July 15th (2020)

 

15th July

Day 123

I was awake at 7am again. How odd.

I purposely didn't take breakfast, only a mug of 'Red', as I had promised myself that I'd go over to Jungle Burger for lunch.

This non beer drinking chap is once more drinking a free beer at Jungle Burger, poised over a chili chicken New Zealand pie, mushy peas, mashed potato and gravy ($6.75). I am looking out at the bright sunshine and smelling a little incense from the small red altar at the front of the restaurant. The day's heat is moderated by a (Sen Fen) standing fan, pushing warm (but not hot) air at my table.

I chat a little with Clayton, friend and restaurateur, stopping words about these Covid days. He's the uber cordial mine host, a great chap and a hard worker.

It's good to be out of the nest where I cuckoo sit, moping about what should be and what has been, missing my life. Instead I can sit here, at Jungle Burger, not meeting people but not having to wash up after cooking and eating. A big plus.

Before coming out, I spent two hours working on The Blue Lotus magazine. It certainly is heavy going. The mouse lags, the screen is not that large and it takes twice as long to do anything. Having said that I did get two sections done, and rearranged some things. So not too bad.

I had begun to feel bad, after being contacted by a few of the artists destined for the magazine. I thought "I need to try harder" so as not to disappoint them. So I am trying harder, despite the handicaps. It's time that I stopped feeling sorry for myself and re-engaged.

"Should I stay or should I go", by the Clash  is playing, an irony or what!

I arrived back at my temporary lodgings with a bag full of shopping, water, milk, butter, bread, washing up liquid and pots of yogurt from Thai Huot Market ($10.45). I was hot and sweaty after walking back and forth over the river to Jungle Burger. I needed a shower. 

I stripped off, draped myself in a towel and headed to the bathroom. I was about to shower when I noticed that the soap I leave in the bathroom was missing. I had one of two choices, wash just with water (yuk) or find something to wash with. Still towel enwrapped, I went back to that increasingly smaller room and had the choice of head shampoo or washing up liquid. I chose the latter as it's cheaper,  and effective as it turned out.