I’ll be doing the annual Hash Candy Run later, so let’s get today’s post out of the way.
Today the Hashers will be walking the streets of Barretto and the surrounding communities handing out candy to the children we encounter. Santa (aka 18 Kilo Ass) will be in attendance as well. And Swan will be joining in on the fun, so I’m looking forward to our first Hash together.
We may have gone a tad overboard on our candy purchases, but we have a charity event on Wednesday, and we’ll give away any leftovers then.Here is some of what Swan and her friends have gathered for the Wednesday outing to a native Aeta village in Olongapo. I made a sizeable cash donation to the event sponsor on behalf of our Barretto hiking groupsand she is putting together food baskets for the community.
I received a sweet Christmas card from my sweetie:
The ingredients. The recipe calls for a sour cream base, but alas, sour cream is a rare commodity in these parts. I substituted plain yogurt which lacks the tangy flavor, but you gotta make due sometimes.
Santa’s helper (Swan) gifted me a backpack and two hats:
And this new shirt. Yep, I’m a lucky man.
And here’s the rundown on how I spent my Christmas Eve.
It started with a walk, of course; my Standard Sunday Solo Stroll through the Naugsol Valley and back.I encountered many more children than usual–all hoping for “biscuits.”Now I know how Santa Claus feels.These deliveries were all in the first kilometer of my hike. I was worried that demand would exceed supply.But then things quieted down some.Merry Christmas, Easter!Another deliveryThe bridges don’t get much dicier than this one.The Naugsol Valley and the Kalaklan Ridge.It had been awhile since my last Bridge #4 crossing.A quiet morning on the upper stretch of Sawmill Road.I ended my journey at the Puregold market in a fruitless search for sour cream.What a pleasant 7K stroll looks like.
Hideaway Bar was having a Christmas party and I left home an hour earlier than usual to add my contribution to the food offerings. Well, Jewel Cafe supplied the eats, I just paid for them. I did bring a batch of brownies and some Oreo cookies to add to the mix.
The place was packed like I’d never seen before. I was lucky the gals had the foresight to reserve my seat.Me and the well-fed Hideaway crew
When it came time to depart Hideaway, I hit the beach instead of the highway.
Still enough daylight to make a couple more beers on the Arizona floating bar worthwhile.The view from my barstoolBarretto beachThe Kalaklan Ridge seems to be stalking me lately. I’ll see you next year, I promise!Zoomed in on what appeared to be a Navy vessel anchored in the bay.There goes the sun again!
When darkness falls on the floater, I head for shore. I decided It Doesn’t Matter would be a nice venue for my nightcap. It turned out to be even nicer than I expected when I got a message from a young woman wanting to join me.
Nice to see you again, Swan!
Soon enough, Swan needed to depart for her family event in Subic, and I was at my limit for beer ingestion. We said our goodnights and went our separate ways. I had blueberry cheesecake to keep me company when I got home. Netflix still won’t connect to my TV for some reason, so I watched a “Shameless” episode on my laptop. Then it was off to bed for another good nights sleep. Being able to breathe through my nose again seems to help with that.
And that brings you up to date. I plan to grill some ribeye steaks for a pre-Hash Christmas lunch. Thanks for coming by, and check back tomorrow for another update to the story of my so-called life.
You knew it was coming!
And since it is Christmas, let me gift you with another one:
I don’t even know how to use Google maps.Sorry ’bout that!
Merry Christmas!
3 thoughts on “And so this is Christmas”
Merry Christmas. Good job re: spreading Christmas cheer with your candy runs and your various charities.
Maligayang Kasko McCrarey! Now that’s a tongue-twister. Try sayin that 10x fast.
I was going to tell you I hope Santa brings you what you want but it looks as though he already has.
Peace Out!
Thanks, Soju. I may not have everything I want, but there is nothing that I need.
Merry Christmas. Good job re: spreading Christmas cheer with your candy runs and your various charities.
Maligayang Kasko McCrarey! Now that’s a tongue-twister. Try sayin that 10x fast.
I was going to tell you I hope Santa brings you what you want but it looks as though he already has.
Peace Out!
Thanks, Soju. I may not have everything I want, but there is nothing that I need.
Happy New Year!