Swan left the house at 3 am for her Pinatubo hike. I went back to bed, woke up at 5, and began my solitary Saturday.

Next up was a solo street stroll through Barretto.

Got home, showered up, and then prepared myself to head into Olongapo City. The main purpose was to get my cellphone repaired. It seems I overcharged the battery (I never knew that was a thing), and the back of the phone warped and partially detached. I walked down to the National Highway and caught a Jeepney that dropped me at the Kalaklan Gate at SBMA. Then I hoofed it another 2K to the SM Mall. At the phone repair shop, I showed my phone, and the attendant said I needed to replace the battery. He had one in stock for “only” 2500 pesos. He said it would take about 20 minutes for the fix, so I told him to proceed.

I used that time to visit the SM Department Store next door. I was hoping for some new hiking shoes, but as usual, they didn’t have any size 11 Merrell’s in stock.

Back to the repair shop, and the phone was ready. I also had a new screen cover installed. They handed me my phone, I thanked them, and started walking away. The clerk called out, “Sir, you haven’t paid yet.” Oops! I came back in, placed my phone on the counter, and reached for my wallet. After getting my change and receipt, I departed once more. A couple of minutes later, the clerk chased me down and handed me my phone. Yep, that’s how bad I’m getting lately.

I exited the mall and grabbed a taxi for home. I prefer the metered cabs, which are usually around 300 pesos to Barretto. For whatever reason, none were available, so I settled for the dreaded SBMA taxis. I’ve had some scam issues with them before, so I always ask up front, how much. The friendly and chatty driver offered 350, which is a fair fare. I gave him a generous tip and got his card for potential future use when I arrived back at the house safe and sound.

It was nearing beer o’clock, so I freshened up and headed back down to the highway, starting my evening out alone at Snackbar. Got a friendly greeting from owner Paula, and settled into one of the outside seats to enjoy the first of several brews. I used to be a regular here, and the gals who still remembered me came and sat at my table. Yeah, I eventually bought them each a lady drink.

When boredom set in, I moseyed on up the highway and decided to pop into the Outback Fish and Chips shop.

Outback is one of the few places that offer Mahi Mahi as the fish option (I despise Dory fish). I neglected to take a photo of the meal as served…

Then I crossed the highway and did my nightcap at Queen Victoria. It wasn’t very busy, and I only stayed for two beers (one of which was provided on the house).

As we pulled into my cul-de-sac, I saw that there was a party in full swing at the next-door neighbor’s house. I used to enjoy attending those neighborhood gatherings, but these days I am no longer welcome. Yep, another person I once considered a friend turned his back and walked away. The older I get, the fewer people seem to care about me. And it occurs to me that perhaps it just comes with the territory of elderliness. Whatever, I’ve made it this far, and I’ll reach the end with or without friends.

Here are a couple of photos from Swan’s Pinatubo adventure:

Eight years ago, I posted these words of wisdom on my Facebook page:

“I never really had a plan for life; I just reacted to it. Whenever I reached a crossroad, I chose a direction and followed the road without a clue as to where it might take me. I guess it is natural to wonder about the paths that would have led to a different life, but you only get to live the life you chose …

I have been fortunate and blessed…but the roads I have taken have led to some great adventures and life-altering experiences. A fool’s luck, perhaps, but even so, I could never have imagined what my life would turn out to be. It has been a very nice ride.”

“So it is time to look forward again…it will be an adventure with an uncertain outcome for sure…”

It was the day before I left Korea for my new life in the Philippines. And naturally, that night I had to say goodbye to my favorite Anjeong-ri bars:

And then from the February 2019 LTG archives is this photo-rich post about a Valentine’s Day Hash in Baguio. It’s so beautiful way up there in the mountains.

For today’s YouTube video, we get another glance into provincial life courtesy of the Filipina Pea. Selling fish door-to-door wouldn’t be a lifestyle I’d choose, but I respect the time and effort it requires.

Ready for more of this?

Anyway, it is what it is. And I’m glad for all that I have.