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Category: Happiness

2025 CHRISTMAS MEMORIES…PAST & PRESENT

I cherish memories of the Christmas season past and present. This is Marla with Lisa this year at her home. I’m with Santa at Capwells in Oakland. I’m probably in heavy discussion about the size of my weekly allowance. Stacy’s family at our house…

A FAVORITE REDWOOD PARK STEEPED IN MY FAMILIES HISTORY

My parents began taking me to the Samuel P. Taylor State Park when I was a small boy. The whole family had a great love of redwood trees. Marla and I went with our kids and their kids many times as well. Marla and I, along with our friend Lea…

PAXTON IS MOVING BACK TO DENVER AND WILL TEACH AT THE SAME SCHOOL MARLA TAUGHT IN 1969-70! And…Happy Birthday!

Our grandson Paxton is moving back to Denver and we couldn’t be happier! He previously taught history at a Boston middle school. Paxton was offered a position at Cole Charter Middle School in Denver. We all are super excited for him! Cole is where Marla taught in 1969-70…

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

I wish you all a HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! I love this beautiful card! A heart made from leaves. Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission…

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO THIS YEAR? HERE ARE A FEW IDEAS.

What plans do you have for 2025? You may be thinking about big adventures or just happy excursions close to home. Anthony Bourdain once said, “If I’m an advocate for anything, it’s to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or…

LOOKING BACK AT THE PAST YEAR… WHAT A WILD RIDE

2024 was an amazing combination of wonderful moments with family and friends, new adventures, a little sadness…but much love. I grabbed at life knowing the importance of each precious nanosecond. I’ll share a few of my 2024 favorites photos with text…And some thoughts on…

OUR SPECTACULAR 1870 ITALIANATE VILLA RENTAL IN MENTON…I SHOULD KEEP IT A SECRET!

Renting an apartment or villa while on vacation can bring happiness and superb memories. Marla loves to cook while on vacation so shopping at local markets and creating something very tasty in the kitchen is something she enjoys. My job is usually finding a nice wine. Renting on VRBO or…

A BEAUTIFUL BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR PAXTON IN THE LOVELY VILLAGE OF GORBIO HIGH ABOVE MENTON

We were totally enchanted by our first visit to the perched village of Gorbio, high above Menton. A beautiful restaurant caught my eye on the main town square, Place de la Republique. It was closed so Marla and I said we would try it on our next visit. It took…

FABULOUS MENTON WITH THE FAMILY…MY 7 WEEK BIG BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION BEGINS

Big birthdays require big celebrations and I had thought (or should I say, “obsess.”) about this one for well over a year! Nothing would make me happier than having our entire family together in one of my very favorite places,…Menton, France, a true gem on the Côte d…

GREAT MOMENTS WITH MY BROTHER ON THE BIG ISLAND, SUPERB DINNERS WITH CHEF MARLA AND GARY, AND TIME WITH FAMILY

It was great seeing Gary again! He came over from the Hilo side to spend a little time with us. Gary began making Garlic bread with a super sour dough. I bought raviolis from Genova Delicatessen in Walnut Creek, then froze and packed them before leaving for Hawaii. This has…