Snowbirds Living in the Philippines : 1991-1992: Photo Trip Down Memory Lane-London and Bath, England

Saturday, July 12, 2014

1991-1992: Photo Trip Down Memory Lane-London and Bath, England

My second year with FDA with colleagues Dr Nahid Rejali Moktari( formerly from Iran) and Mr. Erne Pappas ( Greek ancestry), 1991

Me and Ernie Pappas, the first FDA employee that welcome me with open arms and a friendly(?) gesture, calling me a "whippersnapper*".( see definition of whippersnapper below)

Baby Ian Katague King with Lolo and Lola-Ian is our first grandson, 1991

Ian with Lolo, San Diego, California, 1991

Yong Nieva and Debbie with Marla and Miquel, San Bruno, California, 1991

Baby Ian with Mama Dinah Katague King. 1992

During Ian Baptism, 1992

We hold on to the antique buffet( right photo) until 2002 and even transported it to Maryland from California at FDA expense. But when I retired we decided to sell it to the buyers of our home in Hammonton Rd including our living room furniture so we do not have to pay a coast to coast shipping expense.

Trip to London to attend the football game of the 49'niners vs the Redskins, 1992

Trip to Bath, England, 1992

The London Theatre District- On our way to watch a London Broadway Musical-Miss Saigon

*: a young person who annoys older people by being very confident and acting like someone important

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Joys of Retirement

I have been retired from USFDA since 2002. At first, I feel I have lost my identity as an individual or have lost my contribution to society. However, within a few weeks all these feelings were gone. It started when my wife and I started baby sitting one of our grandchildren. As some economics professor states: "Your children are your capital investments, but your grandchildren are your profits. That is why you love your grandchildren more than your children". I really agree with the statement. Retirement also gives you lots of time to do things you like to do, such as your hobbies and of course travel. In my case, I turned my hobby of gardening and landscaping into a small business in the Philippines. This endeavor was planned about five years before 2002. That year my wife and I started construction of our retirement home in Boac, Marinduque , Philippines. The next year we built a beach house, followed by a Conference Hall two years later. Needless to say, planning and executing the landscaping was a challenge and very enjoyable. With the help of local labor, I not only enjoy the time gardening and landscaping, but also help improved the economic situation of the province by providing work and jobs to the local residents. With plenty of time, I have engaged into two specific activities as follows: First, I created a website for my small business. By trial and error, I created and design the website, www.chateaudumer.com I have never been a computer nerd or expert. But with plenty of time and patience, the fruits of my labor could be enjoyed if you visit the website above. The second activity, I have not done before was to utilize on-line activities, such as shopping, paying bills ( save you stamps) and playing computer games in the Internet. I really enjoyed playing duplicate bridge on line. You play with players all over the world and can chat in between games. But be careful, you are not spending too much time in the computer. It is very addictive. With a lots of time, my wife and I devoted more time on our favorite humanitarian project. For the last 15 years, we have been involved with medical mission to the province of Marinduque. For details please visit the website: www.marinduqueinternational.org As a summary, the joy one gets on retirement is very specific for an individual. Some enjoy their free time by learning new activities, getting involved with humanitarian projects or spending more time with their grandchildren. Others hate it, since they missed their former jobs and co-workers. Others with no children still enjoy retirement by traveling, turning their hobbies into business or more community involvement. Of course those that retire and hate it, is believe to die earlier than those that enjoy their retirement years. So, plan your retirement as early as you can. The happier you are on retirement, the longer you will live.