All of you know by now that I have the world's best travel buddy, Mr. Mike. I have a few people who are more than adequate substitutes. You know who you are. I will not mention names, so I don't hurt anyone's feelings. But several articles recently listed traits of bad travel partners. This is from Seeking Good Living: Travel is not his/her first priority-This is hard to find, but during retirement, it becomes a focus, and for some, almost an obsession. I try to keep a proper perspective.The close-minded traveler-If you have chosen wisely, and know your new travel mate, this should not be a problem. On my first trip to Europe, my travel buddy was obsessed with the opera and symphony. And ye... read more

A new state forecast from the Department of Finance shows a grim possibility: San Francisco saw one of the highest percentage population losses in the country during the first year of the pandemic, and it may not recover from that decline. The forecast projects a stagnant population through 2060. Fewer pregnancies and an aging population mean that deaths are projected to outpace births starting in 2024. And while net migration is expected to turn positive next year, the natural decrease in population means the city is projected to fall to about 828,000 residents in 2023, followed by slow growth. By 2060, the city’s population is projected at 845,000, still around 25,000 people or 2.9% below 2020 baseline levels. A permanently shrunken population in San Francisco could mean a weaker economy, as businesses are already struggling to ... read more

If you are considering a trip to Europe, a place that will surprisingly enhance your travel experiences, Romania is the place. I visited my Baltimore Ravens/Annapolis buddy, Dirty Pat and Mrs. Pat when they were in Bucharest doing a yearlong sabbatical in 2019. I spent an enjoyable week there. MSN Explore says: Bucharest is often overlooked as a tourist destination. It's one of the largest cities in the European Union and is growing in popularity with travelers seeking out unique experiences and a destination that's still relatively low in traffic. Bucharest was once nicknamed "Little Paris," and the area has been inhabited for over 2,000 years. It's far removed from the highland mountains that characterize the center of the nation, providing a different kind of experience compared to the rest of Romania. Romania is a former ... read more

2023: I visited the Nisei Farmers League again yesterday with a writer from Portland. He is researching a book to publish, some of which revolves around our family. 2021: I visited the Nisei Farmers League office last Thursday. The nail (first photo) is what the UFW used to sabotage the Nisei farmers equipment, tractors, vehicles. It is made of two nails that are welded together. The sign was used by the Nisei formers to identify themselves to the sheriff or other law enforcement. The lithos are originals from each of the Relocation camps around the country. I photographed only Arkansas and Arizona, where our family was sent. (Note: each litho is #6 of only 45. President Reagan received #5 of each camp litho.) I went to Gila area this past weekend, but it is closed now ... read more

The proverbial "bucket list" sounds so final, like time is drawing near to leave this earth, as Jyaaack and Morgan portrayed in the famous movie. People often ask me about my own bucket list, and I prefer to call it my Water Pail list. And I have done this for many years now. It sounds less "final." Having any type of list puts undue pressure on oneself. When I started traveling, I did not have specific goals in mind. I just wanted to see and learn as much as I could. And I have, without the pressure of a list telling me where to go. Though I did visit rather touristy places, my favorites always remain Angkor Wat in Cambodia, and the Amazon Rainforest. I see another danger, the anxiety or depression that comes with getting ... read more