Audrey Claire

Last night we ventured into Philly fro a wine tasting event.

#vinocityevents by Vicki Miller 

A great night of wine tasting, education and the added beauty of 22 Gallery.

Thank You Vicki for a very informative and fun evening.

After the tasting we headed to Audrey Claire, just around the corner.  It is restaurant week in Philly so things were hopping as they say.  A Prix Fix for the evening at $35 was a sound bargain.  And by the amount of people and the average age, it was obvious that others thought so too.

My appetizer, whipped ricotta with squash and pomegranate was by far the hit of the night.  Smooth,creamy and very rich.  I would go back just for that item.  

My entree pork chop was OK, but the side veggies with the Gorgonzola cream and dates was amazing.  My wife's branzino, yes that was too good to be true.  Whole roasted but filleted.  You could not tell it had been filleted.  A very talented group there. 

A true must eat place if you are in town.  

Enjoy

My Little Girl

I Love my child, but more than that I am so proud of her.  Three years ago in May she approached me and said she wanted to go out for the golf team.  SURPRISE.  So I took her out on the course and range, then when I felt that she was really serious we hired a coach.  Then August came and it was tryout time.  Five of the hottest days of the year.  And here was my little girl, all 5'3, carrying my old golf bag (with a broken strap that she had tied together) and a vagabond match of clubs.  She was the only girl.  Yes, 2016 and the only girl trying out for the team.  She made it through try outs and became the only girl to EVER make the team.  PRIDE - you better believe it. She endured a lot that year.  Needless to say she was not the most popular among the guys.  She never backed down and gave it her all.  By the end of the season her coach admitted that she was not "that girl on the boys team", but a full member of the team.  She had successfully integrated herself into the team. 
She has played on the team for two seasons, played many tournaments on the Jr PGA . She has won some, placed second and third in quite a few, and lost and continues to compete.  Her third try outs are going on now.  No one though competes with more heart and desire. 
My Pride is not in her golf accomplishments though.  My pride is her tenacity, her desire, her work ethic (with two work -aholic parents she was doomed) and her drive. Being able to deal with defeat and disappointment and being gracious in victory. I am so proud of the person she is.  She has developed the essentials that will drive  the rest of her life. 
HR, you continue to astound and amaze me.  I love you. And I am Proud of You.

Molokai, Day 3

https://photos.app.goo.gl/kVNv2WPhSG3anBmV2
Today was very special.  First it was just beautiful weather, then of course being on Molokai of course always helps. We drove all the way down to the very east end, mile 28. The Halawa valley of course is the most beautiful place.  Two waterfalls lead into a fresh water river then right into the ocean all wthin a few yards.  The drive is also amust do in itself, mostly one lane with cliffs on one side and the Pacific on the other.   This special morning we were able to stop in a few places and enjoy whales being very active in the morning. 
After  time in ethe valley we drove back to our favorite beach at mile marker 20.  The beach seems to have several names, we use Murphy beach.  The best part is that right next to it are the historic Molokai fish ponds.  If you are interested in ancient engineering history you will want to see these, visit the refurbishment and get a cultural history as well.
After coming back to the condo we swam in the pool and just realaxed.  We bought steaks and grilled out ourselves, watching the most beautiful sunset ever.  After dinner we headed back into town to purchase hoot fresh baked bread at Kinematsu out back.  Literally you have to walk down the alley, go to the back door of the bakery and ask for a fresh hot loaf.  They have several different spreads, my favorite is thcream cheese and cinamon.  Only from 7.30 pm to midnight, but if you are interested ini doing a deal in the back alley, this one is the best.
Whale watching tommorow, can't wait.

Molokai day 2

https://photos.app.goo.gl/OzyaAl4PZVbQ1JrH3
Our second day was beautiful.
Back up to the lookout where you could see everything. "On a clear day...." Then to the Cookhouse for breakfast. Loco Moko of course. Then to the coffee plantation to pick up some coffee.
We went to the west side and just laid on the Beach. A little whale activity far off but not much.
A pretty slow easy day

Molokai 2/18/18

Our first day on the island and of course it stormed. We braved out and drove around some, seeing St. Joseph church started by Fr.  Damien, drove to the lookout. But could see nothing, then the phallic rock. Sandra and I came in Feb. 18 years ago and HR came the following Sept. You do the math. We saw some whale activity and just basically started to unwind. This is the island to slow down and enjoy

Buttercreme icing and yellow cake

I absolutely love yellow cake with chocolate icing.  I don't know why I just do.  Yes the cheap box mix and store bought icing work for me.  It is that way- the simple, cheap things really bring a smile to my face. 
Watching children play, kindness from a stranger, a hug form my daughter and that smile from my wife that won me over.  Yea, i was won over by a simple smile.  Almost 30 years ago my future wife looked up at me with that smile and those eyes,  Oh yes those eyes.  I was smitten right then.  I was puddy, whipped, whatever. The simple things that make me smile.

I have had a spectacular life, relying on those simple things and that smile.
Love Ya Honey.

The Best Is Yet To Come

I cannot describe how PROUD I am of Helen Rose.  She has done so much in her life that I never would have.  I can look back at all the disappointments in my life and think what if...  The real reason is because I never put myself out there.  I always thought about it but never did.  I just passed by, never trying, never going for it, never striving to reach goals.  And at some  point I just existed-stuck in the "what if cycle",  never extending myself.
Helen has always put herself out there, willing to gofor it.  But putting yourself out there also comes with the risk of disappointment.  That is where I failed.  I didn't risk it because I could not deal with failure.  It is easier to do the bare minimum - then you will not be disappointed.  I cannnot fathom the strength and courage it takes to risk disappointment and not winning.  Then have that same courage and strength to do it all again.  At these times she is 200% better than me at life.  The people who posess these characteristics will continue to succeed even when failing.  Richard Branson says that "to be successful you must know the pain and disappointment of failure many times.".
Helen--you make me the proudest Dad in the world.  I know that your hurt right now seems to be inconsolable.  As a father I want o take away the pain, but I can't. Tomorrow will be better and the day after even better.  Continue to strive to reach your endeavors, live your dreams always.
Love Dad