The Elderly- Our Forgotten Generation

From My FaceBook Readings Today- My Heart Cried for Joseph and you will probably cry too!

“Today is my 90th birthday. My name is Joseph, and I am sitting here, in a retirement home, with a plate of dumplings in front of me. I don't know who made these for me, nor who will wish me a happy birthday today. I have three kids but haven't seen them in a long time. They brought me here telling me it was for my own good, but time goes by, and the phone does not ring.

I am not angry, I am sad. Sad because, deep in my heart, I never stopped loving them, despite their absence. Sad because I don’t ask for much: just a hug, a word, a “Happy Birthday, Dad.” I just wish somebody would remember me today.

If you’re reading this message, give me a thought. Not because you know me, but because even a stranger can bring some warmth where there is silence. At my age, you live on memories and hope. And today, my hope is that this message gets to the hearts of those who have forgotten to value affection, before it is too late. ”

 

To all the dads and grandfathers that have been left alone, best wishes. You are loved, even if sometimes they don't tell you.

Attached is my recent readings on the Forgotten Generation💚

Many residents in America's care centers never have visitors –

 not from family, friends, clergy or anyone from a church.

I’d like to tell you about one of the largest forgotten people groups in America. You might be

 surprised and even shocked to learn that this group includes the precious people who reside

 in our communities’ care centers. Many residents of America’s care centers never have

 visitors – not from family, friends, clergy or anyone from a church. So how did this group, 

once known as “The Greatest Generation,” become more like “the Forgotten Generation”? 

The primary reasons are the increasing breakdown of the family unit and the geographical 

relocation of remaining family members throughout the country. For Details visit:

https://www.focusonthefamily.com/pro-life/americas-elderly-the-forgotten-generation/

Personal Note 1: I feel super lucky, I have not been forgotten. I feel grateful everyday that 

I am still alive! To the Younger Generations: If you have Parents and Grandparents who 

are elderly, please give them a call today.

Personal Note 2: In the early 1970's, Macrine( RIP) and I were couple leaders of the

Christian Family Movement ( CFM) in Kansas City, Missouri.  In one of our Monthly action

Macrine and I visited a local Senior Care Center. It was an experience, we will never forget.

 For our involvement with CFM visit:

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2017/10/our-involvement-with-christian-family.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Family_Movement

My Second Attempt to Watercolor Painting and the Art of Suiseki

Yesterday afternoon, Ted Treat our new leasing Assistant inspired us to do our inner Picasso by teaching us the basics of watercolor painting ( see Brochure above). I had a grand time and it is an hour not wasted at all.  Thank you Ted, You are indeed a man with many talents. Besides being a Leasing Assistant you also help us with our activities here at THD. Last Tuesday you helped us with our ladder ball game. Let us all give a big thank you to Ted's for a job well done so far in his second week of employment here at THD. 

I took photos during this water color painting event for your viewing pleasure. My own drawing, I am calling Pinocchio, the Clown. 

  Here are the other paintings created by the other residents of the well-attended activity.

Close-Up of My Pinocchio- The Clown

Just Doing the Finishing Touches after 40 minutes

Meanwhile here's an article about the Japanese Art of Stone Arrangement-Suiseki.

 
Have you heard of the Japanese word Suiseki?  If so, you are one of the not too many people who appreciate the beauty of stones and its arrangement. Unlike Ikebana( art of flower arrangement), I am not familiar with stone art arrangement so and I did some google search on this subject. I have done Ikebana several times during my younger years. 

Here's a short posting on Suiseki.  I am delighted to share it with you.  

Suiseki is the Japanese art of stone appreciation, which values aspects like stability, longevity and immortality. Formed through time by wind and water, stones can take several sizes and shapes, reminding us of natural objects.

Suiseki(viewing stones)are placed on wooden stands/trays known as daizas and dobans.. The wooden stands serve to display the stones and create an image of harmony. The stones are naturally occurring and unshaped. Literally translated 'Suiseki' means waterstone,the stones often represent mountains, waterfalls and other natural scenes. Suiseki Art involves the collection process, preparation of the stone (not altering their shape or appearance) and appreciation.

The classification/evaluation of Suiseki revolves around their shape, markings and and subtlety of color.
1. Landscape Suiseki (Sansui keijo-seki): in the form of a mountain, island, waterfall, shore- or coastline, cave, canyon or a plateau.
2. Object stones (Keisho-seki): representing a person, animal, boat, house or bridge. 

Classification by surface

1. Celestial (Gensho-seki): with patterns resembling the moon, sun or stars.

2. Plant (Kigata-ishi): with patterns picturing flowers, fruits, grasses, forests or even Bonsai.

3. Weather (Tenko-seki): resembling rain, intense sunlight, lightning or snow.

4. Abstract (Chusho-seki): with surfaces similar to animal prints, tangled nets.

Lastly, Here are the true words, How To Succeed in Life. Do You Agree?  

Seaside Living in the Philippines- Our Beach House

The photo above from the Lazy Traveler Face Book Page reminded me of my younger years as well as my retirement years when we resided by the sea-that is our backyard is a beach. It very quiet and only the sound of the ocean waves you can hear along with the beats of your heart. The description below is for the beautiful photo above.        

"A reminder that beauty can be found in the simplest of places, like this humble cottage surrounded by nature's vibrant palette.

The weathered wood, the colorful flowers, the crashing waves in the distance - it's a scene that evokes a sense of peace and tranquility. It's a reminder to slow down, appreciate the beauty around us, and find joy in the simple things." 

Meanwhile here are photos of our very own Beach House, Chateau Du Mer, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines. The photos were taken in 2017.  

Photos of The Beach House, David III( RIP) and Me with Miko  our pet dog enjoying the beach and sun

Also Meanwhile, Thursday, February 20, Newtons's has a Special Dinner that I really enjoyed. Here are some photos.

Lastly, the Beach House is gone. An unknown electric fire gutted the structure in 2023. By the time the local firemen arrived half of the beach house was gone. This is an example of the statement that "Life is Temporary", so we must live/enjoy every moment of it while we can.  

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2023/02/good-bye-chateau-du-mer-beach-house.html

 Happy Saturday, Every One!

You Think You are in Control? Think Again!

YOU THINK YOU’RE IN CONTROL? Think again. Your mind is wired with glitches—hidden psychological traps that dictate your thoughts, actions, and even your failures. The worst part? You don’t even notice it happening. Here are the most brutal psychology facts about human behavior:

1. The Illusion of Transparency – You think people can see right through you? Wrong. That anxiety, that guilt, that insecurity—you feel like it’s written all over your face, but nobody notices. You’re stressing over nothing.

2. The Spotlight Effect – You trip, you stutter, you embarrass yourself—and you think everyone’s watching. They’re not. Most people are too busy worrying about their own flaws to care about yours.

3. The Zeigarnik Effect – Your brain clings to unfinished tasks like an obsessive ex. That’s why that one thing you forgot to do keeps nagging at you. Unfinished business haunts you.

4. The Mere Exposure Effect – The more you see something, the more you like it. That’s why brands shove ads in your face 24/7. Your brain confuses familiarity with value.

5. The Dunning-Kruger Effect – The dumbest people always think they’re the smartest in the room. Meanwhile, the real experts doubt themselves because they actually understand how complex things are.

6. The Ben Franklin Effect – Want someone to like you? Make them do you a favor. The brain tricks itself into believing, “If I helped this person, I must like them.” Reverse manipulation at its finest.

7. The Optimism Bias – You secretly think you’re untouchable. Bad things happen to other people, right? Wrong. The universe doesn’t owe you safety. Stay sharp.

8. The Sunk Cost Fallacy – You waste time, money, and energy on things that aren’t working because you’ve already invested too much. Jobs, relationships, bad habits—you refuse to quit, even when you should.

9. The Pratfall Effect – Perfection is intimidating. But when a competent person makes a small mistake? They become more relatable, more likable. That’s why confidence + a little clumsiness is the ultimate cheat code.

10. Temporal Discounting – You’d rather take $50 now than $100 later. Your brain sabotages your future self because it craves instant gratification. That’s why most people never get rich, fit, or successful. Discipline is rare.

Your brain is a battleground. If you don’t take control, you’ll be another puppet to these hidden forces. Wake up. Stay aware. Master your mind before it masters you.

Meanwhile, Have you Heard of Ball's Pyramid Island?

Ball's Pyramid is a towering, rocky island located in the Pacific Ocean, about 643 kilometers (400 miles) from mainland Australia and 23 kilometers (14 miles) southeast of Lord Howe Island. It is the world’s tallest volcanic stack, rising 562 meters (1,844 feet) above sea level.

The island was first discovered in 1788 and has remained uninhabited due to its steep, nearly vertical cliffs and lack of flat land. Despite its isolation, Ball's Pyramid is home to a rare species of insect, the Lord Howe Island stick insect, which was thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered on the island in 2001.

Due to its remote and rugged nature, access to Ball’s Pyramid is highly restricted. Climbing and scientific expeditions have been permitted in limited numbers, but strong winds, rough seas, and the island’s sheer rock faces make it extremely difficult to land.

Lastly, here's my reading of the week- About Home is not a Place, but in the Heart

Some places don’t just hold memories; they hold a piece of your soul, heart and mind.

Every corner whispers stories of childhood laughter, quiet afternoons, and the scent of home-cooked meals drifting through open windows. The familiar creak of the wooden floor, the gentle rustling of leaves outside, and the golden light spilling through old curtains—these are the little things that make a house a home. 

Time may pass, but the feeling never fades; it lingers in the air, in the walls, and in the warmth of the people who call it home. No matter how far you wander, a part of you always stays behind, woven into the very fabric of this place. And when you return, it’s as if nothing has changed—only your footsteps have grown a little wiser. Because home isn’t just where you live; it’s where your heart remembers to breathe.

Travel with Me to Machu Picchu via Dodie's Photos

Dodie ( my oldest son)💚 and spouse Ruth Carver enjoying the sites and sounds of Machu Picchu just recently. 

Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel located in the Eastern Cordillera of southern  Peru on a mountain ridge at 2,430 meters (7,970 ft). Often referred to as the "Lost City of the Incas", it is the most familiar icon of the Inca Empire. It is located in the Machupicchu District within the Urubamba Province above the Sacred Valley, which is 80 kilometers (50 mi) northwest of the city of Cusco. The Urubamba River flows past it, cutting through the Cordillera and creating a canyon with a subtropical mountain climate.

Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historic Sanctuary in 1982 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. In 2007, Machu Picchu was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide internet poll. Here are some of Dodie's photos:

Here's what Dodie wrote on his FB Page: Can’t believe we really made it to Machu Picchu. It was an adventure just getting here. We flew to Cusco. Bussed to Urubamba where we stayed 2 nights to acclimate to the altitude. Then bus to Ollantaytambo where we caught an 1 ½ hour train ride to Aguas Calientes. We stayed at a nice hotel there. Then a shuttle bus up the windy road to Machu picchu. We had two visits. The first on a rainy afternoon and then the next morning when it was sunny and beautiful weather. All this was through OAT. Afterwards we drove back to Cusco. The 11000 feet elevation took a toll on me and I had to rest, so I didn’t see much of Cusco.

For complete Details visit: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machu_Picchu

Meanwhile, enjoy this photo of popular and colorful indoor Plants.

Lastly, enjoy this photo of A Man and his Cat... 

💚https://www.amazon.com/Cloyne-Court-Dodie-Katague/dp/0981955339

The Benefits of My Weekly Whole Body Massage

If you read my blogs, you probably know that I have once a week a whole body massage for the last 6 months here at THD ( home visit). My massage therapist ( home visit) is Indy ( Darryl Choi), Walnut Creek- 925-487 6096.

Here's what I wrote previously on the benefits of massage( muscles stretching) that Indy provides.  

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2024/04/thai-massage-versus-traditional-swedish.html

Here's is my latest reading why Muscle Stretching reduces stress, anxiety, depression and fatigue. 

 

Your body holds wisdom beyond the conscious mind—stored emotions, past experiences, and even stress accumulate in your muscles and joints. This simple stretch doesn’t just loosen your hips, hamstrings, and spine—it also helps release tension trapped in your nervous system. 

Ancient yogis believed that flexibility in the body leads to flexibility in the mind, allowing energy (prana) to flow freely. Science confirms this by showing how movement reduces anxiety, boosts mood, and rebalances the nervous system. Every time you stretch, you are realigning your body, mind, and spirit—bridging the gap between physical and energetic health. Take a deep breath, fold forward, and feel the release. What part of your body do you feel holds the most tension?

Meanwhile, here's one photo memory of Chateau Du Mer. This is the newly painted Front Gate of the Main House-Chateau Du Mer -our second Home in Boac, Marinduque, Philippines

Lastly, here are the 30 life Lessons to teach your Children and Grand Children