Playing Two Games I Have never Played Before here at THD

I have played two new games here at THD that I have never played before. Rummikub and Mexican Train. I found them both enjoyable but not as challenging as Bridge- my favorite Game. You can play Rummikub on line as well.  

Rummikub (/ˈrʌmikjuːb/, "rummy cube"^[) is a tile-based game for 2 to 4 players, combining elements of the card game rummy and mahjong. There are 106 tiles in the game, including 104 numbered tiles (valued 1 to 13 in four different colors, two copies of each) and two jokers. Players have 14 or 16 tiles initially and take turns putting down tiles from their racks into sets (groups or runs) of at least three, drawing a tile if they cannot play. In the Sabra version (the most common and popular), the first player to use all their tiles scores a positive score based on the total of the other players' hands, while the losers get negative scores. Variations of the game contain four jokers. An important feature of the game is that players can move and reuse the tiles that have already been placed on the table.  For complete details visit:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rummikub

The other new game that I have never played before is Mexican Train.  Here's a video of how to play this domino-style game.

   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSo4GuclCbE

https://www.ultraboardgames.com/mexican-train/game-rules.php

 https://rummikub.com/rules/

Today, I attended my first Strength & Balance, Stretch Exercise. It was great and I intend to do this regularly. I also observed the group playing American Mahjong. I have no intention in playing it. I would like to organize a group playing real Asian Mahjong ( Hongkong, Philippines or Chinese variation) if there are residents here who have played Asian mahjong before. Again, I have enjoyed my week here at THD. See you in my next blog on Life Here at THD.

The Southwest Suburbs of Portland, Oregon -Tigard and Beaverton City

From June 21-24, Ditas ( my youngest daughter) and I attended the wedding of Elaine in Portland, Oregon. Elaine is the daughter of my oldest daughter Dinah. This was my first time to visit the suburbs of Portland, specifcally, Tigard, Beaverton City and Tiluatin. This is the southwest region of Portland. We were able to visit Williammette Falls and A Winery in Lake Oswego. Most of the our 4-days stay were in Beaverton Ciy and Tigard, Oregon. Portland, Oregon is my number 31 place, that I have visited in the US. For the other places I have visited read the link below: https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2016/02/30-places-in-us-that-macrine-and-i-had.html Here are some photos of my visit:

Personal Note on My New Life here at THD: My Salute and Praises for the Servers of Newton's Restauranrt ( Bryan, Veronica and EmiLia) at My Dinner last night. I did not like my main course and so Bryan immediately ask me If I want another one. I said yes and in less than 7 minutes I have a new main dish. Very Accommodationg indeed! I felt spoiled and loved!

Bragging Rights of Children Accomplishments Here at THD

My Three Living Bragging Rights-Dodie, Dinah and Ditas. The other day I posted in my blog that I had finally met my next door neighbor who was not too friendly at all during my first week here at THD. Yesterday, I was able to have dinner talk again with him. I confirmed he had practice Urology in LA and in Ohio. He said he is 89 years old and his spouse passed 3 years ago. He is still in the process of mourning. Luckily he has family in the area. His son resides in Oakland and visits him every Sunday. He was also telling our table he has a very accomplished daughter working in Europe and may be able to visit him this Christmas.  His bragging of his daughter reminded me of my own bragging rights of the accomplishments of my 4D's that I am reposting as follows:  

 https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2021/09/my-four-children-accomplishments-in.html

David E III passed last year in March at a young age of 59 years old -leaving me alone in the the ranch house in Fair Oaks that I sold last month before my move here at THD. Dodie and Dinah reside near by in Benecia and Dublin respectively so hopefully they can visit me more frequently. However Ditas resides in Alexandria, Virginia. But she communicates with me frequenty via FB messages. Personal Note to THD Management: It was suggested during our meal times talk that a formal introduction of all newcomers via a party be added in the activity schedule so the new comer will feel welcome immediately. I suggested it could be done during the Friday Happy Hour Event. Currently, THD has the Greeters Program.

Remember- "You have really lived if you have touched the life of others".

Finally, I had Time to Participate in the Many Scheduled Activities Here at THD

Today, June 27 was my first time to participate in a Physical Activity here at THD. It was Chair Volleyball. This was my first time to hear the Phrase and my first time to play. It is playing volleyball with a beach ball sitting in a Chair with a low net. I had so much fun I will play it every week. 

Today was also my first time on the Great Courses Video Lecture Presentation Series- The 23 Greatest Solo Piano Works. It was indeed very educational if you love music. Our Cinema here has 35 seats with a few recliners. I got a recliner and it was comfortable I snoozed during the boring parts of the video presentation. There were only about 10 Residents who attended the one hour presentation. At 3:45PM I have signed up for the Trivia Party Outdoors. 

The weather here in Walnut Creek had finally turned summer-like. It is perfect time to be outdoors. There is a new couple moving in my building. I heard they are both Bridge Players. I have not played Bridge yet, so I am looking forward for that event in this week schedule. Meanwhile I signed a contract at my own expense (2K) to build a 3 Ft overhang ( wooden lattice) in my patio ( 38' x 8' x 8') to prevent my 2 cats from escaping and wander in other units in my building and outside THD. 

The plan is to mount pressure treated 2 x 4 on cement wall and build off on that, frame in at 3' and add lattice and made sure there are no nails sticking out that could hurt the cats. I am looking forward for its completion. It will give me peace of Mind that Batman & Robin are safe and enjoying the outdoors and my patio/backyard. Here's the Dinner Menu beginning June 26 and ending July 2, 2023.

I Finally Got to talk to My Next-Door Neighbor During Dinner Time ( THD)

My Patio-Wooden Slats( 3-ft )will be constructed to prevent Batman & Robin from Climbing the Walls and Possibly Wander in the Neighboring Houses outside THD. On my 27th day here at THD I finally was able to socialize at dinner time with my next door neighbor on my left ( #104). I have already talked to my next door neighbor to my right( #112) a couple of weeks ago.

However my left side neighbor is less friendly and do not go to the dining room daily. I say Hi to him once and he just looked at me as if he did not hear, perhaps he has a hearing problem. But tonite I got to seat with him with another gentleman ( UN consultant- had worked in the Philippines) and we have a few conversations. He said he has seen my cat on his patio, but it did not bother him. I learned he is a retired urologist. My guess is he is in his early 90's. 

One of the sentences he mentioned that I will always remember is " All of us here that are not a couple have lost our partner previously and that is we have in common, otherwise we all have different life experiences in our younger years". I agree 100% of his statement. Here are some recent photos of my apartment.

Newton's Food Highlight This Week: Lunch: Grilled Reuben Sandwich- The sauerkrat was not sour at all and I loved it. Dessert: Peach Turnovers-looks like a small empanada-not too sweet and delicious.

Remember- "You have really lived if you have touched the life of others".

My First Hair Cut at THD and Conversations with Cathy-Good Luck on Your Retirement

Last week I had my first haircut here at THD. I learned that Cathy- Resident Hair Dresser is retiring at the end of this month. Cathy was not only an excellent barber but a great conversationalist. I remember we talked on numerous subjects. When Cathy learned that I was formerly employed by FDA of the Center of New Drugs in Maryland, our conversation turned into anti-aging drugs therapy research. It reminded me of my recent article on Anti-drugs- Fiction vs Non-Fiction that I am reposting below. 

https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2022/10/reality-nonfiction-versus-fiction-on.html?fbclid=IwAR0t7J6ixna1BmWlCXh8CYstsfNiugzBe4Fu509AWZxAt9_MyfzTT7yg8q0 

Incidentally my hair cut was complimentary and part of the package I received as a new resident of this 5 Star independent Living Facility here in Walnut Creek, California. Good Luck on Your Retirement,Cathy. Hopefully, your replacement will be also a Great Conversationalist as well as an excellent barber/hair dresser.

Remember- "You have really lived if you have touched the life of others".

I am Back from Portland, Oregon from My Grand Daughter's Wedding

Elaine Katague King and Husband Kyle Bishop and ME

Elaine the Bride and Mama Dinah Katague

I was out for 4 days from my THD apartment to attend my grand daughter's Elaine wedding in Portland, Oregon. It was a Fun trip,thanks to my travel companion, Ditas K. who arranged everything from our tickets, hotel, wheel chair and other activities during our 4 days stay in the Portland Oregon suburbs.  We were able to see a few places and had a mini reunion with Pepi Nieva and John Brown at a new Filipino Restaurant in Bevearton City. I accompanied Dodie during one his geocaching trip in the City Library, Vietnam Memorial and surrounding areas of Beaverton City. I had time for a pedicure and a side trip to one of the wineries by mistake near Lake Oswego- courtesy of Google and Apple GPS apps miscommunication. We made the wedding ceremony 5 minutes before the start. The wedding ceremony and activities was well planned and it was an event I will always remember. Elaine Memory Wall/Table gave me a tear or two. And of course I gained a Grandson- Kyle Bishop.  

Here are some photos before and during the wedding:

Aging Gracefully- One Topic During Meal Times Here at THD

This is Batman and Robin-My two Companions helping me age gracefully here at the THD.

This  is my 20th day ( still counting the days) of my residence here at THD.  I have met more than a dozen friendly and highly educated Seniors and our meal conversations had been stimulating, friendly and at times philosophical.  One of many subjects we talked besides Family and our previous Professional Lives and career is about the aging process. It reminded me of one of my blogs I posted in 2019. I am reposting this blog and perhaps some of you may be able to read it on your FB page.      

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2019/02/are-you-aging-gracefully.html

Personal Note: Today I had the Tuesday Lunch Special-Egg Salad Sandwich Served on Whole Wheat with butter lettuce, tomato, avocado and a Side Pickle. It was so good I ravished the whole sandwich with gusto.  

Remember- "You have really lived if you have touched the life of others".

The Food and Service at Newton's Restaurant in THD

My Prime Rib with Horse Radish Sauce was delicious-At least the Portion was manageable.  

This blog will not be complete if I do not discuss the Food and Service of our In-House Five Star Restaurant- The Newtons and its excellent servers and cooks. I mentioned previously that Food is not only delicious, but also presented beautifully and of proportions fit for a King.  The menu has always a Seafood Dish, A Meat Dish, a Chicken Dish and a Vegetarian Dish with all the sides and trimmings you can desire. Red and White Wine is served at Dinner time and a variety of soft drinks are available as well as Coffee and Tea. 

There is flexibility of ordering your meals ahead and eat in your apartment if you do not feel like socializing. You can ask for a box for any leftovers you desire. I have a few boxes here in my fridge. After few days I throw it away. Incidentally Saturday is DoNut Day and I every one brings Donut to their apartment. 

 Suggestion to Newton's Management_ Reduced the Serving Portion of the Dinner Menu to about 50-75%. The current portion is suited to the Apetite of A King. Perhaps a portion suited to the Apetite of a Queen/Prince would be less wasteful and save you a few dollars at the same time.  In addition if Dinner time could be extended another 30 minutes from 4PM to 6:30PM, it would be highly appreciated.  

When I first signed in to rent an apartment here at THD, the brochure indicated that you have a choice of either a 2 or 3-meals per day plan Mon to Sat with Sunday brunch. However, when I finally decided to live here that 2-meal per day  was no longer an option. Whether you like it or not the 3-meal per day is included in your monthly rent. Several of the older residents are in the 2-meal per day plan and are happy of the Food Service and perhaps saved a few dollars in their monthly fees .  Since a Picture speaks more than a thousand words, here are some photos of the breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday Brunch menu for the Week of  June 12-18, 2023.

Special mention and thanks to the efficient servers at the Newton, Carmen, Martha, Veronica, Bryan, Emilia and Stefanita.

Here are some photos I took yesterday at the Father's Day Champagne Brunch

       

They called it the Tuxedo Cake but it tasted like Tirimasu