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Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-02T13:45:00.000-08:00

We face the new year with vigor, optimism and humility

Front row sitting, left to right: Ken, Nola, Jutta and Donna.

Back row, left to right: Allen, Don, Bob, Lisy, Walter and Leonie

Front row kneeling: Allen and Walter

Back row, left to right: Don, Ken, Nola, Donna, Lisy, Bob, Leonie and Jutta

Nola, Bob and Jutta

Bob and Jutta

(our host and hostess)

Lisy, Donna and Leonie

Nola, Jutta and Donna

(When having fun, they take a backseat to none, notice the sparkle in those eyes?)

Happy New Year's toast, let the good times roll.....

Ken is the consummate model of relaxation and living life to the fullest.

Bob, Donna and Nola, they look innocuous enough but two hours later they were riotous (in a good way).

Lisy and Leonie toasting the New Year and friendships.

Friendships are like the air we breathe, it is so ubiquitous that we do not even question or notice its presence. Yet, it is a tangible forum where we shared our experiences, offered empathy, encouragement and a steady stream of support. It certainly is a privilege to share in the celebration of coming together in daily ordinariness and/or running/jogging the streets of Honolulu, Hawaii.

Allen Jue

"Goodness is the only investment which never fails."
- Henry David Thoreau

2011 Christmas at Jeanne and Don's Home

2011-12-25T22:36:00.000-08:00

And a Merry Christmas to all.

Don and Jeanne (sister)

(Don-Host & Chef Extraordinaire, and Jeanne-festivities director and decorator)

Bursting colors of raspberry, blackberry and greens presented in a wooden leaf bowl.

Don's homemade pumpkin pie.

Chinese style vegetables, sticky rice and potato salad complements the entree dishes.

Our Family

Front row - Allen (red shirt), Ginger (Ed) (black & green)

Second row - Don (Jeanne) blue vest), Fanny (Ginger's mom)

Third row - Jeanne (sister-white-Don), Ed (brother -blue-Ginger)

Fourth row- Jonee (Allen's daughter-black-Chuck), Chuck (Jonee) Navy blue)

Fifth row -Dorothy (sister-blue denim)

Sixth row- Donna (Allen-Cranberry sweater), Maggie (Rod-grey turtleneck)

seventh row - Jeff Wong (Don's Son), Rod Lee (Dorothy's son)

Santa Claus came last night bearing gifts

Jonee, Donna and Maggie

Roasted Rack of Spring Lamb with Don's special herbs.

Breast of chicken stuffed with sticky rice seasoned to perfection

Fanny (Ginger's mom) and Ginger(Ed)

Dorothy (sister)

Maggie and Rod (Dorothy's son)

Maggie's homemade tamales.

Jeff Wong (Don's son)

Allen and Donna

Chuck and Jonee (Allen's daughter)

Ed (brother) and Don watching the LA Laker's game.

Last but not least - Don's homemade apple pie.

Donna - The birthday girl

2011-12-01T22:29:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Donna


Cosmopolitan Hotel at Las Vegas

Donna and her birthday plate.

Our dinner celebration at Cosmopolitan's Wicked Spoon.

Great Food and desserts.

Donna's Family

Front Row, Left to right: Allen, Ashleigh, Andrew (grandson), Randy

Back Row, Left to right: Curtiss (son), Donna (birthday girl), Rick (brother), Nancy (sister) Ed (brother-in-law -behind Nancy), Sammy (nephew -in yellow shirt), Kelly (daughter) and Tim (son-in-law)

Nancy (sister), Rick (brother) and Donna

Sammy, Donna, Nancy and Ed on the "Strip"

Allen and Donna with friend.

Kelly and Donna

Ashleigh, Andrew (grandson) and Donna

Donna, Kelly, Andrew and Ashleigh at Todai's Las Vegas

Ashleigh and Andrew

Sammy, Allen, Donna, Ed and Nancy at Bellagio's

We attended the Martina Mcbride concert at the Green Valley Ranch Casino

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.......

Allen and Donna riding bikes at the Ventura Marina

Allen and Donna at Marianne's for Thanksgiving

For New Year's Day, we will be in Honolulu, Hawaii.

An Hawaiian July picnic

2011-07-04T20:36:00.000-07:00

What better way to start a July morning and picnic than enjoying the waves and emerald waters of Hawaii

The host and hostess open up the treasure chest with the good stuff in that big green bottle label Sprite??

And lets not forget the healthy cornucopia you see spread before you. Look at those Bing Cherries!

Jutta and Lisy getting themselves comfortable for a restful relaxing time and fellowship with friends.

Donna sitting in her chair holding the little glass given to her by Walter....Toasting time everyone.

Okay, the girls all have their little glasses for more toasting!

Donna, Lisy and Jutta

And more toasts, the girls are really getting happy now!!!
Happy Fourth of July and Happy Birthday to whoever....

Walter, Allen and Bob

The guys look more in control????

Walter is drinking water.

But really, we are having a good time, just seems as not as good as the gals.

There we are a happy family especially the three sitting down at our favorite Waikiki Beach .

It was a great time to share a few moments in friendship without the hustle and bustle of outside distractions.

Always admired this yellow flowered tree, today I had my camera!

Our condo is the middle building 3 windows from the top. Even the birds fly underneath our window.

A Sample of the Ala Moana fireworks for those that missed it.

Everybody is waiting for 8:30PM and looking towards Ala Moana Park for the first blast off.

She's playing in the water until it starts.

A happy face greets us!

Good night and the end of a nice day and we have all our fingers....

Ford Island Race-Hawaii 2011

2011-04-03T00:39:00.000-07:00

Ford Island is always a nice race to enter. This is a military base and for most folks this is the only time you are allowed on base.

Before the race everyone looks fresh and ready to go. This was taken around 6:30AM

Donna, Jeanne and Ken

Same fresh group except I am included.

Donna, Jeanne, and me

More fresh bodies added when Bob and Jutta joined us.

Donna, Jeanne, Ken, Bob, Jutta and I am in front

And the gun sounded and 3,000 bolt across the starting line.

Only 6.2 miles to go.

I turned around to take this picture and I have to make it fast or else I'll be run over by the galloping herd.

She was in my last picture (front, middle left), I caught up with her on the next bend. We stopped for a Kodak moment.

We're heading toward the battleship, Missouri.

General Douglas MacArthur presided over the Surrender of Japan on the Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945.

We are around the 3 miles mark and everyone is enjoying the 83 degree weather.

Ford Island Naval Air Station, in the middle of Pearl Harbor, was headquarters of Patrol Wing Two, and an important target for the Japanese first wave raiders. Reportedly, the initial bomb of the whole attack burst there, prompting the message that electrified the World: "Air Raid, Pearl Harbor--this is no drill.". Several PBY patrol seaplanes and other aircraft were destroyed on Ford Island, and one big hangar was gutted. In all, 33 planes were put out of commission there.

We have our own rooting section as we run by the Air Museum.

Also mom and her two kids waiting for their "daddy" to run by. Notice the wonderful ambiance of the base and the housing.

I stopped and looked back, notice the herd has thinned out a bit. We are at about the 4 to 5 mile mark. There's a guy in a white t-shirt that has his arms in "victory" formation, I hope he doesn't think this is the finish line because I stopped to take his picture....

Navy Lodge Pearl Harbor Now Open For Authorized Guests

With a simple untieing of the lei, military personnel, retirees and their families now have the option of staying at a Navy Lodge while PCSing or traveling in Hawaii. On Jan. 28, the Navy Lodge Hawaii opened its 150 affordable, comfortable, air conditioned rooms and suites.
"The opening of this Navy Lodge has been long-awaited by active duty personnel who come to Hawaii," said Michael Bockelman, Director of the Navy Lodge Program. "The Navy Lodge offers a nice affordable alternative all while taking advantage of the convenience and security of staying on base."

See, I told you this was restricted area, therefore, we were privileged to run this course.

No one attempted to confiscate my camera.

Oh boy, this is bad news, after this sign is the Ford Island Bridges which is a killer with it's up and down concourse coming at exactly the wrong time...at the very end of the race when your legs are like rubber...

How can I not stop to photograph the Arizona Memorial?

"A Day that will Live in Infamy"

On the USS Arizona 1,177 crew members perished, making it the greatest loss of life on any U.S. warship in American history. There is an eerie silence when you visit the memorial, even a moment of flashback when you notice air and oil bubbles still flowing from the hull of the Arizona.

This is the bridge concourse, maybe they should name it "heart break hill" after the one in Boston, MA for their marathon.

Donna's making her way to the top and near the finish line, she's looking perky and smiling.

Water, Hawaiian sweet bread, bananas, Popsicle, yogurt and Gatorade await us!!

A fellow finisher, she was very happy to have run the race as she was recently hospitalize and didn't know whether she would even be in it. Congratulations!

And more congratulations as they come across the finish line. Job well done.

Our own team members, Ken and Jeanne high stepping across the finish line. Way to to go!

It's free, Ken's going to take advantage of it or already has....how do you spell relief?
No wonder he finished in a rush.....

Another year and another bowl for Jutta. She's one of the elites of her age group.

To the winners go the spoils.

Another year and another bowl for Bob too. In his younger days, he was a champion bicycle racer, now he feels safer with his feet on the ground. Congratulations!

Bob's name and finish position is posted 3rd from the top. He came in #2 in his age group. I hope he doesn't mind his age in print on this blog.

How do we look after our finish?
Allen, Bob, Jeanne, Donna, Jutta, Nola and Ken

Jutta and Jeanne admiring the winner's hardware (wood-ware in this case)

We decided to have breakfast after the race at Waioli Tea Room, Aren't these grounds spectacular?

Waioli Tea Room, Honolulu, Hawaii.

The special of the day.

Three egg omelet with avocado, green onions and mushrooms.

Frittata with brown rice and salsa.

It's been a good day...our tummy's are full and now it's time for a nap....

Donna, Allen, Nola and Ken signing off from the Waioli Tea Room.

Akiyo and Akihiko's Birthday -March 10, 2011

2011-03-17T00:40:00.000-07:00

Celebration with dinner at Roy's Hawaii Kai

Allen, Akiyo and Donna.

Akiyo, Donna, Allen and Akihiko.

Akiyo and Akihiko: Fish Trio, blacken Ahi, Steam Pesto fish, and macadamia nut white fish.

Roy's signature dish, braised beef short ribs(excellent)-Allen

Donna: Steamed Mahi Mahi.(excellent)

Birthday girl, Akiyo.

Birthday boy, Akihiko. (their respective birthdays are one week apart)

With their birthday plates.

Birthday plates.

Akiyo, Akihiko and Donna

Pretty happy after dinner + desserts.

Akiyo and Akihiko in front of Roy's.

We had great fun celebrating Akiyo and Akihiko’s birthdays at Roy Yamaguchi’s Fusion Restaurant in Hawaii Kai. Especially noted was the friendly service where several of the hostesses and waiters made it a point to chit chat with us in English and Japanese. Conversing was not a big problem, our Japanese is a word of English and a lot of hand movements, Akiyo and Akihiko’s English were better than our Japanese.

As it turned out, the evening was bittersweet; our time at the restaurant was exquisite and thoroughly enjoyable. When we arrived home and turned on the television, flashed across all channels were showing a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and a 30 foot tsunami completely devastating the northeast coast of Honshu Japan.

Honshū (本州) is the largest island of Japan, called the Mainland; it includes the cities of Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Yokohama. Akiyo and Akihiko are from Tokyo, they called back home and their family is safe and coping as well as they can.

They will be leaving next week from Hawaii for Tokyo, a place of uncertainty and possible threat of radiation from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant.

We wish them the warmest Alohas….

Hawaii Pacific Health Women's 10K 2011

2011-03-06T22:07:00.000-08:00

Hawaii Pacific Health Women's 10K 2011

What a great day for a race in Honolulu, Hawaii

Our gals, Nola and Jutta ready to go.

They're off and running.

Nola and Jutta in the middle of the pack.

She's coming up the hill and will finish under an hour.

Hey! how did these two guys get into the race????

Hey, that's the same guy, now he's running with Nola.

Whew, Nola's lost that guy, now she can get down to business.

Nola's very happy, she on pace to get this thing taken care of very near the one hour mark.

And here comes Jutta to the Finish Line.

She's thinking, why do I do this?

Jutta finishes with a time of 1hr 19 minutes. Way to go Jutta....

The "Promise Land".

The great volunteers to root you on.

He made it too, now what?

Everybody's happy.

"Tell me when it starts hurting"

Jutta and Nola holding their roses, O.K. it's time now for the picnic.

Jutta and the "mix master" with his jug and cup.

The Six-Pack

Front: left to right: Donna, Jutta, and Nola

Back: left to right: Allen, Bob and Ken

"The Three-Pack"

Donna, Jutta and Nola

It's the Run for the Roses!!!!

A night out at Morimoto's Waikiki

2011-03-04T01:27:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Ed and Ginger, our big night to Morimoto’s Restaurant Waikiki was this Wednesday. Our reservations were for 5:30PM. When we arrived, the valet took our car, we walked up the stairs to Morimoto’s, and the hostess greeted us by name and sat us in our designated outdoor table. What a gorgeous place, the décor was elegantly modern with the largest kitchen I’ve ever seen in a restaurant. The chefs were busy in the kitchen and the waiters and hostesses were busy too.

Our waiter, Thomas, came right over and put our napkins on our lap, poured our water and he said “Happy Birthday, Mr. Jue, you really look good for 75”, shook my hand and said, you can call me, Tom.

Wow, Tom was my new best friend. He asked if we had been here before. We said, no, but most of the family had been and they were very impressed with the restaurant’s décor, service and especially the food. We were told that Chef Masaharu Morimoto was here tonight and will be cooking. Tom brought our menus and we began a dialogue of the different dishes and how each was prepared and the sauces, etc.

I could tell that Thomas was very proud of the restaurant; he didn’t rush us and patiently answered our questions. Thomas brought Donna her wine and I stayed pat on my water. I had my camera with me so I got up and started taking pictures; soon I realized we were the only ones in the restaurant. Yes, the only ones. It was probably then that Thomas came over and said this would be a slow night and we picked a good night to come. Well, you can’t believe what Tom says, in 30-45 minutes, the outdoor section was almost filled and the inside was filling fast. I later walked through the inside dining area, the sound decibel was very high, I'm not sure anyone heard anyone as it sounded like the Fox channel where everyone is talking at once.

By the way, we did catch a little bit of the sunset around 6:45PM. Due to the heavy clouds, we didn’t see the “green flash” on the horizon.

The food, of course it was delicious, Donna had Spicy Tuna Maki, Mixed green salad, Black Cod and Carneros Pinot Noir wine, I had Oxtail soup, Rack of Lamb, SD Rice and 3 flavors Sorbet. They also brought me a melon sorbet with an orchid with “Happy Birthday” inscribed on the plate with chocolate syrup.

Even though the was restaurant filled, it was the two of us and a very memorable evening….Thanks, Ed and Ginger.

We made it....

My birthday plate; melon sorbet with cubes of melon underneath, a blueberry and raspberry on the side!
They gave me a break, no singing or candles.
(Thank you, Diane Sarich)

Allen and Donna with Marianne's condo in background.

First come first served....and the best table for the sunset.

Rack of Lamb

Black Cod with Ginger shoyu reduction and five black beans.

For dessert, it was watermelon, pineapple and melon sorbet resting on the actual fruit.

Outdoor dining area. Donna is in the middle.(black sweater)

Main dining room with sushi bar and kitchen to the right.

Outside dining area with fire pit.

The Chef's in a beautiful kitchen. Chef Morimoto is back there somewhere.

Artifacts could be coral.

Swimming pool

Okay, one last picture and we're on our way home.....it was a good night.
If we seem to be color coordinated, it was not by design?
Good night....

2011-02-21T18:28:00.000-08:00

The Great Aloha Run (8.2 miles) was a lot of fun. This is the first year that I've walked it with Donna for a long time, generally I am running it. Upon walking, it gave me time to take pictures of the sights and sounds along the way. Next year, I will be back running so will not have as many pictures as this year. Enjoy....

The Great Aloha Run on February 21, 2011.

Allen going into the tunnel to the finish line.

Donna at the finish line 8.2 miles. After all said and done we had 29,433 steps for the day.

Our running group Bob, Jutta, Nola and Ken

Allen and Donna at the 6 mile mark, 2.2 miles to go.

She's the Aloha spirit...

Platoon of army finishers.

This picture is 'happy".

My man from Vegas...

Save Pu'uhale school

High school bands along the way.

Coming up on Alakawa Street.

Our pal, Ken

Allen at mile 2.

Free ride!

It was a good day to finish the 8.2 miles.

2010 Jue Family 5th generation at Christmas

2010-12-26T20:15:00.000-08:00

"A time of year
To think of love and sharing
A time of peace
For the whole world to cherish
A time to be with all your friends and family
And wish them all
A Merry Christmas"

Philippe Brisebois

2010 Jue Family 5th generation at Christmas.

Janet

Riley

Rennie

Linda

Tuyen and Emma

Riley and Samantha

Rennie

Denise

Brianna and Iona

Brianna

Brianna and Iona

Justin and Emma

Emma

Iona

Iona helping to blow out the candles.

Iona, "I want that flower".

Iona, "I really want it now!"

Maggie and Jimmie


Heather and Jeff

Rod

Grandma's Christmas and birthday cake.

Grandma Betty has plenty of help to blow out the candles.

Grandma has more help in blowing the candles.

Daniel and Rennie want to help too.

Lai Gin

Jue Clan and others numbering 56 this year.

Chinese spread on Christmas at the Jue's.

Rick's Birthday Extravaganza in Vegas!

2010-10-11T17:59:00.000-07:00

Rick, we are wishing you the best of birthdays with a memory trip with the Jersey Boys, the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons at the Palazzo Resort Hotel-Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“Oh, What a Night”, one of Frankie Valli’s all-time popular hits, a number one record in 1976, resonated through the audience as we moved and clapped to the beat. It brought back memories to an enjoyable era where being a teenager was simply hanging out and getting high on music.

Frankie Valli, who came to fame in 1962 as the lead singer of the Four Seasons, is hotter than ever in Las Vegas where his story is being performed at the newly built Palazzo Hotel and shopping center. Thanks to the volcanic success of the Tony-winning musical Jersey Boys, which chronicles the life and times of Frankie and his legendary group, such classic songs as “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Rag Doll,” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” are all the rage all over again.

There's something about Frankie's music that makes young people of every generation want to get up and dance. For us seniors, we did clap our hands and moved the best we could...


The Palazzo Hotel and Casino. Las Vegas is building more beautiful hotels in spite of a slow down economy.


Palazzo interior as seen from the second story Grand Canal Shops.

Palazzo waterfall one of the favorite places for a Kodak moment and rest your feet.


Nancy (pink), Sammy (plaid) and Ed (blue shirt) making their way down from their shopping spree in the Grand Canal Shops.

Relive your Venice, Italy trip with a gondola ride where the gondolier may break out in song with O Sole Mio, Santa Lucia or other traditional Italian songs.

Ed and Nancy and their new best friend....

Tim and Kelly are enjoying the birthday bash as evidenced with this happy photo.


OK, here's the birthday boy between two roses.

The cousins; Sam, Kelly and Tim.

Allen and Donna are having a great time with the family celebrating Rick's birthday.

Nancy and Ed agree with Donna and Allen in a celebratory mood.

Nancy spreads her infectious smile to her son, Danny.

First time in Vegas, Sarah is learning from the experts. Put in your money and pray.

The Kelly sisters are enjoying the moment and life.....Never a dull or quiet moment when they are around. Don't get them started on "Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round".

By this picture, you would have thought it was their birthday?

Sam is a supporter of Ebay along with a million others, he wanted this picture to be special so he invited his mother to be in it with him. Sam is not one that has a lot of wants, so when he makes a request, we listen....

As always in these family gatherings, there's the pow-wow of what to eat, where and at what time. The Patriarch, Ed (blue shirt) deferred to his son, Danny, and daughter-in-law, Sarah, they quickly chose First Restaurant.

Located on the 2^nd floor in The Shoppes at The Palazzo, FIRST Food & Bar brings the authenticity and character of the neighborhood bar and diner concept back to life. This hip, yet comfortable restaurant and lounge is set in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip and has the vibe of a late-night spot blended with the casualness of a local eatery.

Danny and Sarah are studying their menus, we are hungry and in need of added nourishment to go on, the evening is still young.

Sarah's choice was a Two-Handed BLTA (bacon, lettuce, tomato and avocado), it was huge, she took half of it home for the next day.


Danny attended several years of college in Santa Fe, NM, therefore, his taste buds are geared for spicy and tasty, his choice was the Blacken Skirt Steak, jalapenos, chorizo, potato mash, spicy cheese sauce and for $2.00 he got 2 eggs over easy on top. Yes, he ate it all....

PS. The next time you are in Santa Fe, NM, try the New Mexican enchiladas with an egg on top at Castro's.

Uncle, Rick and Nephew, Sam chilling at the First Restaurant, One flew in from Florida and the other from New York.


The gang descended upon the Fremont Street Experience. The most obvious and largest part of the Fremont Street Experience is the Viva Vision canopy and light show. The canopy towers 90 feet above the ground and spans the length of five football fields. Featuring more than 12 million LED modules and 555,000-watt sound system, the light show attracts tourists and locals alike.

First row left to right: Nancy, Dan, Sarah, and Donna. Back row: Ed (only his head) Sam (black shirt) and Curtiss (partial head).

The Fremont was built in 1956. After several owners, it is now owned by Sam Boyd and his Boyd Gaming group properties.

In 1959, Wayne Newton made his start in Las Vegas at the Fremont at its Carnival Lounge.

Donna with her son, Curtiss who drove in from California to join the festivities, Donna trekked in from Anacortes, WA where she was vacationing.

Binion's 50,000-square-foot casino is where the World Series of Poker and the Hall of Fame Poker Classic were created and though the tournaments have moved to the Rio, Binion's casino is still a favorite of poker aficionados.

I think they still have $2.00 craps there.


The Golden Nugget was built in 1946, Steve Wynn bought a stake in the Nugget, which he increased so that, in 1973, he became the majority owner.

The Golden Nugget was the foundation for Steve Wynn's rise to prominence in the casino industry. In 2000 the ownership changed, in 2004 it was sold again and in 2005 Landry's Restaurants became the new owners.

My remote controlled buddy followed me until I put a dollar in his cup. I also got a good shot of him.

The Las Vegas Club and the Union Plaza were two of the properties that made downtown Vegas great, however, with time and the development of the strip with billion dollar hotel-casinos, we find these properties are having a tough time competing.

Music is everywhere on Fremont Street and it is all free, they will take tips of course.

Dancer on the bar entertaining the folks, she was selling a lot of drinks.

The Famous Union Plaza, still a spectacular at night.


Sammy, you are the man! What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!!!

Where has the time gone?

2010-07-14T14:57:00.000-07:00

We were attending a Western Independent Bankers Conference in San Francisco, CA.
The year is 1990.

Allen catches a few salmon out of the Columbia River in Oregon.
The year was 1991.

We were having a nice lunch of romaine lettuce leaves with tarragon seasoning, olive oil sprinkled with Parmesan cheese in Calistoga, CA while visiting the wine country in Napa Valley.
The year was 1991.

We are in Lucerne, Switzerland.
The year is 1992.

Donna is standing at the Crown Jewel of Canada, Lake Louise, in Alberta, Canada.
The year is June 1993.

Donna is standing near I.M. Pei's design of the Pyramid at the Louvre Museum in Paris, France.
The year is 1994.

We are in Alaska chartering a plane to fly us up to see the highest mountain peak in North America, Mt. McKinley also known as Denali.
The year is September 1995

We are debarking our cruise to Alaska aboard Holland American's Ryndam.
The year is 1995

We are at Khufu's Pyramid (Cheops) the largest pyramid located on the Giza Plateau just outside of Cairo, Egypt.
The year is September 1996.

Donna is standing next to Quan Yin, water and moon statue, at the Waikoloa Resort on the Big Island, Hawaii. We were attending the Western Independent Bankers Conference.
The year is 1997.

Donna is aboard the Silverton, narrow gauge railroad that runs from Durango to Silverton, Colorado.
The year is 1997

Allen is standing near the Carlsbad Caverns sign. That trip in our motorhome covered the Southwest United States.
The year was 1997.

Allen and Donna on Ellis Island, New York with Trade Center Buildings in the background in Manhattan taken on September 3, 2001....one week later on September 11, 2001, the Trade Center Towers were destroyed by terrorists.
The year is etched in our memory 2001.

General Douglas MacArthur's museum in Norfolk, Virginia. He was one of my heroes as I was growing up. I memorized a portion of his Thayer acceptance speech (1962) to the Cadet Corp at West Point.
The year was 2001.

Jody, Donna, Rick and Allen at the Ring of Kerry, Ireland.
County Kerry is famous throughout the world for its natural beauty, and the Ring of Kerry is the most common tourist route for seeing it. It was a big event for Rick returning to his Irish roots. The sun came out that day to welcome it's native son....
Year 2002

The Field of Dreams, Dyersville, Iowa.

"If you build it, they will come"
"This field, this game, is a part of our past, Ray. It reminds us of all that once was good and it could be again".
Those were the words spoken by Terrence Mann (James Earl Jones) to Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) in the 1989 film "Field of Dreams" and little did they know how prophetic those words would be.
Year 2003

Sawmill on a Maine lake.
The year is 2004.

While we were in Bar Harbor Maine, Donna reconnected with old buddy, Gail (left), from high school days in Huntingdon, PA. They had lost contact for 40 years.
The year was 2004.

The Chicago skyline as seen from Lake Michigan. We rode our bikes along the shore. There were plenty to see and do in Chicago. Highlight was Frank Lloyd Wright's Oak Park area. Hemingway's birthplace is nearby too. No, we didn't see Michael Jordan or Oprah...
The year was 2004.

Downtown Chicago as seen from the river.
The year is 2004.

Chicago Merchandise Mart.
The year is 2004

This is the Jue Village (my father's village) near Guangzhou, China. Tall structure is the guard lookout post for intruders in the old days.
The year is 2005.

This is my father's home built in 1931, he sent money back to China to grandpa to have this 3 story home constructed. Poppa Jue immigrated to the United States in 1928. I am in the front row with dark shirt, Donna is standing with white shirt. Sisters, Dorothy and Jeanne, are standing 2nd from left and Jeanne is 6th from left in beige pants.
The year is 2005.

Allen and Donna at the Forbidden City.
The year is 2005.

Allen and Donna on the Great Wall of China, Beijing, China.
The year is 2005

Some of our gang on the Li River in Guilin, China.
The year is 2005.

Tuscany, Italy is known for its beautiful landscapes, its rich artistic legacy and vast influence on high culture.
Tuscany is widely regarded as the true birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, and has been home to some of the most influential people in the history of arts and science, such as Petrarch, Dante, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo, Amerigo Vespucci and Puccini.
The year was 2006.

Montachino, Italy. Wonderful medieval walled city. Montalchino's most famous plant the Brunello grapevine, also known as Sangiovese Grosso. The year was 2006.

Montalchino, Italy; daughter, Val, husband, David, daughter Jonee, grandson, Allen, daughter, Kristi and Donna. We rented a house for a month which served as our base for trips to Florence, Siena, Montepulciano, San Gimignano, Pienza, Grosseto, Roselle and Mediterranean Sea. Year is 2006

Silvia and Donna at the famous Biergarten in Munich, Germany.
Year is 2006.

This is the gate of the Dachau Concentration Camp. The words on the gate are translated to "Work will set you free".

The year was 2006.

"First they came for the socialists , and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionists.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak for me."

(Dachau Survivor) Martin Niemöller 1937-1945

(A German Anti-Nazi Theologian January 1892-March 6, 1984)

Hans, Bianco and Silvia enjoying our time at Andechs Monastery (Germany) beer garden. The history of the House of Andechs goes back to the 10th century. The monks began brewing beer in the 1455.
It is located in a rural Bavarian setting, at a monastery that serves hearty food and perhaps the best beer in Germany. At the Andechs Monastery, which crouches quietly with a big smile between two lakes just south of Munich. Come ready to eat tender chunks of pork, huge pretzels, spiraled white radishes, savory sauerkraut, and Andecher monk-made beer
The year is 2006.

Donna and Allen at the harbor area of Mallorca, Spain. We traveled there with Hans and Silvia.
Year is 2006

Mallorca, Spain's water is emerald clear, the sea and boats are the way of life.
Year is 2006

Silvia and Hans relaxing at a hotel on afternoon munchies and wine in Mallorca, Spain. Our traveling companions for that trip.
Year is 2006

Duluth, Minnesota a place that was so interesting and our first time there.
The year was 2007.

The Roger Blough operating in the Great Lakes. Length 858 (long as football field), beam 105", depth 41' 06", capacity tons 43,900 and diesel engine 15,000 HP. It was awesome to see it up close and personal.
The year was 2007.

We're enjoying retirement in Hawaii and dinner at the Willows Restaurant, Honolulu, Hi.
Year is 2008

Eating again, this time it is in Anacortes, Washington, one of our favorite places and the jumping off point to the San Juan Islands. Donna is having salmon and steak for me.
The year is 2008.

One of the most beautiful marinas is in Anacortes, WA where the Lady of the Sea is waiting for her husband to return.
The year is 2008.

The trestle bridge over Fidago Bay where our RV park is located. We bike, walk or jog this bridge everyday. The trail is 3 miles into town one way. Also that year, diesel gas was $5.00 per gallon, we get 7.2 miles per gallon on our motorhome, therefore, we spent most of the summer and fall in the Northwest one of our favorite places in the USA.
The year is 2008.

Donna and I are at President Reagan's Presidential Library in Somis, CA.
The Year is 2009.

General Dwight D. Eisenhower, (Ike) (center and foreground) as a teenager in Abilene, Kansas.
President Eisenhower Presidential Library.
The year was 2009.

President Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene, Kansas. We learned a lot about Ike and his relationship with his hometown. We ate at one of his favorite hangouts, The year was 2009.

President Harry S Truman of Independence, MO.

President Harry S Truman's Presidential Library in Independence, MO.
The year is 2009.

Allen and Donna visiting President Lincoln's Library in Springfield, IL.
The year was 2009.

President Abraham Lincoln's Presidential Library in Springfield, IL.
The year was 2009

We are enjoying the ambiance of Bar Harbor, Maine.

We did the West to East coast run in our motorhome that included 4 presidential libraries, 17 state capitols, Washington D.C. and from Maine south to South Carolina and back through I-40 back to California.
The year is 2009

Homes along the shore of Mystic River, CT. Also located there is the Mystic Seaport Museum a living museum of 19th century life in New England.
Mystic Pizza was also filmed there starring Annabeth Gish and Julia Roberts, it was the first film for Ms. Roberts.
The year was 2009.

The Boston skyline as seen from the Cambridge side of the St. Charles River. Sail boats are probably from Cambridge University Yacht club. You can see the Capitol Dome in the right side of the picture., if you look real hard.
The year was 2009.

Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream factory in Burlington, Vermont.
Ben and Jerry began in an old service station in 1978 and are one of the most popular ice creams in the country. Yes, they give free samples during the factory tour.
The year is 2009.

Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y.
The year was 2009.

The Reynolds mansion was completed in 1885 by Major William Reynolds in Bellefonte, PA.
The home is of late Victorian period featuring a blend of Gothic, Italianate, and Queen Anne styles.
The year is 2009.

Danny (Donna's nephew) and Sarah's wedding at Whispering Pines, Rhode Island.
One of the most elegant and fun weddings ever attended.
The year was 2009

Donna's HS Reunion in Huntingdon, PA.
Bottom row left to right: Lynne, Allen, Donna and Rick
Top row left to right: Kathy, Herbie, Mary Ellen and Barbara, year is 2009.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Washington D.C.
Year is 2009.

Allen at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (Wall). There are 58,261 names listed including 1200 MIA's, POW's and others.
The year was 2009.

The Memorial (Wall) was designed by an undergraduate at Yale University, Maya Ying Lin, born in Athens, Ohio in 1959. Her parents fled from China in 1949 when Mao-Tse-tung took control of China, she is a native-born American citizen.

The Wall is black granite from Bangalore, India. The cutting of the stone was done in Barre, Vermont. We visited that facility in 2009 while we were in Vermont.
The year is 2009.

My running group in Hawaii, we just finished the Great Aloha Run (8.2 miles).
(bottom left to right) Allen, Pam, and Nola.
(Top left to right) Ron, Donna, Jutta, Bob and Ken.
The year was 2010.

Chuck, Jonee and I in Macau. The year was 2010

The gang in front of the Jue house in the village. 2010

Allen pointing at parents picture on the entrance gate to the village. 2010

Allen and Donna in Hong Kong 2010.

Allen with daughters Jonee and Kristi in Hong Kong, 2010.

The gang at the Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China, 2010.

Julie, Kristi, Allen, Jonee, Donna and Chuck at Forbidden City, Beijing, China.
Year is 2010.

This is our motorhome with satellite (computer online) antenna, direct TV, 40 feet in length, washer-dryer, 350 Cummings diesel engine, 37" plasma TV, and our pride and joy, the Tempur-pedic bed.

We also tow a 2004 Honda Element for our side transportation needs.

China's children and future

2010-07-10T09:11:00.000-07:00

The older I grow the more earnestly I feel that the few joys of childhood are the best that life has to give. ~Ellen Glasgow

There is always one moment in childhood when the door opens and lets the future in. ~Graham Greene

While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.
~Angela Schwindt

There was never a child so lovely but his mother was glad to get him to sleep. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man. ~Rabindranath Tagore

A little girl is sugar and spice and everything nice - especially when she's taking a nap. ~Author Unknown

Children are one third of our population and all of our future. (unknown)

Children's talent to endure stems from their ignorance of alternatives.
Maya Angelou

We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today. ~Stacia Tauscher

Upon our children -- how they are taught -- rests the fate -- or fortune -- of tomorrow's world.

Childhood is measured out by sounds and smells and sights, before the dark hour of reason grows. ~John Betjeman

A child can ask questions that a wise man cannot answer. ~Author Unknown

I taught them the Shaka sign that we use in Hawaii.

Kids: they dance before they learn there is anything that isn't music. ~William Stafford

There is no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million. ~Walt Streightiff

Childhood is the most beautiful of all life's seasons. ~Author Unknown

The only thing worth stealing is a kiss from a sleeping child. ~Joe Houldsworth

There's nothing that can help you understand your beliefs more than trying to explain them to an inquisitive child. ~Frank A. Clark

Childhood is a short season. ~Helen Hayes

Our greatest natural resource is the minds of our children.

There is a garden in every childhood, an enchanted place where colors are brighter, the air softer, and the morning more fragrant than ever again. ~Elizabeth Lawrence

Of all nature's gifts to the human race, what is sweeter to a man than his children?
Marcus Tullius Cicero

This is my new best friend that didn't want to give me his best smile, so I took what he gave me.

After a bit of coaxing, I wanted him to mount the wheel for me, kids love to climb anything, so this was the great result.....

It was my privilege and honor to photograph these Chinese children during our travels in China. In many cases I asked permission of the parents and they were just as honored to give it.

Great Wall & Farewell to Sam -China 2010

2010-06-27T22:19:00.000-07:00

""One World, One Dream" is simple in expressions, but profound in meaning. It is of China, and also of the world. It conveys the lofty ideal of the people in Beijing as well as in China to share the global community and civilization and to create a bright future hand in hand with the people from the rest of the world. It expresses the firm belief of a great nation, with a long history of 5,000 years and on its way towards modernization, that is committed to peaceful development, harmonious society and people's happiness. It voices the aspirations of 1.3 billion Chinese people to contribute to the establishment of a peaceful and bright world."

A great shot of our group with the flag of China and the Great Wall of China in the background.
Front row left to right: Jonee Jue, Julie Kinder, Kristi Jue, Allen Jue, Milton Lau, Karen Jue
Second row left to right: Don Wong, Jeannie Jue Wong, Daisy Jue Yang, Dorothy Jue Lee, Marianne Jue Moy (red blouse), Barbara Scott, Donna Riley, Ella Lau, Maggie Lee, Rod Lee, Peter Jue and Cedric Yang.
Photo was taken by Chuck Schuman.

Donna and Allen on the way to the top.

We made it to one of the top tiers of the Great Wall,

Left to right: Allen, Donna, Jeannie, Ella, Barbara and Milton. Karen Jue also made it and was the photographer.

The rest of the group conquered their own portion of the wall.

This is the view from one of the top tiers, we started at the bottom where the square brown building is located.

The National Olympic Stadium (nicknamed the Birdnest).

"Great architecture can never be fully conveyed through a television screen, of course, and it saddens me that so many Americans will experience the building only via satellite. In a site for mass gatherings, Swiss architects, Herzog and de Meuron, have carved out psychological space for the individual, and rethought the relationship between the solitary human and the crowd, the everyday and the heroic. However the structure attests to China’s nationalistic ambitions, it is also an aesthetic triumph that should cement the nation’s reputation as a place where bold, creative gambles are unfolding every day."

We are lining up to enter the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City, situated in the very heart of Beijing, was home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The construction of the grand palace started in the fourth year of Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty (1406) and ended in 1420.

Our official group picture in Tiananmen Square.

Front row left to right: Sam Yang, Dorothy Jue Lee, Julie Kinder (black), Chuck Schuman, Jonee Jue, Lana Osterholt, Kristi Jue, Allen Jue & Cedric Yang.

Back row left to right: Jerry Osterholt, Daisy Jue Yang, Marianne Moy, Jeannie Jue Wong, Don Wong, Peter Jue (yellow), Milton Lau, Ella Lau, Barbara Scott, Donna Riley, Karen Jue, Maggie Lee & Rod Lee

Beijing is full of modern architecture and world class buildings.

After climbing the Great Wall for most of the day, we've worked up an appetite, what's more apropos than eating Beijing Duck at the famous Quanjude Restaurant in Beijing.

By the Qianlong Period (1736-1796) of the Qing Dynasty, the popularity of the Beijing Duck spread to the upper classes, inspiring poetry from poets and scholars who enjoyed the dish.

The inside of our restaurant is nice and modern bristling with lots of business. By the mid 20th century, the Beijing Duck had become a national symbol of China, favored by tourist and diplomats alike.

Henry Kissinger was served Beijing Duck when he lunched with Premier Zhou Enlai, it became his favorite. The same day they issued a joint statement inviting President Nixon to visit China in 1972. Hence the Beijing Duck was considered one of the factors behind the reconnection of the United States and China in the 1970's.

The hung oven was developed in the imperial kitchens during the Qing Dynasty and adopted by the Quanjude restaurant chain. It is designed to roast up to 20 ducks at the same time with an open fire fueled by hardwood from the peach or pear tree.

Chef's wheel the ducks to your table and prepare them.

These ducks have been roasted at a temperature of 525F for 30-40 minutes, during that time, the chef dangles the duck over the fire for 30 second intervals.

Chefs are trained to slice the duck in a certain sequence in order to have the correct ratio of skin to meat. Some restaurants only serve the skin wrapped in a bun.

Besides the Beijing duck, we had plenty of food to eat, more than enough for our American diet criteria, our food consumption bordered on the absurd. Yuk, but honestly, it was sooo delicious.

There is a proper way to eat Beijing duck, pick it up with your chopstick and dip it in the soy paste. Next lay it on the thin pancake, add green onions, wrap like a burrito and eat. The real secret of Beijing duck's flavor lies in your carefully nibbling away at the mixture. You will find the different ingredients very compatible. That's the Chinese way, American way is two or three bites and you're ready for the next one. Give me six more of those.....

Tomorrow, we fly home to the US, this is the last moments of our trip with our national guide, Sam Yang. Marianne is telling Sam she was so grateful he spoke beautiful English.

She also spoke of his effectiveness in dealing with problems along the way such as hard beds, quality of the foods, keeping us senior citizens out too late and lack of air-conditioning in certain rooms.

In Beijing on a warm night, Marianne was so exasperated her air wasn't working, she walked to Sam's room in her pajamas and traded him rooms because his air was working. He made a "big no, no" the next morning when he asked us how we slept, he got an ear full from a number of us. Donna remarked, "she would have preferred Motel 6 over this", others were vocal too. However, everything was repaired and we're cool....

If truth be known, it was hard to be irritated with Sam, he was a prince and made our trip the dream trip of our lifetime.

Dorothy is telling us we had two birthdays on the trip, Chuck and Jonee. The birthday tradition is to share red lucky money envelopes and when you are given one, you in return wish them a happy birthday. My red envelope contained the 13th president of the United State, President Millard Fillmore one dollar coin.

Sam, in you, we discovered a wonderful human being. In the United States, we refer to you as one of the good guys. We thank you for your kindness and personal caring: you took the time to know each of us.

Your leadership in guiding us from place to place was seamless. As Marianne said, this was our ancestral trip to five villages, we shared those poignant moments with you and in turn, you shared yours with us.

Aside from the political rhetoric and ideology, there is that common thread of friendship that we can use to bridge our understanding of the peoples of China and the United States. The thread we take with us will be nurtured and possibly brought to fruition during our lifetime where we will live as one peoples of the world.

We have seen China through your eyes. We appreciated your knowledge of China's history which you unselfishly shared. It enriched our trip to contemplate 5,000 years of China's history.

As you go on with your life, please remember us as the "ancestral pilgrims" and/or the "air-conditioning gang".

We bid you goodbye and when we gather at Marianne's home for our reunion, you can be sure your imprint on this trip will be resonated over and over.

We offer you our best wishes and appreciation as you take your place in the future of China.

Goodbye, Sam.

Tony Kwan Jue Village - Gong Gui Lei (Village of Multitude) 2010

2010-06-15T22:00:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of May (sister) and Tony Kwan Jue (brother in law). We believe this picture was taken around 1940 after their wedding. Before Tony immigrated to the United States, they had a daughter, Marianne.

Gate entrance to the Kwan Village was donated and built by Tony and May Jue.

This is called "Sa Han" Protector of the village and its inhabitants. It was located near the entrance gate of the village.

The ever present pond at the Kwan Village. Except for the electrical lines, the village looked the same as 60 years ago. Thanks to the donations of Tony and May Jue and other overseas villagers, the money facilitated deferred maintenance and repair.

This whole area personifies peacefulness, no five o'clock rush here. From the Kwan Village you can look across the pond and see lush rice fields growing in the next village and the distant mountains in the background.

The Chinese are predominately farmers, they love the feel of the soil in their hands. They have tilled their land for centuries and tend their fields faithfully as they would in rearing their children.

The Tony Kwan Jue home where Marianne and cousin Gary were born. The rest of the nephews and nieces were born in the United States.

The kitchen prep area where the meals are prepared.

No granite island in the kitchen here.

This is a two burner kitchen stove Chinese style. She is stoking the fire with kindling wood.

This is not "Yan can Cook", it's our Kenny Lau who has a perpetual smile and enjoys life to the fullest.

The roast pig is used for all festive occasions, our visit was considered such an affair.

The pig is ready, the five strings of firecrackers are ready.

Blast off! The firecrackers welcome the celebration and chase off the evil spirits.

The red paper is the aftermath of the big bang!

This is our travel group in a Kodak moment. Marianne is front and center in her Jam's World red flower shirt and Gary is to her right in the white shirt. It was the efforts of these two that made this entire trip "A trip of a lifetime".

Marianne with her siblings (my nieces and nephews)

Kevin, Karen, Gary, Marianne, Dianne and Peter Allen.

Gary and Marianne's Uncle Jiang is 91 years old and head of the third cousins family. He has 7 sons and 2 daughters. He lives by himself and is in good health. His secret to his longevity and good health is due to his concoction of soup with wine from 3 or 4 kinds of local poisonous snakes.

I am envious of those eyebrows...

Here he is again with his young assistant.

The Kwan village relatives gathered with Marianne and Gary for this photo opportunity. The lady in purple top (3rd from right, front row) used to babysit Marianne. They are always happy to see relatives from the USA returning home for a visit and celebration.

In the 40's there were 290 Kwans (not counting females) living in the village, at last count there are only 60 Kwans left in the village, mostly elderly.

Typically, this is the pattern throughout the country, young people are moving to the larger cities for educational and career opportunities in China's growing economy.

Vicky (left), with third cousins, Lee, Liang with granddaughter, and Murrie (right) sharing goodies with the kids in the village.

Don, Milton, Ella and Julie enjoying the moment.

Marianne and Gary were born in the same house but not the same bed. They're sitting on Marianne's bed reminiscing of their young years in the village.

The collage on the wall is of their father, mother and the family. These pictures were taken during our family get together's and we see them again 6,000 miles away in a setting vastly different than ours.

Kristi is pointing at a picture of me taken when I was around seven. That's been a whole lifetime ago.

That's Tony in the larger picture in the middle.

(To enlarge the picture, click on it, to return to the blog again, click on your back arrow.)

Gary and Vicky with third cousin, Liang and granddaughter.

Aunt Jeanne and niece Marianne, Marianne used to introduce Jeanne as her aunt to some of the guys during their college days especially at dances. They are best buds and golfing addicts.

Gary, Kevin, Dianne, Marianne, Karen and Peter Allen is on the balcony where you can see forever.

Ella, Milton and Donna are in deep discussion of something important,

Julie is on the top balcony enjoying some private time to reflect what she is experiencing.

Paying our respects to the ancestors at the burial grounds by burning incense, burning paper money and offering food.

Chinese custom is to pay respect to their ancestors and thank them for everything they had done for the current generation. Incense is burned at the grave and fireworks are lit to scare away any evil spirits. Food is offered and taken back home where a feast ensues.

Here's the firecrackers to deal with the evil spirits.

Grandparents Kwan

Walton Jue, Tony, Allen and Ed.

Because Tony wore his uniform so did Ed and I, except Ed wore his army jacket with a navy hat, what's up with that?

Tony was assigned to the Presido of Monterey at the Army Language School which specialized in Russian, Chinese, Korean, Arabic and six other languages in its curriculum. The Presidio was a sub-installation of nearby Fort Ord.

In recent years, the Institute has taken on challenging new missions, including support for arms control treaty verification, the war on Drugs, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Restore Hope, and Operations Enduring Freedom and Noble Eagle.

A photo of Tony while he was working on the Jue's ' Bros Produce Farm in Oxnard, Ca. in the middle 40's The farm was located on Saviers Road which consisted of 15 acres. Most of the produce were sold to the Jue's family markets, local stores and the Los Angeles produce market.

After the farm closed, he came back to Jue's Market in Ventura. I remember everyday around 4:00pm, he would invite me to make home deliveries with him. The homes in those days (early 50's) were not locked and we would take the groceries into the house and put the cold things into the refrigerator and leave the bill.

While in Ventura, he made many friends and customers who still remembered him long after his move to L.A.

Tony and May went on to operate their own markets in the Los Angeles area until their retirements. They both have passed on, their legacy of a honest days work have lived on through their children and grandchildren.

He was a quiet gentle person that was neither blessed nor burdened with the ambition of accumulated material things, there was a simple spirituality to Tony, he was about devotion to his wife, May, and to his children. He was about being a kind soul that always greeted you with sincerity along with a ready smile; he would always offer a listening ear no matter the subject.

He lived his life in a very positive way and expected others to do the same. He was just happy doing what he was doing. . . . There was no sense of urgency. This may seem simple to us, however, to do it day after day, year after year, even though difficult times, Tony mastered it.

I do not believe he knew his impact on others. He was a person of purity of heart, and leaves a legacy to be emulated by his family and friends.

During the last years of May’s life, he was a pillar of support; he catered to her every need and made sure she was happy. When she cooked her festive meals for the family, he was more than happy and always ready to drive to Chinatown for her special ingredients.

We all have vision of moments and places and people that will never again seem quite as wonderful as when he was here among us.