Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Forward

Hi,

Well, today was Lisa's birthday (1-22).  We spent the first half of the day in the streets, then a fun dinner at home.

It seems that the 'Easy Monday' song was only remembered by a few readers.  "From Me to You" by The Beatles.  Here's hoping you can recall this 'Zany Day' song.  "Gonna tell Aunt Mary 'bout Uncle John, he claim he has the misery, but I know he's havin' fun.  Oh baby, ye-e-e-ah baby, woo-o-o-oh baby, havin' me some fun tonight.  Hint:  The title is three words, two of them describing a person, plus a name.  It's by a man who will boldly tell you that he invented Rock & Roll.  He's been around for a very long time.

One of the interesting things about living in Chiang Rai is making friends from other places and learning about customs in those places.  This morning our friend Johan came by and in the course of our conversation he told me about how he and his family celebrate New Years in Holland.  It's a gathering of many generations for dinner and games.  Then at midnight they do fireworks outside and then more games.  Around 1am the younger members go out and visit with their friends.  

We went to Chivit Tamma Da for a mid-morning breakfast and the place was practically empty.  The meal we ordered could have been split and it would have been enough.  Next time we'll try that.  As we drove away it struck me that part of the attraction of the place is that you don't feel like you're in Chiang Rai, Thailand.  It's like being transported to a European Tea Garden.  There are lots of antiques from Sweden, cool jazz in the background, and a lush view that could be anywhere.  

Dogs have an unusual amount of freedom here and that can be both good and bad.  They nap in the street, move about like they have appointments, and seem to understand the rules of the road, most of the time.  This morning, as we got in the van, a little dog came walking down the small street and greeted us, and then kept going.  A block later we passed him while he was checking out an interesting bush.  He was on his way to somewhere.  Some dogs get enough to eat, and some don't.  Some have a place to call home and some don't.  The feeling here, by many, is that they have their own path and they have to handle it themselves.  Then there are the animals that get the royal treatment with lots of pampering.  The adventure continues.

After excursions to HomePro and Central Plaza Mall, we came home and relaxed watching some tennis.  When Cat came home from school she managed to slip by Lisa without her seeing the little surprise she had cooked up.  We had a fun time talking at dinner and then Cat said she was going to start her homework.  A few minutes later she returned with a birthday cake complete with burning candles.  She and I sang to Lisa, who was totally surprised.  The cake was delicious, requiring second helpings by some at the table.  It was a wonderful evening.

Here's a photo of Lisa and Cat in front of one of the giant displays at the Flower Festival.  The figure in the background is a mannequin wearing a traditional outfit.


It's time for Wacky Wednesday.

                 Peace,
                           Danny

"If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, 
if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do
you have to keep moving forward."
~Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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