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:

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:

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.

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.

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:

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.

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 now, some memories. I participated in the ill-fated Hash run in San Antonio five years ago.

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:

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.

And the “first time hearing” reaction video: