Travel with Me to Germany Via Carenna's Photos- A Busy Weekend

My Beautiful and Talented Grand Daughter Carenna Katague Thompson💚, Germany, July 2-12. 2024 

Carenna💚, my youngest grand daughter spent 10 days of vacation in Germany and surrounding areas last week. She send me some of her photos that I am reposting here in my blogs. I have been to Southern Spain and Rome, but have never been to Munich and surrounding areas.  Here are some of Carenna's photographs and her description of her vacation. 

💚https://nl.linkedin.com/in/carenna-katague-thompson-453b29224/de?trk=people-guest_people_search-card     

Mercedes Automobile Museum

German Draft Beer and the Big Mug!

Sound of Music Tour- Salzburg, Germany

Here's Carenna Description of her vacation in Germany.

Carenna

I spent a few days in Munich, then met up with my moms friend to go to Garmish. On the way we stopped at the Neuschwanstein Castle (it was inspiration for the Disney castle). Then we went to Garmish to go to Zugspitze which is the highest point in Germany. We went to the lake right below it and stand up paddle boarded. The next day we went to Stuttgart where my mom's friend lives and went to the Mercedes Benz Museum. Then next day I took a bus to Strasbourg to see those pretty brown wood style houses, eat some French food, and practice my French.

You sent

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Personal Note: I had a busy weekend here at THD.  Saturday- A relative from Iloilo, Philippines now residing in San Jose visited me and treated me to a late lunch to Ima's Kitchen.  

Igsoon Ceding ( Mercedes) Braceros from San Jose, California and I, July 13, 2024 

 Today, Sunday- Dinah and I are going to a newly opened Dimsum restaurant here in Walnut Creek.  I am so happy, I have again flown away from my gilded cage this weekend.  Hoping everyone has a not too hot weekend. Stay in the Shade and Hydrate if you are outdoors.    

Thank you Cousin Ceding for the visit and the TO GO Pinoy Dinner from Ima's Kitchen from Concord. Hope to see you again soon. 

Coconut Crabs and The Chairs in Our Activity Room

My Lunch of Coconut Crab served with Cucumber-Tomatoes Salad, at Chateau Du Mer, Boac, Marinduque,  Philippines, May, 2017

The coconut crab, locally known as Tatus (Birgus latro)., holds the title of the largest land-dwelling arthropod in the world. Adult coconut crabs can exceed 4 kg in weight and boast a leg span of over 3 feet. Remarkably, they are among the longest-living arthropods, with a lifespan that can stretch up to 60 years. This species is found across areas in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. In the Philippines they are scattered across islands and coral atolls from Luzon to Mindanao. 

Considered a delicacy in the islands of Batanes and Caluya, Antique, locals and tourists alike seek the edible, savory-sweet flesh and creamy fat. It is often cooked as escabeche, with coconut milk, or simply boiled. Tatus are typically found in coastal lands, rocky shorelines, and cliffs. They feed on fruits, seeds, nuts (including coconuts), and occasionally, plant and animal remains. Their slow-moving nature makes them easy to catch, even by bare hands.

The urbanization of coastal areas, driven by a growing human population and overharvesting of the species, has led to its extirpation or local extinction in many parts of the world. In Caluya, it is illegal to catch the species within the municipality except during the Tatusan festival.

The coconut crab has been declared a threatened species by the Department of Agriculture, as per Fisheries Administrative Order No. 208. Additionally, the species is listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat conversion and fragmentation, as well as direct exploitation for human consumption. For Details visit:

https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2024/01/i-have-cravings-for-coconut-crabs-taste.html

Meanwhile, I have some fairly good news of Life here at THD: Chairs at the Activity Room:

Yesterday after dinner I had a chance to chat with Rachel Ryan, THD Chief Financial Officer, regarding the Chairs at the new Activity Room. I told her that a few of THD residents including myself felt that the back of the chair is not comfortable so that after seating for 30 minutes, most of the seniors complain of back ache. Rachel said she is thinking about the problem. I suggested a back pad be installed on the chairs and maybe add more padding on the seats. Let us hope a solution will be coming soon. Barbara and Jenny were witnessed to the above conversion with our CFO who has the final decision of items that required money.  Thank you, Rachel for listening!

I am Not Getting Older- I am Getting Better!

AGING....

You grow old, they told me, you are no longer you, you become distant, sad and lonely.

I didn't answer...

I don't get old, I get wise.

I stopped being what others like me to become, but what I like to be.

I stopped seeking the acceptance of others and accepted myself.

I have left behind the lying mirrors that deceive mercilessly.

- No, I'm not getting old.

I just become more selective with places, people, customs and ideologies.

I have let go of attachments, unnecessary pain, toxic people, sick souls and rotten hearts... bitterness and unhappiness are not for me, I release them for my health.

I'm ditching party nights for learning and embracing insomnia.

I stopped living stories and started writing them, I threw aside the imposed stereotypes.

I no longer carry eyeshadow in my bag, now I have a book that beautifies my mind.

I exchanged wine glasses for coffee cups, forgot to idealize life and started living it.

- No, I'm not getting old.

I carry freshness in my soul, innocence in my heart, and it discovers me daily.

I have in my hands the tenderness of a cocoon that, when opened, will spread its wings to other places unreachable for those who seek only the frivolity of the material.

I have that charming smile on my face when I observe the simplicity of nature.

I carry in my ears the chirping of the birds that delight me and accompany the walk.

- No, I'm not getting old.

I become selective, betting my time on the intangible, rewriting the story I've been told, rediscovering worlds, saving those old books I've forgotten half open.

I'm becoming more cautious, I've stopped the outbursts that teach me nothing, I'm learning to talk about transcendent things, I'm learning to cultivate knowledge, plant ideals and falsify my destiny.

- No, I'm not getting old.

I begin to live who I really am.~

Personal Note: On my recent article on THD Lunch Excursion at the Claremont Club and Spa, I mentioned that one resident in our lunch table, rudely told me she did not want her picture in my blogs. I was a bit upset, so I mentioned that it might as well be, since my readers will not really like to see her "Fat Face" anyway.  

One of my THD readers informed me that another resident had read the word "Fat Face" and did not like it. I was advice to tone down and watch carefully the words I am using in my blogs.

I apologize to all my readers if they feel my use of the word "Fat Face" is unnecessary. However, I must admit, I used it because I was mad at the rude request of the Person who did not want her picture in my blog. She could have asked me in a normal tone of voice and this writing incident would not have happened.

Anyway, again let me thank all my readers and my FaceBook friends and other readers, for all your comments in my postings. The most recent one that inspire me to continue my daily posting says:

I love today's article of “wisdom” as well as each and every blog that you share. 

Good Day, Everyone!

The Wisdom of Anthony Hopkins

💚

“I know that I have less to live than I have lived.

I feel like a child who was given a box of chocolates. He enjoys eating it, and when he sees that there is not much left, he starts to eat them with a special taste.

I have no time for endless lectures on public laws - nothing will change. And there is no desire to argue with fools who do not act according to their age. And there's no time to battle the gray. I don't attend meetings where egos are inflated and I can't stand manipulators.

I am disturbed by envious people who try to vilify the most capable to grab their positions, talents and achievements.

I have too little time to discuss headlines - my soul is in a hurry. Too few candies left in the box.

I'm interested in human people. People who laugh at their mistakes are those who are successful, who understand their calling and don't hide from responsibility. Who defends human dignity and wants to be on the side of truth, justice, righteousness. This is what living is for.

I want to surround myself with people who know how to touch the hearts of others. Who, through the blows of fate, was able to rise and maintain the softness of the soul.

Yes, I hustle, I hustle to live with the intensity that only maturity can give. I'll eat all the candy I have left - they'll taste better than the ones I already ate.

My goal is to reach the end in harmony with myself, my loved ones and my conscience.

I thought I had two lives, but it turned out to be only one, and it needs to be lived with dignity.”

Anthony Hopkins

💚Sir Philip Anthony Hopkins was born on December 31,1937. He is a Welsh actor. One of Britain's most recognisable and prolific actors, he is known for his performances on the screen and stage. Hopkins has received numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, four BAFTA Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Laurence Olivier Award. He has also received the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2005 and the BAFTA Fellowship for lifetime achievement in 2008. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to drama in 1993.

Meanwhile Here's my quote of the Day:

Tears of Darkness-My Book Review-An Update

The other day, during our meal times conversations here at THD, we talked about books that made us cry. I informed the group that I have read several books that made me cry, but the one that I will always remember is the Tears in Darkness- by the Normans. It is a true story of Ben Steale(a survivor of the March) personal experience of the Bataan Death March, during the Japanese- American war in the Philippines. 

Death March Monument - Zero KM start of the 65 miles of Death March.  Photo Credit: FB Page of Kyle Zimmermann- Becoming Filipino.   

The "Death March" is a horrendous event that occurred after American and Filipino troops surrender to the Japanese. More than 70,000 prisoners of war were made to march 65 miles. They were beat, they were starved, and they had to deal with incredibly difficult elements. Thousands and thousands of them died. But there were survivors. And One of them Relayed his story to the Normans- authors of the Book " Tears of Darkness".

If you read this book, I guarantee you will need a box of Kleenex and the Book will make you realize that there are no winners in war.  So here's my short review.

https://japanesewarinthephilippines.blogspot.com/2015/04/book-review-update-tears-in-darkness.html

Tantor Media, May 9, 2014 - Bataan Death March, Philippines, 1942

For the first four months of 1942, U.S., Filipino, and Japanese soldiers fought what was America's first major land battle of World War II, the battle for the tiny Philippine peninsula of Bataan. It ended with the surrender of 76,000 Filipinos and Americans, the single largest defeat in American military history. 

The defeat, though, was only the beginning, as Michael and Elizabeth M. Norman make dramatically clear in this powerfully original book. From then until the Japanese surrendered in August 1945, the prisoners of war suffered an ordeal of unparalleled cruelty and savagery: forty-one months of captivity, starvation rations, dehydration, hard labor, deadly disease, and torture--far from the machinations of General Douglas MacArthur. 

The Normans bring to the story remarkable feats of reportage and literary empathy. Their protagonist, Ben Steele, is a figure out of Hemingway: a young cowboy turned sketch artist from Montana who joined the army to see 

the world. Juxtaposed against Steele's story and the sobering tale of the 

Nurses with Filipino Ancestry in the US- An Update

I wrote this article two years ago. I believe it is still applicable today. The subject is Nurses and Physicians with Filipino Ancestry in the US. I hope you read the interesting statistics regarding the topic I am reposting today, Happy Reading!  

https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-nurses-and-physicians-with-filipino.html

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/from-doctors-to-nurses/

Macrine Katague (RIP)- Bachelor of Nursing Degree Graduation, Holy Name College,1983

https://youtu.be/cSZ0r0wo5yk?si=joS9UlA2nBk41CNm

The Philippines is known as nation that exported the most nurses all over the world.  

https://nursing.uw.edu/article/filipinos-and-filipinos-americans-nurses-in-the-united-states/

Note: Here at THD, we have a few Home Care Aid Assistants with Philippine Ancestry. I have talked to them in Tagalog and they appeared very happy helping senior citizens in their daily lives. Again, I salute/congratulate all Filipino-American Nurses, Home Care Assistants and Physicians for their Dedication and Empathy to others.     

Photographs from the THD July 4th Party, 2024

My Hawaiian Shirt and Matching Hat at top of the July 4th Hat Decor provided by THD.  Both Photos were taken by Jenny Shively. Thanks for the photos, Jenny. 

The Salad Bar Inside the Yoga Room

Barbecue Ribs, Potato salad , ambrosia salad and more than 12 other dishes were served with abundance in yesterday July 4th Party Here at THD. This was my second year of July 4th festivity  celebrating America's birthday here at THD. Inside the yoga room were it was cool 74C, Dick Botton lead a sing along of our National anthem before lunch. 

Outside it was hot, but not too bad under the shade and umbrella provided by THD.  Everyone had a grand time. The food was a Gastronomic Delight. I had ribs that melt in my mouth and potato salad.  Again thank you THD for hosting an event that enhance the filling of our hungry stomach but also promote a sense of community and belonging.  Since Pictures are worth for a thousand words, here are some I took yesterday.

       

History of the Philippines ( 1565-1898)- Happy July 4th

Happy July 4th Everyone. Just in case you misfile your flyer for our THD July 4th Celebration, I am attaching it in this posting.

And Now for A related Topic on Philippine History. 

Remember the Philippines was under US from 1898 to 1946.   
However this posting is the History of the Philippines during the 300 years of Spanish Colonization Of the Philippines.  The Philippines was discovered by Magellan in 1521, but it was not until 1565 that Spain established it first Settlement in Cebu and later in Manila.    

Spanish Fortifications of Manila from Other Invaders ( Dutch, British and Chinese Pirates)

I was first year in high school in 1945. At that time, The Philippines was still under the US sovereignty. So our high school curriculum has not only Philippine History but also US history, mandatory subjects for a high school diploma. The Philippine History subject that I remember did not dwell much time during the period of the Spanish three centuries occupation of the Philippines (1521- 1898).   It concentrated on the US occupation of the Philippines from 1898 to 1946.   The Philippines was granted independence by the US in 1946.   

The following is Philippine History written in detail from the time period of 1565 to 1898 concentrating on the Spanish occupation of the Philippines💚. 

It is a long read but if you are a history buff and enthusiast, you should read It. I was surprised to know more details of the Chinese Pirate Limahong battle with the Spaniards. Another event described in detail is the Dutch Invasion of the Philippines for a few days. And most important is the British Occupation of Manila in 1763 for about 18 months.    

The above three events are not discussed in detail in our Philippine History Text book when I was in high school. If you have Filipino ancestry/roots and you know about the three events above, I Salute YOU. You are indeed a History Buff and Enthusiast and my congratulations again.   

Here's the link, It is a long read, but very interesting if you I love Philippine- Spanish history.  

💚https://www.gutenberg.org/files/42726/42726-h/42726-h.htm?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1k2-G0bVcayTpzv_3XYyWhvCB5hd7U_ba9AJgciQzeGqciifshFpcHZlU_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw#preface

💚The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Philippine Islands, by Ramon Reyes Lala

This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org


Title: The Philippine Islands

Author: Ramon Reyes Lala

Release Date: May 17, 2013 [EBook #42726]

Language: English

Character set encoding: ASCII

*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS ***

💚