Swab this, matey

Posted on 10/September/2021 by John McCrarey

Yesterday morning I made the trip out to Baypointe hospital in order to get the required COVID swab test done prior to my cataract surgery scheduled for tomorrow. You’d think this should be easy enough to accomplish, but then again, I am in the Philippines.

Outside the main entrance to the hospital is a check-in table. You tell them the purpose of your visit, they ask some questions about any symptoms you’ve experienced, then they take your temperature, and you get a pass to go inside. That’s how it’s gone on all my previous visits. Except the COVID testing is done in a tent at the end of the driveway. You still have to go inside to pay prior to the test though. Except if you are being tested for COVID you are not allowed to enter the hospital. A classic Catch-22 situation. Well, I had my helper along so she went inside to pay using my credit card. That’s a little scary too. At the grocery store, they check my ID to make sure the card is mine. Anyway, it took a while because there was a long line at the cashier, but after about twenty minutes she came back with the receipt I required.

I traipsed over to the tent and was tested immediately. The actual procedure was not as invasive as I feared. I mean, it is never fun to have something poked up your nose and down the back of your throat (two different swabs, just to be clear), but it didn’t hurt at all and didn’t take long to complete. And when I woke up this morning the results were in my email inbox.

Turns out the lab is positive that I am negative for COVID. No real surprise there. That means tomorrow morning I’ll be heading back over to Baypointe and getting my eye fixed. Hopefully. We’ll see if I can see clearly again.

***Still think I actually had a bout of COVID back in April.***

Last night, I changed things up a bit and started my beer intake at Blue Butterfly. It’s an okay bar and the bargirl who latched onto me upon arrival was nice enough. At least she seemed to really like my jokes. Then again, I was buying her lady drinks, so that may have impacted sincerity in that regard. Thirty-nine years old and no kids, which is almost unheard of in this country. I seriously asked her if she were a lesbian and she said no. She didn’t trip my triggers much but we are Facebook friends now.

While I was at Blue Butterfly, Marick sent me a message to come visit her bar and meet the new waitress she just hired. Turns out Marick’s eyes are much better than mine. Her place is diagonally across the highway from BB, but she saw me sitting in the outside seating area. So, I stopped in for a couple.

The new girl is named Joy (yikes, another one!), 23 years old with two young kids. Claims to have never worked in a bar before. So naturally, I bought the first lady drink of her career.

Joy is easy on the eyes and fun to chat with. Certainly not what I am looking for in a potential relationship, but I’d consider her for membership in the Friends With Benefits club. She’s not on Facebook so we exchanged phone numbers. Lots of messages this morning hoping I’ll come back to see her tonight. Ah, ain’t she sweet? And thirsty!

This morning I had a very pleasant chat with Paula. Except it turns out her name is not Paula. It’s actually Paul Pearl, and she goes by Pearl. She says her mom just calls her Pau. She wasn’t able to join the hike today but is looking forward to future adventures–wants to climb the mountains. She seems smart and witty. Also doesn’t appear to be needy at all. No idea why a woman like this would like a man like me. Not saying she does, but based on our conversation this morning, there might be some kind of connection to build on. Time will tell I suppose.

***I stole this image from her Facebook page. Seems to capture her sweetness. Again, I’m not getting my hopes up, but damn, I’d love to have a woman like Pearl in my life.***

As far as the hike goes, it was raining again this morning so we opted to just stay on the back streets of Barretto. The rain stopped before our meetup, and we managed to get in a 6.5K hike before it started again.

You can Relive the journey here if you want:

That’s about it from here for now. Hopefully, I’ll be back with more tomorrow. If not, it’s been nice knowing you!

Getting sloppy wet with Jolina

Posted on 09/September/2021 by John McCrarey

It was a nasty day, but that didn’t stop us. The Wednesday Walkers marched around 12 kilometers under a steady rain, driven by the passing of typhoon Jolina. We kept to the roads and highways though, so we suffered no ill-effects other than a good soaking.

The highlight for me, at least, was helping to welcome our newest member, Paula, also known as Pearl. When she arrived at the meetup location we all assumed she was with Chris, as he was the one who greeted her. Scott thought she was perhaps Chris’ wife but I told him she appeared way too young to be his wife (Chris had told me about a hiking trip he took with the wife in Europe several years ago). I thought she might be a daughter, although I don’t even know if Chris has a daughter. With a mask covering the lower portion of her face I thought she looked to be in her late teens.

As the hike commenced, I was, as usual, bringing up the rear. My oh my, Paula’s ass was one of the nicest I’ve ever seen. Yeah, I know that sounds creepy, but I’m just stating a fact that I couldn’t help noticing. It was such a distraction that I stepped up my pace and walked ahead of her so as not to be a total perv. Later in the hike, I had the chance to introduce myself and that’s when I learned her name. When I asked her age she surprised me when she answered “28”. I, in turn, surprised her when I responded that she was only two years younger than me. She laughed when I explained that I am thirty in my heart and reminded her that “age is just a number”. She smilingly nodded in what I assume was agreement.

I also learned that she was divorced, and I asked how that was possible (divorce being illegal in the Philippines). She told me had been married to a Japanese man in Japan, where she had lived for six years. Now don’t get your hopes up for me, dear readers, I’m not. She is very attractive, seems smart and interesting, although I didn’t get a warm fuzzy that she had any interest in me. I told her that our normal hikes are much more interesting than this road walk, and she expressed interest in seeing the mountains. I told her if she wanted to friend me on Facebook I’d add her to our hiking group message board. And she did. So maybe I’ll have a pretty face to spice up the photos from future hikes at least.

To the photos then:

***And we are off!*** ***Yeah, that’s Paula in the black pants.***

***Heading into Subic on the National highway.***

***Then turning up the Govic highway for the long trek to barangay Naugsol.***

***Our route took us on a big loop around Easter mountain.***

***Come along now, Charles. It’s my job to be running behind.***

***Probably the nicest house in Naugsol.***

***Me being charming and witty. Or trying to…***

***The second nicest ass on the hike…***

***Heading back to Barretto on Sawmill road.***

***Exchanging Facebook info with Paula before saying our goodbyes.***

***It’s all seemed a little fishy at the street market…***

***Beer drinking time after the hike for some of the guys at the Kitchenette. Our hostess provided chicken wings and lumpia for a snack.***

***And mama dropped by to say hello as well.***

Anyway, stayed too long and had too many beers so early in the afternoon. Put me off schedule, hence yesterday’s abbreviated post. It was rainy most of the night, and we lost power early in the evening and again in the wee hours of the morning.

***But when the sun came up today, Jolina had moved on.***

Anyway, it was not a bad day despite the rain, almost 26,000 steps and nearly 20K. I’ll take it. That kind of exercise has got to be good for the heart, right?

***And I come across these reminders during my internet travels to help keep me safe. I’m sure Paula would never hurt me though, right?***

I’m joking of course. I hope. And I’m also counting my blessings. I don’t want to ever be this guy:

***They did find someone who knew him and got him home safely. I understand he will be running for president.***

More to come. Stick around.

Where does the time go?

Posted on 08/September/2021 by John McCrarey

Perhaps down in the bottom of a beer bottle is the best answer. At least for me today it was. Went out for the Wednesday Walkers group hike, then we did our aftermath at the Kitchenette. We each took turns buying a bucket of six beers. Next thing I knew I was feeling buzzed. Stopped in The Pub and bought some New York steaks on the way home. Took a nap. Then a shower. Now it’s time to head back into town. So, I’ll fill you in on all the details tomorrow. Promise.

In the meantime, there’s this:

***Kind of like reading Long Time Gone, right Kevin?***

Push up and push on

Posted on 07/September/2021 by John McCrarey

Besides the Hash, which I’ll get to in a minute, I spent some time in the kitchen yesterday. I made the usual double batch of crockpot chili and it sold out again. A captive audience of hungry Hashers helps in that regard I suppose. I also baked a carrot cake, and that turned out to be a real treat. Now, I’m no Kevin Kim–I make hardly anything from scratch. I was very surprised to find a carrot cake mix at the grocery store, it’s been literally years since I’ve seen one. It was a brand I’ve never heard of, Maya, but what the hell, pseudo-bakers like me can’t be choosers.

***I see now from the fine print on the back of the box that Maya is a local producer of flour and baked goods***.

I wasn’t sure what to expect, being a Pillsbury/Betty Crocker kind of guy, but I was pretty damn pleased with the results. The only real difference from the American brands I’m used to was that the contents did not include the carrots. Grating 1 3/4 cups of fresh carrots would be a real pain in the ass, but luckily, I have a domestic helper to do the jobs I don’t want to do.

***I discovered the timer on my oven isn’t working properly, but I checked it early enough to avoid disaster. Actually, I’d say it was baked to near perfection!***

***Slapped on some cream cheese frosting from out of the can and had me a cake to enjoy.***

***I was happy with the light texture. Quite flavorful as well. I bought another box of cake mix today. I want to add some nuts and raisins to the next one.***

Alright then, are you ready to Hash? Leech My Nuggets was the Hare and he’s another one of the guys who prefer a very challenging trail. Always marks them well though and that’s something I really appreciate. He also gives our “sane” group a map of the route in advance, which facilitates our shortcutting. Yesterday’s trail had three big climbs (and of course, three descents). Our group did the first up, and then came down the mountain on the path that was Leech’s third up, thereby avoiding the worst part of the trail (anytime there is a rope involved to get over a rock, I ain’t interested!).

So, I’d never done the up we took at the beginning, most of the middle was over the familiar My Bitch trail, and we modified the end to avoid having to cross a wet rice paddy. I’d call that a win-win–the trail was as hard or as easy as you wanted to make it. I’ve got some pictures, of course.

***The sane group heading out with our customary 30-minute headstart.***

***Making our way through the winding back alleys of Barretto.***

***I looked up and saw the terrain ahead of me and I almost despaired…***

***…but then I looked down at the path directly in front of me and saw what I assume was a message from the Hash gods encouraging me to PUSH onward and upward***.

***Sometimes looking back on where you started makes the effort seem more worthwhile.***

***Perhaps I should rename her “Inspiration Mountain”.***

***Hikers in the high grass but not high on grass. Promise!***

***Chopping wood for uling (charcoal). Hard work on the mountaintop.***

***Love this pic of Anal Receptive (taken by his girlfriend) attempting to avoid the hazards of the rice paddy.***

***Meanwhile, the sane Hashers did a walkaround.***

***The final uphill to our On-Home in the Alta Vista community center.***

***Our newest named Hasher, Arrested Development. I had suggested Spins Like A Top but was voted down.***

***And as yet unnamed Martin joined us for the first time. He’s a big guy but kept up with us sane Hashers without a problem.***

***The view from our On-Home left no doubt that it is indeed burn season once again.***

***And that’s it for this Hash post. If you are interested, the markings indicate that this is run #1461 and those lines advise that there is a right turn ahead.***

What time is it? I have darts tonight.

Sometimes you come across something and think, yeah, I can relate…

***Or maybe that’s just some half-assed opinion…***

Can hardly wait to see what happens next!

And no lube either…

Posted on 06/September/2021 by John McCrarey

Got an email from my former landlord regarding the refund of my security deposit. I was owed 150,000 pesos ($3000.) and they’ve seen fit to keep all but 40,000. What made it worse was the rationale given for the ass-raping–claimed damages to the house. I left that house in better condition than it was when I moved in, paying for the improvements out of my own pocket. Stealing my deposit is a hell of a way to say thanks. Some of the itemized listings were especially egregious:

Replace damaged tiles and exposed piping around toilet where water line was repaired
by others–10,000

Yeah, the water line broke about a month prior to my leaving. But the landlord hired the clowns who left a hole in the floor after the repair, not me.

Prep and apply 2 coats of paint–35,000

Ah, that’s rich. I’m not sure that house has been painted since it was built twenty-some years ago. What I am sure of is that I did nothing to warrant paying for the paint job that should have been done prior to me moving in.

Anyway, the list goes on and on, and all of the damage was a pre-existing condition. Now, shame on me for not documenting that fact, but shame on them because they knew or should have known about the poor condition of the house I rented. Oh well, nothing I can do about it now. I’ve disputed the charges but have no expectation that I’ll get a favorable response. I suppose I should be grateful that I’m getting anything back at all. I’ll be sure to spread the word amongst the expat community that you rent from these folks at your peril. I also take some satisfaction in noting that my former residence is still vacant. I hope it stays that way for at least a year, but the three months I’ve been gone already have cost the greedy bastards more than they are stealing from me. Okay, rant over.

A relatively quiet Sunday night. Started at It Doesn’t Matter. Roan had asked me to check on the Alta Vista community center availability for a planned going away party for one of her co-workers. I let her know I had made the reservation for Tuesday and I’ve been invited to join in the festivities. So there’s that to look forward to.

On my way home I popped into the Kitchenette and the place was almost full.

***At least all the counter seating was taken. Glad they are apparently doing well.***

This is Hash Monday and the On-Home is here in the Alta Vista community center. That means making up a big batch of my chili to help feed the hungry Hashers. We’ll also be serving up some brats on a bun. And a short stumble home when the ceremonies are completed. Hopefully, the trail will be kind to my tired old body. Leech My Nuggets is the Hare, and he can be Guenter-esque. We’ll see soon enough.

And that’s the latest installment from my so-called life.

Rolling along the rocky road of life

Posted on 05/September/2021 by John McCrarey

Well, I guess my life isn’t all that rocky, but from the begging requests I’ve been receiving this weekend, these must be tough times for lots of other folks. Sick kids seem to be a popular raison d’être for moms pulling at my heartstrings lately. I accommodated two–Jonalyn for the first time and Rose Ann for the last time. I think Rose Ann might be pushing me towards a violation of Rule #1 (don’t be a sucker) so I’ll be blocking her to prevent future requests. Jonalyn was a bit of a surprise, but I’ve had a bit of a crush on her so I didn’t have much heartburn about helping her out. My hopes that this act of generosity might open the door to a potential girlfriend experience were dashed almost immediately. I told Jonalyn that I hope I find a woman who will love and care for me like she does her children. She responded, “You are a nice and kind man, I’m sure you’ll meet someone like that someday,” Ouch.

So, the married woman who can’t spell my name and sent me loving messages and sexy photographs had really been upping the intensity and frequency of her communications. Wake up messages, “how are yous/what are you doing now” throughout the day, and goodnight/sleep well at bedtime. All seasoned with “I love you” and “I can’t stop thinking of you” and other pledges of undying affection. Alright, it was admittedly over the top, but damn, it was nice to have a woman express those sentiments to me. Of course, I reminded myself that she is not available and likely never would be given that divorce is not permitted in the Philippines. So, I took her words with much more than just a grain of salt. And then she started hinting around about us having an in-person rendevous. I considered it and was somewhat tempted by the offer, especially after gazing at the panty shots she sent me. But then the big head chimed in and reminded me that adultery is a criminal offense in my adopted homeland. I also knew that as bad as her home life was, this woman would be much worse off if caught having a physical relationship. I had understood that I was just a fantasy to escape the reality of her loveless life, and although I do care for her, I wasn’t going to be her Plan B. So, I told her I wasn’t going to endanger her by having an affair. This was her response:

You to take care always to… i just figure it out that maybe i didnt pay my attentions quite good in my life that’s why I have a bad life…but anyway I can stand strong and face it….nice to know and meet a man like you…thank you thank you….and I’m so sorry if almost I involve you about my miserable life I’m so sorry….but thank you really….thanks for everything…you are good and kind person….thanks a lot…bye….bye…No need to reply and always GOD BLESS YOU…

And I haven’t heard from her since. Love is so fleeting, isn’t it? Anyway, it’s kind of a relief. I don’t need the drama and I can get the sex elsewhere if I so desire. Still, I’m not sure I would have taken the safe and sane path in the past, so I’ll consider this turn of events progress.

Digging through the freezer the other day I found a package of Australian ribeye steaks I’d bought a couple of months ago when I last visited the S&R (think Costco) store in San Fernando. Thawed them out and then threw them on the grill this morning for breakfast.

***Well, I’ve had worse. Thin and not as tender as I like, but chewable. I need to get back to The Pub and buy myself some American beef.***

Speaking of food and charity, my homeless friend “mama” is a daily visitor to the Kitchenette where she dines for free.

***Sometimes the small things make a big difference.***

Let’s take a stroll out on the balcony and see what’s up, shall we?

Am I a lucky bastard, or what? It is so easy to get distracted by the disappointments of life or thinking too much about what you don’t have. So yeah, I don’t have love but I’ve got a nice view. I know which one of those will likely last the longest.

I also got off my lazy ass this morning and did a long (for me) hike amounting to almost 11K. Kind of my standard Sunday walk with an extra loop to add some distance to make up for the previous couple of days. I did one of those “take a picture every kilometer” things some of y’all like. Here’s how it turned out:

***The start. Fuckiing stray dogs are always knocking over the neighbor’s trash can. I keep mine inside the fence until trash day. I wish he would too.***

***1 kilometer. I don’t even like Divimart and rarely go there. But turns out it is 1K from my house.***

***2 kilometers. This flower was the most interesting thing to photograph when I reached this milestone (kilostone?).***

***3 kilometers. Still on the National Highway in Calapacuan.***

***4 kilometers. Looking at Black Rock mountain from a distance.***

***5 kilometers. Walking the Govic highway.***

***6 kilometers. On the backstreets of some barangay–maybe San Isidro.***

***8 kilometers. Heading towards home.***

***9 kilometers. The backway to Marian Hills.***

***10 kilometers. A look back at Easter mountain.***

***Almost 11 kilometers. Home again. And look, someone cleaned up the trash.***

The stats. When I first started out I was doing a tad over twelve-minute kilometers. That slowed considerably as the hike went on. Now, I was stopping to take the photos and I also handed out four bags of cookies, but truth is, I get tired around 8K and can almost feel my feet dragging. I don’t really care about the speed factor that much though.

That’s about it from here. Stay safe. Or live free. Your choice.

I don’t have a nap sack…

Posted on 04/September/2021 by John McCrarey

…so I just used the couch.

Yep, another low-energy day. I had a 10:00 a.m. doctor appointment to attend to, so that forced me to get my lazy ass off the couch and out the door. Looks like the eye surgery is going to take place next Saturday. Oh, and prior to the operation, I’ve got to get the dreaded COVID swab test. That means another trip to Baypointe hospital on Wednesday. Oh well, I really need to get these eyes of mine working again. Doc says I might even be able to function without eyeglasses. That would be a treat, I’ve been wearing glasses for over 20 years now. But I’ll settle for just being able to see clearly enough to read with both eyes open and without getting fatigued. I can’t say for sure, but I’m thinking my recent laziness bout might be related to my declining eyesight. Thirty minutes on the computer and I need to take a nap it seems. One more week.

After completing my office visit, I decided to push myself a little by walking home. It’s only around 6K and mostly on the highway, but it was at least several thousand steps in the right direction.

***I’ll be back here soon…Now that Lourdes in Barretto has closed, Baypointe is the closest hospital I can access.***

***The entrance to what used to be the Navy base.***

***The old bridge across what the Navy guys called “shit river”.***

***On the National highway headed for Barretto.***

*…and on the right, I see dead people. Well, where the dead reside anyway.*

I guess the silver lining would be easy access to the highway, but even that factor sucks. Must be noisy as hell and I did see an accident once where a car crashed into one of these roadside shanties. It wasn’t pretty.

***On the other hand, I’ve walked through that bayside village down there and fantasized about what life would be like living amongst the locals in tranquility.***

***Well, hello there! Turns out my eye doctor owns a lot in Alta Vista near me.***

***It’s not all shanties along the highway. Those are some fine-looking homes up on the hill.***

***Carefree highway, let me slip away on you…***

I popped into the Kitchenette to say hello. Seems things are going pretty well. Was told they sold 5000 pesos worth of food yesterday. That’s pretty impressive given that most of the meals sell for less than 100 pesos.

***The backway home…down La Union street…***

***The back path leading to my place…***

Relive it here if you please.

https://www.relive.cc/view/vZqNYEy4DG6

For lunch, I had some leftover spaghetti and meatballs I made last night. Then took yet another nap. This post took a goodly portion of my remaining energy, but it is Saturday night and I must persevere!

How about some funny shit before I go?

***Eh, maybe that’s not so funny after all.***

How about this?

Alright, this is an old school, non-political, funny story:

VOTED BEST JOKE IN IRELAND

John O’Reilly hoisted his beer and said, “Here’s to spending the rest of me Life, between the legs of me wife!” That won him the top prize at the pub for the best toast of the night!

He went home and told his wife, Mary, “I won the prize for the Best toast of the night.” She said, “Aye, did ye now. And what was your toast?” John said, “Here’s to spending the rest of me life, sitting in church beside me wife.” “Oh, that is very nice indeed, John!” Mary said.

The next day, Mary ran into one of John’s drinking buddies on the street corner. The man chuckled leeringly and said, “John won the prize the other night at the pub with a toast about you, Mary.” She said, “Aye, he told me, and I was a bit surprised myself. You know, he’s only been in there twice in the last four years. Once I had to pull him by the ears to make him come, and the other time he fell asleep”.

You are welcome! Back with more soon.

Rest in Place

Posted on 03/September/2021 by John McCrarey

One of those kinds of days. Bailed on the Friday walking group because I wasn’t up for a strenuous hike. I had planned to do one of my routine solo walks but took a nap instead. I don’t feel bad or anything, just being lazy I suppose. It happens.

I guess I’ll be meeting with the eye doctor tomorrow morning to discuss the details of my upcoming surgery. Hopefully, I’ll be able to get it done next week. It is hard to believe how quickly my vision has deteriorated. Everything is always blurry and it is really getting difficult to read.

I did my beer consumption ritual at Marick’s place last night. I’ve been crushing on her for a long time, but lately, she seems to be more receptive to my flirtations. I was a little taken aback when she asked if she could trim my eyebrows. I guess their bushiness was distracting or something. She cleaned them up with her scissors and then told me to come back today and she’d have a razor to eliminate my unibrow. I’m planning to take her up on that. Anyway, I’m going to take things slow and see where, if anywhere, this might lead. Her only day off is Monday, so unless she starts Hashing again I’m not sure how I’d see her outside of work.

***I’m not getting my hopes up, but you never know what might happen.***

Love is blind. And so am I.

On and on it goes…

Posted on 02/September/2021 by John McCrarey

…where it stops, nobody knows. And just to be clear, I’m not in any hurry to find out. It may not be much of a life, but it’s the best one I’ve got. I actually kinda like it, and for me, that’s saying a lot. Here’s a sample:

You can’t see where you are going by looking backward. And I have gotten a lot better at living in the moment. But Facebook likes to remind me of moments I’ve lived in the past and the people I’ve shared them with.

***Like Eun Oke. This is from five years ago when I brought her with me to visit the Philippines.***

Funny story behind that picture. It was our first night in Angeles City. We went into this bar and we were the only customers. All the girls came down off the stage and surrounded Eun Oke like she was a movie star. I guess they’d never seen a Korean female before. They were stroking her arms and touching her hair, talking K-pop and K-dramas, and Eun Oke was loving the attention. “Buy them all a drink!” she announced. I leaned over and advised, “you should pick one and buy her a drink.” She wasn’t having it. “Nope, drinks for everyone!” The next morning she says “so, how much did we spend last night?”. Around a hundred dollars, I told her. “How much do we spend when just me and you go out in Seoul?” she asked. I smiled and said around a hundred dollars. Anyway, it was a fun trip and she had a blast. On our last night there she broke up with me, but that’s a different story.

Last night, I did my weekly trip out to It Doesn’t Matter bar and spent some time in the company of my current favorite bargirl, Roan. Great sense of humor and she can hold up her end of a conversation. I like that! I told her last night I was going to take her to Seoul. For dinner on her day off. At the Korean restaurant named Seoul on the old Navy base. Should be fun!

I heard from Judy today. She’s currently the only remaining friend with benefits in my stable. Unlike the recently fired Joy, Judy didn’t beg me for money. She begged me to let her give me a massage. Yeah, it may be a subtle difference, but that’s the way the FWB program is supposed to work–I help you, you help me. I wasn’t really in the mood for a massage but I let her come over anyway. After we were done, we cuddled some on the bed. I liked that.

Here’s a good example of why Judy is not girlfriend material, despite being very attractive, sweet, and kind. When I agreed to the massage I asked if she could come at noon. She said yes. And then she asked me “what time is noon?”. Seriously, that had me shaking my head. The Philippines has a reputation of being an English-speaking nation, but there are very few Filipinas that I’ve met who can actually engage in any semblance of a meaningful conversation. And yeah, I know it likely has as much to do with the type of women I meet in the places I tend to frequent, but still, I had better conversations with the Korean bargirls I met over the years. I think the quality of education in the Philippines has really deteriorated. The sex is good here though, so there’s that.

I mentioned in yesterday’s post that we have officially entered the holiday season here. I came across this article today that sheds a little more light on that unique cultural aspect of life in the Philippines. Read it if you care.

So, that leaves the Wednesday Walkers group hike to talk about. It was kind of like deja vu all over again. And a little ironic I suppose. One of the reasons I hadn’t done the Monday Hash trail was not wanting to take the uncomfortable ride out to Olongapo. So, of course, that’s what we did yesterday. Not as far out as Monday, and no need to make a transfer to another Jeepney, but still. We also climbed up a steep-ass hill to Kalaklan ridge. Not as long and hard as the climb up on Monday’s Hash, but plenty challenging for this old fart. And once we reached the top of that climb, I found myself back on the ridgeline road that I had hiked as my alternative trail on Monday. And there was still a good bit of uphill to complete. Anyway, it was still good to be out and about. Here are the photos:

***The path we walked. Right around 7K.***

***We couldn’t all get into the same Jeepney, so the first of us to arrive had to wait for the rest of the group to get there.***

***As usual, we started the climb on steps.***

***But soon enough we were in the dirt/mud.***

***And it got steeper and steeper as we went.***

Stopping for a group photo upon reaching the ridgeline. — ***Stopping for a group photo upon achieving the ridgeline.***

***Excuse us, please. Just passing through…***

Another hazy day, told it is dust from the Taal volcano rumblings 80 kilometers south of here. Sadly, that’s pretty much how everything looks to me these days. Gotta get these eyes of mine fixed soon.

***Watch out for the barbed wire, Scott! Actually, there is a strand at the bottom too. That’s the one that will trip you up, literally, when you are focused on the strand at eye level.***

***Time to head back down to Barretto…***

***These are some of my regular cookie recipients. I think they can smell me coming.***

***The worst of the descent is behind us now.***

***Liquid refreshment at Dynamite Dick’s. That’s Dick on the right.***

***Just another useless Walker’s post.***

That’s the way it is around here. And it suits me just fine, thank you!

Baby, it’s BER outside

Posted on 01/September/2021 by John McCrarey

***And here it is the first day of SeptemBER.***

Yeah, that’s really a thing here in the Philippines. The BER months (September, October, November, and December) are celebrated as the holiday season. Last night I heard someone playing Jingle Bells. And this morning I got a message from a friend wishing me a Merry Christmas. I shit you not.

***Here’s Buddy and Lucky enjoying their BEReakfast this morning.***

Yesterday morning found me at Baypointe Hospital having the required tests administered so that I might be able to schedule my much-needed cataract surgery. An electrocardiogram, blood work, and a chest x-ray are apparently necessary to ensure I won’t die during what the eye doctor described as a fifteen-minute procedure under local anesthesia. I’m sending my helper to pick up the results and provide them to the cardiologist on Friday. Hopefully, I can get the operation next week. It really sucks not being able to see clearly.

I played darts for the first time in a week last night and didn’t lose a leg–defeating all of my opponents in the winner’s bracket 2-0. I wore my old Seoul International Dart League shirt and I guess it still had some of that old good luck in it.

***…and last night. Everybody’s so different, I haven’t changed. Much.***

I was very surprised to see that Jessel is once again working at Alley Cats. She told me she resigned from her position at the hotel. I was friendly and bought her a welcome back lady drink, but I didn’t feel a thing. Well, that’s not entirely true. I felt sorry for her not getting to experience the life I had fantasized about us sharing. I felt lucky for myself that she proved her unworthiness before I took things to the next level. I still can’t figure her out, but I realized last night she is just not who or what I thought she was. Her ability to communicate, at least in English, seems to be close to nil. Not sure why I didn’t realize that before, but I guess in my heart I was making excuses for her. I am happy to report my brain is once again in full control and I have let go of any and all emotions I recently felt for her. It was definitely a winning night!

I guess we’ll see what happens next in my so-called life. Stick around!

My personal Hash

Posted on 31/August/2021 by John McCrarey

As I mentioned yesterday, I decided to forego the sanctioned Hash trail and make a hike more in keeping with my preferences. The “sane” group I normally shortcut with made the trip out to Olongapo and did the first portion of the Hare’s trail. I opted out of doing that as well. I wasn’t alone out in the wild though–two of the female Hashers followed my lead and joined me. “Followed” might be an overstatement since both of them walk faster than I do, but they paused at intersections and stayed within earshot, so it worked out fine. You know, I also use the term “shortcut” loosely. For example, my trail was considerably longer than the official trail. When I shortcut I’m avoiding climbs and descents that I consider too difficult and dangerous. Although yesterday I was never on any portion of Guenter’s trail, I also climbed up Kalaklan ridge, just from a different location. Came down my own way too. I was in the general vicinity though.

***Almost 10K, including a long climb up to the ridgeline.***

No thank you, neighbor. I won't be riding in the Hashmobile today. — ***No thank you, neighbor. I won’t be riding in the Hashmobile today.***

***The first 3K or so were along the National highway.***

***Then we turned off the highway onto this “road” and began our slow, but steady, climb to the top.***

***Oh, and when I say we, I’m referring to my fellow hikers, Salty Cum, and Cum In My Basement.***

***It’s not so steep, but a long journey up. There is no easy way to the top of Kalaklan, but this way is perhaps the least difficult.***

***There were some really bad places on the road, but mostly it was like this.***

***Leaving the road and heading for the way back down to Barretto.***

***An action shot. Hiking is pretty damn exciting, isn’t it?***

A creek in the woods. Just upstream from here the locals get their water. Saw several carrying 2 large-capacity containers tied to the ends of a board and bringing them down the trail on their shoulders. Damn, what a life!

***Our destination, Barrio Barretto, is in sight!***

***Cookie stop.*** ***Oh, and in the background are the type of water containers I was talking about.***

***A final descent through this village.***

***Then back on the mean streets of Barretto.***

***On Home was at Queen Victoria, but they don’t have a kitchen. I satiated my hunger with some take-out fish and chips from this shop across the street.***

Some beer refreshments and then the Hash circle commenced. I wasn’t surprised when I was called down to sit on the ice and enjoy some birthday cake in the Hash tradition.

***It is not as pleasant as it looks.***

Relive the hike here if you like:

Anyway, I missed the camaraderie of the Hash trail, but have no regrets about exercising prudence and doing it my way.

Strike that

Posted on 30/August/2021 by John McCrarey

Today is once again Hash Monday. I’m not going to do the trail though. Not even going to try. I have my reasons.

Strike One–It’s a long-ass ride to Olongapo in the uncomfortable and unsafe Hashmobile. Alternatively, you can take a Jeepney, but that involves a transfer to a different Jeep in Olongapo. Too much of a pain in the ass for me.

Strike two–Vienna Sausage (Guenter) is the Hare. His trails are not conducive to my continued good health. I’m not being critical, the Hare has the discretion to make the Hash trail as difficult or as easy as he chooses. Just as I have the right to decline to participate in a Hash that puts me in danger. I’ve not totally boycotted Vienna’s trails–I’ll generally do the sane parts and shortcut the rest. The start in Olongapo makes shortcutting more difficult because it is unfamiliar territory.

***Strike three–Vienna posted this picture of the scouting expedition for the trail. Climbing that hill is not in my future.***

Three strikes and I’m out. I’ll be doing my own hike this afternoon and will attend the On-Home activities afterward at Queen Victoria.

Not sure where I’ll hike today, but yesterday I took a Jeepney to Subic town and did a 9K walk back home from there.

***I must be feeling my age. That’s only 4.5 kilometers per hour on mostly flat ground. I did take a few pics along the way, but still, that’s slow.***

You can Relive the hike here:

https://www.relive.cc/view/v8qVp35de7O

***The name of this place had an oddly familiar ring to it in a not quite right kinda way…***

I’ll probably go in the opposite direction today and see what there is to see.

A hard truth about dating, although I guess it cuts both ways.

Of course, the woman currently professing her love for me is NOT single. Should I change my luck?

***Well, damn. So much for that idea.***

I’m sure there will be new and better adventures to come. Or should I say train wrecks?

Hanging out in the kitchen

Posted on 29/August/2021 by John McCrarey

That’s one way to spend a Saturday night anyway. I had really just intended to drop by the new Kitchenette to see how things were going. Hard my darts with me planning on playing the tourney. But once I’d settled in, inertia took over and I kept my ass on the stool until closing time.

The place is not a bar, in fact, they are not allowed to sell beer. Beer has to be purchased from the Beach Please bar out back by the water. The owner there is the landlord for the Kitchenette. No big deal, I just walk down and order a bucket of 6 beers for 400 pesos and take them back to the kitchen. It’s comfortable enough there, open-air and a nice highway view. It certainly won’t be my hangout place, but I’ll not mind dropping by now and then.

You can’t make a judgment on how well things are going based on one night of observations, especially when it is only the second day of operations. With that caveat in mind, I’d say things are going reasonably well so far. Apparently, the lunchtime business was enough to stress out the proprietor/cook. She’s going to definitely need to hire at least one person who can cook to assist her. During the time I was there I saw a pretty steady stream of customers, mostly girls from the nearby bars, stopping in for some food to take back with them. After the lunch rush, the available menu offerings were quite limited. I chided the owner about that, telling her to keep enough food in stock or reduce the number of dishes you serve. People get frustrated when they can’t get what they want and that’s something that will make it less likely for them to return in the future. I got the “shut up and mind your own business” look, so I just drank my beer and watched.

Turns out not enough people showed up at Alley Cats to have a tourney, but a couple of them came by the Kitchenette to eat. Troy brought one of the prettiest gals I’ve seen in a long time with him. She sat next to me and I had a hard time keeping my eyes to myself. She’s 22 years old which is 1/3 my age. How’s that for symmetry? Anyway, she isn’t on the menu so the feast was only eye candy.

I got a laugh when Mango’s, which is only a couple of doors down, called in an order for eight servings of rice. Apparently, they ran out of rice and had a big group to serve. It’s a start, and if the Kitchenette can fill a niche market of bargirls, trike drivers, and restaurant gaps, it might work out. I’d give them a 50-50 shot at this point.

***I printed out some paper menus that can be given to the bars so their staff can order takeout.***

So, after all this time I finally have a woman sending me messages like this one:

Jonh….im so really happy this morning wen i see you…you makes my heart happy everytime i see your smile… you are so amazing person….and i always feel your presense..Enter
You are so different person jonh…..you have no idea how happy i am since i met and know you….you are so great…person…theres is none like you…in my life…

That’s the latest in a series of similar thoughts. Now, to be clear, I have no current contact at all with this woman, other than on messenger. When I met her in the past in person, it was completely platonic. I mean, I was willing, but she wasn’t. And that’s where we left if for several months until she started with the loving messages again. So, when she says she “saw me” today, it was literally a case of me walking by on the road. She sent me some sexy pics too, but I’m too much of gentleman to share those. Plus, I promised I wouldn’t. So, what’s the problem? Well, I am cursed after all. This one is already married.

Anyway, I’ve told her I’m not interested in adultery. That hasn’t slowed down her messages (the photos are a new tactic though). I guess I haven’t blocked her (yet) because she says the things I’ve always wanted to hear. Damn, it would be great to have someone who felt that way about me in my life. Still, I don’t really encourage her and I constantly remind her that she is not free. I can’t tell her what to feel, but there is nothing I can or will do about it.

I will look at those pictures some more though.

A good beginning…

Posted on 28/August/2021 by John McCrarey

…as a 66-year-old man about town.

So, the party was at a place called Maris’ Kitchenette. Now, whether the party was a grand opening event or for my birthday is a matter of perspective. There was a cake with candles and my name on it, and I paid for the beer. The food was given away for free too (and technically, I paid for that too) I got there about 1:00 and there were already quite a few people in attendance, and more came and went throughout the day. I knew most everyone there and received the customary birthday greetings and songs. I enjoyed myself and that’s as it should be, right?

***…but two. Both were consumed by the end of the day.***

***The kitchen crew were friends of the owner who volunteered to help out for the big event.***

***I contributed the stove, freezer, and refrigerator.***

I’m sorry, but I didn’t pay much attention to the food. I know there was a pancit noodle dish, chicken wings, shanghai lumpia, and a few other offerings. Not the full menu, but lots of volume. Also all gone by closing time.

***It’s actually a pretty comfortable venue. Right on the National Highway. The kitchen is large and there is counter eating on the outside perimeter.***

Greetings to you, Joanna (who lives upstairs from me) and Kate, who is a real cutie. I told her one time after she had taken off her glasses, “you know, you look better without the glasses”. She didn’t miss a beat in responding, “you look better without my glasses too.”

***The Alley Cats crew also showed up, leaving one girl behind to man the bar.***

***More guests and some of the food on offer. Sorry I didn’t get more food shots…***

***We had a rain squall mid-afternoon. Only lasted 15 minutes or so, but it flooded the highway out front.***

***This is AFTER the major road construction/drainage installation project. Only in the Philippines!***

***…performing the traditional COVID spreading ritual…***

Once the party wound down and the kitchenette closed up, we moved next door to Mango’s where I treated the hard-working staff to a roast chicken dinner.

***Thanks for helping make my day special.***

Sexy-sex!

Posted on 27/August/2021 by John McCrarey

And the seasons they go round and round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We’re captive on the carousel of time
We can’t return we can only look
Behind from where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game
–Joni Mitchell

Well, I’ll be damned, I lived to see another birthday. 66 times around the sun and I’m still going strong. Eh, maybe more like blindly stumbling along, but it sure does beat the alternative of NOT having a birthday.

Was out late last night while the work crew finished doing a half-assed job on putting up some wire fencing to keep Maris’ Kitchenette slightly more secure at night. Naturally, that required more than my usual beer intake and I’m feeling the effects this morning. Bailed on the Friday hike and I’m conserving my energy for an afternoon gathering of friends and acquaintances at the grand opening of the canteen. I’m sure that will involve beer drinking too.

https://www.relive.cc/view/vQvydo88DKq

I did manage a wet but pleasant solo hike yesterday though.

Anyway, no real birthday insights or reflections. I’m getting much better at maintaining my one-day-at-a-time attitude. That keeps me from fretting over things I’ve had and lost and thinking of the things I want and don’t have. It is what it is, and on balance, I’d say I’m pretty damn lucky.

Thanks to all of you who regularly drop by to read my drivel. It gives me some daily purpose to share my life story, such as it is, with y’all. I’ll be back with more tomorrow. Assuming I survive the night.

My guard stood hard when abstract threats
Too noble to neglect
Deceived me into thinking
I had something to protect
Good and bad, I define these terms
Quite clear, no doubt, somehow.
Ah, but I was so much older then,
I’m younger than that now.

Rock on!

Posted on 26/August/2021 by John McCrarey

Drinks at It Doesn’t Matter with Roan, then some takeout Korean-style chicken wings from The Pub; that’s the way I roll on Wednesday evenings. Last night was no exception and Roan was particularly delightful.

Wednesday might just be my favorite day of the week because it also features our walking group hike. Scott wasn’t available, so folks looked to me to come up with a trail. For some reason, I was feeling particularly energetic so I suggested we climb Black Rock Mountain. No one objected but some thought it odd no doubt seeing as how on past hikes to Black Rock I’ve shortcutted to avoid the climb. Actually, I don’t mind the climb up, but the descent down the other side is a little unnerving. Regardless, it had been too long since I’ve enjoyed the unique views Black Rock affords, so off we went.

***The actual hike was a bit longer than this indicates–I forgot to turn on my tracker until we were up the highway a piece.***

***Our group on the way up the mountain.***

***A view from atop Black Rock. The hazy air was disappointing.***

***Now, to get back down without falling off the mountain…***

You can Relive it here if you are so inclined:

Popped in to see how the new business is shaping up. Appliances and chairs have arrived and the signage is up.

I went to Sit-n-Bull after the hike and the owner, Ron, joined me at the table for a nice chat. Told him about the new place opening and he agreed these are challenging times in the food and beverage business. He also thought targeting a niche market like the Filipino working folks was a good plan, provided the low price point required wouldn’t undermine the quality of the meals being offered. Yep, that will be a challenge. Not my business though. I’m just the ~~sucker~~ investor financing the start-up.

As far as days go, I had a good one. Now let’s see what I can do with this one!

Eyes wide shut

Posted on 25/August/2021 by John McCrarey

Well, the right eye anyway. It’s getting worse. Everything is blurry when it is open. Reading is starting to be an ordeal. I need the cataract removal surgery and I have no choice but to jump through the hoops and overcome the bureaucratic hurdles to make that happen. I’ve seen the eye doctor already. Now I need “clearance” for the surgery he recommends. And that clearance must come from a cardiologist. The one who works at the local hospital only has office hours on Tuesday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. until noon. And she doesn’t take appointments. You have to sign in and wait your turn. Which is bullshit.

My workaround was to drop my helper at the hospital Tuesday morning while I did the grocery shopping. After completing my supermarket duties, I went back to the hospital and sent her home to put away the groceries. Taking my seat in the waiting room I was pleased to learn my strategy had worked–I was first on the list! The doctor called me at around 10:15, asked me a series of questions, told me I’d need to get an ECG and chest x-ray. After she reviewed the results I could get the surgery clearance if everything checked out. She must have seen the look on my face, even through the mask AND face shield I was required to wear in her presence, because she told me I didn’t have to return, my helper could bring the test results to her. So, I guess I’ll make another trip to the hospital tomorrow for the required procedures. Ten minutes with the doctor, a $40. charge. I think I paid the skin tax on that one.

After my doctor’s visit, I sent Roan/Rochelle a message asking if she were ready for our lunch date. It was not quite 11:00 yet and I didn’t get a response. I caught a Jeepney to Barretto and got out at Arizona Resort, our agreed-upon meeting place for lunch (we’d left the time unspecified because of the uncertainty of when I’d been done with the doc), but still no response to my message so I hoofed it on home, arriving just before noon. Then I got a response from Roan (she prefers that moniker because it is not as common as Rochelle) and we agreed to meet to eat at 1:00. I changed clothes (the walk home had made me a sweaty mess) and headed back to Arizona for my lunch date. I arrived about ten minutes early, so I ordered a beer and chilled. At 1:00, Roan messaged that she’d be a “little late”. At 1:30 I sent a message asking if she wanted to reschedule. A few minutes later she texted that she was on her way, arriving just before 2:00. I guess you could say we got off to a slow start.

I was starving by now and ordered up some chicken enchiladas. Roan had the spaghetti. Over the course of our meal Roan explained that she was late because she had to prepare a meal for her “grandmother”, a chore her mother normally handles, but mom was unexpectantly not home. Okay, well at least this wasn’t a case of “Filipina time” causing the tardiness.

This led us into a fascinating conversation about her family. I was surprised to learn that Roan’s stepfather is an American. Sixty-two years old, which makes him younger than me. That felt a little weird. This was mom’s first marriage, but Roan’s siblings are from three different fathers. Roan never knew her father, but they wound up living next door to each other. Dad never acknowledged or spoke to her though. That was mind-boggling to me. The strangest and saddest story of all was where one of her half brothers killed the other brother by stabbing him to death. Roan was five at the time and witnessed it. That left me shaking my head. The surviving family members all seem to be doing relatively well at least. I told Roan her family history would make for a real blockbuster movie. Not sure anyone would believe it though.

I think I mentioned that Roan has two children of her own, nine and three years old, if I recall correctly. They’ve been staying with their father for a couple of weeks and after lunch, she was going to go to his house to visit them. I told her I thought it was fantastic that the dad was still involved with the kids, which seems rare in this country. I asked if her ex was in a relationship and she said, “yes, with another man.” No judgment on her part, they apparently all get along fine. She’s a fascinating woman and I hope we become good friends. If nothing else, she could entertain me with stories from her life!

I paid the tab and shared a trike with her as far as the turnoff for Alta Vista, where we said our goodbyes. I walked up the hill and grabbed my darts, then headed back down to Alley Cats for the dart tournament. Another singles tourney and both of my opponents threw exceptionally good darts, the best I’ve ever seen them play in fact, while I had one of my worst nights in memory. I didn’t win a leg at all and was the first one eliminated from the tourney. Embarrassing.

Feeling hungry again, I went next door to The Pub for some grub.

***Went with the roast beef and cheese sandwich. Most excellent. And damn, those fries were pretty much perfect as well. Reminded me of the way McDonald’s fries USED to be–hot and firm.***

So, it was a full and busy day. Missed my nap and couldn’t find time to blog. I did share this on Facebook though:

***That seems to be true in my case at least.***

This morning my old friend Jeremy posted that the image above reminded him of something he wrote while serving time in a Korean prison:

With Open Arms

Of house and home, love and loss, kith and kin,
Having which of them is a sin?
Only one remains true
While the rest eventually depart.
It stays when the others are through,
Unwittingly tormenting your lonely heart.
It is a faithful companion by your side
Telling you that all else is a lie.It reminds you of what you want and had before,
Unconsciously mocking you for what is no more.
Ignored when times are great.
In others, it provides something to hate.
Truly, it has done nothing wrong.
Only tried to comfort with a sad song.
Though you try your best to deny it as your friend,
Only it will be with you in the end.

And that’s the way it goes.

Time fades away

Posted on 25/August/2021 by John McCrarey

Welp, yesterday got away from me, that’s for sure. What is normally my “lazy Tuesday” was so full I didn’t have time for a nap or a post here. Sorry about that. I’ll do a post later this afternoon about what was keeping me so busy.

I did want to slap up the photos from Monday’s Hash for those of you who enjoy the scenery in these parts. It was actually a very nice trail, at least the part I did. Familiar territory, but an area I enjoy hiking. Here you go:

***Our Hares, Anal Receptive, and his gal, Anal Intruder.***

***Another month or two and this will be tough going…***

***Getting passed by the runners. We had a 30-minute headstart…***

***In fact, Leech My Nuggets passed us twice…once before and once after our shortcut.***

***The gash waiting for the circle to commence…***

***And the menfolk shooting the bull…***

***Two of our newly named Hashers (you get a Hash moniker after completing five runs). On the left is Boom Boom Everyday and on the right is Dickens Cider.***

***Props to Pubic Head on creating these logos for the girls…***

I’ll be back with more after my Wednesday Walkers hike. See you then!

Just another manic Monday

Posted on 23/August/2021 by John McCrarey

Actually, it’s a Hash Monday–how manic can that be?

Changed things up a bit and took the dogs for a walk on the beach at Baloy this morning. Probably won’t do that again any time soon. Too many strays to fend off. My secondary purpose was breakfast at Treasure Island, which was fine once it was served. It took WAY too long though. Ah well, how bad can things be when that’s all I’ve got to complain about?

Started my evening yesterday at It Doesn’t Matter. Enjoyed some more laughs with Roan. I like her company so much I decided to ask her out for lunch on her day off tomorrow. She accepted. So, I guess it’s a date. We even discovered something we have in common last night. Her “real” name is Rochelle and that’s the name she went by in school. But at home, everyone knows her as Roan. So, when friends from school came to visit and asked for Rochelle, confusion ensued. When I was growing up, I was John at school and went by Mark in the neighborhood. Long story, but my parents couldn’t agree on my name so dad called me John and mom and my brothers called me Mark. It’s no wonder I’m borderline schizophrenic.

Anyway, I don’t think of Roan as a potential girlfriend. She’s fun to be around, that’s enough for me. We are going to eat at Arizona. It’s on her side of town and she’s never been there for a meal, so it will be a new, and hopefully nice, experience for her.

Anal Receptive (my neighbor Ed) is the Hare today. I ran into him at Mango’s Saturday night and he described the trail that he’s plotting. I expect I’ll be shortcutting again.

***Today’s inflictor of pain and suffering.***

I’ll let you know how it goes tomorrow.

Planning makes prefect

Posted on 22/August/2021 by John McCrarey

What? No, perfect is not misspelled. It’s just the way we do things around here. Planning and coordination are overrated anyway. Take the road widening project currently underway on Abra street for example. Yes, we tore down a bunch of houses to make way for the concrete. The families that were displaced were squatters anyway. Besides, you can’t stop progress. A wider Abra street will be safer, and also benefits residents and commuters. See for yourself:

***What? No one contacted the electric company to relocate the power lines? Oh well. Not my problem. Proceed. That concrete ain’t gonna pour itself.***

Only in the Philippines!

I wasn’t perfect at darts either. But I played good enough to win. Heh, even Grammarly says I played well. That’s good! (the app underlines what it considers bad grammar, spelling, and punctuation; like saying “good” enough instead of “well”).

Anyway, low turnout again, so we played singles. I actually prefer playing without a partner. No one to let down that way. During warmups, I was throwing so poorly I considered not playing at all and maybe even giving up the game for good since I can’t seem to find the motivation to practice. Once the games started though some of the old magic came back and I wound up winning all my matches on the night and took home the 500 peso prize money.

Actually, I didn’t take it home. I gave it to my waitress, Jerlyn. A sweet (and very cute) 23-year-old. Yeah, way too young. Rumor has it she’s still a virgin too. Not that I care one way or the other. She’s really into Korean pop culture, even has learned a little of the language. I’ve taught her some new words as well, like pajee bosoyo. Anyway, since Jerlyn is too young to be girlfriend material, I told her she could be my sugar baby. Now, instead of kuya (older brother), she has to call me daddy John. That’s as far as I’m going to take it. Unless she really wants a Sugar Daddy. I do have a vacancy in my FWB program.

***I beat my nemesis, Billy, twice on the night, including the finals.***

In other news, my friend is making slow but steady progress on opening her canteen. Her target date is now Friday, the 27th. I am her financier, so yesterday I purchased some equipment she’ll need.

I gave her another hundred bucks for some renovation work. I expect she’ll need help with her initial food material purchases as well. Still, I should only be out a thousand dollars or so all in. If that investment sets her up to have a successful business and financial independence, it is well worth it. It’s going to be challenging, but what isn’t these days?

I had a pleasant enough Sunday stroll this morning, at just over 8K.

***Weather has been good in the mornings. Some big afternoon thunderboomers the last couple of days though.***

Oh yeah, the Hash published everyone’s birthday. I did the math and the median age of the listed Hashers was 66. And I’ll be 66 on Friday!

And that’s all he wrote. For today anyway.