Here is today’s installment about yesterday in the continuing saga of my so-called life. Don’t let the title fool you, this post will not be of Biblical proportions. Hell, even heavenly is out of reach. Yep, just more of the same I’m afraid.

The day started with a walk and ended with some beers. Let’s do the beers first. As I’m walking into town I remained undecided about where to plop my sorry ass to quench my thirst. Then I spotted “mama”, the homeless woman I help, at the 7/11 across the highway. So, I did my best “frogger” imitation and made it safely to the other side. After providing mama her daily food money, I continued into town. On this side of the highway the first bar I came to was Outback. I shrugged and thought “why not?” and went on inside.

It’s a nice bar that I rarely frequent. It was one of the “speakeasy” places I’d visit during the lockdown, at least until I got unjustly banned. The same manager was there and greeted me warmly in a let bygones be bygones kinda way. I sat at the bar so I could chat with the bartender Bhey, who is also a Facebook friend.

After bringing me my beer, Bhey said matter-of-factly, “I’m ugly.” I thought she was kidding, but she was dead serious. So, I bought her a drink with the caveat that I don’t buy ugly girls drinks. She accepted the drink, so my point was proven. I bought her a second drink before I left as well. During our chat I was really surprised to learn that Bhey is 45 years old!

She has three kids, the oldest is a 21 year-old daughter. Bhey crushed my dreams by quickly adding the daughter is pregnant. Oh well.

The next stop was just a couple of blocks up the highway at the Palm Tree Resort hotel. They were rather busy, but I found a comfortable spot on the back deck to enjoy some beer with the bay views.

I was ready for some dinner so I ordered up the pork chops I’d been craving since being denied at Mango’s on Saturday.

So, I ate and drank and watched the sun go down.

And that’s how the day ended. It began with my solitary Sunday walk, but there was a little twist this week. In one of our chats, Joy was lamenting about her lack of cable television. She told me of a provider who was offering an amazing deal, but alas, she didn’t have enough money to take advantage. Yeah, hints don’t get much bigger than that, do they? Being the white knight (well, brown these days) that I am, I offered to cover her shortfall of 1000 pesos ($20.). But how to get it to her? Well, I could wire it via Western Union, but paying five bucks to send twenty seems ridiculous. So, I told Joy I would take a Jeepney to Subic town, and then I’d walk back to Barretto, around 8K or so. She met me in front of Waltermart as agreed and brought her three-year-old son along. Good thing I had some cookies in my backpack!

After handing over the cash and saying our goodbyes, I began my hike back home.

It was a good hike despite the oppressive heat. Can’t wait to start complaining about the rain again.

My friend in Cambodia sent me this photograph and asked me what I thought. All I could say is, “if the shoe fits, wear it!”

Alright, it’s Hash Monday and I’ve got to run, well, walk, I mean. Speaking of meaning, my Hash name, Cum Together, is not accurately depicted in this cartoon.

Until next time then.