Seriously, the BEST Hygienist EVER!!!

JWise Photo of the Day

Under the dental instruments of the world's best dental hygienist in Arizona

Hey, wait, is that the user manual behind Joanie? Look at my eyes; they are pleading; look close; do I see a tear? That is not a cotton gown she’s wearing; it is one of those waterproof bio-hazard safety suits to keep herself dry in case my praise for her infinite hygienist skills is not sincere enough, forcing her to go for my carotid artery through an eye tooth. Good thing her boss, Dr. Lebowitz, has such a smooth chair-side manner, else I’d let the plaque get so out of control I’d look like I had one wide tooth without gums.

Updated Entertainment and Travel Schedule

JWise Moments

Here is the updated travel and entertainment schedule for Caroline and me.

October 20 Yamato Drummers of Japan

October 22 – 23 Los Angeles to visit Giant Robot, see an old friend, go to the Nuart for the movie Naked in Ashes about the Yogis of India, and eat some Shabu Shabu in Little Tokyo

November 20 Discover India Diwali Festival at Heritage Park in Phoenix

November 20 R. Carlos Nakai / Keola Beamer perform Native Voices / R. Carlos plays Native American Cedar Flute while Keola plays Slack Key Guitar from Hawaii

November 23 – 27 Drive up the California coast to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and another tour with Sanctuary Cruises for some Whale watching.

November 25-? The Future of Food will be shown at The Loft in Tucson.

December 1 Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden / The garden is lit for the holidays with luminarias

December 10 – 12 Disneyland in Los Angeles, California, and some shopping. It’s Caroline’s Birthday.

December 23 – 26 Santa Barbara with family

December 27 – January 1 Trip up the coast to Big Sur, Santa Cruz, San Francisco, Pt. Reyes with reservations for Alcatraz, sunset cruise in Santa Cruz, and elephant seal walking tour at Ano Nuevo State Reserve.

January 13 – 15 Staying at the El Tovar at the Grand Canyon, celebrating our 12th Anniversary

January 26 – 29 Camping on Lake Powell in Page, Arizona

February 1 Garrison Keillor from Prairie Home Companion performs a solo show in Scottsdale

February 4 – 5 Hoop Dance at the Heard Museum

February 11 Renaissance Festival begins

February 16 – 19 Considering snowshoeing at Crater Lake in Oregon

February 23 – 26 Sedona Film Festival

March 11 – 12 Death Valley National Park

March 30 Scottish Battlefield Band

April 1 Peking Acrobats

April 22 – May 1 Going to Kauai, Hawaii in celebration of my 43rd Birthday!

May 12 Festival of India II with Ravi Shankar

May 25 – 30 Road trip over the long Memorial Day weekend to parts unknown

June 30 – July 5 We are going to Canadian, Texas and staying at the Arrington Ranch (as seen in the movie Cast Away). With a parade, fireworks, rodeos, the Cattle Exchange Restaurant, and a newly renovated Palace Theatre that is the third busiest theatre in all of Texas, a stay in a small town on a working ranch for Independence Day sounds just right. Visit Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument or call 806-857-3151 for a tour.

September 1 – 5 Yellowstone National Park, we just have to come back here year after year. I have already booked our room (#225) at the Old Faithful Inn

Mongolian BBQ

JWise Photo of the Day

YC's Mongolian BBQ in Scottsdale, Arizona

First time in years we stopped for dinner at YC’s Mongolian BBQ in Scottsdale, Arizona. Our friend Sonal had asked if we had heard of this place that serves noodles that you pile in your own bowl and give to the cook who finishes preparing your meal; ah yes, YC’s. So this evening, we met Sonal, Mandakini (Sonal’s mom), Hemu, and Khushboo (her daughters) and got stuffed on dinner that I’m not sure why or how it is Mongolian or barbecue. This is still one of the best meal deals going on for fast food for $8.50 a person includes the choice of 4 different types of meat, tofu, 16 vegetables, a dozen sauces, rice or wheat noodles, brown and white rice, two different soups, a drink, and frozen yogurt.

Veena Sahasrabuddhe

JWise Photo of the Day

Veena Sahasrabuddhe performing in Phoenix, Arizona at Arizona State University

This is the second time Caroline and I have had the opportunity to watch and listen to a live performance by Veena Sahasrabuddhe from India. Veena sings Classical Indian music. We enjoy her performance of ragas, but it is her handling of bhajans that we love the most. Following her concert this evening that was held on the Arizona State University campus, we purchased her CD Kaali where she performs Sanskrit Stotras – highly recommended.

After the concert, we stopped in Mesa for dinner at Hodori, a Korean Restaurant. Tonight was a night of seconds, as it was our second time eating here, and it was well worth the time getting over to this side of town. I hope to return soon for another great meal of bulgogi.