Best

Hi,

Today the weather in Chiang Rai was rainless. What a relief. We spent the morning visiting immigration. Then there was an afternoon swim and a bread run. Another wonderful day in Thailand.

Our 'Easy Monday' song was easy for lots of you. Some confusion about the band though. They were not named for a windy city, but for three words that express hard work. What? "You got no money, you got no home. __ __, all alone. Talkin' 'bout your troubles and you, you never learn. Ride a painted pony, let the __ __ turn." Hint: I think that just about gives it away. It's about how things seem to come full circle and work themselves out. Hmm.

After breakfast, and the running of the dogs, we set out on the highway for Mae Sai. It's about an hour each way, and the countryside is amazingly green and lush. There are several 'T' intersections with the highway that have a lane set up for motorbikes to continue traveling north without stopping for the traffic lights. They have been co-opted by cars and trucks as well. Next time we'll get in that lane and save some time. None of the police check-points stopped us this trip. I guess they're getting to know us.

At the immigration office we showed up prepared for the annual renewal of our visas, and things went very smoothly. We actually had more copies of things than they asked for, which is a first. It's always better to err on the side of excess since we never know what rules or procedures have changed. We got lots of smiles from the officers through the whole process. When Lisa thanked one of the main guys he gave her a big smile and asked how she was. It's such a relief to have this kind of rapport after hearing all the stories about the 'horrors' of the immigration offices.

When we made our bakery run, Lisa had a chance to visit with Jonathan, the beautiful English Golden Retriever that 'runs' the place. As soon as we got home both of our dogs smelled Jonathan and were examining her very closely, and actually ignored me. That's OK, I know they love me. It's just hard to pass up the smell of another dog.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

Peace,
Danny

"It is funny about life: if you refuse to accept anything
but the very best you will very often get it."
~W. Somerset Maugham

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