Comments Posted By John McCrarey
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Thanks. And another new word!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 20/January/2023 @ 6:21 am
Kev, yeah COPD sucks. Hopefully, the new meds help.
Saw John briefly last night sitting behind the counter in his recliner. Didn’t look so good, but I didn’t ask about his status. He’s still posting on FB about his latest offerings, so I’m glad he’s still being creative in the kitchen.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 19/January/2023 @ 5:44 am
That’s the plan, Brian. COPD is a progressive disease, so the best I can hope for is to slow its progress as much as possible.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 19/January/2023 @ 5:37 am
Kev, no, there is no sawmill on Sawmill road, although I’m told there was one many years ago. I’m pretty sure Sawmill isn’t the “official” name of the street, but I’ve never seen signage to the contrary or heard it called anything else by the locals.
Ha! Yes, I’m sure the clouds were intended to draw my attention to that gorgeous rice field. I was going to make a postcard reference, and then I got to trying to remember when the last time was that I even saw a postcard. It’s strange to grow old.
The Matain river sometimes floods during the rainy season, and that river bed will be full and flowing after any heavy storm. But this time of year, it is just a trickle. It’s worrisome; how will all that trash find its way to the bay?
Thanks for the link to Dr. Gillaspy; I get what she is saying about the benefits of breaking the three-meals-a-day routine. Of course, what you eat matters most, and I’ll check out some of her other videos for additional guidance in that regard.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 18/January/2023 @ 6:34 am
Did you read that link on Instapundit this morning saying skipping meals is not healthy? What’s your take on that? I know you are a fan of intermittent fasting.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 16/January/2023 @ 1:04 pm
Kev, yeah, he seems like a nice guy with some motivation, and we’ll all encourage him to keep at it. After he left in the trike, I caught back up with the group and told them, “don’t EVER call ME slow again!” They got a laugh out of that. There is one guy in our group who does that hill climb thing you suggest. He does it as a workout, though, similar to you climbing those staircases in your building.
I had to go back and look at the Wet Spot photo–it is an unfortunate shadow indeed. No baklas in the SOB bars.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 15/January/2023 @ 7:20 am
Yeah, I wasn’t sure what to do with four keychains that look like me (or how I used to look). They are about half the size of a business card. I did wind up putting my keys on one of them, figuring maybe if I lose them, someone will recognize me. I gave the others away to girls who pretend to like me.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 15/January/2023 @ 7:13 am
Shipping from the USA does add some expense and time to receive, but sometimes it’s the only option. I do most of my online shopping through Lazada (the Amazon equivalent here), and occasionally the products ship from overseas. I have had bad luck purchasing shoes online–either they ship the wrong size or the “right” size doesn’t fit properly. These days I won’t buy shoes I haven’t tried on first.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 15/January/2023 @ 7:06 am
Kev, You are right, it was the left eye. The mole hadn’t affected my vision yet, but I found it increasingly irritating and distracting. Glad it is gone! I’ve got an appointment with Dr. Jo on Tuesday, and I’ll ask her for advice on the skin tabs. I’ll check out the link and some videos, too. Thanks!
The fact that you could see that nasty thing all the way from Korea tells me I was right to have it removed!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 14/January/2023 @ 7:22 am
QP, I’m impressed with your memory! Yes, after almost five years of being retired, I was hired as a contractor in 2015. The main reason I took the job was for the benefits, including a visa and base access with commissary and PX privileges. That particular job was part-time, and wouldn’t have paid the rent, but I still had my pension. I know guys who have been working full-time as contractors on base for many years with great salaries and housing allowances provided. That’s an ideal way to live overseas before retirement.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 14/January/2023 @ 7:16 am
Yeah, no idea what is going on with the onion situation. The white/yellow ones haven’t been available for months. And now those small purple things can’t be found either. Prices are through the roof too. I recently saw some news blurb about arrests in Manila for someone illegally importing Chinese onions.
Strange times.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 13/January/2023 @ 7:41 am
Nice to see you in the comments again, James. Your feedback and insights are always appreciated.
Anyway, I’m still in the game and looking forward to seeing what happens next. All that’s really changed is now I’m learning to embrace the life I have instead of longing for something different. It’s not so much a loss of optimism as it is accepting reality. And my reality is something to be thankful for. Yeah, I never imagined I’d be living a solitary life in my golden years, but it is also a life mostly free from the drama and heartaches that come with relationships. I’m going to be fine.
I’m already thinking about my next international trip. Probably Vietnam. And at some point, I need to see the family back in the USA. Here in the PI, I’m going to Baguio in February and looking to see what Bohol is like soon.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 13/January/2023 @ 7:37 am
A date that will live in infamy
Yeah, just surprising how her real-life persona differs so much from her online character. Although all those red flags were from things she wrote, so neither one is a good fit for me. Then again, I couldn’t help but notice on the trail what a fine ass she has. So, she has that going for her, at least. Anyway, she said she hopes we can be friends, and I’m okay with that. We’ll see how long she lasts at John’s place–I’m told he has zero tolerance for bullshit from his workers, so I won’t be surprised if she doesn’t work out.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 12/January/2023 @ 6:59 am
Kev, it wasn’t you, it was me. Probably didn’t even warrant mention on the blog, and I can see why my throwaway line about encountering assholes without follow-up details was confusing. Anyway, just a couple of encounters at IDM after the Hash that were unfriendly and disappointing. I’ve just chalked it up as a “good to see how you are” moment and let it go.
Get some rest!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/January/2023 @ 7:00 am
Brian, it’s called “White Castle Island” and is a local landmark, but I have no clue as to why it was built or its purpose. It’s really not maintained, although some of the island hopping tours of the bay still stop there. I’m curious about its history, too, and will see what I can find out.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/January/2023 @ 6:55 am
Actually, the celebration Sunday was in honor of BOTH birthdays.
It’s sad to see someone diminished by a progressive disease, but John seems to be making the best of a bad situation. Props to him! Puts my health issues in perspective, that’s for sure.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/January/2023 @ 6:01 am
I had no recall of that scene from the movie. I have to hand it to you for remembering.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 09/January/2023 @ 6:02 am
“But if you judge safety to be the paramount consideration in life you should never, under any circumstances, go on long hikes alone. Don’t take short hikes alone, either – or, for that matter, go anywhere alone. And avoid at all costs such foolhardy activities as driving, falling in love, or inhaling air that is almost certainly riddled with deadly germs. Wear wool next to the skin. Insure every good and chattel you possess against every conceivable contingency the future might bring, even if the premiums half-cripple the present. Never cross an intersection against a red light, even when you can see all roads are clear for miles. And never, of course, explore the guts of an idea that seems as if it might threaten one of your more cherished beliefs. In your wisdom you will probably live to be a ripe old age. But you may discover, just before you die, that you have been dead for a long, long time.” – The Complete Walker
I think you shared that quote (or a paraphrase) with me previously. I do appreciate the sentiment but I also believe common sense and minimizing risk are important considerations. The most dangerous thing I do every day is crossing the national highway, the danger doesn’t deter me. But when I cross, I make sure there is a break in traffic first. We had a guy break his leg last year hiking on the relatively safe My Bitch trail; luckily, he was close enough to town to make it down on his own. We are all going to die of something, of course. But falling down a ravine and laying at the bottom in pain being eaten by mosquitos as I slowly die of thirst, is a nightmare I want to avoid. If that means hiking with a group on the more dangerous mountain trails, so be it.
That said, I do agree there is a different vibe when you are walking alone. I do that on the days we don’t have group hikes and enjoy it, even when I stay on flat ground and backroads. I usually wear my headphones and have background music to accompany me.
I’m pretty sure Scott will make a full recovery and be back on trail soon. Glad you liked the Easter mountain shot. It’s sorta gotten to be my thing to try and capture different vantage points of her highness, Easter, when I’m out walking. And I almost didn’t include the “browsers” shot in the post, but I’m glad I did now.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 08/January/2023 @ 7:08 am
A kind note and a wallet, but yeah the kindness was appreciated. I was thinking more about not having a partner in life. Still, even if I had one I’d likely be complaining about not having any alone time. And why is my glass half empty?
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/January/2023 @ 6:43 am
Sometimes you’re the windshield…
Yeah, it didn’t look right when I wrote it, but I was too lazy to go check. And then when you busted me for what I assumed was the spelling error the light bulb in my head came on, and I had an “oh shit” moment. My bad.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/January/2023 @ 6:49 am
Nope, never felt that adventurous. I don’t care for raw seafood much to begin with, but having my dinner fight back is a non-starter.
I tried barbeque shell a couple of times. That’s where they open up the live shellfish and slap it on the grill. I could practically hear the poor thing screaming in pain.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/January/2023 @ 6:38 am
Ah, you spell Pocahontas in the manner of the White colonizers, whereas I deliberately misspell the oppressor’s name so as to honor her tribal heritage. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it! What I can’t excuse is getting the history wrong–it was Sacagawea who helped guide Lewis and Clark. Let’s go, Brandon!
It’s funny, Gem asked me yesterday seemingly out of the blue whether I’d ever eaten balut. I told her “no way!”, but she insisted we eat some together and that she would “reward” me if I’d try it. Hmm, I’m thinking about it.
I’ve never eaten dog meat and I never will. I left a comment on your old blog post just now, but I know people who visit Korea and want to experience that aspect of the “culture.” I’ve also seen firsthand how much dogs being raised as meat suffer from their cruel treatment. No excuse for that! I’m not sure I would support making eating dogs illegal, but damn, treat them humanely. (says the man who eats beef and never thinks twice about the conditions cows are raised under.)
» Posted By John McCrarey On 06/January/2023 @ 8:02 am
A third is better than nothing
Honestly, Kevin, looking back over my lifetime I can’t recall any woman since high school that I’ve dated for six months with no sex. Frankly, as often as not, the women have been the ones to initiate. Filipinas are notorious for their horniness (which explains all the unwed mothers out there), and I’d wager that if I told one of them no sex for six months, they’d break up with ME.
I do get your point, but sex is honestly not my primary objective when I meet a new woman. Sure, once I get to know them the physical attraction becomes stronger, but when it does happen it seems like a natural progression in the relationship. I can’t emphasize enough that I don’t pressure the gals I meet to get physical. In fact, my most recent “love” practically raped me on our first night together. I was shocked at how aggressive she was in getting what she wanted. Now, I’m not saying I didn’t like it, it was fantastic, but I really wasn’t the initiator.
We’ll see how things work out with Gen, but to be honest, the further down the road I’m going in our chatting phase, the more I’m thinking, “do I really want to do this?” I bitch and moan a lot, but damn, a lonely life is also free of drama. I’m not all that sure I want to ride that “love” horse again.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/January/2023 @ 5:37 pm
A couple of times a month isn’t much of a quest. And I turn down more offers than I accept. Just sayin’…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/January/2023 @ 12:43 pm
Yeah, I wasn’t shopping for turkey, just shocked when I saw the price.
I’m not sure what lies ahead with Gem. I mean, she ticks some of the boxes–a little older and not a bargirl. She tells me she’s never dated a foreigner before and asked if she could bring along a friend for our first meeting. I’ve heard of that practice where “good girls” have a chaperone when they first see someone. It still seems weird to me though. We also talked some about religion. I saw some photos on her Facebook that appeared to be a small Pentecostal-type church. She just calls herself a Christian and says she is looking for a “God-fearing” man. I told her I don’t fear the God I believe in, and that seemed to upset her. She eventually just said, “change the subject.” Hmm, a potential red flag there.
Lots to digest (again) in your comments about love. I remember watching that Matt Walsh video on your blog. I don’t disagree with him or you on this subject. Still, I may have created the wrong impression on my posts–I’m not on a quest for sex. Rather, quite the opposite. Sex is easily obtained in this town, but easy sex (i.e. the kind you pay for) is not satisfying to me. And also, at 67, my drive ain’t what it used to be. And yes, I acknowledge that I’m looking for love in all the wrong places, but it could be a sign that I’m not all that serious in my quest. A part of me thinks if I’m destined for love, she’ll find me. And yeah, settling for “someone to take care of me” has a certain appeal at this stage of my life.
However you define love, it occurs to me that I’m probably just not worthy. Thinking back to the last woman I professed to love, now that all those pesky emotions have evaporated, I can see the things that were warnings I ignored because of “feelings.” And not just the sex (which, admittedly, was amazing), but a blindness to the realities of the situation. I guess I can blame the oxycontin for that and let myself off the hook. In the meantime, I’ll just plod along my lonely path and see what’s around the next corner.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/January/2023 @ 9:02 am
Jesus. I know the difference between peak and peek. That fuckup is yet another example of how there is a disconnect between my brain and fingers–brain says take a look, and fingers write mountaintop. I guess I should have claimed I did it on purpose as one of my bad puns–the house is on a peak– but I deserve the shame.
No, I haven’t had the opportunity to photograph the inside of the house yet. I’ll try to take some the next time I take a peek.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 04/January/2023 @ 8:10 am
Kev, glad you enjoyed the street pics. I guess I’ve walked those roads so many times now that it is hard to find anything of interest to photograph.
Yeah, it was good to recall that first Hash. At the time I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but, no regrets.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/January/2023 @ 7:04 am
Surprisingly, she told me that most nights, her salary + drink commissions are around 1000 pesos. That’s better pay than most workers make in this country. And yes, I’m available if she wants to spoil me!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/January/2023 @ 6:52 am
Kev, I have a smaller and lighter nebulizer that I can travel with relative ease.
Yes, the Spanish language influence is evident in many Tagalog words, although surprisingly, little else remains of Spanish culture here despite 400 years of colonialism.
I keep a list of vitals (pen and ink, I’m old school), including blood pressure, resting heart rate, oxygen saturation, and step count that I record daily.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 02/January/2023 @ 7:22 am
«« Back To Stats PageOkay, Dan, no problem. I will avoid posting the needy ones and only focus on the gals I’ve satisfied. And we both know a satisfied woman is a rare treat. Nothing depressing about that!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 02/January/2023 @ 7:12 am