Comments Posted By John McCrarey
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A sweet Sunday on the streets of San Isidro
Well, growing up poor, I’m sure the kids are accustomed to disappointment. It might be a good idea to miss a week here and there to lower their expectations.
After six years, I’m not as shocked by the shanty-villes as I used to be, but at least this one has access to electricity (assuming they can afford it). It’s a tough life for some, but I respect folks making the best of what they have.
Joy messaged me last night that Hideaway will close on Tuesdays and be open 11-7 the rest of the week. I’m not sure those hours will make a bar profitable, but maybe the owner will find a niche market.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 02/July/2024 @ 8:17 am
Bruce, I’ll be glad to show you around some hiking trails. 8/2 is the Friday group hike, and we start at 0900. On Saturday, I do a solo hike in the morning and you are welcome to join for that.
You can email me at lngtimegne@aol.com if you have any questions.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 02/July/2024 @ 8:03 am
Swan doesn’t mind walking if she isn’t otherwise occupied, although she has no interest in Hashing. I think the longest we’ve done together is 9K, and that’s probably our max.
Yeah, that old resort is kind of freaky. Water sliding out of a downed airliner doesn’t seem quite right for creating good vibes under the best of circumstances.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 01/July/2024 @ 7:31 am
Kev, Trees are nature’s poems, right?
Re: trespassing. The one I remember seeing was along the lines of, “Prayer leads to God. Trespassing is fastest.” I like your suggestions better.
Yeah, the thought about the swing breaking did occur to me, especially after Scott joined me. Funnily enough, we shared a bench on a recent hike, and it collapsed from our combined weight. I reminded him of that incident while we were swinging.
I did notice that those cookies kids are getting older. It’s kind of sweet to see.
Seeing folks reveal their true nature was perhaps the only benefit of the scamdemic. It is scary to know that the Nazi spirit does live on amongst us.
Indeed, I only drink beer for medicinal purposes, like minimizing my personality disorders.
Yes, I was talking about crime-ridden American cities. There are places in Manila I wouldn’t want to walk through, even in daylight. And I’ve heard of some streets in Barretto where drug addicts live are not safe for your wallet after dark. You may recall I got burgled at my first house in Alta Vista. Still, when I’m walking alone through poverty-stricken slums on my hikes, I only encounter friendly locals. You just don’t see things like gang violence in these parts.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 30/June/2024 @ 7:35 am
Thompson, thanks for the song links. I was never much into heavy metal as we called it back in those days, but I can usually find a song or two that I like from most groups.
I drink San Mig Zero beer, and it is only 3% alcohol. People say drinking Zero is like making love in a canoe–they are both fucking close to water. I don’t do the hard stuff, and only occasionally drink wine, but when I do, it is always straight up.
“On some nights, I still believe that a car with the gas needle on empty can run about fifty more miles if you have the right music very loud on the radio.”
Hunter S. Thompson» Posted By John McCrarey On 30/June/2024 @ 7:10 am
“Don’t misgender the tree!”
Sorry, but the tree identifies as male, and I’m going to respect its choice.
I didn’t photograph it, but the other page on that menu includes dinner platters loaded with a variety of smoked meats. Pricey, but enough food for several diners. They might even offer your preferred combo.
Yes, I’ve been guilty of taking the easy way with toxic women.
So, what you are saying is that it takes balls to pun the way I do? Thanks!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 29/June/2024 @ 7:44 am
Thompson, nothing like a game of cat and mouse to brighten your day! When the most drama you encounter is squashing a rodent, I’d say you done good. Too bad you didn’t hook up with the Lyft driver–that might have made for some real excitement. You gotta answer that door when opportunity knocks. Hope the rest of your day went well and that your leg is feeling better. Happy drinking!
“Those who fail to learn from the brutal stompings visited on them in the past are doomed to be brutally stomped in the future.”
Hunter S. Thompson» Posted By John McCrarey On 29/June/2024 @ 7:34 am
Nice to hear from you again, Terry. Yes, I’ve heard that Korea in those days was pretty much the opposite of what it became.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 29/June/2024 @ 7:25 am
Our pride goeth before the falls
Thompson, When this book you are writing is complete, may I suggest you name it “Welcome to my Nightmare”? Despite your complaints, you seem to be consistently compliant with the girlfriend’s demands. That probably says more about you than her, to be honest. Still, what would your life be without the drama? Peace and quiet would be boring. And as long as she is funding the booze, maybe it is all worthwhile. Besides, what would you have to write about if she weren’t yanking your chain? You can only say so much about the cat. Hang in there, and good luck. And go easy on those fingers of hers!
“A man who procrastinates in his choosing will inevitably have his choice made for him by circumstance.”
Hunter S. Thompson» Posted By John McCrarey On 28/June/2024 @ 8:21 am
I’m sure someone has the skills to make direction signs, but I’ve never seen them here. Part of the reason may be that the lack of signage gives the trail a more rustic/natural feel. Another is the signs probably wouldn’t stay up long. Firewood doesn’t grow on trees, you know. Oh, wait. But seriously, the Corona Hash recently constructed some ladders to make the climb on a trail easier. A lot of time and effort was involved, but the ladders would at least benefit all who chose to make that hike. Within two weeks, someone had taken them down and stolen the materials.
“…and not an immature, selfish, jealous, raving, money-grubbing lunatic.”
I resemble that statement!
The error is pretty obvious–no comma after car. Just sloppy writing/proof reading.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 28/June/2024 @ 8:01 am
Yep, that’s right.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 28/June/2024 @ 7:47 am
Last I read, there were only a couple of Shakey’s franchises left in the USA (on the West Coast). They are booming here in the PI. I’m not sure how that happens.
Thanks for the Dan Brown links; I wasn’t familiar with him, although I did see The Da Vinci Code. The situation I mentioned has been resolved–it was a misunderstanding between Swan and me. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, I suppose.
I hadn’t seen the meme, but yeah, Tom Holland is an ass compared to Brie Larson.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 27/June/2024 @ 8:52 am
Brian, two of the six bars in the Maze and two have the same owner–Wet Spot and Green Room. Wet Spot has dancers and Green Room bills itself as a sports bars. Both have GROs, but there is a different vibe between the two.
I spend around $25 on cookies and candy at Royal, so that’s a small percentage of my weekly expenditures.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 27/June/2024 @ 8:17 am
Does Leaking Willy know Dripping Pussy?
As a matter of fact, Dripping Pussy is the ex-girlfriend of Leaking Willy. I saw a photo on Facebook of them together yesterday, so maybe a reconciliation will take place. It’s been a couple of years.
I’m more and more convinced that my hill struggles are related to my old age and COPD-diminished lung capacity. I’m going to keep pushing on as long as I can, though.
Sometimes I miss those four distinct seasons you “enjoy” in Korea. Our four are dry, wet, hot, not-as-hot.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 26/June/2024 @ 7:30 am
Another day, another adventure. At least no one died this time! It’s good to get out of the house and go somewhere besides the Chevron. Wal-Mart must seem like heaven comparatively. And it is always fun to interact with crazy strangers on the bus. I hope the rest of the drinking day went well for you and the girlfriend. Cheers!
“There’s a lot of things wrong with this country, but one of the few things still right with it is that a man can steer clear of the organized bullshit if he really wants to. It’s a goddamned luxury, and if I were you, I’d take advantage of it while you can.”
Hunter S. Thompson» Posted By John McCrarey On 26/June/2024 @ 7:19 am
I’m a renter here so I have no voice. There are some homeowners who fighting for improvements. We’ll see what happens.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 25/June/2024 @ 12:08 pm
Kev, the Alta Vista Clubhouse is not well-maintained. It is dirty, has holes in the ceiling, and needs paint. It offers no food and beverage service. The pool is okay, and there are basketball and tennis courts. Otherwise, it is completely useless.
I don’t recall if the little girl called out in English; I just heard the shout. She’s one of our regulars, and we paused at her house but didn’t see anyone, so we moved on. That’s when she came running.
My boys are both doing fine. Swan is Lucky’s new love.
“See how painful such puns are??”
Well, when it comes to puddle puns, I’m not getting down in the mud with you…
Yes, there are many curvy roads in the PI and many hills coming and going. However, some old-timers complain about the impact of too many Jollibees on that landscape.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 25/June/2024 @ 7:21 am
Thompson, glad you are doing alright. You don’t want to end up like that addict in the library. What a way to go. Sorry you had to witness it, but you did the right thing. Another chapter in the story of your life.
“I drink much less than most people think, and I think much more than most people would believe. I am quite sincere about some of the things which people take very lightly, and almost insultingly unconcerned about some of the things which people take most seriously. In short, I am basically antisocial: certainly not to an alarming degree , but just more so than I appear to be.”
Hunter S. Thompson» Posted By John McCrarey On 25/June/2024 @ 7:06 am
Some of the windows have screens, but I also leave the sliding doors open so the dogs have access to outside. My bedroom is screened up, so I can stay cool with fans and pretty much bug free.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 25/June/2024 @ 7:02 am
Or Portland.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 25/June/2024 @ 6:59 am
Kev, And now I know what a “wipe” is.
I paid someone to do the banner with a photo a friend took.
Of course, the instructions weren’t clear either–who uses “glass” as a form of measurement? I just bought a new measuring cup so I get accurate amounts of ingredients in the few things I do cook.
Yeah, I had gotten to where I enjoyed reading Thompson’s tales of woe. Assuming they are, in fact, make-believe, he has a talent for concocting a funny story. Sorry he found my blog unworthy for future comments. And yes, the shitting-the-bed tale was strangely coincidental with what happened to you.
We wound up going to John’s place last night. We’ll hit up Pujon later in the week.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 24/June/2024 @ 7:22 am
As I recall, we were at Treasure Island for a little over three hours.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 24/June/2024 @ 7:04 am
Brian, Club Morocco is about 12K from Barretto. Back in my house hunting days before I moved, I found a place in Club Morocco I really liked. But being so far from everything and since I didn’t want to drive here, it wouldn’t work for me.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 24/June/2024 @ 7:07 am
There is a resort within Club Morocco subdivision, located at the Clubhouse. It offers rooms for rent, an amazing pool, covered seating near the beach, and a restaurant. I checked it out on Friday for the first time, and I was impressed.
Thanks for the Santa Lucia link. I was unfamiliar with her story.
Yep, I needed a comma after Morocco in that sentence. Seems obvious to me now.
I’ve not noticed anything like the squatter camps you see in places like San Francisco. I have observed that people fence their vacant property more frequently lately, and some even hire a security guard to sit out there, which I presume is to prevent trespassers/squatters. Squatters don’t have any rights here, and landowners, with police assistance, can reclaim the property and destroy whatever structures the squatters have built.
My plan is to keep shaking my head in disgust at the litter culture here.
Yeah, I was slow with the camera and Swan had already attacked the chicken to secure my favorite pieces.
“Damn. I was sure the punchline would have something to do with blowjobs.”
I like the way you think!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 23/June/2024 @ 8:02 am
“Dafuq is wrong with you?”
I don’t know what put me off on mac and cheese, but looking back, growing up poor, that crap mac and cheese out of the box may have been what ruined the idea forever.
“Never show that one to “mama.”
I had to go back and look at that photo to see what you meant. Then I laughed.
Well, I got a lot better at spotting the scam queens early on and adhering to Rule #1. I learned the hard way about sending money to gals you’ve never met when I was on the dating sites. Yeah, I’ll concede I was a slow learner, but I figured it out eventually.
Thanks for the reminder about the song “Joy to the World.” Once I saw that, the lights came on, and I got a chuckle. The puns that make you think are the best ones!
Yes, I will make amends with that beggar should I see him again. And I will try not to be an asshole in the future.
My breathing was a little better yesterday. What’s weird is that my oximeter readings aren’t that low, and my nebulizer doesn’t help much. Maybe this is my new normal.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 22/June/2024 @ 7:24 am
China sucks, and no free person could be happy living under the tyranny that comes with communism. The Filipino people will rue the day should they surrender to China’s threats.
I’m a purist when it comes to drinking beer. Cold, out of the bottle, and into my mouth is how I roll. And I have some blue Listerine, but I only gargle; I don’t swallow. I guess I’m old school.
“So we shall let the reader answer this question for himself: who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed?”
Hunter S. Thompson» Posted By John McCrarey On 21/June/2024 @ 7:29 am
That’s true. I don’t mind singing, but I hate the squawks and squeals of others, especially at full volume.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 21/June/2024 @ 7:15 am
Well, it was news to me, but when you are right, you are right. And if you are not right, you are left. I don’t feel like I’ve changed, so maybe the results from three years ago were off. Or maybe the whole premise of that test is flawed. Either way, I’m comfortable being me.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 20/June/2024 @ 7:34 am
Thompson, you need to keep a bottle of vodka in reserve to avoid situations like this. Like a fire extinguisher, lock it up with a sign saying, “Break glass in case of emergency.” And with the girlfriend back, you need to buy twice as much at the Chevron every day. My doctor is always telling me to drink plenty of fluids.
“Anything that gets your blood racing is probably worth doing.”
Hunter S. Thompson» Posted By John McCrarey On 20/June/2024 @ 7:28 am
«« Back To Stats PageSo, you are saying that an Oxford comma adds value, is helpful, and clarifies meaning. Got it! (FWIW, Grammarly wanted the comma before “and” in that sentence.)
» Posted By John McCrarey On 20/June/2024 @ 7:21 am