Chicago: A Summer Hiccup

July 10-15, 2026

I felt like a zombie during most of the trip, dark nights interspersed with chatter-filled activities. It was like being caught in the endless maze of Chicago’s underground alleys, hoping to eventually rise for air. 

It had all been surreal to me, but here are a few highlights in order not to lose those few moments when it felt alive.  

A not-to-miss Chicago-style pizza

LOU MALNATI’S PIZZERIA is an American restaurant chain known for its deep dish pizza. Its signature buttercrust features vine-ripened California tomatoes, Wisconsin mozzarella cheese, and sausages baked to perfection.

Youngest Brother’s 50^th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Family rendition, DAHIL SA IYO (Because Of You), a love song from the Philippines. Simply  enchanting.

DAHIL SA IYO is a song by Mike Velarde Jr., written in 1938 for the movie Bituing Marikit (Beautiful Star) and sung by Rogelio de la Rosa. A version with English-Tagalog lyrics, recorded in 1964, was a hit in the United States and continues to be popular in Filipino communities on American soil.

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT HOME AND STUDIO TOUR

951 Chicago Ave., Oak Park, Ill 60302

The home was the first over which Wright had complete artistic control, and he would use it as an opportunity to experiment with design concepts that contained the seeds of his architectural philosophy.

The house emphasizes an interest on pure geometric forms, natural materials, and connection to the land.

The exterior of the house, which he would later refer to as “Seaside Colonial,” reflects his early interest in the Shingle style.

FILIPINOS KNOW HOW TO EAT!

Sa fiesta, kahit anong luto, basta may sawsawan, panalo na!

(In a fiesta, any dish is a winner as long as there's a dipping sauce!)

CHICAGO RIVER BOAT ARCHITECTURAL TOUR on the Riverwalk

The 90-minute experience presented an in-depth, expert architectural-based river boat tour of the design and building treasures that make up the Windy City today.

That awkward moment when a zombie is looking for brains, and it walks right past you.

I need a vacation from this vacation.

Can’t wait to get home

and do absolutely nothing! 

Chill

 Secret To Summer Happiness

Life  is so much easier when you just chill out.

Adopt a laid-back style or easy demeanor. It often means to relax or take it easy.

Too chill to break a sweat

Omm… omm…

We fought the nap, and the nap won.

It’s a good day to have a chill day.

Florida!

 Secret To Summer Happiness

The most beautiful things in life are not things. They are people, places, memories, and pictures. Feelings and moments. Smiles and laughter. - Anonymous

Our family celebrated one such memorable time this year at Grandson’s AAU Boys Volleyball Nationals which ran July 3-10 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. 

All our bags were packed.

We were ready to go.

Florida mode: activated

Stunning Sunrise. Photo: A.V.H.

It might be fun to do a FLORIDA ACROSTIC to capture the moment, so here goes.

F - is for FANS who remain loyal whether the game is a loss or win.

 

Being loyal is simple if you genuinely love someone.

L – is for LOADING UP on food.

As Virginia Woolf alleges, one cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.

FORD'S GARAGE is a neighborhood burger and beer joint. Inside the Garage is  a 1920's service station vibe which includes vintage Ford vehicles, gas pumps, prohibition-style elements of old brick, rich wood, and hand-hammered copper bar tops. 

Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.

So are we eating our feelings or drinking our feelings today?

CHEDDAR'S SCRATCH KITCHEN is all good food, made well. Its secret ingredient, cooking from scratch, makes for great tasting food. 

Where there is food, there is love.

SHAKE SHACK serves elevated versions of American classics using only the best ingredients. It's known for its delicious made-to-order Angus beef burgers, crispy chicken, and hand-spun milkshakes.

My mind says ‘abs,’ but my heart said cheese fries.

O – is for ORDINARY DAYS made extraordinary…

... By little girls who fill life with sunshine and your heart with love.

... By Grand/Ds taking in the sunshine and lake water.

... By a hunk of a Dad.

How long do you actually have to wear a muscle shirt until you get muscles? Photo: A.V.H.

R – is for our REIS, athlete extraordinaire!

What an incredible reach! Photo: A.V.H.

I – is for the INCREDIBLE sights of the sunshine state.

Weather forecast: 100% chance of fabulous.

WEST CONVENTION CENTER. Photo: I.T.V.

It’s all about the palm trees and the 80 degrees.

When life gives you rain, demand a rainbow.

D – is for team SAS’ DAZZLING teamwork

The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team. – Paul Jackson

There is no “I” in team.

Coming together is the beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.

Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.

A – is for an AMAZING time with ohana (family) where nobody gets left behind or forgotten.

We passed our driving test.

Shell-abrate the good times!

 The time we spent together was a party, like confetti for the soul, adding bursts of joy to life.

 FLORIDA, you had our heart. You croc our world!

Beach, Etc.

Secret To Summer Happiness

Dance with the waves, move with the sea. Let the rhythm of the water set your soul free. – Christy Ann Martine

The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul. Its sparkling waters can make even a grumpy octopus crack a smile. 

Photo: V.E.V. Pamarta, Bali Beach Resort. Morong, Bataan. February 2024

On the beach, you can live in bliss. Sky above, sand below, peace within.

The most affectionate creature in the world is a wet dog.

Some beach somewhere, there’s a big umbrella casting shade over an empty chair for YOU.

So over the beach?

Ride the wild tide at Zoombezi Bay Waterpark’s wave pool.

Or just go with the flow. Waterfalls are nature’s way of showing off its plumbing skills.

                                       I’m falling for you!

How about simply messing about in a canoe?  Explore the stillness of a lake. Wherever there is a channel for water, there is a road for the canoe.

We told the boat it was time to row, but it kept floating around like it was on vacation.

We’re all in the same boat. Best to keep rowing.

Life's short. Paddle hard. 

Good things come to those who paddle. 

Or when all else fails, here’s a hydration tip. Happiness can come in rushes from park fountains. After all, what is an ocean but a multitude of drops?

Someone: Who’s the dude?

Me: We’re not related!

So, water you waiting for?

Let’s go slide into summer and make a big splash.

Taste And Tour

Helping Hands Health and Wellness Center

The invitation for a Guest+1 at the Taste and Tour event sponsored by Helping Hands Health and Wellness Center indicated it was an exclusive event.

It was a Donors Only Event for members of Friends of Helping Hands, Directors Circle, and President’s Council.

Many years ago, I volunteered for the intake process and maintained files. I suppose I am a friend, the +1 and, therefore, qualified to be there.

Here are foto features of the event.

The simple act of caring is heroic. Every patient is a story you get to change for the better.

Left: Founder of Helping Hands  |  Right: Staff and volunteers

Check this out! 

A blue glass plaque of the Directors Circle featured, among others, Dr. V.

And this one! A dedicated volunteer for 10 years, though Dr. V alleges it has been 14 years.

 

Being a doctor is like being a chef.

But instead of cooking up a storm, I cook up cures.

I’m a doctor. To save time, let’s just assume I’m always right.

DOCTOR V!

Because Badass Miracle Worker is not a job title.