Cupertino

I enjoyed lunch with Wajohn. Next, I passed by Garden Gate and explored H Mart in Cupertino. Tomorrow, I'll hike Rancho San Antonio then visit Ken.

Feeling Lazy in the Short, Foggy Days

I skipped soccer yesterday. It's easy to get lazy. On one hand, I know I should play, because I always feel better afterwards. On the other hand, I am getting older and my limited skills are in decline. With limited soccer in the winter, I hosted a couple of poker games. It's fun. Even Philip and Caleb stopped by. I've also been attending several UCD student concerts on campus. Tonight is Thursday Live concert after the City Tree lighting ceremony. Tomorrow, I'll shop and have lunch with Mae. In the evening, Pearl, Henry, and I will see the Doobie Brothers. Next week, Pearl will be in Hawaii with Sandra. I'm planning to visit Wajohn, then explore Cupertino.

I do worry about Mae and her dating and job situation. On one hand she is an adult, saved her own money and should have the automony that comes with being 21 years old. On the other hand, she has some limitations with her disability. It's difficult to balance.

Thanksgiving Weekend is Over

We drove Elias back to UCB, then Caleb, Philip, Mae and I watched the Kings game. The entire Thanksgiving weekend seems like a blur. The house is definitely quieter with Elias gone. A serendiptous adventure was dining at the Thai temple in Berkeley. The food was delicious and the experience unique. I'm excited that both Caleb and Philip will join our poker game on Tuesday. Pearl and Sandra will be leaving for Hawaii next week. I'm starting a list of activities. The house will be super quiet when Pearl is gone. I wonder how I will adjust.

Thanksgiving

On this Thanksgiving morning, I am overcome with emotion as I recall my holiday memories. As a youth, I remember visiting relatives and enjoying a holiday feast. In NAPS, I remember visiting John Wolf and his family. As a young adult, I remember Pearl visiting New London, CT and John Wolf's family. With family, I remember time in Bowie with our immediate family, plus time in California with in-laws, relatives, and mo
We celebrated Thanksgiving at Diana's house. The yearly photos are a treasure. Then, afterwards had dessert at Edna and Dave's house.

A Full Weekend of Social Connections

I attended a couple of UCD music concerts; then, with Mae watched a UCD women's singing group and studio 301--a student musical production. I enjoyed playing soccer at UCD and Nugget--our early morning game was my first in the cold. Jen, Joey, Mari, Anujit, Caleb and I celebrated Ameya's birthday at Pizza and Pints. We are planning to play pickleball tonight and I'll host another poker game next week. On Sunday, after church, we visited grandparents, while Leslie, Mike, Caleb, Philip, and JoAnn stopped by. Yesterday, I enjoyed afternoon Mahjong, then a Rebekah meeting in the evening. I'm excited for the upcoming Thursday Live, Beatles concert. I'm learning the music for the Odd Fellows' Odes as next year I will be the musician. I invited Shirley and Arlene to the Doobie Brother's concert. Neither could go, but Henry and Pearl now plan to attend.

Visits

The last two evenings, I have enjoyed chatting. Yesterday, Philip stopped by after soccer practice. I enjoyed hearing about his first couple of days at the Senate. The transformation from remote to in the office will be an adjustment. Nonetheless, it was insightful to hear his review of the code base and assessment of his new role. Tonight, Caleb stopped by after having dinner in Davis with friends. I enjoyed our discussion about the potential of AI, as NVDA reported stellar earnings today.

I played soccer tonight at UCD. I seriously questioned whether I should go, whether I am too old with limited skills, and whether the risk of injury it too high. As always, I was glad that I played. Similarly, I questioned if I should go to the Odd Fellows Wine Club, but afterwards, I was glad that I attended. Is the secret to life captured in Nike's famous quotation" Just Do It! Should I play piano on the worship team? Should I invite the Dong side over? Should I play chess with Odd Fellow friends on Tuesday mornings?

Purple Team

Soccer "purple" season is over. The purple Kings are playing terribly. The days are short, the first rainstorm passed. Winter is here.

Philip started at the Senate. Mae moved to another apartment in the same complex. I played piano to welcome the public to the Odd Fellows Classic Film Festival. I enjoyed a couple of 1970s murder mysteries: The Last of Sheila and Murder on the Orient Express. With nothing on the calendar for tomorrow, I'm taking Amtrak to SF.

I've been a saver all my life. We have reached a unique time in history, when big tech is dominating the business work and financial markets. Having studied the numbers in retirement, I have surely made the transition. By any measurement, time is now the limiting factor. I feel I am making the tranistion to this new mindset. Now, will others follow?

Piano

I finally feel, that when I'm in my zone and not nervous, I have become a good piano player. Last week, I had a small epiphany of a walking baseline from the root down to the fifth. I tried the same pattern in all keys. Suddenly, I felt with practice I had a new tool to improvise. I thought I could learn more patterns like this to complete my skills and play more by ear. Essentially, I'm learning music and connecting the dots in my music theory and practice. Here at Asilomar, I enjoy playing the piano for 30-60 minutes each day. It's a refreshing break, a mental challenge, and an emotional joy when I feel I am playing well.

Monterey

I was slightly apprehensive about coming to Monterey, but like usually, once I started I had a great time. We had dinner with Wayne and Nora, biked Pacific Grove, walked around Carmel, and enjoyed several nice meals. The piano at Asilomar is old, but it works. I savored a quiet walk on the Asilomar campus to the sounds of the ocean, lit by the full moon. For a few moments, I could almost feel as if it were 1991 again, when we lived in La Mesa.

Connections

A night of connections.... playing piano before the Classic Film festival was fun. I didn't think I would make it through the movie, but I stayed and I loved it--"The Last of Sheila" an old 1970s murder mystery. The best part was the audience was full and I grabbed a nearby open seat. I happen to be next to neighbors, Mitch and Joan; behind UCC Doug and Gail; and in front of Odd Fellows, Juan and Becky. I also ran into Will from Mahjong. I enjoyed these simple moments of laughter and connection, about the movie, piano, and life in general. Finding friends in other venues is serendipitous and make life full, rich, and connected. Next up... text messages from our fellow Viking cruise travellers and catching up with Wayne and Nora from Monterey. I reflect now with a moment of contentment over the past weekend. The Odd Fellows Halloween party was fun. The labor of setting up spooky decorations with Dave Reed and Deb was work, but a worthy investment in community. Elias came home. Dinner at Mom's Dumplings with Ameya, Joey, Mari, Anujit, Pearl, and Eli. Church with Mae. Lunch and soccer with Caleb and Philip (purple won). Finally, playing piano in a full theater, filled with friends and strangers; followed by a great movie.

The AI Stock Market

I spend an hour or two everyday tracking stocks, portfolios, budgets. From a grand overview I wonder if we are in an AI stock bubble or the fundamental shift of the economy, the fourth industrial revolution, lol. I watch videos (biased) toward my view, but also try to hedge, dollar cost selling NVDA stock ocassionally. I enjoy this time, but I doubt it's productive. The stock market (or it may be more accurate to say) the Magnificient 7 continue to reach new highs. In other news, I bike, play piano, garden, play soccer -- but I need more weight lifting exercise. Retirement is going well, but it is an adjustment.

Zombie Ball

I volunteered and played piano for the Zombie Ball. The upper hall was rocking. The red carpet announcements were energetic, the dancing fun, and the DJ songs familar. There were few volunteers at the end, so I stayed and cleaned up. I've been feeling a little displaced, so it was good to pitch in, work together, and help. We all want a sense of belonging. Work provided that outlet. Retirement is relaxing, but it's still an adjustment. In our current divisive era, we need community events and fraternal organizations to bring us together.

Visiting San Francisco

I took a morning Amtrak train to SF and enjoyed exploring the Haight and Ashbury neighborhood. It was the Summer of Love in 1967. Hippies, counter culture, defining moments for a generation. From Amtrak to Waymos, I enjoyed public transportation, especially hiking Buena Park. Twelve hours later I made it home, tired and ready for bed -- a fun day to explore.

Local Day Trips

I am at a quandry, regarding how to best make use of short trips in the area. One one hand, I am considering a condo in the historical Piedmont hotel. I ponder both the headache of ownership, but also the opportunity to invite friends. Both the beach and redwoods surround Santa Cruz, but the drive is a tad long. Would it be a joy or headache? If not the Piedmont, maybe partial ownership of a condo in Watsonville? On the other hand, I am considering renting (or buying) into Washington Commons. With the Piedmont and Washington Commons, I have some hope that I would be connected with residents, even if only limited. It would be more than a condo, but an ongoing relationship with fellow residents. Finally, there is another option of renting a hotel once a month and exploring the wonders of Northern California. This K shape stock market, where the wealthy are thriving creates a social conumdrum.

Santa Cruz?

For some time now, I have pondered whether to buy a condo at the historic Piedmont building in Santa Cruz. It's a senior community in the heart of downtown. While our Felton cabin required reqular maintenance, this home would be different. I could imagine staying a couple of nights each month. Travel on Saturday. Enjoy Twin Lakes church in the evening. Spend a day at the beach or hiking trails on Sunday. Then, return to Davis on Monday afternoon. Or, perhaps, travel to Santa Cruz on Monday or Tuesday, then return on Wednesday or Thursday. How often would I really use the condo? Would I enjoy community with the residents? How difficult is public transportation via Amtrak and the Highway 17 Bus ride?

I ponder the strange question... can I afford not to buy it, lol.

Back in Davis

I've been home for 4 days now. Still adjusting to jet lag. In some ways, I feel strangely alone. I've completed most household chores and garden work that I missed for two weeks. I've had a several social events: lunch with Ameya, visiting grandparents, breakfast with Glenn, piano at Odd Fellows. Friday and Saturday (today) have been quiet, so I am enjoying bike rides and public pianos--the staples of my life. When all else fails, I return to my Davis roots. I frequently check my stock portfolio, which feels alittle empty, because I seldom take any action. I'm writing this blog post at Nugget Field while watching a youth soccer game. Already, I feel better. So many memories with both youth and adult soccer that filled my weekends for decades. My other common rest stop is on UCD campus, where the snacks are cheaps and the seats plentiful. College students are back, so the campus is alive. The big news is Mae moved out and now has a boyfriend. Caleb and Philip have been helpful It's an adjustment. Next Friday, we visit Elias.

Budapest

Coming up the metro in Budapest, we arrived at the Parlimentary Building. And, for a moment, I was thrown back 40 years to my first visit to Washington DC. I was twenty years old. I caught a ride to DC and stayed with my uncle Howard. I took the subway to Capitol Mall. When I ascended the long escalator, I recall being moved by the beauty of the buildings and their representation of government--working together. For a moment, I felt the same, as I beheld the grandness of the Parlimentary Building, here in Budapest. Life is rhythm. As this rhythm of vacation changes to a long day of travel, I am overcome with ngostalgic feelings. Soon, I will be home again, playing the piano, soccer, among friends and family.

Budapest

Of all the cities we visited, Budapest is my favorite. The city is grand, big, busy, and full of life. The architecture is rich and diverse. The public transit system is easy to navigate and inexpensive. As our vacation comes to an end, I already miss the vacation routine: breakfast, city tours, lunch, exploring, an afternoon nap, followed by dinner. It was wonderful to meet new friends and see new places. I am also blessed to go home. Piano, bike rides, soccer, AYSO soccer, Sac Kings, Quacera, Odd Fellows, Friends, Mahjong.

Vienna

Vienna is a big city. While the photos blur together, and I forgot the many details, I am reminded of this areas impact and historical significance. On one hand, this vibrant culture is the birthplace of Mozart and Hitler. What a contrast? We made friends on this trip. Only a few more days....

Our Vacation is Half Over

We left Linz yesterday. Today is Krebs, and tomorrow is Vienna. Each city is filled with history. One memoriable stop was the "bones" church outside Prague. Europe is filled with vibrant cities and bustaling downtowns. We met Tara & Joe, and Bill & Carmen, and Andrew & Dorothy. After our morning walking tour, I explored Linz on my own, because Pearl's cold lingered.

Prague is an amazing city

With its amazing bridges, canals, cathedrals, and architecture, Prague is a wonderful city, easy to walk, rich with culture.

After an exhausting flight, with many layovers, we arrived late afternoon. Yesterday, we had an evening tour. Today, we finished a city tour. Pearl had a cold and rested, while I walked a couple of hours late afternoon

Viking River Cruise in Europe

Mixed feelings as we travel to Europe. Fond, adventurous memories as I recall my first trip to Europe -- the excitement and anticipation; the growth of qualifing Officer of the Deck; the friendships and capstone moments. Now, at home, Mae moved out and met a boyfriend. Life always changes and brings new challenges, even in retirement.

Purpose and Hygge

Why does it often feel like nothing really matters? Is it age, retirement, dementia, enlightenment, loss of desire, wisdom? Yet, there is Hygge: Contentment, Appreciation, Friendship. What is the difference between acceptance and apathy?

Empty Schedules and Daily Rhythms

Today was an empty Saturday schedule. I biked around Davis, played the public pianos, bought a simple lunch, and watched Philip's 2015 team play at Nuggett. In the evening, I thought about watching a DMTC play, but opted for another evening bike ride and public piano venture instead. I fell asleep early (before 10pm) then woke up early around 2am, knowing my Sunday will be open too. Other than church and a 4pm Purple game, Sunday is open.

Mae Moves Out; Steve & Lonna, Seattle, Ferry and Bike Rides

A short trip, rekindling friendships, and a major milestone... so much has happened in these past few days that its hard to comprehend and the full ramifications may not be known for months. First, Pearl and I visited Steve and Lonna. We had a wonderful time hiking, biking, traveling on ferries, and listening to music. The couple of nights, we stayed in Seattle, revisiting places we had already seen: City Center, Pike's Market, Pioneer Square, Chinatown. The public transit (Link, Buses, Monorail) are wonderful. The day before leaving, we moved Mae to her new apartment. It took 3 van loads including her bed, dresser, clothes, and bike. We'll move more later. I wasn't sure if the lease paperwork would go through and still don't know the terms of her rental agreement. I am both excited for Mae, as this will be an opporunity for growth, but I am also a little apprehensive, as I'm not sure about the new role models in her life as she grows into you adulthood.

A Whirlwind 1 night Adventure

I drove to Belmont to visit Wajohn and see his new house. It's nice and always great to catch up with him. In the evening, I explored downtown Redwood City. The train, restraunts, ambiance, and county museum was vibrant. The next morning I visited the Fioli House, Gardens, and Trolls. Next was the Japanese Gardens in San Mateo. Finally, I visited Eli and delivered some furniture, clothes, and food. It was only one night, yet a meaningful and complete experience.