A Welcome Visit from a Nearby Relative

 

Linda Mercarder and I -Enjoy Your Visit and the Kalderetta and Leche Flan-Thank You, Linda!

Yesterday, Linda M and her nephew Jimmy Evaristo (from Concord,CA) visited me here at THD bringing with them, Kalderetta and Leche Flan per my request. In exchange for this delicious lunch, I gave them my THD lunch of egg salad sandwich with Chips and ice cream. It was not a Fair exchange, but my appreciation for the visit and for the food makes it an equitable and fair exchange. Linda's ancestral roots is from Marinduque, Philippines-my second home. http://marinduqueawaitsyou.blogspot.com/

Thanks again Linda and Jimmy for the visit and the Pinoy delicacies.  They also brought two Filipino-American Newspaper-The Asian Journal and the Philippine News-Today. Here are the photos of the Kalderetta, Leche flan and the newspapers. 

 For those of you not familiar with Filipino Food: 

Kalderetta is one of my favorite Filipino dish.  It is a hearty meat dish using chevon (goat meat), beef, or pork combined with potatoes, carrots, tomato sauce, and liver spread or liver paste. This is a popular dish served during special occasions and a regular in every Filipino cookbook. https://panlasangpinoy.com/beef-kaldereta/

Leche Flan is a dessert made-up of eggs and milk with a soft caramel on top. It resembles crème caramel and caramel custard. This delicious dessert is known throughout the world. It has been a regular item in the  menu of most Filipino restaurants because of its taste, ease in preparation and long shelf life. https://panlasangpinoy.com/leche-flan/

Lessons for Today: What is Filipino Food?  Filipino cuisine has developed from the different cultures that shaped its history; it is like other Southeast Asian cuisines but with heavy Spanish influence. Some ingredients of the Mexican cuisine, such as corn, tomato and chili, have also found their way to the Philippines.

Though its cuisine is not as renowned as many of its neighbours, such as that of Thailand and Vietnam, Filipino cooking is nonetheless distinct in that it is possibly the least spicy of all South East Asian cuisines.

Don't make the mistake of thinking that Filipino food is bland, though. It is just that instead of spices, Filipino food depends more on garlic, onions and ginger to add flavor to the dishes. Painstaking preparation and prolonged cooking time is also a characteristic of most Filipino dishes, and when done properly is often what brings out the flavor of the food, as opposed to a healthy dose of spices.

With over 7,500 islands, the cuisine of the Philippines is rather a mish-mash of hundreds of local, regional, and ethnic cuisines, and without any qualifiers, you would often think of ubiquitous dishes such as adobo, sinigang, lechon, and Filipino-Chinese dishes.

https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Filipino_cuisine

Picnic Lunch turned to Driving Tour of the Martinez Shoreline Park Today

Photo Credit: Joseph Woo.  A very sunny but very very windy day at the Martinez Shoreline Park

Today from 10:30AM to12:30PM, Joseph Woo, THD Activity Assistant gave four of us ( Margaret, Jan, Ray and I) a private van tour of the City of Martinez and the shoreline park. We were supposed to have a Picnic lunch over looking the Carquinez shoreline, but it was so windy and chilly, we decided to have just a driving tour of the City. We enjoyed the shoreline views and the historic downtown area for about one hour. We decided to bring our packed picnic lunch back to THD, so we can enjoy it leisurely with out the chilling winds that give me shivers after feeling it for just 10 minutes. The wind chill reminds me of the Windy City Of Chicago, having resided in Chicago from 1960-1964.         

Here are two photos from Wikipedia of the water views and one of the historic buildings of Martinez for your viewing pleasure: the Contra Costa County Courthouse and the view of the Martinez shoreline from the Carquinez Regional Park Ridge. The CCC court house reminded of my first jury duty as a US citizen as well as the former office of my son, Dodie, a Prosecuting attorney for Contra Costa County for over two decades.  

In case you have not heard of Martinez, CA : Martinez  is a city and the county seat of Contra Costa County, California, United States, in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area.  Located on the southern shore of the Carquinez Strait, the city's population was 37,287 at the 2020 census. The city is named after Californio ranchero Ygnacio Martínez, having been founded on his Rancho El Pinole. Martinez is known for its historic center and its waterfront.

Again, Thank you Joseph for the tour. I had a good time and the drive today is a good respite from by daily activity here at THD. I feel invigorated and was happy to get out for fresh air from my gilded cage apartment here in the Fairmount Building. 

More Power to You and Karen K for all the Planned Activities here at THD.  Joseph your service to the activity needs of the senior residents here at THD is very much appreciated. 

Meal Time Conversations Here at THD- God's Particle

Two weeks ago,  I posted in my blogs the popular topics in my e-mail was the confirmation of the existence of the Demon particle predicted 67 years ago. One of my curious meal time companion here at THD asked me if there is an Angel or God's Particle.  I answered that I am not aware of an Angel particle but his question brought memories when God's Particle was the favorite topic about 9 years ago with our PAASE (Philippine-American Academy of Science & Engineering) members. I did some search and here's a summary of what I found in the Web.  Enjoy! Y

"You and everything around you are made of particles. But when the universe began, no particles had mass; they all sped around at the speed of light. Stars, planets and life could only emerge because particles gained their mass from a fundamental field associated with the Higgs boson.

The Higgs Boson is better-known by its colloquial name, “the God Particle,” so-called because for a generation, scientists had to take it on faith that it existed.

The Higgs boson is the fundamental particle associated with the Higgs field, a field that permeates the entire universe and gives mass to other fundamental particles such as electrons and quarks. A particle's mass determines how much it resists changing its speed or position when it encounters a force.

The term 'The God particle' was coined by the physicist Leon Lederman in his 1993 popular science book, The God Particle: If the Universe Is the Answer, What Is the Question? The particle that the book title refers to is the 'Higgs boson'.

The Higgs boson has nothing to do with God. It was simply a snappy term to illustrate the ubiquitous effect of the Higgs field, and its importance in determining mass. For more details read:

https://angelsanddemons.web.cern.ch/faq/what-is-the-god-particle.html#:~:text=They%20suggested%20that%20all%20particles,called%20the%20%27Higgs%20boson%27.

The "God particle" is a nickname for the Higgs boson, a subatomic particle that was first proposed in the 1960s. It's called the "God particle" because it was thought to give other particles mass, similar to how a god might give life to something.In simple terms, the Higgs boson is thought to be a particle that exists everywhere in the universe and gives other particles mass. Without the Higgs boson, all particles would be massless, and we wouldn't exist! It is one of the building blocks of the universe, and scientists have been searching for it for decades. It was finally discovered in 2012 by the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research.

Meanwhile here are some Jokes about Filipinos and the Philippines

What do Filipino post offices always have? Manila envelopes.

What is the difference between Filipinos and Mexicans? Nothing, Filipinos are just Mexicans of Asia.

What do you call a hot Filipino? A Filipiño.

My Quote of the Day: To accomplish great things we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe- Anatole France, 1844-1924, French Writer  

The 22nd Anniversary of the Bombing of the WTC- Pinoy Comfort Food

Dinah and I purchased Dinuguan, paksiw na lechon, pancit, ampalaya with shrimps, Turon and Kutsinta (rice cake), lumpia as well as steamed white rice from Irma's Restaurant, Seafood City, Concord yesterday. We also purchased two red mangoes from the grocery. I ate 1/4 serving of the Dinuguan, the rest I placed in the Freezer for future cravings.  Dinah and I had one Turon each and 2 puto Kutsinta for dessert. It was DELICIUOS.  

I craved for comfort food when I feel sad.  Sad because I remembered what happened to the World Trade Center and Pentagon, 22 years ago today.  Here's an excerpt from ABC news and from my article from Hubpages on the 9/11 attack.  Today, the nation marks the 22nd anniversary of the terrorist attacks of the bombing of the World Trade Center, NYC, and the Pentagon in Washington DC.   

"The New York City Fire Department has added 43 new names to its World Trade Center Memorial Wall commemorating firefighters, paramedics and civilian support staff members who have died from illnesses related to the rescue and recovery efforts in the aftermath of one of the darkest days in U.S. history.

The additions to the memorial wall bring the total number of FDNY members who have succumbed to post-9/11 illnesses to 331, which is nearly equal to the number of firefighters killed in the Twin Towers on the day of the attacks (343)."

https://abcnews.go.com/US/forget-names-43-fdny-members-added-911-memorial/story?id=102998567

Where were you that day when the world trembled and changed the way we travel by plane?  

Here's an excerpt from my article from Hubpages.com  on my personal experience of that day that I hope we we will never forget. 

" That unforgettable and catastrophic event can not be erased from my memory and even today, I can still clearly remember what I was doing at that exact time of the bombing (8:46AM, 9/11/01) as well as the next 24 hours of hectic personal activities, related to the bombing. At that time, as an employee of the Food and Drug Administration, I had the opportunity to help the thousands of burnt victims from the fire due to the bombings. The incident and how the members of my review team helped the burnt victims, I considered the highest point in my professional career as Chemistry Team Leader for FDA.

The most heinous crime of the 21st century produced thousands of burns victims. Two drugs in my division, Sulfamylon and Silvadene, approved for the treatment of burns were out of supply. A chemistry manufacturing supplement has to be approved by Federal law to manufacture more of these ointments in a new facility. This required a review by the chemist, an inspection of the facility by a field inspector,  my approval as the chemistry team leader plus the paper work by the project manager. 

The drugs were needed immediately, so we had to do an expedited review of the manufacturing supplement. It took us only 12 hours to approve the new facility and the review of the chemistry, manufacturing and control submission. This review normally takes between one month to three months depending on the availability of the field inspector and the schedule of the review chemist.

In December, 2001, the four members of my review team received a special cash recognition award from FDA management for our work on expediting the review of the two drugs. Of all my awards, this one is the most appreciated. I felt that I had done my job as a public servant and had helped the victims of the terrorist attack in a timely manner.

https://discover.hubpages.com/education/the-day-the-world-trembled

Meanwhile, yesterday my cravings for Filipino Food was satiated. Daughter Dinah, a resident of Dublin, Ca drove me to Seafood City in Concord.  The photo above was my purchase of the day including two big red mangoes. Here are my favorite FOOD quotes. 

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” “We all eat, and it would be a sad waste of opportunity to eat badly.” “You don't need a silver fork to eat good food.” “After a good dinner one can forgive anybody, even one's own relatives.”

Have a Great Week Every One-and To My Relatives and Readers All Over the World!!!

A Mini Photo Tour of Dublin, Ireland ( Not Dublin, CA)

Carenna Katague Thompson, my youngest grand daughter is spending her Fall Semester in Dublin, Ireland this year.  She has a scholarship to study abroad as part of her Master's Degree program in International Studies at Georgetown University, Washington, DC.

Here are some of the photos she took during her first 2 days in Dublin.  I have been to London but have never been to Dublin, so these photos are very much appreciated.

Thank You  Carenna for the photos, study well and maintain your straight A Grades and Lolo has another gift for you. Keep in touch via photos and FB messages when you can. Love You, LOLO.

Carenna and Me at Alix and Brendan's Wedding, Berkeley City Club, September 2, 2023 (Note she is taller than me). 

Note: Carenna will be at Queen's University in Belfast, Capital City of Northern Ireland. Hilary Clinton is the Chancellor of the University.

Meanwhile Here's my Quote of the Day:   

• “Family is not an important thing. It's everything.” – Michael J. Fox.

 

   

The San Simeon Hearst Castle and the Berkeley City Club

First Photo-Front of Hearst Castle in San Simeon and the Second Photo front of the Berkeley City Club, in Berkeley, CA 

In my previous posting I described and showed some photographs of the Berkeley City Club sometime  called the Little Castle since it was design by Julia Morgan, the same architect that design the Hearst Castle in San Simeon, also know as the Enchanted Hill. I have been to the Hearst CASTLE  twice(in the late 1970's)  and I have posted my experiences in the reference below.  

The indoor pool of the Hearst Castle is similar in design to the pool at the Berkeley City Club, Berkeley, California.

Indoor Pool at the Hearst Castle In San Simeon

Indoor Pool at the Berkeley City Club in Berkeley

Inside the Hearst Castle and inside the Berkeley City Club

The Moorish and Gothic Designs is indeed a Julia Morgan Building 

Berkeley City Club Terrace for Weddings, Adjacent to the Ball Room on the second Floor

Meanwhile here are the three of my favorite photos taken during Alix and Brendan's Wedding 9/2/23

The mother of the groom, Marianne Caruana Quinn parents are from Malta.   

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2015/10/11-places-in-us-that-macrine-and-i-had.html

The Top Twenty Honeymoon Destinations in the World

Bora Bora, French Polynesia- the #1 Honeymoon Destination in the World 

Alix and Brendan will spend their honeymoon in Bora Bora in the next couple of days. 

U.S. News has reviewed expert opinions along with thousands of travelers and had voted the best honeymoon destinations in the world. From culture-focused cities and adventure-filled national parks to languid private island retreats, this ranking offers a range of honeymoon-worthy places suitable for a variety of couples. The # 1 in the list is Bora Bora. The site below list the top 20 destinations in the World. Read if your favorite destination is in the list. Why Bora Bora ? The small island of Bora Bora (just about 6 miles long and a little more than 2 miles wide) overflows with beauty. A dormant volcano rises up at its center and fans out into lush jungle before spilling into an aquamarine lagoon. In fact, author James Michener, who wrote "Tales of the South Pacific," called Bora Bora "the most beautiful island in the world." The 18th-century British explorer James Cook even coined it as the "Pearl of the Pacific." The very definition of a tropical getaway, blissful Bora Bora abounds with luxurious resorts, sunny skies, warm waters and friendly locals. 

And as you might've already guessed, the main industry on this petite island in French Polynesia and its swarm of tiny motu (islands) is tourism. To that end, you can snorkel, explore Vaitape (Bora Bora's main port), hike Mount Otemanu and more. But there's a catch: Bora Bora is expensive – very expensive. In short, visit Bora Bora for natural beauty, visit for utter relaxation and visit if you have the money.

https://travel.usnews.com/rankings/best-honeymoon-destinations/

Meanwhile here are some of my favorite photos from Alix and Brendan's Wedding

Me ( Retired Patriarch) and Alix and Brendan ( Software Engineers)

Playing Mahjong-Ditas, Dinah, Dodie, Carenna with Yuka and Alex Chalfin and ME

Dinah, Elaine Lazarte Chalfin, Ditas, Carenna and Yuka Maeda at the BCC Terrace

The Lechon -The After Dinner Snack at the Wedding Feast 

Me, Dinah, Dodie and Wife Ruth Carver

 
The Patriarch of the David Balleza Katague, Jr Clan  

The Berkeley City Club-Perfect Venue for Alix and Brendan's Wedding

Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of enjoying the beauty and grandeur of the Moorish and Gothic elements of the Berkeley City Club where Grand Daughter Alix and Brendan were married. If you love architecture this is a must place to visit. The building is now a hotel with a Restaurant and Bar on the second floor. It is a perfect venue for wedding receptions. I am posting a few photos taken during the wedding reception on September 2, highlighting the moorish and gothic designs of Julia Morgan- the architect of this building. It is often called the Little Castle since it is a mini replica of the Hearst Castle in San Simeon built by William Randolph Hearst-the Newspaper billionaire of the 1920's-1940's. This building evokes pleasant memories of our visit to the Alhambra Castle and Gardens in Granada, Spain in 2000. https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2021/01/memories-of-our-tour-of-alhambra.html

Here are some photos that Carenna took during the Wedding Ceremony and Reception. Thank You, Carenna for the photos.   

The Berkeley City Club was commissioned as the club house of the Berkeley Women's City Club, organized in Berkeley, California in 1927 to contribute to social, civic, and cultural progress. This private club is no longer restricted to women, and the club house building is available to the public at large for overnight stays, weddings, and other occasions. On the second floor, the club also houses Julia's Restaurant and Morgan's Bar & Lounge, led by Executive Chef Fabrice Marcon, MCF.

The building, constructed in 1929 and officially opened in 1930, is one of the outstanding works of noted California architect Julia Morgan. The San Francisco-born Morgan was the first woman to gain admission and earn a certificate from the Ecole de Beaux-Arts in Paris (1902) and the first licensed female architect in California. She designed nearly 100 women's-organization buildings throughout her career.

Her interpretation of Moorish and Gothic elements in the Berkeley Women's City Club created a landmark of California design. It is registered as California Historical Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places(NPS-77000282). 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berkeley_City_Club