WELCOME TO CHATEAU DU MER BEACH RESORT

If this is your first time in my site, welcome! Chateau Du Mer is a beach house and a Conference Hall. The beach house could now accommodate 10 guests, six in the main floor and four in the first floor( air conditioned room). In addition, you can now reserve your vacation dates ahead and pay the rental fees via PayPal. I hope to see you soon in Marinduque- Home of the Morions and Heart of the Philippines. The photo above was taken during our first Garden Wedding ceremony at The Chateau Du Mer Gardens. I have also posted my favorite Filipino and American dishes and recipes in this site. Some of the photos and videos on this site, I do not own, but I have no intention on the infringement of your copyrights!

Marinduque Mainland from Tres Reyes Islands

Marinduque Mainland from Tres Reyes Islands
View of Marinduque Mainland from Tres Reyes Islands-Click on photo to link to Marinduque Awaits You

Friday, August 1, 2025

Creating Headshots from a Photo-ChatGPT versus Perplexity


The Original Photo

I am playing once more on the image creation capability of my 2 AI Tools and Assistants. 

I have attached A PHOT0 and queried both to create a Headshot. Here are the results. I am not too happy, but who cares, I enjoyed playing around with AI tools available for FREE so far.  

Here's the Headshot created by ChatGPT- not too bad


Here's the Headshot created by Perplexity AI- I like the ChatGPT creation better. What Do you think? 

Meanwhile, here's a headshot Photo Of me and Macrine by GoArt Apps ( Water color) done
two years ago, before AI image technology was still on its infancy and not as popular as of today.    
  
  Original Picture;


Meanwhile
I have 2 blogs that have more than One Million Page Views as of this writing date and two blogs approaching the One Million Readership world wide

The two Blogs with Over One Million PageViews are: 

1. http://lifeinus1960present.blogspot.com         1, 200, 500


Approaching One Million Page Views


Chair Volleyball and Our Two Students Activity Interns/Volunteers

 Chair Volleyball is a highly popular and inclusive activity in many senior living communities across the United States and beyond. It's a fun, social, and low-impact sport designed especially for older adults, including those with limited mobility.

๐Ÿ What is Chair Volleyball?

Chair volleyball is essentially regular volleyball played while seated. The core rules are adapted to suit seniors:

  • Players sit in chairs (usually in a circle or across a net).

  • lightweight beach ball or balloon is used instead of a regulation volleyball.

  • net (often around 5–6 feet tall) divides the teams.

  • Standard volleyball rules are simplified for accessibility and safety.

  • Games are typically played indoors in common areas like recreation or activity rooms.


❤️ Why Seniors Love It

  1. Low-impact & Safe: Ideal for those with joint issues, arthritis, or mobility limitations.

  2. Social Engagement: Encourages laughter, communication, and bonding.

  3. Boosts Physical Activity: Improves upper-body strength, reflexes, and hand-eye coordination.

  4. Mental Stimulation: Enhances alertness, memory, and quick decision-making.

  5. Inclusive: Everyone can participate, even wheelchair users.


๐Ÿ“ˆ How Popular is It?

Chair volleyball has become a staple in senior activity calendars. Its popularity is growing rapidly:

  • Assisted Living Facilities, Memory Care Units, and Active Senior Communities often list chair volleyball among their top group activities.

  • National organizations like the National Senior Games Association (NSGA) and senior wellness programs promote it.

  • Facilities often host in-house tournaments or inter-community leagues.

  • Many senior centers report high participation rates, sometimes with waiting lists or scheduled rotations due to demand.

Some facilities even get creative with themes, team uniforms, or music, making it a festive weekly event. We had A Chair Volleyball Mini Olympic Tournament last year here at THD.  



๐Ÿง  Health Benefits Backed by Experts

Studies and geriatric wellness experts highlight the benefits of chair volleyball in:

  • Improving mood and reducing depression in older adults

  • Combating isolation, especially post-pandemic

  • Encouraging routine physical movement, which supports cardiovascular and muscular health


๐Ÿ“Œ Final Thoughts

Chair volleyball is more than just a game—it’s a vehicle for connection, movement, and joy. It helps seniors feel engaged, empowered, and part of a community, which is why it continues to gain popularity across senior living environments.


I asked my reliable and smart writing Assistant to write a blog post on Chair Volleyball. Here it is for your reading pleasure.  Here at THD we have chair Volleyball every Thursday morning every week and  every Second and Fourth Tuesdays of the Month. The Thursday scheduling was the result of my suggestion to Our Activity Personnel based from several request from a number of Our THD residents. 

2. ๐Ÿ Sit, Serve, Smile: The Joy of Chair Volleyball in Senior Living

In senior living communities across the country, one activity is creating laughter-filled rooms, friendly rivalries, and a sense of belonging like no other: Chair Volleyball.

Far from your typical seated activity, chair volleyball combines movement, teamwork, and lots of fun, making it a favorite among older adults—regardless of physical ability or athletic background.


What is Chair Volleyball?

Chair Volleyball is exactly what it sounds like: volleyball played while sitting down. It uses a light beach ball or balloon and a lowered net, allowing players to pass, spike, and serve—right from their chairs.

This clever twist on a classic sport brings the thrill of the game without the strain. It’s perfect for those with mobility concerns, joint sensitivity, or anyone just looking to have a good time while staying active.


Why Seniors Love It ❤️

1. It’s Inclusive
Anyone can join—whether you use a walker, wheelchair, or just prefer a gentler form of exercise. Everyone plays together, side-by-side.

2. It’s Active, But Gentle
Upper-body movement, quick reflexes, and light cardio all come into play. It keeps the body moving without putting stress on knees or hips.

3. It Builds Community
Laughter is guaranteed. Teammates become friends, and games often turn into weekly highlights with cheers, inside jokes, and shared memories.

4. It Boosts Mood
Engaging in this playful competition can help reduce feelings of loneliness, increase endorphins, and even improve cognitive focus.


Health Benefits That Make a Difference

Studies show that regular participation in group activities like chair volleyball can:

  • Improve mental alertness

  • Enhance hand-eye coordination

  • Increase social connection

  • Reduce stress and depression

  • Encourage a routine for physical movement


How to Get Involved

Whether you're a lifelong athlete or new to group games, Chair Volleyball is open to everyone. Just show up, sit down, and join in the fun. Your activities director or wellness coordinator can help you find the next scheduled game.

And don’t worry—no volleyball skills required. The only thing you need is a willingness to play and a good sense of humor.


Final Serve: More Than a Game

Chair volleyball is proof that age doesn’t bench your spirit. It's not just about scoring points—it's about staying connected, active, and joyful.

So grab a seat, stretch your arms, and get ready to serve up some fun. We'll see you at the next game!

๐Ÿ’œCory- with his half Smile 

๐Ÿ’šRonan is 17 years old and will start his Senior year this Fall at Monte Vista High School.  He plan to study business or hospitality Management in College. His Dream Job is to be a Private Chef. Ronan believes that his volunteering here at THD can add value to his resume for his college application. He is a grandson of one of our neighbors here at THD, Marilyn Dillman    

๐Ÿ’œCory is also 17 years old and the same class with Ronan at Monte Vista High School. They are best friends. In his free time, he like to play basketball and video games. Moreover, he loves hiking in several mountain trails in the area.   

Please don't forget to say Hello to our student interns if you see them in the Lobby. We really appreciate their help and enthusiasm. Ronan and Cory are assisting us on Tuesdays and Thursdays during our chair volleyball, corn hole and ladder ball games. Both are also here on Fridays during our Cocktail/Happy Hour. Their internship will end at the start of the school year this September.   

If Trees Can Talk- An Update

I am reposting this article I wrote several months ago, after I saw my youngest daughter paintings of trees as published in her Face Book page as follows:

Del Ray Artisans is with Ditas Katague and 
7 others
 at Del Ray Artisans.

17h Alexandria, VA 
Come have a look at the “Lovely As A Tree” Art Exhibit (August 1–30, 2025), which explores the ways in which trees impact our lives and this earth.
Del Ray Artisans members bring aspects of this natural phenomenon to artistic life through painting, photography, ceramics, items created from wood and other mediums that flow from their prolific imaginations.
Join us for the opening reception on Friday, August 1 between 7-9pm to meet curator Robyn Seaton McGarry and many of the artists.



From My Readings the other day, I saw several photos of giant trees.  I was so amazed by the beautiful photos of giant, twisted, and old trees, I am inspired to share it with you in this posting. The only label you have to keep in mind while looking at the following photos, is this Question.  "If Trees Could Talk, I Wonder what stories It Could Tell".  Here are the photos for your viewing pleasure.













     Meanwhile here's the iconic Blood Dragon trees endemic in Socotra Island, Yemen


And the Rainbow Eucalyptus tree
The Rainbow Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus deglupta) is a striking tree known for its multicolored bark, which peels away in patches at different times, revealing bright green layers that gradually age into shades of blue, purple, orange, and maroon. This process is a natural adaptation that protects the tree from pests and disease while contributing to its unique, ever-changing appearance. It is one of the few eucalyptus species that thrive in tropical rainforests, particularly in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea.

Lastly, here's my favorite Poem on Trees by Joyce Kilmer:

and the Ancient Tree and the Baobab tree endemic to African countries




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