Wanting to do a write up about the Baguio adventure and I have a bunch of photos to share. But ever since I got home the power has been going on and off. The outage only lasts a second or two, just long enough to make my internet connection go offline. And right about the time I get it reset, the power fluctuation occurs again, and boom, no internet. Really frustrating.
So I took a nap and when I awoke and looked outside it was raining ashes. People in these parts are always burning shit which is both illegal and harmful to the environment, especially air quality. I see the burned out areas frequently on my hikes and have often wondered how these fires are contained by anything other than blind luck. Anyway, the fire that invaded my neighborhood this afternoon was apparently out of control. I expect it started elsewhere because surely no one would be burning down the foliage on vacant lots. Hmm, maybe they would. Who knows the mind of a Filipino?
As seen from my back porch.Zooming in to catch the firefighter in action.And the day is saved!
And this small post was a major pain in the ass with intermittent internet. Stay tuned for the Baguio story as soon as the issue resolves itself.
UPDATE: Well, I’ve used the “Home again” title four other times in the storied history of LTG.
December 31, 2004: reporting my Memphis, TN to Stafford, VA in 14 hours drive.
January 16, 2005: I lazily used the same title a couple of weeks later on a post about returning from my goodbye trip to South Carolina. I flew to Korea for the first time the following week.
September 17,2009: Returning to Korea from somewhere and bitching about the Airport Limo to Hannam-dong.
October 11, 2017: Making my way back to Pyeongtaek by train from Incheon after my ill-fated journey to Boracay.
None of those previous posts warrant a reading. I just link them to punish myself for being too uninspired to come up with something more original as a post title.
Baguio that is. The famous mountain metropolis of northern Luzon in the Philippines. This city has been on my PI bucket list of places to see so I’m glad to have finally made the trip. And what a trip. Especially coming up the mountain with my crazy drive Donny. But I lived to tell the tale, so there’s that.
Why am I here? Well, I’m going to do a Hash with the La Union Hash kennel. La Union is on the other side of the mountain near the coast, so I guess this is technically an “outstation” run for them. It’s also their annual Valentine’s Day Hash (albeit a bit late this year) and I got me this fancy new jersey when I signed up.
I wear it well, don’t you think?
My mother kennel is Subic, where I did my first Hash and lost my virginity. And I got named with the Humphreys Hangover Hash House Harriers in Pyeongtaek, Korea. This marks my first experience visiting another Hash group as a bonafide Hasher. I’ll be joining them for a pub crawl tonight and tomorrow I walk! Looking forward to it.
I’ll get some photos on trail and hopefully have a chance to get some city shots before I leave on Sunday. It was an amazing (and scary) drive up the mountain. On the way back I’ll try to get Donny to slow down some so I can get some scenic shots.
As I alluded to in earlier posts, I journeyed out to Gordon Heights in Olongapo yesterday for a little dinner party.
The scene of the party…It’s a church run orphanage. I’m not a religious man but I’m not anti-Christian either. I’ll live my life my way, you live yours as you please. That’s my attitude.
Anyway, I’ve mentioned here before that the Fil-Am home has been my charity of choice for the past couple of years. I used to deliver groceries when I visited. Now that I’m living here I wanted to set something up on a regular basis. I suggested a monthly dinner party for the kids to celebrate birthday parties or just have some fun. The Home’s Director agreed. Last night was the first of these events and it happened to coincide with Miguel’s eighth birthday.
The birthday boy.
The history of the Fil-Am home is kind of interesting. It was founded by a Department of Defense Schools teacher in the 1970s. Back when Subic was a Navy base the sailors would come into town, knock up the local gals, then sail away. When those seeds blossomed into Filipino-American children they were sometimes abandoned when the mothers were incapable of raising them. The lucky ones wound up here at the orphanage. The Navy base shut down in the early 1990s so there are no Fil-Am children residing in the home now.
Arlene Dunn, The King’s Fil-Am Home founder, now deceased, but her legacy lives on….
The facility appeared clean and well-maintained. The children seemed happy, well-dressed and well-fed. In fact, on my walks up in the mountains I’ve observed children living in shanties that appear much worse off. So on the one hand the kids at the Home are luckier than some. On the other hand they are orphans. Life can be hard in many different ways I suppose.
The event took place in what appeared to be a large multi-purpose classroom. I took advantage of the opportunity to learn some new words in Tagalog.
The Director had told me what was most needed was cash donations to pay for utilities and the like, so I did that in lieu of my usual grocery shopping. I did bring a big bag of rice though. Everyone needs rice, right?
Playing outside while waiting for the food to be delivered.While inside some organized games were taking place. Here we have that age old favorite “musical chairs”…The kids also entertained us with some song and dance. Very sweet!And finally the food arrived. Spaghetti and chicken from local fast food favorite Jollibee.Doing our gangsta poses…Chowin’ down on the Jollibee!It was kind of funny, but I don’t think Miguel was clear on the concept of blowing out a candle…Miguel is now the proud owner of this dump truck. Happy Birthday to a sweet little boy!I’m not the King in the King’s Fil-Am home name (he’s also the King of Kings as I understand it) but I was feeling like one by the end of the party. Thanks to the kids and staff!
My “team” accompanied me to the event but we didn’t partake in the Jollibee meal–I had something else in mind for them. Texas Joe’s!
So much to choose from…Decisions, decisions. Most of the group did ribs…But I did the chopped pork platter. They say pulling causes a loss of flavor. I don’t know about that, but chopped was delicious. And the cole slaw and beans were great too! And there is something about a Filipina wearing cowgirl attire that just trips my trigger. The waitress looked very delicious indeed!Tere and Gina, my domestic helpers; Donny my driver; Marissa my FWB, and yours truly enjoying our Hearts Day dinner…
It turned out to be a day full of love after all. Who’d a thunk it?
I was standing All alone against the world outside You were searching For a place to hide Lost and lonely Now you’ve given me the will to survive When we’re hungry, love will keep us alive Don’t you worry Sometimes you’ve just gotta let it ride The world is changing Right before your eyes Now I’ve found you There’s no more emptiness inside When we’re hungry, love will keep us alive
Or as it is known here in the Philippines “Hearts day”.
My particular heart is mostly a mass of scar tissue but otherwise I’ve got no complaints. I may not have “a” date tonight, but I’m hosting a dinner for twenty and looking forward to spreading some love around. More to come on that.
Besides, given my history in “love” relationships I’m probably better off without it. This Venn diagram sums up my experience pretty well:
Still, it only takes one I suppose…
My nephew Josh seems to have the McCrarey love curse as well. He posted this on his Facebook page today:
Well, as I often say there are worse things than being alone. Not many worse things than being Hitler though.Yeah, wouldn’t that be fun!
And speaking of Hitler, does this sound familiar to anyone of you?
I would suppose plagiarism is much more likely than reincarnation, but damn, this sounds like something I heard Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez say.
Democratic Socialism, National Socialism. Same same.
Sorry for the detour into politics. Blame it on my broken heart!
Love hurts Love scars Love wounds and marks Any heart not tough or strong enough To take a lot of pain, take a lot of pain Love is like a cloud, it holds a lot of rain Love hurts Ooh love hurts
Some fools think Of happiness, blissfulness, togetherness Some fools fool themselves, I guess They’re not foolin’ me I know it isn’t true I know it isn’t true Love is just a lie made to make you blue Love hurts Ooh love hurts
As is my custom, I met up with the Wednesday walking group this morning. The German/Austrian/Swiss contingent asked in heavily accented English if we were good with hiking to what sounded like Valhalla. I’m no expert on Norse mythology, but I said “sure, why not?”. So, off we went.
I wasn’t exactly sure what I’d signed on for but grew a little concerned when we all boarded a Jeepney bound for Olongapo City.
I asked what this “Valhalla” place was and was advised it was the highest elevation in Olongapo. Oh boy, these guys must really miss the Alps.
So we exit the Jeepney and proceeded to literally walk down the Long road to the Gordon Heights section of town.
And it was a damn long road indeed, most of it featuring a slight incline. But as I kept telling myself , this is easier walking than going up a creek bed.I smiled to myself when I spotted this little Korean restaurant out in the middle on nowhere….
I asked an Aussie who was with us if he had ever heard of this Valhalla place we were heading for and he responded “I’ve never even been to Gordon Heights” and he also mentioned that he thought our European friends were saying “Tra-la-la”. It was all a mystery to me.
After a goodly long walk on the long road we achieved Gordon Heights. And kept on going.
And then I thought I had figured out the mystery name of our destination:
Babala…yeah, that makes sense! Sounds like Valhalla (kinda) and seemed more likely than the sing-song Tra-la-la. I was so proud of myself!
After finally reaching the end of the Long Road, our German guide announced “up here”…
And thus began our long ascent up the stairs that kept going….…and going and going. I was sucking wind by now and my German friend offered these encouraging words: “Almost 1/3 to the top now”. Bastard!
Eventually the stairs turned to trail as we continued our journey to the top. And then I discovered just how wrong I had been!
I’ll be damned, it was Tralala after all…
We kept going and finally reached the summit. Where I was surprised to see this massive structure:
What made it surprising is there are NO roads up here. Everything required to build this had to have been carried up on someone’s back. Made me a little ashamed of feeling so used and abused while I was climbing with a light backpack.The basement portion also serves as an elementary school. Seriously, who builds a school smack dab on top of a mountain with no vehicle access whatsoever? And I pitied the poor teachers who have to commute to work by climbing a damn mountain. Oh well, not my problem!
Oh, I forgot to mention the weather. Overcast when we started out. Turning to a light drizzle as we climbed (which was kinda refreshing) and finally to rain up top.
Pretty much marred the view I’d worked so hard to attain.
I wrapped my phone in a ziplock baggie, so no pictures of the descent which thankfully went without incident. It got a little slick and muddy in places but I managed to keep my feet. The down was much easier than the up, which is not always the case.
Anyway, it was one of those once in a lifetime experiences. I seriously doubt I’ll ever bother hiking that trail again but I am glad for having done so today.
Me and my shoes got quite the workout!I’m no Kevin Kim, but it was a helluva walk for an old guy. Ha! We had some 20-something guy along and near the end of the day he declared me “in shape”. That made me laugh!
Turns out I’ll be going back to Gordon Heights tomorrow. But I sure as hell ain’t walking! That’s what we call in the biz “foreshadowing”. Stay tuned for more on my Valentine’s Day plans!
Shit! I had this song in my head all damn day and it turns out it doesn’t include “tra-la-la”. I must be getting old.
When I think of all the worries People seem to find And how they’re in a hurry To complicate their minds By chasing after money And dreams that can’t come true I’m glad that we are different We’ve better things to do May others plan their future I’m busy loving you (One, two, three, four!) Sha la la la la la live for today Sha la la la la la live for today And don’t worry ’bout tomorrow, hey Sha la la la la la live for today (live for today)
Claire Hendricks, Ms. Beach Bash 2019. A reader’s favorite….I also liked Margo MIlan a lot…except for the tattoo. I really don’t like tattoos…
Alright, now that we’ve got the cheesecake out of the way, let’s get on with my boring drivel, shall we?
I’ve been burning it up on the trail as you can see. Actually, Filipinos always seem to be burning shit. I’m not entirely clear as to why.
Speaking of being on trail, yesterday was Hash day. I’ve been Hashing for a little over a year now and for the first time I really felt my safety was imperiled in a very irresponsible way by the Hare. Now obviously there are always risks associated with hiking in the hills so it is your responsibility to maintain awareness and exercise caution on trail. I get that and I’m not looking for some boring walk in the park. I like a bit of challenge now and then. But yesterday the Hare laid trail going downhill through a freakin’ dry creek bed which made for some tougher than usual trekking. But then we came to a damned waterfall, about an 8 foot dropoff and no reasonably obvious or safe way down. Some of the guys before me precariously balanced on one rock and jumped/hopped across the chasm. I started to attempt the same approach and then thought better of it. One misstep or loss of balance and I’d be in a world of hurt. I finally just sat on my ass and slid down the rocks, breaking my speed with legs and arms as best I could. Well, I made it down but I was not a happy camper. To be fair that was the only fucked up part of an otherwise nice enough trail. But when it comes time for me to Hare (March 4) I will not endanger my fellow Hashers in such an unnecessary manner. Rant over.
About 5 kms on trail that also came through my subdivision (you can see Alta Vista in the bottom right quadrant)Getting loaded.Salty Cum joined me which is always nice. She didn’t like the creek trail either and during the feedback portion of the Hash circle said “it was too dangerous for the old men”. Ouch!The day’s first climb…Before the ill-fated turn off to the creek we were following a familiar part of the “my bitch” trail. Should have stayed on it. Well, I won’t be making that mistake again!I didn’t take any photos of the bad trail, although I wish I had got one of the waterfall. I was in survival mode though and needed all my limbs working in harmony to keep my balance.The obligatory “nice view” photo.Hashers passing by make quite the spectacle for the neighborhood kids…Filipinas on ice are nice too!
One thing I wasn’t burnin’ up was this batch of baby back ribs.
Thanks Kevin Kim for the mentoring! Crust baked on after 8 hours of slow cooking in the crockpot. Good eating!
I’m still standing!
Don’t you know I’m still standing better than I ever did Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid And I’m still standing after all this time Picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mind
I’m still standing. Yeah, yeah, yeah I’m still standing. Yeah, yeah, yeah
Today makes nine months since the conception of my retired life in the Philippines. Thankfully throughout this gestation period there has been no cause to abort my decision to move here. I’ve been born again! And life goes on.
Notwithstanding how it may appear to readers of this blog, I do not find my life boring at all. It just sounds that way when I write about it, day after day after day. I’ve settled into my routines and rituals and they thus far have been more than adequate to keep me feeling fulfilled and satisfied. Your mileage may vary.
I pass a good portion of the daytime hours walking about and when the sun goes down I rest my weary legs on a comfortable bar stool and drink copious amounts of beer contribute my share to support the local economy. I’m a Hasher and a darter and on a first name basis with bargirls all over town. It’s a good life for me here in the golden years.
And there are always opportunities to spice things up a little. Take yesterday’s VFW Beach Bash at Midnight Rambler for example. I started out competing in the afternoon singles dart tournament, played poorly and was eliminated late in the early evening. Which freed me up to agree to be a judge in the Ms. Beach Bash beauty pageant.
They must trust my judgement.A large slate of contestants.And the stage is set, but first……a surprise appearance by President Trump! Thank you for your support!The ladies in their casual wear…And in their bathing suits. The best part of being a judge was a front row seat while the gals individually strutted their stuff. And it was fine stuff indeed!And this year’s winners! Congratulations ladies!
But wait, there’s more! I too was called up on stage…
...to be presented recognition for winning Saturday night’s dart tourney… Said recognition is now proudly displayed under my home dart board where it will hopefully encourage me to continue practicing diligently…
And like the proverbial icing on the cake, I won this gift certificate in the raffle drawing:
Texas Joe’s has great and authentic American style BBQ. It’s located on the old Navy base so I don’t get out there real often. Now I have no excuse!
So, it was a great event and an interesting crowd. Like this guy:
I’m not sure by what means he wants to “end the left”, hopefully not genocide. I personally came here to avoid the next American civil war, but props to this guy for wearing his heart on his sleeve. Well, on his back anyway.
And so it goes and so it went. And as the bureau of tourism is wont to say: It’s better in the Philippines!
This weekend is the annual Beach Bash, sponsored by the local chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). I’ve participated in a couple of dart tourneys associated with the event and will play in another this afternoon. Tonight there is the Miss Beach Bash swimsuit contest which I look forward to having a look at. Ahem.
Anyway, last night was a great night of darts. Early in the tourney I threw like I have been in practice. Later on when the beer kicked in I was not as accurate or consistent, but still managed to hang on for a first place finish worth P1500 ($30). That’s pretty big money in these local tournaments.
Drew my pal Cherry as a partner and she kept up her part of the challenge.In fact, I was so impressed that I proposed we get married. Marissa was there to capture the moment for us. Oh, Cherry so “no thank you”
After darts we took a trike out to Baloy Beach to see the live band at the Lagoon Resort lounge.
I don’t recall the name of the group but they were one of the more talented bands I’ve ever seen in a local bar. Really enjoyed there music.
Anyway, it was a pretty good day here in paradise.
My life is relatively good here in the Philippines. I certainly have everything I need to live comfortably and well in retirement. And honestly speaking, the disappointments have for the most part been of my own making. As I’ve alluded to in previous posts I’ve yet to find “the one” who fulfills my desire for a loving and nurturing relationship. Instead I’ve been settling into a rather bizarre “friends with benefits” deal that satisfies in a somewhat unsatisfactory manner.
Regular readers will have guessed that I am speaking of Marissa. I recognize that continuing this relationship basically precludes me from pursuing (or being pursued by) the woman of my dreams, whomever and wherever she may be. And while I believe Marissa is a good woman with a kind heart she can also be quite frustrating as at times she appears incapable of meeting my relationship expectations. Consequently I’ve attempted to end our arrangement on several occasions, most recently yesterday.
Here’s the most recent example of our disconnect. Marissa normally works on Thursday nights at Alley Cats. I avoid the bar when she works because I don’t care to watch her engage in the craft of securing lady drinks from her customers. Normally she lets me know when she is finished at work and we’ll meet up for some food or videoke (karaoke). I did a little barhop on my own and dropped into the videoke bar around the time she normally gets off and waited. After a couple more beers there without hearing anything I headed out to Alley Cats to see what was happening. And I was told she hadn’t worked that night. Hmm.
I sent her a message and got no response. So I called her and got no answer. I honestly had no idea what was going on with her so I contacted Cherry, a mutual friend. Cherry advised that she had last talked to Marissa that morning who told her she wasn’t feeling well. That was news to me as Marissa had stayed over at my place on Wednesday night and seemed fine on Thursday morning. I was actually a little worried at this point and decided to finish my beer and walk to Marissa’s place to check on her. Before I could do so I received a message from Marissa saying she was with friends at the videoke bar.
That really pissed me off. Not that she was out with friends, nothing wrong with that. The fact that she hadn’t bothered to take a minute to let me know she wasn’t working and wasn’t going to meet up with me later was to my mind extremely rude. I certainly wasn’t happy that I had wasted my night waiting around for her while she was out partying so I said (wrote) the first thing that popped into my head “fuck you!”. She responded “fuck you too”. And we left it at that. And as I drunkenly made my way home that night I was resolved that this was the end.
The next day Marissa sent me a good morning message and I responded how her actions the previous night had me feel and that I thought it best that we just call it quits and be done with it. She was surprised and remorseful saying she hadn’t realized I was waiting on her to contact me or that I would be upset if she didn’t. I responded that was the problem, it hadn’t even occurred to her to consider my feelings. And then I logged off and took a long walk.
In the afternoon I got another message from Marissa saying she now understands that she was wrong, that it wouldn’t happen again, and asking for me to give her another chance. I told her I didn’t blame her because I realize it is just not in her nature to do the things that meet my needs. She said that she had no choice but to accept my decision and that she would move back home to Manila and go on with her life. She thanked me for all that I had done for her in the past and that she would cherish our memories.
Well, damn. Now I felt bad. I hadn’t expected her to want to pack up and move away. And I realized that despite her flaws I would miss her company. I had been really impressed with her willingness to join me at the Hash and to even hike “My Bitch” with me a couple of days earlier. Was I being too harsh? And then as if in answer to that question, this popped up in my Facebook feed:
When our nails are grown, we cut the nails, not the fingers. Likewise, when there are misunderstandings, CUT THE PRIDE, NOT THE RELATIONSHIP
Shit. Well, what the fuck. She had apologized and seemed sincere in trying to better accommodate my neediness. And I’d feel like crap if she moved away from a place she’s lived for a decade because of me. So I relented and decided to give it another go.
And that’s where I’m at. We’ll see what happens next I suppose. I don’t anticipate any great romance with Marissa, but she’s okay company and if she makes an effort to be better at not pissing me off I might be willing to keep her around for awhile as a companion.
Safer than being in love again, that’s for sure! And yes, it has occurred to me that there are similarities in this arrangement with my failed “Plan B” I tried with Loraine. Maybe this time will be different!
And all I can do is keep on telling you I want you, I need you But-there ain’t no way I’m ever gonna love you Now don’t be sad ‘Cause two out of three ain’t bad Now don’t be sad ‘Cause two out of three ain’t bad
Or maybe less is more. But the more things change the more they remain they same. Or so it seems. Hell, I don’t know anymore. It’s all good, no complaints. This may be the worst start to a blog post in the history of poorly started blog posts here at LTG. So, let’s get on with it. Whatever it may be!
I’m reminded that time flies. It’s been 12 years since I played darts in this tournament in Seoul with one of my earliest dart mentors.
My life is pretty simple these days and that’s my choice. I have my routines and I’m maintaining a level of discipline that helps stave off getting lazy and completely unmotivated. I’m not unhappy with my choice to live here and although there are things I want and don’t have, it is easy to look around and see what a lucky bastard I truly am. Hell, I even have love in my life!
My Buddy lets me know that every day!
It gives me happiness to see how far Buddy has come from those first days after he was rescued from an abusive home and the trauma he experienced when he ran away from mine. He ain’t going anywhere now, that’s for sure.
Here he is taking his friend Marissa for a walk.
Other dogs aren’t so lucky. Like this little guy:
He’s tied up on a short leash near the entrance to my subdivision. No food or water. I asked one of the security guards about him and was told that he belongs to one of the maintenance workers. Apparently he just ties him up and leaves him when he goes to work.
I gave the pup some food and water this morning but it breaks my heart to see him like this. I’m thinking I’ll try and track down the owner and see if he is interested in selling his “pet”. Most dogs I see in these parts live a miserable life. You can’t save them all of course, but I might have room for one more in my house and in my heart.
And of course, I’m still walking my life away. A life I might not have if I wasn’t walking to maintain it. I guess that’s what you call a win-win. Yesterday I was out and about with the Wednesday Walkers group.
We leave out of Angel’s bakery at 10:00 a.m. I had a nice breakfast of eggs, sausage, bacon and toast there before the walk. Cost me P195, or less than $4. Interestingly (more or less), the first part of our 3+ hour hike was on My Bitch of a trail. I was happy to keep the group on the right path to Rizal Extension!Once we reached Rizal, Gunter the Austrian took over and led us straight up the fucking mountain. It was tough going. I bitched some and he said this is nothing compared to the Alps. I guess you just have to maintain perspective. And enjoy the views.Finally made it to the summit!Arcel (I’ve mentioned her before) was feeling frisky after the climb. Who am I to complain?Anyway, it was a good day on trail with my walking buddies.
And that brings you up to date on my so-called life. More or less.
I am one of the searchers. There are, I believe, millions of us. We are not unhappy, but neither are we really content. We continue to explore life, hoping to uncover its ultimate secret. We continue to explore ourselves, hoping to understand. We like to walk along the beach, we are drawn by the ocean, taken by its power, its unceasing motion, its mystery and unspeakable beauty. We like forests and mountains, deserts and hidden rivers, and the lonely cities as well. Our sadness is as much a part of our lives as is our laughter. To share our sadness with one we love is perhaps as great a joy as we can know – unless it be to share our laughter.
We searchers are ambitious only for life itself, for everything beautiful it can provide. Most of all we love and want to be loved. We want to live in a relationship that will not impede our wandering, nor prevent our search, nor lock us in prison walls; that will take us for what little we have to give. We do not want to prove ourselves to another or compete for love.
For wanderers, dreamers, and lovers, for lonely men and women who dare to ask of life everything good and beautiful. It is for those who are too gentle to live among wolves.”
― James Kavanaugh
UPDATE: Well I’ll be damned. I used the “More or Less” title once before in September 2013. It was a post about my darting exploits back when I was living (part time) in the USA. A lifetime ago.
*Actually, I do know her name but out of respect for her privacy, I’ve deleted it from this post. The picture of me and Petro will remain. And just for the record, a polite request goes a lot further with me than a rude demand.
A nice Hash yesterday. It was good to see Salty Cum (aka Marissa) make a rare appearance. She’s actually quite the trooper, nary a complaint on trail. We even climbed two mountains! Might be I’ll turn her into a walkaholic yet! Here’s some photos:
I lifted this selfie from Salty Cum’s facebook page. For whatever reason she wasn’t keen of me taking a photograph of her…Of course, what she can’t see me doing she can’t complain about, right?Why was the mountain sad? Because all his friends took him for granite. *ahem*The way up…I’m King of the hill!A view from the top…A view of the bay….And down below lies Barrio Barretto. Can you imagine a better view?As a matter of fact, yes I can!Back “on-home” at Treasure Island I was required to join my fellow Americans on the ice. Some pretext about losing some sporting event or another. I protested that we had just won the Super Bowl and someone else reminded that we had also won the World Series. The Aussie in charge wasn’t impressed.Poor Marissa had the misfortune of kicking over someone’s beer in the Hash circle. And when one Filipina sits, all Filipinas sit!
Anyway, it was a pretty nice Hash day.
This morning I convinced Marissa to walk back to her place on the recently discovered trail affectionately known as “my bitch”. So, I guess you could say I walked with my bitch on my bitch. Eh, maybe that wouldn’t be good to say. Seriously, I was impressed to see Marissa at least making an effort to be part of my non-drinking life.
Anyway, I have no illusions about the future and her role in it. It is what it is. And what it is is better than nothing. For now at least.
Here comes Johnny and he’ll tell you the story Hand me down my walkin’ shoes Here comes Johnny with the power and the glory Backbeat the talkin’ blues
He got the action, he got the motion Yeah, the boy can play Dedication, devotion Turning all the night time into the day
He do the song about the sweet lovin’ woman He do the song about the knife He do the walk, he do the walk of life
One of those days yesterday. Feeling a little out of sorts and grumpy. I said fuck off to darts and started drinking beers instead. Drinking beers alone that is. It occurred to me that I actually didn’t have any friend to call on to just sit and join me. So I just kept my laments to myself. Late in the afternoon I moved down to the Arizona floating bar where I continued to drown my sorrows, such as they were.
There’s something about being on the water though. Surrounded by the peaceful beauty of mother nature makes it hard to stay in a bad mood. And then of course the sun started going down and I decided to document it’s departure in a series of time-lapsed photographs. Okay, yeah. I was alone and a little bored. Sue me.
First shot, still relatively high in the sky.second shot, is the sun really going down or is the horizon rising?third shot. nope, them mountains didn’t just get taller…fourth shot, no more sun to see…fifth shot. And yet, the sun shines on…sixth shot…ashes to ashes, dusk to dusk…
Which one is your favorite?
Anyway, drunk and relatively happy again I went to dine at the Arizona restaurant, one of my favorite eateries here in Barretto. Had me some BBQ ribs and they didn’t disappoint.
Got home relatively early and was feeling some pain in my left leg. Normally it is my right leg that hurts, but only when I’m sleeping on it. Weird I know. Anyway, one of my helpers (Gina) gave me a nice leg massage and coupled with the alcohol I soon fell asleep. Life is good, no?
Facebook shared a memory of one year ago when I was Hashing in Pyeongtaek.
I’ll be Hashing again later this afternoon but with a lot less clothes on…
And oh by the way…
That’s me on the floating bar yesterday. You might notice that I’ve discovered how to reverse selfie images to the proper orientation. Thanks for the tip Kevin Kim!
So anyway, given my leg pain Marissa asked me if I was still going to Hash. I told her of course. I actually don’t experience the pain when I’m walking. She responded that I walk too much, and I countered that maybe I’m not walking enough. She was incredulous and said “what are you, a walkaholic?” Now that cracked me up, especially because her English is not all that great and that’s a pretty nice pun. And I always enjoy a good pun!
Speaking of the Hash it’s about time I get ready to head out for today’s event. I saw this posted on the page of one of the Hash groups I belong to:
Yes, I can be a sick bastard but I found it funny.
Keep on lovin’ life, that’s what I plan to do!
I can’t light no more of your darkness All my pictures seem to fade to black and white I’m growing tired and time stands still before me Frozen here on the ladder of my life
Too late to save myself from falling I took a chance and changed your way of life But you misread my meaning when I met you Closed the door and left me blinded by the light
Don’t let the sun go down on me Although I search myself, it’s always someone else I see I’d just allow a fragment of your life to wander free But losing everything is like the sun going down on me
I can’t find the right romantic line But see me once and see the way I feel Don’t discard me just because you think I mean you harm But these cuts I have they need love to help them heal
I’ll just drop this here to rub it in for all you folks experiencing winter. Or walking in the rain. (Sorry Kevin. I wrote that line before reading about your mini-disaster/major disappointment).
Damn…
But seriously, the weather has been great these past few weeks. Mid-80s with a comfortable breeze is about as pleasant as it gets in these parts. Come March it will warm up and then I’ll start looking forward to rainy season.
Some of my neighbors. The goats roam free here in Alta Vista…And I’m living large too. Steak night tonight!Still enjoying my sunsets. This one is from the Blue Rock floating bar…Facebook is keeping me humble reminding me of when I actually had some game. I’m not throwing anywhere near that well now, but I’m throwing good enough to win. Another first place in the tourney last night…In the category of “things I miss” is my son and sweet granddaughter Sydney, all dressed up for a father-daughter dance…Crappy photo, but there was some fire on the mountain this afternoon. The locals are regularly burning up there. I’m surprised things never get out of control. This fire was completely unattended…I reversed course today and walked the trail from Alta Vista this time. Other than the fire and some jerk who had thrown tree limbs and crap over the trail to make room for a new fence, it was a hassle-free adventure. Will likely make it or some variation a part of my weekly routine…The Wednesday Walkers group. It’s nice to have a little company on trail…Although I guess wherever you are, you are with yourself…But it’s easier to carry on a conversation this way… Laundry day for the locals. I’d call it old school but there ain’t no new school option…On the rocks!Livin’ large and lovin’ life. For the most part anyway…
This ain’t a song for the broken-hearted No silent prayer for the faith-departed I ain’t gonna be just a face in the crowd You’re gonna hear my voice When I shout it out loud
It’s my life It’s now or never I ain’t gonna live forever I just want to live while I’m alive (It’s my life) My heart is like an open highway Like Frankie said, “I did it my way.” I just wanna live while I’m alive It’s my life
…but sometimes it makes good enough. At least it did last night.
As I’ve mentioned, recently I have rededicated myself to the sport of darting. Well, what I mean is that I’m practicing daily at home. And I’ve had some pretty amazing practice sessions. Sadly, they haven’t seemed to carry over in competition. But in last night’s singles tournament I could feel the difference. Although still too inconsistent, I was hitting big scores and throwing my double-out shots better. Most importantly, I was throwing with more confidence which probably explains the better play over all.
Last night was probably the best I’ve played in years. And I needed every good throw I managed. I beat some damn fine players along the way and then came back through the loser’s bracket to beat the guy who put me there for the championship. I really enjoyed the challenge and had a lot of fun playing again as well. Let’s see if I can build on this success and take it to the next level.
Speaking of winning, I had another success this morning. Let’s tell that story in photos, shall we?
As commenter Kevin Kim suggested, I renewed my quest for the elusive path from Alta Vista to Rizal Extension by working the trail backwards. The end of the beginning if you will. Here’s where the pavement of Rizal turns to soil.And here’s the beginning (or end) of the path.And once again, I used the valley as a reference point, knowing it needed to stay to my right (from this direction anyway).The trail is not a bad one, but you do have to stay alert and watch your step…Last time I came to this junction I took the path to the right and it led me down into the valley near Marian Hills. Close, but not my desired destination. Left it is then!Walkin’ in tall cotton. Er, grass or whatever that shit is. Shoulder height on me. The worse thing is that it makes it hard to see where you are putting down your feet, which can be perilous. I remembered from previous attempts that I need to keep the fence on my left…Yonder is where I don’t want to be. That’s the area Rizal Extension runs through. Earlier attempts have twice taken me in a big circle dumping me back near where I had started. Want to avoid that fiasco if I can. Alright, I’ve gone wrong here before . There are three different trails running through the grounds of this fine estate. I’ve done the left one and the right one without success. So going with the center route was a no-brainer today…My old nemesis razor wire. Stepped over the barbs this time without incident.Another house and yard with barking dogs. It always feels like I’m intruding as I walk past. Kept going straight, judging the path to the left as going back from whence I came.And there in the distance is my destination–the lovely Alta Vista subdivision I call home. Now just how do I get there from here?Decisions, decisions. My flawed sense of direction said turn right, and so I did. Will it lead me home?I enjoy rocky road ice cream. This path? Not so much.Getting back to my roots.One false step and I’m screwed big time. Obviously since I’m writing this post, my step was true…
And then suddenly it was all looking familiar. Could it be? Could it finally be?
Why yes! Success at last!No pain, no gain. Actually, didn’t feel this at the time although I suspect it happened in the tall grass. Those blades can be rather sharp…
Anyway, thanks for sticking with me until the quest was done.
Oh, and I just noticed that this is post number 3001 here at LTG. Talk about coming along on a journey! Thanks for joining me. Having readers of my ramblings is both quite humbling and very surprising. But it means a lot. I appreciate your support!
Today the Wednesday walking group ventured way out past Olongapo City to Old Catlaban and the Forest river. 45 minutes each way in the Hashmobile was a killer on the ass, that’s for sure.
Let’s get loaded!Stretching the legs out after a long ride.Passing through a small village I forget the name of…On the river trail. We had to ford the river several times.Heading for the hillsA river runs through it…There was a waterfall further up the trail but we ran out of time so went no further than thisIt will be there somewhere in the future I suppose…A lonely flower trail side…A final river crossing. Yes, we got our shoes wet.The rush to get back to our campsite was because we had to utilize the fire Chief Tucker Fucker prepared…That don’t call us the Sausage Walkers for nothing…Milling about the campsite prior to the long drive home.
While it is always nice to see new places and things, I can’t say the long drive was worth it. I’d rather be walking than being bounced about in the pick of a truck. But that’s just me I suppose.
Anyway, another day has been filled, so there’s that. Now for some darts and beer drinking!
This afternoon I found a trail that led me back to my Alta Vista subdivision. It wasn’t THE trail I was looking for, dropping me about a block away from where I anticipated arriving, but still…
I arrived at the end of a dead end street I had never ventured to before. But by God, it’s in Alta Vista, so mission accomplished!
I’m still going to find the trail I was expecting to find, I’ve got a pretty good hunch now as to where it might be.
I celebrated my discovery by taking a walk down Baloy Beach, just before sundown.
What a life, huh?
And since I was already there, I figured why not visit the Kokomo’s floater?
And finding no good reason not to, that’s just what I did!
Am I posting while drunk now? Why, yes. Yes I am!
UPDATE: Well I’ll be damned, I used the “Eureka” title way back in 2007. No one can blame me for not remembering that.
“Human beings are remarkable – at what we can learn to live with. If we couldn’t get strong from what we lose, and what we miss, and what we want and can’t have, then we couldn’t ever get strong enough, could we? What else makes us strong?” –John Irving
Obviously you can’t live in the past. Learning to let the past go and move on with you life is both challenging and necessary. In many ways I’ve done better of late in that regard. But sometimes those bastards at Facebook and their godforsaken “memories” feature drag me back to days gone by.
One year ago I was either looking forward to my upcoming life in the Philippines or looking back on my latest broken heart. Or maybe both. But what I wasn’t looking at was this sweet woman Juhye. Well, who knows what you are leaving behind? At least until it’s gone. Juhye started a new life in Germany right around the time I started mine here.Two years ago I was in love with a woman destined to break my heart. I didn’t know either of those facts at the time though. Would it have mattered?
I think that’s my favorite picture of Loraine, although I don’t spend much time picking at the scabs on my heart to look at old photos from days gone by. The fact that I’m able to even post this one now is a milestone on the road to my leaving her behind once and for all. Admittedly, she made that easier by turning her back on the friendship I had attempted to maintain despite her betrayal. Ah well.
It did give me cause to consider my track record here in the PI since making the move. If you are keeping score, it looks like this:
Eva–the woman I considered my best friend. She had visited me twice in Korea and I was looking forward to having someone I could trust and rely on as I started my new life in a foreign land. Instead shortly after the move she ghosted me for reasons I still can’t understand. Hurt like hell though.
Gem–they say you can’t put a price tag on friendship, but Gemma has sadly proven otherwise. Regular readers may recall that she was the first woman I dated after the Loraine fiasco. And while the relationship did not blossom into a “love” thing (at least for me) I did value Gem’s friendship. So, we she asked to “borrow” a substantial amount of money to help her out of a short term emergency I didn’t hesitate to do what a friend would do in those circumstances. And all I’ve gotten since then is a string of broken promises. She has pretty much ceased contact with me now, although the last time I heard from her it was to tell me the money would be on its way in a few days. That was weeks ago. Whatever. The lies hurt more than the financial hit to be honest. Live and learn as they say. I still live, but will I ever learn?
Maria–another woman I had dated and then tried to maintain as a friend when the romance didn’t work out. She unfriended me on Facebook a while back because her new beau was jealous of me. Yeah, I can understand her doing that. I’m the past, he’s the future. Good luck, best wishes and all that jazz.
Marissa–I honestly don’t have a clue what I’m doing with her. She’s crap as a girlfriend so we have been doing the “friends with benefits” thing (or at least I have). Although honestly she’s been pretty disappointing as a friend as well. I almost walked away for good a couple of weeks ago but somehow managed to get sucked back in. Sometimes I’m just a weak and lonely old fool I suppose. I don’t pretend there is any future other than being drinking and fucking buddies. One of these days I’ll have to man up and let go for good. I mean, she’s a good woman and I don’t want to see her hurt. She deserves better. And so do I.
Moving on.
Eight years ago the family gathered to bury my mother in Enid, Oklahoma. I was just beginning my new life as a retiree back then and I had Jee Yeun at my side. No regrets about that, I’m glad she was there. I wish things had not ended the way they did, but that’s life.Me (in the middle of course) and the brothers circa 1960. It’s been a helluva ride!
Alright. The future awaits. Let’s get on with it!
Like every young man, I had some things that I Wanted to say Ere I could begin, you know the world got In my way
Oh Lilah, just sleep like a baby To open the window and feel the fair wind Oh Lilah, just sleep like a baby again
We spend so much time weeping and wailing and Shaking our fists Creating enemies that really don’t exist
Oh Lilah, to sleep like a baby? Just open the window and feel the fair wind Oh Lilah, to sleep like a baby again
All these comings and goings that cut like a knife These small, simple pleasures that make up a life A man needs a home, and a child, and a wife To always be there Always
After I’m gone, there are some things that I know I will miss: The taste of your mouth, the smell of the perfume On your wrist Oh, Lilah, the fields lie fallow Whate’r ye sow, so shall ye reap Oh Lilah, this ground we hallow Is ours to tend, but not to keep
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPUBu8HYZdk
UPDATE: It seems I used the “Past forgetting” title on a post back in August 2017. Ah, I guess I forgot about that.
The title of this post is the name of the Hare who laid the Hash trail I hiked yesterday. Fucking Masochist would also be apt. It was as if he picked the most difficult paths possible which made for a challenging day to say the least. To his credit I suppose, Leech did warn before departure that his trail “was not for cripples”. My goal was to complete the walk without becoming one which I did in fact manage to accomplish.
We took the Hashmobile all the way out to Olongapo City to begin our trek.Heading out and up…That’s me in the cap and brown shirt. It looks like I’m wearing brown stockings, but that is actually my tan line. I’m slowly turning Filipino…Our path took us through the hillside cemetery. I didn’t stick around thankfully….Yeah, people actually live this way. Count your blessings!My favorite part of the trail!I couldn’t take photos of the really hard parts, it was all I could do to keep my feet. “Rickety bridge” illustrated.Mountaintop views are always a reward for the effort I suppose.And seeing new things is always nice. Here we have the famous “Great Wall of Subic”…The sun was rapidly going down and I was still up on top of the mountain which was disconcerting. No quick way down either, the path Leech chose was rocky and treacherous.
But I survived to Hash another week so there’s that.
