Snowbirds Living in the Philippines : Barbara Gallagher by Guest Writer, Richard Botton

Sunday, April 7, 2024

Barbara Gallagher by Guest Writer, Richard Botton

I just want to express my feelings about the fact that our beloved Barbara Gallagher has left Heritage for a place in Berkeley more suited to her particular needs. Most of you are probably aware, she will reach 103 years old this May. She was the most unusual person I have ever known. She is also the oldest resident here at THD.

Barbara and Daughter Sandy enjoying Happy Hour Moments ( also photo below)

As a clergyman of another faith, I have visited her on occasions ( both sad and joyful ) and she welcomed my prayer chants on her behalf. She was a truly religious human, and felt that her prayers were heard by the Eternal.. and they certainly were. She made it to church every Sunday , following her friend Buzz. When he passed on, she used her mobile electric “ “scooter” to get to church alone.

At her age, it was amazing to see her exercising at our strength and balance classes-never shirking one of the movements. She was fortunate to have a loving, attentive daughter, Sandy, and a wonderful grand daughter Cassie, who in love, tended to all her material and emotional needs.

Rumor has it that she carried on the financial end of the family hardware business. What I feel now, and others will agree, is that she was a model for all of us. I will miss her presence very much !!!!

Personal Note: I have had several meal times conversations with her. At her age, she is alert and she is also my role model for a person who is aging gracefully💗💗. I also admired her tenacity and patience during our Strength and Balance Exercises with Austin.

I have also several conversation with her grand daughter Cassie- also a model for the younger generations. When I see Barbara in her electric scooter it reminded me of some of my favorite quotes on aging. 💚💚

Barbara Gallagher 100th Birthday Party Here at Newton's Restaurant- Before My Time

Good Luck to your MOVE!! I will miss you here also at THD specially your speeding activity in the Garage Freeway from Newton's to the Liberty Building with your Electric Scooter. Je vous/te souhaite bonne chance ! and Buena suerte en tu mudanza. Good Luck in your move!

💗💗https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2019/05/ten-encouraging-thoughts-in-aging.html

💚💚https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2021/11/some-of-my-favorite-and-positive-quotes.html

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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.