CREATING A LIFESTYLE FOR MY GOLDEN YEARS

How long do you hope to live?  Do you want to live beyond a hundred?

This book says it is possible.  It says that statistics claim that the average life span of Americans today is 94, but scientific and medical research  show that it is possible to live up to age 120.  

I'm so happy that I attended this  interesting seminar yesterday at one of my favorite places, The Artists Gallery. 

I love to go there often to visit Cynthia, the owner, who became my good friend after I organized my sister's milestone birthday party last year. Cynthia turned her beautiful house into a gallery and it became an interesting event venue.  It is big enough to accommodate 140  guests but she has dividing doors to isolate an art class, give privacy to a family dinner or a business meeting, and even a ladies' tea party or a seminar like the one we had yesterday. 

Cynthia's sister, Fatima Bustos-Choy MD, now based in the US  unselfishly gave this free seminar for 30 people along with a very generous merienda. A delicious spread was set up at the dinning room.  There were salad greens, tasty noodles, dainty tea sandwiches, finger foods and various sinfully-delicious sugar-filled but irresitibly tempting desserts. 

In the above picture on the left is my friend, Nitz with Dr. Fatima between us. 

Nitz and I were greatly inspired by the insights shared by Dr. Fatima lifted from the book of a Korean bestselling author and one of the most renowned meditation teachers of our time: 

ILCHI LEE.   I am just starting to read this book and the 6-paged introduction alone already inspired me and got me all excited. 

I can easily relate with Ilchi Lee's book especially after reading another book of basically similar topic. 

The  100 Year Lifestyle book is by Dr. Eric Plasker, an internationally acclaimed wellness expert and a renowned chiropractic Doctor. 

My younger daughter who is into wellness, meditation and such and has been practicing yoga for years believe that many books has been written about the subject and they say basically the same things only in varying  styles.  I started reading  "Ageless Body, Timeless Mind"  by Deepak Chopra sometime ago but it is quite heavy for me to absorb easily so I'm taking it slowly.

I was telling myself that this seminar couldn't have been given at a better time than now.  Recently, we sold our 31-year-old convenience store.   I have been managing it while I was employed full time.  When I retired in 2005, I was glad I had the store to focus on and to exercise my management skills.  

For the past two months after parting with the store, I felt like I was hibernating in spite my attempt to keep myself busy fixing things around our home.   I'm also gardening along with Jim for a more productive edible backyard garden.  Most importantly, I've been soul searching for activities to make my life more fulfilling and purposeful.  

When our son FaceTime on weekends, he would ask what's keeping us busy.  Likewise I heard that my younger daughter is checking out from her older sister who lives in town about my current pre-occupation.  I guess our children are so used to seeing Jim and I always pre-occupied.  I know they want us to be happy.   Now I wonder, are they worried that we are already slowing down? 

At the seminar we were asked to look back to the first half of our  lives and to recall the challenges and struggles in the pursuit of our ambitions.  Ultimately it was said that the first part of life is mostly defined as the time spent in search for success, something people in general perceive as a prerequisite for social acceptance.  That's the reason it seemed so important during that period. 

What then shall we live for in the second half? 

What can we look forward to?  Shall we just sit back on our rocking chairs or in front of the TV and relax?  If we have the means, shall we keep on traveling in the hope that fulfillment maybe found somewhere away from home?   Shall we stop competing, just take it easy, go with the flow and let circumstances take over our lives?  

The book says, we need a plan, make an outline if we must, for the remaining years and decades.  It is also important to make up our minds how long we intend to live. 

It is a well-known fact that in this day and age people live longer than in their parents'  time.  This book says that in Japan where people are known to live the longest formulated a method by multiplying our current age by 0.7 to determine the age we actually feel physically and mentally.  I'm 73 now; if I multiply that by 0.7, I should be feeling and thinking like I'm only 51.  Interesting, right?  How do seniors feel about this?  To find out more about it, I think I have to check out how people really think and feel in their early fifties. 

Going back to the decision about how long we want to live,  I feel that this should be based on how we want to live, and what we want to live for.  I hope that my life plan will dawn on me after I finish the book.   Moreover, I need to line up goals that I still hope to accomplish; family milestones that I hope to be part of in the near and distant future; including other major considerations that I still couldn't put my finger on at this point. 

One thing is for sure though, regardless how long I intend to live, I want to look forward to a life of optimism, "in health and happiness, feeling that life is fun and rewarding".  

CUPCAKE MEATLOAF, MY FIRST TRY

I've been making meatloaf in forever using a loaf pan.  When I saw this idea on Facebook, I felt I've got to try it.  So I prepared it for our Friday dinner with my daughter and granddaughter following the suggested recipe and not my tried and tested meatloaf recipe. 

This is the meat mixture with egg, carrots, celery stalk, Parmesan,  bread crumbs and seasonings. 

I made big balls and dropped them on muffin pans lined with paper.  Popped them in the oven at 350 for 40 minutes. 

Baking doesn't complete the job though, this is not yet the finished product.  It should look like a real dressed -up cupcake. 

Here they are  with mash potatoes topping.  I'm not great in putting on icing that they're really not looking that great like a cupcake should be.

"What's for dinner, Nana?", my granddaughter asked.

"Cupcake meatloaf", I replied. 

"Interesting!"

Interesting but it was not quite popular.  I learned my granddaughter doesn't eat meatloaf, though she ate one.   Moreover, when my daughter cooks at home, she fries the slices like any meatloaf, homemade or otherwise.  But to be fair, they taste good as well and so not a flop afterall. 

Well, they're not really looking nice like all cupcakes do.   "Better luck next time", they all say, but there won't be a next time, promise!  Well not cupcake meatloaf anyway.  Im going back to my traditional meatloaf method and recipe. 

A FUN DAY AT THE SALCEDO COMMUNITY MARKET

Two weeks ago today, my sister from the US came for a visit.  Wanting to make her enjoy Filipino delicacies, food and wares, our son-in-law and older daughter brought us to the Salcedo Community Market.  This opens only on weekend mornings. 

Here we are at Salcedo Community Market

"I always like to go to markets and groceries", my sister told me.   I fully share her sentiment.  To me, they are like mines, you can never tell what they have in store.  

On the first stall we happened upon, my sister already bought puto and kutsinta to bring home.  We went around the stalls one after the other so as not miss anything.  

After passing several stores, we stopped to pose. 

Here is my daughter and  my granddaughter who couldn't  smile, I guess her month is full. 

                  Japanese pancakes

Pancake batter cooked on rounded steel molds; two pieces make a  sandwich where we can choose a filling.   I chose cream cheese, my sister wanted hazel nut spread and my granddaughter liked the choco chips. 

Mid-way around, our purchases added up and so are our bags became heavier. I got two containers of balaw-balaw (fermented rice with shrimps) it is Jim's favorite; suman sa lihya for merienda later and two packs of Lucban longanisa to bring home for breakfast 

Further along, I saw my sister grasping a roll of bills. When I raised an eyebrow in question she said:   "it's easier this way so I don't have to open my wallet every time I purchase.  Wow! She was in a buying mode 

There was roast corn in a cob, brushed with butter, it was my granddaughter's breakfast.  There's even grilled bangus (milkfish) with tomatoes and onions inside.  My sister bought one to bring home.  There was also lechon (Roast pig) served with sauce or a meal set with rice. 

I love this suckling pig roll, a piece of that crunchy goodness rolled in soft wrap with celery stick and hoisen sauce, it tasted like duck skin roll but more tasty. 

Grilled hotdogs, anyone?  My 4-year-old grandson would  love this. 

BBQ lovers will love this, especially the popular chicken inasal. 

Here are the all-time Pinoy favorites, ready to eat bopis, ginatang  ulam, kare kare, dinuguan, tapa, escargot, mussels, etc..  There's also bake Mac and lasagna. 

Oops! There are also plants and native crafts. Look at that Mexican hat on my sister. 

There were lots of Filipino delicacies in colorful containers and packages looking very attractive for balikbayans to bring back home. 

And for dessert, the "dirty ice cream" is one of the most delicious ice creams  I've ever tasted.

Finally after seeing almost everything , we bought our breakfast and found seats by the tables provided.  I didn't bring my water so I bought sago and gulaman  to wash down the Chinese lumpia and lechon I had.  

It was a pleasant experience that made us want to go back there.  I am truly amazed at the ingenuity of our folks to create delicious and interesting food and crafts.  

In my excitement, I all forgot to take more pictures.  Most of them were taken by my sister who wanted to show friends back home. 

OH NO! EVERYONE IS GOING TO HEAVEN SO SOON.

Our family doctor, Dr. Ric Pascasio left us so soon!  This is both a shock and a surprise, though not a pleasant one.  I thought all along that he'd outlive us, knowing him being so relaxed and simply taking life in stride. 

Whenever we visited him,  I often tell him to take good care of himself.  "Walang iwanan, Doc, ha?",  I recall saying that to him again the last time we visited.  I'm glad I brought him my homemade pudding  along with other snacks.  He just smiled.  Oftentimes he'd say not to blame him for taking care of us well that we may live beyond our 90's like his other patients. 

When Jim experienced a prolonged tummy issue at the turn of the millennium and the hospital seemed unable to pinpoint what's ailing him in spite several tests, my former boss urged us to see Dr. Ric Pascasio, who eventually became our family doctor. 

Immediately he assured Jim that he can help him, he stopped Jim from taking the eight medicines that the hospital prescribed and told him to take a pill of probiotics that stabilized the tummy and worked pretty much the same but more than what Yakult can do.  He didn't believe in altering the course of nature, instead he practiced bringing back the natural function of the body so it can heal itself.  

At the end of that first visit he promised Jim:

"I am your doctor and I will be responsible for your health, you can call me anytime day and night ".  True to his word, whenever we called, he would prescribe medicine on the phone. 

One time that I called  to consult about Jim's condition, he said, "I knew you'd call today, how are you?", I'm not surprised for he was gifted with keen intuition, so he can feel my vibes. 

 "Not so good doc, I'm having this sore throat, I feel like I'm going to get sick", I replied. 

"I thought so, I can hear it in your voice, you can take this capsule, three times a day". 

I'm sure that Jim and I are just among the thousands of people who felt physically, psychologically and emotionally relieved by this great Doctor.   He can see what's wrong through our eyes; thus there's no need to undergo the routine tests of X-ray, ultrasound or even MRI, unless you want to double-check. 

He always took time to share his anecdotes to relax his patients even when many were waiting for their turn outside his office.  He used to talk lengthily to his patients at odd hours in Australia, Japan, Canada and in the US, and that was before the advent of skype, FaceTime, viber  when overseas call is not cheap. 

He never ran out of stories, sometimes he would turn on his component and sing-a-long  "Hello, Dolly",  I believe it remained his favorite from his stint as a singer at Bayside, the famous nightclub in his prime.  He encourages everyone to dance and sway,  feel the rhythm and just get lost in the melody to keep the entire body in sync. 

You have to know this password:  "PPD" for "Pinaka-Poging Doctor" (the most handsome doctor) so the guards at the village gate will let you in.  All tricycle drivers in their village get free consultations.  When he prescribes medicine, he will give the most practical one and would refer patients for laboratory test at a clinic that charges reasonably.  Such is Dr. Ric Pascasio, a jolly fellow, compassionate, with simple taste but with exceptional talent to treat the sick.  He will always be fondly remembered. 

I say everybody is going to heaven and leaving us since just last week, another buddy of Jim also passed away , a health buff who runs marathons.  At this phase in our lives, we readily get news that a former colleague or a friend is seriously ill or have passed.  Sometimes it is depressing. 

The recent passing of Dr. Ric Pascasio, the shock we experienced when we heard the sudden passing of congressman Roilo Golez, Jim's former classmate and friend as well as Jim's buddy, Ed from Petron somehow made me all the more aware that life is short.  BTW, MY family is still mourning the passing of my sister-in-law  (wife of my eldest brother), we just marked her 40th day this week while we are still recovering from the loss of our compadre, the father-in-law of my older daughter who also passed a few months ago. 

Such is the order of nature, it is inevitable, only the timing that is not known to us.  That is the very reason I always tell myself to live in the moment; urging me more than ever to throw myself into it and live it to the fullest for as long as it lasts.  And there is always that hope that maybe it won't end so soon. 

My Ten Best-Loved Novels A Day On Facebook

I was nominated by Grace, my childhood friend and now a multi-awarded author (of 50 books and counting) to post my most-loved novels one day at a time for ten days.  In turn, I will nominate and tag a different friend everyday to do the same.  

I'm not fond of such Facebook challenges but I just couldn't pass up this one, like the 100-Happy-Days-Living-for-Today" challenge suggested by my younger daughter earlier on.  For 100 consecutive days I made a post on Facebook about something that made me happy everyday.

The "The-100-Happy-Days-Living-for-Today" challenge  gave me a better awareness of my surroundings and the people around me.  It took another level of appreciation and sensitivity to draw out the interesting ones that made me happy, it did  not matter whether they were insignificant at all to others.  

I'm optimistic that this novel challenge will bring me another level of joy because this will also be about my Facebook friends.  Moreover, it will surely remind me of those early days reading them.  I'm excited and at the same time curious what my friends' favorite novels are, I wonder if their choices  are  similar to mine. 

Upon seeing my nomination, I immediately dug into my books but I couldn't find any novel except this one.  Obviously, this made my first post. 

Most of those I retained after my declutter 3 years ago (when we moved to this new home) are self-help books about life, health and aging gracefully.  But I have this book, so apparently it meant much to me otherwise it could have gone with the rest.  With the advent of iPad, I stopped buying paperbacks and read on line. 

I was temporarily at a loss what I'd post the next day.  I could google though but...what?  My mind drew a blank. I couldn't recall authors nor the titles of novels I enjoyed.  What to do?

Wait! I could recall some plots  but not the titles of novels nor their authors.  Fortunately again Jim, who is also one of my blog editors came to my rescue.  

For instance, I asked him about the story of a priest who had a secret love affair.  I  recall the scene in Australia,  I can still picture sheep stations in my mind as described in the book. and Jim, as if he was just thinking about it automatically said: "The Thorn Birds".

"Come on", I said.  "Tell me more about the novels we enjoyed together earlier" and so our recollection began.  We came out with seven worth posting; I googled the book covers and read their synopses to make sure they are the novels we talked about. 

This is great, we found a common topic that we both enjoyed; we are happy to know that when we put our minds on things,  downloading from our memory banks come easily.  Isn't that great for guys in their seventies? 

Here are the rest of my choice novels that I posted: 

2nd day: 

3rd day:

4th day:

5th day:

6th day:

7th day:

8th day:

9th day:

10th day:

Wait!  Why did I fail to include this book?  I love this. At least I can post it here. 

I could have posted more, like a novel each of Barbara Delinsky, Danielle Steel, Nora Roberts, Eileen Goudge, Pearl S. Buck, etc.  however, please don't think that I'm that ancient.  I also read Dan Brown and the works of more modern authors, though the earlier ones are those I remember most.  Besides, the more books I read, the less I can remember.  

When I reached adolescence my Mama started me with the wholesome love stories of Emilie Loring while my older brother had the whole set of Tom Sawyer.  Immediately after,  we graduated to the mystery novels of Earl Stanley Gardner and Perry Mason, then came the Ian Fleming thrillers that my parents and brother enjoyed. 

Today, I seldom read bestsellers, unlike earlier when I read one every month. Nowadays I read mostly contemporary romance from Kobo, the beauty of Bookbub is they present free and cheap novels based on your reading history. 

So guys, what do you think of my choices? Too feminine?

IN SEARCH FOR LIFE'S PERFECT BLEND

Someone wrote that the theory of work-life balance where we try to give equal time and attention to our professional and personal lives, and treating them like two different things is no longer effective in this modern cyber world.  

Since we are not unplugged at home, emails and calls from work are inevitable; sometimes we even need to bring home work.  So, how are we going to manage this?  And what about those who work from home, how do they draw the line? 

Some say that finding the perfect blend works best.  One suggested to think like making a cocktail, what are the elements we want to put in?  A cocktail glass can only contain so much, and like our lives; we can only do so much in a day, a week, a month, a year.  That's why we must choose well which ones to include in our lives.  We need to prioritize.  

Well, I am not employed anymore so I don't need to divide my time between work and play, but I need a perfect blend more than ever.  We seniors know that we are living in borrowed time; so many things to do, lots to focus on with so little time. 

Here are the things I'd love to incorporate in my life.   I'm hoping to make a good blend so I can enjoy a wholesome lifestyle.  Wholesome meaning conducive to and suggestive of good health and well being. 

A load of family time

Time with my family is the first to go into my blend.   I don't want to miss any milestone in their lives.  I'd drop everything for a chance to bond with any and all of them. 

A dash of social life

I read about a lady at 80 who didn't want to bother with the workings of the Internet and does Facebook live.  Everyday she walks along main street and talks to people; sharing what she is currently doing, talking about her feelings like she is posting them.  She carries pictures of her grandchildren, her pet, where she dined last night to show around and she gets likes and comments personally from people.

Likewise she gives comments and thumbs up to peoples' stories.   As of her writing, she already has 4 followers.   Isn't that interesting, bringing Facebook to another level?  Instead of sitting down with her gadget, she's interacting with actual people.  I'd say that's a great social life.  It just proves that if there's a will, there's a way. 

Diet

I can't say which diet is best for anyone, this depends on our health condition.  My doctor says to go slow on sweets, fatty and spicy foods and I can eat anything I want but only in moderation.  I believe this is a good idea for everyone. 

It is challenging to eat right at all times especially when we have company or when we eat out or while traveling.  Im just glad I found a healthy everyday breakfast that I like. 

A heavy dose of exercise

I met this health-buff neighbor who became a good friend on my morning walks.  Her health mantra: "good health is based on 70% diet and 30% exercise.  That seems to work for her since she must be in her golden years but she runs 2 kilometers daily; when we walk together, I can't even keep up with her. 

Walking is my main exercise, I think it is the best and safest exercise for seniors like me.   While walking, I think clearly and I gather inspiration for my blog.   Exercise is necessary in our lives,  this is non-negotiable; we just have to do it in any which way that works for us. 

Double or triple splash of hygiene

Hygiene is very important to keep harmful bacteria at bay.  Moreover, we seniors should double or triple our hygienic routine otherwise we can't expect our grandchildren to stay on our laps, much less want to kiss or hug us. 

Stir in passion to realize our dreams

The pursuit of a dream will make us do and experience new things we never thought possible.  Doing what I love gives me great satisfaction mentally and emotionally along with a feeling of pride and accomplishment.  

The beauty of "blending a cocktail"  idea makes my life less of a monotony because I can change the formula as often as I want.  In fact, I can customize it  as I go along by allocating more time for those that make my life more interesting. 

Did you know that even if we failed to take better care of ourselves earlier and have been careless with our diet,  it would still make a lot of difference if we start now?  It is never too late to live healthy because at the end of the day our overall health depends on how we manage it. Therefore today is the best day to exercise good choices in our diet and activities. 

I hope that the basic recipe I chose would work for me.  My gauge?  I have to ask my self.  Do I feel that sense of well being?  Am I happy and fulfilled?  Do I feel great most of the time in spite some stiff joints and the little aches and pains due to old age?   Did I miss anything in the lives of my love ones?  

Have I found the perfect blend?  If not, I better change my concoction.  

Summer Garden Highlights

IT'S SUMMER!

The time of the year with plenty of sunshine, the time when veggies and fruits thrive in our tropical Philippines.   Now, let me update you on our edible garden, not only the backyard but the front lawn has herbs now. 

"Gardening nowadays is not all about getting plenty of flower arrangements for our homes but more for the hearty edibles and drinkables", says Kim Palmer of the Star Tribune. 

There is so much joy in growing part of our own food because we get  them fresh and organic.  I enjoy going to the front lawn every morning to cut tarragon, basil and mint leaves for our tea.  When I cook stew, I go to the backyard to pluck leaves of oregano for flavoring and pandan for pleasant aroma.  

"Are we having salad today?"  Jim would ask so he will gather lettuce.  "The bitter gourds are ready for picking, would you cook that today?" , he would ask to know whether my meat dish would compliment it. 

Let me show you our herbs. We moved most of them to the front lawn where there is more sunshine. 

BASIL

I prepared this PESTO using two cups of the leaves. 

THYME 

I always use thyme for my soups.

ROSEMARY

This herb is very useful for roasts though I love to sprinkle the leaves on baguette toast.  Rosemary with thyme and marjoram will make a great combination of flavors. 

TARRAGON

I pour hot water to two short stalks of tarragon in each of the mason jars. When the water turns Amber, my tea is ready.  There is so much health benefits and vitamins from tarragon that's why we drink this tea regularly.  Adding basil and mint leaves makes it more flavorful, it is even more refreshing when refrigerated. 

Mint in our front door. 

                                           

MINT 

is often used as garnish and/or dressing for salads and for tea. 

I also use mint as organic insecticide.  Water from boiled mint leaves and stems when sprayed on plants remove aphids and other harmful insects.  A cup of alcohol added to a liter of mint water eliminates insects when sprayed indoors, especially in dark corners and under the sink. 

OREGANO

This is great for stews, I chop two big leaves of oregano and add this when cooking the popular Filipino dish, the adobo.  I also use this in cooking caldereta, afritada and mechado.  

The juice of its leaves gives relief for cough.  When my cough persisted for two weeks of taking medicine,  my maid took pity on me, she extracted the juice from oregano leaves.  I took that for two days and I got my relief. 

GINGER and TUMERIC

This is a daily kitchen staple used in many different dishes, especially oriental recipes.  Water boiled with ginger soothes sore throat.

PANDAN

This is used as flavoring for cakes, jello and some dishes.  I use it to give a pleasant aroma to my soups. When I add a pandan leaf in the rice cooker, I have the whole house smelling great.  In Singapore some cab drivers use it as car freshener

LEMON GRASS

This is used to enhance the flavor of dishes and used as roast stuffing for chicken, lechon (roast pig) and even fish. 

Let me bring you to the backyard to see the veggies:

                                   Another view of the trellis

BITTER GOURD or Amargoso

Jim and I are so happy that his bitter gourd is bearing so much fruit.   

I sautéed our first harvest in yellow bean paste and it was so delicious.  Old folks believe that if one is the jealous type, his/her bitter gourd dish will turn out so bitter even after cooking. 

                                               Before

                                      After 10 days

LETTUCE LOLLO ROSSA

A type of louse-leaf lettuce has red leaves perfect for salads.  The curly leaves are sweet and tender and hold salad dressing well.  

It is also used to wrap barbecued meat and eaten like a taco wrap. 

This patch are now planted with lettuce LOLLO ROSSA (red patch), Ching chai pai tsai (pachoy) and at the far end is kangkong (local water cress).  Fronting the stone jar-and-bowl are mint.

MORINGA TREE is

dubbed as "the medicine cabinet" or "super food" because of the numerous vitamins and minerals it contains.  In our locality, we believe that construction workers get a great part of their strength from these leaves since it is often included in their daily viand. 

Ohh, I almost forgot!  Look where Jim planted okra; in front of the vacant lot next door.  

                                        Here's a partial close-up

How did you like our garden this summer?  

Jim and I tend this garden together, well, I propagate the herbs, sometimes I remove dry leaves, re-arrange some pots and basically that's it.  Jim practically does most of the gardening work and I take pictures!