When I first moved into my house going on three years ago now, there was a couple living in the basement area in what is commonly referred to as the servant’s quarters or maid’s room. And that is exactly what it is–one room, with a small restroom and space for a tabletop burner stove and small refrigerator. It can only be accessed from outside the house. At the time I moved in it housed Man Tony, the property caretaker, and his wife (my house is one of four in this enclave and there are several others down the street). When I asked my landlord about what would happen to the basement residents once I took the house she matter-of-factly stated “they will be evicted”. Well, I wasn’t comfortable with that and it didn’t bother me having them in the basement area I wouldn’t be using anyway. So, I let them stay.

Over time they became almost like neighbors, although I’d give Man Tony 500 pesos a week for his help around my yard. His wife also did yard work on the properties and cleaned the house where the landlord’s family stays during infrequent visits (they are from Manila). Man Tony died early last year from diabetes-related complications. She never bothers to hop over to here for assistance and does everything on her own. His wife has continued her duties but the landlord saw fit to reduce the compensation by 50%. I thought that was a sucky thing to do and I tried to help a little by upping my contribution to 1000 pesos a week. The landlord died unexpectantly a couple of months ago and I’ve seen a couple of her sons coming up periodically to check on the property, most of which is still vacant. They have been doing some maintenance work on the houses so perhaps an effort to sell or find renters is underway.

This past weekend we saw a new face, the landlord’s daughter. From the gossip I’ve heard from my helpers, she prevailed in a family feud and will now be managing the Alta Vista properties. Doesn’t matter much to me, I have a lease and my rent is paid through June. But it seems like it is going to make a big difference for Man Tony’s widow.

Since Man Tony’s passing, I’ve noticed the widow has frequent overnight visits from her adult children, their spouses, and an occasional grandchild. I had no idea where everyone was sleeping but I suspected they overflowed into the servant’s basement of the usually vacant house the landlords use when they visit. None of my business really and except when they do that loud-ass karaoke they don’t bother me. One of the daughters is actually quite attractive although I’ve confined my lust to fantasies. Thus far. I’m kidding, of course, she has a Filipino boyfriend who also stays downstairs. He’s very friendly and we’ve had beers together outside on the patio a couple of times. Although I do decline his invitations to join in the singing.

Anyway, the landlord’s daughter, well, I guess she’s the landlord now, showed up unexpectantly early Saturday morning. Entered the residence she uses and discovered one of the widow’s male adult offspring sleeping inside. She was understandably livid. The widow denied knowing her son was sleeping in the house, which may or may not be true. She apologized and said it would never happen again. I’m sure it won’t. The landlord changed all the locks and fired the widow. That last part was pretty cruel given the fact that this is probably the only job she can get at her age. And I can attest that she does work hard, out there in the yard whacking away with her bolo blade as soon as the sun comes up. She was in tears when she told my helpers what happened.

The landlord also removed most of the furniture the widow was using in her quarters. That pissed me off some. I’m renting this house, including the basement, and that includes the crappy furniture that was here when I moved in. I also made it clear that no one could evict her from the basement other than me. I reiterated that to the sexy daughter and her boyfriend last night as we drank beers and dined on the baby back ribs I’d cooked in the crockpot.

So, I’m still not sure how this is all going to play out. I’ve not seen the widow or the landlord around here today, although there is a crew of maintenance guys working around one of the houses. The daughter and boyfriend kept busy cleaning up around the yard of my house this morning. I hope the landlord relents and gives the widow a second chance. Honestly though, even if she doesn’t I expect the widow could get by on the twenty bucks a week I pay her since she’s living rent-free. Lots of folks in these parts live on less.

That’s what passes for drama in my life these days so I reckon I can count myself as lucky. I did overindulge a tad at Cheap Charlies last night. I was drinking gin and soda rather than light beer and the alcohol content kinda snuck up on me.

I was actually quite surprised when Jicel sent me a friend request on Facebook this morning. Of course, I accepted. Could it be that this sexy young thing really likes me and wants to get to know me better? And then I got a message from her! Wow, this is so exciting! I opened it up and read the first words she would ever say to me outside of the bar: “will you please delete the photo of me you posted on Facebook?”. Yes, dear. Right away, dear. Sorry!

Today’s a brand new day and new adventures await. I decided to start it off right by eating breakfast out:

And of course, I’ve got the Hash this afternoon. I’m going to start the trail early and I’m going to start it from my house. No apologies! I march to the beat of my own drummer!