Lunch with Cecile at 575 Miishien Yunnan China Restaurant: Known for it’s Rice Noodle Soup

On this pouring rainy day, Cecile and I walked into 575 Miihien Yunnan Chinese Restaurant at around 12:45 PM for the first time. The new restaurant located at El Paseo de Saratoga, in San Jose next to the AMC movie theater that specializes in Rice Noodle soup was packed. There are two large humanoid-like sculptures (one red and the other white and gold) bowing with hand and arm outreached to welcome patrons. Brilliant advertising I thought. As I perused the room, charmed by all the framed Classical Chinese art, I realized we were the only caucasians in the room, which we took as an indication that this was authentic noodle eatery. The artwork even extended to the rest room with framed Chagal prints.

We were seated at a table for two. Cecile ordered a side dish of cold Chicken and a cucumber salad and I had their signature chicken cross bridge miishien with rice noodles and a tray of add-on ingredients that deepened the flavor of the savory soup which was not over salted and had enough spiciness that won’t numb your senses. But, for those who like it hot, the servers bring spicy hot sauce and pickled vegetables.

The chicken strips were tender and the noodles were easy to slurp down. I saw a person next to us who had a beef stew version of noodle soup which I hope to order the next time we return. This restaurant offers a combinations of soups and other dishes that are worth exploring. The Yunnan Province in China is known for its rice noodles. There are too many varieties to name. Some are salads, others are soup. Some are mixed cold, and others are boiling hot. Some are tangy/sour dishes, and others are spicy chilies. The one that stands out are: “Crossing the Bridge Noodles".

The Yunnan Province borders the Chinese provinces of Guizhou, autonomous regions of Guangxi and Tibet, as well as Southeast Asian coutries Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar. In 2011 Cecile and I had the opportunity to hook up with a three week tour of China (The old Silk Road trading route) with stops in the Gobi Desert and the site of the life-size Terra-Cotta Soldiers found in the tomb of the first Qin emperor, Qin Chi Huang. (Photos).

For desert, we bought 4 freshly baked chocolate chip cookies from Crumbl.

Postscript: For the record, I would pass on the cold chicken dish that Cecile ordered as a appetizer on the side. It has too many chopped bone pieces in it, we typically found during our travels in China

Dinner with Friends at Momo Grill Restaurant: Specializing in Himalayan-Nepalese Cuisine

Some diners from the East coast to the West coast may not know where Nepal is, but their appetite for Nepalese food is vast. Unlike Indian food, Nepalese food does not use cream and rarely uses sugar and is generally considered healthier than Indian food.

The Momo Grill, uses the freshest of ingredients and high quality halal meats and spices imported directly from the homeland. Their spices are filled with the aromas of Nepal which makes anyone feel close to the land.

Momo is a type of steamed dumpling (filled with meat or vegetable) in Tibetan and Nepali cuisine, popular in neighboring Bhutan and India. They are usually served with a achar chutney sauce, influenced by the spices and herbs used within many South Asian cuisines. Momo Grill serves a variety of traditional and specialty Momos.

Momo, is not a full service restaurant. You are basically handed menus as you arrive and place your order at the register, and the food is delivered to your table. Each dish comes with a spice level of your choosing (mild, moderate or hot). For those wanting to appease the howling coyote in your innards, , just choose “spicy” all-the way. Their Traditional tandoori-baked Naan (Indian leavened bread) is out of this world. For dessert, we went to a Baskin and Robbins close by.

Check out the aerial photo of the the dishes we shared and Momo Grill’s website for a peak of their extensive menu: themomogrillca.com

When Cecile and I got home, the moon was mysteriously full and hazy due to the clouds. The February full moon is also known as the Snow Moon.

Postscript: Momo Grill has a Food Truck in Sunnyvale every day of the week, from 11 am to 9 pm.

Happy Birthday to Our Brother Steve in New Jersey with Fond Memories of Costa Rica

Like many families we have had our ups and downs and losses too. I was going through some family photos and what stands out is our trip to Costa Rica with our brother-in-law Joe. Spending time there was an amazing experience. From exploring lush rainforests and diverse ecosystems, seeing the iconic Arenal Volcano, the hot springs, adventure activities like zip-lining, seeing diverse wildlife like monkeys, and exotic birds to relaxing on pristine beaches and resort pools, there is so much natural beauty and adventures we enjoyed together. Plus, the shared memories and bonding moments that made it a trip to remember just after your birthday in 2009. I also included a few photos with family members, several whom are no longer with us including mom and dad, our brother Michael, and dearest niece Selina. Make it a great day! Peace, love and blessings from all of us in New Jersey, California and Texas.

Happy Birtgday Steve

Correction—A Sweet Afternoon: The Joys & Benefits of Lyla & Emmy Making & Baking Challah with Their Nonnie

Apologies: This was previously published with the wrong story and photos. See correction below!

Lyla and Emmy had Monday off from school on Monday due to a teacher parent conference and Cecile had promised Lyla and Emmy that she would bake with them in the afternoon.

Making challah with our toddler granddaughters can be a wonderful bonding experience, creating cherished memories together that will last a lifetime. I love being the audience and witness to these bake fests. While delicious outcomes are welcomed, Nonnie Cecile believes the most important ingredient in baking challah with Lyla and Emmy is that they have fun. It is also about teaching the importance of tradition, as it allows you to pass down the tradition of making challah, imparting cultural and religious significance to them. It is an educational experience, whereby Lyla and Emmy can learn the basic fundamentals of basic cooking skills such as measuring ingredients, kneading the dough, shaping the challah, whisking some eggs and brushing it on the challah dough.

Having been a 5th grade teacher in Chicago, Cecile knows this promotes their cognitive and motor skills development. It also encourages creativity and artistic expression with making braids and designs and adding sprinkles and in some cases, a bit of baking chocolate. It engages their senses through the tactile experience working with dough, while stimulating sensory development. Of course Lyla and Emmy love to dress-up in their aprons. Lyla particularly loves her chef’s hat. They learn patience and focus, waiting for the dough to rise and bake, teaching them value of delayed gratification. Finally, it fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment when they see the finished product and sit down at their little white dining table to sample the fruits of their labor. Yummy!

The Serene Symphony: Exploring the Benefits of Bike Riding in Nature

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding tranquility in the midst of chaos of worldly events becomes essential in maintaining my mental and physical well-being. One such avenue that offers a harmonious blend of exercise and immersion in nature is bike riding. As the wheels spin an and the breeze caresses our skin, the benefits of biking through natural landscapes becomes abundantly clear. Pedaling along scenic trails amidst towering trees, running creeks and lakes, or picturesque meadows, instills a sense of calm and tranquility. I especially love it before or after a rain, when the clouds are abundant and frames the sky in a more interesting and mesmerizing manner as many of the photos accompanying this post portrays.

The rhythmic motion of pedaling acts as a form of active meditation, alleviating stress and anxiety while improving mood and mental clarity. Cycling offers a profound opportunity to connect with the outdoors on a visceral level. One becomes immersed in the sights, sounds, and scents of the wilderness, and experiencing a heightened sense of awareness and appreciation for the natural world. Every pedal stroke deepens the bond between humanity and nature. Whether biking solo or with friends like Bill and other like-minded friends who share a passion for outdoor exploration fosters a sense of camaraderie, and belonging, enriching the overall biking experience. Riding along winding tails and open roads, allows us to embrace the symphony of sights, sounds, and sensations that nature has to offer, enriching our lives one bike ride at a time.

Postscript: In a letter to his son, Eduard dated February 5, 1930, Albert Einstein wrote “Life is like a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.” No stranger to the inspirational power of riding a bike, Einstein was also said to have reported to have had his first thought of the "theory of relativity” while on two wheels. Ironically, he didn’t know how to drive a car.

Welcoming our New Grandson August (Nickname Gus) to His First Family Dinner at our Home

“The family table is the heart of the home, where love is served in generous portions."

It’s been about six weeks since our daughter Michelle gave birth to Gus, the new addition to our extended family and he pretty much slept blissfully through the whole thing. Fortunately, I blissfully held him in my arms through the appetizer hour while we watched a digital recording of Michelle playing “Annie” when she was a young girl in Redwood Middle School play in Saratoga. Cecile and Jane Gold were the producers under the outstanding, skillful, creative direction of Laurel Perelman-Cohen who gratefully casted this once shy little girl in the lead role. Lyla, 5 was rapt watching her mother on the screen, while Cecile and I and Michelle held back our nostalgic tears.

Cecile cooked an amazing dinner: Oven-baked Pasta with several types of mushrooms, onions, and dollops of mozzarella in a red Marinara sauce and the one-of-a-kind Schaub’s Fred’s Steak in Palo Alto, which is a heavily marinated steak from Schaub’s Meat, Fish & Poultry, that has always satisfied our guests. We also enjoyed a robust, delicious salad.

For dessert, we had an apple pie with house-made Breyer’s Vanilla ice cream and Neapolitan ice cream.

Cecile and I are so thankful for the new arrival of our grandson, August William Lewis and the opportunity we have had to slowly bonding with him. We look forward to celebrating on many more occasions through the coming years.

Our granddaughters, Lyla and Emmy were excited to have Uncle Jason visiting with us, and his dog Daisy who they are absolutely obsessed with petting her and feeding her treats.

Emmy, asked me if I would take her to my office (Papa’s room) to play. She opened my medical bag and hers’ and Lyla’s plastic medical bag and proceeded to pretend taking my blood pressure, give me an injection, and had me lay myself on my meditation pillows and pretended to cut my hair with "plastic "scissors—thank God:).

The End—of a perfect evening

A Romantic Valentine's Day Dinner at Parkside Los Gatos with Friends Susie & Nelson Bye

"It’s not what we have in life, but who we have in our life that matters.”—Unknown

This wonderful and bustling restaurant opened last Spring where the former Boulanger Restaurant with its iconic and historic facade at Main Street and Montebello used to be in downtown Los Gatos. While the interior underwent a major transformation, the facade was left largely intact. With its’ elaborate L-shape bar It has already become a popular destination drinks and dining spot.

Cecile and I had along with our friends Susie and Nelson Bye enjoyed Parkside Los Gatos' special 4-course menu offering by Executive Chef Noe Briseno with wine pairing. Our affable waiter, Bryce served us an Amuse Bouche (crab cake with avocado mousse) as a teaser appetizer. Since I’m allergic to crab, he brought me a Southern fried Hush Puppy (golden fritter). For our starters, Cecile, Nelson, and I had Roasted Baby Beet Salad while Susan had the Sesame Seared Ahi Tuna with soba noodles, pickled veggies, sweet soy & spicy aioli.

For our entrees, Cecile and Nelson had the Herb Crusted Halibut, with crushed fingerling potatoes, snap peas, cherry tomatoes, with citrus-saffron sauce, while Susan and I ordered the 12-ounce Bone-In Ribeye Steak.

Last but not least, for dessert Cecile and Nelson had Dulce De Leche Creme Brûlée with chocolate mousse, and almond biscotti, while Susan and I had Chocolate Fudge Cake with vanilla gelato and caramel sauce. The assistant manager that Nelson struck a camaraderie with threw in some New Orleans-style Beignets.

Accompanying the dessert was a Graham's 20 year Tawny Port.

Postscript: I bumped into Hadi Ghafouri (photo), a friend from Bay Club Courtside who is quite the success story. Hadi is in the top 1% of 65,000 nationwide Coldwell Banker Agents in Saratoga. He and his top producing team which includes Bobbie have racked up near a billion dollars in sales since 1990.

Our Little Butterfly: Emmy's Birthday Celebration at Jack Fisher Park with Family & Friends

“Beautiful and graceful, varied and enchanting, small but approachable, butterflies lead you to the sunnyside of life. And everyone deserves a little sunshine.

—Jeffrey Glassberg

Thank you Emmy for bringing a little sunshine our way at your birthday party and every time we all get to be with you. You were having so much fun moving from one activity to another like a butterfly dancing from one flower to another. You climbed up the rope cables leading to the sliding pond as I hovered around you like a "Nervous Nelly," ready to grab you if you lost your balance. It would be inaccurate to say you are braver than you believe, because the consensus from all the grandpas and grandmas is that you are absolutely “fearless." Standing on that five foot cement retaining wall, smiling and insisting you wanted to make that jump onto the sand—on your own accord made my heart sink and Pop’s as well.

But you said what you always say: “Let me do it, Papa!” I had to plead with you the second time, to let me help you, fearful you might turn an ankle. Hesitant at first, then you went along with my wishes and by the looks of your smile—enjoyed it just as much. You are stronger than you seem, smarter than we know, and loved more than you could ever imagine. It was such a pleasure seeing you enjoy yourself at the park with your little friends and opening your birthday cards and presents at your mom and dad's home—with your big sister Lyla helping of course.

Kim, great idea setting up the "EMMY is 3,” sign. It was a good marker for the forty-plus parents and kids who attended and had a great time. And Michelle and Kyle, you organized a great party. We were lucky the weather cooperated after so many days of rain.

A Super Bowl Heartbreaking Moment for 49ers Losing to Kansas City Chiefs in Overtime Cliffhanger

Boy did Cecile and I choose a great Super Bowl (2024) to watch on our big screen TV. It was quite the cliff hanger.

While the San Francisco 49ers held a 10-3 lead at the end of the first half, due to what sportscasters called self-inflicted wounds that kept the Kansas City Chiefs off the score board for most of the opening two quarters, they wound up defeating

the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in an overtime victory.

It was the Chiefs third Super Bowl win in five years, and only the second overtime game in Super Bowl history. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes who has trailed by double digits in all four Super Bowl games he has played, stayed calm, cool, and collected as he rallied his team to victory with the help of defensive lineman Chris Jones who provided some exciting game-changing performance moves. Trailing by a field goal, Mahomes proved his worth once again by connecting with Mecole Hardman in the end zone.

In what was called a fairy-tale ending, Taylor Swift took the field at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to congratulate and celebrate boyfriend and star tight end, Travis Kelce’s big win with kisses and an affection hug. Swift has been a big supporter of Kelce throughout the Chiefs’ journey.

Postscript: Halftime Show headlined by R&B legend Usher, Alicia Keys, Reba McEntire, Post Malone and others.

Dinner at Orchestria Palm Court Restaurant with 20th Century Self-Playing Musical Instruments for Entertainment

We had dinner with our friends Nelson and Susie Bye at Orchestria Palm Court in downtown San Jose that specializes in Continental Cuisine is housed in a rustic refurbished auto showroom from 1910. With its original roof, framing and skylights, it is reminiscent of the restaurant and bars of the early part of the 20th century. This period was largely defined by mechanical musical equipment. These machines, like the Coinola electric piano which plays the hits of the early 20th century represented the “high tech” of its time.

The mania to out-engineer and out-market its competitors was as fierce as today’s Silicon Valley’s high-tech industries. Engineer Mark Williams, the owner of Orchestria Palm Court, whom Nelson and I met behind the bar, collected a wide array of such machines over the years and are on display for patrons to enjoy. The restaurant also features two orchestrions, a machine that can mimic the sounds of an entire orchestra; electric pianos; two jukeboxes from the 1926 and 1928 era, and a Violano-Virtuoso Player Violin. The music ranges from bluesy jazz, catchy show tunes, operettas, clever novelty songs, and more.

Nelson brought a bottle of Hightower Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 from his wine collection to share. He and I had French Onion Soup with Gruyere cheese to start. For our entrees, Nelson, Susie and I had the Boeuf Bourguignon—the classic French braised natural beef with red wine sauce, with pearl onions, mushrooms, bacon, and carrots, served over roasted potatoes. Cecile and the Sustainable Sea Bass with Crayfish topping served on a bed of zucchini string salad with roasted potatoes. We all shared the Pesto Gnocchi with pesto sauce with fresh Parmesan cheese, and vegetable plate, and Cecile, Susie and Nelson shared the Shrimp Scampi on pasta—wild-caught Gulf shrimp, in garlic butter scampi sauce, with Farfalle (butterfly shaped) pasta, sun-dried tomato, and kale.

For dessert, Nelson and Susie shared a Traditional Banana Split and I had lemon and raspberry sorbet with strawberries.

Postscript: Orchestria Palm Court is located at 490 S 1st near the San Josie Stage Company, the South Bay’s leading professional theatre is open only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5:45 to 8:30 PM, and reservations are highly recommended.

Thank you Susie for this great find.

Visiting My Volunteer Locomotive Engineer Friend at the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad (BJWR) at Oak Meadow Park

Back Story: In the early 1950s, Walt Disney visited Billy Jones railroad on his 10-acre ranch in Los Gatos, CA. They established a long friendship between the families. On the opening day of Disneyland, Billy was given the honor of operating one of Walt’s steam locomotives that looped around the new park. Jones, a former engineer for the Southern Pacific Railroad opened his miniature railroad in 1943, offering free rides. It became a popular attraction over the next twenty-five years.

After his death in 1968, a grass roots effort was undertaken to keep the railroad in the community. Fundraising efforts were held and a new non profit organization was used to purchase the equipment from the Jones family. Volunteers constructed a roundhouse station, turntable and a quarter mile of tack at the new location in the back part of Oak Meadow Park. In 1970, the Billy Jones Railroad officially opened averaging 100,000 riders annually, becoming a true Silicon Valley success story.

I stopped to take a photo of an engine, that a volunteer was working on. His name is Kelly and was very friendly. He said he used to be a payed employee, and after retiring he stayed on as a volunteer, making it over 50 years working on train locomotives. I asked him if my old friend Tony Hoffman was still volunteering. He said, “yes and he cooks for all the volunteers every Tuesday." He offered to escort us into the working garage and let Tony know I was asking for him. It had been a long time since Tony and I lost touch. We hugged and chatted for about ten minutes and agreed to have lunch together soon.

Tony, a successful real estate agent and investor, and I met around 1977 at an EST seminar, a two weekend Personal Transformational program founded by Werner Erhard in 1971. We became fast friends. We traveled to Kenya, taking a camera safari in the late 1990s. Cecile and I attended his and his wife Jane’s annual October Fest parties. I also went sailing with him on the San Francisco Bay. Afterwards, Bill and I then had lunch at The Happy Hound before making our way back home.

Postscript: If you live locally, it would be worth your while to ride the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad around the park with your young kids or grandkids. In the winter, their weekend hours are from 10-3 pm.

Source: Some of the historical info: K. Middlebrook

Dinner at Dan Izakaya Japanese Restaurant in San Jose with the Rothenbergs

"An izakaya in Tokyo made international news in 1962, when Robert F. Kennedy ate there during a meeting with Japanese labor leaders.”

—Wikipedia

Historically an izakaya is a type of casual Japanese bar that serves alcoholic drinks and snacks for after-work drinking similar to an English pub, a Spanish tapas bar, or an American saloon or tavern. Dan Izakaya is a full service restaurant in San Jose, CA., that serves cocktails, wine, beer and an array of sake. Izakaya-style establishments existed in Japan at the early 700s. Dan Izakaya presents itself with a warm inviting atmosphere and bright ceiling lamps.

Always open to try new places, Bill and Sarah recommended Dan Izakaya, a place they had eaten at once before. Bill and I shared a bottle of Sapporo Premium beer. For our appetizers we all shared a Sashimi Salad with avocado and tomato served over romaine, topped with sesame seeds, green onions and shredded seaweed, Miso soup; and Steamed Gyoza (little potstickers) stuffed with pork, chicken, and vegetables.

For our entrees, Sarah and Bill ordered the seared Salmon Meshi sashimi and flying fish roe on crunchy skillet of rice in a stone pot topped with green onions, sesame seeds, and shredded dried seaweed. Cecile had Salmon Teriyaki Don: grilled Salmon with teriyaki sauce on the side, with rice topped topped with green onions and and sesame seeds, and I had grilled Salmon & Beef Teriyaki Don prepared the same way. The food was excellent, our waiter was friendly and service was timely. Though the Yuzu Sherbert (100% Freshly squeezed and quickly frozen) sounded refreshing, we hit the Dairy Queen for dessert.

Revisiting Teleferic Barcelona Restaurant in Los Gatos: Leave Your Passport Behind

Teleferic Barcelona is a family-owned authentic Spanish cuisine and innovative cocktails, and a variety of hand-crafted sangria. The Padrosa family, are pioneers in the art of ‘Pintxos,” the smaller Basque cousins of Spanish tapas, that justifies the phrase “haute cuisine in miniature.”

The food and lively ambiance creates a dining experience that transports its customers to the vibrant city in Barcelona, Spain without the need for a passport. Cecile and I made 5:15 PM reservations to beat the crowd, and the crowd beat us. We were surprised that the popular extensive outdoor seating with heat lamps were taken. That said, we were seated by the hostess at a cozy, romantic table in the corner away from the hustle-bustle of the main dining room. We were fortunate enough to have the affable Julio as our waiter again.

To start, Cecile ordered a glass of Barceloneta Sangria consisting of sparkling wine, lemonade prickly pear, honey, rosemary orange and mixed berries and I had a bottle of Estrella Mediterranean Pilsner Lager Beer. We ordered marinated Tuna Tacos with mashed avocado & crispy wonton shells; Pan con Tomato: Traditional toasted bread with tomato dressing and chorizo butter; and for our main Platos, we shared Prime Wellington consisting of juicy braised short ribs & Iberia ham encased in a flaky puff pastry roll, and Spanish-style potatoes. One of the server injected savory sauce in the pastry roll. Everything was prepared to perfection and in a timely manner. We were full enough to pass on dessert.

Lexington Reservoir An All Terrain Bicycling Adventure with Unexpected Radical Detours

“Sometimes the best [fun] things in life are unexpected.”—Faith Sullivan

Bill and I decided to go to the Lexington Reservoir in the Santa Cruz Mountains. We have done this ride a great number of times. At first in was pretty uneventful, that is until we got to "Road Closed" sign, except for deliveries. So we slipped through until we hit another road closed sign that at first glanced seemed more formidable due to a large collapsed road under repair. Bill found a narrow opening closer to the canyon below. The other option was lifting our bikes over the cement barrier and make our way to the far left where there was an unobstructed way to continue our ride. I just had a dental implant the day before, and the last question I asked my oral surgeon “Can I ride my bike.” He said "yes, but be careful not to fall!” I thought to myself, when he said yes, I don’t think he was envisioning this.

We chose the narrow path. It was a radical detour to be sure. Bill took the lead to show me it was doable. Looking back at the photos Bill took of me coming through, it is hard to imagine we actually made it. As they say it was all down hill from here. We were surrounded by beauty. We enjoyed that fresh mountain air and stunning views of the reservoir from up above and at the water’s edge below. The last section however, was a bit perilous. There is a narrow section near the water’s edge. Recent rains cause it to be muddy and it took more time to navigate. Though we took it slow, our bike tires were fishtailing back and forth as we slogged through the thick muddy terrain. In fact we had encounter variable terrain: paved, gravel, rock, dirt and mud. It was clear sailing from here. As we made our way back home along the Los Gatos Creek Trail, stopping briefly to view the Vasona Reservoir.

Postscript: The only creepy thing that happened was Bill pretending to eat a banana slug he found on a muddy surface behind the cement barrier of the closed off road and pretended he was going to eat it. The banana slug which happens to be the most common slug on campus is the mascot of UCSC.

Exploring The Guadalupe River Art Walk & Lunch at the San Pedro Square Market

During our 23-mile roundtrip ride to San Jose, what caught my eye in particular was the colorful mural that's called “We Are Still Here” by retired postal worker and muralist, Alphonso Salazar (2021), that dominates the wall along the Guadalupe River that flows through downtown San Jose. The mural recognizes the Muwekma Ohlone that were the first inhabitants of the region for around 10,000 years. It portrays the face of Ohlone Chairwoman Charlene Nijmeh, adorned in a warrior eagle headpiece with a basket-weave pattern and a hummingbird warrior face mask, a tribute to the indigenous tribe's creation story. The river itself has been a major ancestral heritage site for approximately 2,000 year, which the tribe’s leadership has had oversight on since 2012 as part of their reclamation process.

Staying on the art theme, there has been a movement over the years to have murals commissioned by artists to paint the bland grey sides of downtown buildings. One in particular that I took a photo of is a beautiful mural that runs the entire length of the hotel’s west-facing wall of the Hotel De Anza known for its interior art deco design, featuring the image of a woman, surrounded by a cornucopia of fruits and vegetables painted by Jim Minor called “Life Abundant."

We paused at "Monopoly in the Park" to stretch a bit. Located on the California Discovery Meadow, near a children’s museum, the board is the largest permanent version of the game in the world. There’s even an immovable set of dice that you can sit on or do a yoga squat pose on—as I did.

There was a lot of activity at the FurCon Confusion, annual furry convention at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center with outside Mexican food stalls set up for the lunch crowd. What’s a furry, you might ask? These are often animal of animal-themed characters in movies, cartoons, books, or comic. Many people who attend create their own characters, and some attend in costume. Though I’m told you don’t have to be a furry to attend. Before heading back home, Bill and I ate a Chicken Banh Mi sandwich at the San Pedro Market, home to one of Spanish California’s last remaining structure from El Pueblo de San Jose de Guadalupe.

Fists-up at the Olympic Black Power Statue at San Jose State University on MLK’s Birthday

Biking buddy Bill and I were surprised there were no activities scheduled in downtown San Jose in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday yesterday. We decided to cut through the San Jose State University (SJSU) campus and I had a “duh,” moment. Right before us, as Bill reminded me, was the bigger than life olympic medal awards podium that we have seen before. It is associated with a silent protest by two San Jose State University African-American track and field medal winners, Tommie Smith and John Carlos. At the 1968 summer games in Mexico City, Smith won the 200 meters track gold medal, and Carlos took the bronze.

As the Star Spangled Banner played, both athletes, standing shoeless, bowed their heads and raised their fists in a defiant black power salute until the music ended. They intended to place the world spotlight on human rights, particularly injustice and inequality for African Americans. Unfortunately it was perceived as an aggressive political act. They were booed by the stadium audiences, and ceremony etiquette experts around the world became enraged. The two sprinters were expelled from the games and received numerous death threats to boot.

It took decades for the fury to die down, and in 2005, SJSU unveiled a heroic sized tribute—a 23 ft. tall sculpture of that moment in history they stood on the medalist awards podium.

The university sculpture conspicuously leaves out the 2nd place medalist, Australian Peter Norman (see the black and white photograph), who was criticized for wearing an Olympic Project for Human Rights pin, in solidarity with Smith and Carlos, who wore them. Norman declined to be depicted in the sculpture, which left the silver medal tier platform I was standing on—with Bill to my left open. Visitors are welcomed to pose and raise a fist. It so happened we met a friendly woman who was admiring the sculpture and offered to take our photograph with one of the most iconic images in world history.

An Ode to the Often Misunderstood Turkey Vulture I Encountered on the Way Back From a Bike Ride

“Let us praise the noble turkey vulture: No one envies him; he harms nobody; and he contemplates our little world from a most serene and noble height.”

—Edward Abbey

Have you even seen an old cowboy movie where a character is out in the desert, hot, lost, thirsty with an empty canteen looking up toward the sky to see circulating turkey vultures, worrying he was going to be their next meal. This is a myth or in modern day parlance "Fake News!” Vultures do not circle and follow dying animals and humans.

As I rode my bike on the block long tree-lined sidewalk leading to the entrance of our gated-community I saw what at first glance thought was a big crow. As I got closer I realized it was a turkey vulture. I had seen the tough fuchsia skin of its head, with a bone-white beak, and chestnut layered feathers that ended abruptly at its neck. They are typically not dangerous to humans or other animals. Despite a generally negative view from humans, they play an important role in the ecosystem by scavenging and cleaning up “carrion" which means dead animal flesh before it rots and poses a health risk.

In this case it appeared to be a dead squirrel. They possess an extraordinary keen sense of smell from a mile or two away. These peaceful animals that have a life span of up to 24 years pose no risk to your pets, children, or infants. I had to ride past the Turkey vulture and I knew it would probably slowly take flight as I got closer. I was prepared to take serial photos of its launch with my new i-phone 15 Pro. It was poetry in flight.

Postscript: It is interesting to note that there are dozens of stories in the Native American, Celtic, African, and Tibetan culture that praise the vulture as a beacon of spiritual renewal, cleansing, purification, and patience. In fact, Tibetan monks who believe in rebirth, say they want to return to earth as vultures in their next lifetime because they do not kill to survive. Perhaps, this is why the Cherokee refer to Turkey vultures as “Peace Eagles."

Men at Work Instead of Jail & Riding my Bike on the San Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail

It was 45 degrees out with sunny blue skies, as I rode my bike onto the Los Gatos Creek Trail off Hacienda Drive.

The first thing I noticed were a slew of men in two areas wearing orange vests with yellow green stripes with the letters SWP stamped on the back. They were transported here in an old White Sheriff’s bus to do landscaping work. SWP stands for Sheriff’s Work Program, a Public Service Program whereby the Courts of Santa Clara County—where we live—identify low-risk offenders and sentence them to the Sheriff’s Work Program as an alternative to jail.

This reduces employment difficulties and related financial burdens for both the individual as well as society. Also, by serving in the Sheriff’s Work Program, it provides a valuable service to the community by alowing offenders to serve their sentences in a productive and cost effective way. Prior to being accepted the SWP participants are thoroughly screened by the Courts and the Probation Department prior to being accepted to the program. The participants serve their sentences on weekdays and weekends, allowing them to retain their regular employment. The Programs Unit has established about 67 locations throughout out the County where offenders can complete their sentences.

The other thing I noticed for the first time was a colorful historical marker by the National Park Service designating the area I had been riding on as the "Juan Bautista De Anza National Historical Trail” referred to as A Trail of Hope. It represents a familiar story of migrants crossing great distances and enduring hardships in search of a better life. Unlike the massive migration crossing our borders in the tens of thousands, some 30 families of soldiers, farmers and townspeople of European, Native American and African heritage traveled overland from New Spain (now Mexico) to establish the Mission and Presidio of San Fransisco, Mission Santa Clara and Pueblo of San Jose.

These growing communities altered the natural and cultural environment around the Bay Area. New agriculture and religious practices forever changed the traditional lifestyle of the native Ohlone tribe who already lived here. Throughout California, customs and cultures of settlers and native people intertwined, creating a unique “Californio” culture. This tale of hope and change goes on as today’s diverse cultures and communities continue to intermix and adjust to our changing world.

It’s a Boy: Welcoming our new Grandson Who Recently Made His Debut on the World Stage

“A new baby is like the beginning of all things—wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities—Eda J LeShan

A Heartfelt congratulations to our loving daughter Michelle and Kyle on the birth of our grandson "August William Lewis" who was born on January 9, 2024. Mother and child are doing very well. Our little bundle of joy weighed in at 7 lbs 8 oz. His big sisters Lyla, 5 and Emmy, 3 next month, were ecstatic as is the Lewis, Chien, and Augustine families who waited anxiously for little August to make his debut on the world stage. Just when you think you know love, someone so little, magical, and precious comes along to remind you just how big love really is. He’s already brought warmth, happiness and light into all of our lives. The first time I held him on my chest, I felt so peaceful as if I was breathing in new life into my heart. I know Nonnie Cecile agrees with me that you can’t buy happiness, happiness is born.

Kyle, who shares my interest in derivation and meaning of names, told me that the name August was inspired by the Augustine family name. August (pronounced “aw-gust” comes from the Latin word “Augustus." I had already researched the name August, which means “great, magnificent,” while Augustus—from which it came means—“consecrated” or “venerable. Kyle also added it mean "protector."

There are many nicknames associated with the name August and Augustine. My younger brother Steve, our late brother Michael and his boys (my nephews, Mikey, Andrew, Brock, and Alex), and my father I were called "Augie." Then there’s Auggo, Goose, Gus and Gusto. Lyla and Emmy like to call their new brother “Gus.”

Thank you soooo much, dearest daughter Michelle and Kyle for giving us the most handsome grandson! He’s already stealing hearts.

Back in the Saddle: A 20-Mile Ride on My New Bike Since Returning from Maui

“It’s the beauty within us that makes it possible for us to recognize the beauty around us. The question is not what you look at but what you see.”—Henry David Thoreau

It took me three days before getting my energy back from respiratory viral symptoms (not Covid) I contracted toward the last half of our two week vacation in Maui. Some friends said, they couldn’t tell I was sick from the photos I posted during our stay. My response is life is about balancing the joys and struggles that visit us—sometimes in the same day or during a much anticipated vacation.

The late Israeli poet Yehuda Amichai said we must “laugh and cry with the same eyes.” I call it non-judgmental awareness or accepting what is. It’s not always easy to do, but we do the best we can. Integration is the ability to hold two realities simultaneously. The truth is that holding both positive and negative experiences is possible.

It felt good getting back on my new Specialized Como Turbo. It rides like a dream. I had a new bike rack adaptor installed at Wheel Away Bicycling Center in Campbell to accommodate my utility bag to hold tools, snacks, and often times buy take out food for dinner or lunch for Cecile and I. The forecast called for rain and I was able to squeeze in just under 20 miles on the Los Gatos Creek Trail and Oak Meadow Park before the rain began. The varied cloud formation, flowing creeks, reservoir spillways, wooden bridges, and varied terrain kept things interesting.