My Life Here at THD- My First Movie at the Cinema

One of the many amenities here at THD is our daily Free movies at our in-house Cinema at 7PM. Last Saturday was my first time to avail of this free entertainment of old movies. Last week all the movies were all about Hawaii.  The movie last Saturday August 12 was Molokai-The Story of Father Damien.

The Comfortable Chairs and Recliners at our Cinema with Popcorns and Water for your Enjoyment

( Photo Credit- THD FaceBook Page)

https://www.facebook.com/TheHeritageDowntown

In case you have not seen the movie, here's a review I found in the Internet. It is also in Netflix and the TUBI. I enjoyed the movie very much and I cried a little bit, but it reminded me of my favorite quote:

You only have truly lived if you have touched the lives of others. 

Here's one of the many reviews of the movie, I found in the Internet.  

"A native of Belgium, ordained in Honolulu, at the age of 33 Fr. Damien volunteered to become the first and only priest serving the leper colony. There he spent himself attending as best he could to the people’s needs, both spiritual and physical, offering the sacraments but also dressing wounds, helping to shelter them from the elements, even constructing coffins and digging graves. 

This inspiring, episodic biopic depicts Fr. Damien (David Wenham, Peter Jackson’s Faramir in The Lord of the Rings) as a man consumed by a singular sense of duty and obligation, lacking any thought but the spiritual and temporal good of those in his care and the good of his own soul. To church and state leaders in O’ahu he ceaselessly campaigns for more funds and medicine, nuns to help with the care of the sick, and for more frequent confession for himself.

In one of the film’s neatest exchanges, all three of Damien’s issues come together in a single stroke: Told that conditions on Moloka’i are too harsh to permit nuns, Damien protests that the settlement seems a veritable paradise whenever he asks for money — an argument that prompts a disapproving diocesan official to criticize Damien for lack of humility, to which Damien retorts that he will mention in his next confession!

Often compared to Mother Teresa, Damien differs from the nun of Calcutta in at least one important respect: He is openly and unapologetically evangelistic, zealously striving to bring those to whom he ministers to the Catholic faith and the sacraments. In this he is not always successful, and some of the film’s best scenes involve Peter O’Toole as a drily ironic, tenacious Anglican patient who resists Damien’s best efforts to offer him the sacraments.

Refreshingly, though Damien often locks horns with religious and secular authorities, he is not the only sympathetically depicted cleric in the film. His first local ordinary, Bishop Maigret (Leo McKern), is also a positive figure, though the same can’t be said for his snarky assistant, nor does the bishop who replaces him make as good an impression.

No plaster saint, Damien is shown to be susceptible to temptation, and though his moral commitment is unswerving, his confession is abject and frank. Discomfiting as these elements may be, the film’s real problematic content is confined to about thirty seconds’ worth of footage in a pair of brief, inexplicable scenes, one involving a head-scratching reference to Hawaii’s “old gods,” the other involving a presumptively invalid wedding Damien initially refuses to permit.

In any case, its faults and limitations notwithstanding, Molokai: The Story of Father Damien remains an inspiring, challenging depiction of Christian service and charity". 

My Quote of the Day: We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give- Sir Winston Churchill, 1874-1965, British Statesman and Prime Minister

My Life Here at THD- Dinner Menu for the Week of August 14 to 19, 2023

 If you are reading/following my blogs, you probably know that I have effusive praises for the Food Here at THD.

But this week menu really attracted my attention since it has listed several of my favorite salad, dishes and desserts.  Last night, I had the Jicama Salad with Diced Mango with Romaine lettuce, red onions, bell peppers, cucumber and served with cilantro honey lime dressing.  It was an excellent salad. The jicama and mango combination is perfect.        

In the Entrees, Shrimp Scampi, Curried Lamb Stew and Chicken Parmesan are three of my Favorite American dishes.  The 2 vegetarian dishes I also loved especially the Pasta all Norma ( roasted Chinese eggplant). I plan ordering the Loaded Baked Potato also this week.    

In the dessert, the shortcake with Berries and whipped cream as well as the root beer float are 2 of my favorites. Unluckily, they kitchen run out of the short cake dessert, when it was my turn to order. 

On the other hand even good things could be boring if it's the same week after week. Thus I have suggested to THD management that once a month ( if their food budget allows) to feature an International dish.  My first suggestion was to feature a Filipino Dish.  I asked Agustin Gutierrez our Kitchen Chef and Guru if he knows how to cook Filipino dishes. His response was a resounding YES, being married to a PINAY.   My suggestion is under study and consideration by THD management.  

I even volunteered to be a consultant if Pinoy Dishes will be featured since I have been experimenting and creating new recipes with the Filipino taste buds in mind. For my Filipino and American favorite Recipes read this link:

https://www.blogger.com/blog/posts/5945785151073188166?hl=en

Two Dishes Suited Only to The Taste Buds of a Full-Blooded Filipino- Dinuguan( Pork Blood Pudding) and Fried Fish served with Steamed Rice. I cooked the two dishes last April before my move to THD.
https://myfavoritepinoydishes.blogspot.com/2022/08/travel-with-me-along-my-food-adventures.html

Meanwhile Here's My Quote for the Day: There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle- Albert Einstein, 1879-1955, German-Born American Physicist 

Knowing Your Fellow Residents- Aileyn Ecob- Part 6

This is Part 6  of my blog series Know Your Fellow Residents Here at THD. Today's blog features Aileyn Ecob.  Here's my on-line interview with Aileyn. 

     "I came to California in 1958 from the midwest.  I had my Dental Hygiene degree from the U. of Minnesota and my husband came to UC Berkeley for a master's degree.  As it worked out, we never left!

     Walnut Creek has been my home since 1963; we raised our sons here and I worked at Robert Burley's dental office, retiring in 1986. After retiring, we spent 20 summers in New York state and traveled from there to Europe, Africa, Bermuda, Canada, etc. each summer.

     I've had a lifelong interest in needlework.  I've done counted cross stitch, macrame, needlepoint, etc., etc.  In 1989, my sister introduced me to quilting  and since then I have developed an exclusive interest in creating art quilts, most of them with nature themes.  I'm a member of Studio Art Quilts Associated and have had several art quilts included in exhibits that travel internationally.  (You can see my quilts at Aileyn Ecob.com).

     The Heritage Downtown is my comfortable new home with friendly residents, excellent food and a great location.  What more can I ask?"

I was playing Rummikub with Aileyn a couple of weeks ago.  She mentioned her Quilt Exhibits along with her sister Jean Renzi Jurgenson.  

Here's  a reprint of some of her work  I found in the Internet. Their quilt-work is indeed a beautiful work of Art.  I'm proud to present here some her award-winning work for your viewing pleasure.     Here's the link: 

 http://quiltinspiration.blogspot.com/2015/10/featured-artists-aileyn-renli-ecob-and.html

Globe Thistle, 40 x 22”, by Aileyn Renli Ecob

The colors, luminosity and intricate details drew us to this piece.  Aileyn Ecob says, "My inspiration is usually from nature — either a photograph or an original drawing. The strong colors and bold designs of flowers, fruit, vegetables and trees give me the inspiration for much of my work."  In Globe Thistle, dozens of individual star-shaped flowerets were cut free hand and machine stitched to the background fabric.

Aileyn often uses thread painting to heighten the realism of her work, as shown in the closeup photo below.  

Music of the Spheres, 48 x 24”, by Aileyn Renli Ecob 

This is the second in a series of works by Aileyn Ecob using the circle-in-a-square block. In Music of the Spheres,  three large overlapping circles emerge. The restful blue and teal hues and interesting textures are punctuated by magenta squares.  Aileyn's precise hand quilting emphasizes the curves in this piece.

Acorn and Oak Leaves, 25 x 20”, by Aileyn Renli Ecob

Aileyn says, "[This is] one of the first art quilts that I made. I experimented with paint on the background, acorn, and acorn cap. It’s hand quilted (and hand appliqued)."  In the background, trapunto leaves were achieved by dense stippling by hand around the leafy shapes. 

On The Oregon Trail, 40 x 55”, by Aileyn Renli Ecob

This dramatic wall quilt was inspired by a photo Aileyn took in Oregon, at a park memorializing the pioneers of the Oregon Trail. With careful fabric selection and needle-turn applique, Aileyn has captured the brilliant color and symmetrical form of the sumac, which is highlighted by the dark backdrop of the forest.  The background is enhanced with hand quilting.

Speaking of Art work, here's a link to Ditas, my youngest daughter Paintings:

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

http://marinduqueonmymind.blogspot.com/2017/11/ditas-katague-art-show-grieving-thru.html

My Quotes for Today: Shoot for the Moon. Even if you miss it, you will land among the Stars. Lester Louis Brown, b.1928-   American Journalist

My Life Here at the THD-Hawaiian Luau -August 11, 2023

Susie Bramson, Me and Hisako Tanaka ( my Hongkong Mahjong buddies) enjoying the Celebration (Photo Credit: Jenny Shively). In the background is Joseph Woo, Activities Assistant. 

Click the Unmute Bottom to play reels below:

 Billy Vaughn And His Orchestra · Blue HawaiiBilly Vaughn And His Orchestra · Blue HawaiiBilly Vaughn And His Orchestra · Blue HawaiiEddie Balquin  · Reels  · 12 Aug  ·   By Eddie Balquin

One of the yearly highlights of the varied activities here at THD was the Hawaiian Luau Happy Hour and Dinner last Friday, August 11 held at the appropriately decorated Garden Courtyard. We had Hawaiian Music and the Hula (live entertainment by Vanessa.alputila) besides the sumptuous Feast. This was my second party here at THD that was memorable. The first one was the July 4th Dinner and Barbecue. I learned that the next one would be the Halloween Party, Thanksgiving Party and at the end of the year the Christmas Party.  

The truly authentic Hawaiian dishes were delicious with my favorite Hawaiian Ambrosia Fruit Salad besides the Pineapple Upside Down Cake and Pineapple Ice Cream ended the perfect day outside. The Mai Tai and other drinks were fantastic and add authenticity to the celebration.

The entertainment was great. At the end of the Dinner, the residents were invited to dance the Hula and I am one of the volunteers. It was fun and indeed another memorable event in my life here at ThD. Thank You Karen and Joseph for a well-planned and Successful Hawaiian Dinner.

Attached are photos taken by Jenny S. I took it from the FaceBook Page of THD. Thanks, Jenny for these beautiful and colorful photos of the Residents and Staff in their Hawaiian Mu Mu and Shirts.  

Patty Healy and Ed Hoffman with Karen Koff-Activities Coordinator 

The Live Entertainers Couple

Our efficient Servers in their Hawaiian Outfits-Carmen Mata-Sol,  Emilia Angulo, Andrea Rivas, Veronica Arriaga and Martha Rodriguez

My Quote of the Day: Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.- Albert Einstein, 1879-1955, German-Born American Physicist 

I can not end this blog without extending  my condolences to the residents of Lahaina that lost their lives during the recent wild fires in Maui, Hawaii.     

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2023/07/meal-time-conversations-here-at-thd_22.html

My Life here at the THD-Orientation for New Residents

 

A Personalized Orientation Gift from THD Management- Thank You, Karen and THD Staff

Yesterday afternoon, eight new Residents were officially oriented, meeting formally and in person, Barbara Simpson, Executive Director, Lisa Bellini- Resident Relations/ Leasing Assistant/Move In & Out Coordinator, Karen Koop, Activities Coordinator and Joseph Woo, Activities Assistant.   Later Kitchen Chief Augustin Gutierrez was also introduced. Jenny Shively Leasing/Marketing Director was absent, but she sent a letter of welcome to the group.  

The Newcomers besides me are: Maureen Bell (925-381-7679) H121,  Susan Bramson (209-606-9039) P308,  Earl & Arlene Goetze (408-355-5814) P216,  Cosette Mitchel (925-330-1620) H123,  and  Phil & Sally Paris (925-708-3357).  Arlene did not attend, she was under the weather, 

We were oriented about the coming activities, emergency preparedness class and the several amenities available to the residents. We were given a list of the THD Staff and were informed that any questions or suggestions we have will be taken into consideration by THD management. There is a plan for Covid and Flu vaccines for the residents this Fall. 

 There was mentioned of the Greeters Program on a Voluntary basis- a much needed service for the new residents during their first couple of days so they don't get lost under the garage as well as knowledge of moving from the Fairmount and Liberty buildings via the courtyard to the Lobby and Newton Restaurant for meals.  

We were introduced to the Chef of Newton- Agustin Gutierrez. When I asked him if he knows how to cook Filipino dishes, his answer was positive, because his wife is a Pinay.  Good news for my Pinoy taste buds.  Hopefully we will have A Filipino Dish in the near future ( adobo or pansit).  

The eight residents were given a chance to talk about themselves for 5 minutes and why they choose THD. The background and experiences of the new residents were varied and interesting. There's a woman pilot born in England, Writer/Journalist and Computer Consultant couple, A Nurse Manager, a former Stewardess, and a Family Physician- specializing on opioid addiction. Last but not least is myself-scientist and chemist for new drugs approval- a former FDA employee.

I told the group, I have written a 3-paragraph of my biography as well as of Phil Paris to be published in the September issue of the Herald- our THD Newsletter.  

We were given a personalized souvenir( see photo above) of this get together that was wrapped so beautifully I intend not to open it and keep it for posterity. 

All the new Residents are Happy with their New Home and hopefully our stay here will be prolonged by both exercising our minds and body whenever we can. 

Thank You THD Management for the nice Welcome. For me it's late, but as they say, It is Better to be Late Than Never.

My Quote of the Day: Develop interest in life as you see it; in people, things, literature, music---the world is so rich,  simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people.  Henry Miller, 1891-1980, American Author

 

Life Here at THD- Dining Outside (the Newton's Patio)

Last night Susie Bramson and I dined outside (the Patio of Newton's Restaurant)- a coveted place if the weather is perfect. Last night it was perfect weather wise and Susie ( my Hong Kong Mahjong buddy) and I were lucky and fast to claim one of the 3 tables in the Restaurant Patio. I have always wanted to dine outside, but since I do not have a permanent meal time partner, I am delegated to eat inside the restaurant since my move here last June 1.   Susie and I have a pleasant quiet dinner talking about our grand children and Mahjong(see photo above) as well as our new life here in THD. Susie is also a new resident like me, and both of us are adjusting very well to the community daily activities.

My personal highlights from the menu this week are Steelhead Trout with Lemon Caper Sauce for the Main Entree, Tomato Basil soup and mango ice cream for dessert. This week there will be a special New Residents Gathering today at 1:30PM. I heard there are 8 new residents from June to the Present including myself. 

This week Happy Hour and Dinner will be a Hawaiian  Luau. I previously posted the Luau menu but I am posting it again today. This is a perfect time to wear one of my many Hawaiian Shirts for this Special Occassion. Ladies this is the time to show your beautiful mu mu (s). I hope the weather will cooperate since it will be in the Garden Courtyard.

My Quote for Today:  He who does not live in some degree for others, hardly lives for himself-Michel de Montaigne- 1533-1592, French Essayist

   

Meal Times Conversations Here at THD- New Drugs for the Treatment of Obesity

I had a few conversations during meal times and playing bridge here at THD, that one of our fellow residents here is taking the new drug Ozempic for obesity.  I also have relatives that are contemplating taking obesity drugs if these new drugs are effective without harmful side effects(suicidal thoughts). Here's the side effects for Ozempic as listed in the product insert: 

Ozempic® may cause serious side effects, including:

• inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis). Stop using Ozempic® and call your health care provider right away if you have severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away, with or without vomiting. You may feel the pain from your abdomen to your back.
• changes in vision. Tell your health care provider if you have changes in vision during treatment with Ozempic®.
• low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Your risk for getting low blood sugar may be higher if you use Ozempic® with another medicine that can cause low blood sugar, such as a sulfonylurea or insulin. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include: dizziness or Iightheadedness, blurred vision, anxiety, irritability or mood changes, sweating, slurred speech, hunger, confusion or drowsiness, shakiness, weakness, headache, fast heartbeat, and feeling jittery.
• kidney problems (kidney failure). In people who have kidney problems, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration), which may cause kidney problems to get worse. It is important for you to drink fluids to help reduce your chance of dehydration.
• serious allergic reactions. Stop using Ozempic® and get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; problems breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; fainting or feeling dizzy; or very rapid heartbeat.
• gallbladder problems. Gallbladder problems have happened in some people who take Ozempic®. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get symptoms which may include: pain in your upper stomach (abdomen), fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or clay-colored stools.

The most common side effects of Ozempic® may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach (abdominal) pain, and constipation.

This morning I read in the New York Times that acceptance of the new drugs for obesity are waning because of the side effects and its costs.  So I did some search and here are the links for your information and reading pleasure.

https://enarahealth.com/for-members/obesity-medications/?utm_term=medications%20for%20weight%20loss&utm_campaign=Medical+Weight+Loss+Leads+-+Max+Conversions&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=5385425720&hsa_cam=10423593556&hsa_grp=147273637165&hsa_ad=657665112447&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-313686468&hsa_kw=medications%20for%20weight%20loss&hsa_mt=p&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIytXnnp3GgAMVRAytBh2dfgvpEAAYAiAAEgJkJvD_BwE

https://www.axios.com/2023/07/31/obesity-drugs-fda-side-effects

There are a few new drugs under development besides Ozempic and Wegovy that are more effective and less costly. 

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/beyond-ozempic-new-obesity-drugs-could-be-cheaper-and-even-more-effective/

https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2023/07/are-new-weight-loss-drugs-the-answer-to-americas-obesity-problem/

Why New Drugs/Medications are Expensive:  https://thesciencebehindit.org/why-do-drugs-cost-so-much/#:~:text=When%20a%20new%20drug%20reaches,and%20never%20reach%20the%20market.

Today News on Wegovy:

The popular obesity drug Wegovy cuts the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, by 20%, drugmaker Novo Nordisk said Tuesday.

The findings are the first to demonstrate that a weight-loss drug has medical benefits beyond weight reduction. 

Novo Nordisk hasn't yet released the full trial results, but the study may be compelling enough to get insurance companies to provide coverage for the expensive medication, said Dr. Shauna Levy, a specialist in obesity medicine and the medical director of the Tulane Bariatric Center in New Orleans. 

Many people who take Wegovy have had trouble getting insurance to cover the weekly injections, which cost more than $1,300 for a month's supply, because the medication hasn't been considered medically necessary.

“Twenty percent is huge,” Levy said. “All of this narrative about people just wanting this for cosmetic reasons, I think, to some degree, has overshadowed all of the health benefits we can get from this medication.”

Here's My Quote for Day: The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer someone else up.

Mark Twain, 1835-1910, American Writer and Humorist

My Life Here at THD- Free Shakespeare Shows in the Park-Hamlet

Last Sunday, Daughter Dinah pick me up from my gilded cage ( apartment) to attend a Free in the Park Shakespeare Hamlet Presentation by the Vallejo Shakespeare org. It was held in Susana Park, Martinez with temperatures in the high 90's. Luckily there was shade under the huge oak trees in the Park.

My oldest son, Dodie, acted as Polonius/Priest/Sailor in this 3-hour  Shakespeare Play by the Vallejo   Shakespeare organization.  If you have been following my blogs you probably already knew that Dodie retired from his job as prosecuting attorney for Contra Costa County a couple of years ago. Acting is one of Dodie's  favorite activity during his retiring years. This was his second season with the Vallejo Shakespeare. He previously performed as the Boatswain in the Tempest. Since his retirement, his other acting roles include Bob Crotchet in (Not) A Christmas Carol, Evan in SWEAT,  Jim Bono in FENCES, and the Executioner in the Death of Triboulet.  Between acting gigs, Dodie and his wife, Ruth Carver travel the world.  The following are some of the photos in the 3 Hr Presentation.

Two more free presentations are scheduled for Aug 12 and 13 in Oakland and Piedmont respectively. 

On August 18 and 19, two fund raiser shows ( $25) are scheduled at Vino Godfather Winery in Vallejo at 7PM.  If you like Shakespeare this is a must attend show.  

Meanwhile here's my quote for the Day:  If there were nothing wrong in the world, there wouldn't be anything for us to do. George Bernard Shaw, 1856-1950, Irish Dramatist, Essayist and Critic.