Yesterday

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All my troubles seemed so far away.  And they still do for that matter.

Anyway, I began my day with a long walk out to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, also known as the Freeport Zone or the old Navy base.  It’s a good hour out there along the highway and is always exciting what with the buses, trucks, jeepneys, trikes, and cars frequently encroaching on the narrow shoulder.  Honestly, that’s why I only make that hike a couple of times a month and only on Sunday morning when traffic is somewhat lighter.

But I made it alive to the Kalakayan Gate.  What’s life without some adventure?
The infamous “shit river”.   I understand it’s a lot better than it was back in the day.  Which isn’t saying much.
Heading back to Barretto and whistling past the cemetery.   I knew one false step or an errant Jeepney and I’d be joining the residents of this scenic hillside affording views they cannot enjoy.

So, I said “fuck that!” and made my way down to the beach.

The walking is easier and the distance is a little shorter going this route.  Not as visually interesting though.  No traffic noise at least!
There is this one spot where the beach is blocked by a rock outcropping.  It’s either climb over or  wade in the ocean.  Seeing as how I was wearing my hiking shoes I opted to climb.  Actually, this photo is from atop the first section, there is still one more to get over.  Which I did, none to gracefully, but successfully.

So I made it home safely, got some rest, and then headed out for the Sunday afternoon dart tourney.  Drew a strong partner and we walked away with a first place finish.

Marissa came out so I could buy her some beers to watch the action, and after darts I invited her home with me to enjoy the pot roast I’d left cooking in the crockpot.  She agreed and off we went to Alta Vista.  Along the way I got this text message from Jessa:


Glad ur happy now gwapo. And for the record john is not my bf so stop saying that … 
Just saw u and marissa walking holding hands

Damn, I told you this is a small town!  Can’t get away with anything.  But yes, I am guilty of holding hands while walking along the highway.  I guess Jessa’s feelings were hurt, but it’s not like she ever gave me a chance.  For example, not once did she ever go out with me without bringing her girlfriends along.  We didn’t date, I was the sucker paying for girls night out.  The John she references is a guy I saw her with in a FB photo, so I’d tease it was her boyfriend.  I guess she didn’t see the irony.  Oh well, I wasn’t going to pursue it with Jessa regardless.  And for the record, holding hands does not a girlfriend make!

Anyway, back to the important stuff, like my pot roast.  You know, back when I was using American beef the meat came out of the crockpot so tender I could pull it apart with just a fork and some tongs.  Yesterday’s roast was still so tough after 8 hours I had to use a big ass carving knife to saw through it.  What a disappointment!  Now, the flavor was excellent and once you cut the meat into bite sized morsels it was easy enough to chew.  Just not what I’m used to, but not a total fail either.  Quite good actually.

I’ll just have to toughen up and accept that meat will not necessarily meet my expectations.

And you know, when meat quality is the biggest issue you have to complain about, life is pretty damn fine!

It’s been awhile since I’ve re-composed some song lyrics (you’re welcome!) but I couldn’t help myself this afternoon.  Feel free to sing along…

Yesterday I took a walk so far away.
All the way to the SBMA.
Oh, I walked so far yesterday.

Suddenly, I was on the beach along the sea.
I have no idea what came over me.
Oh, yesterday I walked along the sea.

Why did I have to go?
I don’t know, at home I couldn’t stay.
I still need to lose those pounds
So I took a long walk yesterday.

Yesterday I took a hike out to Subic Bay.
Dodging buses, trikes and jeeps along the way.
Oh, but I survived it yesterday.

(with apologies to Lennon/McCartney)

4 thoughts on “Yesterday”

  1. Eight hours in the crock pot and still tough? Christ, that’s hard to imagine. Might be time to look into getting a meat injector and injecting some sort of tenderizer directly into the muscle before crocking.

    (I see they also have 2-in-1 tenderizer/injectors on the market. I would normally call such an item a frivolous purchase, but if the meat you’re dealing with really is that fucking tough, then it’s time to enhance your kitchen weaponry.)

  2. Yeah, I’ll consider alternatives like a tenderizer. I’m still on a quest though to find the kind of meat I prefer. I’ve heard rumors of a place that sells USDA cuts although it may only be wholesale. But as I said, the meat I’m using tastes good enough, just have to maybe get used to it being different texture-wise.

  3. John
    When you mention crock pot and what you are cooking I get hungry. Guess I need to join the world of crock potter’s and learn how to.use one.

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