in this moment. Each is present in your body, mind, and spirit. You are the continuation of each of these people.”

May their memories be a blessing on this Thanksgiving and always.

Carrying Francis’ Light: Pope Leo XIV’s Shares a Lunch of Love

by Dennis Augustine

As a Catholic by birth — with a family name like Augustine, and with my late father Frank Augustine having served as a lay brother at the Maryknoll order in Ossining, New York — I’m especially moved by Pope Leo XIV of the Augustinian order.

After the Angelus (the simple Catholic prayer recited), Pope Leo XIV continued Pope Francis’ tradition of sharing lunch with 1,300 poor and vulnerable guests in the Paul VI Hall. Vincentian Family volunteers served vegetable lasagna, breaded cutlet with vegetables, and Neapolitan baba.

A powerful reminder that real faith is lived through service.

Photos: Vatican News Agency & EWTN Vatican

New Saratoga Spot: Dining at Dos Burros with Jason & Cecile

by Dennis Augustine

Dinner at Dos Burros, Saratoga’s newest Mexican restaurant, and what a welcoming, stylish place! Cozy, friendly, and full of good vibes—the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a night out.

Our picks:

Cecile: Asada Ensalada

Jason: Chili Verde

Me: Chile Colorado

Drink: Cali Squeeze Blood Orange Hefeweizen

Dessert: The delicious White Donkey Cake—a sweet pineapple-cinnamon finish

A fun, flavorful night out. We’ll be back!

The Quiet Magic of Egrets & Herons I've Come to Know and Cherish

by Dennis Augustine

I’m always grateful for the calm beauty of the egrets and herons along the Los Gatos Creek Trail—just a short bike ride from home.

Sometimes they let me get close… other times they sense me coming and take flight, and I’m ready with my camera to catch that magic moment.

“The heron is nature’s meditation.”

“A flight of herons is a quiet poem across the sky.”

White egrets, a green heron, and a black-crowned night heron—all quiet teachers of patience, presence, and grace.

Enjoy the photos.