Coconut Crabs and the Chairs in the New Activity Room

My Lunch of Coconut Crab served with Cucumber-Tomatoes Salad, at Chateau Du Mer, Boac, Marinduque,  Philippines, May, 2017

The coconut crab, locally known as Tatus (Birgus latro)., holds the title of the largest land-dwelling arthropod in the world. Adult coconut crabs can exceed 4 kg in weight and boast a leg span of over 3 feet. Remarkably, they are among the longest-living arthropods, with a lifespan that can stretch up to 60 years. This species is found across areas in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. In the Philippines they are scattered across islands and coral atolls from Luzon to Mindanao. 

Considered a delicacy in the islands of Batanes and Caluya, Antique, locals and tourists alike seek the edible, savory-sweet flesh and creamy fat. It is often cooked as escabeche, with coconut milk, or simply boiled. Tatus are typically found in coastal lands, rocky shorelines, and cliffs. They feed on fruits, seeds, nuts (including coconuts), and occasionally, plant and animal remains. Their slow-moving nature makes them easy to catch, even by bare hands.

The urbanization of coastal areas, driven by a growing human population and overharvesting of the species, has led to its extirpation or local extinction in many parts of the world. In Caluya, it is illegal to catch the species within the municipality except during the Tatusan festival.

The coconut crab has been declared a threatened species by the Department of Agriculture, as per Fisheries Administrative Order No. 208. Additionally, the species is listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat conversion and fragmentation, as well as direct exploitation for human consumption. For Details visit:

https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2024/01/i-have-cravings-for-coconut-crabs-taste.html

Meanwhile, I have some fairly good news of Life here at THD: Chairs at the Activity Room:

Yesterday after dinner I had a chance to chat with Rachel Ryan, THD Chief Financial Officer, regarding the Chairs at the new Activity Room. I told her that a few of THD residents including myself felt that the back of the chair is not comfortable so that after seating for 30 minutes, most of the seniors complain of back ache. Rachel said she is thinking about the problem. I suggested a back pad be installed on the chairs and maybe add more padding on the seats. Let us hope a solution will be coming soon. Barbara and Jenny were witnessed to the above conversion with our CFO who has the final decision of items that required money.  Thank you, Rachel for listening!

I am Not Getting Older-I am Getting Better!

AGING....

You grow old, they told me, you are no longer you, you become distant, sad and lonely.

I didn't answer...

I don't get old, I get wise.

I stopped being what others like me to become, but what I like to be.

I stopped seeking the acceptance of others and accepted myself.

I have left behind the lying mirrors that deceive mercilessly.

- No, I'm not getting old.

I just become more selective with places, people, customs and ideologies.

I have let go of attachments, unnecessary pain, toxic people, sick souls and rotten hearts... bitterness and unhappiness are not for me, I release them for my health.

I'm ditching party nights for learning and embracing insomnia.

I stopped living stories and started writing them, I threw aside the imposed stereotypes.

I no longer carry eyeshadow in my bag, now I have a book that beautifies my mind.

I exchanged wine glasses for coffee cups, forgot to idealize life and started living it.

- No, I'm not getting old.

I carry freshness in my soul, innocence in my heart, and it discovers me daily.

I have in my hands the tenderness of a cocoon that, when opened, will spread its wings to other places unreachable for those who seek only the frivolity of the material.

I have that charming smile on my face when I observe the simplicity of nature.

I carry in my ears the chirping of the birds that delight me and accompany the walk.

- No, I'm not getting old.

I become selective, betting my time on the intangible, rewriting the story I've been told, rediscovering worlds, saving those old books I've forgotten half open.

I'm becoming more cautious, I've stopped the outbursts that teach me nothing, I'm learning to talk about transcendent things, I'm learning to cultivate knowledge, plant ideals and falsify my destiny.

- No, I'm not getting old.

I begin to live who I really am.~

Personal Note: On my recent article on THD Lunch Excursion at the Claremont Club and Spa, I mentioned that one resident in our lunch table, rudely told me she did not want her picture in my blogs. I was a bit upset, so I mentioned that it might as well be, since my readers will not really like to see her "Fat Face" anyway.  

One of my THD readers informed me that another resident had read the word "Fat Face" and did not like it. I was advice to tone down and watch carefully the words I am using in my blogs.

I apologize to all my readers if they feel my use of the word "Fat Face" is unnecessary. However, I must admit, I used it because I was mad at the rude request of the Person who did not want her picture in my blog. She could have asked me in a normal tone of voice and this writing incident would not have happened.

Anyway, again let me thank all my readers and my FaceBook friends and other readers, for all your comments in my postings. The most recent one that inspire me to continue my daily posting says:

I love today's article of “wisdom” as well as each and every blog that you share. 

Good Day, Everyone!

Asia's Eighteen Most Competitive Countries for 2024

After being adrift for the past three years, Singapore climbed three rungs and regained the top spot in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking in 2024 against a field of 67. Coming in ahead of Switzerland and Denmark, the Republic posted robust performances across all four categories that comprise economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency and infrastructure.

In Southeast Asia, Thailand comes second . In this year’s rankings, Indonesia has surpassed Malaysia, which dropped to 34th place from 27th in 2023 due to currency depreciation and political uncertainties. Indonesia’s rise underscores its enhanced economic performance and stability. Bris highlights Southeast Asia’s robust economic performance this year, except for Malaysia’s decline. Indonesia’s competitiveness surge is attributed to improved economic indicators, capital attraction, and GDP growth.  

The IMD World Competitiveness Center (WCC) uses four indicators to determine the rankings for its annual WCR: economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure. The WCR evaluates 67 countries’ long-term well-being beyond GDP, considering social, cultural, and sustainability aspects through global surveys and statistical analysis.

Note that the Philippines is last. I am so ashamed of the Philippines Standing- being an American Citizen with Filipino Ancestry. The Philippines should do better next year, I hope. Meanwhile here are 21 interesting facts about the Philippines that you should know.

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2024/05/twenty-one-interesting-facts-about.html

Lastly, I hope THD Activity will resume the Travel Series initiated by Galen last January.  I recommend that the Philippines will be the next country featured.  If you are a THD resident and enjoyed the previous Travel series let THD management know of your desires.  

The Wisdom of Anthony Hopkins

💚

“I know that I have less to live than I have lived.

I feel like a child who was given a box of chocolates. He enjoys eating it, and when he sees that there is not much left, he starts to eat them with a special taste.

I have no time for endless lectures on public laws - nothing will change. And there is no desire to argue with fools who do not act according to their age. And there's no time to battle the gray. I don't attend meetings where egos are inflated and I can't stand manipulators.

I am disturbed by envious people who try to vilify the most capable to grab their positions, talents and achievements.

I have too little time to discuss headlines - my soul is in a hurry. Too few candies left in the box.

I'm interested in human people. People who laugh at their mistakes are those who are successful, who understand their calling and don't hide from responsibility. Who defends human dignity and wants to be on the side of truth, justice, righteousness. This is what living is for.

I want to surround myself with people who know how to touch the hearts of others. Who, through the blows of fate, was able to rise and maintain the softness of the soul.

Yes, I hustle, I hustle to live with the intensity that only maturity can give. I'll eat all the candy I have left - they'll taste better than the ones I already ate.

My goal is to reach the end in harmony with myself, my loved ones and my conscience.

I thought I had two lives, but it turned out to be only one, and it needs to be lived with dignity.”

Anthony Hopkins

💚Sir Philip Anthony Hopkins was born on December 31,1937. He is a Welsh actor. One of Britain's most recognisable and prolific actors, he is known for his performances on the screen and stage. Hopkins has received numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, four BAFTA Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Laurence Olivier Award. He has also received the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2005 and the BAFTA Fellowship for lifetime achievement in 2008. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to drama in 1993.

Meanwhile Here's my quote of the Day:

Tears in the Darkness-My Book Review-An Update

The other day, during our meal times conversations here at THD, we talked about books that made us cry. I informed the group that I have read several books that made me cry, but the one that I will always remember is the Tears in Darkness- by the Normans. It is a true story of Ben Steale(a survivor of the March) personal experience of the Bataan Death March, during the Japanese- American war in the Philippines. 

Death March Monument - Zero KM start of the 65 miles of Death March.  Photo Credit: FB Page of Kyle Zimmermann- Becoming Filipino.   

The "Death March" is a horrendous event that occurred after American and Filipino troops surrender to the Japanese. More than 70,000 prisoners of war were made to march 65 miles. They were beat, they were starved, and they had to deal with incredibly difficult elements. Thousands and thousands of them died. But there were survivors. And One of them Relayed his story to the Normans- authors of the Book " Tears of Darkness".

If you read this book, I guarantee you will need a box of Kleenex and the Book will make you realize that there are no winners in war.  So here's my short review.

https://japanesewarinthephilippines.blogspot.com/2015/04/book-review-update-tears-in-darkness.html

Tantor Media, May 9, 2014 - Bataan Death March, Philippines, 1942

For the first four months of 1942, U.S., Filipino, and Japanese soldiers fought what was America's first major land battle of World War II, the battle for the tiny Philippine peninsula of Bataan. It ended with the surrender of 76,000 Filipinos and Americans, the single largest defeat in American military history. 

The defeat, though, was only the beginning, as Michael and Elizabeth M. Norman make dramatically clear in this powerfully original book. From then until the Japanese surrendered in August 1945, the prisoners of war suffered an ordeal of unparalleled cruelty and savagery: forty-one months of captivity, starvation rations, dehydration, hard labor, deadly disease, and torture--far from the machinations of General Douglas MacArthur. 

The Normans bring to the story remarkable feats of reportage and literary empathy. Their protagonist, Ben Steele, is a figure out of Hemingway: a young cowboy turned sketch artist from Montana who joined the army to see 

the world. Juxtaposed against Steele's story and the sobering tale of the 

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.