Awakening Joy for Seniors by Jeff Wessman

Happiness is not for the lucky few—it’s a choice anyone can make. In his groundbreaking first book, written with Shoshana Alexander, Awakening Joy: 10 Steps to Happiness (A Bantam Books Hardcover). James Baraz, cofounder of Spirit Rock Meditation Center and renowned meditation teacher for more than 30 years, reveals his 10-step program, based on the curriculum of his popular “Awakening Joy” course, for how we can reorient our minds away from dissatisfaction and distraction and toward the contentment and delight that is abundantly available in our everyday lives.

The seven factors of awakening (bojjhaṅga)

• Mindfulness (sati)
• Investigation (dhamma-vicaya)
• Energy (vīriya)
• Rapture (pīti)
• Tranquility (passaddhi)
• Concentration (samādhi)
• Equanimity (upekkhā)
• 
  
• Visit the following site for details:

https://www.audible.com/pd/Awakening-Joy-Audiobook/B004GEHV4E

Personal Note: If you attended last Wednesday Talk and you want to continue the Series, please let Galen know. If you were not able to attend, but like the summary in this posting, let me know also. I will relay your desire to Activity,  Have A GREAT Weekend everyone and looking forward for today's Excursion at Pier 1.

    

FaceBook Swamps with Senior Living Ads

I was reading my Face Book Page Today. There were about six ads on retirement communities in the East Bay, from Walnut Creek, Concord, Danville and up to Brentwood. THD had also several ads and today posted the July Events Highlights. A typical ads is as follows:

1. Comfort, Satisfaction and Care – When it comes to finding a retirement community for yourself or a loved one, the search can sometimes feel daunting.

You want exceptional services in a wholesome community that feels like home from the first moment.

With your needs in mind, --Name of Community-- offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care options, along with stylish residences, exciting amenities, and stimulating activities.

Discover our wealth of features and see why we’re a top choice for senior living in -location-.

Join our community starting at $3,495 per month.

Personal Note: The rental will vary depending on the size of the units you rent.

2. COMMUNITY FEATURES

All that we do at ---Sisco Senior Living Community( Walnut Creek)---is about our residents. The Executive Director meets with the resident committee regularly and holds weekly meetings with all residents to talk about hot topics and inform everyone on the happenings in and around the community. 

We have a resident committee that discusses food with our talented Executive Chef on a regular basis in addition to a committee that talks about the way they would like to see their home decorated for the holidays with our Activity Director.

Note: The above community(#2) was my second choice last year.  The main reason why I chose THD is because of my patio for my 2 cats.  The food service here as well as the Amenities is probably better than THD based on my interview with The Executive Director. The size of the 2-BR  apartments is about the same as THD. They have a full-time nurse in the community for residents who needs more assistance.  They community ambiance/location is not as great as THD. But the grounds are also well kept and maintained.   

Personal Wish: Attention THD Management: The above is my Personal Wish: Form a Resident Committee that Discusses food and other amenities. The Committee should be Chaired by the Resident Liaison and meets regularly for better communications of the Residents concerns and improvement of their well-being.

Here in the Walnut Creek Area, my estimated guess of the rental fees depending on the community location, offerings of services and size of the unit you need are as follows:

For studio- Range from $3,500 to $ 4,500 per month 

For 1- Bedroom: Range from $5,000 to 7,000 per month

For 2-Bedrooms: From $7500 to $10,000.00 per month

Here are three THD ads in its FaceBook Page:

1. "So enjoy not cooking and going to Newtons (the restaurant here). It is especially nice to share good food with friendly residents.”

We are delighted to hear that our residents enjoy the culinary delights and warm community atmosphere at Newton's Fine Dining. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Your satisfaction and happiness are what we strive for every day".

At The Heritage Downtown, we believe that dining should be an experience to look forward to. Our on-site restaurant, Newton’s Fine Dining, offers fresh, organic, and locally-sourced meals that are both nutritious and delicious. With diverse menu options and a beautiful dining setting, every meal is a treat.

From heart-healthy dishes to special themed events, dining at The Heritage Downtown is more than just a meal – it’s a time to enjoy great food and wonderful company.

2. “My experience living at the Heritage has been nothing but positive. Staff are friendly, food is terrific, and dog friendly with close proximity to downtown.”

We are thrilled to hear about your positive experience at The Heritage Downtown. Our dedicated staff, delicious dining options, and prime location are just a few of the things that make our community special. Thank you for your kind words".

3. "Pets bring unconditional love, companionship, and numerous health benefits to our lives. At The Heritage Downtown, we proudly support pet companionship with our pet-friendly environment. From emotional support and physical health benefits to mental stimulation and routine, pets enhance the lives of our residents in so many ways.

Our community offers pet-friendly apartments, on-site pet amenities, and access to pet care services, ensuring that both residents and their furry friends can thrive. We also organize pet-friendly social activities, creating opportunities for residents and their pets to build friendships and share joy".

My suggestion for Improvement of Communications between Senior Residents and THD Management:

Form a Resident's Council with two Representatives from each of the buildings and Chaired/Presided by the Resident Liaison or any Designated THD management Personnel.   This should be an umbrella group for the Greeters Program, Library Services and The Herald Newsletter and Activities run by Residents.  For Details read:

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2024/02/suggestions-for-improvement-on-quality.html

Meanwhile, THD Ads Yielding Positive Results: I heard that 15 New Residents will Moving to THD for the Month of July and August. Kudos to Jenny Shively, THD Leasing and Marketing Director.

Lastly, here's my lunch yesterday, dill pickle chicken salad sandwich and chilled fresh strawberry/yogurt soup. Yummy!

Poker Games and New Activity Room Here at THD

Last week THD activity started Texas Hold "em Poker💚. It is the simplest way of playing poker. Playing the game reminded me of my younger years, when I played Pai Gow Poker at the Thunder Valley Casino in Lincoln, Ca every month from 2005 to 2015.  

 So what is Pai Gow Poker, here's what Wikipedia says:  

Pai gow poker (also called double-hand poker) is a version of pai gow that is played with playing cards, instead of traditional pai gow's Chinese dominoes. The game of pai gow poker was created in 1985 in the United States by Sam Torosian, owner of the Bell Card Club.

The game is played with a standard 52-card deck, plus a single joker. It is played on a table set for six players, plus the dealer. Each player attempts to defeat the banker (who may be the casino dealer, one of the other players at the table, or a player acting in tandem with the dealer as co-bankers).

Winning condition

The object of pai gow poker is to create a five-card poker hand and a two-card poker hand from seven cards that beat both of the bank's hands. The five-card hand's rank must exceed that of the two-card hand, and it is for this reason that the two-card hand is often called the "small", "minor", "low" or "2nd highest" hand whereas the five-card hand is "high" or "big." The two-card hand is also physically placed in front of the five-card hand, leading to the respective terms "front" (or "top") hand and "back" (or "bottom") hand.

https://www.888poker.com/magazine/strategy/pai-gow-poker

I suggested to THD Activityi Personnels ( Cidney and Teresa) that we should play weekly alternating Texas Hold Em, Pai Gao, Black Jack and Gin Rummy or Hearts in our newly furnished Game Room at the Lobby.  Cidney and Teresa said they will evaluate and study on  the feasibility of my suggestion.   

Meanwhile, The New Activity Room is now fully furnished withe 4 round tables and 8 chairs to match. I love the modern ( black and white) look of the furnishings. The Chair cushion may need a little pad to ease the burden of sitting for a few hours playing card games or doing handicraft/art work. Here are photos yesterday that I took with Patty, Peggy and Hisako of the new furnishings of the Room.

 

One long Side Table by the Side of the Fireplace complement the balance and beauty of the Room used to be called the FirePlace Lounge.  

💚https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Poker

My Unfinished Novel- The Intellectual Migrants- An Update

The other day, I had meal time conversation with the son of a co-resident. Her son is visiting from abroad and is a published writer and novelist.  We talked about my writing and blogging activities. The conversation reminded me of my unfinished semi-autobiographical novel that is still in draft form, because all my writing energy is concentrated on my daily blogs. I am curious if he is willing to finish it and he will be my co-author. Maybe just a foolish wish, but if your are reading this and know of someone who wants to be my co-author, it will make my dream come true as a published novelist. If the novel makes some money. I will sign a contract that I will only received 25% and he/she will received 75% of the sales.  Just Dreaming!!!   

 Meanwhile here's a repost of the Plot and story line of my unfinished novel. Comments, anyone?   I have some of the subplots in draft form and more details from the secondary Characters of My Unfinished Novel. 

My Unpublished Novel- The Intellectual Migrants 

 

In 2002 after my retirement from FDA, I drafted a semi-autobiographical novel. I have the summary/outline and chapters all drafted, but today it is still an outline draft and I have no energy or inspiration to finish it. Currently, all my writing energies are concentrated in my blogs. 

After Dodie's ( my oldest son) novel, The Cloyne Court was published released at Amazon  https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/7576060-cloyne-court, I felt no desire in finishing this novel. The unexpected thing was that the hero of Dodie's novel was Derek, also the name of the main character in my draft. Dodie does not know of my draft story. A very unexpected coincidence, I may say.

The other main character in my draft was named Martina. Martina and Derek were married for over 62 years and have 2 adults children - Donato and Daniela. There is a 3rd major character in my novel, the villain named Dante. The full fictitious names of the three main characters are Derek Belleza Katigbak, Martina Nieva Jalandoni and Dante Sarmiento Reyes.  

Several minor characters are in my draft named Isabel, Manuel, Austin, Rowena, Renato and Martha ( all semi-fictional).  The names are some of Derek and Martina's friends during their over 62 years of married life and residence in Chicago, Illinois, Kansas City, Missouri, Silver Spring, MD, Modesto and Pinole, CA. 

The first scene in the novel was on the Airplane, on United Airlines from the US to Stockholm, Sweden. Derek was on his way to receive his Nobel Prize Award. Derek is the first Filipino-American to win a Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Dr. Derek research on the botanical extracts from a rare plant in the Philippines that lead to the development of a pill that retards the aging process was the main reason he won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.  During his flight flash backs and reveries of his life from childhood in the Philippines until his retirement in the US dominated his memory. This is the main theme of the novel.

The draft of my novel has plenty of scenes of sexual nature- hetero, homo and bisexuality as well as group sex. All these scenes are fictional indeed, but in my mind if I want this novel to be a best seller it has to have plenty of sex of all kinds. 

The novel also discuss Filipino culture and traditions and the adjustment of Filipino immigrants to life in the US.  It describes the life of  Derek as a Graduate Student in US, his marriage and courtship of Martina and finally Derek and Martina involvement with the Filipino-American Communities in the Tristate Area of MD_VA -DC, California, Missouri and in the Philippines.    

The last two chapters outline the life of Derek and Martina's two adult and accomplished children,-Donato and Daniela . Donato became a lawyer specializing in cyber crime and a published writer; Daniela became a famous painter and later became the first Filipino-American to be a Presidential Appointee. 

The location of the novel are in the Philippines, Illinois, California, Missouri, Washington DC and Maryland. Other locations are in Southern Spain, London, Puerto Rico, Aruba, Cancun, London and Rome. 

There  is a chapter on Chateau Du Mer in Boac, Marinduque, Philippines.  I was hoping I could write a novel that is not only that entertaining but also educational. I was also planning the novel to be a little bit trashy and incorporate the 7 common sexual fantasies, so it will sell and perhaps become a popular novel.   

The Novel ends when Derek woke up from his reveries when the plane landed in Sweden. Derek could hear the audience thunderous applause as he receives his Award as he walks out of the airplane. 

The draft of this novel had been in my possession for over two decades now. Again, I do not have the energy, inspiration and determination to finish it. So like Schubert's Unfinished Symphony, The Intellectual Migrants will be my Unfinished Story.   

Meanwhile enjoy these two photos the artistic creation of Mariano(Anoy) Catague in the Philippines- A Painter and Sculpture. Anoy is a distant relative whose ancestry originated from Antique Province, Philippines. Anoy is now a resident of Davao City.

For Mariano Catague artistic accomplishments, read his Face Book Page. 

 

" ALIGN "

acrylic on canvas

4' X 4'

Anoy Catague

2022

Ten Early Signs of Azheimer's Disease

My First Year of residency Here at THD has taught me that a few of the residents here are experiencing early Alzheimer's symptoms. A few residents are forgetful and others repeat their questions after 2-3 minutes. I was curious so I did some search. Here are the 10 early signs of AZ. 

1. Memory Loss that Disrupts Daily Life

2. Difficulty completing familiar task

3. New Problems with speaking and writing

4. Disorientation with Time or Place

5. Poor or Decreased Judgement

6. Challenges in Problem Solving

7. Misplacing Things or Losing Ability to retrace Steps

8. Changes in Mood and Personality

9. Withdrawal from Social Activities

10. Loss of Initiative and Vision Changes

If you are experiencing any one of the above. Please consult your Physician. There are now an Approved FDA💚 drugs that remove plaque from the brain, which could delay progress of AZ to more serious stages.

For details about the 10 early signs in the list above read the following site:

https://files.constantcontact.com/b9b8d7eb001/0e158871-9060-49b6-b7ae-d8cbdfa46ec3.pdf

💚Lecanemab is an FDA-approved immunotherapy to treat early Alzheimer's. It targets the protein beta-amyloid to help reduce amyloid plaques, one of the hallmark brain changes in Alzheimer's.

Three cholinesterase inhibitors are commonly prescribed:

• Donepezil (Aricept) is approved to treat all stages of the disease. It's taken once a day as a pill.
• Galantamine is approved to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. ... 
• Rivastigmine is approved for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.

Apr 11, 2024

The Beauty of Aging in Our Culture

 I was reading an article recently published in the East Bay Times on the Beauty of Aging.  I identified with the sentiment of the article that I am reposting excerpts from the article. It was written by Charles Blow dated June 21, 2024. Here some excerpts that I enjoyed very much. 

1. No one really tells us how we are supposed to age, how much fighting against it and how much acceptance of it is the right balance. 

2. There is after all, a beauty of aging. And aging is about more than how we look and feel our bodies. It is also about how the world around us plows ahead and pulls us along. 

3. I have no intention of raging against my aging. I intend to embrace it, to embrace the muscles aches and the crow's feet as a price of growing wisdom and grace. 

4. Lastly, Aging, as I see it, is a gift, and I will receive it with gratitude. 

Here are two more quotes on the beauty of Aging; 

Lastly here's an activity here in THD that I plan on attending- Jeff Wessmann- Joy of Awakening for Seniors, Wednesday, June 26, 7-8PM at the Cinema. 

 

        

The Greeter's Role and Space Allocation for Activities Here at THD

WITH A LOT OF NEW RESIDENTS MOVING IN THE NEXT 2 MONTHS, it is imperative that they should be welcome and made feel right at home with the help of the THD Greeter's Program. 

I believe that the Greeter's most important duty is to inform the new resident to complete the Vital of Life Packet that will include the resident health information and will help the 911 providers in case of emergency. This Packet should be included in the New Resident Brochure. It should be posted in the Refrigerator of each apartment for easy accessibility in case of a 911 emergency. 

 The general  role of the Greeter is as follows:

• 
  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!

I have been a Greeter twice during the last 4 months. I enjoyed this activity very much. I was the Greeter of Jay Pollack and John and Carol Larimore. If you want to know If I was an excellent Greeter feel free to ask Jay, John or Carol. 

Meanwhile allow me to mention again my earlier postings in how each person/resident here at THD could contribute to the sense of community and belonging in our community. 

  

 https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2024/05/building-sense-of-community-here-at-thd_24.html

Meanwhile, I heard thru the grape vine ( there is no official announcement or e-mail), that the Fireside Lounge will be converted into an ACTIVITY ROOM. If this is true, this is one of the best furniture rearrangement and space allocation that THD management has done this past year.  THD need a space for Activities like Wine Tasting, Arts and Crafts and other activities that are well attended.

To me Activity is one of the most important factor in enhancing the well-being of its Senior Citizens by promoting sense of community and belonging here at THD. My Kudos and Congratulations, to the Person (s) who initiated on this Room Conversion Rearrangement and Space Allocation here at THD.

I also heard that an interior decorator has been hired to update the old antiquated look of the Churchill's Pub. This is also a much welcome change. Keep up with Good Work THD Management and Activities Personnels.      

Lastly, The other day, I had the chilled cucumber soup that I enjoyed very much. Kudos to Agustin and his Kitchen Crew. 

Newton's Dining Area is almost filled to Capacity During Dinner Time at 5PM. Is there room for Expansion? 

THD is Now Advertising as a Pet-Friendly Community

My Two Pets( Batman & Robin) enjoying Their Catio and Fresh Air. Both are eagerly watching for the squirrels and humming birds in the neighborhood. My Catio is one of the primary reasons why I chose THD as my new downsizing home.

THD recent advertising appears to be getting positive results based on the expected number of new residents moving this Month and the next 2 months. Last week it advertised as a community for active seniors based on its fitness and exercise program. 

"Staying active is crucial for seniors. Our state-of-the-art fitness center, serene yoga studio, year-round heated pool, and guided walks keep you healthy and engaged. Plus, our partnership with Senior Reach Fitness offers tailored classes just for you. Discover the benefits of fitness and join our vibrant community today! "

This week it is advertising it as a pet friendly senior community as follows:

"Pets bring unconditional love, companionship, and numerous health benefits to our lives. At The Heritage Downtown, we proudly support pet companionship with our pet-friendly environment. From emotional support and physical health benefits to mental stimulation and routine, pets enhance the lives of our residents in so many ways.

Our community offers pet-friendly apartments, on-site pet amenities, and access to pet care services, ensuring that both residents and their furry friends can thrive. We also organize pet-friendly social activities, creating opportunities for residents and their pets to build friendships and share joy.

As far as I know, there are two other residents with 2 black cats as pets. Small dogs are the most popular pets. I believe there are at least six residents with small dogs. I know of other 2 residents with bigger dogs with very sweet personality, JoJo and Willy. Some of the smaller dogs are always barking if left alone by their owners for a couple of hours. Other small pets are well-behave, but most of the pets are under control by their owners and are not allowed inside the Dining room.

Here's my previous posting on cats and dogs as pets:

https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2022/11/are-you-dog-or-cat-lover.html

Meanwhile, Jenny informed me yesterday that the next apartment to me ( F104) that had been vacant for several months will now have a new occupant soon. I am looking forward to meet my new neighbor. Have A Great and HOT Weekend everyone. Keep cool and stay in the Shade!

Lunch at FOB Kitchen- A Gastronomic Delight

THD Lunch Excursion, FOB Kitchen, Oakland, CA June 20, 2024 ( Temescal District)💥 

The Bar and Front Desk of FOB Kitchen Restaurant and Bar featuring the Flag of the Philippines

Yesterday lunch excursion at FOB Kitchen in the Oakland Temescal District💥 ( 52nd/Telegraph) was indeed a gastronomic success. There were 9 THD residents💚who attended and chaperon by Teresa Nudo(THD Activity) with Joseph Woo, our van Driver. We ordered family style at my suggestion.  I ordered chicken adobo, garlic fried rice, Shanghai lumpia( 2) and Vegetable lumpia( 2), lechon kawali, pansit sotanghon( 2), mushrooms and tofu siarciado  For dessert we have Turon( with jackfruit) with ube( purple) ice cream and Mango rice Cake. 

I ordered an extra pancit and lumpia (egg rolls) that I was able to bring after lunch to the Front Desk.  I hope Emma, Deanna. Cydney, Galen  and Barbara and others were able to taste/sample what we residents 💚brought for them.   

This lunch had been planned since last month with Galen💘. For personal reasons Galen was not able to attend and Teresa took over her hosting duties. Based on comments from the lunch excursionist residents, everyone enjoyed the lunch very much. Most of them thank me for organizing the event.  

In general the main dishes were great, however what was outstanding was the Food Presentation and the Dessert. Here are some photos I took during this lunch excursion.

         

One of the Dessert I enjoyed very much is the Rice Cake with slice Fresh Mangoes

Here are some photos taken By Teresa:

💚The 9 residents who attended the Lunch Excursion were as follows:

Debby Baldwin, Carol Bradas, Susan Bramson, Carle Hirahara,  Steve Kam, David Katague(Me), Phyllis Morical, Jay Pollack, and Peggy Yamada.  

💥Located in North Oakland, Temescal is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. Temescal is a favored area with an intense art scene, perfect for singles and motivated young professionals. Prized for its hipster-like vibe and free-spirited atmosphere, the residents in Temescal can be found at one of the many chic coffee shops, vintage clothing stores, or hip breweries. Full of distinct charm and character, this neighborhood is home to various homeowners with culturally diverse backgrounds. With a low crime rate and a high safety rating, Temescal is a fantastic place to settle down no matter where you come from. Plus, known as a welcoming and family-friendly neighborhood, the school system is highly rated, and there are many parks and playgrounds for raising your own family.

💘https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-filipino-lunch-excursion-plan-for-june.html

My Snake Plants- Indoor Air Purifier

Two Varieties of My Snake Plant in My Living Room Here at THD 

Dracaena trifasciata is a species of flowering plant in the familyAsparagaceae, native to tropical West Africa from Nigeria east to the Congo. It is most commonly known as the snake plant, Saint George's sword, mother-in-law's tongue, and viper's bowstring hemp, among other names. Until 2017, it was known under the synonym Sansevieria trifasciata. This plant is often kept as a houseplant due to its non-demanding maintenance; they can survive with very little water and sun.

NASA has classified Sansevieria, now called Dracaena, as an air purifier due to its ability to remove toxic compounds such as benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene and toluene.

This plant uses the acid metabolism of the Crassulaceae to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide, enabling it to resist drought.

The microscopic pores on its leaves, called stomata, open only at night to limit water loss through transpiration in the heat of the sun. Unlike other plants, Sansevieria produces oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide at night, making it an excellent indoor air purifier while we sleep.

Snake plant medicinal benefits include removing indoor air pollutants (such as formaldehyde and benzene) and helping to filter out impurities such as xylene, trichloroethylene, toluene, and ammonia. The snake plant can remove up to 87% of these harmful toxins at night. It can also reduce the level of nitrate ions.

Snake Plant in MY Computer Room- Second Bedroom and Guest Room with the Spider Plant

A Variegated  Dracena Indoor Plant in MY Bedroom- similar to the Snake Plant( Calathea). 

My Snake Plant Outside in My PATIO AND CATIO here at THD

How to make a sansevieria flower bloom: Its fragrance reaches the whole house

Sansevieria (snake plant) care instructions:

-Watering:

Water the plant only when the soil is completely dry.

During the winter, water only a few times a month, no more.

-Lighting

Place the plant near a well-lit window to promote healthy, vibrant green leaves.

-Racing

Do not cut the ends of the leaves.

Remove any dry leaves to prevent disease.

-Fertilising

Apply fertiliser to flowering plants monthly in late spring and summer.

This will encourage the plant to flower in late summer, producing vanilla-scented flowers.

Lastly, the Lucky Bamboo Plant that Jenny gave me the other day is now at home with my other indoor plants and displayed beautifully along my cacti terrarium. Thank you, Jenny once Again for your gift. 

 

House Plants Symbolism for your Information!

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2021/04/popular-and-easy-to-grow-house-plants.html

Above are the two garden plaques I was able to move to THD from my former residence in Fair Oaks