Yesterday’s Hash outing was an enjoyable, albeit mostly familiar, trail. The Hares were all female Hashers (Gash), but they still managed to chart a course I found worthy of shortcutting (I didn’t do the Black Rock climb at the end). Even so, it was a good 6.5K journey for me. That’s plenty on a hot day.

I tried my hand at a video of the Hash Circle opening: Introductions and the Hares on ice. (Don’t worry; it is less than four minutes long).

And as usual, we did an after-Hash gathering at It Doesn’t Matter.

I tried my best, but sometimes your best just isn’t good enough.

Some Facebook memories from this day in history:

Three years ago, a new bar opened in town, and the customers were invited to decorate the walls.

Anyone up for some political bullshit in the form of memes?

Enough of that nonsense; let’s hear what Reekay has to say about the advantages of dating an older Filipina. I had to smile thinking about that scenario. The youngest woman I’ve dated here was eighteen years old. These days, I’m with one of those “older” gals, Swan, who is forty. Of course, “old” is a relative term, especially in light of the fact that I’m thirty years her senior. But Reekay’s points are all valid, and in my experience, older is definitely better.

Maybe these will make you smile:

I reckon that’s enough of my nonsense for one day. Come back for another fix if you dare tomorrow.

Woman: Do you drink beer?
Man: Yes
Woman: How many beers a day?
Man: Usually about 3
Woman: How much do you pay per beer?
Man: $5.00 which includes a tip
Woman: And how long have you been drinking?
Man: About 20 years, I suppose
Woman: So a beer costs $5 and you have 3 beers a day which puts your spending each month at $450. In one year, it would be approximately $5400.. correct?
Man: Correct
Woman: If in 1 year you spend $5400, not accounting for inflation, the past 20 years puts your spending at $108,000, correct?
Man: Correct
Woman: Do you know that if you didn't drink so much beer, that money could have been put in a step-up interest savings account and after accounting for compound interest for the past 20 years, you could have now bought a Ferrari?
Man: Do you drink beer?
Woman: No
Man: What color is your Ferrari?

Well, only three beers a day is a lightweight! I was going to say I’d have money for a Ferrari in half the time, but then I remember I don’t pay anywhere near five dollars a beer. Luckily, I don’t need a car because I don’t drink and drive.

Alright, now that we have that out of the way, let me tell you about yesterday’s Hash. As expected, the trail was long and hard. But Leech My Nuggets is one of my favorite Hares because he not only lays a well-marked trail (meaning it’s hard to get lost), but he also provides options to ease the burden for those of us who need them. My group did the first big hill climb but then opted for a walkaround Black Rock and the final up. So, it was a good day on trail for everyone!

But the downward part of the trek was whole new experience.

And as is our custom, after the circle some of the Hasher reconvened at It Doesn’t Matter.

When we’d had more than enough to drink, Swan and I headed for the safety of home and episode 4 of “Squid Game.” Lots more bloodshed, and this one ended with a cliffhanger–who’s at the end of their rope? I’ll find out tonight!

I’m just throwing today’s YouTube video out there for whatever it is worth. Why the US vice-president would engage this issue doesn’t make sense to me, but maybe I’m missing something. Anyway, the vlogger gives it a positive spin, regardless of whether it is likely to happen.

To the humor we must go:

That’s pretty much all I’ve got for now. After the doctor visit, we’ll head out to the Kokomo’s floating bar for some rockin’ on the bay. Assuming all goes well, I’ll be back again tomorrow.

Yesterday’s Hash trail came in right at 6K and traveled through territory I’ve hiked frequently enough that almost everything was familiar. Except for the long-ass uphill stretch. And even there, once we started going down some rough and uneven steps, I realized that I’d climbed up those steps a couple of times, and the long up had actually been a down back then. Direction surely does change everything. It was a pleasant enough hike overall, and we finished at our On-Home venue, the One-Three Resort. I hadn’t been there for a while, and it seemed a little shabbier than usual. As I was leaving after sundown, I walked through an almost pitch-black lobby and asked why the lights were out. The gal behind the counter said, “Sorry, sir, not available.” I can only assume someone didn’t pay the electric bill. Oh well, not my problem.

Here are some photos from Run #1632 of the Subic Bay Hash House Harriers:

We joined the after-Hash at It Doesn’t Matter for a bit before heading home. The party girls didn’t want Swan to leave so early, so I promised that Swan could stay late next week. She’s becoming such a Hasher!

In today’s episode of The Story of My Life, I recount reaching what I thought was the end of the road career-wise fourteen years ago as I said farewell to my Uncle Sam. Of course, nothing lasts forever.

Coincidentally, Facebook memories reminds that a mere four years later, I went back to work.

Eight years ago, I was in the GS-15 Director’s Chair again.

Also, eight years ago, my marriage had failed (again), and I was taking my first tentative steps back into the dating game.

Changing things up a tad content-wise, today’s YouTube video is a 1977 TV commercial for the first portable computer. We really have come a long way.

And that brings us to the daily dose of humor:

Halfway through a busier-than-usual Tuesday. Immigration, cell phone repair, candy purchases at two different markets in Olongapo City, and then the regular gig at the Royal supermarket. Next up is a visit to Dr. Jo for this week’s chelation treatment. After that, we’ll do our Tuesday visit to the Kokomo’s floating bar and then dinner afterward. It’s a good thing I’m retired; I don’t have any time to work!

I didn’t really have a plan, but things still didn’t go the way I anticipated for yesterday’s Hash. The first decision I made was to walk to the Hash starting point from my house via the My Bitch trail. Swan and another Hasher, Fuck Buddy’s Wet Spot, joined me on the trek to the start. I gave myself an hour to get here, and that proved to be just shy of enough. While hiking on My Bitch we encountered the official Hash trail at Four Corners. Of course, it was going in the opposite direction, but I figured I’d just follow the trail in reverse until I got to the start. Except when I saw the trail made a turn and was going the same way that last week’s Hash took, I decided fuck that and kept going on the Bitch to Rizal Extension and then down from there to the start at Court Two. This caused me to arrive at the start three minutes late, and everyone was already gone. Well, I could have followed the marks and done the Hare’s trail, but instead, I chose to make my own path on the streets back to the On-Home at Red Bar. Based on the feedback I heard from other Hashers, that proved to be my best decision of the day. The trail had a long and nasty climb to Kalaklan, some of it in a creekbed, and was poorly marked in places, with even experienced Hashers losing the trail. Nope, not for me. We have the same Hare next week, so I have low expectations. Anyway, here are some photos from along my way.

Then, there was the after-Hash gathering at IDM.

I was hungry, and the IDM menu offerings didn’t have many low-cal options, so I went with this:

So, the stats for my chosen path look like this:

The Hash is known as a drinking club with a running problem, so I try to honor the tradition. Also, I want to get more than my money’s worth. It was close, but I managed to stay under the daily calorie budget:

And now, it’s time to look back in time:

And today, Facebook slapped me with the memory of falling in love three years ago. This hiking date in San Antonio convinced me I had found “the one.” There are many photos of us snuggling up, but she has previously asked me not to post her pictures here, and I mostly try to respect her wishes. It was a great day on the mountain; I’ll never forget what might have been. Of course, things turned out alright for me when I met Swan two years later.

So, yesterday’s YouTube got a positive reaction from one reader (he even shared it on his blog). Glad you enjoyed it, Kevin. I honestly didn’t know much about the jokester Mikey Bustos, but it turns out he is Filipino-Canadian and is pretty famous in North America. I’m going to be checking out some of his other work, but in the meantime, here’s his parody take on if Michael Jackson was Filipino:

Here’s some motionless humor:

Later, I’ll be re-instating my Tuesday tradition of visiting the Kokomo’s floating bar. Hard to beat sipping a cold beverage on the water and watching the sun go down. Tell you all about it tomorrow.

Yesterday’s Hash was a pleasant one, at least, the part of the trail I did was. My intended shortcut was walking up Rizal Extension to avoid the Kalaklan climb and then pick up the trail where it came back down. That went fine. We did the second climb, and it intersected with the My Bitch trail at Mountain Mama Onelia’s place. I must have gotten distracted and missed the turn that went back down into Marian Hills. Instead, I continued on the Bitch back to Alta Vista and the On-Home at Hare Leech My Nuggets house. So, my chosen path was not quite 4K. I enjoyed it, though, and that’s what’s important.

Before departing for the Hash run, Swan served me some lunch.

Alright, now I’m ready to Hash!

Since we were already in Alta Vista, we opted not to venture out to IDM for the after-Hash gathering. After all, I’m counting calories and I had already enjoyed nine beers for my 300 peso Hash fee.

Eight years ago, I was enjoying the colors of autumn in Korea:

Today’s YouTube video vlogger shares his ten biggest fears about living in the Philippines. I agree with his #1 fear of going to jail, which would be a death sentence for me. The others, not so much. I don’t ride a motorbike or drive here, which perhaps was a decision driven by fear, but now I don’t have to worry. I never think about a potential house fire, but maybe I should. A kitchen fire could block escape from my bedroom, forcing me to jump off my patio. That fall would probably kill me (or make me wish I was dead). I don’t worry about crime and rarely feel unsafe. I’m safer from crime here (at least in this part of the PI) than I would be in the USA. I don’t fear bad relationships; I’ve lived them my whole life. Hopefully, Swan will put an end to that. I’m not sure how you can feel lonely in this country–even when I was alone, I always had friends with benefits available. My only money worries are if the USA went bankrupt and stopped paying my pension. The weather is what it is; I don’t waste time fearing it. I’ve sometimes wondered about a Pinatubo volcano eruption, but with any advance notice, I’d just relocate. Yeah, competent medical treatment availability is a legitimate concern, but I’m not going to dwell on it. So far the care I’ve needed has been adequately provided. And finally, as far as I’m concerned, there is no better place to be for assistance in your old age. I’ve often thought of Barretto as a retirement community. And I have a full-time caregiver working for me. Swan is also a certified caregiver. I’m in good hands in that regard.

To the humor, then:

Here I am, smack dab in the middle of another nothing Tuesday. We’ll see if we can liven things up with a stroll to Baloy Beach later this afternoon. Hope to see you here tomorrow for a full report.

And here I was missing The Four Seasons. Never seen this video before, but damn, that’s pretty wild for 1962. I wonder what she looks like now?

Yesterday’s Hash trail was short and sweet, and mine was even sweeter because I made it even shorter. My excuse, not that I need one, is that it started raining, and I didn’t see much sense in doing the final hill climb. Besides, Swan still isn’t feeling 100%, so I wanted her to take it easy. Yeah, that’s the ticket! The portion I completed had two ups and two downs, but they were only moderately difficult. The On-Home was at the Hare Fireman’s house, and he provided free food for all the Hashers. Thanks again!

I had some more beers at the IDM after-Hash gathering. By my count, I had ten on the night, leading to 600 carby calories. I did skip lunch completely, which is something new for me. I’m not sure I’ll be doing that on a regular basis (although I skipped lunch today, too), but the less, the better when it comes to eating.

My dinner calories came from some chicken fingers and a strawberry smoothie I enjoyed before bedtime. The snack calories are all beer. Still, while not a “cheat day” per se, it’s hard to be calorie/carb responsible at the Hash.

As Facebook reminds me, it was a year ago now that my breathing issues resurfaced:

Here in the present, the insanity of lefty meltdowns over Trump’s election continue. This is a post from a Facebook “friend”:

If you voted for Trump this election, were you motivated by your stupidity in understanding facts about reality or were you motivated by hatred and bigotry?

It’s stupidity if you don’t think January 6th and the plethora of other documented, indicted, and convicted crimes weren’t a big deal. It’s stupidity if you think Biden caused the global inflation issue since Covid. The U.S. has fared better than any other developed nation. These are facts that are well documented by experts. I’d share sources but only if you’re actually willing to read critically – which most of you clearly don’t.

It’s bigotry if you believed that legal Haitian residents are eating cats and dogs – or that you accept that lie as ok. Its bigotry if you don’t accept the existence of trans people. It’s bigotry if you can’t wait to separate millions of parents from their children or think that there is an “immigrant crime wave”. Its simply not true that immigrants commit more crimes, and don’t forget that when someone tried to do something to fix immigration – Trump blocked it for political gain.

I can accept if someone voted for Trump out of stupidity. I can’t accept it if you voted for Trump because you hate immigrants and the LGBT community.

As I reflect on this election and the sick people who supported someone who attempted a coup. I’m reminded that…

Most Americans supported slavery till a bloody war was fought to end it.

Most Americans supported legal domestic abuse until women and men with a moral compass fought to ban it.

Most Americans thought it was OK to deny gay people rights until a better Supreme Court mandated equal protections of the law.

But there are millions of Americans who are trying to clean up their mess and make the world a better place.

Keep your win, I’ll keep my morality.

I didn’t even bother responding. If his grasp of the facts is this deluded, I see no possibility of overcoming the indoctrination and/or ignorance. I’d be stupid if I thought otherwise.

And while we are on the subject:

And I guess you’ve heard about the movement of leftist women who have vowed to not engage in sexual intercourse for the duration of Trump’s time in office:

Enough with politics; let’s do a YouTube video. Today’s vlogger offers some perspectives on living a life without regret. I know as my life draws ever closer to the inevitable end, my regrets are more about the things I didn’t try to do than my failures. Hence, I’m really hoping that God answers my request for a “do-over” afterlife. It’s not so much about fixing past mistakes as it is about taking different paths than the ones I chose in this lifetime.

And now, to lighten the mood:

So, now it is time to overcome the Tuesday blahs. We’ll see if Swan is feeling up to going out. If not, then I’ll make a Plan B. Hmm, to B or not to B? I’ll let you know tomorrow.

The Hash gathered at the VFW. The trail went one way, and I went another. Three other Hashers followed my lead. I took them to the beginning of the My Bitch trail, and we followed it to the end, which conveniently left us at the gate to the Sangco Family Farm, this week’s On-Home venue. That was only a 4K journey, but Swan and I boosted our step count by walking halfway down Rizal Extension before catching a trike. Next stop was IDM for the after-Hash gathering. Once we’d had our fill, another trike ride home. I ended the evening with a sugar-free pudding treat. The details of the day’s adventure are in the pictures. Let’s have a look:

So, I mentioned those nine beers I indulged my thirst with yesterday. At 60 calories per bottle, I racked up 540 of them—almost a quarter of my daily goal. But I substituted beer for dinner, and it turned out to be my best diet day overall so far.

I’m not sure skipping meals is the way ahead for me, but eating less overall and walking more should work. It’s early yet, but so far, so good.

The Facebook memories from two years ago in Cambodia are almost better than I remember them:

It’s nice to look back on your life and have an occasional smile amongst the tears.

Today’s YouTube video features the Filipina Pea addressing the issue of strays and the general mistreatment of dogs in the Philippines. This subject is one of my pet peeves here. Yeah, the homeless dogs are sad to see and are clearly suffering, but damn, the dogs that are pets often don’t fare much better. Why have a dog if you are going to confine it on a three-foot leash or lock it in a cage so small it can’t turn around? I see this in Alta Vista, so it is not just a problem associated with the poor- it seems to be more of a cultural thing, kind of like littering.

To the humor, then:

Enough of that lameness. I’ve made a dinner date with Swan, and we’ll be dining at Mango’s. Afterward, we’ll go to Alaska Club to expend an SOB coupon or two. And life goes on.

Another Hash, another climb to the Kalaklan ridgeline. Kudos to the Hare for finding a new way up. As I’ve often said after one of these hikes, there ain’t no easy way to the top, but some are less gruesome than others. Yesterday’s journey was on the easier end of the spectrum–probably the third least difficult that I recall. Of course, the harder climbs take you to the highest part of the ridge. Achieving the ridgeline road yesterday was not the end of my upward trajectory.

I’m also old and fat, and the hill climbs are always challenging. When we started the trail yesterday, I was feeling some weakness in my right leg. I eventually walked that one off, only to start feeling a pain in my lower back. That triggered the voice in my head urging me just to turn around and walk the highway to the On-Home. We argued a bit, and then I reached the point of no return and ignored the recriminations. I was to complete the entire 6.5K short version of the trail and was pretty damn proud of myself for doing so!

Not a bad trail, glad I didn’t wuss out. After the Hash Circle, we moved to IDM for some food and more beverages. Then it was homeward bound for me and my lady.

Nothing in life is free:

• Hash Fees: 900 pesos
• Tips: 100 pesos
• Alcohol: 700 pesos
• Dinner: 750 pesos
• Trike: 200 pesos
• Charity: 50 pesos
• Total for October 28: 2750 pesos

Lots of memories from this date in history:

Last Friday, I was in Bauang, witnessing a whole new dance show experience that included naked women. At the SOB I missed in Barretto, the Alaska Club girls went in an entirely different direction—props for the costumes and creativity. What I missed appears to have been a haunting experience.

Today’s funny business:

Anyway, that’s all I’ve got for today. Thinking about dinner at John’s place tonight since we missed out on Sunday. After that, who knows?

Hashers in the house! That house being Red Bar for the Hash On-Home festivities. Getting there involved a long slog up into the hills and back down again on the other side. Well, it did for me. The actual Hash trail had another down and another up, which I chose to avoid. Why? Because I like to keep it fun, and I just wasn’t feeling it. That’s the way I roll these days.

As is the custom, the after-Hash gathering was at It Doesn’t Matter. We packed the place last night. Swan invited another Hasher (Beth, our Wet Spot friend) to join us at IDM for food and drinks. We stayed later and drank more than usual but had a nice time.

It was a good Hash Monday. Here’s where the money went:

• Alcohol: 640 pesos
• Dinner: 1310 pesos
• Lady Drinks: 200 pesos
• Tips: 130 pesos
• Charity: 3850 pesos
• Hash Fees: 8500 pesos
• Trike: 200 pesos
• Total for October 7: 14,830 pesos

Those big-ticket items are pretty much one-offs. The student I sponsor in Bohol needed money for his monthly transport to school while his mother is working in Cebu, so I wired the requested 2700 pesos. My peanut vendor friend Emmanuel has been ill and unable to work recently. He messaged me that there was no food for his family and asked if I could help him. So, I told him he could meet me at IDM. When he arrived, I slipped him a thousand pesos. Seven thousand nine hundred of the Hash fees are for the Haggis Bash in La Union coming up this December. That includes our hotel for two nights and two days of Hashing. I’m looking forward to taking Cums Alone on her first out-of-town Hash event.

In the memory department, Facebook reminds me that seven years ago, my trip to Boracay continued and featured the discovery of an aptly named bar:

Ah, well. It all turned out okay. I’m still alive and kicking, and that’s the important thing. Which is a nice segue for today’s YouTube video. This gent, whom I watched for the first time, is also sixty-nine years old and offers some good advice and insights on growing older.

WTF? I guess he doesn’t allow embedding his videos. Go ahead and watch it here if you like. I won’t be linking him in the future. Blogs were a thing before there were vlogs.

And now for some humor:

I’m going to take Swan to her foot spa, and I need a haircut. That sounds pretty exciting, eh? I saw the Cheap Charlies bartender at IDM last night and she said they have wine in stock, so maybe I’ll end my boycott and pay them a visit later today. So many options, so little time!

And the “hearing it for the first time” take:

Here’s how the Hash went down yesterday. Swan and I walked to the start of the trail at Columban College by going the back way from Alta Vista. And as fate would have it, a portion of the path we chose turned out to be the actual Hash trail, only in reverse. So, coming down to Columban was the way the Hashers would be going up. That’s not one of my favorite ways to go anyway, and having just been there, I opted for a different course of action. When the Hashers turned right to climb the tires, I went left and took a trail I’ve not done for quite some time. Well, best-laid plans and all, but my alternative was longer and steeper than I recalled. And along the way, there was some new fencing we had to detour around. Even so, it was a nice adventure, and I have no regrets. My heart rate didn’t rise above 115 BPM, even when I was huffing and puffing my way to the top. I’ll take that as a good sign.

By way of introduction, I told this joke:

A Hasher named Cum Together had a bit too much to drink one night, and his performance in the bedroom did not live up to his Hash name. The next morning, he apologized to the young woman for the unsatisfying lovemaking. She told him, there is nothing to be sorry about; I had an orgasm. Oh really? When was that? She smiled and said, “While you were in the toilet.”

Allow me to introduce you to the newest named SBH3 Hasher: Cums Alone.

The heart rates stats from yesterday:

I came across this ranking of Filipino food on my Facebook feed today:

I’ve personally only tried a few of these, and most are okay (lechon is probably my favorite), but given other options, I often take them. Some things I will never put in my mouth, like Balut (a duck fetus sucked out of an egg. No thank you!)

It’s an election year, so I feel obligated to engage with my fellow citizens regarding the importance of the choices before us:

And those cat memes are still purring:

For some weird reason, I enjoy hearing the point-of-view of naysayers regarding life in the Philippines. In today’s YouTube video, this guy is giving up and moving back to the USA. Welp, the PI is a LONG way from perfect, but I’ll be damned if I’d rather be dealing with all the shit going on back home. Most of the things he complains about are real (I bitch about the noise and litter a lot), but you learn to deal with it, not let it destroy your peace of mind and happiness. So, go home, young man, you don’t belong here!

Time for the funnies:

No real plans for the rest of my Tuesday, but come back tomorrow and I’ll share what happens then.

And the “first time hearing” reaction video:

I survived another Hash, so there’s that. I did the 4K short trail with only one hill but walked to the start from my house for an extra 2K. The long trail went to the top of Kalaklan Ridge, and I’m glad I avoided that experience. The hill I did was maybe half that climb, and it pretty much kicked my ass. On a more positive note, I was able to defeat that voice in my head trying to get me to wimp out again. I don’t know what the future holds, but it was good to see that I can still push myself to the top of a moderate hillclimb. I do seem to be feeling my age lately. I was going to say, “This too shall pass,” but thought better of it once I considered the alternative to getting older. I may be slowing down some, but I ain’t dead yet. I’m going to keep trying to make the best of whatever the future may bring.

Swan prepared a pre-Hash meal for me that I really enjoyed. That girl loves to cook!

Fueled up and ready to Hash!

I won’t make it to 1000 runs like Pubic Head (he had a big head start), but I’d like to make it to 500 someday. We shall see.

I went home at the end of the Hash circle (they were out of beer anyway) and Swan had dinner ready for me.

This may be my favorite of the cat-eating memes so far:

Today’s YouTube video is a vlogger’s review of BarCelona. The bar is for sale at a reasonable price and it’s a fun fantasy to imagine having my very own beer joint, but I’m sober enough to know it’s not a good idea for me. The video really shows how nice the place is. All it needs is an elevator!

Maybe these are funny:

I had my echocardiogram today but haven’t seen the results yet. From what I understand, one of the three arteries feeding the left side of my heart isn’t functioning properly. I don’t know what the implications are or what fixes are possible. I need to have a doctor explain the way ahead. I’ll have more on this when I know it. I’m staying home tonight to contemplate life at The Rite Spot.

Yesterday’s Hash was a different kind of challenge and one I’m more suited to endure. In honor of the birthday of the Grand Master (who was also the Hare), the Hash trail was a stroll through several Barretto bars with a special celebration at the On-Home venue.

We gathered at the VFW and at the appointed hour (2 p.m.) began our trek.

I guess I shortcut the party by leaving early, but I know when to say when. At least most of the time.

Five years ago, I was still strolling around Saigon (or Ho Chi Minh City, if you prefer).

In today’s YouTube video, Reekay talks about his biggest mistake in the Philippines. No real surprise it involved a woman.

Humor me these:

Halfway through my Tuesday here, and what comes next is going to happen on Baloy Beach. Whatever that may turn out to be, you can read about tomorrow right here at LTG.

And as an added bonus, here is the “hearing the Turtles for the first time” video: