David B.Katague, B.S., M.S., M.A, Ph.D. Sunset Photo from the Balcony of the Chateau Du Mer Beach House, Boac,Marinduque,Philippines
Welcome to My Site
If this is your first visit, welcome! This site is devoted to my life experiences as a Filipino-American who immigrated from the Philippines to the United States in 1960. I came to the US as a graduate student when I was 26 years old. I am now in my mid-80's and thanks God for his blessings, I have four successful and professional children and six grandchildren here in the US. My wife and I had been enjoying the snow bird lifestyle between US and Philippines after my retirement from USFDA in 2002. Macrine(RIP),Me and my oldest son are the Intellectual migrants. Were were born in the Philippines, came to the US in 1960 and later became US citizens in 1972. Some of the photos and videos in this site, I do not own. However, I have no intention on infringing on your copyrights. Cheers!
This a continuation of My Blog Series- Knowing Your New THD Co-Residents.
Steve and Janis Holzman just moved to THD last October. During the Residents Party for December Birthdays, I had a chance to talk one to one with them. I told them I have a blog series on Introduction of New Residents and requested them their bio for my blogs.
Here's what Steve sent me the other day. Again, welcome Steve and Jan. I hope your stay here with THD be a happy and long one. Here's Steve Biography.
"I grew up in Chicago in a middle class family. My father was a dentist, my wonderful mom a housewife, and a sister 7 years younger now in the DC area. I attended the University of Chicago, went to med school in Pittsburgh, hoping to be a psychiatrist or neurologist. I met my future wife Jan, a neurology nurse in London on Jan 10, the 1st day of my elective there. We married in December of that year in the middle of my internship in Chicago.
I took my residency in Psychiatry, studying at Albert Einstein in the Bronx. Jan did her nursing here in an underserved area, later becoming a hospice nurse most of her career.
After residency I remained on the Einstein faculty, then the Cornell faculty for a few years, but decided academic medicine wasn’t for me. I wanted a more active leadership role. in 1982, by which time we had two daughters, Sarah and Jessica.
We moved to the Hartford (CT) area where I became the 1st chairman and medical director of a newly built psychiatric building with a complete range of services. Over the next 19 years I built the department, hiring 8 other doctors and participating actively in the hospitals committees and affairs. After 16 years at the demanding Hospital I contracted 2 serious cancers and decided it was time to decrease stress in my life.
I had always maintained a patient practice even as a full time administrator, but in 2001 when I left the hospital, I opened a part time private practice and worked Part time for a community Mental Health Center. I transitioned my general psychiatric practice to full time and for the next 17 years kept a very active group of about 400 patients, mostly dealing with medication but also focusing on therapy which was no longer in vogue by the 90s for psychiatric practices.
By 2022, I again developed several serious medical problems and Jan and I decided to move to California to be near our daughters who moved to the Bay area in their 20s. Sarah became a professional flutist and Jessica a nurse practitioner who worked for Planned Parenthood for many years. They each have one son and continue their careers as well as motherhood.
We kept our condo in a lovely part of New Hampshire which we hope to return to over the next few summers. Jan and I moved to THD in October and are gradually building our retirement lives here.
We’ve been happy to meet you and other residents and hope to deepen our friendships and expand our lives to be meaningful and content".
In my Blog Series, Introducing New THD Residents, I always ask this question, Why and What did you decide to choose THD as your retirement home. Most residents reply is always because of Family connection nearby. Here's Steve response"
"Jan and I discovered the Heritage when visiting our daughters a year ago; we’ve looked at several places in Marin and the East Bay and THD seemed to be the best fit for us at age 80 but not needing higher care level.
WE moved from Connecticut where we spent the last 55 years and have visited our family many times in SF and Berkeley the last 30 years but living here is a first and takes getting used to. We’re grateful to be with our family regularly and have various activities we’re starting to engage in. We especially like the outdoor pool and Jacuzzi always open, and the exercise program - and of course the great meals. We’re gradually meeting new people and look forward to that and the wealth of shops and restaurants in Walnut Creek- we hope to give you a later follow up!"
Once Again, my personal welcome to you Steve and Jan..Looking forward to more conversations with you and Jan.
Finally, here's the top Five News Headlines for Today:
U.S. announces massive arms sales to Taiwan worth over $10 billion, drawing strong criticism from China amid rising regional tensions. AP News
Vatican confirms resignation of Cardinal Timothy Dolan and names Bishop Ronald Hicks as the new Archbishop of New York. Fox News
U.S. military strike in eastern Pacific kills four, pushing the death toll in the campaign to 99 and igniting international concern and criticism. The Guardian
Cause of death released for Rob and Michele Reiner; their son Nick has been charged with their murder. The Guardian
Saudi Arabia proposes hosting the WTO ministerial meeting in 2028, reflecting its expanding role in global economic diplomacy.
My Christmas Door: A Small Space, Holding Many Stories
Every December, I decorate my front door. It’s a small ritual, nothing elaborate, but this year it felt especially meaningful.
The first thing people notice are the lights. Red and green LED strands outline the doorframe, turning an ordinary hallway into something quietly festive. The glow feels welcoming, almost protective, like a soft embrace before you step inside. At my age, I’ve learned that light matters, especially during darker seasons. It lifts the spirit in ways we don’t always notice right away.
Covering the door itself is a simple blue pattern of snowflakes. I didn’t want anything flashy. Just a reminder of winter, of time passing, of the calm that can come when the world slows down a little.
At the center hangs a star-a parol, the traditional Christmas lantern from the Philippines. For many Filipinos, the parol represents the Star of Bethlehem, but for me it also represents memory. It reminds me of where I come from, of Christmases shaped by family, faith, and the blending of two cultures over a lifetime. Even after decades in America, that star still feels like home.
On either side of the door are photos of my two cats, Batman and Robin. They stand there like small guardians of the threshold. Anyone who has shared life with animals knows they become part of the family story. In quiet ways, they’ve given companionship, routine, and comfort, especially important as the years add up and the house grows quieter.
This door isn’t meant to impress. It’s meant to reflect. A little light, a familiar symbol, beloved faces, and a sense of welcome. At this stage of life, I find myself less interested in perfection and more drawn to meaning. What matters now are the things that say, this is who I am, and this is where I’ve been.
As I pass through this doorway each day, I’m reminded that Christmas doesn’t have to be loud or crowded to be real. Sometimes it lives in small gestures, in a star, a glow of lights, and the quiet comfort of home.
Meanwhile, here's the AI Analysis of them Above Photo:
Your Christmas door décor reads as both festive and deeply personal, and the photograph captures that balance nicely.
Overall Composition & First Impression The primary visual anchor is the LED light edging around the doorframe. Its warm red and cool green glow immediately draws the eye, creating a luminous outline that turns an ordinary hallway door into a focal point. The lights act almost like a frame in a gallery, inviting viewers to pause and look closer. Because the rest of the hallway is neutral, the glow feels intentional rather than busy.
The Door Surface & Seasonal Texture The door itself is wrapped in a blue snowflake-patterned covering, which introduces winter symbolism without overwhelming the scene. The cool blue contrasts effectively with the warm reds and greens of the lights, giving the décor visual depth. The snowflakes subtly reinforce the holiday theme while letting the other elements shine.
The Star & Filipino Parol Influence At the center hangs a star, which carries layered meaning. Visually, it provides symmetry and a strong midpoint that balances the vertical lines of the door. Culturally, as a Filipino parol, it adds an important personal and heritage-driven layer. Rather than a generic Christmas symbol, it quietly tells a story of tradition, memory, and identity, embedded within a modern American hallway setting.
Cats as Guardians of the Door
The placement of Batman and Robin on either side of the door feels playful and affectionate. Their photos function almost like sentinels or guardians, flanking the entrance. This adds warmth and humor, transforming the décor from seasonal display into something unmistakably yours. The soft fabric elements draped beside them also echo a handmade, lived-in quality.
Lighting as the Emotional Core The lights are undeniably the emotional and visual core of the décor. They suggest welcome, safety, and celebration. The glow spills slightly onto the surrounding wall, softening the space and giving the photo a cozy, evening-at-home feeling. It feels less like a door you pass through quickly and more like a threshold worth noticing.
Overall Mood & Meaning
Taken together, the photo communicates home, memory, and gentle joy. It’s not about extravagance, it’s about intention. The décor blends culture, companionship (your cats), and the quiet ritual of marking the season. The door becomes a statement: Christmas isn’t just outside or public, it lives right here, at the entrance to your personal world.
Meanwhile, here are some Decorating Ideas For Your Door
The Annual THD Holiday Decorating Contest is On. I plan on officially entering the contest on the urging of Ditas and her friend Nancy Rodriquez. They plan on doing the door decor this week ( see article above) and hopefully, I will win the first Prize. So what is the First Prize- a $100 gift certificate or a trip to Hawaii?
The Internet is filled with decorating ideas. Here some of them.
Classic & Whimsical Themes
Santa's Workshop or Chimney Transform the door into a brick chimney with Santa's boots "stuck" at the top, or an advent calendar where each day reveals something festive.
Winter Wonderland / Snow Globe Cover the door in blue or white paper, add cotton ball snow, and create a 3D effect with clear plastic wrap over the whole thing to mimic a giant snow globe.
The Grinch's Lair Use green and red decorations, perhaps with a 3D Mount Crumpet, for a classic, slightly mischievous theme that's always a hit.
Gingerbread House Use butcher paper and craft supplies to make your door look like a delicious, frosted gingerbread house, complete with gumdrop accents.
Interactive & Funny Ideas
"Take a S-ELF-ie" Feature a large, festive scene with a cutout for people to pose as an elf or character for a fun photo opportunity.
"Yule Tide" / "Christmas Cheer" Cover the door in newspaper and use empty detergent boxes (Tide and Cheer) to create a clever pun with "detergent" spilling out as "Yule Tide" and "Christmas Cheer".
Island of Misfit Toys/Employees A humorous take on the classic Rudolph theme, using mismatched or funny decorations and perhaps photos of the team members.
Carenna, my youngest grand daughter is on her Christmas Break from GWU, Elliot School for International Affairs for 2 weeks. Her Mother, Ditas, my youngest daughter visited me the other day and insisted on decorating My Apartment Door for the Christmas Door Decor Contest. The results of their creative activity is posted in this blog,
After they finished the Decoration of My Apartment Door, I treated them to Dinner at My Favorite Japanese restaurant- Tanoshi Bistro in Oak Grove/Citrus St, Walnut Creek. We took some photos as follows:
Meanwhile, last Sunday, Pearl Harbor Day, I treated Ditas and her friend, Nancy Rodriguez for Dinner at my favorite Japanese Restaurant, Tanoshi. We ordered two Tanoshi dinners, two soft shell crabs appetizers and two Sushi Rolls, the Dragon and the Tiger Rolls. As expected it was yummy. The soft shell crabs was outstanding. We have leftovers and very happy to take it home, Here are some photos of our Dinner.
The Soft Shell Crabs Appetizers was outstanding and Yummy.
Finally, here's the AI Overview of one of my favorite sushi roll:
The Flaming Dragon Roll at restaurants like Tatsu (or similar Japanese spots) is a popular, flavorful sushi roll featuring shrimp tempura, crab (krab), and avocado inside, topped with savory eel (unagi) and more avocado, often with eel sauce, creating a sweet, smoky, and rich taste, sometimes customized with spicy elements like Flamin' Hot Cheetos for extra kick, making it a standout menu item.
