Sunday, January 25, 2026


We've reached that time of year when sunrises and sunsets are worth the effort to experience. Over the past month, I've found myself racing to Mount Umunhum during early mornings and late afternoons, or heading to a nearby park I now consider the "sweet spot" for skyline and horizon views. My "Howes Your Coffee" mornings feel especially enhanced by dramatic sunrises, like the one pictured above, taken from Mark's newly installed deck, which has significantly improved the space. It was an amazing way to start the day. Although photos can't fully capture the moment, part of the magic lies within—it's inspiring, humbling, and life-affirming. Once home I enjoyed a peaceful morning with Jennifer. I spent part of the day continuing my efforts organizing the garage, swapping out plastic shelving for a sturdier version. The testing of the air conditioner was successful and work went into the "Group Reservations" setup for Jikoji. Tommy's am flight from Phoenix was delayed due to weather disruptions. After several hours of efforts he managed to fly into San Jose. I picked him up and took him to retrieve his car in San Francisco. It felt rewarding to support him while respecting his independence in making travel decisions. On they way home, his car died literally parked at a Tesla charging station. He requested the AAA number and handled the situation himself. 85 was at a dead stop at 17 due to a major accident, but i was fortunate enough to see and react by exiting one offramp earlier. It looked like a serious situation. Count your blessings. Every day is a roll of the dice.