As I mentioned yesterday, I accepted an invitation to join in a feeding and toy giveaway event hosted by the RSL (Returned Services League, the Australian VFW). I’m technically a member, having joined a couple of years ago, but I’ve not actively participated in their charity events. Swan’s sister and brother-in-law brought us with them to the far reaches of Cawag, an area I’d never visited. It was a successful endeavor, with three hundred bags of food and rice distributed and toys and candy provided for a similar number of children. I have lots of photos to share, so let’s get to it:

The kids’ line went relatively quickly. The adults getting food bags were given a numbered card and called up in order, which took quite a bit longer. Having nothing better to do, I took a hike down to the river with the members of Swan’s family.

Honestly, I was rather impressed with the makeshift huts and picnic shelters. I might come back here someday just to hang out and sip some cold beverages. But not this time. We needed to get back to the event and wrap things up.

On the way back home, we stopped at a roadside viewpoint.

Of course, the day was far from over for us. We took a nap, I blogged, and then we headed out for some beach time. Our first stop was the seldom-visited McCoy’s. We know one of the staff there, and she wanted to talk to us about some Baloy beachfront properties for lease. Well, I’d love to set Swan up with the Rite Spot On The Beach, but it’s really just a dream. What she showed us yesterday was way too much money for something that wouldn’t suit our purposes. No expectations, so no disappointment. I’d probably jump at the chance to convert McCoy’s into something viable, but the current owner is not interested in letting it go.

We went next door to the new Baywatch venue to see how they are progressing. Hmm. The downstairs bar/restaurant is still vacant. The door leading to the upstairs bar was open, so we climbed up there to have a look. Um, we walked in, and nobody was there. I don’t mean there weren’t customers; I didn’t expect any. There was no staff present to serve us. I guess they were closed but hadn’t bothered to lock the place up or something. Meanwhile, they had a videoke machine set up in the open outdoor area downstairs, and someone was blasting bad singing at high volume. Nope, I wouldn’t have stayed even if they were open for business. It seems to me this venue has taken a GIANT step backward.

So, now what? Swan likes a barefoot beach stroll, so I suggested we head down the beach to Laharnyz. And, of course, she was all-in for that idea.

I have come to really like the vibe at Laharnyz. I confessed to Swan that I enjoy it more than Kon-Tiki, except they don’t have food service (I guess unless you are homeless). Swan said she likes the view here better, and when we get hungry, we can always walk up the beach to Treasure Island. And when the hunger pangs came, that’s just what we did.

And on our way to Treasure Island, we passed by a brand new venue on the beach.

So, we shared a platter of chicken wings at Treasure Island and enjoyed some live music from the Engine Band. Then we headed home, where my gelatin dessert was waiting for me. And so ended a different kind of day, but a satisfying one.

Now, there is something to be said for my “early to bed, early to rise” lifestyle. While we were on the beach, I had the pleasure to witness this:

This morning, I woke up even earlier than usual and was rewarded with this vision outside my window:

Oh, Pubic Head posted this picture from Friday’s Hash Christmas party:

I got hungry at the feeding and snacked on four small pieces of candy. When I looked up the calorie count later, they were 45 calories each! Ouch!

Today’s entry in the Korea chapter of The Story of My Life comes from January 2005 and tells the tale of my very first weekend in Itaewon. One tale I didn’t tell (I was still married to wife #3 at the time) involved my first experience with lady drinks. I no longer recall the name of the bar, but it was open in the afternoon, and I needed to pee, so in I went. After taking care of that business, I sat down at the bar and ordered a beer. A few minutes later, a friendly gal came and sat next to me, and we began to chat. Since I was a newcomer, she gave me information on places to see and things to do in Korea. Being the gentleman that I was, when I ordered another beer, I asked if she would like a drink. She gladly accepted my offer. We sat there for a couple more hours talking and drinking, and it was all quite enjoyable. I was surprised how a random Korean female could be so kind to a stranger. And when it was time for me to pay up and head back to the Army base (I was staying at the Dragon Hill Lodge), I got my tab and about had a heart attack. It was $300! WTF? Turns out, her drinks were twenty bucks each! Well, it’s a good thing I had a credit card in my wallet. An expensive lesson, but tuition in the school of experience is never cheap! You can click the link above if you’d like to hear about my house hunting and first dining experience in a traditional Korean restaurant.

Ain’t it the truth:

My dating days are hopefully over and done with, but for any readers who may still be searching for “the one,” The Filipina Pea has some insights and advice on dating Filipinas. Good luck to you!

To the humor we must go:

I thought this was funny (I used to live in Arkansas, a whole other chapter in my life story):

A Letter From A Redneck Mother To Her Son

Dear Son,

I’m writing this slow ’cause I know you can’t read fast. We don’t live where we did when you left. Your dad read in the paper that most accidents happen within twenty miles of home, so we moved. Won’t be able to send you the address as the last Arkansas family that lived here took the numbers with them for their house, so they wouldn’t have to change their address.

This place has a washing machine. The first day I put four shirts in it, pulled the chain and haven’t seen ’em since.

It only rained twice this week, three days the first time and four days the second time.

The coat you wanted me to send to you, Aunt Sue said it would be a little too heavy to send in the mail with them heavy buttons, so we cut them off and put them in the pockets.

We got a bill from the funeral home, and it said if we didn’t make the final payment on Grandma’s funderal bill, up she comes.

About your sister, she had a baby this morning. I haven’t found out whether if it is a boy or a girl so don’t know if you are an Aunt or Uncle.

Your Uncle John fell in the whiskey vat. Some men tried to get him out, but he fought them off playfully, so he drowned. We cremated him and he burned for three days.

Three of your friends went off the bridge in a pickup. One was driving and the other two were in the back. The driver got out. He rolled down the window and swam to safety. The other 2 drowned. They couldn’t get the tail gate down.

Not much more news this time. Nothing much happened. If you don’t get this letter, please let me know and I will send another one.

Love, Ma

Alrighty, then. Time for me to feed the Hideaway girls. Then I’ll join my lovely lady for dinner at John’s place. I’ll be back with more tomorrow.