My Great-Grandson, the Thanksgiving Turkey

My Great-Grandson, the Thanksgiving Turkey

Every family has its holiday traditions, some carve the turkey, some debate politics they promised not to bring up, and some… well, some apparently place their 5-month-old baby in a stock pot and call it a celebration.

This year, my great-grandson, yes, great-grandson—the son of my oldest granddaughter up in Portland, Oregon, made his grand Thanksgiving debut as the cutest “little turkey” our family has ever produced. And trust me, after all these years and all these Thanksgivings, that’s saying a lot.

There he sat, smiling proudly from inside a gleaming pot big enough to cook a small village’s worth of stew, wrapped in a kitchen towel and wearing a knitted turkey hat with eyes so wide it looked like it was just as surprised as the rest of us. Surrounding him were the classic Thanksgiving vegetables: carrots, potatoes, onions, celery like he was the star ingredient in a recipe we’d never have the heart or courage to finish.

But behind the jokes and the adorable absurdity, the photo hit me in a more reflective way. To look at him, my great-grandson, all bright-eyed and delighted by the world is to be reminded how many chapters of life I’ve lived, and how many new ones our family continues to write.

There’s something deeply grounding about seeing the next generation (and the next after that) stepping into the world with such innocence and joy. Especially knowing he comes from Portland, a city that embraces quirky creativity, so this photo feels about as on-brand as it gets.

In that one silly picture, I felt thanksgiving in its purest form:
For family that grows.
For traditions that evolve.
For grandchildren who become parents.
And for little ones who remind us that laughter is still the best seasoning to any holiday.

I’m grateful this year deeply, personally, wholeheartedly grateful for the chance to watch my family continue on, one tiny turkey at a time.

Happy Thanksgiving from our beautifully blended, slightly mischievous, wonderfully growing family. 🦃❤️

Meanwhile Here's AI Analysis of the Above Photo:

This is an adorable and intentionally playful Thanksgiving photo, and I can give you a thoughtful analysis without identifying anyone personally.

What’s in the image

• A smiling, roughly 5-month-old baby sitting inside a large stock pot on a stovetop (clearly not in use).

• The pot is lined with a kitchen towel for comfort.

• The baby is wearing a crocheted hat shaped like a turkey—big eyes, beak, colorful felt “feathers.”

• Surrounding the pot are classic soup or stew vegetables: carrots, potatoes, celery, onions.

• A decorative “thankful” sign emphasizes the Thanksgiving theme.

• Everything is arranged deliberately for a light-hearted, festive presentation.

This photo falls squarely into the category of playful, staged holiday baby photos.

It’s meant to be funny and cute, not realistic. Many families do Thanksgiving and Christmas photos where babies are placed in oversized props, pumpkins, stockings, baskets, cooking pots, gift boxes because babies’ expressions make the scenario charming rather than literal.

What makes this photo feel intentional rather than tacky:

• The baby looks comfortable and happy.

• The pot is clearly a prop, safely lined and not turned on.

• The vegetables and decor emphasize the theme in a tongue-in-cheek way.

• The turkey hat softens the whole concept, it signals humor immediately.

Why people enjoy this type of photo

• It captures the humor and joy of a baby’s first holiday season.

• It plays on the “little turkey” Thanksgiving expression that parents often use affectionately.

• It’s whimsical, not serious and relatives typically love these keepsakes.

Bottom line

It’s cute, silly, festive and whimsical.  The picture communicates warmth, humor, and the creativity of whoever set it up. It’s exactly the kind of photo families look back on fondly years later.

Meanwhile, Just, A REMINDER of the Bancroft Gardens Night Show

For Details visit:

https://www.ruthbancroftgarden.org/garden-of-dlights/

Finally, Here are some Photos of Ditas and I Dinner at Tanoshi Japanese Bistro last night;

Ditas and I were in our semi-private booth

The Kaka-Grilled Salmon Collar- Yummy 

The Red Dragon Sushi

The Kaka ( grilled Salmon collar) reminds  me of my Younger Days in the Philippines. One of the best dishes served here at Tanoshi. 

Liberty Holding America's Flaming Heart

Holding America’s Heart: A Personal Reflection Inspired by Rita Robillard💚

💚https://www.augengallery.com/artworks/the-amazon-in-rio/

When I first looked at Rita Robillard’s 💚Art in Politics, I didn’t immediately recognize the hand. It felt human, textured, steady, almost tender, holding a flaming heart that looked equal parts powerful and breakable. Only later did I learn the truth: the hand belongs to the Statue of Liberty.

That revelation struck me harder than I expected. Most of my life, I’ve watched the American story unfold, sometimes proudly, sometimes anxiously, often with a mixture of hope and disbelief. Politics has never been a distant abstraction for me; it’s been a daily presence, a drama I’ve followed through careers, crises, and countless shifting eras. And perhaps that’s why this painting feels so personal.

Lady Liberty isn’t holding a torch here. She’s holding our heart.

A heart that is wounded in places, radiant in others, and undeniably on fire.

When I look at it, I see the America I’ve known during my decades on this planet, an America constantly wrestling with its ideals. I think of the moments when the heart burned bright with unity, compassion, and courage. I also think of the moments when it felt scorched by anger, division, and disillusionment.

The flames in Robillard’s heart remind me of:

• The political heat I’ve witnessed, from 9/11 to today’s headlines

• The passion of people who fight for a better country

• The heartbreak of watching us repeat the same mistakes

• And the enduring warmth I still feel when I see Americans helping one another, especially in times of crisis

The background of the painting is restless,  chaotic strokes, layers of color, hints of storm and struggle. It looks exactly like the political landscape I know: noisy, unpredictable, full of competing truths. And in the middle of it all, Liberty holds the heart as if to say, “Despite all of this, we keep going.”

There’s something deeply comforting in that image. And something deeply honest, too.

Because America has never been just an idea written on paper, it has always been a living, burning emotion carried by all of us. Some days the fire is inspiring. Some days it feels like it might burn the whole thing down. But the heart keeps beating, and Lady Liberty keeps holding it up for the world to see.

Maybe that’s why this painting stays with me. At this stage in my life, I reflect more often on what this country has meant to me, the careers I’ve had, the crises I’ve witnessed, the generations of my family who will inherit what comes next. And I find myself hoping that we, too, can hold the heart with the same steadiness Robillard gives Liberty’s hand.

Carefully, Respectfully, And with the understanding that it’s still burning, and that’s what keeps it alive.

In the flames, I see the story of America, imperfect, passionate, fragile, and still worth holding onto. Thank You, Rita for sending me one of your paintings and creations. 

In addition, I am looking forward to your next Art Exhibit, you are planning in the near future that you mentioned in our conversation yesterday.  

Meanwhile, I enjoyed Yesterday Afternoon, Christmas Ornaments Art & Crafts Activity:

The above two photos were taken by Jenny Shively

Lastly, Two Videos Of Trump Dementia Diagnosis 💚

Zohran Mamdani did his dementia homework before meeting Trump. 

A person with dementia can absolutely switch quickly from being mean or hostile to being calm, pleasant, or even very sweet. These rapid mood and behavior changes are common. They're usually not intentional and often have specific causes related to how dementia affects the brain.

What Zohran did to switch Trumps mood. You can hear it in his tone and his appearance.

He Approached Slowly and Gently

Used a Warm, Non-Threatening Tone

Used Validation, Not Arguing

Redirect, Distract, Don't Confront

Lower the Environment Stress

Give Reassurance Constantly

Zohran did was what we call in Healthcare, An emotional "resetting" ..

What causes the flip into anger, aggression, belligerence.

Brain changes that affect emotional control. Fear, confusion, or feeling overwhelmed, Physical discomfort or pain, Sundowning, Delusions or misunderstandings, Changing caregivers or environments, Medication side effects.

This isn’t a pass, he has always been a horrible human. We also can’t neglect that, the man is in the throes of something that is mind altering and personality altering. This as a whole is / has been dangerous to our nation because, he can’t make a rational decision.

💚https://youtu.be/9OtO-cypKmY?si=xt6RQgtmP2K-Ruqp

💚https://youtu.be/Mp-VpDoANrg?si=eeFAfZtvCAO7xgCh

Holding America’s Heart: A Personal Reflection Inspired by Rita Robillard Painting

---

Holding America’s Heart: A Personal Reflection Inspired by Rita Robillard💚

💚https://www.augengallery.com/artworks/the-amazon-in-rio/

When I first looked at Rita Robillard’s 💚Art in Politics, I didn’t immediately recognize the hand. It felt human, textured, steady, almost tender, holding a flaming heart that looked equal parts powerful and breakable. Only later did I learn the truth: the hand belongs to the Statue of Liberty.

That revelation struck me harder than I expected. Most of my life, I’ve watched the American story unfold, sometimes proudly, sometimes anxiously, often with a mixture of hope and disbelief. Politics has never been a distant abstraction for me; it’s been a daily presence, a drama I’ve followed through careers, crises, and countless shifting eras. And perhaps that’s why this painting feels so personal.

Lady Liberty isn’t holding a torch here. She’s holding our heart.

A heart that is wounded in places, radiant in others, and undeniably on fire.

When I look at it, I see the America I’ve known during my decades on this planet, an America constantly wrestling with its ideals. I think of the moments when the heart burned bright with unity, compassion, and courage. I also think of the moments when it felt scorched by anger, division, and disillusionment.

The flames in Robillard’s heart remind me of:

• The political heat I’ve witnessed, from 9/11 to today’s headlines

• The passion of people who fight for a better country

• The heartbreak of watching us repeat the same mistakes

• And the enduring warmth I still feel when I see Americans helping one another, especially in times of crisis

The background of the painting is restless,  chaotic strokes, layers of color, hints of storm and struggle. It looks exactly like the political landscape I know: noisy, unpredictable, full of competing truths. And in the middle of it all, Liberty holds the heart as if to say, “Despite all of this, we keep going.”

There’s something deeply comforting in that image. And something deeply honest, too.

Because America has never been just an idea written on paper, it has always been a living, burning emotion carried by all of us. Some days the fire is inspiring. Some days it feels like it might burn the whole thing down. But the heart keeps beating, and Lady Liberty keeps holding it up for the world to see.

Maybe that’s why this painting stays with me. At this stage in my life, I reflect more often on what this country has meant to me, the careers I’ve had, the crises I’ve witnessed, the generations of my family who will inherit what comes next. And I find myself hoping that we, too, can hold the heart with the same steadiness Robillard gives Liberty’s hand.

Carefully, Respectfully, And with the understanding that it’s still burning, and that’s what keeps it alive.

In the flames, I see the story of America, imperfect, passionate, fragile, and still worth holding onto. Thank You, Rita for sending me one of your paintings and creations. 

In addition, I am looking forward to your next Art Exhibit, you are planning in the near future that you mentioned in our conversation yesterday.  

Meanwhile, I enjoyed Yesterday Afternoon, Christmas Ornaments Art & Crafts Activity:

The above two photos were taken by Jenny Shively

Lastly, Two Videos Of Trump Dementia Diagnosis 💚

Zohran Mamdani did his dementia homework before meeting Trump. 

A person with dementia can absolutely switch quickly from being mean or hostile to being calm, pleasant, or even very sweet. These rapid mood and behavior changes are common. They're usually not intentional and often have specific causes related to how dementia affects the brain.

What Zohran did to switch Trumps mood. You can hear it in his tone and his appearance.

He Approached Slowly and Gently

Used a Warm, Non-Threatening Tone

Used Validation, Not Arguing

Redirect, Distract, Don't Confront

Lower the Environment Stress

Give Reassurance Constantly

Zohran did was what we call in Healthcare, An emotional "resetting" ..

What causes the flip into anger, aggression, belligerence.

Brain changes that affect emotional control. Fear, confusion, or feeling overwhelmed, Physical discomfort or pain, Sundowning, Delusions or misunderstandings, Changing caregivers or environments, Medication side effects.

This isn’t a pass, he has always been a horrible human. We also can’t neglect that, the man is in the throes of something that is mind altering and personality altering. This as a whole is / has been dangerous to our nation because, he can’t make a rational decision.

💚https://youtu.be/9OtO-cypKmY?si=xt6RQgtmP2K-Ruqp

💚https://youtu.be/Mp-VpDoANrg?si=eeFAfZtvCAO7xgCh

In Loving Memory of My Son, David Ernst Katague (1962–2022)

---

In Loving Memory of My Son, David Ernst Katague (1962–2022)

Today, I wish to honor and remember my beloved son, David Ernst Katague, whose life embodied compassion, dedication, and a deep sense of service both to his country and to his community. Today would have been his 63rd Birthday. He passed away at a young age of 59. 

David’s journey through life was marked by quiet strength, intellect, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. He pursued education not merely as a path to a career but as a means to understand the world and make it better.

Early Life and Education

David was a proud graduate of the University of California, Davis, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Managerial Economics (1982–1986). He later pursued a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management at Carnegie Mellon University (1986–1988), specializing in Information Systems.

This strong academic foundation reflected his dual interests, the analytical rigor of economics and the transformative power of technology and policy. His education prepared him for a life of thoughtful service, leadership, and innovation both in private corporation and in the Federal Government serving The Clinton-Gore Administration for 3 years at OMB ( Office of Management Budget). One of the many benefits, our family received because of David's employment in the White House was the 3 years of annual Christmas card from Bill and Hilary, as well as the yearly White House Christmas tour and Easter Eggs Hunting in the White House Lawn. 

A Career of Service and Integrity

David began his professional journey in public service at the Executive Office of the President, where he worked as a Policy Analyst from 1992 to 1995. His dedication and professionalism earned him the respect of his colleagues early in his career.

He later entered the private sector as a Senior IT Consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) from 1997 to 2002, where he applied his technical expertise to help organizations adapt to the rapidly changing digital era.

In 2005, David found his true professional calling when he joined the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)at the Sacramento International Airport. For over 17 years, he served faithfully as a Transportation Security Officer, ensuring the safety of travelers and strengthening the nation’s transportation security system.

David was not just a diligent worker, he was a mentor, friend, and inspiration to his colleagues. He was known for his empathy, sense of humor, and unwavering kindness. He often went out of his way to encourage and support others, embodying the spirit of true public service.

A Deep Connection to Heritage and Family

Though David lived and worked in the United States, his heart was never far from his Filipino roots in Marinduque, our beloved island province in the Philippines. He cherished his time at our family’s beach resort, Chateau Du Mer, and took pride in reconnecting with our cultural traditions, including the meaningful “Putong” ceremony of welcome and blessing.

He also made a sincere effort to learn Tagalog, embracing his heritage with love and curiosity. He even took a Tagalog Course at UC Berkeley. These moments of connection to his ancestral homeland brought him peace and joy and reminded us all of the enduring bond between family, culture, and identity.

A Life Remembered

Tragically, David passed away in March 2022, following a sudden stroke while on duty. His passing was deeply felt by his family, friends, and colleagues. The TSA honored his years of dedicated service with a plaque and an American flag, recognizing his steadfast commitment to protecting the traveling public.

David’s life was one of purpose, compassion, and quiet heroism. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity and love, one that continues to inspire those of us who knew him best.

A Father’s Reflection

As his father, I remember David not only for his accomplishments but for his gentle heart and generous spirit. He was thoughtful, dependable, and deeply caring, the kind of son any parent would be proud of. His presence brought warmth and comfort to our family, and his memory continues to be a source of strength and inspiration to me every day.

I take solace in knowing that David lived a meaningful life, one guided by kindness, service, and love for others. Though he left this world far too soon, his legacy endures in the lives he touched and in the example he set for all of us.

Rest in peace, my dear son. You will always remain in my heart, now and forever.

Here are my previous posting on David's Life: 

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2022/03/celebrating-life-of-david-ernst-katague.html

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2025/11/a-prayer-for-repose-of-souls-of-macrine.html

Finally, here are five major stories today (Saturday, November 22, 2025):

1. Donald Trump meets Zohran Mamdani — In a surprisingly cordial turn, the U.S. President and the mayor-elect of New York had a warm meeting at the White House after months of antagonism. Their posture signals a possible shift in relations. Al Jazeera+2CBS News+2

2. Peace plan between Ukraine and Russia under fire — Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin both responded to a proposed U.S.-led peace framework. Zelenskyy described the moment as “one of the most difficult” in Ukraine’s history if the deal is forced. ABC News+2AP News+2

3. Immigration protections ending for Somalis in Minnesota — President Trump announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali migrants living in Minnesota, a move that affects the largest Somali-American community in the U.S. The Guardian+1

4. U.S. veterans slam Trump’s military remarks — Military veterans and experts are strongly criticizing President Trump over comments urging soldiers to refuse "illegal orders" and accusing certain lawmakers of sedition. The reaction underscores deep concern over civil-military norms. The Guardian+1

5. Weather alert: Cold and snowy weeks ahead — A disruption in the polar vortex is expected to bring colder and snowier conditions across parts of the U.S. after Thanksgiving. Meteorologists warn planners and travellers to prepare. ABC News

A Prayer for the Repose of the Souls of Macrine J Katague and David E Katague

My Query: Can you compose a prayer for the repose of the souls of my spouse, Macrine J Katague and My youngest son, David E Katague 

ChatGPT said: Certainly. Here's a reflective and heartfelt prayer for the repose of the souls of your beloved spouse, Macrine J. Katague, and your youngest son, David E. Katague:

---

Prayer for the Repose of the Souls of Macrine J. Katague and David E. Katague

Eternal and loving God,
In the stillness of my heart, I lift up to You the souls of my beloved wife, Macrine,
and my dear son, David.
You gifted them to me for a time—Macrine, with her grace and quiet strength,
David, with his light and presence that enriched my days.

Now, in Your mercy, receive them into Your eternal embrace.
Wipe away every tear, every pain they bore in this life,
and let them rest in the radiance of Your peace.

Surround them with the choirs of angels,
and let them rejoice in the light of Your face.
May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through Your infinite mercy,
rest in peace.

Amen.

---

In Loving Memory
Macrine J. Katague
Beloved Wife
and
David E. Katague
Cherished Son

---

Prayer for the Repose of Their Souls

Eternal and loving God,
In the stillness of my heart, I lift up to You
the souls of my beloved wife, Macrine,
and my dear son, David.
You gifted them to me for a time—
Macrine, with her grace and quiet strength,
David, with his light and presence that enriched my days.

Now, in Your mercy, receive them
into Your eternal embrace.
Wipe away every tear, every pain they bore in this life,
and let them rest in the radiance of Your peace.

Surround them with the choirs of angels,
and let them rejoice in the light of Your face.
May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through Your infinite mercy,
rest in peace.

Amen.

---

My Reel of the Day:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/3288069688011805

The Carrion Flower- Smells Like Death

There’s a wild desert plant in Tanzania and South Africa called the carrion flower also known as the toad flower that literally smells like death. This unique plant gives off the stench of rotting flesh to attract flies, which it relies on for pollination. While it might sound disgusting to us, it’s a clever survival strategy in regions where typical pollinators like bees are scarce.

But here’s where it gets even more bizarre: the smell is so overwhelmingly foul that scientists are now researching the plant’s potential use as a natural appetite suppressant for humans. The idea? If the stench kills your hunger, it might help control overeating.

From its gruesome scent to its surprising scientific potential, the carrion flower proves that nature never runs out of weird and oddly brilliant ways to adapt.

Meanwhile, 

Despite being an agricultural country, the Philippines has lost around 30% of Luzon’s rice lands since the 1980s — mostly due to urbanization, land conversion, and foreign-led developments.

This shift has increased dependence on rice imports, especially from Vietnam and Thailand, making the country more vulnerable to global price fluctuations and food insecurity. Ironically, the nation that once exported rice is now one of the top importers in Asia. 

My parents rice lands were responsible for the seven Children of The David Jamili Katague obtained professional careers in various fields of expertise-in science ( Chemistry), law, accounting, education, dentistry and engineering both in the Philippines as well as here in the US.

Lastly, My Pineapple Harvest from My Pots

A Short Story Dedicated to All Nonagenarians Like Me

This story is inspired from my recent readings on what it really feels being 80's or 90's

---

“Ninety Summers”
A Short Story Inspired by the Writings of David B. Katague

I woke up before the sunrise, as I always do. The sky outside my window at Chateau Du Mer was the color of old rosewood, soft and muted, like the lanzones wood carving of the Last Supper hanging above my desk. Ninety years old today. A number both weighty and feather-light.

My bones remind me before my mind does. A twinge in the knees, a stiffness in the fingers that once typed out research papers, poems, and blog posts. And yet, there’s something elegant in the slowness now. Like the slow bloom of a gumamela flower—more deliberate, more sacred.

I reach for my notebook, the one I’ve been writing in since turning eighty. I titled it “Echoes of Becoming American.” In it are fragments of memories: my first love letter, my first article in high school about being the eldest child, the day I married Macrine in Boac, and the day she whispered goodbye. I still write to her. I tell her about the orchids blooming in the courtyard. About our children. About my dreams.

Being ninety is like living in multiple dimensions at once. I am both here and there—in Barotac Viejo under the guava tree, in Pinole teaching my grandchildren Ilonggo words, in Sweden, watching Derek, my imagined Nobel laureate, accept the prize I never dared dream for myself and here in Walnut Creek, playing bridge every Monday and Friday.

The past doesn't haunt me. It accompanies me, like a well-worn rosary. I hold it gently. I finger the beads of mistakes, of triumphs, of silence. There’s power in remembering. But more power, I think, in forgiving.

At 90, love looks different. It’s the warm hand of a caregiver who calls you "Kuya Dave." It’s the laughter of other seniors at the community center, flirting like they were seventeen. It's the deep hush in prayer, when I ask for nothing and simply say, “Thank you.”

My garden still grows. You cannot kill a cactus, I once wrote. Neither can you kill a soul that has learned to bend with time, to survive drought and heartbreak, to bloom even in rocky soil. I look at my hands—spotted, wrinkled, still able to cradle life—and I smile.

I do not fear the end. I fear only forgetting to live before it comes. So I write everyday. I water my plants. I talk to Macrine in the wind. I write to friends, real and imagined, hoping they feel less alone because I shared something of myself.

Ninety is not the end. It’s an arrival and a beginning.

And today, as the sun finally crests over the Marinduque sea, I say aloud:

"Salamat, Ginoo. Thank You, God,  For this life. For this story."

And then, as always, I pick up my pen (Open My Computer). Daily! 

---

This story is created with the amazing help of AI technology. Events in the story are both real and fictional. Again I dedicate this story to All Nonagenarian( like myself) or over. At our age, memories are our life and inspiration to go on living. Again, Be Grateful! 

Meanwhile, Did you know that....

A 2,400-year-old Greek trading vessel, perfectly preserved in the Black Sea's depths, offers a rare glimpse into ancient maritime life.

This remarkable find is the world's oldest known intact shipwreck, discovered more than two kilometers below the surface by researchers.

The secret to its astonishing preservation lies in the Black Sea's unique anoxic zone, a deep layer of water where oxygen levels are exceptionally low.

This lack of oxygen prevents the activity of wood-eating organisms like the *Teredo navalis* shipworm, which typically devour wooden wrecks in other seas.

As a result, the 23-meter-long ship, dating back to around 400 BC, sits on the seabed with its mast, rudders, and even rowing benches still largely in place.

It is like a snapshot from the ancient world, giving researchers an unprecedented look at shipbuilding techniques of that era, designs previously known mostly from texts and drawings.

This isn't an isolated discovery; scientists with the Black Sea Maritime Archaeology Project (MAP) have located over 60 well-preserved shipwrecks in the area.

These vessels span millennia, with examples from the Byzantine and Roman eras all the way back to ancient Greece, creating an underwater museum.

Each wreck acts as a time capsule, providing invaluable insights into ancient trade routes, seafaring capabilities, and life aboard these ancient vessels.

The discovery of these preserved fleets is rewriting chapters of maritime history, offering direct evidence of past nautical achievements.

Sources: University of Southampton, Smithsonian Magazine, National Institute and Museum of Archaeology Bulgaria, ExplorersWeb#AncientMaritime

Lastly, here's my Latin Phrase of the Day