Snowbirds Living in the Philippines : Photos from Our Annual Hawaiian Luau, 2024

Saturday, August 10, 2024

Photos from Our Annual Hawaiian Luau, 2024

From Left to Right: MaryAnn DeWald, Me, Dean Elias and Marsha Kefer - Photo Credit: Jenny Shively.

THD celebrated the the Annual Hawaiian Luau yesterday outdoors. It was a very special day with the perfect weather cooperating. The Festivities started at 3:45PM with Cocktails, followed by Music and Entertainment ( Hula Dancers). The afternoon was culminated with an authentic Hawaiian Dinner also served outdoors. Here are some photos I took.

Appetizers- Fresh Fruit Kabob and Mini-Sandwich. I have Mai Tai for Cocktails

Me in my Dark Red Hawaiian shirt and Mary Ann DeWald in her dark yellow sun dress.

Jenny Shively, Marketing and Leasing Director and Newly Hired Activity Director. Kellie Schuyler

John and Carol Larimore with Carol Bradas and Mary Fenelon

New Residents Lorne and Janice Swanets dancing celebrating their 68 years of marriage.

Coleslaw Salad and Hawaiian Beer ( Kona Big Wave) was also available. It was a light beer.

Audience Participation of the Hula Dances- Marsha Kefer participating and Jay Pollack Watching

Earl and Arlene Goetze with Guests

Bridge Partners, Andi Shafer and Patty Healy and Joyce Gonzalvez

Sandi Green, Maureen Bell, Jean Kavale, Judy Mesick and Sue Kaplan enjoying the Pleasant Afternoon

Peggy Yamada and Martha Melendez (Face Covered by Pole)

Our Efficient and Beloved Servers at Newton's in their Hawaiian Outfits and Leis.

Dean Elias, David B Katague ( Me), Kellie Schuyler ( Newly Hired Activity Director) and Marsha Kefer

Thank You THD Staff and Management for a Wonderful Hawaiian Luau. The Gods must be listening since the afternoon was in perfect weather for Out Door Dining and Entertainment. This is another activity that enhances the well being and promotes sense of community of the Senior Residents. Again, Thank You, THD for a wonderful afternoon. Good Day to ALL!

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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.