Comments Posted By John McCrarey
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A true connoisseur of 70s television…well done, Soju!
No, I rarely think of a tsunami hitting town. I’m assuming the natural bay barriers would hinder a big impact, although there are signs around town directing folks to tsunami evacuation areas. But hey, if COVID didn’t kill me, nothing will, right?
Yep, those brown skinned beauties can put away the hard stuff. Double entendre intended!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 12/July/2023 @ 1:58 pm
I’m not sure about Laharny’z, but I think it is a play on the owner’s name.
It’s weird, but I wound up looking up Freddie Prinz (the star of Chico and the Man) on Wiki. I remembered that he was a suicide, but I didn’t know that his son, Freddie Jr. became a bigger star than his daddy ever was. Somehow in my Hollywood ignorance, I’d missed that.
The clouds and a few rain drops made it feel *almost* cool on the walk.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 12/July/2023 @ 6:01 am
No fall colors here, either. Still, the rainy season will end by October, so there’s that.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/July/2023 @ 4:03 am
Brain, yes indeed, adjustments in lifestyle will be a part of this brave new world I’m entering. I’m not sure how it is going to play out, but I feel confident I’ll achieve the balance necessary between keeping Swan happy and my pursuit of bar time. One idea that has occurred to me is renewing my darts career. That gets me out of the house in a safe and sporting manner. And perhaps Swan might enjoy being my cheerleader. Anyway, I do think I’m going to enjoy sitting on the roof in my new house, a cold beer in hand, taking in the panoramic vistas, and Swan snuggled up by my side. No bar in town can top that!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/July/2023 @ 7:49 am
No, Swan will not be an employee in this relationship. When we decided to make this step, she asked me, “Who’s the boss now?” I told her no one is boss; we are partners now.
Yes, I need to avoid any actions that create the appearance of being a player. Giving up the massages or other physical contact is a no-brainer. Since Swan doesn’t like drinking in bars, I specifically asked her about my buying an occasional lady drink for the bargirls I know. I emphasized it was only drinking and chatting–no touching–and she told me she was okay with that. Now obviously, I’m going to need to make some adjustments to the time I spend in the bars without her. Old habits die hard, but I expect I will prefer spending most of my time with Swan. I’m sure there will be some compromising on her part as well. I’ve already decided to stay home on Tuesday, and we’ll finish watching our movie. Friday, the SOB is at Queen Victoria, and I invited Swan to come along, with the added bonus of staying and watching the live music afterward, and she accepted.
I chatted with Swan during my visit to Hideaway last night, and she was familiar with the place, calling it “quiet and friendly.” Again, I don’t usually visit bars that would be a red flag (i.e., with scantily clad dancers), so I’m hopeful my bar time won’t be an issue for us. I didn’t mention the feeding program, but I will when we meet up in person.
You are absolutely right about maintaining open and honest communication. We’ve already talked about how important it will be to share our thoughts and feelings, especially on those occasions when one of us is unhappy about something. So, I think we are on the same page in that regard.
I also don’t think drunken behavior on my part will be a problem. I rarely get that drunk anyway, and I do expect I’ll be reducing my bar time now that I have a better option to fill those hours.
Anyway, we have both acknowledged that we need to take this slowly as we move forward. One day at a time and see what happens.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/July/2023 @ 6:46 am
Brian, weird, but I wasn’t familiar with that particular song. Thanks for the link!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/July/2023 @ 6:59 am
Damn it! Welp, if thems the rules, I reckon I gotta obey. Don’t want to wind up in grammar jail! (I corrected the title as required to “Goodbye, Mary.”)
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/July/2023 @ 6:51 am
Steve’s an Aussie…that’s probably what messed with your vision…you were seeing things from down under.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 09/July/2023 @ 3:26 pm
You know, I knew I’d need that vocative comma in a sentence, but somehow in the post title, I felt like an exception was in order. I just thought it looked better without it. So much for artistic license exceptions.
That’s what I find irksome about “Filipina time;” it seems to be situational. I mean, I get it that on occasion, shit happens (i.e., the Jeepneys are all full), but I’ve noticed oftentimes it’s the value of the event that dictates promptness–“Oh, it’s just John, no hurry then.” Yesterday, Mary messaged me that she was at the station early so as not to miss her bus and jokingly added, “No Filipina time today!” Yeah, whatever.
As to closing the Mary door, I was disengaging (except for the promised financial support) weeks before learning of her scheduled departure. I’m not sure if that had anything to do with her decision to move or not. It’s true that I am susceptible to seduction, but I don’t expect anything more will occur with Mary if and when she returns.
It’s been a long time since I heard “Love On The Rocks.” I couldn’t really relate to it back in the 1970s, but oh, how it resonates now.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 09/July/2023 @ 7:29 am
Soju, I’m not sure what Myleen’s background is (I understand her husband is her partner in the business) but I noticed the Mexican dishes were all named after cities in Arizona, so maybe that’s a clue.
I guess in a sense, every post here at LTG has an AAR quality about it. So many mission failures!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 09/July/2023 @ 7:41 am
Yes, I agree one enchilada does not make a “plate.”
I actually thought of you when it was served–“Kevin wouldn’t like the looks of those onions on top!”
» Posted By John McCrarey On 08/July/2023 @ 5:50 am
Soju, hmmm, I considered Swan calling me boss as a way to keep distance between us, but for your father, it was a term of endearment. Maybe there is hope after all!
Well, I only feed Joy twice a week, so it is on her to fill in the gaps.
Gold pot, you say? Is that a flavor? I spent that week in Thailand and never partook in the legal weed there, so I’d probably pass on the Gold pot too.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/July/2023 @ 7:55 am
We’ve got one guy with over 1000 runs. My pal Scott (Pubic Head) is still active and has over my 900. I wasted too many years to reach those lofty heights, but I’d like to stay healthy enough to achieve 500 runs someday.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/July/2023 @ 5:14 am
Sad that Whitney’s life ended so tragically. Dolly is very talented, but what impresses me the most is her kind and generous heart.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/July/2023 @ 5:10 am
Now Soju, rest assured that I did, in fact, light the oven, take the garlic bread slices out of the freezer, and bake them for the specified period of time!
Yes, it is hard to believe my Buddy boy has been with me for 5 years already!
Prisoner to his new cellmate: Whatcha in for? “Concubinage”. Okay, you take the bottom bunk…
Oh, and Dolly Parton wrote the song, Whitney Houston made it a big hit. I like both versions.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 06/July/2023 @ 9:46 am
Kev, I knew she lived poor, but it is still shocking to see it up close. It is very rare that I actually visit the gals I meet where they live.
Yes, I boiled the water, poured in the package contents, stirred it up, and viola–mashed potatoes. Is there another way?
As for fucking the help, that’s something I don’t do. I guess hands off the staff was ingrained in me after a career in Human Resources Management. That’s why I don’t like being called “boss” (another girl calls me “Daddy,” which I also find a turn-off). Anyway, Swan would never consent to sex as part of her job; that’s just not who she is. So hiring her is a tactical surrender on my part. I think she will provide me with some of the companionship I crave, but it will not be physical. Maybe that’s enough.
Jesus, I remember commenting on your Eggcorn post and saying it was just a matter of time until I fucked up. Well, I’m on the lamb, but I ain’t no sheep! And my fellow Hashers sometimes jokingly refer to our Kiwi friends as being sexually attracted to those lambs. On-On!
Back to Swan, I’m ready, willing, and able to live in a one-woman committed relationship. That’s what is so frustrating–I finally meet the kind of woman I’ve dreamed of, and she is not interested in me. At least not yet. Really, it won’t be hard to let go of those distractions; I haven’t had a happy massage or gotten physical with Mary or anyone else in quite some time. Maybe that’s why I’ve been feeling better about myself lately–it’s better to go without than to pay for something meaningless.
Who needs sex when Karma is fucking me? That bitch!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 06/July/2023 @ 6:29 am
Yes, I have heard several long-time residents talking about the heat this year being noticeably worse.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/July/2023 @ 5:43 pm
Kev, so it’s a special day for sure, then! A mother’s love can’t be replaced and is never forgotten.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/July/2023 @ 5:11 am
Welcome back, Brandon. Do you think you’ll make it up Subic way during your visit?
» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/July/2023 @ 5:00 am
Soju, you are forgetting that this is the Philippines. All I need to enact the scenario you describe is one of those inflatable kiddie-wading pools…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 04/July/2023 @ 9:35 am
Yes, and the fact is I’m not big on swimming pools and would probably rarely use it…so, a lot of work for nothing!
I told the landlord I hoped her house would be the last one in this lifetime (and I’m counting on another fifteen years at least). Moving is a pain in the ass and disruptive to norms and routines–who needs it? Luckily, I don’t own much stuff to lug around, so it should go smoothly. This will be my third move in less than six years, so it is high time to break that cycle.
That photo is the view of the backside of the new house, looking up from the street below. It gives a better indication of the size and design than you can see from the front.
As for the workplace surprise at Bar Barretto–it was surprising to me as well to be enjoying some time there on what turned out to be the last night (at least in this iteration), and it appeared NO ONE other than the new owner knew what was in store. The story I’m hearing is that there are some paperwork/licensing issues that have to be resolved, and rather than risk operating illegally, the new prefers closing while things get worked out.
Yep, feeling good on the hike is like a breath of fresh air! I’ll save my faceplants for those drunken nights in town!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 04/July/2023 @ 6:54 am
Yes, I’m definitely considering setting up my grill on the rooftop. The only issue is having to climb up and down the those steps. I want to have a nipa hut built up there. Once that happens, I’d cook and eat on the roof. I’d like to spend a lot of my at home time up there.
Well, it’s only day 2 of the tracking, but yeah, I spent too much in the bars this weekend for sure. Maybe that was an aberration, but this is why I need to get a handle on where the money goes. I’ve been acting irresponsibly for too long. Once I have a month’s worth of data, I’ll be better able to tell where I need to cut back.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/July/2023 @ 5:30 am
I’m using a spending tracker app called MyMoney. It was highly rated in the app store and seems to meet my needs so far. It’s free, too. I’ll check out Moneydance if I need to make a change.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/July/2023 @ 5:18 am
No, I haven’t forgotten the help you provided with the blog redesign. And when I visit Snackbar, I see your work on the signage there too. Nice chatting last night.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 09/July/2023 @ 7:35 am
Kev, yes, I overreacted and apologized, but in my defense, there’s some history with Nerissa that was a contributing factor. You might recall that I actually took her on a date once, the driving tour of Bataan, and was looking forward to a follow-up travel date. Then a couple of weeks later, Nerissa sees me on the rooftop of BarCelona having a drink with another woman (Mary). The following day, I noticed Nerissa had unfriended/blocked me on Facebook. Without a word and without any basis–we weren’t in a relationship, and I had made no commitments. Anyway, I realized then and there that Nerissa was a drama queen. We talked about it later, and she unblocked me, but I had no interest in seeing her outside the bar again. That’s the background for why I reacted as I did when she once again confronted me about being out with another woman. It doesn’t make me right–I shouldn’t have even given a shit–I certainly don’t now.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 02/July/2023 @ 7:25 am
Wow! Love the Steve Earle version too! I’m not sure how I missed this song (by either singer) for all these years, but I’m glad to have finally heard it.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 02/July/2023 @ 7:16 am
Brian, yes, precisely, one flush and done when the power is out. Plan accordingly!
As for the food, all we had were the appetizers. Swan claimed she wasn’t hungry. I thought the calamari was bleh, but the quesadillas were different in a good way. There were things on the menu I might try in the future, notwithstanding upscale hotel pricing.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 01/July/2023 @ 6:03 am
The place I’m in has no natural water pressure. A water tank in the basement with an electric water pump provides water to the house. So, without electricity, the water stays in the basement, and I have to go without. One toilet flush is all I have in that situation, so I have to plan accordingly.
Yes, Swan ticks all my boxes on the physical attractiveness scale. More importantly, she is beautiful on the inside as well. The first time I met her was when she was taking food donations for a charity project she was involved in on behalf of the native Aeta population here. Swan lived with her man for seventeen years, and when I’d see them around town, the love between them was obvious. Even in my envy, I couldn’t help but admire that. Now that I’m getting to know her on a more personal level, I’m impressed with her charm and wit. She has a great sense of humor (i.e., she gets my jokes) and is a good conversationalist. Oh, and she is thirty-nine years old and has no children. Perfect! As I’ve said, if things never progress beyond the friendship level, I’ll still be lucky to know her.
Swan has never come out and said anything, but she tends to cover her face or turn away when I’m taking a photo. I think she might be shy about creating the appearance of being on a date so soon after her man’s passing. Obviously, I’m going to respect her privacy in this situation. I just want her to be comfortable spending time with me knowing she is safe. I rarely tell anyone local about my blog, the illusion of being anonymous makes it easier to share my diary-like drivel every day. Still, I wouldn’t be surprised in this small town if I’m acquainted with a reader who knows her. Anyway, I think my admiration for her is evident, and I would never intentionally say or do anything to make things more difficult for her during this time of transition.
As for the “red flag,” I’ve inadvertently misled you. I’m not entirely clear on the history of the house, but the landlord had Swan and her man move in there because she couldn’t afford to maintain the place. I’ve never asked for details, but they may have been there rent-free in exchange for being a caretaker. The house is clean; it just needs lots of work, like cabinets, floor tiles, and other physical improvements.
So, we’ll see what happens next. I know Swan needs to find work (she’s applying for some jobs on SBMA this week), and I hope to employ her as my part-time Tagalog tutor to help her out some. She’s never asked for anything financially, and she has a college education and experience as a caregiver, so I think she’ll be able to achieve the independence she desires. I just want to be there to help in any way I can while I selfishly enjoy her company.
Thanks for the Brit definition of “swan.” It makes that made-up name I use seem all the more appropriate!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 01/July/2023 @ 5:54 am
Yeah, I’m not sure what’s wrong with me failing to note that potential object of affection. I’ll try and do better!
I think the fencing we encountered was intended to keep people from the beach entering the neighborhood, which is just plain silly unless you build a wall around the entire subdivision. All they created was a pain in the ass for people in the neighborhood trying to access the beach. Ah, well.
Yeah, I kinda like the vibe in Club Morocco, too; just wouldn’t want to live there!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 30/June/2023 @ 5:47 am
«« Back To Stats PageSoju, I enjoy a lazy style of cooking and rarely get creative. Even my famous brownies are produced with the help of my assistant, Betty Crocker.
As for the cold shower, I don’t want to experience any related shrinkage issues…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 29/June/2023 @ 9:10 am