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!

Sunday, April 3, 2022

Celebration of Life: David E Katague III via Photographs-Part 3

 
David E and Macrine, Fair Oaks, CA 2017 ( both in heaven)

This is Part 3 on the Celebration of Life of David E-my youngest son. During the clean-up of the garage and David E room, Dodie and I found about 32 photos of David E in his younger days and earlier professional life in Maryland. This posting will have 15 photos and Part 4 will contain the remaining photos I will post later.

Elementary School Days-St Joseph School. Pinole. CA
At Dodies Residence in Walnut Creek, CA

After Sunday Mass, Silver Spring, MD 1994

At the White House Lawn Party for OMB employees and their Immediate Families




David enjoying his nephew, Philip, son of Dodie, Christmas 

David E Baseball Photo-Modesto, CA

Our Pet Cat and David E- Internship in Washington DC




 

Friday, April 1, 2022

Is Moving into an Independent/Assisted Living Facilty in my Future?

 

Esalen Gardens-Big Sur, California-Photo by Ditas Katague 3/22

With David E passing, I am now living alone in this big 4BR ranch house and two hours away from my children. Two of my three living children who resides in California suggested I moved into a Facility that is within 30 minutes driving time from their residences. My other daughter who is now residing near me will be moving to Washington DC this July. She got an SES Federal job in DC that she had always wanted. She just retired recently from the State of California. I am so happy of her achievements, goals and ambitions. Congratulations, Ditas.

I am currently doing some searches on Assisted or Independent Living Facilities within 30 minutes driving time from the residences of my two oldest Children. Here's a summary of what I learned. https://www.seniorliving.org/assisted-living/costs/

Average Cost of an Assisted Living Community

The size of the assisted living facility you choose, the types of services, and amount of services you require all impact monthly fees. According to Genworth Financial, the average cost of assisted living in 2020 was $4,300 per month. Similarly, according to a National Center for Assisted Living report, the median cost for assisted living in the United States is about $4,300 per month or $51,600 annually. Over 800,000 Americans are residing in assisted living facilities, with just over half of residents being 85+ years old.

These statistics go to show the importance of assisted living in the nation. In a senior living community, you start with upfront costs. Assisted living communities and independent living communities generally have a monthly cost that could range from $2,000 to $8,000, and may make certain hospitality and care services available for an additional monthly fee. If you're looking for assisted living facilities, knowing the average cost of care across the country is a must.

Assisted Living vs. Aging in Place Costs

There is a constant debate between assisted living versus living at home among families when it comes to choosing the best option for taking good care of their senior loved ones. Many would argue that healthcare costs, especially for senior living, are increasing rapidly. But that is not entirely true. This public perception has to be corrected by making people aware of the realities of assisted living facilities. Nowadays, many would usually prefer living at home because it is less expensive than assisted living and technology, such as medical alert systems, allow seniors to be safely monitored in their home. It can be in most cases, but the total cost of assisted living is actually significantly less than living at home. Not to mention the daily assistance being provided in assisted living which enhances the quality of life and improves a senior's health and safety.

Factors That Impact Costs

The secret to getting your money's worth when choosing assisted living facilities is knowing the factors that impact assisted living costs because the price structures of these are dependent on the level of care that a resident requires.

You must know first the location to where you plan for your loved ones to settle. Ideally, you would settle for a place near your family as well. So it is important to know the average cost of care in different states which we have provided below based on Genworth's 2020 Cost of Care Survey.

You'll also need to consider the rent, utility, maintenance, meal, and personal care costs. Independent living or living at home usually would focus on rent or mortgage which usually results in overlooking the other necessities for senior care. In assisted living, the expenses cover the necessary things to provide quality care. If you take a look at it, assisted living is in its essence, financially equal to living at home because the level of care assisted living facilities provide is also what families should provide for seniors even living at home. The only difference now is a question of where our seniors will be provided with daily activities and entertainment to enhance their quality of life.

Living at home limits discovering opportunities for social interactions and daily activities. This is because entertainment is usually being cut back to save money. This is usually an unfortunate reality in senior living at home. There is an emphasis on this particular aspect because regular social activities are significant for seniors to stay fit and sharp. This can create the same atmosphere as when they have not retired yet and may provide the difference between surviving and thriving.

If your main concern is affordability or your budget, Genworth's Cost of Care Survey outlines the average daily, monthly, and annual costs of a private one-unit in an assisted living community in each state. This can serve as a good guide of what you can expect to spend on an assisted living facility in your state.

How About Independent Living Cost?

Who Is a Good Fit for Independent Living?

With so many types of senior living available, it can be difficult to understand which community type is the best fit for you or your loved one. We’ve made the decision easier by identifying some of the common qualities of independent living residents. Some of the people who should consider independent living include:

  • Seniors who do not need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), like bathing, dressing and medication management
  • Seniors who do not need medical assistance on a regular basis
  • Seniors who want assistance with cooking and home maintenance, but are not ready to give up their independent lifestyle
  • Seniors who live alone or feel isolated and would like to meet others through social and recreational activities
  • Seniors who are retired and ready to live a more laid back, convenient lifestyle
  • Seniors who desire the safety net of a 24-hour staff who can quickly provide help if needed

Independent living costs can vary dramatically depending on where you live and the specific community. Retirement communities that offer ample amenities and include the cost of meals in their monthly price will be much more expensive than basic senior apartments. One thing that is consistent is that independent living is the least expensive type of senior care because it does not offer personal care assistance and health services. In general, independent living will cost 30-50% less per month than assisted living.

https://www.assistedliving.org/independent-living/ 

Meanwhile enjoy this photo of sunset in Esalen, Big Sur, CA courtesy of Ditas


So far I am interested on this Facility in Concord, CA It is a bit pricey, But it is near Benecia, has a bridge club and has 2BR, 2Bath Apartments with Balcony.  

Independent and Assisted Living
Life at Oakmont is meant to be full of vitality, joy and purpose. Staff is
continually striving to offer a palate of activities that both resonate with and
challenge community members. Residents at Oakmont can choose from a
variety of pursuits designed to engage seniors physically, intellectually, and
socially. Regular physical activity is important to the physical and mental
health of everyone, and seniors often need encouragement and reassurance
to participate. A full social and activity calendar offers a spectrum of daily
pursuits. In-house events and excursions are scheduled on a weekly basis,
in addition to regularly scheduled daily events.
Opportunities to exercise may include:
• Walking Club
• Yoga and Tai Chi
• Zumba
• Strength and Stretch
• Water Aerobics
Mind sharpening activities might include:
• Group Scrabble
• Crossword
• Poetry Class
• Variety of Art Classes
• Bridge
uommunity involvement activities may include:
• Literacy Tutoring
• Volunteering at the local Animal Shelter
• Assembling care packages for service men and women
Social opportunities might include:
• Singing and music performances
• Happy Hour
Excursions to Art Galleries
• Attending the symphony
• Knitting Club
• Book Club
• Themed Parties
The staff at Oakmont enthusiastically and persistently encourages resident
participation in community events. New residents often experience an
improvement in both physical and mental conditions, in addition to a renewed
sense of belonging and community. 
 
On the other hand hiring a home care assistance perhaps 20 hours per week would be cheaper and I do not have to move out in this big house, I am attached to for 20 years. This option will be much cheaper that moving to a facility that fits my needs. I may not be able to play bridge, but I can still enjoy gardening and my house plants.  The cost of home care is averaging $25 per hour. That's $500 per week or $2000 per month versus independent living cost that I like is 8000 per month.  Because I am still mobile and just need assistance in minor housekeeping and transportation, staying at home with home care assistance, I feel is currently what I need.    

 

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Celebration of Life: David E Katague III via Photographs-Part 2

This posting is a continuation of David III Celebration of Life via photographs. Part 1 was posted a couple of days ago. Rest in Peace, David E. We missed you!!

 

This is the Nite Light in David's Room-I will light it every night to remember him!  This nite light keeps me company and I do not feel alone in this big 4BR ranch house. Although, I am comfortable alone in this big house, I am not rejecting the idea of moving to an Independent or Assisting Living facility within 30 minutes from my other children in the near future. It is something to think about as time  ticks by. 



 David E (RIP), Macrine (RIP) David E ( from Sydney) and ME

David E Helicopter and Plane Collections ( He has a lot of Computer Parts stored, since he was building computers as a hobby from parts he purchased from E-bay and Amazon.

David loved his wooden rooster and horse and other animals collection from the Philippines. 


Here's his room after Dodie had cleaned most of his knick knacks.



In my previous tribute to David E, I mentioned the White House Tours and Parties we attended as the immediate relatives of an OMB employee. I also forgot to mentioned that David E had attended the 106th Session of the House of Congress in 2000. Here's a photo of his Parking Permit as evidence. He kept it in his jewelry box together with Seiko and other jewelry collections. Not too many of us will have a chance to attend a US Congressional Session in our lives. Another event in David E life not mentioned at the last week Zoom Memorial was his six months aboard the SS Abraham Lincoln Naval Carrier. He was one of three civilians on contract by the US Navy in charge of the maintenance of the communication and computer system of the Battleship Carrier. The carrier traveled all over the world with stopover in the Middle East, Singapore, and Pert, Australia. He was on the ship for 6 months and was burnt out after that.   


  

 

This is David E favorite antique leather foot stool-he purchased from Antique Stores in our area.

Dodie and I rented a big Dump truck to discard all of his other junk accumulations and non- valuable properties from his room and from the Garage.  

David had more than 100 caps in his collection. The one below is from the SS Abraham Lincoln Battle Carrier.

This one is his trout cap that I am modeling today. You wear this if you want to get attention.


Lastly, If you have any picture of David E, could you please share it with me.

 

Thursday, March 24, 2022

A Reminder for Today-Zoom Meeting for David E at 11AM Pacific Time

David E and Office Mates During his Working Career in Washington DC, late 1990's

 Just to remind everyone of today's Zoom Meeting for David E. Link Below

"Dinah Katague is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Celebration of Life for David Katague III
Time: Mar 24, 2022 11:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87396691360?pwd=dGhEOUNsQ05vNE5nUVorbXhyejlXUT09

Meeting ID: 873 9669 1360
Passcode: 272724
One tap mobile
+16699006833,

,87396691360#,,,,*272724# US (San Jose)
+12532158782,,87396691360#,,,,*272724# US (Tacoma)

Dial by your location
        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
        +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 873 9669 1360
Passcode: 272724
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kbnR8fZ5qQ


--
Best regards,"

Dinah Katague

 Here are more photos of David and with Family

David E at Ian's Wedding Reception, November, 2021


David E( First from the Right) with Siblings and Nieces, 2017

Post Medical Mission Valentine Party, Bellarocca Resort, Buenavista, MRQ, 2011

David E during our 50th Wedding Anniversary, Boac, Marinduque 2017  

David E during Ditas 50th Birthday Party, Sacramento, 2015




 

 

Monday, March 21, 2022

Celebration of Life: David E Katague III via Photographs, Part 1

Celebrating the Life of David Ernst Katague III via Photographs

Last Thursday ( March 17), David E Katague III passed so suddenly, I am still numbed with grief. I posted in my blog the other day, what exactly happened. I received numerous messages of condolences from relatives and friends.  Again I thank you for your messages and phone calls from the bottom of my heart. In today's posting, I am sharing some photos to celebrate David's life. May He Rest in Peace, Amen.  A memorial service for David E via Zoom is scheduled for March 24, at 11AM. Details is posted on my FB page today on bottom of this page.   

David( 2nd from Right) and I with Siblings, Dodie, Dinah and Ditas during Ian's Wedding, 2021

During Our White House Tour when David E was still working for Office of Management and Budget during the Clinton-Gore Administration


David and his beloved Helicopter, 2004-2005

David and Miko ( our pet dog) Chateau Du Mer Beach, Amoingon, Boac, 2002




"From My Previous Postings: When we are in Marinduque, our second son David E. takes care of the yard, swimming pool and also the house here in Northern California. David is single and currently works for the Federal Government (TSA) in Sacramento. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from UC Davis and a Masters of Science degree in Public Management and Policy with concentration on Information Systems from Carnegie Mellon University. He used to work for the Office of Management and Budget(OMB) in Washington DC during the Clinton and Gore Administration.

During the time of his employment with OMB we received annual Christmas cards from the White House as well as special invitations to special events such as the Easter Egg Hunting in the lawn of the White House and Parties for OMB employees. David E is learning how to speak Tagalog. During our 50th wedding anniversary party in 2007, he addressed the guests in Tagalog and made a good impression. His Tagalog is improving but still has the American accent. Macrine(RIP) and I are proud of his desire to learn the language of his ancestry. Without David's help, we will never be able to enjoy staying in our island paradise in the Philippines for as long as we desire". 


From My Blogs: Several years ago, Macrine(RIP), David III and I spent one week of vacation (time share-exchange) in the beautiful island of Maui, Hawaii. We have scheduled one day of our week vacation for the popular, scenic and breathtaking drive- the Road to Hana. However, when I learned that the are numerous narrow and winding roads and bridges along the Hana Highway and because I am prone to motion sickness (in the car), we decided not to do it.  

David during Tiny Gregorio, MD(my niece) visit in Marinduque, 1998 

David (first from the Right-Front Row) during the Rene and Genny Nieva Family Reunion in their Condo in Eastwood, Makati in the Philippines, 2007

David Being Crowned during the Putong Ceremony in Boac, 2002

David showing one of the 4 Lechons Prepared during our 50th Wedding Anniversary, Boac, Marinduque, 2007 ( Back Balcony of the Main House)

David with Me and First Cousin Alix during my 85th Birthday Party, Fair Oaks, Ca

David with His Mom( RIP) and I with Frank Irlandez Resort in Mogpog, MRQ

David and I with First Cousin Elaine King during my 82nd Birthday Party, Fair Oaks, CA


David and I with First Cousin Dave E from Sydney,Australia visit here in California

David( with yellow cap) participated in the medical mission data collection in 2001(Marinduque). Lito Quiazon is standing with blue cap managing high school students and David helping (using the computer) with the data assessments.

David enjoying the post medical mission Valentine party at the Bellarocca Resort, Marinduque in 2011
 

If you have any pictures of David please send it to me via FB so I could post it in this photo memories of him.

Meanwhile, enjoy these photos from my garden this week



Here's David helping her Mom do her swimming therapy at our pool.

https://www.facebook.com/david.b.katague/videos/10210731955991389/ 

Final Note: Of my 4 children, David was the only one who had a very closed connection Marinduque. He was the only one who participated with MI, inc medical mission to the province. He was my only child who learned Tagalog and was interested in retiring to Chateau Du Mer in Marinduque. I love you and I really missed you today. May you rest in Peace and see your Mom in Heaven!

Dinah Katague is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Celebration of Life for David Katague III
Time: Mar 24, 2022 11:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87396691360?pwd=dGhEOUNsQ05vNE5nUVorbXhyejlXUT09

Meeting ID: 873 9669 1360
Passcode: 272724
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,87396691360#,,,,*272724# US (San Jose)
+12532158782,,87396691360#,,,,*272724# US (Tacoma)

Dial by your location
        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
        +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 873 9669 1360
Passcode: 272724
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kbnR8fZ5qQ

 

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