And today was just another one. Not bad, mind you. In fact, we had some sunshine and blue skies for a change. It made my walking routine a little more pleasant.

It is getting to be my Saturday morning tradition to hand out some candy to the kiddies in the squatter village right outside my subdivision. I know they look forward to it, and it is a cheap price to pay for all those smiles. Hell, I guess I look forward to it too.

I changed it up some for my afternoon walk. I’m wanting to Hare a trail out Calapacuan way, so I did a little scouting. I’m still not ready to go up into the mountains in unfamiliar territory on my own, but I explored the streets in between the two mountains I have in mind. That was its own kind of scary. Once I left the highway the neighborhood looked a little dicey. Well, dicey is unfair. It looked very poor and I stood out like the white man I am in a sea of desperate young men. And yes, I am projecting. I got lots of stares, but probably only because people like me don’t normally venture out their way. I was uncomfortable, but never felt threatened.

Part of the problem was probably related to a blog I read this morning about crime against foreigners in the Philippines. Actually, it claimed that most violence and thefts come from people you know, not random strangers. So by that account, I had nothing to worry about. Still, I wasn’t wanting to pull out my phone to take many pictures. Which is a shame, because some of the shacks were built on stilts to be above the standing rain runoff, and looked quite interesting, in a tragic kind of way.

Anyway, such is what passes for adventure in my life these days.

Anyway, I’ve got some ideas now on how to connect the two mountains. I’ve just got to get up on those fuckers and find some trails. One of the veteran Hashers suggested I wait until after the rainy season because he suspects the tall grasses will make it difficult going. He’s likely right based on what I’ve observed on My Bitch.

Last night I managed a 3rd place finish in darts. Given that I can’t be bothered to practice, that’s a pretty good showing I reckon. I’m going to try again tonight. Losing games I know I should win just might motivate me to actually work on my game. Or not.

After re-reading this post, I’m reminded of the words of a wise man known the world over as “The Big Hominid”: “What a boring life you must lead, utterly lacking in nuance and subtlety!”

Once upon a time there was a tavern
Where we used to raise a glass or two
Remember how we laughed away the hours
And think of all the great things we would do

Those were the days my friend
We thought they’d never end
We’d sing and dance forever and a day
We’d live the life we choose
We’d fight and never lose
For we were young and sure to have our way

Then the busy years went rushing by us
We lost our starry notions on the way
If by chance I’d see you in the tavern
We’d smile at one another and we’d say

Those were the days my friend
We thought they’d never end
We’d sing and dance forever and a day
We’d live the life we choose
We’d fight and never lose
Those were the days, oh yes those were the days

Just tonight I stood before the tavern
Nothing seemed the way it used to be
In the glass I saw a strange reflection
Was that lonely [old man] really me

Those were the days my friend
We thought they’d never end
We’d sing and dance forever and a day
We’d live the life we choose
We’d fight and never lose
Those were the days, oh yes those were the days

Through the door there came familiar laughter
I saw your face and heard you call my name
Oh my friend we’re older but no wiser
For in our hearts the dreams are still the same

Those were the days my friend
We thought they’d never end
We’d sing and dance forever and a day
We’d live the life we choose
We’d fight and never lose
Those were the days, oh yes those were the days