Lunch Excursion to the Claremont Club and Spa, Berkeley, California

From Left to Right: Mimoot, Pam, Anne, Mary Ann, Farna, Carol, Me, Jan, Ray, Galen, Susie and Jay 

THD sponsored another successful lunch excursion yesterday. It was at the Claremont Club and SPA formerly called the Claremont Hotel in Berkeley.  For the history and grandeur of this 5 Star hotel read:

 https://www.fairmont.com/claremont-berkeley/?cmpid=google_cla_search-brand-ww_claremont-b-revsh&kpid=go_cmp-394295891_adg-103335444120_ad-433742960301_kwd-18807763_dev-c_ext-_prd-&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1qO0BhDwARIsANfnkv-JqFuGST6PJpCq2ruhSwH3Exz0ZUb1O9kOxV9bh3uNaWsFEcAFmg0aAqiJEALw_wcB

The last time, I was in this hotel was in the late 1980's when the David B Katague Clan was still residing in Pinole, CA.  Macrine (RIP) and I used to Dine and Dance at the Starlight Club on special occasions. So, this excursion triggered pleasant memories of this place. The hotel and Spa has been renovated and has remained one of the most beautiful hotel in the East Bay.   Here's a description of the place from their website.  

"Situated on 22 acres in the East Bay with breathtaking views of San Francisco, Claremont Club & Spa, A Fairmont Hotel seamlessly blends its rich history with modern resort amenities for an unforgettable retreat. The imposing Tudor Revival-style palace nestled in the hills is a magnificent landmark that dates from 1915, but it’s the extensive wellness facilities that secure its top spot among the best hotels in Berkeley. The Club offers endless ways to recharge, including three heated outdoor pools, tennis and yoga. Book a bespoke massage at The Fairmont Spa for the ultimate sensory escape".

And now for my photos starting from THD. One THD resident requested that she does want her photo in my blog, however if her fat back and face showed in some of our group photos, my sincere apology.   

View of the Tennis Courts from the Balcony with the City of San Francisco as Background

Table 2, Inside the Limewood Restaurant

In my table (1)-Linda L, MaryAnn D and Jay P. The other resident by the side of Jay requested that I do not published her photo in my blogs. 

The huge and super spacious lobby of the hotel- Beautiful and Modern

The Lobby

The Brunch and Lunch Menu- Limewood Restaurant
 

The sauce was outstanding, I wonder what is the recipe?

My Prawns with Grits cooked Ala New Orleans Style- a little spicy but yummy. 

A Dozen Fresh Oysters after Mary Ann and I relish it with abandon. Expensive but worth it!

Waiting for the other Residents at the THD Lobby (2 Residents that Signed Did Not Show Up) 

I had my jacket, just in case the Air-conditioning system at the Limewood Restaurant  is set to Arctic Condition-similar to our Newton's Restaurant AC system. 

Mary Ann, we are not shopping! the embroidered blouses were beautiful though.

Beautiful and Petite Mary Ann Dewald- incidentally my first teenager crush in high school was also named Mary Ann. She did not like me as I was a Nerd. She preferred the Captain of our Basketball team.  Needless to say I was devastated, but I survived my teen-age years. 

OutDoor Seatings in the Limewood Restaurant Patio- A Beautiful, sunny day at 74C.   

The Tennis Courts and the Birds-Eye View of the City of San Francisco in the Distance

The Distant View of San Francisco with the Tennis Courts in the background

My Kudos to Activity Director Galen Corson and Our Capable and Efficient Driver, Nancy Carson for another successful lunch excursion.  

Nurses with Philippine 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 ***

💚

The Nonagenarian Club of THD

During the past months I have been talking to a few residents about aging and I learned that five residents here at THD will turn 90 years old including myself at the end of the year 2024. If God willing I will be 90 years old this coming December 20, 2024.  My daughter Dinah has been planning a shindig  for this coming birthday and I am indeed looking forward to reach that goal. 

When I posted in my blog, that I am planning to form a social group ( Nonagenarian Club of THD) composed of 90 years old or older residents here at THD, several residents responded of their positive  interest. A few younger residents responded that this is an excellent idea. 

 Here was my e-mail to THD Management Activities  to reserve a space in the Calendar of Events for our First Meeting next month.  

"Galen,  Cidney or Teresa: It appears  that a few of us who will be 90 years old by the end of 2024 or over are interested in a Get Together to formally form a social group we will call the Nonagenarian Club of THD.  Could you gave us a space in your Calendar of Activities for the Month of August for our First Meeting.    Could you also set-up a sign-up in the Lobby and advertised it. We hope THD management will not suppressed or discouraged this activity. Thank You,   The purpose of the club is to enhance sense of Community and belonging here at THD. David". Here's the response from Galen.

Hi David,

 

I’d be glad to enter the Nonagenarian Club of THD in the August calendar as a resident-led activity.  You can choose a time in the Plaza Game Room when there isn’t another scheduled activity on the July calendar.  The August calendar should be essentially the same for the Plaza Game Room. Let me know the time you’re interested in and I’ll confirm that it’s available.

 

I’ll create a flyer for it, but we don’t typically create a sign up sheet for a resident-led activity because we don’t track the attendance in advance in order to purchase food, supplies, etc. 

 

Congratulations on starting your new club. Galen

Response to Galen: Please reserve the Last Sunday of every month from 4-5PM beginning August.   

 

*****************************************************************************

Now for the Article on the Secret to Living 90 Years Old. But before I begin here are some facts: 

What percentage of people live to 90 years old?

About 16% of the men and about 34% of the women survived to the age of 90. In fact, the authors found women who were taller than 5 feet 9 inches were 31% more likely to reach 90, compared to those who were under 5 feet 3 inches.

Here's a summary of the article: 

"Researchers from health institutions in the Netherlands conducted a study in 2019, published in the BMJ medical journal, to determine the link between body size and the likelihood of reaching age 90.

Alcohol better than exercise to live past 90, study says

To do so, they examined more than 7,000 men and women between ages 55 and 69 over the course of three decades. They recorded the subjects’ height and weight, as well as their physical activity, like gardening and walking. The team then grouped those activities into three categories: less than 30 minutes daily, 30 to 60 minutes daily, and 90 minutes or more daily.

The participants were monitored until they died or turned 90.

At the end of the study, about 16% of the men and about 34% of the women survived to the age of 90.

In fact, the authors found women who were taller than 5 feet 9 inches were 31% more likely to reach 90, compared to those who were under 5 feet 3 inches.

There was no apparent link between height and longevity among men. However, men who did physical activity 90 minutes a day were 39% more likely to make it to 90, compared to those who did less than 30 minutes. And every additional 30 minutes of daily physical activity resulted in a 5% increase in their chances of turning 90.

The findings weren’t the same for women, though. Ladies who got in 30-60 minutes a day were 21% more likely to see their 90th birthday, compared to those who managed just 30 minutes. For complete  details visit: 

https://www.ajc.com/pulse/heres-the-secret-to-living-to-90-years-old-study-says/CPYOM4J4L4UW3LBOIQDAYBHNWM/#:~:text=At%20the%20end%20of%20the,to%20the%20age%20of%2090.