Thursday, June 19, 2014

Darkroom

Hi,

We're back in Culver City after our northern excursion.  It's been two full days, complete with great visits, lots of driving, and some airport sitting.  Five more days and we're back in the air.

A few of you knew the 'Zany Day' song.  If it helps, the year was 1988 and this 'folk-rock' tune was a bit about not being too deep when it came to thought.  I guess a lot of people liked the idea of being shallow.
"Choke me in the shallow waters before I get too deep.  What I am is what I am, are you what you are or what?  What I am is what I am, are you what you are, or?  Oh, I'm not aware of too many things, I know what I know, if you know what I mean.  Philosophy is a walk on the slippery rocks, religion is a light in the fog.  I'm not aware..."  Clue:  The artist was a 'one hit wonder' who continued to remain a celebrity long after the song faded.  Hmm.

This morning, as we drove through Palo Alto, we noticed the orderly rush-hour traffic and how different it seemed to what we are used to.  There was a train at a major stop with people pouring out.  The city posts big signs at intersections letting you know the fine for running a red light.  I suppose that works in a place where there's someone to catch you.  In Chiang Rai it would go unread.  

We had breakfast with Lisa's father Joe, and then went to his art studio to see his latest work.  We are always amazed and inspired by the way he continues to experiment and develop his art.  Each time we visit, Lisa picks up new ideas.  Before we left we had a chance to have a nice visit with Eva.  

Our next stop was in Cupertino, where we had lunch with our friends Bill and Rachelle at a new Apple dining room.  The place was built in the same style as the one on the Mothership (555), but it's off campus.  There are stations for every kind of dish you might imagine.  Dishes can be made to order and it was hard to decide what to eat.  

I know this trip is getting to be routine when we can travel up north and not get lost.  We even got off the freeway near San Jose and drove around, sight-seeing.  We saw a large Vietnamese shopping center that is almost ready for the public.  It was a combination of business services and small shops.  Around the area we saw many Vietnamese restaurants.  

Seeing all the construction going on north and south, is interesting.  There is such a difference in the way houses are built compared to Thailand.  We're used to seeing steel-reinforced concrete pillars installed deep into the ground, followed by brick walls covered with cement.  Hmm.

There are many flowering trees starting to bloom here in Culver City.  In today's photo you see one of the varieties that blooms in Chiang Rai.  


Have a Thrilling Thursday.

               Peace,
                         Danny

"Isolation is the darkroom where negatives are developed."
~Unknown

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