Here’s hoping everyone had a great Valentine’s Day. Me? I don’t give a shit about VD. I don’t have a love interest, and if I did, I’d love her the same every day of the year, not just on February 14. VD seems to be a big deal here in these parts though. Most of the locals call it “hearts day”. Which maybe is better than VD anyway.

My dateless heart day was similar to every other day I spend alone here. Which is not to say I was alone. I was surrounded by women in Cheap Charlies. Ordered up some food from downstairs and shared it with the staff. Bought Lorena some lady drinks and couldn’t help but notice her protruding (more than usual) belly. She confessed that she is, indeed, five months pregnant. I would say they never learn, but I do believe getting knocked up is just part of the culture here. That explains why so many live their lives in poverty. Ah, well. I gave her a bigger tip than normal when I left.

I did see something that seemed genuinely sweet from my perch overlooking the highway. I noticed a young woman limping along with a deformed leg. And the guy she was with had a similar problem with one of his legs. So, maybe it is true that there is someone for everyone out there. Lorena speculated that perhaps they were brother and sister, but I think the odds of two siblings being born with the same defect have got to be very low. Besides, my idea is much more romantic and in keeping with the spirit of VD.

I was drinking gin and sodas which hit me harder than usual, so I made it an early night. Got a rare message from Jee Yeun, wishing me a happy Valentines. I responded “you too” and went to bed. Up before the sun this morning and the sky made me wonder if I should heed a sailor’s warning.

On the dog walk, I observed yet another house starting construction in my neighborhood.

Later on, I treated myself to a pleasant morning walk on the beach, as well.

I’ve got the Hash coming up this afternoon. Already have a plan in place to leave early and modify the trail as I deem necessary. That’s just the way I roll these days and I don’t give a damn if anyone doesn’t like it. I’ll let you know how it goes tomorrow.

On my beach jaunt, this old Kris Kristofferson tune came up in my playlist. I guess it is about as romantic as everything else in my life these days.

From the coalmines of Kentucky to the California sun,
Bobby shared the secrets of my soul,
Standin’ right beside me through everythin’ I done,
And every night she kept me from the cold.
Then somewhere near Salinas, Lord, I let her slip away,
She was lookin’ for the love I hope she’ll find,
Well I’d trade all my tomorrows for a single yesterday,
Holdin’ Bobby’s body close to mine.

Freedom’s just another word for nothin’ left to lose,
And nothin’ left was all she left to me,
Feelin’ good was easy, Lord, when Bobby sang the blues,
And buddy, that was good enough for me.
Good enough for me and Bobby McGee.