Legaspi Farmers Market

Aloha Everyone,

Our walking route to Legaspi Farmers Market took us about 20 minutes longer. Part of the reason is now that our condo’s formal entrance to the lobby is officially opened whether to turn right or left was temporarily unclear. On top of that, one of our security guard overheard our conversation and pointed to the right to reach Legaspi Market when it would have been easier to turn left.

At any rate, the two of us didn’t mind the extra steps as we both felt ready for the day’s adventure.

Our purchases included 5 varieties of vegetables and 2.2 pounds of freshly boiled peanuts in shell. The peanuts vendors was enthusiastic and pushed aside his buddy to pose for my photos.

For the approximate cost of $21.82 we spent, these fresh fruits will supply us this week’s breakfast. We will supplement it with apples, pears, lemons, crackers, Greek yogurt and any other seasonal fruits from supermarkets.

Aloha -- Cathi

Eclectic Artwork & Furnishings

Aloha Everyone,

This unit we are staying has character. I am not sure if the place reflects the owner’s personal taste. There are several notable prints of colorful paintings but there is no credit to the original artists.

One is an interior of a Chinese house with no regards to perspective. My favorite is the bright red and orange fall foliage with a river in the background. Reminds me a number of places we spent about 1-2 weeks at a time including Léon, Spain where a river divides the city.

Decorative plates, serving tray, stacked side tables all with Chinese motifs occupy spaces but are not meant to be used. One exception is an unicyclist which holds toilet tissue. A little cumbersome but it is a functional art.

Aloha -- Cathi

Our 2nd Session with Physical Therapy

Aloha Everyone,

In the Philippines, the physical therapist program takes 5 years in order to receive the Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy. This Includes students going 10 months of rotating internship such as at hospitals and clinics to complete the required clinical internship program of 2,000 hours.

After graduating with BS in Physical Therapy, one must pass the Physical Therapist Licensure Examination given by the Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy that comes under the supervision of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

Our Physical Therapist (PT) Luis Doble, has been working as a licensed PT for 4 years. Personable but firm, encouraging but strict, with his advanced knowledge of joint and muscles, he is aware how much his patients can tolerate stretching.

During our 60 minutes each sessions, Luis used Ultra Sound, hot compress and TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator) and a heat pad to treat our musculoskeletal conditions, followed by manual assistance. I am familiar with most of the exercises from Taichi, Quigong and yoga. What is different is the intensity and modified positions in order to overcome a pinch nerve. Graduated from San Juan Dios Hospital in Physiology, Luis is physically fit to work with patients that are heavier and taller than him. Luis told us that his grandmother’s stroke was the motivational factor in getting his license.

I am sincerely grateful for regaining my ability to walk and happy that J.J. and I have made a new acquaintance with Luis.

Aloha - Jeff

Ensaimada (Ensaymada)

Aloha Everyone,

Marina’s repertoire of cooking includes Spanish, Filipino and other Euro-Asian fares. An exception to her preparations of main dishes is ensaimadas. It is a pastry product originally from Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain. Popular food for breakfast or snack, ensaimadas are commonly eaten in Southwestern Europe, Latin America and the Philippines.

Main ingredients are wheat flour, egg, sugar, salt and a generous amount of butter. Sprinkle grated cheese and it is irresistible. I take one small bite of this pastry and its richness is sufficient to give me a sugar high.

J.J. and I have a couple of Marina’s ensaimadas in our freezer. They are reserved for when we are looking for a sweet treat. Marina told me that each batch of ensaimadas takes 6 hours to bake. Adding her preparation time for the pastry dough, sacrificing her sleep is often the case.

Aloha -- Cathi

First Appointment with PT

Aloha Everyone,

The Physical Therapist telephoned from the lobby exactly at 2 minutes to 7 am. J.J. and I appreciate punctuality.  When he arrived, I couldn’t even stand up from the sofa to greet him. After one hour session, I am able to walk free of pain :-)

The PT gave assignments for each of us to do until our next session on Friday at 7:00 am. With his permission, I will take photos and write about our Friday sessions.

I am very happy and grateful. J.J. and I went walking — less than 1/2-mile round trip to purchase a birthday cake for Marita. However, I stayed behind as I rather avoid a 90-minute van ride one way to Maricar’s home. He said that the Chocolate Truffle cake was a big hit. In his opinion, it tasted better than the Dark Chocolate Cake we took to Alex & Tintin’s party.

Aloha -- Cathi