Greetings from Zambales province on the lush, lovely, and large island of Luzon. Most days here are like every other day, not that that’s a bad thing. At least for me. While walking the dogs this morning I still noticed how beautiful the bay and mountains are, even though I been seeing the same view almost every day for 18 months now. I’m glad about that.
Last night found me playing darts at Alley Cats and at the end of the evening my partner and I had secured first place money. It was a particularly satisfying victory because it required beating Steve, the Englishman who doesn’t drink, twice. Neither of us had a particularly strong partner so it was almost as if we were playing mano a mano. Steve is probably the best overall dart player here in Barretto, and certainly the most consistent. He was throwing very well last night but somehow I managed to play up to his level. I was actually quite surprised by my performance, especially given that I just haven’t been throwing much of late.
I also had a pleasant 7K afternoon hike yesterday. I’m still finding excuses to stay out of the mountains. Some might call that laziness but I prefer thinking of it as prudence. There I said it. The recent break-in at the house made me realize that I’ve been pushing my luck. Getting lost or hurt or worse in the wilds all by my lonesome just doesn’t have much appeal. Maybe it’s just a phase and I’ll regain my confidence once the thatch grass has dissipated. We’ll see.
Speaking of walking, next week I’ll be walking in Korea. Just like I was two years ago. Thanks for reminding me, Facebook:
It’s gonna be a short five-day trip–three nights in Seoul and two in Pyeongtaek. Hopefully, I’ll handle the memories better this time.
My driver has been out of town, so I did my normal Tuesday grocery shopping on Sunday. And while there I saw something I’ve never seen before (and for an old fucker like me, that’s saying something), a church service being conducted inside the supermarket. A Catholic service from all appearances. It struck me as quite bizarre.
“Honey, I’m off to church now.”
“Okay dear. Grab some milk while you are there.”
Good luck with that. When I couldn’t find any fresh milk a clerk advised it was out of stock. Most Filipinos drink milk from cartons on unrefrigerated shelves. I still can’t get my mind around that.
And so it goes.
*For those who are too young to get the 1960s pop culture reference in the headline–Everything’s Archie is like saying everything’s cool. Maybe not peachy keeno, or even far out, and definitely not groovy, but still alright. Ya dig? Now you know.
If the world is your church, then you can worship anywhere, I guess.
Congrats on the win. Looking forward to Saturday.
It will be interesting to see how I hold up on Saturday.
Interesting for me as well. I haven’t done any distance walking at all for the past month! I’ll get in a few strolls this week, though.
Read many Archie comics as a kid while I chewed my Bazooka gum and my sister played with her EZ Bake Oven that could give you 3rd degree burns(No ambulance-chasing lawyers back then). For some crazy reason the favorite part of my comic books were the advertisements. I really wanted one of those joy buzzers. And what the hell is Spanish Fly? With regard to the Catholic Church services it could have been worse Mccrarey–could have had those Services at Cheap Charlie’s and you would have been commandeered to serve as an Altar Boy. Bless You John and Peace Out Amen!
HaHa…yeah. When I was dating a Catholic woman she took me to mass with her once. The usher drafted us to carry “the gifts” up to the priest. Hell, I wasn’t even eligible for communion. At least I didn’t get struck down by lightning!