Snowbirds Living in the Philippines : My Neighbor was Lucky at the Casino, Yesterday

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

My Neighbor was Lucky at the Casino, Yesterday

Our next door neighbor that comes with us every time we go to the Casino won more than a thousand dollars playing the slot machine, China Shore, yesterday. She can not believed her luck she could hardly speak after the win. Macrine and I were not present when she hit 100 free spins and hit full screen ( Chinese red flowers- see video) and bingo she hit one thousand three hundred dollars. She almost fainted with disbelief as players nearby screamed with delight.

The casino manager asked her SS so she can pay taxes for her win. I told her to talk to the Casino office and ask for documentation of her losses during the last six months. She may be able to document that her wins is less than her losses for the last 6 months so that she may not have have to pay taxes for her win. She plans on talking to the Casino management the next time we visit the Casino, probably in two weeks.

Our lucky neighbor informed us that at about ten minutes before our scheduled departure, she had lost already about $250. While waiting for us, she decided to play again her favorite slot, China Shore located near the Exit Elevator and WOW she hit the 100 free spins. Ten minutes later we arrived and informed her we are ready to go as Macrine was getting tired. She was very quiet, but before we could reach the parking lot, she informed us of what happened. She asked us if we will accept a $100 gift( Balato) from her or she could treat us to dinner. We refused since we already had dinner at the Buffet. We told her we will take a rain check on that dinner invitation.

Personal Note: Do not go to the Casino if the money you gamble is needed to buy your groceries. Casino Gambling can be addicting.

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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.