I was going to call this post “practice makes perfect” but I used that title last year. I know I recently said I was going to rededicate myself to darts practice and try to reclaim some of the skills I once had achieved back in my glory days. Such as they were. Alas, thus far I haven’t found the motivation to carve out an hour each day for this worthwhile activity. I mean, what am I suppose to do, give up my naptime? No way!
Since I like spending time in bars you’d think I could just spend some time in one of the venues with dartboards. I’ve considered that and still might try that option. One issue I have is that the Alley Cats tourneys are starting at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. That’s just a bit too early in the afternoon for me, especially on the days I do the group walks. I played yesterday though for the first time in two weeks.
If it is true that practice makes perfect then maybe it should also be said that sometimes “good enough” will suffice. It did in yesterday’s tournament at least as my partner and I achieved a first-place finish. I was pleased that despite my lack of practice I threw quite well overall and hit most of the out shots during the matches. We got knocked into the losers bracket in the first round but fought our way back to reach the finals where we defeated the team we first lost against twice to take home the money. That’s always especially satisfying.
After the tourney, I crossed the highway to take my reserved seat at Mango’s. Ordered up some chicken fingers to satisfy my hunger pangs. Then I had some eye candy for dessert:
I started today off with a hearty breakfast:
Speaking of striving for perfection, or at least showing improvement, I tried to incorporate the searing technique commenter Kevin Kim mentioned the last time I posted steak photos. So, I fired up the grill and let it run full blast for a few minutes before plopping on the steaks, then turning them over a minute of so later.
Nothing to do after a breakfast like that than to take a nice long walk. I did My Bitch from end-to-end today. Someone has blocked up the entrance from Alta Vista by cutting down trees to make the trail inaccessable which really pisses me off. I was able to work my way around the obstructions with some difficulty but a fence is also under construction. Going to have to explore a new access point.
So, it is not a perfect life I am living, but I reckon it’s good enough.
And mamas, don’t let you kids grow up to be reporters:
Until we meet again.
Those amazingly blue skies.
Sorry to read that someone is trying to block off your trail. Why would he do that? You’re not trespassing or anything, are you? I sense there are a lot of little passive-aggressive turf wars going on in your region.
The views are to die for. So green and the skies so blue. Now I understand why you’re reluctant to spend your days indoors too much. There is just so much beauty to see and things to do.
I am impressed that you always cook. That’s one less reason to seek a fifth wife eh? Yes, I recognize that is a sexist comment and I am sure the internet will vilify me for it now or later. Speaking of which, since things have stalled with the married mother of 4, I am rather looking forward to the next lady who will catch your eye. My bet is it will happen at one of the bars during a dart tournament, or maybe one of the beachgoers will finally work up the nerve to chat to the gentleman with a front-seat view at Mango’s.
I had previously assumed from your writings that you were somewhat of a loner. But now I see that you have a vibrant social life with like-minded folks. Instead of spending time drinking beer or playing board games, you spend those quality moments out on a hiking trail or playing some other barroom games. Less talking and more doing, but still very social.
Thank you again for your writing. I should write a book about the things I learnt from this blog.
Well, the benefits of living in a closed-off security estate. I thought you’d be happy that they’re closing off paths that sneak into your subdivision. Unfortunately that makes it a little difficult for you to jump directly onto your favorite walking trails and having to go the long way round might add to your steps.
Glad that you’re getting back to your dart games. At least a semblance of the good old retired busy life is coming back for you.
I wonder how many of the establishments are open now, seeing as there are no tourists yet and the expats there would have to eat and drink an insane amount to keep all businesses afloat.
Kev, yeah. I suspect it may be a squatter trying to establish dominance. Looks to me like the plan is to have some agricultural endeavor–maybe banana trees.
Hey, James. Really enjoyed your comment. Thanks! Let me try and respond to a couple of your points.
Yes, the beauty of my surroundings never get old. Some mornings when I’m feeling down I just look around and think how can I be depressed when I get see this every day?
I probably only cook a real meal 2 or 3 times a week, usually in the crockpot or on the grill. But yeah, I can take care of myself without relying on a wife. Hell, I can also pay for sex anytime I want! The neighbor’s wife is only the mother of 2, both grown. She still messages me like a stalker. Or that Fatal Attraction thing. As to who’s next, there are a couple of gals I’d like to try but both seem to be smart enough to know that would be a mistake. It’s funny you mention Mango’s–one of them is the manager there. Also, I first encountered my masseuse on the beach in front of Mango’s. She comes once a week. And so do I!
I am a loner of sorts. Other people around me, but mostly acquaintances as opposed to friends. I rarely get invited out and I almost never invite someone out to join me. But it’s all good.
“Thank you again for your writing. I should write a book about the things I learnt from this blog.” That made me laugh out loud! I wish I was learning some lessons from my repeated mistakes. Still, as a girlfriend once said to me–no man is totally worthless, he can always serve as a bad example!
Yeah, it was good to throw a decent game of darts again. Turnout is much smaller than normal though. And the dart league hasn’t started up again either. And you are right, the expat community won’t be able to support the current number of bars and restos profitably. I think the owners are just trying to hold out for the days when tourists are allowed back in.