Two Hours Excursion and Dumpling Lunch ( Dimsum) at the Black Hawk Museum Today

Thank You Karen K ( for organizing the excursion) and Joseph Woo for driving the 7 of us Senior Residents here at THD and chaperoned by our Activity Director Karen K,  to the Black Hawk Museum at Danville, CA Today. We were there for special cultural program celebrating a Midautumn Asian Cultural Festival. If you do not know the details of the mid autumn festival read this: https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2023/09/thd-tour-of-black-hawk-museum-in.html

Photo Credit: Sue Bramson: Dinah and I at the Black Hawk Museum Court Yard -September 30, 2023 

My oldest daughter, Dinah and I had a rendezvous at 11AM in the museum courtyard. After 10 minutes listening to drum music ( there was no stage-so we can not see the dancers) we felt a little bit chilled so I decided to visit the Into China Exhibits inside along with co-resident Sue Bramson. We have an enjoyable visit and our eyes were filled with pleasure enjoying ancient Chinese's Arts and Reproductions, including the world famous Terracotta Warriors, Wood Model of the Forbidden City, the Ceramic Collection, wood and ivory carvings, the Golden Dragon Throne, and the Musical Bells Set of Bronze and Lacquered Wood. 

We were at the Into China Gallery for 30 minutes and we got hungry. There was a Food Cart in the Museum Court Yard offering Dumplings ( Dimsum). Dinah, Sue and I had Dumplings for lunch and my cravings for Chinese Dimsum was satiated. Dinah asked the Food servers if they have a restaurant offering Dimsun. The answer was positive and their restaurant is located at the Bishop Ranch in San Ramon. 

After lunch we went back inside the museum. This time we look at the car collection. This Car Gallery was the first collection that the Black Hawk Museum is known for. Just wishing I could drive one of the beauties in the collection. By the time we finish the car Gallery, it was almost time to go home to THD.  Dinah took a few photos in the Chinese Gallery and I am posting it here for your viewing pleasure. 

Thank you Dinah for the Photos. Now I know where to Get Chinese Dimsum if I feel the cravings for dumplings again. 

This pink Budha is my Favorite Collection in the INTO CHINA Gallery  

The Golden Dragon Throne

The PINK BUDHA!!!

There was a handout in my file describing in detail the highlights in the Exhibit if you need additional information on some of the photos.  

Meanwhile Here some of my Favorite Confucius Quotes:

• It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop. ... 
• Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. ... 
• Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. ... 
• Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.

THD Excursion to the Black Hawk Museum in Danville, CA

Tomorrow Saturday, I plan on participating  in the THD Saturday Outing Tour for Residents- at The Black Hawk Museum in Danville, CA. 

It will be an special event, celebrating the Mid Autumn Asian Cultural Festival from 11AM -3:00PM. Admission is FREE.

The flyer states: Experience the Mid-Autumn Asian Cultural Festival. Celebrate with traditional Chinese Performances and explore 5000 years of history.    

In 2023, the Mid-Autumn Festival falls on September 30 (Saturday). Usually, the Chinese people have a 3-day public holiday from 28 September to 30, but this year the Mid-Autumn Festival is adjacent to China's National Day, so the public holiday will be from September 29 to October 7.

The Mid-Autumn Festival, is a time for family reunions, starting with a delicious meal together with family members, and then a time to admire the bright moon and eat moon cakes. Commercially available moon cakes comes in several flavors. My favorite moon cake flavor is DURIAN. Durian is a fruit that smells like hell, but taste like heaven.  

Read more about the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival: https://cutt.ly/MoonFestival

I am not ashamed to admit, that I did not know that in 2020 the Black Hawk Museum added a 4th gallery, called Into China.   Here's a summary of what I learned from my Google Search on the Black Hawk Museum. 

"Opened in September of 1988, Blackhawk Museum was dedicated to the pride, the beauty and the craftsmanship inherent in the legacy of the automobile. The Blackhawk Museum has been described as possibly the finest museum of its type devoted to the enjoyment, appreciation and education of the automobile artform.

Additional galleries were introduced to the public beginning in 2015 with the completion of the Spirit of the Old West, featuring the Fick Collection. Art of Africa, added in 2016. Into China, opening in February of 2020, followed by the opening of World of Nature.

Founder, Kenneth E. Behring’s vision of Museums as Temples of Learning is evident throughout five exquisite galleries, and remains a unique feature of the Western United States."

For additional details visit:

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

Personal Note: I salute and extend my personal thanks to Karen K the Activity Director and her Assistant J Woo as well as THD management, and specially our van drivers for organizing varied and interesting activities for us Senior Residents to enjoy and participate whenever we can. Looking for more similar activities in the near future.    

Grand Daughter Alexandra Calkins Katague Received First Patent

Last week, I received a FaceBook message that may be the first in the David Balleza Katague Clan. My newly married grand daughter Alix ( Alexandra Calkins Katague) send me a note that she got her first patent approved.  The title of the patent is Managing Mesh Network Connectivity Using Synchronized Connection Cost Metrics.  She and four other co-workers software Engineers were co-inventors.  The applicant of the Patent is Amazon Technologies, Inc., Seattle, WA(US). The Patent No. is US 11,758,616 B1 dated September 12, 2023. The summary of the patent is shown in the above photo.  

I congratulated her and as far as I know,  this is the first patent in the the David B Katague clan. The clan has several members that excels in music, art ( paintings), ceramics, writings (novel, scientific publications, poetry), acting and singing, but this is the first achievement and creative endeavors in the field of software engineering. I congratulated Alix and asked her for a layman's explanation and practical application of the patent. She gave the following explanation.  

The patent describes an algorithm for deciding what path the internet should take through your home network to reach your phone/laptop/etc... For example if you are using WiFi on your phone, your WiFi network can use this algorithm to make smarter decisions so your phone gets the best WiFi possible. Cat videos on the Internet will load faster and buffer less.  

Alix informed me also that there are several more patents in the near future. However, getting a patent approved is a slow and tedious process. What do you know about the types of patents in the US?

Under U.S. Code Title 35, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issues three different types of patents: utility patents, design patents, and plant patents. In order to be patentable, an invention must be novel, non-obvious, adequately described, and claimed by the patent applicant in clear, definite terms. 

The USPTO corrects errors in patents that are already issued through reissue patents, which can alter the scope of patent protection. The USPTO also issues statutory invention registrations that offer limited protection to stop other people from patenting a particular invention, design, or plant. In some circumstances, the patent terms described below can be extended. 

https://www.justia.com/intellectual-property/patents/types-of-patents/

Meanwhile enjoy the latest photos of my Gilded Cage(Apartment) here at THD. Notice the bougainvilla in my patio is blooming and my avocado plant is getting tall (last photo).

My Kitchen and Batman Lounging Area

My Living Room and TV Room

My Master Bedroom

My second Bedroom, Guest Room and Computer Room

My Catio ( Patio)- Exercise Area for Both Batman & Robin-Display Area for My Cacti Collection

Meanwhile, here are some of My Favorite Quotes on Home:

• “Home is not a place, it's a feeling.” — ... And in Your Heart!
• “A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built of love and dreams” — Ralph Waldo Emerson.
• “Home isn't where you're from, it's where you find light when all grows dark.” — ... 
• “It's not how big the house is, it's how happy the home is.” —

Fresh Lemon Slices Were Used During My Pedicure Yesterday

Yesterday Dinah ( my oldest daughter) and I had pedicure in the nearby nail salon-Diva Nails located at Mt Diablo Blvd. As I entered the nail salon I saw about 3 dozens of fresh lemons of various sizes in the counter along  the side of 2 microwave ovens. I then realized the salon uses fresh slice of lemon instead of baking soda powder used by other nail salons for the water to soak your feet before the actual pedicure. Before my move here at THD, I have my pedicure done in Fair Oaks. Baking Soda I believe was used instead of fresh lemon slices. The used of fresh lemons demonstrate class to me. 

I asked the Vietnamese pedicure lady the purpose of the lemon slices. But she did not answer me. So I did some search and my guess about the acidity/antibacterial properties is correct as dicusss below.   

Due to their acidity, citrus fruits are effective skin cleansers. Their juices have antiseptic and antibacterial properties, meaning they destroy germs, inhibit the growth of microorganisms on the skin and reduce the possibility of infection

Lemon juice works to stimulate the toxin elimination process. This natural solution harnesses the antibacterial power of a lemon to relieve the pain and tenderness associated with aching feet. Pain relief aside, a lemon juice foot soak will also work as an exfoliator.

It encourages warmth distribution and harmony. A lemon footbath can be used daily as preventative healthcare or in some acute illnesses such a headache or over stimulation. It helps a person to ground and re-centre by harmonizing warmth distribution and breathing. Instead of lemon, one can used apple cider vinegar for soaking your feet. 

Not many people know that soaking feet in apple cider vinegar has many benefits. But my late son David E uses it.  It can help control infections, neutralize bad odors, soften the skin, hydrate feet, and calm itching. Apple cider vinegar is rich in acids and antifungal ingredients that can help regulate the pH balance of our skin.

So If you are looking for a place for first class pedicure close by THD-The Diva Nails is the place for You! They are open on Saturday and Sunday, but close on Monday and Tuesday. Be sure to make an appointment as the place is very busy on weekends. There are parking places nearby and is a walking distance from THD if you do not drive. If you used the Fairmount Building Exit Gate you are just across the Parking Lot of the outside Mall where the Diva Nails is located.

 Here are my favorite quotes on Pedicures.

• “Pedicures are the cure for everything. ... 
• “A great pedicure can be as soothing to the soul as… well, to the sole!”
• “Pedicures; the ultimate stress reliever.”
• “Your feet never take a day off, so take care of them.”
• “You know it's time for a pedicure when you can exfoliate one foot with the other.”
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• Meanwhile enjoy this photo of my barrel cacti collection in my patio here at THD. 
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What To Do If you Feel Lonely?

Most of us feel lonely once in a while. This is specially true if you live alone. Loneliness has no age or gender boundaries. In my case, I kept busy with my blogging and do my exercises. I found the feeling of loneliness disappears. I also talk to my 2 pet cats or start playing bridge on line. 

Here at THD, I participate in activities that kept me not isolated. I play contract bridge, Hong Kong Mahjong, Mexican train and attend exercises and Zumba Activities. I socialize during meal times if I want to. What I like here at THD, is if you do not feel like socializing at meal times, you can order food and eat in your apartment. What do you do here at THD not to feel isolated and lonely?   

Are you lonely sometimes? You are not alone. Here's what I learned what steps is the best way to over come loneliness.  

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings of Loneliness

2. Know When to Engage or Disengage From the Online World

3. Find a Volunteer Opportunity as a Way to Feel Less Lonely

4. Join a Group or Club to Overcome Loneliness With In-Person Connections

5. Practice Self-Care

https://www.cigna.com/knowledge-center/how-to-deal-with-loneliness#:~:text=Besides%20working%20to%20connect%20with,trigger%20endorphins%20in%20the%20brain.

Meanwhile: Here are cool quotes about depression:

• “If you are depressed, you are living in the past. ... 
• “I need one of those long hugs where you kinda forget whatever else is happening around you for minute.” — ... 
• “If you know someone who's depressed, please resolve never to ask them why. ... 
• “I understand your pain. ... 
• “Take a shower, wash off the day.
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My Life Here at THD- Playing Contract or Party Bridge

My dream of playing bridge again after 25 years of hiatus has been achieved here at THD. It appears that next  month I will be playing bridge 3 days per week, and I am enjoying it.  There are a number of good players here and some of them were duplicate bridge players in their younger days like me.  I play the Standard American bidding system and used Stayman convention asking for 4 card majors after partner bid 1NT.   I also used either the Blackwood or Gerber conventions asking for Aces and Kings. But I have never used or not familiar with bid asking for the Queen of Trumps. So I did some search  and here's what I found;   Queen Ask - A bid associated with the Keycard Blackwood auction.  After partner's Keycard ask has disclosed the partnership hold all 5 keys,  the bid of the next cheapest suit asks partner to disclose holding the trump Queen. Examples: 1S - 2N;  Responder shows strong Spade support (Jacoby 2NT) 3S - 4N;  Responder initiates Slam bidding (1430 Blackwood) 5C - 5D;  Opener shows 1 or 4 Key Cards 5H          Opener asks if Responder holds the trump Queen (SQ)   First step Denies the trump Queen Second step (or higher playing "specific King ask) Affirms holding the trump Queen Missing the trump Queen, partner makes bids the first available step, 5S in this example.  Holding the trump Queen, partner would bid the second step. Playing "Specific King Ask", partner would bid the lowest ranking suit (up the line) containing a King or return to 6 in trump suit missing Kings.  Those playing normal Blackwood King ask would respond 5N holding the trump Queen. Another convention that is used by experts is the Jacoby Transfers. They are used after a player has opened or overcalled a natural 1NT and his partner holds at least one 5-card major suit. Responder naturally wants his side to play in his long suit, but with a weak hand, he would prefer his partner to play the contract. The reasoning is this: If the weak hand plays the contract, the strong hand becomes dummy and exposes its high card points and tenaces to the defenders. If the strong hand plays the contract, however, the weak hand becomes the dummy and the opponents have a harder time locating the high cards. Jacoby Transfers work as follows. In response to 1NT: Response Meaning 2 5+ hearts. Asks partner to bid 2. 2 5+ spades. Asks partner to bid 2. Note: If you are not a bridge player, the above posting does not make sense to you. But if you are a bridge player, I will be glad to hear from you, if you have ever used this bid asking for the Queen of trumps.  Meanwhile enjoy this photo of my indoor plants at night time in my Gilded Cage Here at THD. And Finally:   “The real test of a Bridge player isn't in keeping out of trouble, but in escaping once he's in.” “I can always tell a good man by the way he plays Bridge: hard and long.” “Bridge is too important to take seriously.” “Old Bridge players never die; they just lose their finesse.”

Life Here at THD- Laughter is the Best Medicine

Photo Credit: NY Daily News

Today is the time to laugh. The following posting I received a few months ago and I am reposting it for your reading pleasure or displeasure.   

I have no intention of offending anybody. But jokes as posted below makes life here at THD less boring. Here is a joke about JESUS. Hopefully you will take it with a Grain of Salt. If you are offended with jokes about Jesus, please stop reading. Smile, You are in Candid Camera!

There were 3 good arguments that Jesus was Black: 1. He called everyone brother. 2. He liked Gospel. 3. He didn't get a fair trial.

 

But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was Jewish: 1. He went into His Father's business. 2. He lived at home until he was 33.  3. He was sure his Mother was a virgin, and his Mother was sure He was God. 

 

But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was Italian: 1. He talked with His hands. 2. He had wine with His meals. 3. He used olive oil. 

 

But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was a Californian: 1. He never cut His hair. 2. He walked around barefoot all the time. 3. He started a new religion. 

 

But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was an American Indian:1. He was at peace with nature. 2. He ate a lot of fish. 3. He talked about the Great Spirit.

 

But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was Irish: 1. He never got married. 2. He was always telling stories. 3. He loved green pastures. 

 

But the most compelling evidence of all - 3 proofs that Jesus was a Woman: 1. He fed a crowd at a moment's notice when there was virtually no food. 2. He kept trying to get a message across to a bunch of men who just didn't get it. 3. And even when He was dead, He had to get up because there was still work to do. ________________

Like it. How about a list that Jesus was a Filipino?

 

Can you write three proofs that Jesus could have been a Filipino ( not seriously, of course) . Here's mine

 

1. He ate with his hands. 2. He kiss his relatives on the cheek upon entering the room and 3. He was always late for most of the events he was suppose to attend.

 

Related Post: Read in the Internet: Jesus was Gay*

 

1. He surrounds himself with 12 men, he called his Disciples

2. He loves wearing flowing robes and linen garments and running naked 

3. He never married( remain celibate) and had no known girl friends    

 

* https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/belief/2012/apr/20/was-jesus-gay-probably

 

Lastly: Just read this in FB recently-from a female celebrity;

 

God ( Jesus) is certainly not a female after watching 2 whales mating! 

 

My Quote of the Day: If I try to be like him, who will be like me? Jewish Proverb 
 

Meanwhile here's a latest photo of my patio here at THD showing my bougainvillea is blooming.

Two Weddings and Zero Funeral This Year

The David Balleza Katague Clan playing Philippine Mahjong at Alix and Brendan's Wedding{ Playing: Ditas, Carenna, Me and Dinah), Watching: Alex, Dodie and Yuka, September 2, 2023, Berkeley City Club, Berkeley, CA

So far the year of 2023 has blessed the David Balleza Katague Clan two weddings and no funeral.  As the 88 and 3/4 year old patriarch of the clan, I am so pleased with this year two wedding celebrations of my two grand daughters, Elaine Katague King and Alix Carver Katague.  In both weddings I was in the entourage during the wedding ceremony.  Both ceremonies are civil ceremonies held in different venue environments but with class, perfection and attention to details. 

The first wedding this year was Elaine Katague King, the only daughter of my oldest daughter, Dinah. It was held in the southwest suburbs of Portland, Oregon. The venue was a huge barn in the local winery with big space for dancing and out door activities.  It was held on June 24, 2023.  

Here's a photo of me with the bride and groom ( Kyle Joseph) taken at the pre-nuptial barbecue party for the out of town guests and members of the wedding entourage.   I was the escort of the bride's mother (Dinah)-marching second in the line.   

Elaine Katague King and Kyle Joseph and Me during the Pre-Nuptial Barbecue Party for The Out of Town Guests.  

For additional photos of the wedding of Elaine and Kyle Joseph visit:

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2023/06/i-am-back-from-portland-oregon-from-my.html

For description of wedding venue and surrounding areas visit:

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2023/06/the-southwest-suburbs-of-portland.html

The second wedding this year was the marriage of Alix Carver Katague to Brendan Quinn. Alix is the oldest daughter of my son, Dodie. It was held at the Berkeley City Club on September 2, 2023. The building venue of the wedding was designed by Julia Morgan and is listed as a historic landmark in the State of California.  I was also a member of the wedding entourage and paired with the  brother of the bride, Philip Katague, second in line after the Groom and his mother, Marianne Caruana Quinn.

The following is a photo of me in my black BARONG with the Bride and the Groom looking dignified. 

Carenna Katague Thompson ( my youngest grand daughter and Me) at Alix and Brendan's Wedding Day, Berkeley City Club, September 2, 2023. Carenna is currently in Belfast, North Ireland completing the Fall Semester of her Major in college, International Affairs. 

For more photos before, during and after the wedding visit:

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2023/09/my-life-here-at-thd-three-down-three-to.html

For photos of the architectural grandeur of the wedding venue visit: 

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2023/09/the-berkeley-city-club-perfect-venue.html

So as of today, I have 3 grand children that are married. The future of my other 3 grand children for marriage in the next year or two is not encouraging.  My other grandson just lost his job and marriage without financial stability is a big NO, NO!  My other grand daughter is getting her Ph.D two years from now and marriage while in graduate school is also a NO, NO. My youngest  grand daughter is only 20 and in college and expect to graduate with her Masters degree in 3 years.  So Wedding bells maybe 3 years in the future in the David B Katague clan, unless my other grandson gets a job soon.  Meantime, I am anxiously waiting for a great grand child from my other three married grand children, hopefully next year.  

• Here are more photos from Alix FaceBook page posted after their honeymoon. These are photos from the professional photographers. It looks very professional showcasing the Happy and Memorable Event in the life of Alix and Brendan.

 Finally, here are my quotes for Newly Married Couples:

• "Two souls, one heart - a love story that's just getting started."
• "Here's to love, laughter, and happily ever after."
• "Together is a beautiful place to be."
• "From this day forward, you shall not walk alone; my heart will be your shelter, and my 
• arms will be your home."