Alix and Brendan Quinn Treated Us to Dim Sum Lunch Yesterday

It has been a while since I had Dimsum in Foggy but Beautiful City of San Francisco. However, yesterday noon time, Grand Daughter Alix Katague Quinn and newly wedded husband Brendan Quinn treated us to one of the best rated ( Michelin Star) Dim Sum Restaurant in San Francisco. It was the HK Lounge Bistro located at 1136 Folsom St., San Francisco, 94103, USA. https://hkloungebistro.com/

Here's what Michelin says about the restaurant:

"When its previous incarnation was destroyed by fire, no one was injured, but nonetheless many mourned the loss of one of the city's most cherished Cantonese establishments. With its return, dim sum devotees can rejoice once again, and indeed you're likely to find this modest yet tidily appointed SoMa spot full of regulars during lunch hours. Families and business types alike find pleasure in artfully pleated Shanghai dumplings filled with rich broth and fresh crab meat, or baked pork buns with a crackling topping; sweet bites like fried sesame balls, egg tarts and mango pudding are also much admired. At dinner, the menu is fleshed out with more substantial, large-format dishes, including crisp-skinned roast duck and fragrant steamed seabass".

Since a Picture is worth more than a thousand words, here are some Photos of our Dim Sum Gastronomic Adventure yesterday. Thank You Alix and Brendan. In our party are: Daughter Dinah, Grand Daughter Alix and Husband Brendan, Grandson Philip Katague and Grand Daughter Marina with Boy friend Wyatt Stoker (see photo above).    

Brendan ordering more Dessert Dim Sum Dishes

Alix, Marina and Philip are the Children of my oldest son, Dodie Katague

What I really enjoyed is the Pork Barbecue Bun. The dough of the Bun was so moist and tender and from what I read it is a special recipe of the restaurant cook and owner.  There was also a sticky rice dish wrapped in banana leaves that I have not tasted for quite sometime. 

https://www.seriouseats.com/glutinous-rice-and-chinese-sausage-wrapped-in-banana-leaves-recipe

I recommend this Dim Sum Place to all my readers of this blog. 

For additional Details visit: 

https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/california/san-francisco/restaurant/hk-lounge-bistro

Travel with Me to Dublin and Belfast via Carenna KT Photos

My Grand Daughter Carenna Katague Thompson has completed her Fall Semester at Queen's University in Belfast, North Ireland last month. On weekends during the semester she had chance to travel around Dublin and Belfast. Here are some of Carenna photos taken during her school break. Enjoy!!!

Carenna loves Ireland and is reluctant to go back to Washington DC her mother school for her Master Degree in International Studies at Georgetown University.    

Personal Note: Ditas and Carenna informed me just recently that they were invited by Stephanie Rivera( spouse of Coach Ron Rivera of the Commanders Football Team) during the New Years Game with the 49ers. They were seated at the Head Coach Suite/Box in the FedEX Field in Landover, MD.  

Carenna and Ditas also sent me photos of them playing bowling at the Truman Bowling Alley in the White House just a couple of days ago. 

Daughter Ditas and Grand Daughter Carenna at the Truman Bowling Alley in the White House

Sway with Me- My Favorite Zumba Music Here at THD

Zumba is one of the activity that I love here at THD.  Sabrina Monahan our teacher vivacious personality and dancing skills, I will always remember.  Sometimes, I do not feel like it( aching knees and slight back ache), but forced myself because I like the music. Sway with Me is one of my Favorite Music with the Cha Cha beat. 

Sway with Me is my Favorite music during our Zumba and Happy Hour Events here at THD. Marsha and I can not help but dance the Cha Cha with the music even if my knees are aching that day. 

https://youtu.be/4tdJBa2iZBY

Here' s a little bit of history of this recording by Dean Martin.   This date in 1966 saw the release of 'The Best of Dean Martin', a compilation album of Dean Martin songs, released by Capitol Records (Oct 26, 1966)

NOTE: In lieu of a clip featuring Dean singing SWAY, I've colorized a dance scene to accompany the song - from the 1941 Hollywood musical comedy film 'You'll Never Get Rich' featuring FRED ASTAIRE & RITA HAYWORTH.

SWAY is about dancing, and being infatuated with your dance partner - Martin sings that when they sway together on the dance floor she is all he sees.

This song was written in 1953 as "Quien Sera" by the Mexican bandleader Pablo Beltran Ruiz. Norman Gimbel, who also wrote English lyrics for "The Girl From Ipanema," did the same for this song, which Martin Recorded.

Some of the popular singers who have recorded this include Bobby Rydell, Ben E. King, Michael Bublé and Cliff Richard. 

Martin's rendition was used on the TV shows House ("The Down Low" - 2010) and Masters of Sex ("Thank You For Coming" - 2013). It was also featured in the movies Small Time (2014), Sexy Beast (2000), Beautiful Creatures (2000), and Payback (1999).  

Here's a video of the Zumba with the Music Sway. Sabrina's Choreography is better than this one.    

https://youtu.be/9Hx2-oZU3t8?si=I8PTkrgt-oYwd3cb

Meanwhile here was my dessert at dinner last night- Panna Cotta with Berries

 

Should I Continue My Blogging Activities?

My Bougainvillea in my Patio is still Blooming- January 2, 2024 

While searching for my previous articles on food with low Potassium, I accidentally click on this old posting I wrote in 2011. After reading it, I have decided to repost it because currently I felt like quitting blogging.  A little hint of burn out. 

However, recently I have received a few  positive written comments in my postings, and several encouraging verbal comments from a few of my senior co-residents here at THD.  If you are one of my readers,  do you think I should quit blogging?  Your response will be appreciated.  

Here's a repost of my article that inspire me to continue blogging in 2011.  

B.Why I continue Writing for ViewsHound*( 2011)

Photo from allowwomenstalk.com

Positive comments and feedbacks to my articles are the reasons why I keep writing for ViewsHound (VH). I started writing for VH last August, 2011. As of today, I have submitted more than sixty articles and photographs. I have over 23,500 views, 22 followers, 9 badges, a gold and bronze winning articles. 

The following are my favorite commentators and their comments: M. Abott, D. Hamilton, G. Maoli, L. Arota, J. Bird, S. Ozmore, D. Page, D. Reynolds, J. Willoughby, S. Powers, S.C. Joy, L. Silverman, M. Dragoo, F. Lachica, V. Vizarra and G. Buesnel.

Mark Abbott.UTEP- Comment to, You have to fail on order to succeed.

I think this is the most positive thing I've read all week and possibly even all month. I wish everyone had the "can do" attitude that you have. I've been struggling like hell to perfect it for some time now and as discouraging as it can be at times, I think I've made a great deal of progress. I remember reading someones quote once (can't remember who it was) that said if you fail 999 times out of 1,000, you actually succeeded in finding 999 ways NOT to do something. Thanks so much for posting this. It makes a world of difference to see the necessary little reminders in the work of other writers. 

Deb Hamilton · Top Commenter · Chicago, Illinois- Comment to, The best Christmas gift I have ever received.

I really loved this story! You must make friends easily... or I don't think your support system would have been this strong. You deserve some of the credit here, for sure. Very sweet tale.

Gianandrea Maoli · Top Commenter · Freelance writer at ViewsHound- Comment to, Am I a born or made writer?

Wow! One of the most encouraging pieces I've seen on VH! I would say that as far as great writers are concerned, I think there's a combination of being born to be great and being made into one. I think that even if your are born into it, it does take a writer a lot of time, patience, and even courage to keep writing and learning until they find the right way to express themselves. I do agree with you that it has great therapy tools to express your thoughts which is what I try to do with short stories in general. You did that very well in this work and I hope to see others from you in the future.

Lorna Paroginog Arota · Chinese Gen. Hospital school of nursing -Comment to, Childhood memories of the Japanese-American war in the Philippines-Part 2

You captured the WWII story through your wife's perspective in such an emotional and personal way. Your mother in- law lost a sister very dear to her heart from the hands of merciless Japanese soldiers who by no means will not spare any lives if you're in their way. I don't blame your mother for hating the Japanese, as my mother also did. That is the cruelty of war. Great article! you deserve another gold prize Dave.

Jan Bird · Top Commenter · College of Ripon & York St John -Comment to, Am I a born or made Writer?

This is the first article I've read today, David and it's a good one! I'm flattered to be quoted but I've never thought of myself as a "born" writer. I'm not fishing there, it's just not how I think of it. I think you can always learn and that we're all learning, constantly, from everything we write and everything we read, whether it's fiction, other writers' articles or mainstream journalism. We learn both how to do it and how not to do it. It is a craft and we can spend a lifetime perfecting and refining it. That's going to be one of life's pleasures for me for the rest of my life. I'm delighted for you that you've discovered such a love for writing and such a talent for getting your personal thoughts into words. You followed your heart and it shows. Your pieces are always deeply personal and reflective and I really enjoy that.

Susan Ozmore · Top Commenter- Comment to, I have an inferiority complex writing for ViewsHound

I really enjoyed your article. I'm a math/science person and also feel a sense of inferiority when compared to people who have spent far more time writing than I have. Although, I've done quite a bit of technical writing and have been told I do a very good job "translating" complex things into understandable prose, I still haven't gotten up the nerve to write for ViewsHound. I have started a blog though, and knowing that I'm not alone in feeling inadequate, maybe I'll get up the nerve soon to write for VH. The only thing is that your article is Excellent! I don't know if I can compare :-) Keep writing!

Dennis L. Page · Top Commenter · Onondaga- Comment to, Childhood memories of the Japanese-American war in the Philippines

You have presented the reader with a gut wrenching and true to life experience that only those like you, who experience such things can relay to the rest of us. My deceased father served in the United States Army in combat during WW II. First he was in New Guinea and then in the jungles of the Philippines. He was also taken from the front lines to learn how to do the initial land invasion of Japan. That, of course, never happened, but my dad always spoke highly of the Filipino people.

Debra Copley Reynolds · Top Commenter · Consultant at Princess House, Inc. -Comment to, Childhood memories of the Japanese-American war in the Philippines

A fascinating read, thank you. My grandfather served on a supply ship during WWII and told a few stories, I wish I had listened closer. Consider writing your tale in book length, please!

Jessica Willoughby · Top Commenter · Hard to Define at Developmental Skills Center-Comment to, Why I have an inferiority complex writing for ViewsHound

David, thank you for your kind words in your article. I love that you wrote this from such an authentic and honest viewpoint of how you felt. However, I want you to know that you are not alone in that feeling. To be completely honest, I think we all feel that way about something at some point. The very people you were so kind to put me in the company of, leave me in awe with their words. I could only aspire to someday write half as well as them. I think that you are a good writer. I write about topics which feel comfortable and creative for me. I love to read the work of so many others people because I can gain knowledge on topics that I am naive on. I enjoy reading about the things you write about, and there is never a need to feel inferior to anyone else. Easier said than done, I know. I am much better at giving that advice, than living that advice. Thanks again for your kind words. Nice piece, and keep up the good work. The more we write, the better we become. You know the old adage, practice makes perfect :) Have a great evening David!

Sarah Powers · Milwaukee, Wisconsin- Comment to, Domestic abuse against men: the battered husband

Thank you for writing this article, I know of a lot of people who don't believe, excuse, ignore, or even laugh at abuse of husbands. It's unfortunate that society feels this way about the abuse, and even rape of men. Hopefully articles like this will inspire people to think critically about these issues and what equality really means.

Susan Creamer Joy · Top Commenter · Works at Freelance Artist- Comment to, Memorable excerpts from the writings of my favorite authors at ViewsHound

Leslie is correct, David. We'll need enlarged exits from VH now:)) As for me, I am flattered and thrilled to be among this talented bunch and am equally inspired by and impressed with the many other wonderful writers here, yourself included:) Now, will someone call my driver and fetch my wrap? :)) Thank you, indeed!

Leslie Silverman · Top Commenter- Comment to, Why I am writing for ViewsHound

As always, David - honest, and direct well stated. Thanks for the mention. Keep writing for viewshound so we have the pleasure of reading you!

Michelle Dragoo · Top Commenter · Supervisor, Anatomic Pathology at Edward Hospital-Comment to, Memorable excerpts from my favorite ViewsHound authors

I have never been recognized, so, thank YOU. This truly brought tears to my eyes. I feel blessed to be in this esteemed group of writers.

Fernando Ceballos Lachica · Top Commenter · Works at Triond-Comment to, I have inferiority complex writing for ViewsHound.

Your writing style is great and I loved it! I can relate to your article actually. A Gold for you today! Cheers David!

Vic Vizarra · Top Commenter · Technology Consultant/Managing Owner at Viz-Mart Int'l. Computers-Comment to-Afterglows in the sunset of our lives.

I am now beginning to follow your articles and blogs. Hopefully you could lead me to your article about the revival of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant. I was then an electrical engineering student in 1977 when I visited the nuclear power plant as part of our field trip requirement for graduation. I was pretty much impressed by the design and set-up of said power plant and was just sad to know it just got wasted and not utilized as intended.

**Gail Buesnel · Top Commenter-Comment to, Childhood memories of the Japanese-American War in the Philippines**

David thank you for this aspect of the war. My uncle was a British POW held by the Japanese and freed by General MacArthur the same day the Japanese sent in death squads to murder all prisoners. He has written a book and a portion of it deals with his POW experiences. It would be fascinating to have all aspects recorded in a book, yours as a civilian, the POW's, the liberating Americans and even a Japanese soldier. I am going to try to send this article to my uncle via my cousin. Congratulations on winning the prize.

*Note: ViewsHound went out of business around December 30, 2011.

Meanwhile here's a photo of my potted Poinsettia for your viewing pleasure, keeping it until the Feast of Three Kings and plant it in my patio afterwards. 

May 2024 be a Prosperous year for You and Your Love Ones!    

Do not Forget your Rent for this Month!!

Photos from Our New Year's Eve Happy Hour- Maligayang Bagong Tan

The lobby was filled to capacity. There was live music, champagne flowing freely with crab cakes, mini empanadas, mini cheese cupcakes and delicious hors d'oeuvreas served with gusto by Karen, Galen and Teresa. It was an event to remember. Marsha and I danced twice to a Cha Cha and a Rumba live music. Since pictures are worth more than a thousand words, here are some photos I took yesterday's Happy Hour! 

Also a New Year's Tradition in the Philippines- 12 Round Fruits in your Table to give you Prosperity,  Good Luck and Health. 

For Details visit:

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2019/12/new-years-eve-and-day-superstition-in.html