Comments Posted By John McCrarey
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Soju, Monty is the American owner. He wasn’t around this weekend.
Ha, that grass was better groomed than most of the golf courses around here. Or so I’ve been told.
Yeah, it doesn’t seem like a sporting way to fish. Still, your options are limited when you are going after the minnow-sized catch.
Sundown is one of my favorites by Gordon Lightfoot. I even know the words by heart!
Cheers!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 16/October/2023 @ 8:44 am
No, I don’t know about any Irish curses. Well, other than St. Patrick.
Jaysus, Kevin! You’d adapt to the weather here like the rest of us. Well, maybe not 35K worth, but still.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 15/October/2023 @ 6:12 am
HaHa! Good one. And good luck on the hike! I’m looking forward to the daily reports. Stay safe!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 14/October/2023 @ 6:39 am
There is no actual Indian restaurant in my little town, but some Indian-like curry dishes are on the menu in some places. And for the record, I’m Native American (born in the USA), not Indian.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 14/October/2023 @ 6:38 am
Kev, during the rainy season, that river (the Matain River) has been known to flood. During high tide, the river water is blocked from entering the bay, and it’s got to go somewhere.
Yeah, in retrospect, this would have been a good week to get out of town. A few weeks ago, I considered doing the Puerto Galera Hash this weekend but couldn’t be bothered with the hassle of getting there. If I’d only known then what I know now. Woulda, coulda, shoulda.
It boggles the mind to think it takes a week to repair or replace the pipeline that services an entire subdivision. Welcome to the Philippines, where words like efficiency and competence have no meaning!
Hoping to see Dr. Jo early next week when she returns from her travels.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 13/October/2023 @ 7:02 am
Soju, yeah, the entrance is guarded, but this “gated subdivision” isn’t fenced. I know at least six other ways in on dirt footpaths. The community center (officer’s club) is okay, but you can’t get a beer or snacks there, so it is useless to me.
Years ago, I looked at that house as a potential rental option. They were only renting one floor–I wanted the top, and they wanted me in the basement. No thanks! Great view, though.
I’m old enough to remember “Green Acres,” but I had forgotten about Mr. Haney and his wares. Thanks for the reminder! I hope I don’t run into Eva Gabor–she died in 1995!
That’s one thing that surprises me about the Philippines. Despite the poverty and lack of law enforcement presence (you never see cops patrolling the streets), there is relatively little crime. I know I feel safer here than I would in just about any American city. They might have some gangs in Manila, but they rarely make the news through acts of violence.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 13/October/2023 @ 6:52 am
I was wondering what happened to you… 🙂
» Posted By John McCrarey On 12/October/2023 @ 1:36 pm
Kev, I didn’t get that last sunset shot because I bailed out right after the Hash circle. I was at my SML limit.
No, trikes are not generally more expensive than metered taxis. I tend to overpay trikes, but I figured my fare from Calapadayan would be at least 100, and I was prepared to pay 150 if need be. A Jeepney would have been 20 pesos.
Google Maps wouldn’t have helped, there is no other paved route than the highway. I had guesstimated the 3K distance based on my hikes to the ATM which is a bit further up the road.
Yes, a visit to the doctor is in my future.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/October/2023 @ 6:58 am
Brian, the real issue is that taxis just aren’t prevalent like they are in most places. The only time I’ve taken a cab is from the mall, where they have a taxi stand. If some enterprising drivers set up here in Barretto I and many other foreigners would use them versus the dreaded Jeepney.
I’ve heard of Pad Thai, just not my thing.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/October/2023 @ 6:47 am
James, I personally prefer skinny girls, but the ones in that photo all have nice personalities. And a couple of them aren’t as large as the picture makes them appear. I take no responsibility for size; my two meals a week is only a maintenance program!
Joy is actually a very sweet young woman. I hope she meets a nice guy someday so they can take care of each other–she’s a natural at that. Joy is firmly in my friend zone, so no “Os” from me!
Yeah, I take my diary style of blogging a little too far on occasion, but I also get some of the best advice available from my readers. It is a fine line between respecting privacy and sharing what’s in my heart. I don’t really have the kind of friend who would want to listen to my sad stories. So, the blog fills that void.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/October/2023 @ 7:10 am
Dan, maybe it is nerve damage. Yesterday’s walk to the Hash went better. There was still some pain, but it didn’t feel like it would collapse. Yes, it can be scary to self-diagnose on the internet. The benefit is that it facilitates the conversation with your doctor. I’m going to seek reassurance that this isn’t an MS symptom.
To be fair, that photo wasn’t flattering. Even plus-size girls can be attractive. The other Hideaway gals are skinnier, so there’s something for everyone’s tastes. I haven’t heard much talk of diabetes among the locals, so I’m guessing not.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/October/2023 @ 6:56 am
Dr. Jo is out of town right now but will schedule me once she returns. The leg seems to be doing better, so I don’t have a sense of urgency.
“I think she’s peeking.”
Resistance! Stick it to the man!Oh, that dollar was photoshopped? George Washington owned slaves; I just assumed the left had offed his head in the name of woke justice.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/October/2023 @ 6:45 am
Brian, yes, getting your news from one source, be it CNN or Fox, you will not likely see the whole story. And Google limits search results, or at least buries, stories that challenge the narrative. Luckily, there are still some blogs out there, like Instapundit, that provide links and information thinking people can use to better understand current events.
There are some skinny girls in Hideaway; I wanted to be clear on that. I guess they were off eating elsewhere so the fat gals could have the table to themselves. Old timers here say fast food prominence has changed the average Filipina’s body shape immensely.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/October/2023 @ 6:39 am
DS, It felt somewhat better yesterday, so that’s progress.
For the record, they were big when I met them. I consider it a maintenance program!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/October/2023 @ 6:25 am
Kev is definitely a fine internet sleuth! I hope you are doing okay, Jerry.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/October/2023 @ 7:12 am
Kev, thanks for the links. I’d seen some, but not these in particular. The reason I don’t think it is an injury is the intermittent nature of the weakness. It seems to kick in around 1K on flat ground and sooner on climbs. After a little rest, I’m back to “normal” and feel none of the symptoms in normal movements around the house. I will schedule a consult with the docs ASAP.
I still don’t ascribe any bad intentions or motivations to Swan. We are both finding our way, and whether that way leads us to being a couple remains to be seen. I do think there has been progress in that regard, but obviously, I’m still not satisfied with the arrangement. I’ll give it some more time, although perhaps not until the end of the year. In the meantime, she is working around the house and earning her pay.
As for me, yeah, perhaps my final destiny is finding whatever comfort that comes with the bar life. This is my last hoorah attempting a normal relationship. I literally am too old for this shit.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 09/October/2023 @ 7:53 am
Rascal, I just Googled my symptoms, and that dirty word was the worst of several possibilities. I’m sure it is much more likely to be one of the sciatic ones you mentioned or, hopefully, something less.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 08/October/2023 @ 2:03 pm
Kev, well, that trike driver was already parked there, and I didn’t expect he would leave the family behind. I don’t have any idea what they were doing out there in the middle of nowhere to begin with, but I felt fortunate to find a ride.
I very rarely watch TV, but it is a straight-on view from the couch. It should be fine, and I can close the drapes if need be.
Most larger houses here have a “maid’s room” attached. I wouldn’t have much use for that basement space anyway. And yes, having my helpers living downstairs turns my master bedroom into a master’s room.
That’s a new doorknob in the bathroom, and the installers left the keys in it. I haven’t gotten around to moving them yet, but it does look weird now that you mention it. No, I can’t lock a victim in–it can be unlocked from inside. I think the keys are there in case you accidentally lock yourself out.
Yes, I’m looking to put a dresser on the wall next to my desk for my storage space.
I’m still assessing the situation with Swan. The “everything will be different” line was something of an overstatement, but I do feel like slow progress is being made. We’ll see where this all leads.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 08/October/2023 @ 7:29 am
Thanks for the tips, Rascal. I’ll do some more research and see the docs soon if the issue persists. The scariest possibility I read was MS.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 08/October/2023 @ 7:10 am
Yes, I will continue to monitor the leg problem. I had some issues on the walk into town last night. We’ll see how it goes on my morning walk. The prospect of the knee giving out and me hitting the ground is disconcerting.
I’m still Facebook friends with all of my former wives. Also, my high school sweetheart. There is almost zero actual contact though, and usually nothing more than a happy birthday or Merry Christmas. So, it is not about keeping a door open in the hopes of reuniting someday. In my case, I think both parties would find that idea repugnant. But the past connections represent memories of times once shared together, and I believe there is value in holding on to that.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/October/2023 @ 8:13 am
Something great is coming your way
Gera, no, nothing has changed with Swan. Yet. I was just recounting a long ago memory with one of those “might have been” love encounters.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/October/2023 @ 8:24 am
DS, I’m not being all lovey-dovey with Lucky these days, but he has shown no signs of aggression since the incident. Perhaps he sees the error of his ways.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/October/2023 @ 8:22 am
Soju, it is hard to imagine working an eight-hour shift for the equivalent of three dollars. Way back in the ’70s, I had a summer job at the car wash making $1.35 an hour. I recall sometimes going next door to the Arby’s for lunch and spending almost two hours pay for the meal. I guess that traumatic experience makes being generous with the girls easier.
Yeah, I won’t be a regular at McDonald’s, but I can picture an occasional drunken visit on the way home.
Are you saying that bear got trashed?
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/October/2023 @ 8:21 am
Jesus, I knew what I meant but once again chose the wrong word to say it. Their must be a reason for that.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 06/October/2023 @ 8:36 am
No, different woman. I was trying to be discrete out of respect for her privacy. This one was in the UK.
Well, the one descended from Eve must be the most evil. It is their nature, right?
Yeah, from my perspective, I’m thinking, what’s a smart girl like you doing with a loser like that? Of course, rejecting the perfect man for her (me) says a lot.
Failing to implement what we read? I wonder what that must be like…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 06/October/2023 @ 6:44 am
DS. I doubt it; she said she doesn’t plan to return, and there is no reason for her to do so. But I have zero interest in being her backup plan anyway. She’s little more than history to me now.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 06/October/2023 @ 6:31 am
Thanks for the link with grilling tips. The stakes are high! Those steaks in the photo are very thick. That’s hard to find here, especially in a ribeye. I do want to master the art of a good sear, but I don’t want to over (or under) cook the inside. A thin cut makes that more difficult, and with inflated prices for USDA beef (those four on the grill cost $70), I don’t get much opportunity to practice. The article mentioned searing at the end, which I’ll need to read more about.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/October/2023 @ 7:33 am
Thanks for the tip on the map app; I’ll definitely check it out.
Yes, everyone pitched in for the unpacking chores. Only problem is, I’m clueless about where everything is now. Of course, after finding it the first time, I know where to look in the future.
Buddy was already loaded in the car when Lucky went nuts. He didn’t want to go with us, and I foolishly tried to assert myself as master.
The wounds have pretty much scabbed over and stopped oozing, so that’s progress. I’m still sore, but I’m getting there. Taking my meds and keeping them clean should do the trick.
I’ve always been one to appreciate a full moon, but I usually pant rather than howl!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 04/October/2023 @ 6:50 am
DS, Right after the biting incident, my driver volunteered to take Lucky off my hands. He said he would make some aso adobo. It was tempting…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 04/October/2023 @ 6:52 am
«« Back To Stats PageDan, no Swan doesn’t know about the blog (yet) and I hope it stays that way. I tend to write as if no one I know reads the blog, and I’m surprised when I find out otherwise. There is a feeling of freedom in anonymity, but I’ve also tried to exercise some discretion (hence not using Swan’s actual name). Swan was never shy about posting photos of her and the deceased lover, so her reluctance now is more about keeping our relationship a secret. I don’t post anything about her or us on Facebook, only sharing here on my little-read blog.
As for the TV, given the room layout, it is really the only available wall space. That’s where Swan’s TV was before, too.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/October/2023 @ 7:04 am