Saturday, April 12, 2025

Wine Tasting and Charcuterie- Another Well-Attended THD Activity

Last Thursday at 3PM, April 10, 2025 about 30 THD residents enjoyed another outdoor activity of Wine Tasting and Charcuterie (see brochure above). The wine was provided by Buon Vino💚 ( Walnut Creek) and the Charcuterie by Brian Hirahara. Brian is the son of fellow Resident and Bridge Player, Carle Hirahara. ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-hirahara-6167388/)

We tasted 4 types of wine, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel and a merlot.

💚https://www.buonvinoinc.com/

My Plate of Charcuterie-A charcuterie board is of French origin and typically served as an appetizer on a wooden board or stone slab/plate, either eaten straight from the board itself or portioned onto tableware. It features a selection of preserved foods, especially cured meats or pâtés, as well as cheeses and crackers or bread. In Europe 'charcuterie' refers to cold meats (e.g. salami, ham etc.) and the term 'charcuterie board' would not be widely used for a board with cheese, fruit and a small amount of meat as is the case in North America. Instead the term cheese board might be used for a dish with largely cheese or some other descriptive title used for a board with a large variety of different cold food-stuffs.

Here are some photos I took on this well-attended Outdoor Activity at our THD Liberty Pavilion. Kudos  to Ted and Monica for hosting!!! I did not see Rhyann helping in the hosting, although she was in the vicinity. 
The owner of Buon Vino, Dan Matlin. Jenny Shively  and Mary Ann De Wald 
Thanks for coming Indy!!! Your presence at our table was very much appreciated
Smiling and Happy Mary Ann enjoying the Wine Tasting and conversation. 


Gween Corbett raising her hand from the nearby table 
Jenny, Mary Ann and Darryl Choy ( Indy) - My favorite Massage therapist- At out Table   

Meanwhile, Did you know that ...... 

The Philippines is home to the world’s largest coconuts! The Magsaysay Coconut variety holds the record for the heaviest coconut fruit, weighing an impressive 4.5 kg (almost 10 pounds).
This giant coconut is not only a testament to the country’s rich agricultural heritage but also showcases the unique biodiversity of the region. Known for its thick, juicy flesh and abundant water, the Magsaysay Coconut is prized in local markets and plays a key role in the Philippines' coconut industry.


Lastly, Another turnover news Today. Rhyann Droszcz, hired 2 weeks ago as a part-time driver/activity assistant last day was yesterday so she is no longer employed here at THD. I do not know if she quit voluntarily or involuntary. This employee turnover do not surprise me anymore. It just shows that THD is an organization with frequent turnovers, and new employees appeared to disappear without anyone knowing it except thru the grapevine and rumors. I do not know Rhyann that well so I did not form a bond with her, so as far as I am concern, her departure does not affect my quality of life here at THD. However, currently there are only 2 employees in the Activity Section, Ted and Monica. I do feel THD need another activity person for the numerous and varied activities that we as residents here at THD enjoy very much.
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Friday, April 11, 2025

Season 3 of the White Lotus is Over- Looking Forward to Season 4

In my previous posting, I wrote about why I enjoyed watching the TV miniseries- The White Lotus . 


This posting is a repost from my TV Readings This Week.  The Final Episode of Season 3 is indeed worthwhile watching and enjoyed by a few million viewers all over the world including myself.  
"It begins in paradise, but never ends in peace. That’s the pattern we’ve come to expect — and crave — from *The White Lotus*. Exotic sunsets, luxury suites, laughter over cocktails… and somewhere beneath the infinity pools and designer luggage, someone’s hiding a secret, and someone else probably won’t make it home.
When the third season wrapped up in Thailand — blending Buddhism, desire, deception, and death — it left fans with more than just awe at the scenery. It left them restless for more. And not just because Mike White’s signature mix of dark comedy and social critique somehow keeps getting sharper. It’s the anticipation of where we’re headed next… and who won’t survive the stay.
Here’s what we do know: *The White Lotus* *is* returning for a fourth season. The renewal came even before season three had aired, which says a lot about HBO’s faith in the twisted brilliance of White’s vision. And if the record-breaking 4.8 million viewers for episode 7 are any clue, that confidence was well placed.
As for where we’re going — well, that’s still a guessing game. Europe’s a frontrunner, and producers are actively scouting locations. But don’t expect snow-covered castles or icy spas. Word is, Mike White isn’t exactly a fan of the cold. Which may rule out certain cooler-climate theories, unless he’s willing to suffer for the story.
💚Australia is still in play. It’s been on White’s wish list for a while, and between its cinematic landscapes and deep acting pool, it checks every box. That said, no final decision’s been announced. For now, the only certain thing is that wherever we land, someone will fall. Metaphorically or literally — likely both.
One twist: composer Cristóbal Tapia de Veer, whose haunting scores became a character of their own, won’t be returning. That might change the vibe a bit, but not the pulse. If anything, it might open the door to a fresh soundscape that reflects a new kind of madness.
Filming isn’t starting anytime soon — production is being eyed for 2026 — which means season 4 might not hit screens until late 2026 or early 2027. That’s a long wait. But for those of us addicted to the show’s rich blend of satire, mystery, and microaggression-laced banter, it’ll be worth every second.
Until then, all three seasons of *The White Lotus* are streaming on Max, waiting to be rewatched, reanalyzed, and obsessed over. Because at this resort chain, the views are always killer — sometimes literally".

💚I am voting for the Philippines as the location for Season 4. Mike Loves tropical and warm climates. The Philippines has a Four Seasons Resort in El Nido, Palawan that may be an ideal setting for Season 4.

Some Stats: ‘THE WHITE LOTUS’ season 3 finale drew 6.2M viewers:
• Surpassed last week’s episode by 30%
• 51% higher than the season 2 finale
• 2.5x the viewers of the season 3 premiere
• The #1 title on Max every week throughout its entire season, both globally and domestically
Personal Note: If you haven’t watched The White Lotus yet, here’s what you need to know: it’s about rich, privileged guests vacationing at luxury resorts—and things always take a dark turn. Each season is set in a different location, with new characters, messy relationships, and at least one mysterious death.
Season 1 (Hawaii): A group of wealthy guests arrive at a tropical paradise, but their personal issues, power struggles, and the hotel manager’s slow breakdown turn the trip into a disaster.
Season 2 (Sicily): This one is all about sex, betrayal, and complicated relationships, set against stunning Italian landscapes. Affairs, secrets, and family tensions explode, leading to a dramatic and deadly ending.
Season 3 (Thailand): The biggest and most intense season yet, mixing wealth, politics, and spirituality. As always, things start glamorous but end in chaos—because at The White Lotus, trouble is always part of the package.
It’s funny, sharp, and a little unsettling—once you check in, you won’t want to leave.

Here's Another Review by  Brent Lindeque  8 April at 21:08

 
I haven’t stopped thinking about The White Lotus finale. No spoilers, promise. You’re safe to keep reading. I’ve seen the online debates. The discourse has been fascinating. This season really had people divided.
Some loved it. Some hated it. I kind of did both. It was brilliant. And frustrating. Beautiful. And deeply uncomfortable. I thought I had it figured out… the pacing, the clues, the arcs. But when it ended, I found myself sitting in this weird limbo of awe and disappointment. I wanted something different. I wanted justice. Or chaos. Or peace. Or clarity. I wanted characters to change, or stay the same, or suffer more, or suffer less. Or totally implode. I wanted to feel satisfied. But I didn’t.
And maybe that’s the whole point. Maybe that is the genius of it.It left me wanting more. Still unravelling the threads. Still thinking about what wasn’t said. Still obsessing over every detail. There were whole conversations that were just left there. No explanation. Were they just to be red herrings? I guess so.
But I think that’s how you know a show is excellent. When it doesn’t just end… it lingers. And linger it does.
There are a few things I need to say though:
1. Weekly episodes are the gift that keeps on giving.
There’s something sacred about waiting. And about watching it “together”. It reminds me of the days when we’d rush to school to talk about last night’s FRIENDS, or X-Files, or Dawson’s Creek. It’s the art of the slow burn. The shared moments. The anticipation. It’s just… special. And I really, really miss that type of “TV”. Also, watching 1 episode a week means I really watch it. I feel like I miss things when binging.
2. Carrie Coon. That is all.
That scene will stay with me forever. It gave me the same chills as Jeff Daniels' opening monologue in The Newsroom. Iconic. Raw. Real. “I’m just happy to be at the table.” That entire scene will go down in history. Because it’s true. We chase titles, status, things that sparkle… but sometimes, just being there is the win. Give her the Emmy. Immediately.
3. Mike White… we need to talk.
No, actually, we can’t. Not yet. I will never forgive you (when you’ve watched the last episode, you’ll get it.)
4. Gaitok. He’s the actual winner here.
And I’m not even talking about the character, I mean the actor. Tayme Thapthimthong. His journey is absolutely incredible. He started acting back in 2013, took a break to serve in the Royal Thai Army in counter-terrorism (as one does), pivoted to private security… and somehow landed in White Lotus. And just like that, a star was born. I cannot wait to see what he does next.
5. The season was one long, slow exhale.
I think this season of the White Lotus is a masterclass in restraint. It built up to one single thing: letting go. In the actual show… and for you and me. And there’s something in that. A reminder that sometimes the most powerful act isn’t control. It’s surrender. We hold so tightly to what we think we want. To how stories should end. To who deserves what. But life doesn’t follow scripts. And neither did this (well it did, but you know what I mean).
6. No ending would’ve made me happy. And I think you feel the same.
None. Not really. Because I had so many expectations swirling in my mind. So maybe the ending wasn’t meant to please me. Maybe it was meant to sit with me. Make me think. Make me reflect. And that’s okay. I’ll let it be. See… letting go.
Oh, if you’re feeling that post-show emptiness. If your Mondays suddenly feel a bit meh… I’ve got you.
There are SO MANY great shows coming to our screens this month:
- The Handmaid’s Tale final season. Yes, I am not emotionally ready either. My plan is to watch the entire show from the start again, before diving in to the end.
- The Last of Us (Season 2). Buckle up, it’s going to wreck us. Trust me, you were never ready for what’s coming.
- YOU, Season 5 (Joe is back and he’s… well, still Joe)
- Your Friends & Neighbors (Jon Hamm. That’s it. That’s the reason)
- Yellowjackets (this season is also a slow burn BUT worth it)
- Nine Perfect Strangers Season 2 (May release, but start prepping now)
And you HAVE TO watch The Pitt (please don’t get this confused with PULSE). The Pitt is possibly the best medical drama that we’ve seen in the last decade. Bold claim, I know. But watch the first two episodes and then come talk to me. So there are my thoughts on the finale… and now, I am letting it go. I’m just happy that I got to be at the table.
Meanwhile, Here's the top 10  most popular and critically acclaimed TV series currently: https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2025/03/some-of-most-popular-and-critically.html
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