We welcomed 2019 in Anvaya Cove. Weather went from gloriously sunny to suddenly overcast and then back to blue skies. We caught a little taste of Typhoon “Usman” and had a few gusts and showers. But all in all, it was a gorgeous way to end the old year.
Even when the sun hid, the children were not to be denied. They splashed in the pool and hunted for shell treasures on the beach.
A soccer goal was set up in the yard and we had our future Peles and Messis showing off their talent.
The golfers hit the fairways every morning. The head of our household even made a hole in one. Remember, it never rains on golfers.
We started our New Year’s jaunt right after Christmas Day. I love these vacations. Casual. No real schedules. And too much food.
I joined my firstborn and his family. We were a huge group. I felt like the old woman from the children’s story, who lived in a shoe. Remember her? She had so many children she didn’t know what to do.
Of course it was noisy. I loved it. Children were all over the place, one learning how to walk, another one practicing not to belly flop. And then we had the millennial moms and dads, each one with their own theory on how to raise children. I was amazed at their hands-on skills, but it was difficult not to speak up.
Music was nonstop. The repertoire was varied. I was impressed with the playlists. Mercifully there was no Mumble rap, no EDM (electronic dance music) either.
We had praise music. We listened to hits from the ’70s and ’80s. I was thrilled to hear Glenn Miller, Andy Williams and Air Supply. A friend reviewed the lyrics of “Come What May” for us and it was like hearing it for the very first time.
Sentimental
Among the oldies they played “I’ll Be Seeing You.” And just for a moment I was in a long forgotten place by the sea under a strangely familiar sky. Music has a habit of taking you to the hidden corners of your heart, suddenly making it impossible to stop the tears.
And for the first time I agree with my sentimental friend who says: “Don’t ever stop the feeling. It is good when you cry. Especially when you cry happy.”
I cried thankful.
This is the second year that I opt for the peace and quiet of Anvaya. Perhaps not too much the quiet part. I was in apo paradise, and the serene view of the Silanguin hills and Grande Island from our house offered spiritual repose despite the noise.
My season for the rowdy night scene on a New Year’s Eve is over. I once enjoyed the frenzied music, the loud countdown, and the wild conga line. I was your typical noise and merry maker. I could not understand party poopers who chose to sit it out at home.
Now I have become one of them, but where I am today is far from dull. I simply no longer find it fun to be one with the inebriated crowd at the stroke of midnight, singing “Auld Lang Syne” off-key, and kissing and being kissed by strangers.
I still enjoy watching the fireworks, but from a distance. I don’t mind the loud explosions when they come in a bit muffled and with a split-second delay.
But I do still remember many fun and romantic year-enders. I guess all that New Year hoopla is now just a huge “been there, done that” memory in my life.
God is good
A night before the Eve we got word that my “just married’ grandchildren were in a car crash in Napa, California. Their Subaru was “totaled,” crushed between the truck in front of them and a car driven by a drunk driver who rammed into them from behind while at a stoplight.
The drunken fool fled the scene even before the ambulances and police got there. He apparently left his wife, who was also drunk, in the passenger seat to face the music. Loser!
Miraculously the newlyweds suffered only minor scratches and were well enough to continue their honeymoon on the ski slopes of Idaho. God is good.
Eyesore
The drive to Anvaya Cove is quite scenic, especially when you approach Subic and get that stunning view of the bay. It is heartening to know that Subic has managed to keep its stature from the time it was a US Navy and Marine Base, when discipline was strict and traffic laws were followed.
Even today when you enter the area, you just know they mean business. Yet, in the back of my mind, I wonder if the old rules are still as strictly enforced. Whatever. I noticed my driver was not about to find out.
But there is an eyesore as you approach Subic. A huge billboard on the side of the road invites you to play at a golf club. I didn’t notice any picture of the course. If it is there, I missed it. What captures your attention is the image of three very attractive girls and the statement, “Yes, we’re the caddies.”
And this morning I saw a double version of the same, right off the Skyway.
I know other golf facilities employ lady caddies. There’s nothing wrong with that. I have no doubt they are excellent. But come on.
Call me old school. It makes me think funny thoughts.
Have you seen other clubs showing off their guy caddies?
Just asking.