Almost.
As we discussed where we should go, Gary recalled a hike we took once with Scott along the river in Naugsol. No surprise that I couldn’t remember that journey, but since it was just the two of us, we grabbed a trike for the 200 peso ride to Naugsol. I figured once we were there, one of us might recognize just where it was we had walked that long-ago day. And sure enough, when we exited the trike and looked across the river, we both recalled walking along the top of the concrete riverbank. Alas, I told Gary that the last time I had attempted to go that way, I discovered an impassable fence blocked the path. So, Plan B was instituted, and we did a circular journey around the Naugsol area before heading back to Barretto through the familiar backwoods of San Isidro.
When beer o’clock rolled around, Swan opted out, so I had the rare solo experience in town.
When I was ready for a change of scenery, I headed up the highway. It Doesn’t Matter where I went next.
After some more beers, the hunger pangs wouldn’t shut up. Myleen’s, a place Swan doesn’t care for, is right around the corner from IDM, and with Swan not around, I took advantage of the opportunity to dine there.
Turns out, Friday is discount night for Mexican food. That suited me because I was thinking about the enchilada platter. But after perusing the menu, I felt like I should honor Swan’s love of birria tacos. I also wanted to do a taste comparison to the ones we have every week at John’s place.
Let me render my judgment: I liked Myleen’s birria tacos best.
After eating, I decided I’d do my nightcap at Alaska. The SOB was taking place next door at Wet Spot, and I peeked in for a looksee. The place was packed. I also confirmed that Voodoo didn’t participate, so that brings it down to four teams. I asked Jerry, the Alaska owner, if he would consider rejoining the SOB, and he responded, “No way.” I was sorry to hear that. Alaska was always one of my favorite participants. Times change, nothing to do but move on.
Having done my duty and with the bedtime hour approaching, I said my goodnights and headed for the trike stand. Apparently, while I was indoors enjoying myself, there had been a heavy rainstorm.
The other weird thing that happened yesterday was receiving some U.S. Mail. It was addressed to my current residence, although not technically delivered there (it was left with the guards at the entrance to the subdivision). I’ve never had mail sent directly to me from the States; instead, I’ve had things like credit cards sent to a retired military friend’s FPO address.
It’s strange because I’m not eligible for Social Security benefits having not paid into the program for most of the years I was working for Uncle Sam (I was grandfathered into the old Civil Service Retirement System). What freaks me out is that SSA has my current address, an address I never use in my dealings with the government (my legal address is still my house in South Carolina). So, how in the hell did an agency like SSA find out where I’m physically residing? It’s kind of scary to think about.
Other things I found of interest as a former postal worker: The SSA correspondence is dated May 2, 2025. It was mailed from Pennsylvania on May 5 (international postage was $1.65). It has a Filipino postmark as being received in San Fernando (in neighboring Pampanga province) on May 23. Then it was postmarked in Olongapo City on July 14. And hand-delivered (via the Alta Vista guards) on August 15. Now you know why I use the FPO network whenever I need prompt delivery (US mail is sent to the US Embassy, and picked up there by a local veterans group here in Barretto).
I’ve hit a strange period in the LTG archives. Less than a dozen posts total for July, August, and September 2011, and none at all for October. I honestly don’t recall why I gave up on regular blogging during that period of my life. Having nothing of interest to say hasn’t stopped me lately. Anyway, here is the first post breaking the hiatus in November, such as it is. And hilariously, I spelled “here” in the first sentence as “hear.” Damn, I wasn’t even senile back then.
Today’s YouTube has The Filipina Pea sharing some unique news items from the Philippines. Like the fact that Filipinas watch more porn here than the guys do. What’s not to like?
Humor time:
Another day, another post. Enjoy them while you can!
I know I’ve seen the pic of Eun Oke before but she as a cutie.
QP, she was fun to be with most of the time. In the end, she didn’t want to join me to live in a “poor country.” Her loss.
Hey with the new law change CSRS pension people might be eligible for SS through spouse. That is why SS reached out to you.
Joe, thanks. I haven’t been keeping up with the changes in SSA law. I don’t have enough quarters to be eligible, and my legal wife is Korean, so that won’t help. Not that it matters, “double dipping” isn’t allowed, so if I drew a SS pension, my CSRS would be reduced.
I am still freaked out that the government knows my address in the Philippines!