By  LPJ Bicol is a progressive region composed of three provinces in the southern tip of the big island of Luzon in the Philippines: Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon. In all my vacation travels to Bicol, I found new spectacular places to see, new buildings and structures that showcase attractive art and architecture, and new tourist […] The post Segue 2, Philippine vacation 2024: Bicol — progressive and rich in nature’s charms appeared first on Baby Boomer Lola ..read more

By  LPJ It means love, the greatest love of all, that He should give His only son to come down to this world, suffer and die for us for our redemption – and be resurrected, God the Father reincarnated in His son Jesus. Awesome, amazing love! Easter on this side of the world is tomorrow.  […] The post What does Easter mean to me? appeared first on Baby Boomer Lola ..read more

By  LPJ Rabon is a thinly populated beach community on the outskirts of Rosario, La Union, a popular vacation destination for family and close friends. Rabon schedule came on the heels of our grand family reunion in Quezon City.  From one fabulous event to another – I didn’t mind the roller coaster excitement. Thrilled, in […] The post Segue 1: Philippine vacation 2024 – Scenic Rabon (Follows travel blog 3/23/24) appeared first on Baby Boomer Lola ..read more

By  LPJ Back home in Palo Alto after a most enjoyable vacation in the Philippines. My vacation February to March this year had been a roller coaster ride with a series of fun activities and reunions with family, relatives and friends, not to mention frequent culinary and touristy adventures during our travels to various localities. […] The post A grand family reunion jumpstarted a joyous Philippine vacation appeared first on Baby Boomer Lola ..read more

By  LPJ Spiritually refreshed. That’s how I felt at last weekend’s women’s retreat at Mt. Hermon Conference Center in Felton, California. It rained every day of the retreat, but indoors, it was cozy.  Adding to the comfortable warmth were the devotionals, singing, teachings and camaraderie that abounded.  Meeting other people and building new friendships while […] The post A refreshing retreat on a rainy weekend up on the mountain appeared first on Baby Boomer Lola ..read more

By  LPJ As 2024 peeps around the corner in this side of the world, I look back at 2023. A good year that fleets by so fast. Faster for us, the seniors, and slow for the young ones raring to be grown-ups. It is grace to go through hindsight with a sense of gratitude. And […] The post A joyful Christmas ushers in a happy 2024 appeared first on Baby Boomer Lola ..read more

By  LPJ I miss a friend I had known in the past two years. Having completed a Fulbright postdoctoral scholarship at Stanford University in California, Chandra Vadhana, PhD, left last week back to India where her teenage son and daughter eagerly awaited her return. She will have five weeks to prepare the family for migration […] The post Impressed by an Indian friend appeared first on Baby Boomer Lola ..read more

By  LPJ I met Mary for the tenth time last Sunday, but only then did I start to know her more.  Mary is not her real name.  She exudes an innocence that camouflages a naivete. She speaks with a slightly furrowed brow that tells that her words flow from deep thoughts.  She holds views about […] The post Sharing the joy of Advent appeared first on Baby Boomer Lola ..read more

By  LPJ I caved in to pressure from well-meaning family and friends to join an exercise class.  They’ve been concerned about my lack of physical activity since I retired.  Sure enough, my not driving to the office three days a week has obliterated most check points for activity.  Most days find me sitting in front […] The post Caving in to good pressure for health appeared first on Baby Boomer Lola ..read more

By  LPJ A deja vu.  I’m stuck again.  Can’t think of anything to blog about. Short of standing on my head, I’ve tried every trick to dance my way to an idea, including staring at the ceiling hours before sleep at night, gawking at flowers and weeds beyond my front patio, even talking to birds […] The post Proud – a matter of semantics, maybe? appeared first on Baby Boomer Lola ..read more