A Beacon of Light

“Ice cream brings people together.” Doug Ducey I visit downtown Campbell fairly often, especially during the warmer summer months. Like the downtowns of San Mateo, Burlingame, San Carlos, Mountain View, and Los Altos, downtown Campbell has its own unique charm.  There are a number of restaurants I enjoy — Aqui, Sushi Confidential, Trattoria 360, Stack’s, and El…

“Life, if lived well,is long enough.” Seneca It’s a sobering thought to realize that while you were waking up this morning, someone else was taking their last breath. That’s the reality most of us overlook every day. I’m not preoccupied with death, and I don’t worry about the inevitability of my own demise, but every now…

“Coffee is truly  a brain stimulant.”Voltaire The posted question asked, “How old were you when you started drinking coffee?” Well, I’m 71 now. I’ll be 72 in June. I’m unable to answer the question, because I still have not started drinking coffee. I am repulsed by the taste, though I thoroughly enjoy the aroma of…

“There is nothing on thisearth more to be prizedthan true friendship.” Thomas Aquinas Brian went to Riordan High School in San Francisco. I went to Saint Ignatius. Some might think such a combination would not make for a good relationship, but my friendship of more than forty years with Brian Mark has proven that true friends…

“Your journey has molded  you for your greater good,  and it was exactly  what it needed to be.” Aysha Tyson  I am often asked why I go to San Francisco so often. I’m never quite sure how to answer the question, because there are so many different reasons I enjoy spending time in The City. The…

“The grieving begins the moment you hear the news.” Harold Ivan Smith Every morning, I receive an email which includes the obituaries of those who have died in the San Francisco Bay Area. Before the era of email, I used to get this information by reading the daily newspaper. As far back as my college years, I recall…

“In every walk with nature  one receives far more  than he seeks.” John Muir It’s a hidden gem tucked-away in the hillside above the town of Los Altos, California. The Jesuit Retreat Center of Los Altos, formerly known as El Retiro San Inigo, is a perfect venue for weekend retreats, conferences, individual reflection, and spiritual direction.…