The hourglass that is your lifetime comes in many sizes; in most cases, the bigger, the better. If a grain of sand is the equivalent to a day in the life, here’s what my particle of yesterday looked like:
Feeling like a king doing the grocery shopping at Royal.A discounted Nativity scene. Yeah, I don’t believe that story either.Home from shopping, I embarked on a 4K neighborhood walk on the streets of Alta Vista.
Then, I was off to an appointment with Dr. Jo for the second installment of my chelation therapy. Other than getting a needle poke for the injection, it was pretty painless. This will likely be a regular event for the next several weeks. It’s 2000 pesos a pop, but if it helps clear those blocked arteries, it is worth the time and money.
It being Tuesday, Baloy Beach was next on our agenda.
Toes in the sand againThe floating bar view. As I expected, the cloud cover precluded seeing the sunset.A gin and soda night for meA batch of my brownies for the brown knees on boardSwan and Lizza (the Kokomo owner’s spouse)A quiet Tuesday on the beach, but it was surprisingly busy on the floating barI didn’t get to see the sun go down behind the mountain, but it left a colorful sky for me to enjoyGoodbye until next weekNext stop, Treasure IslandSwan had tacos for dinnerAnd I couldn’t resist the beef enchiladas. I only ate one last night and saved the other for breakfast. That’s how you divide and conquer those calories!
So, I mentioned a while back that Swan had bought some almond flour and keto sugar. Yesterday, she put her new ingredients to work and baked a carrot cake.
It came out looking like a regular carrot cake does.This slice was my dessert when we got home last night.
I’m sorry to say, looks can be deceiving. It tasted dry and unsweet, lacking the flavorful richness I’m accustomed to. That small slice cost me 180 calories, and it was unsatisfying to my sweet tooth. Needless to say, I won’t be tempted to indulge again.
Another under-budget day
One year ago, the next step in my recovery from nasal nodule surgery was removing the internal bandages.
Not a pretty sight and it was painful as well.
Today’s YouTube video is from one of my favorite vloggers, The Filipina Pea. In this installment, she responds to viewers’ emails in a fashion reminiscent of Dear Abby. Some of the situations these guys get into with their Filipinas are so bad as to be almost funny. Not that I have any room to talk. My biggest diversion (perversion?) was dating the eighteen-year-old and not grasping how weird it truly was until my granddaughter celebrated her eighteenth birthday. Nope, I couldn’t continue on that road after that. Still, I never even considered asking out the mother of a girl I had been dating like one of Pea’s fans. Pea is wise beyond her years in the advice she provides.
If that wasn’t funny enough, how about these:
That’s one of my old jokes, captured in a meme. Oh well, I stole it from somewhere anyway. My version was: Forget the past; it can’t be changed. Forget the future; it’s a mystery. Forget the present, I didn’t get you one.I guess that’s one form of datingIt seems Olive is always trying to make it hard on Popeye.
So, I had a good hike this morning and have no plans as yet for this evening. Something special is coming here to LTG tomorrow. I hope you’ll come back and read all about it.
Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin' Into the future Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin' Into the future
Goodbye to you, Pozorrubio. Perhaps we will meet again next year.
Well I woke up Sunday mornin', with no way to hold my head that didn't hurt And the beer I had for breakfast wasn't bad, so I had one more, for dessert Then I fumbled through my closet, for my clothes and found my cleanest dirty shirt And I shaved my face and combed my hair and, stumbled down the stairs to meet the day
I’m no Kris Kristofferson, so after my forgotten Saturday night, my head didn’t hurt, and I didn’t have a beer for breakfast. Maybe I should have.
Remnants from my drunken shopping at 7-Eleven the night before sufficed for my Sunday morning breakfast. Actually, the Snickers bar is “only” 279 calories, and it satisfied my hunger until we were back home for a proper lunch.
We rode home with Tiny Cunt (Keith) and his girl for a comfortable two-and-a-half-hour trip. Along the way, we passed the cleanest city in the Philippines.
Sorry for the blurry photo; it was taken at high speed on the expressway.I’ve heard lots of talk about Concepcion being “immaculate.” (Yes, I went through all that effort just to make this lame joke, but that’s the way I roll.)
Anyway, we arrived home a little after eleven. Swan prepared a nice ribeye steak and broccoli lunch, and then I got to work on yesterday’s massive post. When I finished that, it was time to prepare myself for my Sunday evening endeavors.
Dinner for the five Hideaway gals delivered from Jewel Cafe lightened my wallet by 1500 pesos.
Hideaway had a decent crowd, so that was good to see. The girls enjoyed their food and thanked me profusely. I had two gin and sodas, then headed across the highway to John’s Place for dinner with my sweetheart.
That would be her.The view from John’s when I arrived.And a bit later after sundown.I continued my calorie splurge by satisfying my craving for birria tacos. Three to a serving, but I gave one of them to Swan, thereby limiting the damage to 400 calories. Oh, and I washed it down with a gin and soda.
With dinner over and done with, we moseyed up the highway to The Green Room to enjoy our nightcap. Swan brought some of John’s delicious chicken wings to share with our favorites there. Three more gin and sodas, and we called it a night. I satiated my sweet tooth with some canned cranberries, then hit the hay.
That’s three days in a row I exceeded my calorie goal. I’ll try to do better this week.And eat less!
Here are a few other photos from my weekend on the farm:
The hotel we stayed in this year. Last year at The Mansion was more to my liking.Is it RDT or J’adore Grand? If they don’t know, I sure as hell don’t, although the trike drivers call it RDT.A view from my third-floor room. The room wasn’t much better, and the wifi sucked.That’s our room with the towels in the window. I told Swan the housekeeper would bring fresh towels, and Swan said, “What if no one comes to clean?” Turns out, she was right.Heading out to start our Saturday with Haggis Bash Hash. If you read yesterday’s post, you already know how it ended for me.Our Hash host and farm owner, Honeydew.Christmas decorations down on the farm. Well, I brought the lady with me.That’s my fat gut at the Friday circleAnd my drunk ass at Saturday night’s after-Hash gathering of the Subic Bay contingent.
So, been there, done that, got the t-shirt:
And life goes on until it doesn’t.
Speaking of which, this was my life twelve years ago:
A cigarette in my hand and a wife at my side. Everything changes, not always for the better.
It was good to see that our soon-to-be former President is being appropriately honored by the USPS:
Today’s YouTube video once again raises the question of why some folks are quitting the Philippines. I don’t know anyone bailing for other than medical issues, but maybe my circle knew the things the vlogger identifies and came anyway. I know nothing here took me by surprise. Sure, there are frustrations, but that would be true wherever I lived.
And now the jokes are on me:
Sounds more like “All In The Family” than “Star Trek”Talk about an asswhuppin’And now we’ve covered both sidesof the spectrum
Hash Monday has arrived once again. Leech My Nuggets is the Hare, and the On-Home will take place at his house here in Alta Vista. Leech is one of the best when it comes to a well-marked trail, which I always appreciate. He also provided my fellow short cutter, Pubic Head, with a map in advance so we could plot our deviations. And so we have done. I’ll let you know how that works out for us tomorrow.
I came across today’s music video in my Facebook memories. Arizona was the best place I’ve ever lived (at least in the USA), and this song has always had a special place in my heart. It’s from the opening credits of the movie Junior Bonner and was filmed in Prescott, the town where I used to live. The songwriter and performer, Rod Hart, played in a bar band in Prescott and I had the pleasure of seeing him perform live on several occasions. Give it a listen:
Morning, Arizona morning
Almost sets me free
Makes me glad to be alive
Wondering, why I started wandering
Should have stayed right here
Underneath the clear blue skiesSadness, changing now to gladness
With the rustle of the breeze
Through the pinon trees where I lay
In the morning, Arizona morning
A place where I can smile
And see a hundred miles away
The birds are flying high above the morning
Singing to the colors of the dawn
And in my mind, I hear a gentle warning
You've been a rounder and a rambler much too longAnd a rover, wishing it was over
All my battles won, resting in the sun this way
In the morning, Arizona morning
Coming home today, wishing I could stay
Wishing I could stay
Here’s the movie (slightly shorter) version that I had posted on Facebook all those years ago:
And I also came across this short video talking about some of the backstage shenanigans that resulted in a bar band performer doing the opening song in a Sam Peckinpah film:
In a rush this morning before my departure for the weekend adventure at the Haggis Hash up north in Pangasinan. The low down on yesterday was taking Swan on her longest hike yet…nearly 10K. The best moment for me was when she told me she had been ready to quit as we walked uphill on the highway at about the 6K point, but once we started strolling along the riverside, it was fun again. We finished up at a restaurant in Calapandayan we’ve been wanting to try and enjoyed our meals and the view.
Heading out. Swan knew we were going to Subic town but didn’t know we were going the back way, which is about twice as far.These are customers from our Sunday Candy Walk. The mother asked Swan to be a Godmother to her baby, and Swan agreed to do so.Can you see the cabin in the woods?Flowers are on de vine!These are pretty, tooIt had been months since Swan passed this way, but that kid (see him?) saw her and came runningSwan did some heavy lifting on this hikeRice fields are ready for plantingOver Bridge #4River crossingThe ass side of Easter MountainThe road where Swan began to lose her enthusiasm for the hikeStill a long way to goGetting it doneBe grateful for all that you haveOn the riversideComing to a beach near me soonWhat a coincidence. Both were born in January 1958, and both died this past week. Both are younger than me, too. RIP.Can you guess what I read when I first saw this sign?Off the highway and into an alley for a much more serene walkA narrow passage back to the highwayAnd then lunch at EzekielsIt was good with my girlfriend, tooBayside viewsBayside livingBayside diningAs seen from our tableSome of the menu selectionsCarbonaro for SwanShe seemed to enjoy itI did the honey garlic chicken wings and found them quite tasty.I shared the bones with a stray cat under our tableThe route we took
Later in the day, we paid a rare visit to Cheap Charlies. I reasoned that I could get a fairly priced gin and soda, and if we got hungry, we could order some food from Foodies, the restaurant on the ground floor. And that is just what we did!
It had been a long time since I enjoyed a delicious bowl of beef stew.
Swan ordered something called Kare Kare, a Filipino stew. I forgot to get a photo. Sorry!
A view from Cheap Charlies
We did our nightcap at Wet Spot, where I enjoyed chatting with the owner, Daddy Dave.
Another day under plan
A little bit of a disappointment at this morning’s weigh-in: 245.2, down only three ounces since December 1. Overall, I’ve lost 21.9 pounds since beginning the diet on November 1. In more positive signs, my belly circumference is down an inch to 48 and two inches off the waist to 44. I’m getting there.
Here is how I looked fifty years ago:
I reckon those days are gone forever. At least until God grants my “do-over” request.
Gotta skip the YouTube video today…no time!
That was a speedy tripAt least you didn’t lose your rein, dear boy.What a crusher!
Okay, I need to pack up the laptop, as my ride will be arriving shortly. I’ll post updates during the weekend as time allows.
The Wednesday Walkers took a long thirty-minute Jeepney ride out to Castillejos and proceeded to do an almost 8K stroll on the backroads of town. It’s almost crazy the lengths we will go to in order to see some relatively new scenery. There, I made this post title somewhat sensible now, right? Here are some photos from our journey:
Exiting the JeepneyPosing for the group shotLet the roadwork beginAre we having fun yet?I’ve been known to worship light beerGovic Highway, let me slip away on you…The wide open roadA more pleasant stretch of roadA horny carabaoFaking a leg injuryDirt is better than pavement for walkingTaking in the viewMarching onSaluting the Wednesday WalkersA peaceful village of shantiesCountry livingThe way ahead seems peaceful enoughNature’s archIn Flanders fields?This pink teddy appears to be escapingAnd then we came upon this huge, vacant, haunted-looking mansion. I’d love to know the story behind this.Always look both ways before crossingWe had planned to conclude our hike with lunch at Mad Willies. Alas, the hours have changed and now they don’t open until noon.But we had the good fortune to catch a passing Victory Liner bus for the ride back to Barretto. Air-conditioned comfort is much better than a Jeepney for only 20 pesos more.We wound up having our lunch and liquid refreshments at It Doesn’t Matter. It’s all good!We went thataway!
Swan and I spent a good portion of our Wednesday evening at BarCelona.
The view from our regular perchLooks like Mama has a homeless friendMy dateMe and my dateWho cut the fart?Then we moved out to the rooftop areaThe space between By The Sea and Central Park Reef resortsLooking up the highwayAnd looking down the highwayA colorful sky
We had our nightcap downstairs at Green Room. We shared a table with my friend Tom, who regaled me with stories from the good ol’ days in Barretto (he’s been here for twenty-five years). It’s tame here by comparison to what he termed “the Wild West,” when things were a lot crazier. I’ll take it the way it is, thank you very much.
We ordered our dinner to take out from Sit-n-Bull.
The options for a dieter exclude my usual favorites. I had these ham slices with a side of coleslaw.
But you do what you gotta do, right?
I did manage to come in under my target goal
I’ll do my weekly weigh-in in the morning. The last pair of shorts I bought had a size 42 waist. When I loosened my belt as I prepared for bed, the shorts dropped to the floor, still fully buttoned. I’ll take that as a good sign!
Today’s memory is the view from my apartment window in Seoul twelve years ago:
That’s snow, not fog. And speaking of fog, I’m not sure if that’s from my apartment or not. It doesn’t look familiar to me now. Plus, I think we were higher up. Oh well.
Today’s YouTube video gives a glimpse of life in Barretto in 1992 when it was still the “Wild West.”
And the daily dose of humor:
Hey, I resemble that remark!It’s more than a feelingThat pun crashed on takeoff. Sorry!
I’m not sure what’s in store for this evening, but tomorrow morning, I’ll be heading to Pozorrubio in the province of Pangasinan to participate in this year’s running of the Haggis Hash. It’s always good to get out of town for a change of pace. Don’t worry, I’ll be posting my lame crap from there so my loyal reader(s) won’t miss out on the fun!
I did my weekly grocery shopping at Royal yesterday, but I wasn’t royalty. Yes, I had lost my crown. Well, not technically lost; it had fallen off while I was flossing. At least I didn’t swallow it. So, after shopping, I visited my dentist. The crown isn’t in the best of shape, and the stub of my tooth doesn’t provide much room for grounding, but Dr. Barrera agreed to reattach it and see what happens. So, I left forty-five minutes later with a freshly glued crown, feeling like a king again. Then I took a 5K stroll amongst the peasants to celebrate having one less hole in my head.
My mouth was still numb when I finished the walk, though.
After the usual R&R at home, the gal and me did our Tuesday on Baloy Beach thing.
I baked this batch of brownies to bring along for the Kokomo’s floating bar crewArriving on BaloyThe happy place for SwanToes in the sand and a smile on her faceReady to be ferried to our watery destinationNot real crowded but a couple of big spenders were on boardWine for Swan, gin and soda for meThe best part of the dayNice seeing you againHasta la vista!
So, they’ve hired a bunch of new girls, some of them quite attractive. Whenever an unattached male came aboard, the girls swarmed him like hungry mosquitos. But they were not overly aggressive and graciously accepted the “no thank you” response. The music was loud, but the playlist was good. I reckon I can handle my once-a-week visits here satisfactorily. The views make it all worthwhile.
When it was time to eat, we went ashore and ordered dinner at Treasure Island.
The floating bar and the sliver of a moon as seen from Treasure IslandThis chef salad filled the void in my stomach nicely
A bit of a hiccup on the way home. The peanut vendor I have helped out occasionally messaged that he was unable to restock his peanut tray because all his funds had been used for medical expenses. Well, I respect the fact that Emmanuel works hard selling his wares in the bars of Barretto rather than resorting to begging on the streets. So, I agreed to help him out and told him to meet me at 7-Eleven at 7:30. I had the trike driver stop there on our way home, but there was no Emmanuel. He had messaged earlier that he was on his way, so we paid the trike and waited for him at SnackBar. He got there about ten minutes late, and I lit into him. He said he had walked from his home in Subic, and I gruffly said that he should have left earlier. I told him it was extremely rude to ask for money and then not be on time to receive it. Yeah, I was being an asshole, and it might have been the gin talking. Anyway, I messaged an apology this morning, and he thanked me. So, all is well.
Maybe the end of NEXT year…A decent effort with the calorie intake yesterday
“The past beats inside of me like a second heart.” I saw that on Facebook this morning, and it seemed like a nice introduction to today’s installment of memories. Just this one from eight years ago:
I saw this somewhere on the streets of Seoul and liked it. You can also see my skinny reflection in the glass.
I’m seeing a slew of videos about expats regretting their move to the Philippines. Today’s video features a well-spoken Filipina giving her thoughts on the subject. I honestly don’t let things like the “skin tax” bother me, and there are easy enough workarounds. My major complaints, like noise and litter, aren’t enough to make me want to leave. I just remember my mantra: Take a deep breath. Relax. Accept the Filipino way.
Laughing can help, too:
No candy, cakes, pies, or ice cream for me these days.WTFThat’s what I just said, mother fucker!
Anyhoo, I’m a lucky man enjoying the mundane lifestyle I’ve adopted. I can tell my boring drivel is tortuous for my readers; my current stats say I’ve lost about half of my blog visitors over the past few months. Thanks to the rest of you for sticking around. If you have any suggestions for things you’d like me to write about, feel free to let me know in the comments.
I guess I’ve reached the stage of my Hash career where I shortcut without shame. The Hash should be something I enjoy, not a chore. Yesterday was no exception. The Hare’s laid a good and well-marked trail, but when it was time to climb up to the Black Rock ridge, the like-minded Hash group and I opted to go longer and flatter. And it worked out just fine that way.
The trail started at the VFW and passed through Alta Vista. So, I waited here. Bug Fucker was the first Hasher to appear, but I hung around until the group who hike at my pace came by.And here they come nowThe neighborhood German has “Sans Souci” on the wall of his residence, which resolves the mystery of the words the Hares left on the pole nearby.Almoranus, the German Hare for yesterday’s trail, confirmed the message was intended for the dwelling’s occupant. “A pleasure palace without worry,” indeed!Out of the ‘hood we goOver the river on Bridge #3The river I mentionedWe were pretty much retracing the Candy Walk route so far.Entering San Isidro’s Purok 3Pubic Head’s shot of Easter MountainThe way up to the Black Rock ridge. This is where we parted company with the Hare’s trail.We did a nice flat valley walk insteadUp top there is where we did not treadThe Black RockWe did do one climb up some steps and rejoined the Hare’s trail where it came down from Black Rock.On-On!That’s always a welcome signOnward we treadSwan waiting on her slowpoke manAnd then down we goMy Easter Mountain shotIt better be!On the Govic HighwayArriving at our On-Home venue at last!I enjoy the outdoor ambiance hereCums Alone, as last week’s Hashit recipient, prepares to pass it onThe honor was bestowed on Buddy Fucker’s Wet Spot this week.As is our custom, some of the Hashers gathered at IDM when the Hash was over.The “hard” portion of the trail is in red, and the “long” part is in yellow.Us flatlanders had an 8K journey.
A better day on the diet journey as well.
I limited myself to “only” ten beers.
Weather is warming up here again, but nine years ago I was experiencing this:
Snow on the streets of Seoul
And eight years ago, my still undiagnosed lung issues had me hocking up phlegm all night long.
Things are so much better for me now!
For today’s YouTube video, we’ll have a little fun with Mikey Bustos. He’s such a Filipino!
And here’s some more fun:
Easy mistake to makeI think you’ve got that backwardsNot if he jumps out the Windows
Okay, thanks for dropping by. I’ll be back with more tomorrow.
I’m not sure how anyone would not have heard this song long ago, but these guys claim this is their “first time hearing” reaction:
…was also the first day of the month. Otherwise, it was pretty much like every Sunday around here. I’m not complaining; keep ’em comin’!
Heading out for another Candy Walk. We took our biggest load yet, 250 bags of sweets. We needed two full backpacks and two big handbags to carry it all. We’ve reached maximum capacity.The first regular stopWhat has its gots in its bagses? (get the reference?)The beauty of nature. The flowers are lovely, too.They are coming for you, SwanThese are my favorites. Very polite. A hug and a blessing (putting your hand on their forehead) before taking the candy and then thanking you profusely.I thought they knew each other. Nope. A random stranger trying to sell Swan some property in the neighborhood.A big bushy bunch of blossomsbut no beesTaking a piss while pretending to be taking in the viewIt began like thisAnd they just kept on coming. The last of the candy bags was dispensed here, but luckily, I had some cookies and lollipops in the backpack to fill in the gap.At the foot of the mountain we call EasterReflecting during the trike ride homeAnother Sunday, another 5K Candy Walk. A record-breaking 250+ dispensations this week.
The Hideaway feeding was also pretty much standard fare. There’s a new girl working now, so that’s one more mouth to feed. I was surprised to see the bar was packed, even without a pool league match. That’s a good sign. One of the other customers was an old acquaintance who lives in San Antonio. It was nice to see him again after many months.
The Joy of eating
Speaking of eating, it was time for my Sunday dinner date with Swan.
The cloud cover marred the usual sunset viewSo, I zoomed in on the Christmas decorations across the street instead.
We were once again the only customers at John’s place, but the service and food quality remained up to John’s high standards.
I was tempted by the birria tacos but couldn’t justify the high-calorie content.Instead, I opted for the pulled pork sandwich (sans bread). Next time, I’ll order it without the bread, so I don’t waste a bun. And I had a side salad instead of fries.
We did our nightcap at Wet Spot. Things went a tad overboard when a customer bought me a drink, and shortly after that, the bar comped me one. I suppose it is better to be fat than rude, so naturally, I accepted the generous gestures. It was a gin and soda night, and my comfort zone with that drink is limiting myself to six beverages. The two freebies put me at eight for the night. I was slightly buzzed but in control of my faculties.
My Wet Spot drinking companions. Yes, Aine and Swan have made up.
And this is the price I paid for my over zealousness:
A gin (85 calories) too far.
Today is the seventh anniversary of my longest walk.
I remain hopeful that I can achieve 50,000 steps once more in this lifetime.
It’s been a while since we last checked in with Reekay. Today’s YouTube video takes on the “real women” of the West and their unfavorable views of Asian women, who many men find much more desirable. I didn’t technically move to the PI for the women, although I obviously enjoy the unique qualities that come with a good-hearted Filipina. It just took me way too long to find the right one for me.
And maybe these will put a smile on your face:
I’m getting older, but I ain’t old yet. At least not in my mind.Never really thought of it that way before. And yes, that misspelling of “you’re” is a tad irritating, even for someone like me.A pig in a poke?
And now it is Hash Monday once again.
And as I observed on today’s dog walk, the trail passes through Alta Vista.
Vienna Sausage is the Hare once again, and I’m unsure what his message in German on that pole is supposed to mean. Google Translate gives me this: Pleasure Palace Frederick the Rough Sanssouci, which makes about as much sense as not shortcutting his trails. In fact, I’m going to start from Alta Vista instead of the VFW, and I’ll likely consider my safety and comfort as I determine how much of the rest of his trail is worthy of my time. I’ll let you know how that goes tomorrow.
You can’t taste the goodness of the Thanksgiving gathering at The Rite Spot, but at least you can see how it looked.
The meats: ham, chicken, and turkey, before being chopped up and moved to the roof. There are also mashed potatoes, candied yams, bread, as well as a lasagna that one of the guests provided.Turkey ready for eatingSliced hamChopped up chickenSwan’s green bean casseroleMashed potatoesCarrots and potatoA cake provided by a guest. We also had pumpkin, pecan, and apple pies
I apparently neglected to photograph the fruit salad and candied yams. There was also dressing and gravy.
I wasn’t sure how many to expect. I put the word out; some acknowledged it, while others kept their options open. A couple I was expecting messaged later that they couldn’t attend. I told folks we’d start drinking at three and eating around four, but not many people were present when we kicked off the feast. I figured we’d have plenty of leftovers, but some members of Swan’s family showed up later (that’s how Filipino time works), and we filled the seats.
Time to eatThe chow lineMy plate with a little bit of everything and some fruit salad on the side. I enjoyed gnawing on a drumstick for the first time in years. Hey, I wouldn’t have moved to the Philippines if I didn’t like dark meat!As usual, the gals sat at their own table.The mom’s and kids gathered hereTime passed, and the sun faded awayIt should come as no surprise that karaoke broke outSwan worked her ass off in the kitchen and did a great job. She was having fun on the roof with friends and familyA couple of Swan’s niecesRockin’ on into the nightChecking the status of the food tablesThe meats and lasagna took big hitsAnd so did the sidesPeople all over the world love my Aunt Pat’s recipe fruit saladThe candied yams had a few fans, tooMercy loved the yams so much that she wanted to bring some home.
We had bought some takeout containers to give away whatever leftovers remained. Quite a few folks brought the sides and desserts home with them when the party ended. My one-day reprieve from the diet was over and I didn’t need any temptations hanging around the house.
During the festivities, I downed a record-setting fourteen bottles of San Miguel Zero beer.The leftovers won’t be much of a temptation because I rarely drink at home unless I have guests to entertain.
And now for the damage done:
Good thing I didn’t go back for seconds. Except for the pecan pie.
Back on track today. No breakfast and a 7K hike that included another climb up to the Kalaklan Ridge. I weighed myself just now, and I’m at 246.6, DOWN one pound from yesterday. Go figure.
Anyway, it turned out to be a nice gathering, and I enjoyed hanging out with the guys and downing lots of beers. I’m thankful for that opportunity.
Facebook memories presented a video I posted twelve years ago of me playing in the finals of a dart tournament: “Finals of 11/17/2012 KDF tourney in Seoul featuring Alister “All-Star” Tarbett (Scotland) versus John “The Walrus” McCrarey (USA). Best of 5 501 legs. John took the first two legs, Alister came back to take the next two, setting up a classic showdown in the final leg.”
Spoiler alert: I won
Today’s YouTube video advises avoiding ten common mistakes retired expats make. I’ve made some of these, but after more than six years here, I’ve learned to avoid most self-inflicted problems.
Today’s dose of humor:
My body, my choiceThe other guy appears to be stone cold soberWhen I want to engage in self-reflection, I look in the mirror
Okay, what’s next? I’m skipping the SOB this week in favor of a relaxing evening on Baloy Beach. I guess I’m just In The Mood.
May your blessings on this day of giving thanks be plentiful.
Busy morning getting ready for the Thanksgiving gathering on the rooftop. My last portion of the feast to prepare is the candied yams, but I’m waiting for the oven to free up. Turkey is done, but now it’s the chicken’s turn to get roasted.
Turkey basted Gordon Ramsey-style with Swan’s loving touch and into the oven.Three hours later, the thermometer says the turkey is done Looks ready to eat to meIt ought to go good with these berries that I bought
Meanwhile, up on the roof:
The new Rite Spot banner is hungTables are arrangedBeer is waiting for ice (there’s another cooler with wine, soju, and liquor for the gals)And there is always The Rite Spot view
Three more hours until guests start arriving, so I’ll share some of my yesterday. The Wednesday Walkers took a two Jeepney (blue and red) ride out to Olongapo City’s Gordon Heights barangay. There’s a road to the top of Kalaklan Ridge (half paved, half dirt), and we took it. It was a 1.6K uphill trek to the ridgeline. I don’t know why, but road climbs, especially straight ones, kick my ass more than trails. Once at the top, we had the usual amazing views that made the struggle worth it. Getting down was a bit of a challenge, too, because the grass was thick and high, making it hard to stay on the trail. We fought our way through and had an overall enjoyable hike.
First, the blue Jeepney from Barretto into Olongapo, then this red ride up to Gordon HeightsWe have arrivedThis week’s iteration of the Wednesday Walkers (plus Scott, the cameraman)And so it beginsHadn’t been by here in quite some time. Back when I was a tourist, and then the first year after I moved here, this was my primary charity recipient. In time, I became convinced that my efforts were better directed elsewhere.On upAnd up some moreThe pavement ended but we still had a ways to goRidgeline achieved, It’s time for a rest, right, Scott?Hello down there, BarrettoThe blue waters of the bay. The old Hanjin shipyard will soon be reopened under new ownership. I didn’t forget you, Easter MountainLollipops for the mountain childrenBraver than I amView findersAnother vantage pointThe view from hereAnd now, the struggle to get back down beginsI’ve walked this way many times, but never experienced the grass being this thickMade for some tough going, but we made it throughRolly’s place. One of our regular stops on the way down from the ridgeSee you next time, Rolly!On down!Through the hillside village above Abra StreetBack on the pavement in BarrettoUp, over, and down the other side
I told Swan I was treating her to dinner at Sit-n-Bull (I had a 15% discount coupon I needed to use) and asked if she wanted to have a drink before dinner. She said she did. So, Outback, BarCelona, or Sloppy Joe’s to start? As I expected, she answered “Outback” without hesitation. It has beach views.
We don’t come here often, but it is a nice viewCheers!The Outback pool barTime passages
And then off to dinner.
Kare-Kare, a Filipino dish Swan enjoyed.I did the Salisbury steak with mushroom gravy, but I f’d up on the baked beans side dish. It had way more calories than I imagined. Oh well, it’s a warm-up for today’s coming ingestion.
A nightcap at Wet Spot, then home for a good night’s sleep before the big day.
Despite the beans fiasco, I managed to come in under my daily budget
Speaking of which, I weighed in a day early so I could assess the damage of the Thanksgiving cheat.
Today’s weight: 247.6
Last week: 248.6
November 1: 267.1
Net loss: 19.5 pounds
Belly is still 49″ circumference. Waist is down to 43.
Meanwhile, back in the kitchen:
Swan’s sister arrived early to help outChickens are doneMy first attempt at candied yams. I’ll withhold judgment until I see how they taste.
Looking back to ten years ago, I was alone in Columbia, South Carolina for Thanksgiving. That didn’t stop me from preparing a feast:
You gotta do what you gotta do…
Today’s YouTube video carries us back to the first Thanksgiving and dispels the so-called myths surrounding this American tradition.
And give thanks for these jokes:
You are such a turkey sometimes, Gump!I hate when that happens!Holiday cheer to cum!
Anyway, time to get ready to greet the guests who will be arriving soon. Oh, I almost forgot, we had an earthquake this morning.
I was up and around but never felt a thing. Another Thanksgiving blessing!
Okay, Happy Thanksgiving to both of my readers. I will give you a full report on the celebration and feast tomorrow.
And surely you knew this would be the song of the day:
A busy day ahead as I make final preparations for tomorrow’s feast. It’s been seven years since I last attempted to prepare a Thanksgiving dinner, and I’m thankful Swan is here to assist. One of my chores today will be trying a dry brine recipe helpfully provided by a commenter. Thank you, Mr. Kim! I’m also attempting a candied yams recipe I found online. I hope it tastes as good as the one Mom used to make. I’ve already got my Aunt Pat’s recipe fruit salad chillin’ in the fridge. An apple pie is in the oven, so while that’s baking, I’ll share a little about my yesterday.
As usual, I start my Tuesday by baking up a batch of muffins. I don’t get to partake these days, but my housemates, driver, and “mama” enjoy them.
Cranberry-Orange this time
Next up was a trip to Royal for the weekly grocery shopping adventure. This time, the cart was overflowing with the extra goodies I purchased for the upcoming big meal.
We definitely ain’t going hungry, diet or not.Spend it if you got itThis meat thermometer set me back $7.50. I’ve never used one before, but it’s recommended when baking a turkey.I’m also excited to report that I found cranberry sauce in a can! And it is the whole berry style I prefer. I’m so Thankful!
In keeping with my No! vember objectives, I engaged in my newest Tuesday routine–a neighborhood walk after shopping.
For you Easter Mountain fansAnother view from the ‘hoodA 4K stroll. And this time, I turned RIGHT.
Renewing an old Tuesday tradition, Swan and I took a walk out to Baloy Beach late in the afternoon.
The view on arrival at BaloyToes in the sand puts a smile on her face every time.Our objective, the Kokomo’s floating bar, is in sightA view of Kalaklan Ridge from the floater. I wound up climbing that MF’er this morning.What the hell, did a plane crash?Why do they call it pair a sailing when there is only one? (sorry!)Another gin nightI prefer beer, but you got to do what you got to doSwan asked why I never smile in our photosIs that better?You knew this was coming. Actually, it’s goingAnd now it’s goneIt’s cloud illusions I recallThe bright spot on the beach is our dinner destination–Treasure Island Resort
A nice evening on the floating bar. Not as crowded as Saturday was, but still a good crowd for a Tuesday. Certainly better than the Kokomo’s beach bar ever does.
See you next week!You win this time, SantaWith that girl what lives in my house (that’s me talkin’ Southern, y’all)A nice ambiance at TIChicken cordon bleu for SwanAnd beef enchiladas for me.
Man does not live by salad alone. I only ate one enchilada last night (350 calories) and one for lunch today. And I’m still skipping breakfast, which is a bit of a surprise; I didn’t think I had the willpower to ignore those morning hunger pangs. I’ve discovered they go away if you ignore them long enough.
Not a bad day, if I do say so myself
Meanwhile, in the kitchen:
Before it was fruit saladAnd afterThe apple pie is safely out of the oven now. Everybody doesn’t like something, but nobody doesn’t like Sara Lee. Yes, I baked a frozen pie.
And I had these two beauties delivered:
Pumpkin and pecan. I am so going to blow my diet tomorrow!
And here is the result of my first time trying brine on a turkey:
Brine applied in accordance with this recipe. Swan suggested I add some garlic, and so I did.
I’ll add a butter-based glaze with additional seasonings before I pop the turkey in the oven early tomorrow morning.
Next up on my agenda is the candied yams.
The recipe calls for these ingredients: yams, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and marshmallows. I’m adding the pecans because I’m nuts.
I’ve decided to wait until after the turkey is cooked tomorrow to make the yams. Reheating them seems fraught with peril.
Swan is still busy in the kitchen making a green bean casserole, roast potatoes, and a small ham. We’ve also got roast chicken, dressing, and mashed potatoes with gravy on the menu. Some of our guests will be bringing their favorite sides, so no one is going home hungry. We’ve also purchased some “take out” containers so we can send everyone home with leftovers. I’m only going to cheat one day!
Oh, and the old banner didn’t survive the rainy season, so this new one will be there to greet our guests at the Rite Spot tomorrow:
We’ve enlisted Swan’s sister, Chloe, to manage the assembly line bagging the candies for Sunday’s Candy Walk.
Spreading the joy
Today’s YouTube video discusses hiring a “tour guide with benefits” when visiting the Philippines. Those days are over for me, but as a tourist coming from Korea back in the day, I took this route, and for the most part, it worked well. My mistake was falling in love with my regular guide (Loraine), and that didn’t end well for me. Live and learn.
Today’s dose of humor:
My sleep score has been higher than normal lately, but I’m having some bizarre dreams.You are Royally screwed
And it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving if I didn’t post this old gem:
I see, the blind man said as he picked up the hammer and saw.
Okay, my work here is done now. I’m going to shower up and head into town for some Thanksgiving Eve revelry. Tell you about the Wednesday Walkers and my night out tomorrow. I hope you’ll be Thankful for that!
Damn, it’s been awhile since I’ve heard from Sawyer Brown. Still love this classic:
Another Sunday Funday. I dropped some coin but dispelled the myth that money can’t buy happiness. We were happy putting smiles on the faces of over 200 children during our weekly Candy Walk, that’s for sure.
All our bags are packed, we’re ready to go…The path to San Isidro is thick with grassOur first stop is always a happy oneEntering the village of Marian HillsWhere are all the kids today?Ah, here they areInstalling a solar light in a tree. That ought to brighten things up!The house on a hillWaiting patiently for our arrivalOver Bridge #3Come and get it!The Easter Mountain shotBesiegedAnd here come lots moreA 5K morning of sweetness
But I wasn’t done spending money on Joy.
This week’s food for the Hideaway feedingJoy feeding
And then it was time to purchase some happiness for me and my girl.
John’s gone, but the view remainsLife goes onA pleasing bowl of bulgogi for my dinner
We had our nightcap at Green Room, and the largesse continued. Four of the girls received lady drinks, and everyone else received lollipops. Another gin and soda night, and I am starting to learn my non-beer boundaries. Whether that will stop me remains to be seen.
The last time we called our “regular” trike driver, he failed to show up as scheduled. So, we agreed we’d not bother calling him and just went to grab a ride at the trike stand. As fate would have it, our regular guy was first in line. A happy ending to the night for all!
Skipping breakfast does help with staying on the calorie budget. I skipped again this morning but was hungry, so I had an early lunch. (I woke at 5:30 and ate my first food at 9:30)
Twelve years ago, I was immersed in the best times of my Korea life.
Darts and friendships made for happy memories.
Let’s have some fun with today’s YouTube video. For some reason, I thought of this one during my visit to Hideaway Bar. I requested it be played on the big-screen TV, and everyone had a good laugh—especially the Filipinas.
That’s a good lead-in to more funny shit:
That outta workWe don’t have cougars in the PI–all the white men are too old.Talk about a fingerbang!
Hash Monday has arrived once more. Sadly, the trail start is midway up Rizal Extension, making it a pain in the ass to get to. I have no idea where the trail goes from there, but the Hare isn’t one of my favorites, so I have low expectations. My plan is to hike the My Bitch trail from my house, then down Rizal Ext from there. Once I arrive at the start, I’ll decide whether to do the Hare’s trail or find my own way to the On-Home at Red Bar. Check back tomorrow to see how that works out for me.
Another Saturday has come and gone. We did another hike to the Subic marketplace to stock up on sweets for the upcoming Candy Walk. Nothing special about that anymore. The highlight was visiting the Kokomo’s floating bar on Baloy Beach for this season’s grand re-opening. We followed that event with dinner at Treasure Island and enjoyed listening to a band called Star Network for the first time. All in all, a good day.
The walk to the market is so routine as to be boring, so I wasn’t motivated to take many photos. But I can’t resist those funeral banners for some reason:
Romeo was seven years younger than me when he passed. Sorry to Juliet for her loss.Thelma was four years older. Hope Louise is okay.Mission accomplished—only fifty bucks for this week’s candy supply.The 7.5K route we took to the market
Next up, a walk to the beach!
Saturday on the beachHere comes our rideIt was nice to be back on the water againI remember you!This was by far the busiest I’ve ever seen the floater.Looking up the beachAnd looking down the beachI baked a batch of welcome-back brownies for the brown kneesAnd then it was that time of daySee you next timeThe lights come on……as darkness falls
It was good to enjoy some time on the water again. I assume it was so crowded because it was opening night and also Saturday night. Lots of big spenders were on board, plying the staff with lady drinks. Several of the gals were stumbling around drunk. It was a bit different vibe, but Tuesdays were always my Kokomo’s day, and I expect things will feel more like normal next week.
Then it was dinner time. TI has live music every Saturday, but on previous visits, it was the Engine band playing. Last night’s group featured three female singers and a different sound. I enjoyed hearing them play, which is not always the case with bar bands.
Tuning into Star NetworkAnd the lead guitar player was awesome.It was my gin and soda night, and I sipped my last one (#5) with dinner.I enjoyed my low-calorie chicken breast selection very much.
A trike ride home and some sugar-free pudding to end the evening. Speaking of sugar-free, my order of sugar-free sugar was delivered yesterday:
Swan wants to use it for her cheesecake recipe. We’ll see how that works out.Yesterday was one of my better days, diet-wise. Makes up for my overindulgence on Friday. Skipping breakfast isn’t something I thought I could do because I usually wake up hungry. And now I’ve managed to do so two days in a row!
Some memories:
Eight years ago was the last time I prepared a Thanksgiving feast at home. Had my nephew Justin, a co-worker, and some of the Shenanigans bar staff over to join me. Good times!Seven years ago, I was living the Camp Humphreys lifestyle in Pyeongtaek.Two years ago, I shared a Thanksgiving meal with some friends at Papagayo Resort. Sadly, Bob, the guy on the rightwith the tattoos, died in a motorcycle accident a few months later.
Today’s YouTube video is from a guy I’d never seen before. So many of my fellow expats seem clueless. We all have to find our way in life, and sometimes, that’s the hard way.
How about a taste of some nasty humor today?
You should hear her after a beer!What an asshole!You are what you eat.
Soon, I will be heading out for my usual Sunday routine. I’ll start by feeding the Hideaway girls, and then I’ll have a Sunday dinner with Swan. This was posted on Facebook:
John’s place, minus John, is still going, and as long as it is, I’ll dine there to honor his memory.
The Friday hiking group tackled Black Rock yesterday. The getting up part isn’t so bad, but the coming down can be a bitch. That was the case with yesterday’s descent. It’s always steep and rocky, but add in patches of slick and slippery, and it can be a real pain in the ass. Literally. We all made it down safe and sound, and the remainder of the trek was mostly pleasant–except for a creek crossing and the portion on the highway. But that’s all part of the adventure, I suppose.
Heading out up the highwaySeven brave souls for the journey this weekHeading up through this hillside villageA brief woodsy interludeBack on the pavementAnd then the climb to Black Rock commencesAlmost to the topThe summit of our accomplishmentA view of Barretto and the Kalaklan RidgeCalapacuan and Subic BayThat’s Alta Vista on the hill across the valleyA zoom shot of my house (on the right) from atop Black RockAnd a zoom of Black Rock from my houseStop, you’re killing me!Our next destinationThis was the easy part of the downThis not so muchSometimes discretion is the better part of valorWatch your step!The end of the downThat’s more like itYes, someone lives there. He gave us a friendly greeting as we passed by.A creek crossing ahead. A couple of the guys were able to jump it. A couple of others tried and failed. I just waded across.Taking time to smell the flowersA balloon vendor. That’s something you don’t see every day.Looking up to where we were looking downMinistry of Lectors? Sounds rather cannibalistic to me. Finishing up back on the highway8K, including a climb. Not bad for an old fucker.
The afternoon adventure was attending the SOB dance competition held this week at La Oficina. I do not visit this bar often; in fact, the last time I was there was several months ago, also for an SOB. I arrived a little before the 5 p.m. opening but was allowed to come in, sit down, and order a beer. It always amazes me when the waitress remembers my name in a place I almost never frequent, but mine did. I secured two seats as Swan would be joining me when the show started at six. I entertained myself by watching the La Oficina dancers practice their routines. Not long after five, another customer came in and asked that the four seats next to mine be reserved for him and his friends. The waitress did so, and he departed.
As time went on, the bar rapidly began filling up with SOB attendees. One guy came to sit in the previously reserved but still empty seats and went ballistic when told he couldn’t do so. He screamed at the bar manager, then yelled at Daddy Dave, who runs the SOB, before storming out. I don’t think he got a refund. Shortly thereafter, the four guys came and filled the seats. By the time the show started, there wasn’t an empty seat in the house.
The SOB format includes free local drinks during show hours between six and eight, which are included in the 700 peso price of admission. I take it as a challenge to consume my money’s worth. When Swan arrived, she ordered her usual glass of red wine. When the waitress brought the wine, she said, “That will be 150 pesos.” Swan told her drinks were supposed to be free, and the waitress responded that wine isn’t considered a “local drink.” Swan told her to take it back then. A bit later, the waitress returned looking glum and said that the glass of wine was being deducted from her salary. Shit. I know that would be at least half of her daily pay, so I had her bring the wine back, and I paid for it. I complained (civilly) to Daddy Dave. He went and spoke with the manager, and then the manager came to me and said the next wine would be free. When Swan was ready for a second glass, she told the waitress what the manager had said. When the waitress returned empty-handed, she told Swan it was still not allowed. Apparently, the so-called manager has no real authority in the bar. I offered to pay the difference between the local drink and wine prices, but that wasn’t acceptable either. I shrugged and told her, okay, so you are losing my future business over fifty pesos. Swan got a Gatorade instead. Fuck you, La Oficina. We won’t be back, even for an SOB.
We stopped in downstairs at Wet Spot for a bit of the SOB Aftermath. My raffle ticket wasn’t drawn in the first round, and I’d had more than enough beers, so we grabbed a trike for home.
I had eaten a few chicken fingers during the SOB and was surprised to later see how many calories that cost me. But the real culprit in my missing my calorie goal yesterday was the twelve San Mig Zeros I downed during the evening.
Oh, well. I skipped breakfast this morning to make up for the deficit.You gotta do what you gotta do sometimes. I’ll make it a gin and soda night next time.
So, how about some memories from the good ol’ days in Korea:
I was steppin’ it up seven years ago.And I didn’t let a little snow stop meHmm, what’s that alien spacecraft-looking thing in the distance?Ah, a Twosome Place coffee house with a view!I was a lonesome onesome guy back then, but I went up for a coffee and the view before continuing my long-ass walk.
Damn, I hope I can recapture some of those glory days in my walking life. Maybe I should just be glad I’m still walking at all. I saw today on Facebook that an old dart buddy in South Carolina died yesterday. He was only 53 and succumbed to cancer. RIP Dennis.
Today’s YouTube vlogger tells us about the five things he doesn’t like about life in the Philippines. Yeah, there are some frustrations that come with the territory, but here we are, and here we will remain.
Humor me this:
Life’s a gasYeah, FAFO.Hope you enjoyed your visit to the Philippines, Gandalf!
The big news today is that the Kokomo’s floating bar is now open. So, I’ll be headed out to Baloy Beach with some “welcome back” brownies for the crew. I’ll share some pictures of the event here tomorrow—maybe even a sunset!
I challenged myself yesterday, something I rarely do anymore. Lately, an 8K walk is long for me and pretty much maxes me out. That notorious distance walker, Kevin Kim, recently posted he was going to test an injured foot with a “short” 10K hike. Hmm. Well, that inspired me to take a “short” walk and see how it feels. My goal was 10K, but I picked a route where I could easily bail if need be after 7K. I was in for quite a surprise. Once I hit the 10K target, I just kept on going to see how far these tired old legs could carry me. I finally said “enough” when I hit 13.5K and was standing in front of a trike stand. So, that was a long walk for this version of me, but as the memory photos I posted yesterday show, it was far from a record performance. My longest walk ever was back in December 2017, when I managed 38K (50,000 steps). At the time, I called that achievement a once-in-a-lifetime event, and that is likely the case. Here’s the post I wrote about the adventure. And seeing all those photos from my Pyeongtaek neighborhood really made me miss a life I never fully appreciated. Anyway, I’m motivated to push myself and see just how much I have left in me. My fantasy is to do a 29K walk to Mope Resort in San Narciso. I almost made it halfway there yesterday. We’ll see what the future brings.
Here’s some of what I saw along the way during yesterday’s long trek:
The home I left behind at the beginning of my journeyLeaving the ‘hood through the backdoorInto the flatlandsOn a street in San IsidroThe view at 1.6K. Yep, that’s rice drying directly on the pavement.What I call Naugsol FallsA Naugsol valley viewOver the Matain RiverAt 3.2K I was entering the village of NaugsolI don’t know why this sign at a small shop on the road in Naugsol caught my eye, but it gave me a chuckle. “Ukay” is the word for used clothing. Manage your expectations, indeed!The backside of Easter Mountain4.8K found me on this lonely stretch of roadway.On the river that runs through Mangan-VacaStill on the riverside at 6.4KOver the river, I goA Mangan-Vaca street sceneWaltermart is where I usually catch a Jeepney back to Barretto after this hike. Onward!Checking my spelling and hyphenation. Got it right this time!I was strolling down the National Highway in Subic town at 8KThe decorated barangay hall in SubicA fully loaded JeepneyYou were destined to live a L. Ong life, Antonio. I’m hoping for more than 79 years. 9.6K on the highway in CalapandayanBrown people can drive too, you know.Retreating from the highway onto the market street in CalapacuanNo cars! My kinda road.Trading lollipops for smiles11.2K took me to the backstreets of CalapacuanThrough this narrow passageBack on the National Highway in Matain at 12.8KWhat I look like in a trike after a 13.5K walk. I was oozing light.The “short” hike I’ve been longing for. If I’d walked the rest of the way home, I’d have hit 15K. Next time, perhaps.
Anyway, I was tired and a little sore when I got home. Swan made me a lunch of shrimp and asparagus that I very much enjoyed.
I was halfway done before I remembered to take a photo.
After a shower, a nap, and a blog post, it was time to hit the road again. First stop: the Angel’s Touch Salon for a foot spa.
My feet deserved some kindness after what I’d put them throughSwan enjoyed her treatment, too.
I also got a haircut while there. When we left, I was hungry, so we made Myleen’s our dinner destination.
I couldn’t find any low-carb options, so I went with the chicken enchiladas, but I only ate half of them.
Did our nightcap at Green Room. On the way in, we saw the Hash Grandmaster and his gal at Sloppy Joe’s. They joined us in GR later. It was a nice night out and a good day full of what passes for adventure in my life.
The tally for the day after steppin’ things up a notchCalories in, calories out. Came in under my daily goal and burned more than usual.
Speaking of which, today is the weekly weigh-in. How’d I do?
This week’s weight: 246.6
Last week’s weight: 250.2
Weight loss: 3.6 pounds
Weight on November 1: 267.1
Overall reduction: 20.5 pounds
No reduction this week in my belly circumference (49″). My waist is down 1/2 inch to 43.5.
I’ve just got to keep on keepin’ on. I’ll reach my goal or die trying!
Things Facebook reminded me to remember today:
Four years ago, I enjoyed some pecan pie a la mode. That’s an indulgence I can no longer afford. But I’ll give thanks next Thursday for pumpkin pie!Eight years ago, I purchased this book from my friend Choonae Kim, the author.She’s just back from another Cuba tour—sweet woman, by a socialist through and through.
Today’s YouTube video is about people even dumber than I am.
Probably better to laugh at stuff like this:
Sounds racistThat’s something I’m trying. Swan doesn’t seem to appreciate it, though.He’s got a point.
Alright, then. Gonna do the SOB tonight at La Oficina. I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow.
This week, the mission of the Wednesday Walkers group was to find the portion of the Hash trail I missed on Monday and hike the bastard. My plan was to start at the finish and walk the trail backward. Ed, who hadn’t missed the turn, advised against this, saying it was a steep and long down that would not be much fun to climb. I didn’t argue the point, and after hiking it myself, I was thankful we had followed his wise advice. We weren’t ready to stop once we’d hit bottom, so I led the group on a path I had recently discovered. We finished the hike with a little over 6K behind us, and then some of the group did a bit of R&R at The Rite Spot. It was a good morning on trail!
This week’s edition of the Wednesday WalkersHeading for the hillsA pause to refresh at Four CornersInto the grass we goThankfully, it was a brief interludeThat’s betterThe Easter Mountain viewThe turn I missed. I can’t blame it on the lack of trail marks.In my defense, I’d never come down this way before and didn’t know there was even a trail here.The view from hereMuch better going down than climbing upAt the bottomBack in the familiar territory of Marian HillsNow, it was my turn to show the group a new path.This is the route I discovered when the temporary bridge was gone, and I wanted to avoid wading the river or retreating the way I’d come.Goat block aheadThrough a field of yellow flowersStanding proudly upright, even in deathEd didn’t realize he’d lost a sunglass lens until I pointed it outThe final climb up to my streetGuests at The Rite SpotA Rite Spot viewThe route we walked
When it was time to head into town for some evening entertainment, we kicked things off at It Doesn’t Matter. I was thinking we’d have some liquid refreshments, then head over to Myleen’s for dinner. Oddly enough, when the dinner hour arrived, neither of us felt particularly hungry. So, instead, we paid a visit to Alaska Club. The place was pretty busy with a pool tourney in progress and several other customers. One was a big spender who called all the dancers down from the stage for lady drinks—saved me from my usual fifty peso tip per dancer, so thanks for that! We treated our waitress and the new mamasan (someone Swan knew from years ago) to a lady drink, and I had cookies and lollipops for the other gals. One unique aspect of the Alaska Club experience is they provide a free bowl of freshly popped popcorn at the table. We all snacked on that until it was time to go home, and I was able to successfully skip dinner calories. I did enjoy my pudding dessert, though.
My best day of dieting so far
And now for a stroll down memory lane:
I don’t believe I’ve topped that step count since this day four years ago.This from six years ago remains my unbroken record for steps in the Philippines. I wasn’t sure how I managed that, so I checked the blog archives and saw that I had done a three-hour hike that day with the now-defunct Sausage Walkers.
These two memories are significant based on something that happened today. But that’s a story for tomorrow!
And seven years ago, back when my life had purpose and meaning, I was doing this:
The SOFA negotiations between the US and Korean governmentsWhat’s that say?I represented the Americans dealing with issues related to our Korean workforce at USFK.
It was cold that morning, too:
What a dripping faucet does below freezing.
Good times!
Today’s YouTube video is a little different. It talks about why, after three hundred years of Spanish rule, the Spanish language never took root in the way English did after the Americans took over. It’s less than five minutes long, but it explains something I’ve wondered about since moving here. Spanish is my second language (well, I passed the required courses in college), but it is as useless here as my limited Korean vocabulary. Actually, because of the love of K-dramas/K-pop and the influx of Korean tourists, my “kamsamnida” is recognized more often than a “muchas gracias” is. Oh well, I’ve learned to say “salamat” as well.
And now for some humor:
I guess the jokes on meThey actually have a word in Tagalog for when Filipinas give you the silent treatment: “tampo”Sounds right!
I’m going to take Swan along for a foot spa and a haircut (for me). We’ll have dinner at Myleen’s, and then we’ll see where the beverages are flowing. Come back tomorrow for a report on my solo walk this morning.
I’ll get to that. But let’s start from the beginning, shall we? It wasn’t a bad day for a Tuesday.
Shopping day at Royal. Christmas carols playing and some pretty impressive decorations.
But I’m still thinking of that other holiday…the one we Yanks call Thanksgiving. And I impulsively decided to prepare a feast at home this year.
I bought this frozen 11-pound bird for “only” fifty bucks
I also bought the fixin’s to make candied yams and my Aunt Pat’s recipe fruit salad. I’ll pick up some additional things next week after I’ve finalized the menu planning. It has been over a decade since I prepared a Thanksgiving dinner. Looking forward to it.
My box freezer died, so on the way back from Royal we stopped at the Savers appliance store. I decided a big side-by-side fridge/freezer was a better option than replacing the box-style freezer, and this big beauty was on sale:
Hopefully, that’s seven hundred bucks well spent.
I didn’t use to walk on Tuesdays, but every step counts in my quest to lose weight, so for the second week in a row, I strolled through the neighborhood.
Just a little over 3K, but better than nothing.A warm walk under beautiful skies
We spent our Tuesday evening on Baloy Beach.
We weren’t far from the house when I realized I’d forgotten to bring my phone. Swan waited while I went back and fetched it. This event would become slightly more significant when we returned home after our night out.Swan is happiest with her toes in the sandA nice longish walk on the beachAnd then we arrived at Kokomo’s
No other customers this time, and none of that cursed videoke crap.
We pulled up a seat at the bar and took in the viewYep, the sun was going down in a blaze of gloryIt never gets old for me.It was a gin and soda night for me
So, the bar staff invited me to plug into the Bluetooth speaker and play whatever I liked from my Spotify app. The music was extra special last night! I caught myself singing along with some of my old favorites and noted the hypocrisy of my karaoke complaints. It’s okay when I do it!
Thank you for your service, have a lady drinkGood times!
When it was time for some grub, we took a beach walk back to Treasure Island. I was getting a little tired of ignoring my favorite dishes and settling on salad instead. So, I perused the menu and checked the ‘net for calorie content. I found one item I rarely eat, but it seemed like a bargain at 325 calories.
So I enjoyed me some chicken parmigiana. I gave the fries away.
During our Treasure Island visit, our neighbor Mike came by and joined us at the bar (he ate my fries). We attended the same high school, so we share the commonality of a Westminster, California upbringing. I invited him to join us for the Thanksgiving feast I’m plotting. When it was time to go home, we had a comfortable ride in his automobile.
Once inside the house, I set about making a batch of sugar-free pudding for my dessert. And that’s when Swan discovered the keys to the bedroom were missing and the door was locked.
I always lock the door when we leave the house as an added layer of security for my laptop and hidden-away cash reserves. I always leave the key in a cup on the kitchen counter. Swan emptied the cup, but there were no keys to be found.
I had unlocked the door when I returned for my phone and locked it again when I left. It didn’t make sense that I wouldn’t leave the keys in the usual place, but maybe in my rush, I left them in the room. Now what? We grabbed a hammer and screwdriver and thought about breaking the lock, but we didn’t really have a clue about how to proceed with doing that. Swan then said she would borrow the neighbor’s ladder and climb in through a bedroom window. Nope, that was way too risky for my thinking (and I’m way too big to crawl through a window to do it myself). So, we fetched my part-time helper’s boyfriend up from the basement. The new plan was for him to climb the ladder to the bedroom patio and then cut through the screen door to unlock it from the outside. Let’s do it!
That’s the view from the patio looking down to the ground. Not much margin for error.The torn screen is evidence that our plan worked!
Once inside the newly unlocked bedroom, the keys were nowhere to be found. Had I put them in my pocket and then lost them somewhere on the beach? The mystery was solved when my helper Teri returned home. She had gone into the bedroom to finish cleaning after we had left and then taken the door keys with her by mistake. Thanks for that, Teri. Well, I now carry a bedroom key on my keychain, so an event like this will never reoccur.
And I also just realized that I have posted online a method for breaking into my house for the world to see. Oh, well, I’ll take my chances.
Progress continues…
In other news, today was the viewing of John Kim’s body before his burial tomorrow. I didn’t attend because I prefer to remember people as they were, not their dead bodies.
I didn’t know he was only fifty-eight. Way too young to go.
Today’s YouTube video tells the story of a guy who got caught with a married woman. I guess I’m in no position to judge. Swan has never been married. I think this guy goes too far in his criticism of dating married women. Many have been abandoned. I met one whose “husband” was working overseas and had started a new family there. But divorce is not legal in the Philippines, so she was stuck. Anyway, unless the spouse files a complaint, you can’t be charged with adultery. So, be aware and do what works for you.
Alright, how about these?
Like me trying to have a conversation with my driver…I wonder if his job is blocking searches that have conservative viewpoints in the results?If at first you don’t succeed, fry, fry again.
Nothing specific in my plans for tonight, but it is likely to involve bars and alcohol. We shall see.
You live until you die and make the best of the time you have. Well, at least you fill the hours, however comfortably and well. I’ve got my routines, and they wouldn’t be routines if I didn’t enjoy them. Perhaps it appears that I am wasting the gift of life, but I’m exercising the right to choose my path unless and until I choose a different one. I guess the recent passing of John Kim triggered these moments of self-reflection. Of course, there is no resolution until the final one that death brings. In the meantime, all we can do is keep moving forward and hope for the best. Way back in those wild and wooly 1970s, I was a big fan and reader of what we called “underground comics.” R. Crumb was one of my favorites. He answered the age-old question of the meaning of life in a way I’ve never forgotten:
Good to know (and remember)!
So, I just had a little adventure as I searched for that comic cover above. One of the images in the search result included a link to an old post here at Long Time Gone:
Wow! That was a first. I’m practically famous!
That link referred to this post from 2010, in which I was doing a similar navel-gazing session. All these years later, here I am, reaching the same conclusion–it don’t mean shit!
On with it, then. My Sunday morning featured the Candy Walk with Swan. Pretty much the same as always, although we carried additional treats this time and serviced a record-setting 250 children. Hmm, maybe “serviced” is the wrong word, but you know what I mean.
There she goes againThe additional candy volume required me to carry a bag and a full backpackThe walk of lifeAnd so it beginsThe Marian Hills groupMore regularsSpecial deliveryThe most popular gal in town. At least on Sunday morning.Crossing the river on Bridge #3An Easter Mountain Sunday shotMuddy roads won’t stop her from her missionCome and get it!5.5 kilometers of sweetness
Typhoon Pepito thankfully proved to be a dud, at least in this neck of the woods. There was a heavy downpour in the afternoon, and that was about it. Nothing I couldn’t resolve by carrying an umbrella when I headed out to Hideaway for the feeding.
Hideaway is decorated for Santa (not me, the other one)The staff was happy with their gift of food. And lady drinks.Down the hatch!
And then, it was time to pay my first visit to John’s place without John being present in this world. I felt the sad vibe that permeated the restaurant when I walked through the door. A “remembrance” with lighted candles and this photo of John was positioned on the counter near where he used to sit in his recliner:
It was sad being there without him
John’s wife, Lin, was not around, which is understandable. John’s memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday in Olongapo. I was hoping to ask Lin whether she needed any assistance, but there was a donation jar set up, so I was able to contribute.
I don’t know how things will be going forward for the restaurant. Rent has to be expensive for two floors on the National Highway. Perhaps a smaller venue can be found to save money. Some potential warning signs that John’s absence doesn’t bode well for the future included being out of gin and discovering that the Korean-style chicken wings I’ve always enjoyed were “unavailable.” Anyway, I understand the focus for now is on mourning, and I’m withholding any judgment and hoping for the best possible outcome.
Swan had the crunchy chicken wingsAnd I did the tenderloin steak, which was delicious as usual. I gave the fries to Swan, of course.
We did our nightcap at the Green Room and had a pleasant enough time. Then, it was home to my sugar-free pudding, and then off to bed.
And I managed to stay under my calorie cap
And now, some memories. I participated in the ill-fated Hash run in San Antonio five years ago.
The last picture I took on the Hash trail that dayThe next thing I knew, we were being captured by the Philippine Navy.After two hours of confinement, our captors decided to set us free. We had mugshots taken and were required to sign a statement that we had not been mistreated.
The area where we were accused of trespassing had no fences or keep-out signs. I wrote about the experience here.
Today’s YouTube video features Reekay advising folks to “keep it simple.” I agree, and as regular readers know, it doesn’t get much simpler than the life I’m living. I also go out of my way to avoid drama. That’s the sweetest part of my relationship with Swan; she doesn’t play those games.
And now those funny things:
I’ve done enough river crossings on my hikes to attest to the truthfulness of this statementYou can’t save those who don’t want to be savedJust follow the Hash trail markings
Speaking of the Hash, it’s that day again. Leech My Nuggets is the Hare, and he is known for both his well-marked trails and their difficulty. I am sure today will not be an exception because I’ve seen the map. I’ve already pre-planned my shortcut! I’ll let you know how that works out for me tomorrow.
Another day in the life successfully completed. No complaints and no apologies. What passes as a good time for me may not seem that meaningful, but I know I’ll miss these days when they are gone. So, as we used to say back in the day, Keep On Truckin’! The irony that the name of the group that made that saying popular was Grateful Dead just hit me. Jerry Garcia died at age 53, so I’m grateful to be still alive!
The Friday hikers traveled to Castillejos and did a river walk to Balon Falls. We did this hike several months ago, so I was not disappointed to discover that what has been deemed “falls” is basically water running downhill. Still, it was a scenic and pleasant journey and we all agreed it is worth the trip a couple of times a year.
The Friday adventurersIt’s all upriver from hereLooks like a nice place to hangout. Who’s bringing the beer?Passing by a Preda Foundation home, we saw that it was laundry day, and the children were working hard in the river. I made a donation of two cookie bags and some lollipops. Maybe they should offer Preda Tours.Hmm, maybe not.That path ain’t gonna walk itselfThe first of three water crossingsTime for a climbThere’s a story in those steps…just no idea what it might be.And now to figure out how best to get to the other sideThat workedAnd soon enough, it was time cross againDoesn’t look like falls to meA rocky uphill path to traverseEventually, we reached this isolated Aeta (native) villageA tree I rather likedThis scene gave me a peaceful, easy feeling. Didn’t see any Eagles, though.Native children like cookies, tooThere are worse places to live.Starting one more long climbScattered dwellings along the wayThis photo doesn’t do them justice, but those bushes are covered in pretty yellow blossoms.A view from the topPassing through a small village on the way back downI’m not sure what religion this crucified glove representsIt felt longer than 5K but was a very pleasant hike.
When I got back home, Swan served me lunch.
A tasty ribeye with broccoli and brussel sprouts
I’m included in a Facebook Messenger group called “Usual Suspects.” It’s some of the neighborhood folks and other friends. Matt had just returned from a two-week tour of Vietnam, so a welcome home gathering was convened at Thumbstar bar. The fellas and their gals clustered around a large table (guys on one end, girls on the other, of course), and the beer and beverages flowed. We raised a glass in memory of John Kim, talked some politics, and filled the hours until it was time to depart for dinner. A consensus was reached to visit the nearby Hops and Brews, and off we went.
There was a lovely full moon last night. And yeah, the weekend traffic on the National Highway sucks. It’s definitely a game of Frogger trying to cross.We were nestled in our private Karaoke room. This photo was taken before the gals had their wine delivered. The patriarchy dictates that beer be served first!And a little bit later, as everyone satiated their thirst for alcoholic beverages.I had this small serving of pulled pork with a side of cole slaw.The Hops and Brews owner has this HUGE dog. He and Swan became good friends.
Yes, some loud karaoke broke out during our visit. I didn’t participate; perhaps I wasn’t drunk enough. When it was time to go, most of the group headed to Red Bar. I was out of calories, so we hitched a ride home with neighbor, Mike, for the usual early ending of my Friday night.
When I woke up early this morning, I saw thatthe moon had followed me home and was peeping through my bedroom window. Pervert!
For those of you following along, here is yesterday’s report card:
I just made it under budget.
Another day, and another typhoon is headed our way.
It is very late in the year for a large storm like this. It is a good thing the floating bars are not out.We had some rain this afternoon, but tomorrow is supposedly the big day. I do love the name “Pepito” for a typhoon.
And now for the memories:
Seven years ago, I was hiking in Pyeongtaek on a snowy day. Don’t see much of that these days.Six years ago, I opened one of my poetry books to the page bookmarked by this old rose. That’s a Richard Kavanaugh poem. In an interesting twist of fate, Swan enjoys reading poetry. It warms my heart to see her sitting on the couch with a book of poems in her lap. Yes, it took me long enough to find her, didn’t it?
Today’s YouTube video is more news about Pepito. Could be a wet Hash on Monday.
Let’s give ’em something to laugh about:
Nothing beats being tied upI’m not so sure about thatThat’s a shitty barber
Well, the rain stopped, at least for now. I’ll take that as a sign to escape from the house for a bit this evening. Not sure where we will go, but I’m thinking we’re overdue for a visit to Kon-Tiki. Never been there on a Saturday, so it might be interesting to see how different that vibe feels, if at all. We’ll see how it goes as I keep on truckin’ through the day…
Sometimes the light's all shinin' on me Other times I can barely see Lately it occurs to me What a long, strange trip it's been
John Kim, of John’s Sushi and Steak fame, passed away yesterday. He had been dealing with kidney failure and dialysis for the past year. Last Sunday, he suffered a stroke. Word on the street was that he had been comatose ever since, and the end came shortly after they removed him from life support. Tough way to go, but at least his suffering has ended. I’m not sure what the future holds for his restaurant, but I expect it will not survive without him at the helm.
Meanwhile, I’m inspired to continue living my life to the fullest as long as I am able. Swan was getting her driver’s license in Olongapo, so I did a long-neglected solo street stroll through the streets of Barretto. In honor of the event, I took a photo at each milestone:
One mile in, I stood in front of Barretto’s Catholic church.Two miles found me on Abra StreetThree miles took me to the narrow passageway leading to Gomez ExtensionFour miles found me taking the slummy backway into Alta VistaAnd Buddy was there to greet me when I arrived back home7.11 kilometers door-to-door…heh, my own 7-Eleven Hash trail!
I had a 3 p.m. appointment for my first chelation therapy treatment with Dr. Jo. It went fine once she found a vein willing to be poked with a needle. She said the standard is thirty-plus weekly sessions at 2000 a pop. Hey, if it keeps me alive a little longer, it is worth it. I haven’t noticed any adverse side effects thus far. I had been experiencing some body aches and foot pains during sleeping hours, but they weren’t in evidence last night. I’m not saying chelation had anything to do with that, but I hope it is more than a coincidence.
It was still early when my session with Dr. Jo was completed, but there was no point in going back home to wait for beer o’clock. My helper Teri had never visited the Central Park Reef hotel rooftop before, so that is where we started.
The rooftop bar and restaurant are decorated in the style of the 1950s. I love this ’54 Corvette! The girl is nice, too. And when was the last time you saw a jukebox?At eight stories, Central Park Reef is the tallest building in Barretto. It affords great views like this one looking towards Baloy (that peninsula is part of Baloy, and the actual beach is on the other side).The bay from hereTeri and Swan taking it all in…I hadn’t been up here in over a year, so it was nice to see again.The pool to infinityAnd Barretto Beach. That large white building at the base of Kalaklan Ridge is the hospitalwhere John died. I wondered how he was doing as I sat there, taking in the view. I had a bad feeling this would be the outcome.
We finished our glasses of wine and headed down to the beach.
Swan’s paradise. That’s the Central Park Reef Hotel in the background.
We continued the beach walk until we arrived at the Papagayo Resort and stopped in for dinner.
The view from our table at PapagayoAnd the sundown shot
So, I usually go for the enchiladas when I dine here, but I overcame my urge and explored other options, settling for a grilled chicken breast dish.
I’ve never eaten chicken breast on a stick before, but it tasted okay. I gave Swan the mashed potatoes.
That photo seems to capture my new dietary lifestyle. But fewer calories on my plate make room for more alcoholic beverages. And we made Green Room our next stop. It was my gin and soda night, and I intended to stop at five. But Daddy Dave joined us at our table and bought a round, so I ended up imbibing six for the night.
Oops! I exceeded my daily calorie goal, but not by a lot. I can and will do better!
Commenter Kevin mentioned something called “Intuitive Eating.” I joked that it reminded me of the seafood diet—I see food, and I eat it. I honestly don’t see how eating intuitively would work for me. My hybrid plan (reduce calories and burn more while making healthier low-carb menu choices) forces me to think about what goes in my mouth. Relying on my brain to tell me to eat when I feel like it is the reason I’m fat now.
Speaking of which, today is weigh-in day, and here is where things stand:
Weight on November 15: 250.2 lbs
Last week’s weight: 258.7 lbs
Weekly weight loss: 8.5 lbs
Beginning weight on November 1: 267.1
Overall weight loss: 16.9 pounds
My belly circumference is at 49″, down from 52″ on November 1. My waist remains unchanged at 44″.
I’m surprised at the pounds lost and doubt I will continue to lose weight at that rate. Still, I’m progressing and will continue working towards my goal.
To the memories courtesy of Facebook:
I posted this five years ago, and I am still working hard!One year ago, I was still suffering from pulmonary dysfunction. What made me sad when seeing this today was a comment from John Kim: “Please get a checkup before it’s too late.”
Today’s YouTube video almost brought tears to my eyes. The vlogger is from Manila and is exploring the Barretto nightlife scene. But he starts out with dinner at John’s place. You won’t be forgotten, John. I’ve never watched this guy before, but he drinks Zero and loves Barretto. We have that much in common, at least.
Let’s lighten the load with some humor:
Too soon? Well, I tried to pull this off verbally with Dr. Jo yesterday before I knew about John, not that he would care.The joke’s on you!Hmm, that’s what Swan says when I ask for dessert…
I’m skipping the SOB tonight. Instead, Swan and I will attend a gathering of the neighbors at Thumbstar Bar and take it from there. I hope to be back here tomorrow to share those stories.
I took some steps in a different direction yesterday, and this is where they led me:
Kicked things off with the Wednesday Walkers and the rare trip out to SBMA for a walk around.
This week’s fearless fourUm, if you say so…That’s the Navy supply ship I saw anchored in the bay yesterday. Don’t know if it is loading or offloading at the dockHere we are!Peace be unto youI guess I wasn’t invitedOver the river. Let’s get a closer look at those riverside dwellings in the distanceNow we have departed SBMA. The river here smells like shit, so I’m guessing the sewage from these shanties goes straight into the water.On the backstreets of Olongapo CityThe route we walked. And no, Google, that’s not where Barretto is.And not how you spell it.
When it was time for a walk on the beach, Swan and I walked to Baloy Beach. I planned to start at the new Drunken Sailor bar we visited last week. I messaged my friend Jessa and asked if they had stocked beverages other than beer, and she assured me they did. When we arrived, the waitress said, “Sorry, only beer is available.” Well, it was supposed to be my gin night, so we demurred and departed. I messaged Jessa again, and she was surprised—apparently, there was some miscommunication with the staff.
Well, there are always other options, and Swan was ready for her walk on the beach. Let’s go to Kokomo’s!
Sun in the cloudsSwan in the sandShip in the bay
When we arrived at Kokomo’s, other customers were occupying the bar area. That’s unusual–we are usually the only ones there when we visit. No problem, we could sit at one of the beachside tables. But as we prepared to do so, someone at the bar began singing in some godawful loud karaoke music. No thanks, I wasn’t going to sit and be subjected to that noise.
Now, what? Time for a different path. We continued up the beach to a place called Laharnyz. I’d been there once years ago and didn’t care much for it. I walked by lots of times since and never saw anything to change my mind. But desperate times call for desperate measures. I STILL hadn’t had an adult beverage!
Yeah, it’s a beach bar, so there’s that.The innardsAnd the outards(no offense intended, guys)
Well, I’ll be damned. The place is as dumpy as ever, but something has changed (or I have). A really friendly and laid-back vibe. Good music played at low volume. The Baloy expat scene differs from Barretto’s, so almost everyone there was a stranger, but we all got along just fine. Later, my old dart teammate Mark came in, and it was nice catching up with him. I had a great time at Laharnyz, and we will definitely be back.
When it was time to grab some grub, we walked up the beach to Treasure Island
And encountered a beach bonfire on the way.My fifth and final gin and soda of the nightChicken cordon bleu for SwanAnd a chef salad for me
Things didn’t go the way we planned, but sometimes that results is a pleasant new experience. It made me think of this story from my past life for some reason. Nothing that dramatic, but I did discover a new beach hangout, so there’s that.
A good day on my health journey as well. Got my steps in and kept the calories below my threshold.
It’s weigh-in day tomorrow, so we’ll see if the effort is paying off.
No updates on John Kim posted as yet. I’m worried the news won’t be good.
Eight years ago I was enjoying my first visit to Bangkok. Played some darts while there and got recognized as the tournament MVP. Ah, the glory days.
Hmm, maybe I should consider playing again.
I’ve been seeing posts and comments saying I’m stupid because I support Trump. Well, I love my country, and if that makes me dumb, so be it. Then again, looking at all the red on the election maps, I’m in the majority, so maybe it is stupid to call me stupid.
Or so it seems
Today’s YouTube video features a visitor to the Subic Bay area and his impressions as he explores the area. He spent some time in Barretto and even mentions meeting some Hashers. I don’t recall seeing him (the video is a year old), but you might enjoy watching his experience.
And now the jokes:
Love is grandI killed cereal from my menuI wouldn’t bet on it!
I am in a bit of a rush with today’s post because I have an appointment with Dr. Jo today. I’m going to begin chelation therapy to improve my heart health. The little bit I’ve read on the subject implies that the science of this treatment for this purpose is unsettled. Well, the FDA doesn’t approve it, so that is a good sign that it works. We’ll see how it goes.