‘Tis the season.

So, I took Joy shopping yesterday to get presents for her kids. And I bought a gift for her as well.

Joy was always bitching about working so hard washing the family clothes by hand on her only day off. I hope this new washing machine will make that part of her life a little easier.

Well, they say it is better to give than receive, and I can attest that providing a simple pleasure makes me feel good in a big way. And I’m just getting started.

I was planning to go do some shopping for myself at the mall, but a big accident out on the highway en route to Olongapo changed my mind.

I did a short walk around town instead, then grabbed lunch at Sit-n-Bull and headed home. After resting up some, I checked my To Do List and saw it was time to get busy.

I decided to make IDM my first stop of the day.

There was a big spender present in the bar, and he was buying all the waitresses drinks. I don’t mind at all, even though it slows service some. The girls were earning their commissions, and that made them happy. I drank for an hour and spent less than 500 pesos, half I’ve what it would be if I were paying for company. And my pal Jim was there, so I had someone to chat with anyway.

When I’d had my fill, I decided to cross the highway and check out Showgirl bar again.

The bartender I had met on my first visit during Saturday’s birthday bar crawl was working but didn’t seem all that happy to see me again. Not unhappy either, just disinterested. Well, she hadn’t responded to my Facebook friend request either, so I got the message. One beer, and I was out of there.

Where to next? Mugshots was overdue a visit, so I headed on over. I had my first beer in the outdoor seating area. They were hanging new signage, which was my first clue that this bar had undergone yet another reinvention–it is now a full-on videoke bar. It is no longer staffed with multiple bargirls, just a couple of waitresses. One of them came outside and chatted with me while I drank my beer. I tried to ignore her at first, but she had some wit and charm about her, so when my bottle was empty, I went inside with her and ordered another along with one for her.

I’m not keen on videoke joints, but no one was singing during my visit last night. Mae’s laughter was all the music I needed. Mugshots is a well-appointed bar and very comfortable. A few more beers, and I might have even been tempted to sing some of my favorites. I’ll need to update my review to reflect the changes the bar has undergone, but I had a good time last night, and I’ll definitely be back for more.

I finished my night at Wet Spot (had a free beer coupon I needed to use) and enjoyed a very pleasant chat with owner Dave. I really hope I have his energy at 80!

And then my beer clock ran out of time, so I triked on home. For all my faults, I know when to say when.

And now I’m facing another SOB Friday. Tonight’s venue is Whiskey Girl, so I’m looking forward to a good time.

And the wheel in the sky keeps on turnin’. See you here tomorrow. I hope (I’ll be crossing the highway at least once).