Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Learned

Hi,

I can safely say that today was hotter than yesterday.  We experienced the heat first hand while in the city.  

A bunch of you got this R&B Classic right away.  Maybe the second verse will bring back some memories.
"I've got so much honey, the bees envy me.  I've got a sweeter song than the birds in the trees.  Well, I guess you'd say what can make me feel this way?  __ __, talkin' 'bout __ __, ooh."  Clue:  It may be too easy for hints.  I'm tempted to tell you more, but I won't.

It had been our experience in the past, that service calls to the house for any kind of appliance repair usually involved some waiting past the agreed upon time.  In short, they were always late.  That is all different here.  Today was a good example.  While in town, we stopped at Sinthanee, the major appliance store where we got our TVs and air/cons, and set up a service call to check out a TV that wasn't working.  The appointment was for 2pm.  We were standing in line at Big C at 11:15am when a technician called to say he was at the house.  Boot let him in and he did his job.  That was an extreme case, usually they're 15 to 30 minutes early, which is better than hours late.  Amazing.

In an effort to help restart tourism, the coup makers have lifted the curfew in three beach resort areas.  Some believe it was to allow the upcoming 'Full Moon Party' that draws lots of 'visitors' who party without abandon.  There are others who believe the curfew should be lifted nationwide.  It looks like this may set a precedent and slowly relieve some tension.  Here in Chiang Rai, the few soldiers that man the road blocks are passing the time doing things on their phones.  As least that's what we saw today.  

The last time we were in America there were strict fines for doing anything with a phone while driving.  Eventually there will be some kind of restrictions imposed here.  Last week we encountered at least 4 situations where a motorbike rider was dialing or texting while attempting to drive down the street.  We noticed them because they were either slowing down or drifting into our lane.  Not a good idea.  

Today's photo needs some explaining.  While sitting at a red light a little dump truck pulled up next to some road work.  In the bed of the truck was a small excavator.  The driver in the excavator started moving it toward the rear of the bed and I worried that he might fall out.  He stopped just in time and then turned the cab around so the shovel end was in the bed of the truck.  The plan was to dump it out while holding it steady with the shovel.  The light turned green just as they were about to do the magic move.  Who needs a ramp?



We have just about a week before we leave on our 'Summer Visit' to the states.  The bags are upstairs, and what to put in them is being pondered.  Hmm, the weather reports are telling me I'll need sleeves in the evenings.  What?

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                 Peace,
                           Danny

"I've learned that people will forget
what you said, people will forget
what you did, but people will never forget
how you made them feel.
~Maya Angelou


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