Sun

Hi,

Cloudy with mid-day rain. It's getting to be typical now. It was three-ring circus day at The Big Brown House. The time has come to get serious with the travel preparations.

In case you missed it, the 'Easy' song was "Biggest Part of Me" by Ambrosia. Not likin' the 80's? Here's one for you: "See the curtains hanging in the window in the evening on a Friday night. A little light a-shining through the window lets me know everything's alright. __ __ makes me feel fine...." Hint: Really? This should have been the 'Easy' song. Answer this and redeem yourself. (Ha)

This morning we had repair guys working on the bedroom air/con, the bug spray guys, and the pool guys all working at the same time. It was crazy, but it's all done. Tomorrow the landscape crew returns for the monthly grooming. This way Boot won't have to deal with major appointments while we're gone.

There is one more thing to tell you about our weekend. After the elephants, we had breakfast, and then a group of us were taken by van down to the river. We boarded a boat that took us across the Mae Kong to Laos. Our destination was a fairly new casino. This is basically a Chinese project, and there seems to be a pattern of casinos moving south. Gambling is illegal in Thailand, except for the lottery. I guess they're banking on travelers from across the river.

With memories of Las Vegas still fresh after 12 years, it was a bit of a let down when we walked in. Of course walking in was different too. We went through a metal detector and had to leave cameras at the door. The place was so quiet it felt like a tea room. The tables were mostly empty, partly because it was 11am. There were players at some of the games, and this brings me to the most interesting thing about the whole visit. They have a system where you can have a surrogate place your bet, and sit at the table with a headset on while you watch the game via internet. You won't see that in Vegas. There was also a big dimly lit room off to the side. I think it was the hall of contemplation. Men were just sitting in silence, staring off into space. It doesn't take much to imagine what they were thinking. We were hostages for an hour, but had some fun interchanges with other bored guests. (Ha) If you're ever in northern Thailand and someone suggests going to the casino in Laos, don't go.

As our trip to the U.S. gets closer and we get more excited, let me remind you about the picnic on July 18. It will be at Culver City Park, at the corner of Jefferson Bl. and Duquesne Ave. Space has been reserved from 10am to 4pm. We will probably get there around 12n, but you're welcome to come and hang out early. Bring whatever you want to eat. We will not be serving Thai food, or anything else. Of course, if you want to bring enough to share with a friend, that would be nice. We have lots of friends coming, and we hope to see you there too.

Speaking of friends, I know you all remember Seth Isler aka The Godfadda Workout. Well, Seth has taken the show to Bally's in Atlantic City. Check this out:http://web.me.com/susanjsullivan/The_Godfadda_Workout/Home.html
Needless to say, Seth won't be at the picnic. We wish him well, and also wish we were there.

Today's quote came from my friend Eileen. It's so ironic that July 10 will be the 50th reunion of my graduating class from John Muir High School in Pasadena. Funny how I didn't appreciate what he had to say as a teenager. Hmm.

Time for Wacky Wednesday.

Peace,
Danny

"The sun shines not on us but in us. The rivers flow not past, but
through us, thrilling, tingling, vibrating every fiber and cell of the substance
of our bodies, making them glide and sing."
~John Muir

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
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