Rex Lewis completed his tour of duty here on Earth yesterday morning. I can’t say that we were more than acquaintances and Facebook friends, but I’d see him out and about around town, most often in It Doesn’t Matter and Hideaway. He liked playing pool and drinking, was friendly, and well-liked by those who knew him. He hadn’t been in the best of health, and he was a heavy smoker, so when I first heard the news, I really wasn’t all that surprised. Until I heard the circumstances leading to his death.

I’d often see Rex out at Baloy Beach walking his dogs in the morning. It seems yesterday his young son decided to go wading in the bay. Well, with this tropical depression that has been pounding us, the waters have been roiled. Anyway, Rex had to go out to rescue the boy, and after handing him off, Rex was hit by a wave and knocked down, smashing his head into a rock. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. Well, if you have got to die, going out a hero is a fine way to do it. Gonna miss seeing you around, Rex.

You never know when your time will come. I don’t dwell on it so much lately; I just take each day as it comes and hope for the best. When it’s all over, I guess it won’t matter to me–I’ll be dead.

Meanwhile, it is STILL raining here. We have yet to have a break in going on four days now. You don’t get used to it, you have to adapt as best you can. I try to time my walk into town and between the bars to the intervals between the squalls, and I’m batting about .500 in that regard. I’ve also acquired a larger umbrella.

I did the Sunday feeding at Hideaway Bar last night. Jewel Cafe provided the food in exchange for 1700 pesos.

I got the news about Rex while I was at Hideaway, and the girls were shocked. They said Rex had been there on Wednesday and had a good time. They’ll miss him, I could tell.

When I left Hideaway, I headed over to It Doesn’t Matter to pay my respects. Manager Ashley was still in tears.

When the rain eased up a bit, I hustled down the highway to Sloppy Joe’s. Chris was there and hadn’t heard the news about Rex. So, we raised a glass in his honor, and I suggested Chris (who had the music controller) play “Another One Bites The Dust,” but I guess it was too soon.

I ended my night at Snackbar and enjoyed the company of the owner and Lydell. It’s funny how things turn out. I’m so over what was as I look forward to what might be.

I made a batch of brownies for Swan and we enjoyed them with our morning coffee.

It is Hash Monday, and it’s going to be a wet one. We will be doing a street walk, though, so it should be survivable. I’ll let y’all know how it goes tomorrow.