Okay, if you’ve been waiting for the 7-Eleven Hash Run lowdown, you’ve come to the right place. We do this special Hash twice a year, on July 11 and again on November 7. Don’t ask me why that is. These Hashes are a worldwide phenomenon and involve trails linking those aptly named stores. Oh, and the 7-Eleven Hashers are supposed to have an alcoholic beverage at each stop along the way. I opt not to do so, however. I enjoy hiking, and I enjoy beer drinking, but not at the same time. Several in our group of twenty did play by the rules and had a cold one at all the stores. To their credit, they were still standing when we finished.

And that’s where we finished the journey.

We popped into Red Bar for some more after-hike refreshments, then crossed the highway to It Doesn’t Matter.

And another 7-Eleven Hash tradition is to name the Wisest Wizard from the day’s outing.

As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, after IDM, I joined the gals at a karaoke bar and made peace with Swan there.

So, until November, when we shall reconvene the 7-Eleven Hash for yet another run.

Now, to get back on track, let me do a quick recap of my Sunday. Starting with a sloppy Decay Dance. It never rained during the actual walk, but the repercussions of the rainy season were in full bloom.

And then this happened. In all the years I’ve been walking this route, I’ve never seen it like this:

Then it was on to Jumpin’ Jacks.

For whatever reason, I had the urge to do some country swing dancing. So, I asked the DJ to play a suitable country song, “Cotton Eye Joe.” We were the only customers, so there was nobody to offend with my music choice. Swan started getting dizzy about halfway through the song, so I finished the dance on my own.

Yep, it was time to head for home, and that’s just what we did.

Back to the July 2020 LTG archives, where I write about being generously ignorant. That was two years into my Philippines life, and these days I’m somewhat better with my giving IQ. I went through a stage where, when someone asked for money (almost always bargirls), I asked them to give me something in return. Most of them were happy to do so, but it still felt hollow and transactional. Nowadays I have projects that I hope have a positive long-term impact, and the satisfaction I get from helping those truly in need is all I desire.

Today’s YouTube video asks whether you should give your Filipina an allowance. That was always my plan, and that’s what I do. If someone in Swan’s family needs assistance, they can go directly to her, and she can decide if it is a worthy request. I’m also helping Swan build a residence for her on the family compound. I’m pretty sure I’ll be dying before she does, and at least when I’m gone, she’ll have a roof over her head.

Maybe these will please you:

And there you have it. Life goes on, and I’m gonna keep livin’ it and lovin’ it as long as I can. I’ve got a rainy day Hash to attend to, but I’ve decided I’ll be staying on the pavement today. Better safe than sorry and all that.