Hi,
The greater part of the day was rainless. What a relief, almost. This evening we're back in storm mode and the lawns are lakes.
Today is your lucky day. You get to be the first to respond to the 'Easy Monday' song on Tuesday. Wake up, people:
"Everybody seems to think I'm lazy. I don't mind, I think they're crazy. Running everywhere at such a speed, 'til they find there's no need (there's no need). Please, don't spoil my day, I'm miles away, and after all __ __ __." Hint: It's by those 'lads' from across the pond. It all revolves around a bed, so to speak.
This morning we were about to take the dogs out to play when the yard crew arrived. This was the one day we told them not to come, and yet they came. We had a long list of places to go so got an early start. After Makro, we went to Bliss Studio to pick up some of Lisa's art that had been photographed. Then it was off to Healthy Market for the good stuff. Since the market is a block from the bus station, we walked over to get our tickets for our trip to Chiang Mai.
The downtown bus station is always bustling with activity. There are local buses, provincial buses and the long-range Green buses. There are also Tuk-Tuks and Songthaews (covered pick-up trucks with two benches) dropping people off, making it a dizzying sight. Walking through little side streets, we saw things we've never seen before. Small shops and supply houses carrying clothing, toys, and mysteries. Part of our walk included an empty corridor that is a busy part of the Night Bazaar after the sun goes down.
As we crossed the Pink Bridge toward home we noticed that the level of the river is very high, compared to last week. The shoreline keeps rising. In our area there is no threat of the river overflowing, but it's a simple way to gauge how much rain we've had. There were people standing in the water, in the light rain, fishing with their giant nets.
Our friend Alan came over for lunch. We hadn't seen him since we returned from the States. He showed us photos of the house he and his partner Ten are building in the Wiang Chai district, east of town. It's right in the middle of a village so he gets a different perspective on Thai life than we do living so near the city.
This afternoon Pat came over to help Lisa come up with names for her artwork for the upcoming exhibit in Chiang Mai. The idea was to find a titles that would have a similar meaning in both English and Thai. They sat with each piece until they had something that felt right. The results are impressive.
We have had a heavy downpour for several hours this evening. Lisa went downstairs and looked outside and discovered that the entire front lawn was covered in standing water. The back is the same. There are drain holes that sometimes get clogged so I put on 'the boots' and waded into the lake with a long stick. Lisa held a flashlight and we found both drains. We couldn't find the drain for the back yard, so it will remain under water for now. The water level has never been this high. I can only imagine what some places without drainage must look like. Today's photo was taken this evening. The lights that look like they're bouncing off of water are just that. The lights on our front wall are reflected on the lake.
One of the downsides of living far away from family and loved ones is dealing with grief when someone passes. It's even harder when it's unexpected, as in the case of our Cousin David, who died a few days ago. We stay close as best we can, through Skype and email, but it's not the same. Our thoughts are with the rest of the family and all those who knew David.
Peace,
Danny
Today, practice remembering that everyone has a story."
~Mary Manin Morrissey
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
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