Marinduque Mainland from Tres Reyes Islands

Marinduque Mainland from Tres Reyes Islands
View of Marinduque Mainland from Tres Reyes Islands-Click on photo to link to Chateau Du Mer

WELCOME TO MY SITE AND HAVE A GOOD DAY

If this is your first time in this site, welcome. It has been my dream that my province, Marinduque, Philippines becomes a world tourist destination not only during Easter Week but also whole year round. You can help me achieve my dream by telling your friends about this site. The photo above is your own private beach at The Chateau Du Mer Beach Resort. The sand is not as white as Boracay, but it is only a few steps from your front yard and away from the mayhem and crowds of Boracay. I have posted some of my favorite Filipino and American dishes and recipes on this site also. Some of the photos and videos on this site, I do not own. However, I have no intention on infringement of your copyrights. Cheers!

Thursday, June 19, 2025

FDA and AI in the Drug Review Process


     





 

For Immediate Release:

If you have been reading my blogs, you probably know that my last job before

retirement was with the FDA Center of New Drugs, involved with the Chemistry,

 Manufacturing and Control reviews of new Anti-Infective Drug Products. My

role during my first 6 years was a Chemistry reviewer. Later on I was promoted 

to Chemistry Team Leader after getting my GS-14 expertise. Thus the subject 

of Drug Reviews inspired me to repost this FDA Press Release dated 

May 08-25.  If you are an AI enthusiast and interested on review of New drugs

this is  MUST Read for You. Here's the FDA release for your reading Pleasure.

  

"In a historic first for the agency, FDA Commissioner Martin A. Makary, M.D., 

M.P.H., today announced an aggressive timeline to scale use of artificial

 intelligence (AI) internally across all FDA centers by June 30, 2025, following 

the completion of a new generative AI pilot for scientific reviewers.

“I was blown away by the success of our first AI-assisted scientific

 review pilot. We need to value our scientists’ time and reduce the 

amount of non-productive busywork that has historically consumed

 much of the review process. The agency-wide deployment of these 

capabilities holds tremendous promise in accelerating the review

 time for new therapies,” said Dr. Makary.

The generative AI tools allow FDA scientists and subject-matter experts to

 spend less time on tedious, repetitive tasks that often slow down the review

 process.

“This is a game-changer technology that has enabled me to perform

 scientific review tasks in minutes that used to take three days,” said 

Jinzhong (Jin) Liu, Deputy Director, Office of Drug Evaluation Sciences, 

Office of New Drugs in FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research 

(CDER).

To reflect the urgency of this effort, Dr. Makary has directed all FDA centers

 to begin deployment immediately, with the goal of full integration by the end

 of June. Work will continue to expand use cases, improve functionality and 

adapt to the evolving needs of each center after June 30. By that date,

 all centers will be operating on a common, secure generative AI system

 integrated with FDA’s internal data platforms.

“There have been years of talk about AI capabilities in frameworks, 

conferences and panels but we cannot afford to keep talking. It is time 

to take action. The opportunity to reduce tasks that once took days to

 just minutes is too important to delay,” said Dr. Makary.

Looking ahead, the FDA plans to expand generative AI capabilities—across 

all centers using a secure, unified platform. Future enhancements will focus 

on improving usability, expanding document integration, and tailoring outputs 

to center-specific needs, while maintaining strict information security and 

compliance with FDA policy.

The agency-wide rollout is being coordinated by Jeremy Walsh, the FDA’s

 newly appointed Chief AI Officer and Sridhar Mantha. Walsh previously led 

enterprise-scale technology deployments across federal health and

 intelligence agencies and Mantha recently led the Office of Business

 Informatics in CDER.

The agency will continue to assess performance, gather user feedback and

refine features to support the evolving needs of FDA staff and advance its

 public health mission. Additional details and updates on the initiative will be 

shared publicly in June.

Meanwhile, here are 50 English Proverbs, You should Use in Your
Speech
 
are hatch.


You Can Not Kill A Cactus- My Story and A Poem

This posting is inspired when several months ago, I give away a dozen of my cacti collections to friends here at THD. If you read this and was a recipient of my gift, remember what I said, "You Can Not Kill a Cactus".  Cacti thrives on neglect and do NOT OVER water.     
My Cacti Collection that I gave to friends and Neighbors Here at THD

Here's my short story titled “You Cannot Kill a Cactus,” inspired by my love for 💚Gardening, my Filipino Heritage, and my Gratitude for Life.
 

You Cannot Kill a Cactus by David B Katague

The morning sun filtered through the windows of Chateau Du Mer, casting long shadows of the potted calamansi and bougainvillea that framed the lanai. I stood there barefoot, coffee in hand, surveying the modest garden that had become my sanctuary. At 90, I had outlived the clamor of ambition, the heartbreaks of distance, and even some of my closest friends. But not this garden. No, the garden was still growing. So was I, in ways I never expected.

When Macrine passed, I thought life would shrivel. For a while, it did. The rosebushes I once trimmed for her with precision began to brown. The orchids, so fussy and demanding, refused to bloom that year. But one stubborn plant stood tall—defiant, green, and thorny.

The cactus ( see photos above).

I had never particularly liked that cactus. It was a gift from a well-meaning neighbor, a consolation wrapped in burlap and indifference. “You can’t kill a cactus,” she had said, patting my shoulder. At the time, it felt like an insult to my grief—how dare something thrive so effortlessly when I was drowning?

But months passed. The rainy season came and went. I ignored the cactus. I didn’t water it. I didn’t speak to it like I did with my malunggay and lanzones trees. Yet, it remained. One day, I noticed it had sprouted a tiny bloom—delicate, almost apologetic. A survivor’s salute.

That’s when I began to talk to it.

“You’re not much to look at,” I’d mutter, crouching beside it. “But you don’t give up, do you?”

I started gardening again. Slowly. A few bell peppers and okra plants in repurposed rice sacks. A vine of ampalaya crawling up the side of the trellis. I spent the mornings in the soil and the afternoons in the hammock, shaded by mango trees that had known my grandchildren. I planted more than just seeds; I planted fragments of memories—every marigold a whispered joke from Macrine, every tomato a tribute to Sunday family meals in Marinduque.

Visitors came—nieces, nephews, even curious tourists. Some saw just an old man with dirt under his nails. Others saw what I hoped they’d see: a life still in bloom.

“You should give up that cactus,” one well-meaning balikbayan said. “It’s not even native here.”

I laughed, louder than I had in months.

“That cactus saved me,” I replied. “Besides, it reminds me of something.”

“What’s that?”

I smiled and looked toward the sun, where the cactus now stood in a hand-painted pot, its thorns catching the light like silver armor.

“You cannot kill what refuses to die. Especially something still growing.”


Here is a poem version of "You Cannot Kill a Cactus," inspired by my love for gardening, and my resilience through loss and age:

You Cannot Kill a Cactus

By David Katague

In the quiet hush of morning light,
I walk the garden, soft and slight.
Barefoot on the earth I tread,
Among the living, and the dead.

The roses once she loved are gone,
Their petals lost with each new dawn.
The orchids turned their faces pale,
Refusing bloom, as if to wail.

But in a corner, spined and small,
A cactus stood, despite it all.
No water, care, or tender grace—
Yet life still clung to that rough face.

I scorned it once, that prickly gift,
Left by a friend to help me shift.
“You can’t kill cactus,” she had said,
When grief was fresh and love was dead.

But seasons passed, as seasons do,
And one spring day, a blossom grew—
A shy, pink bloom upon the thorn,
A sign, perhaps, I could be reborn.

So I returned, with hand and hoe,
To plant the things I used to know:
Ampalaya, okra and peppers bright,
Tangled vines that chased the light.

Tomatoes swelled with sunset's glow,
The mango trees began to show
The fruit of days both old and new—
A life remade in morning dew.

Still, guests would scoff at what they saw:
“That cactus, old man, is a flaw.”
But I just smiled and let them be.
They didn’t know what it meant to me.

For grief may wilt and joy decay,
But something strong still finds its way.
Not all who bloom are soft or fair—
Some bear their blossoms under care.

You cannot kill a cactus, friend—
It grows through drought, through bitter end.
Like me, it stands with quiet might—
Still growing, reaching toward the light.


Here's a Tagalog version of my poem “You Cannot Kill a Cactus,” carefully translated to preserve the reflective tone and emotional meaning while honoring the rhythm and flow of Filipino poetry:


Hindi Mo Mapapatay ang Isang Kakto

Salin ni David Katague

Sa katahimikan ng umagang kay liwanag,
Lumalakad ako sa hardin, may haplos ng paglingap.
Hubad ang paa sa lupang mahal,
Kasama ng buhay, alaala’y sumasabay sa hangal.

Ang rosas na dati’y mahal ng sinta,
Unti-unting nalagas, tila naglaho na.
Ang orkidyas ay tumangging mamulaklak,
Parang puso kong sa lungkot ay di na makakalas.

Ngunit sa sulok, tahimik at matikas,
Nakatayo ang kakto—matibay, matalas.
Walang dilig, walang alaga,
Ngunit buhay ay patuloy, hindi nagpapatalo sa gulo ng tala.

Noon ay inismol ko ang tinik nitong taglay,
Isang regalo mula sa kapitbahay.
“Hindi mo mapapatay ’yan,” aniya, may ngiting payak,
Habang ako’y lugmok sa lumbay, puso’y wasak.

Dumaan ang panahon, bagyo’t tag-init,
Hanggang isang araw, tila may lihim na init—
Isang munting bulaklak, rosas ang kulay,
Sa dulo ng tinik, pilit na sumisibol nang sabay.

Bumalik ako sa lupa, may hawak na pala,
Tinanim kong muli ang mga alaala:
Ampalaya’t kamatis sa paso ng sako,
Mga tanim na minsan ay pinangarap ko.

Ang mangga’y nagbunga ng ginto sa sanga,
Kasama ng luha, pag-asang muling nabuhay na.
Sa harding ito, puso ko’y gumagaling,
Sa bawat dahon, pag-ibig ay muling umaalingawngaw, tahimik man ang hangin.

May mga bisita’y nagtatanong:
“Bakit kakto pa rin ang iyong kinukupkop sa tanong?”
Ngiti lang ang tugon, walang paliwanag,
Hindi nila alam ang halagang tunay, ang bigat sa dibdib na bumigat.

Sapagkat ang lungkot ay parang tuyong lupa,
Ngunit may ugat pa ring lumalaban sa gitna ng aba.
Hindi lahat ng kagandahan ay malambot at makinis,
May bulaklak sa tinik, matapang, matiyaga, hindi nagmamadali.

Hindi mo mapapatay ang kakto, kaibigan—
Lumalaki ito sa init at kawalan.
Tulad ko, ito’y nakatindig nang may dangal,
Patuloy na lumalago, umaabot sa liwanag, sa dulo ng araw.

The story and poems above was created with the help of AI technology.  For Details on my Cacti and Succulents collections read: 

💚https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2021/04/my-cacti-and-succulents-in-philippines.html

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Lucrecia Kasilag, Narcisa Buencamino and Roilo Golez

I remember Macrine ( RIP) mentioning Lucrecia Kasilag  when we were discussing about the status of classical music In the Philippines during our early years of married life.

Lucrecia Roces Kasilag (1917-2008) was a pioneering figure in Philippine music, known for her innovative integration of indigenous Filipino music with Western classical forms. Born in San Fernando, La Union, she grew up in a musically inclined family, which nurtured her early interest in music. Kasilag pursued her education at the Philippine Women's University and later at the Eastman School of Music in the United States, where she honed her skills in composition and music theory. Her career was marked by her tenure as the president of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, where she played a crucial role in promoting Filipino arts and culture. Kasilag composed over 250 works, including orchestral pieces, operas, and chamber music, often incorporating traditional Filipino instruments and themes. Her work during the post-war era was instrumental in shaping a national identity through music, reflecting the Philippines' rich cultural heritage. Kasilag's legacy endures in her contributions to music education and her efforts to elevate Filipino music on the global stage.
Narcisa Buencamino (1877-1966) was a prominent figure in the Philippines during a transformative period in the nation's history. Born in 1877, she lived through the Spanish colonial era, the Philippine Revolution, and the subsequent American colonization. Her life spanned a time of significant social and political upheaval, which shaped her contributions to Filipino society. Buencamino was part of a well-known family, with connections to influential figures in the Philippine Revolution. 

Her family background provided her with a unique perspective on the struggles for independence and national identity. Throughout her life, she was actively involved in cultural and social movements that sought to preserve and promote Filipino heritage and identity during a time when Western influences were pervasive. Her legacy is marked by her dedication to cultural preservation and her role in fostering a sense of national pride among Filipinos. Narcisa Buencamino's life and work remain a testament to the resilience and cultural richness of the Philippines.


Meanwhile, here's another relative on my Father's side of the Family, who was involved in Philippines political activities, Roilo Golez. I have posted previously the accomplishments of my two other relatives involved in the Political Activities in the Philippines, Teofisto Guingona💚 and Tomas Confessor. 💚💚.

  I remember my Dad informing me that Golez family are his Second Cousins.  

Roilo Golez (1947-2018) was a prominent Filipino politician and public servant known for his staunch advocacy of national sovereignty and maritime rights. Born in the Philippines, Golez graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1970, which laid the foundation for his career in public service. He later earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of the Philippines. Golez began his political career as the Postmaster General of the Philippines before being elected to the House of Representatives in 1992, representing Parañaque. He served multiple terms and was known for his dedication to national security and defense issues. Golez was a vocal critic of China's territorial claims in the South China Sea, advocating for the Philippines' rights under international law. His efforts contributed to raising awareness and shaping policy on maritime security in the region. Golez's legacy is marked by his unwavering commitment to protecting Philippine sovereignty and his influence on national defense policy.

Lastly,  here's my night light-A Bubblegram Photo of Me and Macrine (RIP-2020) 


💚https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2025/03/a-confirmed-relative-teofisto-guingona.html

💚💚https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2025/05/tomas-confesor-another-filipino.html

Nine Approved Ways to Prevent/Delay Early AZD Disease

This posting is a repost of the following article inspired by my recent experiences associating with fellow senior citizens diagnosed with early Alzheimer's Disease (AZD). I hope you find the following article useful. It is a must read if you have relatives or yourself have early AZD. 

Nine Expert-Approved Ways to Sharpen Your Brain With Early Alzheimer's


1Move More Often


Regular physical activity has been linked to a range of benefits, from better immune function to reduced risk of chronic disease, and it's a boon for your brain as well as your body. That's because exercise increases blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain while reducing inflammation, Dr. Eubank says. The Alzheimer's Association adds that some research indicates exercise can help those with Alzheimer's maintain memory function and even increase the size of the hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for learning and memory that's typically impacted in early Alzheimer's and later stages.


Note: I program Siri in my apple watch to remind me to stand up or move every 15 minutes during my bridge and mahjong games.   

2. Focus on Nutrition

The link between what you eat and how well you think is a strong one. Research in Frontiers in Neuroscience reviewed 38 studies on nutritional interventions and Alzheimer's and found that healthy eating can slow disease progression. Specifically, researchers noted brain function benefitted most from a high intake of plant-based foods, nuts, probiotics (found in fermented foods), and omega-3 fats in foods like salmon, with low consumption of saturated fats, animal-based proteins, and refined sugars. Eating more plants was especially advantageous for brain health, thanks to the array of vitamins and minerals, which can help maintain cognitive activity, researchers concluded.


Note: I need to eat more vegetables, but my intake amount is well under control. I follow the principles of eating only up to 80% of Satiation.  

3. Learn Complex New Skills

Taking up a hobby like gardening or carpentry requires learning new information, paying attention to detail, and following a schedule, which can all improve brain health, says Dr. Eubank. For example, a study in Psychological Science looking at adults ages 60 to 90 found that those who learned a complex skill like digital photography or quilting showed improvements in working and long-term memory compared to more straightforward mental activities like crossword puzzles. Researchers added that maintaining those hobbies for at least three months yielded even more benefits due to "sustained engagement" for the brain.


Note: I learned new skills, AI technology, art work  (collage and water color painting and I write daily.   

4. Listen to Music

For many, early Alzheimer's comes with changes in both executive functioning and emotional regulation—you might notice mood shifts, for instance, as well as difficulty focusing or recalling certain information. Music can help: A research review in the journal Dementia & Neuropsychologia looking at music therapy and Alzheimer's found that treatment with music can improve behavioral and cognitive symptoms. The Alzheimer's Association adds that music may reduce agitation even in the later stages of the disease, especially with songs that are meaningful and nostalgic to the listener.


Note: I listened to music daily (Latin, semi-classics and Jazz). 

5.Get Quality Sleep

Ample research over the past several decades has established that your brain fires up when you're sleeping to consolidate memories and sharpen executive function. When this is disrupted, brain health suffers. For example, a study in JAMA Neurology found that those with fragmented sleep patterns—not keeping a consistent sleep schedule, waking up frequently, trouble getting to sleep—had higher levels of amyloid-B plaque in the brain, the type associated with Alzheimer's. Participants with the APOE4 gene, which is correlated with Alzheimer's risk, had even worse plaque compared to those without the gene.


Note: I tried to sleep at least 7 to 8  daily and 1 hr nap in the Afternoon.


6. Find Ways to De-Stress

Stress can play a considerable role when it comes to Alzheimer's and brain health, says neurologist Verna Porter, M.D., the director of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and neurocognitive disorders at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA. Research in Neurobiology of Stressfound that stress in those with early Alzheimer's can increase the speed of disease progression. Because of that, Dr. Porter suggests making de-stress practices into a priority, whether that involves deep breathing, mindful meditation, going for a walk with a friend, or anything else that helps you feel less overwhelmed.


Note: I have whole body massage weekly, silence for 15 minutes twice a day.  


7. Cultivate More Purpose

Whether through volunteerism, contributing to a cause, or helping others with early Alzheimer's, cultivating a deeper sense of purpose has been shown to be a true brain booster. Research in International Psychogeriatrics notes that feelings of purpose may help protect the brain by building stronger neural connections and synapses—in other words, changing your brain in fundamental ways. Researchers added that a sense of purpose is a "robust protective factor that promotes better cognitive outcomes across a spectrum of dementia risk, from the preclinical phase to the end of life."


Note: My goal is to write daily and learn new things everyday.   


8. Get Social

For some people, a diagnosis of early Alzheimer's can lead to a shift away from social get-togethers due to feeling self-conscious about symptoms like memory lapses and repeating stories without realizing it, says Dr. Porter. However, it's those very social ties that can help brain function, as well as mental health. Socializing stimulates several types of cognitive processes, including recall, attention, problem solving, and organization, according to Harvard Medical School. It also contributes significantly to stress reduction, providing another advantage for brain health.


Note: I tried to participate in more THD Activities and Social Gatherings as my schedule allows.  


9.  Stay Informed

Although the strategies covered here are backed by research, keep in mind that studies continue to explore new ways that those with early Alzheimer's might slow the progression of the disease. Because of that, Dr. Porter suggests staying informed by asking your health team about any new developments or lifestyle changes that you might be missing. In addition to providing more approaches for you to consider, keeping up with research is one more way to keep your brain active, she says. Plus, it can help you feel more in control of your Alzheimer's treatment and management overall.


Note: I read the newspaper daily and listen to news on TV


I do not have early AZD, but I am practicing the above 9 ways of prevention of this untreatable disease that have killed my spouse of over 63 years after suffering progressively for 10 years.   My life's Philosophy is  Smile and Be Grateful.  


Note: Over 7 million Americans have Alzheimer's. An estimated 7.2 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's in 2025. Seventy-four percent are age 75 or older. About 1 in 9 people age 65 and older (11%) has Alzheimer's.


Lastly, here a list of 15 important words to add to your vocabulary!'


 FINAL NOTE: 

Preventing or delaying early Alzheimer's disease isn't guaranteed, but a growing body of research suggests that lifestyle changes, managing health conditions, and cognitive engagement can significantly reduce the risk or delay onset.





Tuesday, June 17, 2025

A Typical Day in the Life of Seniors in An Active Senior Living Community

Here's fictional story of the Lives of Seniors in an Active Senior Living Community. 

Sunnyside Village, nestled in the rolling hills of North Carolina, buzzed with life on a crisp autumn morning. The active senior living community was more than a place to retire—it was a hub of laughter, purpose, and second chances. Its 160 residents, all over 65, thrived in a world where age was just a number, and every day brought new possibilities.

Margaret, 72, sipped her coffee on the patio of the community café/restaurant, watching the morning tai chi class unfold on the lawn. A retired librarian, she’d moved to Sunnyside three years ago after her husband passed. She’d expected quiet days of reading and gardening, but Sunnyside had other plans. Now, she was the unofficial leader of the book club, which doubled as a hotbed for spirited debates and the occasional wine-fueled gossip session. Last week, she’d convinced the group to tackle a sci-fi novel—a bold departure from their usual historical fiction. “Keeps the mind sharp,” she’d said, waving off protests with a grin.

Across the courtyard, Frank, 78, adjusted his baseball cap and headed to the Chair Volley Ball. A former mechanic, he’d never touched a Beach Ball before moving here but was now a local legend, known for his wicked spin serves. He’d found camaraderie with a group of players who called themselves the “Fairmont Fighters.” Between matches, they swapped stories of their youth—Frank’s tales of fixing muscle cars in the ’60s always drew laughs. Chair Volley ball wasn’t just exercise; it was his social lifeline, especially after losing his wife to cancer. “This place,” he’d tell anyone who asked, “it’s like finding family you didn’t know you had.”

In the Activity Center ( Fireside Lounge), Elena, 74, was setting up for her weekly art class. A retired nurse from Miami, she’d rediscovered her love for painting after decades of putting it aside for work and family. Her vibrant watercolors of tropical flowers and seascapes now hung in the dining hall, and she taught residents how to capture their own memories on canvas. Today, she was helping George, an 90-year-old former chemist, paint a scene from his retirement beach house. “It’s not about perfection,” Elena said, guiding his brush. “It’s about feeling something.” George, usually reserved, beamed as his shaky strokes formed a beautiful lanai.

The community’s schedule was packed—yoga, trivia nights, mahjong( both Asian and American version),  bridge and art classes, even an AI and tech workshop where residents learned to navigate smartphones and video calls to stay connected with grandkids. But it wasn’t all structured activities. Spontaneous moments defined Sunnyside, like when a group of residents turned a rainy afternoon into an impromptu piano and karaoke session, with 75-year-old Lila belting out a surprisingly soulful rendition of Aretha Franklin’s “Respect.”

Challenges existed, of course. Some residents, like Harold, 80, struggled with the transition. He’d been a loner, reluctant to join the community’s bustle, missing his old home in Arizona.  But Margaret, ever the connector, invited him to the gardening club, where he found solace in tending roses. Slowly, he opened up, sharing stories of his Air Force days over coffee. Others faced health setbacks—diabetes, arthritis, or the occasional hospital visit—but Sunnyside’s wellness center and supportive staff kept most residents active and engaged.

Evenings often ended in the dining hall, where residents gathered over farm-to-table meals. Tonight, the room hummed with chatter about the upcoming talent show. Frank was practicing a stand-up comedy routine, Elena was choreographing salsa and cha cha dances with two other residents, and Margaret was debating whether to read an original poem. As plates of roasted chicken and apple crisp circulated, laughter echoed, and plans for tomorrow’s adventures took shape. Here at Sunnyside, movies are shown in in the 24-seat In-House Cinema daily except on Thursdays, when there is either a Bingo or A Night-Cap Cocktails scheduled after the 2nd_seating  dinner at Newton's. There is no Bathroom in the Cinema, so seniors who need a break or intermission has to walk to the main building in the Compound.           

Sunnyside wasn’t just a place to live—it was a place to rediscover. For Margaret, Frank, Elena, and the others, it was proof that life after 65 could be as rich and surprising as any chapter before it. A couple of residents even had opportunity for a Chance for Love and Companionship ( see my previous postings). 

The above story was generated by ClaudeAI in less than 2 minutes after my prompt. Amazing! I changed  a few words, names and events to fit some of our activities here at THD.   

Here's Perplexity AI Short Version of the Story on the Day of the Life of A Senior Citizen( Helena Mendoza)

Morning Light and New Beginnings

In the heart of a bustling American suburb, the sun rises over Willow Grove Senior Living Community. The manicured lawns and flower beds are alive with color, tended by residents who take pride in their surroundings. For many, like 87-year-old Helena Mendoza, this is a place of new beginnings—a far cry from the isolation she once felt living alone after her husband passed away. Helena is a Filipina- American, a retired nurse who immigrated to the US when she only 26 years old. 

A Vibrant Daily Rhythm

Helena starts her day with a stretching, balance and strength exercises in the yoga room, surrounded by friends. The maintenance-free lifestyle means she no longer worries about home repairs or yard work, allowing her to focus on her health and happiness. After breakfast, she joins a walking group, exchanging stories and laughter as they circle the community’s swimming pool. On other days, Helena and a few of her friends would walk to downtown Willow Grove, only about 2-3 blocks from the Community compound.   

Connection and Purpose

Social interaction is woven into the fabric of life at Willow Grove. Residents gather for book clubs, art classes, lively mahjong and bridge sessions and personal stories. Sharing personal histories not only strengthens friendships but also helps preserve a sense of identity and legacy. Storytelling and previous work experiences, in particular, is cherished—residents like Helena find joy in recounting tales from their youth, while others listen, ask questions, and share their own experiences. These moments foster deep bonds and help combat feelings of loneliness or loss. The varied activities at Willow Grove greatly enhanced the quality of life of its 165 senior residents as well as theiSense of Community belonging.   

Perplexity AI finished the draft of this article in less than one minute. I changed a few words, activities and events to fit my original idea.  Thank You AI for your typing help and making this article a perfect read. Let me know if you enjoy this short article. 

Meanwhile, here's a repost and video on a day in the life of of David B Katague here at THD, 

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-day-in-life-of-david-b-katague-here.html

Lastly, Did you Know That.....

The blue whale, the largest animal on Earth, has an interesting reproductive process. When a male blue whale mates, he can release more than 40 gallons of sperm. That's an enormous amount! However, only about 10% of this sperm actually reaches the female whale. This means that much of it doesn't successfully contribute to reproduction.
Because so much sperm does not enter the female, it has led to a funny idea about the oceans. Some people joke that the oceans might be salty because of all the sperm that doesn't get used. This shows how nature can be strange and surprising. While it’s hard to take this idea literally, it makes us think about how big events in nature can have unexpected consequences.

The mating habits of blue whales remind us of the incredible diversity of life in our oceans. These gentle giants have unique and fascinating behaviors that help them survive and thrive in their ocean home. Understanding these details not only teaches us about blue whales but also highlights the beauty and complexity of marine life.

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