Sometimes adapting to circumstances requires changing things up some.

Well, since I know clouds can’t talk, I didn’t listen and proceeded to embark on a boring Barretto street walk. I got a thunderous response, but defended myself with my umbrella. Six kilometers later, I was back home, safe and sound.

Fuck yeah! I’m going to Baloy Beach! Turns out it was a trap, but I broke out my trusty umbrella again and fended off most of the water projectiles falling from the sky.

My plan was to visit the Champs Sports Bar at Baywatch Beach Resort. I ran into Jim, who works for the new owner, outside reception. He apologized and said that Champs won’t open until NEXT Thursday. Oops, oh well. Next week then it is.

I walked on up the road to the Foxhole Resort, and my old pal Norman was tending bar. I inquired as to the availability of birria tacos, and he confirmed they had the ingredients. So, I placed my order. Norman disappeared for a few minutes, then returned and advised me that the chef who used to work at Myleen’s was off, but he called him at home, and he agreed to guide the cook who was working on the proper preparation of birria. That’s kinda going above and beyond, but I appreciated the effort.

Swan had opted not to join me on yesterday’s adventure, so I ordered birria tacos for take-out for her. Her assessment was similar to mine: okay, but not as good as they used to be.

Foxhole didn’t have my new favorite beer, San Miguel Extra Light (XL), so after I schooled Norman on its existence, he promised to order some and have it available on my next visit. Norman mentioned that photos of me and him had been popping up in his Facebook memories, and today he sent me these:

Since I was on my own, I decided to change things up and visit places I rarely go to these days. So, I hoofed it back to Barretto and got pretty soaked despite my umbrella when the wind turned things sideways. So, I took refuge at Gold Bar. I ordered an XL, but the waitress misunderstood what I asked for and brought me a San Mig Light instead. Oh, well. I did confirm that they had XL in stock.

For my next stop, I crossed the highway and visited Adams Bar. It is relatively new, but the only time I’d ventured in, they didn’t have red wine for Swan, so we left. This time, they didn’t have XL, but I stayed anyway. I was the only customer. One of the bar girls greeted me by name, but she didn’t look familiar, so I asked, where do you know me from? She said she lives on the hill behind La Union Street and I’d given her kids cookies in the past. Um, I don’t say my name when I hand out sweets, but I didn’t pursue it. The next thing I know, she’s showing me her naked breasts! Honestly, that’s not my thing in public, and when I turned my back and ignored her, she put them away. Another girl started rubbing my shoulders, and I told her I was leaving after I finished my beer. She got the hint that no lady drinks were forthcoming, and they both left me alone. Suffice it to say, I didn’t enjoy the vibe in Adams, and I won’t be coming back.

My next stop was Lux Bar. They had three or four girls on the dance stage, and they stood up when I came in. Yep, once again, no other customers. I took a piss, came back, and asked the waitress for an XL beer. Sorry, we don’t have any. So I said, “Sorry, I’m leaving.” And I did. I heard later that Lux will be shutting down for good soon. Sorry to hear that, but that explains why they haven’t ordered any more beers.

It’s probably been a year or so since my last visit to Whiskey Girl, so I popped in. None of my old waitress friends are still working there, but Jenn, the bartender/cashier who used to work at my old haunt, Hideaway, came out to greet me. Yep, you guessed it: no other customers but me. At least Whiskey Girl had XL in stock. I bought Jenn a lady drink and watched the three dancers sway around on the stage. When they took a break, one of them came down and sat beside me uninvited. She told me she used to work at Arizona, and when I showed her that picture of my Korean girlfriend, Eun Oke, at the Arizona Score Bar, she claimed to remember her. Hmm, that was ten years ago. She was nice enough to chat with and had a sense of humor, so I wound up buying her a drink before I left.

I decided to make the Outback Billabong Bar my final stop on my bar hop. There were two guys there playing pool, and me. Even though I rarely visit here, I was greeted by name. I’ll never get used to how these ladies always remember names. Outback didn’t have XL beer either, so I chided the waitress, but accepted a Light instead. I only stayed for one beer, then headed for home.

It’s been a while since I’ve done a bar adventure like last night, and it was nice for a change. But the fact that all the bars were mostly empty was a sad reflection on the times. Maybe the rain kept people home. Wussies!

Speaking of change, it doesn’t appear the weather is going to change anytime soon, and I’m seeing red:

I’m guessing my water service won’t be restored until the river level drops, so I’m screwed for now. Despite the bad weather, I managed a pretty good day step-wise:

Moving on in the September 2021 LTG archives, I ponder the question: is it better to give than receive? I don’t defend my “friends with benefits” program as charity, but note that I do other acts of giving with no expectations of anything in return. Of course, now that I’m in a relationship, I no longer engage in quid pro quo acts, but I’ve got other projects I support with my charity budget. So, I’m not a total asshole.

For today’s YouTube video, here’s another short comedy drama you might enjoy. For me, the best part of these is that the length suits my diminished attention span. And yes, I always put the grocery cart where it belongs when I’m done shopping.

You are welcome:

Yep, it doesn’t get much more lame than that. I’ll keep trying to do better.