End of the Year Statistics for this Blog- Becoming American-New Year's Eve Dinner Photos

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Today's Blog is "Old and Living Alone But Happy

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A friend send me recently an article published in Japan titled Old and Alone But Yes,You Can be Happy.  

https://japantoday.com/category/features/kuchikomi/old-and-living-alone-yes-you-can-be-happy

The article touched my heart and mind being in that living environment for the last three years.  Allow me to print a few sentences and comments from readers of the article: 

"Carefree youth is a canard. Young, you’ve a whole future to worry about. Old, you’re past that. Close your eyes, take a deep breath. Freedom!"

"Conditionally of course – on health, financial security, the wisdom to know age’s potential and how to tap it – and, suggests Josei Jishin (Dec 26), solitude.

“I’ve lived alone for 26 years,” says actress-singer Rumiko Koyanagi. “The time you’re alone with yourself – how can you not enjoy it?”

"It’s not for everyone, one might say in reply – but does it matter, if it’s for you? If you’re lonely, seek company; if not, you’re your own best company."

Anyway, Currently if you have been following my blogs, I live alone and just turned to my Actinium Years ( 89), but I am happy and do not feel isolated.

I participate in almost all of the activities here at THD. I play contract (party) bridge 3 times a week, Hongkong/Philippine mahjong once a week.    I try to participate in the Exercises and Zumba activities and attend all musical events, happy hours, trivia games, corn hole and ladder ball tournaments, but my most important activity is BLOGGING. 

I try to write daily, if not every other day. My writings keep me sharp mentally, makes me feel young and certainly not isolated.  I have received a few positive oral and written comments  from co-residents here at THD. Here are four I received just recently.    

1. Thanks for your blog. You are a major contributor to a creating a feeling of community here within THD-DE

2. Wishing you a very Happy 89th birthday -you bring so much spirit to the Heritage-SG.  

3. Thank you for being who you are. You are indeed the spirit of frienship and love between humans, about which I referred in my service / lecture / concert. This season with all its lights- we pray, will eradicate the Hate and Bigotry which have existed for too long.- RB

4. David, you are a model ambassador for THD-JW

So, if you feel lonely and isolated don't blame any one. Blame Yourself. There are a lot of activities for socialization here at THD. There are musical events, exercises programs, social games and of course Meal Times is a good time if you feel like socializing.  Practice the 3P's for Aging: Be Positive, Be Patient and Be Passionate in your all your activities and you will live longer!  

So I hope you are happy in the last stages of your Life. Be Positive and Socialize whenever You Can! 

Santa ( Eric) and Me- The Heritage Downtown 💥Lobby- December 20, 2023 ( My 89th BD)- Photo Credit: Jenny Shively 

💥https://theheritagedowntown.com/

Lastly, I just remember a comment about me being spunky from one of the THD employees. I was not sure what spunky meant so I googled it:

Animated, bubbly, energetic, lively, peppy, spirited. Thank You, TN for your compliments.  

Maligayang Bagong Taon Sa Inyong Labat! Happy New Year to All!
 Good Bye 2023, Welcome 2024!!

Here are some photos I took at our New Year's Eve Dinner.

My Maine Lobster Tail Dinner

New Year's Eve Dinner and Traditions

Newton's New Year Eve Menu- Lobster Tail or Rack of Lamb?

Here's our New Year's 4-Day Schedule of Activities here at THD... 

Today,  Saturday, December 30, 2023 from 4PM-6:30PM will be New Year's Eve Dinner here at THD -my first. I am looking forward for another gastronomic delight for this month.  I reserved the Lobster Tail, since I had Lamb in Dodie's house last Christmas Day.  

There will be Happy Hour tomorrow on December 31, New Year's Eve with Champagne and Hors d'oeuvres and Live Music from  5PM to 6:30PM and a Balloon Watch Later at the Cinema.   

Santa Claus and Me at the THD Lobby- December 20, 2023- my Actinium birthday

Maligayang Bagong Taon-in Tagalog...Sa Inyong Labat! Happy New Year to You All!( in Tagalog)

Here's the site for New Year Eve Traditions in the Philippines and other countries. 

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2020/12/new-year-eve-traditions-in-philippines.html

Here's the site of 16 languages in saying Happy New Year!

https://blog.duolingo.com/happy-new-year-translations/

Meanwhile enjoy these three photos from my album:

My Bougainvilla is still Blooming In My Patio, December 30, 2023 

and the Wall Mural visited by Santa!!

This mural is on the North Wall of the Fairmont Building- my home! 

Eucalyptus Flower dropping in my Patio almost every day since last week.  

https://www.facebook.com/TheHeritageDowntown

An Unexpected But Delightful Dinner Conversation with John and Carol

Last Wednesday at dinner time, I had the privilege of dining with a couple that was a complete stranger to me and also with Farna Sewell, a new resident in the Plaza Tower.

From Left to Right: Farna Sewell, Carol Bradas and Linda Moschell -Christmas Eve Dinner

John and Carol will be moving to the Heritage Tower next year on February 6, 2024.  Wednesday night was the day they decided to move here at THD, get the paper work done and had a free dinner- compliments of Jenny S.   

I learned that John is a bridge player, which excited me with great anticipation of him joining our bridge group here at THD.  John and Carol are familiar with Filipino food, mentioning pancit, adobo and lumpia. They informed me that they have friends with Filipino ancestry and immediately informed me that they were sure I have Filipino ancestry because of the way I talk,  and possibly of how I look. 

John and Carol have heard of THD from a former friend and neighbor who had plans of moving here at THD. Their friend died with a stroke on the day he was supposed to move. What a sad story. 

Carol asked me what brought me to the US. I briefly told them of my childhood dream to come here in the US because I wanted to play in the snow.  I told my dinner companions that the complete answer to Carol question is detailed in my blogs and autobiography. I informed the group of my experience as a Graduate Student at the University of Illinois in Chicago in the early and mid-1960's. I also told them my blogs are like my diary- write on any subject that I experience every day and have been doing it since 2009. I also told them I might even write a short article of our dinner conversation (and here it is!). 

https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2023/08/excerpts-from-my-autobiography-for.html

I learned that John is a retired lawyer and he obtained his law degree from UC Berkeley. We are both Bears Fans and supporters and had attended a few Football Games against Stanford. John is also a 49er fan and enjoyed the athletic talents of Purdy, McCaffrey, Kittle, Bosa and other 49er players.   

I am looking forward to their move. I informed them of the THD Greeters Program. I will volunteer again to be their official greeter if THD management offer it to me. John has a minor mobility problem, so the Heritage Tower is the best building for his needs.   Allow me to repost again what is expected of the Role of the Greeter here at THD.

• Greeters’ role is to simply help the new resident adjust to their new life at THD. Be a point of contact for them should they need help with dining, transportation, activities, or navigating the THD property. 
• Invite them to a lunch/dinner.
• Invite them to THD social events or excursions.
• Introduce them to other residents and hopefully new friendships develop organically.

 

Overall, the role of the greeter is just being friendly, welcoming, and supportive!

Personal Note: Finally, I have contacted Jay Pollack and waiting for his call. 

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2023/12/delighted-to-be-involved-with-thd.html

He has moved some of his belongings to F202, but is still not personally residing here at THD as of today. I was told by his interior Decorator that he plans to be here in the next couple of days.  

 When I moved to THD last June I had a Mover Coordinator, but not an Interior Decorator.  With the Mover Coordinator, I did not lift a finger during the move. There was a floor plan where the furnitures will be placed. I had ALSO the help of Dodie and Dinah!

 Moving and Downsizing was still traumatic in spite of all the help I got. It took me a couple of weeks to settle down and feel at home here at THD. The Greeter Program should help new residents during this Transition in their Life, I hope. Again, Welcome, Jay Pollack to THD.            

A Welcome Visit from the Fe Jambalos Clan

Yesterday, I had a short visit from my sister-in-law, Fe ( Pepot) N. Jambalos now residing in the Philippines, visiting her two daughters ( Lanie and Ella) and her three grandchildren, Wesley, Samantha, and Adrian here in the US.  Fe is Macrine's (RIP) younger sister, a retired accountant and a dual Filipino-American citizen. 

They gave me a Christmas Parol hand-made by Adrian and Ella(see photo above) . Its has blinking lights on it. I was sure If I got this before Christmas, it would have win a Prize for our THD Door Decoration Contest. They also brought me some Godiva Chocolate.  Thank You, Fe Jambalos Clan for the gifts and visit.

Here are some photos of their visit:

Me and the Fe Jambalos Clan from Mountain View, CA  and Washington, DC 

Pepot and Me with my Christmas Parol Star Gift 

Lanie, Pepot, Me and Ella

Lanie, Merlet, Pepot, Me, Ella, Adrian, Wesley and Samantha

The Star PAROL gift of Ella and Adrian and my Capiz Shell Parol from the Philippines-perfect Christmas Decor for my apartment.

I received also a Christmas gift (Santa Claus Candy) from My Zumba teacher, Sabrina Monahan. Thank You, Sabrina for your thoughtfulness. Hope to see you soon at Zumba time!

My Siri-Apple Watch and the 49er's

My Christmas Day was highlighted by a GIFT that I like. Dodie gave me an apple watch with Siri. I have Alexa already but Siri is my newest friend and reminder.  Siri even answer my statement of " I love You, Siri. That's Nice of You!  The site below is a Guide of what Questions you can ask Siri. 

Thank You Dodie for Gift.   You are my generous Santa Claus this year! 

https://support.apple.com/guide/watch/use-siri-apd02f71f945/watchos

https://www.makeuseof.com/commands-to-give-siri-apple-watch/

Friends and Relatives: I would like to hear from You- Was Santa Claus Generous to You This Christmas. Did you Receive what you Wanted and Needed?  

Or Better Yet: Were you A Generous Giver This Christmas?  As for me all my gifts were envelops and did not spend A minute shopping! Just 30 minutes to the Bank and my Christmas List accomplished!

Personal Note: I was not too happy that the 49er's Lost to the Ravens! But 2 more Games and hopefully to the Super Bowl.  Getting Ready to wear my 49er Jacket for the Super Ball!  

https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/176122-49ers-reveal-locker-mentality-ravens/

Delighted to be Involved in the Greeter's Program

I was told the other day, I will be a Greeter for a new resident moving to the Fairmount Building tomorrow, December 27th.  I was told the new resident appears to have similar background as myself.  He will be moving on the second Floor (F 202) of the Fairmount Building ( see letter of assignment below). I am looking forward to be his Greeter. I hope Jay Pollack plays bridge and if indeed we have common interests etc....

My official letter for my First Greeter Assignment- For Jay Pollack( Retired Lawyer and Judge)

As a Greeter, my responsibility is to be around if the new resident needs help moving around the THD compound specially in the Garage in the first few days of his residency. Moreover, I will be his Meal Companion for the first time in Newton's and introduced him to other residents. I remember, how I feel intimated dining at Newton's for the first time and not knowing anybody. But the old residents were very friendly to me and I really appreciate it.  It took me a few days to feel at home here at THD. THANKS for the Greeters Program.

THD management has organized a Greeters Program with volunteers from older Residents. Its primary function is to greet and welcome new residents. Indeed this is a very important program for the first 2-3 days for new residents. My first 2-3 days here at THD was a nightmare of getting lost in the Garage and not knowing where to go from my building to the Lobby and Restaurant. Thanks to my Greeter, Marsha Kefer, I was only lost one time in the Garage, going to the Liberty Building instead to Fairmount from Newton's. I later learned there are several ways from Fairmount to Newtons, besides the Garage Way!    

I volunteered to be a Greeter for the Fairmount Building. I was told there are Greeters from each Building. THD management usually assigned a Greeter with similar interest/background to the new resident and preferably both resides in the same building. 

This Greeter Program is a Prelude to the Official Party welcoming New Residents where the Names of THD management and List of employees are given to the new Residents. The Orientation Program for New Residents is very shallow and the new residents are not given a brief summary of the educational background of the Management Staff.   New residents have no idea which of the THD management personnel have empathy to their needs and who can personally help them in the improvement of their quality of life here at THD.  

Meanwhile here's a list of THD Staff as of 12/12/23

I hope you did not forget our eight Servers and my your Housekeeping Lady(ladies) this Christmas Season.  Our servers are outstanding, very patient and have empathy with our needs for a good meal. 

In my recent blog I listed my suggestion for the improvement of the Quality of Life and Well-being of its Residents. Permit me to reiterate this suggestion once more as follows:

1. Top Priority: THD should provide Emergency Generator for the Fairmount and Liberty Buildings. During the last 6 months of my residency at the Fairmount Tower,  the two buildings have been affected by 3 electrical brownouts for more than 2 hrs. Luckily the Plaza and Heritage Buildings were not affected by these 3 outages and the residents had a place to go during these brown outs. The most irritating brown out occurred last Sunday afternoon ( 12/17) during the 49er's vs Arizona NFL Game.  Unexpected Brown Outs could be a Danger to the Lives of Residents here at both the Fairmount and Liberty Buildings.  

2. I hope the Dining Menu will include an International Dish once a month beginning next year. 

3. THD Monthly Newsletter ( The Herald) be Activated and Residents Encourage to Participate. This will improve communications between residents and THD employees,

4. Residents and Staff -Get To Know-Orientation Party for New Residents Expanded-Introduced THD management not only their names/titles but a little bit of background of their Education and their Ability for Empathy to the Needs of Senior Citizens.   

5. Short Biographies of THD management be made apparent to All Residents- This will assure that Residents will feel Management Staff have empathy for their needs and well being. 

Personal Note:  I talked to our Head Chef, Agustin Gutierrez the other day about my wish for my favorite Mexican dish- Chili Relleno. Agustin told me he has planned in cooking Chili Relleno Casserole in the near future. Thank You, Agustin ! 

  

Maureen and Her Christmas Cracker Gift to Our Mahjong Group

My Christmas and Birthday Gifts this Year, featuring Christmas Crackers( Dinah and Maureen)

Thank You,  Dinah and Maureen for the Christmas Crackers. 

Forgive my ignorance, but this is my first time to HEAR💥 of this UK tradition.   Hurrah for the English! Maureen Bell is originally from UK. She is just learning how to play HongKong Mahjong.  I am very proud to be her Mahjong GURU! 

Maureen took our photo DURING mahjong time with Our Paper Crowns from the Christmas Crackers she gave us. I  have not pulled my Cracker and wait for Christmas Day to pull it and hear the Cracking Sound of Fireworks! 

💥Christmas crackers are a traditional Christmas favorite in the UK. They were first made in about 1845-1850 by a London sweet maker called Tom Smith. He had seen the French 'bon bon' sweets (almonds wrapped in pretty paper) on a visit to Paris in 1840. He came back to London and tried selling sweets like that in England and also included a small motto or riddle in with the sweet. But they didn't sell very well.

In 1861 Tom Smith launched his new range of what he called 'Bangs of Expectation'!

Legend says that, one night, while he was sitting in front of his log fire, he became very interested by the sparks and cracks coming from the fire. Suddenly, he thought what a fun idea it would be, if his sweets and toys could be opened with a crack when their fancy wrappers were pulled in half.

However, looking into the history of the Tom Smith company, it's thought that Tom actually bought the recipe for the small cracks and bangs in crackers from a fireworks company called Brock’s Fireworks. The story of him sitting by the fire was probably added to help sell his new items.

Crackers were also nicknamed called 'cosaques' and were thought to be named after the 'Cossack' soldiers who had a reputation for riding on their horses and firing guns into the air.

When Tom died, his expanding cracker business was taken over by his three sons, Tom, Walter and Henry. Walter introduced the hats into crackers and he also traveled around the world looking for new ideas for gifts to put in the crackers. The crowns might have been inspired from Epiphany cakes from Europe which are often decorated with a paper crown on the top.

The company built up a big range of 'themed' crackers. There were ones for bachelors and spinsters (single men and women), where the gifts were things like false teeth and wedding rings! There were also crackers for Suffragettes (women who campaigned to get women the vote), war heroes and even Charlie Chaplain! Crackers were also made for special occasions like Coronations. The British Royal Family still has special crackers made for them today!

For additional Details visit: 

https://www.whychristmas.com/customs/christmas-crackers

Christmas Dinner Photos Here at THD- Before and During

Last night was my first Christmas Dinner Here at THD. Jenny Shively, our THD Leasing/Marketing Director gave me a necklace that I proudly wore it at dinner time along with my Santa Hat. ( see photo above and below).

Jenny, Joseph and Linda with their Christmas Crackers gift from Maureen Bell

In our table are my Mahjong buddies, Maureen Bell and Susie Bramson along with my next door neighbor Mary Reiser.

 We had an excellent and perfectly prepared dinner of Fillet Mignon or Scallops with Crab Cakes as our Appetizer. The dinner was a Gastronomic Delight. Here are some photos I took at dinner time.

    

Susie contemplating on her fillet mignon dinner with asparagus and mashed potato

Maureen Bell- Gift Giver of a Few Christmas Crackers

My Scallop dinner with Mary( my neighbor and corn hole buddy) in the Background 

The Four Musketeers with our Santa Hats

Hisako Tanaka one of my mahjong buddies with her two grand daughters as Guests

Lee Cruise, Bob Blattman, Patty Healy, Ed Hoffman and Yefim Revutsky ( back side)Hands on his Head.  

Joe and Phyllis Morical- All dressesd-up for dinner

Note: Lee, Patty and Phyllis are my bridge buddies. Susie, Maureen and Hisako are my mahjong buddies as I have mentioned above. 

Again Merry Christmas to All!