A Few Observations of Activities/Residents/Employees Here at THD, Walnut Creek

Today will be my 16th day of residing in this beautiful and well managed Independent/Assisted Living Facility. I have met most of the Managers from Barbara the Big Boss down to the low level cleaning ladies and I am impressed of their work ethics, friendly and welcoming demeanor of my presence. In todays blog I will list the various observations I have have experienced during this brief period of only 16 days.

1. The Dining Room during Dinner Time is usually cold. You will need a sweater if you do not want to freeze.

2. There are groups of residents who enjoyed dining together during Meal Times.

3. There a couple of male residents who seat alone by themselves in the same table at the Restaurant

4. Almost all the servers, cooks, cleaning crew are Spanish-Speaking. I found this place conducive to practice my knowledge in  conversational Spanish. They know every one names and anticipate your needs.  

5. There are several ways going from my Building (Fairmont) to Newtons Restaurant. The nearest and convenient way if you are using a Walker is Via The Garage. I learned 2 other ways just recently, via the Exercise Room and/or Library (more scenic views than the garage but require opening doors/elevators and with steps in some areas.   

6. The Food and Service at the Newtons is excellent and indeed worthy of its Five Star Rating, not only in taste, presentation but the amounts of food served. You can have wine ( either red or white) every Dinner time. What I really love about Newton's is the flexibility of eating your meals in your apartment as well as bringing left over of your meals to your apartment for future consumption at your leisure.      

The servers anticipate what you want and they remember what you like. For example during breakfast besides the orange juice/coffee you have a fruit variety as a starter. Instead of this fruit variety (melon, pineapple, water melon and an orange slice) I ask my server ( Emilia) yesterday for just slices of oranges. This morning Emilia remembered it and I had my slices of oranges before I even had a chance to tell her. Today, I learned they have yogurt. I ask Emilia for  one to take to my apartment. I have feeling she will give me my yogurt before I have chance to ask her tomorrow.    

Last but not least is that all the employees in the Front Desk, Managers and Servers in the Restaurant makes you feel at home and that is worth more than gold.      

Here are some more recent photos of my patio:

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Dumping and Cleaning Up My Household Mess in Fair Oaks Completed

I am very thankful that my oldest son, Dodie is getting my household Goods and Furniture either donated or sent to the Dumpster in Fair Oaks. We have a few problems with 1-800- Junk removal people, so Dodie is hiring a Dumpster instead. There are a lot of furniture the new owners do not want so one or two dumpster trucks may be not adequate. My numerous books and clothing have been DONATED to Goodwill and Salvation Army, but hundreds of decades of accumulation are still to be disposed. 

One of the items, I can not find is my Apple I-pod. I believe it is still in one of the boxes in Fair Oaks and hope it has not been to the Dumps. If am lucky, it may be in one of the 20 boxes stored here in my Bin at THD.  Another item I almost forgot was the  terrarium, I created on Memorial Day. Dodie was able to bring it here at THD the other day.  Here's the photo of my creation along with my ginger plant and Rooster decor.  

Dodie was able to transport one of my three pineapple plant, also. I got the one in the middle.

Here is a photo of my first pineapple harvest in Fair Oaks last year-the sweetest pineapple I ever tasted.

Dumping and Cleaning Up the Mess I left behind is also traumatic and costly. Again with the help of Dodie it was done before the official date ( end of June) of the new owners taking possession of 8167 Treecrest Ave, Fair Oaks, Ca- my former home for the last 21 years. 

News Alert! The new owners took possession of the house on the afternoon of June 14, 2023, sixteen days earlier as in indicated in the Contract. Good Bye, Fair Oaks!! All utilities (electricity, gas, water and garbage collections) are schedule to terminate on June 16. The lawn mower guy is paid until the end of the month.  Thanks a million again, Dodie, Love You, Dad

Enjoying The Amenities Offered by THD

Today, two housekeeping ladies came to my apartment to clean-up. As I am writing this, they are in my kitchen, master bedroom and I am here in my 2nd BR/computer room. My apartment is not that dirty, but my patio has a lot of dead leaves. They told me the Patio Clean-up will be on Tuesday. 

I have not participted in any scheduled activity (film programs, excersizes, bridge or mahjong) yet. I have not also used the van service, but have been told during meal times, the driver is great for doctor appointments and shopping around the downtwon Walnut Creek neighborhood. I have not been to the Cinema as my Comcast TV Amazon Prime Video subscription had been transfered. Lin Manuel Miranda's In the Heights musical is scheduled for June 23 at the nearby Lesher Auditorium for $32 ( special discount for THD residents).

Walking tours and shopping trips to nearby Malls are scheduled on Saturday and Sunday. I was able to get my prescription shipping privelege from Fair Oaks to a nearby CVS branch. My first prescription arrived by mail yesterday. I have already used Instacart to purchase cat litter on line. Delivery was quick and delivered right in my front door in less than 20 minutes. 

I have not used DoorDash or Grubhub as I have plenty of leftover food and dessert in my fridge. I am glad I moved here at THD. If I have known of this place, I would have move here last year after David E death. Again, the cleaning ladies were terrific. They even clean-up my patio of dead leaves. After finishing this blog, the Activities Director Called me and we will talk what activity I like to do this afternoon. At 2PM will I have my first haircut at the In-House Hair Saloon by Cathy ( free coupon for the first time and $30 afterwards). Looking forward for the several amenities offerred by THD in the near future soon.

A Major Decision In My Life -Moving to THD in Walnut Creek, CA

I have made several major decisions in my life, but the recent and most important event is my current move and downsizing ( from a 4BR, 3B single home to a 2B,2B apartment) to the Heritage Downtown, (THD) in Walnut Creek, California. 

My moving and downsizing was not easy. Parting with household goods and personal possessions one has accumulated for several decades is still haunting me with guilt. For example just thinking of just dumping my China and Curio Cabinets and some of its contents makes me feel wasteful. But one must faced the realities of life. In a way, I am lucky that my oldest son has been helping me with the transitions taking care that all my possessions are donated to Charity and properly disposed so the new owners of my house can officially take possession before the end of this month.      

My decision to rent a 2-BR 2B apartment instead of just a 1 BR was my most important action. When my son and I were looking for places, he questioned my wish, and that I only need a 1BR since I am alone. I insisted I WILL pay an extra 1K per month to have more space.  Here at THD, I talked to a resident about her 2-moves in a week. At first she moved to a 1B apartment. After a few days, she was unhappy and decided to rent a 2B apartment in the same building costing her to pay the movers twice.   I would probably do the same thing if I rented a 1B instead of a 2B apartment.

The one amenity I love in my apartment is the Full Patio so that my 2 cats( Batman & Robin) can play and enjoy the outdoors once in a while. There are only a few apartments with this amenity. In my building there are 4 apartments with patio like mine, I believe. There are entrances and exits from the Living Room, Master Bedroom and Guest Bedroom to the Patio.  

Batman and Robin can still climb the 10-ft wall. I am afraid, that someday they decide to jump in the neighboring houses. I decided to ask THD management to help me installed a Chicken wire Block at my own expense to prevent my 2 cats catting around the other apartments and the neighborhood.  Hopefully this will be completed soon. In the meantime, B & R appears very contented inside.

Here are detailed photos my patio decor.

AAgain, I am thanking all the Staff of THD as well as the efficient Servers at the Newtons Restaurants who have made my 2-weeks stay here so far very pleasant and delightful. May you all have a Happy Father's Day Holiday.  Personal Note: One of My Facebook readers asked me if I moved into a Nursing Home. My answer is definitely that the Heritage Downtown is not a Nursing Home. For details visit their website atwww.theheritagedowntown.com  

Some Photos of My New Home-The Heritage Downtown, Walnut Creek

My Living Room with Robin enjoying his afternoon nap

I have finally opened all my boxes labeled Garden Statuaries and Decor. I have found a place for all of them in my Patio here at THD. Here are some photos.

My Patio Set and Fruit Decor

Solar Lights, Statuaries, Plaques and Wind Chimes in Place 

My Hall way Decor-from  David E Antique Oriental Photo Collection 

My Dinner for Tonite-June 12,2023 plus a Glass of Wine and Blueberry cake for dessert

One of the many paintings decorating the Hall Ways at THD

The Beginning of My Third Week at the Heritage Downtown, Walnut Creek, CA

I got the Meals and Activity Schedule( for June 12- 18) early this morning in my front door. It looks fantastic specially the Father's Day Special Champagne Brunch. We will have PRIME RIB with horseradish sauce ( yummy). There will be Live Music with Jeff Wessman at the Lobby at 3PM. 

The Dinner Menu as usual will have a choice of Seafood) Grilled Salmon, Meat ( Salisbury Steak) and Chicken ( Rotisserie) with all the side dish trimmings your heart desire.   The dessert list will have dutch blueberry Pie, Chocolate Brulee and Coffee Cream Ice Cream.   

The Cinema for today, June 12 at 7PM is the Phantom of the Opera. The activities schedule ranged from Poetry Readings, Aqua Fitness Classes, Ladder Ball, Ted Talks Presentations, Saturday Walk in Walden Park, besides the Live Music on Father's Day Sunday. 

I took some photos during the Champagne Brunch yesterday. Here are the photos for your viewing pleasure.

  

Again, I like to mention that the Staff at the Front desk ( esp. Eric and Ralph) are very helpful in answering my questions about THD. The Staff in Newton's are very helpful and accommodating. Special mention to Veronica, Bryan, Angie, Martha and Emilia from the Newton's Staff.     

Have a Wonderful Full Week to All. Special mention to my co residents, Norman, Dean, Steve, Marsha and others for the great conversation during meal times. 

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

My Second Week at the Heritage Downtown, Walnut Creek, CA

I attended my first Happy Hour at THD yesterday. It was an open bar with appetizers. I had two mean Margaritas. There was music, if you feel like dancing, but the Happy Hour was mostly getting to know more residents. There were only about 50 in attendance. I met another lady resident.  My guess is she must be in her mid-70's. She was telling our table that she and her late husband had resided in Manila for 2 years in the mid 1990's. Her husband was working then for Mercury Drugs. She said they enjoyed their stay in the Philippines specially the Filipino Food, but hated the traffic in Manila. Our table then talked about Filipino Food available in the East Bay.  

In our table was  couple resident. The gentleman must be in his 90's. He had a Ph.D in Physics and was working for the Federal Government  in Albuquerque, New Mexico with a team who had developed the Atomic Bomb.

In our table was also an Intermediate Bridge Player. They group play at 1PM every Friday. She said they group is looking forward for my participation. Right now, I am still unpacking and getting more small items from Sacramento. Dodie is helping me clean-up the mess in Fair Oaks. Since the Estate Sale was canceled by Maureen Heller of the James Estate Sales because I sold my Sterling Silver collection myself. Maureen said she will not make any money if the Sterling Silver was not included in the Estate Sale. 

Thus I have to donate some items ( Clothing and Books), but the heavy furniture had to be disposed to the Dumpster including my Kimball piano, Dining Table Set, Curio Cabinet King Size Bed and the 3-piece lighted China Cabinet and most of its contents. Dodie decided to take the 25PC Mikasa Bone China but the  87Pc Royal Gallery Fine China may have to be disposed. A neighbor is offering $40 for the whole set and I will TAKE it.   I feel sad that not one of my relatives and friends can take the Piano and found it a home. 

 I paid over a 1K for the Curio and China Cabinets when we purchased the 2 furniture several decades ago. Luckily, I have enough space here in my apartment for my antique Victorian Dresser, Side Cabinet and a student desk with a Secret Compartment.     

This morning ( donuts to take to your apartment every Saturday) after breakfast I met a Filipino in the Front Desk. He said he works only on weekend at the THD and Jenny the Sales Guru of the Place instructed him to welcome me. The staff here in THD are very helpful. Another Staff supervisor volunteered to take care of B & R this coming June 21-24 because I am attending Elaine's wedding in Portland, Oregon that week. She said she will not charged me, but I am planning to give her a gift in return for her services.

So far my 7th day here at THD is marvelous. My next door neighbor, a young lady of 70 just informed me that this week she will be out of her apartment as a courtesy. My cats had been in her patio. She said she does not mind B & R catting around in her private patio. I am planning to install a chicken wire block screen so B& R can not climb out from my patio and wanders in the neighboring houses and apartments.

Until next week, my dear friends and  readers of this blog. Have a Wonderful Weekend!!! 

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

My First Week at The Heritage Downtown, Walnut Creek, California

My First Week at The Heritage Downtown, Walnut Creek, California June 07, 2023 Last June 2 with the help of the Gentle Transitions Team of Cathy and Travis and the 4 movers of Alex from Universal Movers in Hayward,Ca part of my 21 years of household Goods were moved efficiently to my 2BR, 2B apartment here at the Heritage Downtown. 

I did not do much, just answer questions were to place some of my furniture in the small space typical of 2-BR apartments. Two of my oldest children helped with move. Dodie was in charge in Walnut Creek and Dinah help me transport Batman & Robin from Fair Oaks to Walnut Creek. The whole 2 days of moving activities ( June 1-packing day, JUNE 2 day-moving day) went smoothly and efficiently at the total cost of 7K.

During my first day at the Heritage, I meet interesting senior residents. One was a young man of 76 and showing its a small world indeed was my co-worker at Stauffer Chemicals. Richmond, Ca in the early 1980's. He recognized my name. We were in the same department with same Supervisor. I was in Analytical Chemistry-Pesticide Residues Analytical Methods Development. He was the Organic/ Process Development Group. He had lived in Albany, Ca and was diagnose with Parkinson about 2 years ago. He has been here at THD for about 2 years. 

The Second Gentlemen I met is a 95 year old who had worked in the Philippines during his younger years as Consultant for the United Nations. He has been here at THD for 4 years. So, we have a lot of things to talk about the Philippines. 

The third Gentlemen I met is of my age- 88 years young. He was professor at St Mary's College in Moraga, Ca. before his retirement. Both gentlemen are in the Political Discussion Group here at THD. I have a standing invitation to join them at my leisure. There are 110 residents here at THD and only about 20 men, 10 couples and the rest are women ranging in age from 55 to 102 years. I have talked to several highly educated single women residents including the 102 year old lady who just celebrated her 102nd birthday last May here at THD. 

The women are all very friendly and welcoming. I have not joined the numerous activities yet, as I am still busy unpacking, notifying my change of address, changing Medical and Prescription Venues. Today, I spent 1 hour waiting for an agent at the SSA just so I could notify them of my change of address and phone. I tried to do it on line, and I was told I can not do it. Luckily all my bank accounts venues had been updated. I am still waiting for 48 hours for my Google Account Verification on Line. 

Tomorrow I will call OPM (Office of Personnel Management) to update my personal information. I hope the waiting time is not as long's the one at the SSA. Tomorrow Dodie and I are driving back Fair Oaks to pick up all of my indoor plants and other small items that were not moved by the professional movers. We will be arranging for a clean-up TEAM AND PLACES where we can donate the rest of my household goods, books, clothing, tools etc... 

I have until the end of the month to clean the and give the keys to the new owners. The owners have started the roof/gutter improvements the other day. Again, the food here is fantastic. The service workers are all efficient and friendly. I have Chopino tonite and I was given a bib so I will not mess up my shirt.  

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