Into each life some rain must fall. I’d better get used to it.
Harkening back to my days as a mailman, the Sweets Stroll goes on despite the weather.Unsurprisingly, there were not as many kids out and about as usual.I popped into the Sizzle and Glaze shop along the way for a brownie. Not as good as mine are!The view from here.
Once home, I prepared for the going-away party for the Kokomo’s Floating Bar.
What’s a party without a batch of my brownies?
There was a break in the rain, so we headed for the beach a little earlier than we normally do.
The sky looked like this as we left the house.But we beat the rain to the beach.Wait a minute! Something is missing here. Where’s the floating bar?Oops, I didn’t get the message.They pulled the floating bar out of the bay that morning because of the waves and heavy rain.The so-called “Tiki Bar” doesn’t have the same vibe as the floater somehow.Making the best of it.The view from the Tiki. It was raining, but the locals stayed on the beach anyway. And those folks out in the water must have gotten soaked!I was the only white guy in the place.When these two weren’t yapping, they were trying to mate.
After our time at Kokomo’s, we went to Treasure Island for some grub, then took a trike back home and brought our rainy day to an end.
From the LTG archives is this post from April 2009 of things I saw walking around Itaewon. I’m sure it looks different now.
Two years ago, I shared a Robert Frost poem that is often in my thoughts. If God grants me the do-over life I’m dreaming of, I will explore some of those paths I didn’t take.Six years ago, I shared a poem from one of my favorite poets, a former postal worker and a drinker like me.Eleven years ago, I was hanging out at my then-favorite Itaewon bar, Dolce Vita, with owners Jim and YJ. Seems like a lifetime ago now.
Today’s YouTube video talks about the curse of the Philippines’ geography. Well, luckily, there are also many blessings that come with living here. You just take the bad with the good and hope you don’t get blown away or all shook up.
Time for some Zen:
Support Bacteria. They’re The Only Culture Some People Have.
And on to the humor:
Time to clear the air.And halfway through the procedure, he noticed the doc had both hands on his shoulders…But even that might go away as I age.
So much for the rainy day that was, time to move on with the rainy day that is. ‘Tis the season!
10 thoughts on “Life on a rainy day”
Unsurprisingly, there were not as many kids out and about as usual.
Damn, the ones who did show up were really dedicated. To sweets.
What’s a party without a batch of my brownies?
“My” brownies. There are things you can do to make the brownies uniquely yours—ingredients you can add to the batter to change flavor and consistency (chocolate chips, a little more butter, another egg, some condensed milk), things you can add to the top (frosting, sprinkles), etc. I see you’ve got the M&Ms going. That’s a start.
Oops, I didn’t get the message. They pulled the floating bar out of the bay that morning because of the waves and heavy rain.
Why didn’t you get the message? Out of the loop?
Anyway, it’s too bad you didn’t get one last floating-bar experience. But it’ll be back, so be of good cheer.
You mentioned in a previous comment:
>Yes, it is far from perfect here, but I still prefer it to my nation of birth. Don’t think I’ll ever move back there. I still miss my happy life in Korea.
Just curious as to why. Is it the money aspect? Is it because you are somewhat insulated from (and ignorant of) the BS that happens in the PI? Other? I guess the root question is; What does the PI offer/do better than the US?
Small wins are better than no wins, John.
I was running out of toilet paper, like on the very last dregs, and I don’t exactly have the funds for more. Then I discovered a building site down the road and, on a trek to and from the local boozery one night, found they left untouched rolls of tp outside their porta potty. It was pitch black and there was no one around so I helped myself to a couple of rolls. I’d say I feel slightly guilty about it but…I don’t.
Dear Sir Almighty Dear Sir Jhon,
I can holehearted recommened Nutella brownies for you to make.
Sincerely
Cherry
Thanks, Cherry. Not a Nutella fan.
Thompson, those poor construction workers!
Reminds me of the time I was driving through the backwoods of Arkansas. I needed to poop, but all I could find was an old outhouse along the side of the road. Desperate times call for desperate measures. It wasn’t until I finished that I noticed there was no toilet paper! Now what? Then I saw a small sign above a hole in the wall. It said, “wipe you butt with your fingers, place your fingers in the hole, and they will be cleaned by human lips.” It’s not like I had any other option, so I did as instructed. And when I inserted my fingers a large hammer came down on them. “Ouch!” I screamed, as my fingers instinctively rose to my mouth for pain relief…
Brian, I’m not sure what “BS that happens in the PI” you are referring. I’m comfortable here, the people are friendly, and it is affordable.
As for the USA, aside from the politics and insanity (you don’t see that woke crap here) I just find it boring. Everything is the same, wherever you are–What’s for dinner tonight, Applebee’s or Red Lobster? Then we’ll grab a beer at Hooters.
And I’ve been go so long now, that all the cultural aspects I was engaged with, like sporting events, I no longer care about. My last visit I was astounded that all anyone seemed to talk about was who was going to win the big game on Saturday.
Also, my family members have chosen to ghost me, so I have no reason to return to my country of birth. When I’m dead and gone, it won’t matter anymore. Until then, the farther away I am, the less it hurts.
Kev, yeah, I should remember to give credit to my co-creators in the kitchen. As far as changing things up, instead of Betty Crocker, I had Duncan Hines lend a capable hand to this last batch!
Kokomo’s doesn’t come up automatically in my FB feed, and I didn’t check it before heading out, as I should have, given the weather conditions. Oh well, there is always next season!
Not a Nutella fan.
We can never be friends.
>Brian, I’m not sure what “BS that happens in the PI” you are referring.
I actually dont know LOL, but I am assuming there is a lot of stuff that goes on both culturally, socially, politically, etc. that we, as expats in a country are blissfully unaware of. How tied in are you with the locals? I am not being snarky (as I fall into the same trap also when living long term in a country), but I would guess that your interactions with local life, people, etc. is extremely minimal. .
(PS (and now I am being a bit snarky), but you mention that everything in the US is the same. How often do you change things up? You often mention your routines – Monday, go here, eat here. Tuesday, go to a slightly different but same type of place, eat at a slightly different but same type of place, etc. Next week, repeat exactly the same. LOL.
Anyway, humans are generally creatures of habit. I know I am. There is comfort in that. I think that the human brain can only handle so much new sensory input. Life would be quite tiring otherwise. That is why we repeat and like familiar things.
Unsurprisingly, there were not as many kids out and about as usual.
Damn, the ones who did show up were really dedicated. To sweets.
What’s a party without a batch of my brownies?
“My” brownies. There are things you can do to make the brownies uniquely yours—ingredients you can add to the batter to change flavor and consistency (chocolate chips, a little more butter, another egg, some condensed milk), things you can add to the top (frosting, sprinkles), etc. I see you’ve got the M&Ms going. That’s a start.
Oops, I didn’t get the message. They pulled the floating bar out of the bay that morning because of the waves and heavy rain.
Why didn’t you get the message? Out of the loop?
Anyway, it’s too bad you didn’t get one last floating-bar experience. But it’ll be back, so be of good cheer.
You mentioned in a previous comment:
>Yes, it is far from perfect here, but I still prefer it to my nation of birth. Don’t think I’ll ever move back there. I still miss my happy life in Korea.
Just curious as to why. Is it the money aspect? Is it because you are somewhat insulated from (and ignorant of) the BS that happens in the PI? Other? I guess the root question is; What does the PI offer/do better than the US?
Small wins are better than no wins, John.
I was running out of toilet paper, like on the very last dregs, and I don’t exactly have the funds for more. Then I discovered a building site down the road and, on a trek to and from the local boozery one night, found they left untouched rolls of tp outside their porta potty. It was pitch black and there was no one around so I helped myself to a couple of rolls. I’d say I feel slightly guilty about it but…I don’t.
Dear Sir Almighty Dear Sir Jhon,
I can holehearted recommened Nutella brownies for you to make.
Sincerely
Cherry
Thanks, Cherry. Not a Nutella fan.
Thompson, those poor construction workers!
Reminds me of the time I was driving through the backwoods of Arkansas. I needed to poop, but all I could find was an old outhouse along the side of the road. Desperate times call for desperate measures. It wasn’t until I finished that I noticed there was no toilet paper! Now what? Then I saw a small sign above a hole in the wall. It said, “wipe you butt with your fingers, place your fingers in the hole, and they will be cleaned by human lips.” It’s not like I had any other option, so I did as instructed. And when I inserted my fingers a large hammer came down on them. “Ouch!” I screamed, as my fingers instinctively rose to my mouth for pain relief…
Brian, I’m not sure what “BS that happens in the PI” you are referring. I’m comfortable here, the people are friendly, and it is affordable.
As for the USA, aside from the politics and insanity (you don’t see that woke crap here) I just find it boring. Everything is the same, wherever you are–What’s for dinner tonight, Applebee’s or Red Lobster? Then we’ll grab a beer at Hooters.
And I’ve been go so long now, that all the cultural aspects I was engaged with, like sporting events, I no longer care about. My last visit I was astounded that all anyone seemed to talk about was who was going to win the big game on Saturday.
Also, my family members have chosen to ghost me, so I have no reason to return to my country of birth. When I’m dead and gone, it won’t matter anymore. Until then, the farther away I am, the less it hurts.
Kev, yeah, I should remember to give credit to my co-creators in the kitchen. As far as changing things up, instead of Betty Crocker, I had Duncan Hines lend a capable hand to this last batch!
Kokomo’s doesn’t come up automatically in my FB feed, and I didn’t check it before heading out, as I should have, given the weather conditions. Oh well, there is always next season!
Not a Nutella fan.
We can never be friends.
>Brian, I’m not sure what “BS that happens in the PI” you are referring.
I actually dont know LOL, but I am assuming there is a lot of stuff that goes on both culturally, socially, politically, etc. that we, as expats in a country are blissfully unaware of. How tied in are you with the locals? I am not being snarky (as I fall into the same trap also when living long term in a country), but I would guess that your interactions with local life, people, etc. is extremely minimal. .
(PS (and now I am being a bit snarky), but you mention that everything in the US is the same. How often do you change things up? You often mention your routines – Monday, go here, eat here. Tuesday, go to a slightly different but same type of place, eat at a slightly different but same type of place, etc. Next week, repeat exactly the same. LOL.
Anyway, humans are generally creatures of habit. I know I am. There is comfort in that. I think that the human brain can only handle so much new sensory input. Life would be quite tiring otherwise. That is why we repeat and like familiar things.