Introducing Steve and Janis Holzman

This a continuation of My Blog Series- Knowing Your New THD Co-Residents. 

Steve and Janis Holzman just moved to THD last October. During the Residents Party for December Birthdays, I had a chance to talk one to one with them. I told them I have a blog series on Introduction of New Residents and requested them their bio for my blogs. 

Here's what Steve sent me the other day. Again, welcome Steve and Jan. I hope your stay here with THD be a happy and long one. Here's Steve Biography.

"I grew up in Chicago in a middle class family. My father was a dentist, my wonderful mom a housewife, and a sister 7 years younger now in the DC area. I attended the University of Chicago, went to med school in Pittsburgh, hoping to be a psychiatrist or neurologist. I met my future wife Jan, a neurology nurse in London on Jan 10, the 1st day of my elective there. We married in December of that year in the middle of my internship in Chicago.

I took my residency in Psychiatry, studying at Albert Einstein in the Bronx. Jan did her nursing here in an underserved area, later becoming a hospice nurse most of her career.

After residency I remained on the Einstein faculty, then the Cornell faculty for a few years, but decided academic medicine wasn’t for me.  I wanted a more active leadership role. in 1982, by which time we had two daughters, Sarah and Jessica.

We moved to the Hartford (CT) area where I became the 1st chairman and medical director of a newly built psychiatric building with a complete range of services. Over the next 19 years I built the department, hiring 8 other doctors and participating actively in the hospitals committees and affairs. After 16 years at the demanding Hospital I contracted 2 serious cancers and decided it was time to decrease stress in my life.

I had always maintained a patient practice even as a full time administrator, but in 2001 when I left the hospital, I opened a part time private practice and worked Part time for a community Mental Health Center. I transitioned my general psychiatric practice to full time and for the next 17 years kept a very active group of about 400 patients, mostly dealing with medication but also focusing on therapy which was no longer in vogue by the 90s for psychiatric practices.

By 2022, I again developed several serious medical problems and Jan and I decided to move to California to be near our daughters who moved to the Bay area in their 20s. Sarah became a professional flutist and Jessica a nurse practitioner who worked for Planned Parenthood for many years.  They each have one son and continue their careers as well as motherhood.

We kept our condo in a lovely part of New Hampshire which we hope to return to over the next few summers. Jan and I moved to THD in October and are gradually building our retirement lives here.

We’ve been happy to meet you and other residents and hope to deepen our friendships and expand our lives to be meaningful and content".

In my Blog Series, Introducing New THD Residents, I always ask this question, Why and What did you decide to choose THD as your retirement home. Most residents reply is always because of Family  connection nearby. Here's Steve response"   

 "Jan and I discovered the Heritage when visiting our daughters a year ago; we’ve looked at several places in Marin and the East Bay and THD seemed to be the best fit for us at age 80 but not needing higher care level.

WE moved from Connecticut where we spent the last 55 years and have visited our family many times in SF and Berkeley the last 30 years but living here is a first and takes getting used to. We’re grateful to be with our family regularly and have various activities we’re starting to engage in.  We especially like the outdoor pool and Jacuzzi always open, and the exercise program - and of course the great meals. We’re gradually meeting new people and look forward to that and the wealth of shops and restaurants in Walnut Creek- we hope to give you a later follow up!"

Once Again, my personal welcome to you Steve and Jan..Looking forward to more conversations with you and Jan.

Finally, here's  the top Five News Headlines for Today:

U.S. announces massive arms sales to Taiwan worth over $10 billion, drawing strong criticism from China amid rising regional tensions. AP News

Vatican confirms resignation of Cardinal Timothy Dolan and names Bishop Ronald Hicks as the new Archbishop of New York. Fox News

U.S. military strike in eastern Pacific kills four, pushing the death toll in the campaign to 99 and igniting international concern and criticism. The Guardian

Cause of death released for Rob and Michele Reiner; their son Nick has been charged with their murder. The Guardian

Saudi Arabia proposes hosting the WTO ministerial meeting in 2028, reflecting its expanding role in global economic diplomacy. 

  

See the USA- NO Crowded Highways and Long Security Lines

From My Travel Readings This WeeK_ My Father and Mother-in-law took this trip during their first visit to the US. In their second trip to the US they used the Greyhound Bus System from Chicago to New York City.

There’s a way to cross the United States that doesn’t involve long security lines, crowded highways, or blinking fast past everything in sight. It’s called the train—and riding it from coast to coast is like traveling through a living, breathing painting.

Your journey begins in Emeryville, California, just across the bay from San Francisco. From there, you board the legendary California Zephyr, one of Amtrak’s most scenic routes. As it pulls eastward, the train winds through Sacramento, the high deserts of Nevada, and the dramatic climb into the Sierra Nevada Mountains. By the time you glide past Salt Lake City and enter the towering Rockies near Denver, you're witnessing landscapes most people only see in postcards.

After about 51 unforgettable hours, you arrive in Chicago’s Union Station. 

From there, it’s time to transfer to the Lake Shore Limited. This leg hugs the southern edges of the Great Lakes and follows the historic Hudson River. You'll pass through cities like Cleveland, Buffalo, and Albany, each with its own story, before finally pulling into New York City's Penn Station.

The entire trip takes just under 72 hours, but it’s not about speed—it’s about stillness, scenery, and soul. You see the golden plains of Nebraska, snow-dusted peaks in Colorado, and sleepy Midwestern towns where time seems to pause. You meet fellow travelers, swap stories in the dining car, and watch the sun set across vast open lands.

This isn’t just a ride—it’s an American experience. One that stretches across landscapes and lifetimes. If you ever wanted to see the soul of a nation unfold before your eyes, this is the way to do it.

Meanwhile, here's my Food for Thought for the Day

Lastly, For my Funny story of the Day!

So after landing my new job as a Walmart greeter—a good find for many retirees—I lasted less than a day.

About two hours into my first shift, a very loud, mean-acting woman walked into the store with her two kids, yelling obscenities at them all the way through the entrance.

As I had been instructed, I said pleasantly,
"Good morning and welcome to Walmart. Nice children you have there. Are they twins?"

Of course, her children were at least two years apart, and while they shared some similar features, they certainly didn’t look like each other.

The woman stopped yelling long enough to snap,
"Hell no, they ain’t twins. The oldest one’s 9, and the other one’s 7. Why the hell would you think they’re twins? Are you blind or just stupid?"

So I replied,
"I’m neither blind nor stupid, ma’am—I just couldn’t believe someone slept with you twice. Have a good day, and thank you for shopping at Walmart."

My supervisor later said I probably wasn’t cut out for this line of work. 

Riding Amtrak’s California Zephyr from Chicago to San Francisco

The Video: https://youtu.be/m1gRPEZdKyI?si=YaPD0WO40t30h1WV

Riding Amtrak’s California Zephyr from the San Francisco Bay Area to Chicago is less about getting somewhere fast and more about surrendering to three days of landscape, rhythm, and reflection. It is often described as one of the most scenic rail journeys in North America, crossing seven states and multiple time zones while skipping the stress of airports, cramped seats, and security lines.​

The Route: Seven States of Changing Light

The California Zephyr officially runs between Emeryville (across the Bay from San Francisco) and Chicago, tracing roughly 2,400 miles through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois. In three days and two nights, the train moves from ocean-tempered air to high alpine passes and finally to the broad, fertile heartland of the Midwest.​

In California, the train climbs from the Central Valley into the Sierra Nevada, passing Donner Lake and the historic Donner Pass, where forests, granite outcrops, and deep ravines create a classic “old West” mountain panorama. By Nevada and Utah, the scenery turns stark and cinematic: long basins, distant ranges, and red-rock canyons that the highway never quite reveals in the same way.​​

Rockies, Rivers, and Canyon Country

The most celebrated stretch of the Zephyr unfolds between Denver and western Colorado, where the train threads into the Rocky Mountains almost as soon as it leaves the plains. Here, the tracks twist through Byers, Gore, and Glenwood Canyons, hugging wild rivers and slipping in and out of tunnels as cliffs rise directly outside the windows.​

The route includes the historic Moffat Tunnel under the Continental Divide and high-altitude passes where, in winter and early spring, snow often blankets the surrounding peaks like a continuous white wall. In this section, it feels less like traveling to a place and more like traveling inside the geography itself, as if the train is a slow-moving camera through a living documentary of the American West.​​

Life Onboard: Time as a Luxury

Aboard the Zephyr, time behaves differently. Once the train pulls out, your schedule shrinks to a simple pattern: meals in the dining car, conversations and quiet in the lounge, reading or napping in your seat or sleeper, and long, meditative stretches of window-gazing as the world glides by. With a journey of about 52 hours end-to-end, there is space to be both social and solitary to chat with fellow travelers over dinner and then retreat to simply watch the sky change colors over empty fields or distant ranges.​​

Coach passengers get generous legroom and access to the sightseer lounge, while sleeper car travelers add privacy and inclusive meals to the experience, turning the trip into a moving hotel. Either way, the joy of rail here is the freedom from tasks: no driving, no gate changes, no constant digital interruptions unless you invite them, just the soft sway of the train and the unfolding landscapes outside.​​

Why Choose Train Over Plane?

Flying from the Bay Area to Chicago takes a few hours; the Zephyr takes a few days, and that “inefficiency” is exactly its appeal. If an airplane compresses the country into a thin blue line on a seatback map, the train re-expands it: mountain by mountain, river by river, town by town, you witness how vast, varied, and sparsely populated much of the United States still is.​

For travelers who are not in a hurry retirees, digital nomads, writers, photographers, or simply the chronically over-scheduled, the Zephyr becomes a deliberate act of slowness. It is a way to reclaim the journey as part of the destination, trading the anonymous blur of air travel for a slower, more tactile sense of motion and place.​​

Practical Notes for Would-Be Riders

If you are considering this trip, the direction matters: many rail fans like eastbound for morning light in the Sierra Nevada and daytime crossings of Colorado’s canyons, while others prefer westbound to arrive at the Pacific with a sunset. Booking a sleeper can soften the experience, especially for first-timers on long-distance rail, but even in coach, the sightseer lounge is the real “first-class” cabin wall-to-wall windows and a constantly changing view.​​

Most importantly, approach the Zephyr as its own kind of vacation, not just transportation. Pack patience, a sweater, a good book or journal, and an openness to conversation, and the journey from San Francisco Bay to Chicago can become a quietly transformative crossing of seven mesmerizing states rather than just a way to get from Point A to Point B.​

Best itinerary for a multi day California Zephyr trip

A flexible, scenic multi-day California Zephyr itinerary builds in 2–4 overnight stops so you see the best landscapes in daylight and actually experience a few places along the way. Below is a sample “best of” itinerary that you can trim or expand depending on your time and budget.​

Overview: Direction, Timing, Pace

• Route: Chicago – Denver – Glenwood Springs – Salt Lake City – Reno/Truckee – Emeryville (or reverse).​

• Total rail time: About 52 hours end-to-end, usually split into 4–7 days with layovers.​

• Best seasons: Late spring and early fall for good light, less heat, and fewer storms.​

If you want fewer stops, drop Salt Lake City and/or Reno and focus on Denver and Glenwood Springs, the two strongest “anchor” layovers for scenery and activities.​

Day 1–2: Chicago to Denver (Overnight)

• Board in Chicago in the afternoon; overnight on the train and arrive Denver late afternoon the next day.​

• Use Denver as a 1–2 night base: explore Union Station, walk LoDo, or take a day tour toward Rocky Mountain National Park or nearby foothills.​

This leg eases you into long-distance rail and delivers the contrast of big Midwest city followed by a lively mountain gateway with excellent food, breweries, and walkable neighborhoods.​

Day 3: Denver to Glenwood Springs

• Re-board in Denver in the morning; this is one of the most spectacular segments as you climb into the Rockies, pass through the Moffat Tunnel, and follow the Colorado River through Gore and Glenwood Canyons.​

• Arrive in Glenwood Springs late afternoon or evening and stay 1–2 nights for hot springs, short hikes, and small-town mountain charm.​

Many travelers consider this the “must not miss” daytime stretch, so plan your tickets so Denver–Glenwood runs in full daylight.​

Day 4–5: Glenwood Springs to Salt Lake City

• Depart Glenwood Springs and continue along the Colorado River into red-rock country, including Ruby Canyon, then across Utah to Salt Lake City.​

• Overnight in Salt Lake City: stroll downtown, visit Temple Square, or use it as a jumping-off point for nearby canyons or the Great Salt Lake area.​

If short on time, you can skip this layover and ride Glenwood Springs straight through to Reno, but you’ll be on the train longer between breaks.​

Day 6: Salt Lake City to Reno or Truckee

• This is a big-views day across high desert and basin-and-range scenery in Nevada, with long horizons and wide skies.​

• Get off at Reno for a night (casinos, food, and easy side trips to Lake Tahoe) or Truckee for a quieter, family-friendly mountain town with access to Tahoe and trails.​

Reno works well for nightlife and dining, while Truckee suits travelers who want a cozier, outdoorsy final stop before California.​

Final Day: Reno/Truckee to Sacramento and Emeryville (San Francisco Bay)

• Ride over Donner Pass and through the Sierra Nevada by day, one of the classic rail experiences on the route.​

• Option A: Detour in Sacramento for a half- or full-day (railroad museum, Old Sacramento, and riverfront dining). Option B: Continue directly to Emeryville and then transfer by bus or rideshare into San Francisco.​

This last leg delivers a strong finish: alpine scenery giving way to Central Valley farmland and then the Bay Area skyline.​

Practical Tips for Building Your Version

• Use a multi-city booking strategy: buy separate tickets for each long leg (e.g., Chicago–Denver, Denver–Glenwood, etc.) to lock in stopovers.​

• Aim for daylight scenery: prioritize daytime for Denver–Glenwood–Grand Junction and Truckee/Reno–Sacramento segments when choosing your dates and direction.​

• Consider at least one sleeper segment (often Chicago–Denver or Denver–Glenwood) for rest, then mix coach and hotels to manage costs.​

With this framework, you can compress the trip into about 4 days (one or two stops) or stretch it to a full week of slow-travel across the country’s most varied landscapes.

Here's the AI Overview

+10

Riding the California Zephyr from the San Francisco Bay Area to Chicago is a scenic, ~51-hour journey through diverse landscapes, including the Rockies and Sierras. The train departs from Emeryville, not San Francisco itself, and travels through cities like Sacramento, Denver, Omaha, and Salt Lake City. Passengers can enjoy comfortable, reclining seats, dining services, and observation cars with panoramic windows. 

Key aspects of the trip

• Duration: The trip takes about 51 to 52 hours end-to-end, passing through multiple time zones.
• Route: The route spans roughly 2,438 miles, covering 7 states. The journey starts in Emeryville, near the Bay Area, and the first major scenic highlight is crossing the Sierra Nevada mountains.
• Scenery: You'll see dramatic mountain ranges (Rockies and Sierras), deserts, the Great Plains, and parts of the Colorado River valley.
• Amenities:
  • Coach: Spacious, reclining seats are more comfortable than airline seats. You can also spend time in the observation car, which has better views and a more social atmosphere.
  • Private Rooms: Sleeping rooms are available with private amenities.
  • Dining: There are full sit-down meals and more informal food services onboard.
  • Other: The train has quiet cars for reading or relaxing, and you can often get off the train for fresh air at stops. 

Tips for your trip

• Booking: Book in advance, as this is a popular route. You can check for special offers or rail passes.
• Packing: Consider packing snacks, a blanket, eye mask, earplugs, and comfortable clothes. Staying hydrated is important, and some recommend lip balm as it can get dry on the train.
• During the trip: Spend time in the observation car for the best views and to meet other travelers. Don't be afraid to make new friends onboard.
• Sleeping: If you're in coach, you can try different seats or even sleeping in the observation car (though you may be asked to move back) if you have trouble sleeping. With private rooms, the seats fold out into a bed. 

Ride the California Zephyr: America’s Most Scenic Train Journey ...

Sep 25, 2025 — Along the way, you'll experience: The stunning Rockies and Sierra Nevada mountains The wide-open Great Plains of Nebra...

Facebook

Emeryville, CA to Chicago, IL train from $68 (€55) with Amtrak - Omio

Emeryville, CA to Chicago, IL train information with Amtrak: Average Duration: 51 h 40 min. Cheapest Price: $130. Amtrak frequency...

Omio

34:13

53 Hours from Chicago to San Francisco on the California ...

YouTube·Through My Lens

26:31

52 Hours on Amtrak Sleeper Train San Francisco to Chicago

YouTube·Vanwives

California Zephyr Rail Experience | Amtrak Vacations®

The California Zephyr is a scenic train route that starts in Chicago and ends in San Francisco. The trip includes: * Desert landsc...

Amtrak Vacations

Riding Coach on the California Zephyr from Emeryville to ...

Oct 28, 2024 — Your coach seats will be assigned by the conductor when you get on. You always have the option of hanging out in the o...

Reddit

Amtrak California Zephyr - Train Tickets, Prices, Schedule

Amtrak California Zephyr Train Guide & FAQs. How long is the California Zephyr trip? The California Zephyr is one of the longest p...

Wanderu

Onboard Amtrak’s Famous Trains: The California Zephyr

May 29, 2024 — Key Facts and Figures. The California Zephyr operates on a route spanning approximately 2,438 miles, taking passengers...

Amtrak Vacations

California Zephyr From Emeryville Is U.S.'s Most Scenic Train Ride

May 21, 2025 — Stops and scenery on the California Zephyr route Key stops along the route include Sacramento, Reno, Salt Lake City, D...

Secret San Francisco

California Zephyr Train - Amtrak

Explore the beautiful gardens and fountains of Temple Square, a three-block plaza anchored by the towering Salt Lake Temple. Then ...

Amtrak

9:55

56 hours in First Class on Amtrak's Most Beautiful Train Ride ...

Lucile HR·Lucile

My experience riding the California Zephyr from Emeryville to ...

Jul 9, 2025 — My experience riding the California Zephyr from Emeryville to Chicago in coach class * A large blanket. * A travel pill...

Reddit

1m

Amtrak California Zephyr from Sacramento to Chicago ...

YouTube·Spinning True

Lastly, You can cross America by train for just $213

In a world obsessed with speed, this journey invites you to slow down and truly see America. With Amtrak’s California Zephyr and Lake Shore Limited, it’s possible to travel coast to coast from San Francisco to New York City for as little as $213 using the USA Rail Pass during promo periods.

Along the way, you’ll roll through the Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountains, glide across the wide-open plains of Nebraska, pass Chicago’s skyline, and continue through Pennsylvania’s rolling landscapes before arriving in the heart of NYC. Spacious seats, glass-domed observation cars, and onboard dining turn the trip into a moving cinematic experience.

No security lines. No cramped flights. Just hours of breathtaking scenery, sunrises over deserts, golden plains, and star-filled nights. This isn’t just transportation it’s one of the most unforgettable ways to experience America.