Monday, March 9, 2015

Gratitude

Hi,

Here in Chiang Rai, the weather is still the same: hot.  It almost reached 100F today, but it makes no difference when it's this hot.  How hot was it?  It was so hot my clothes felt like they just came out of the dryer.  Right now it's 8pm and it's 79F.

'Old School Friday' was "Yes, I'm Ready" written and sung by Barbara Mason.  'Easy Monday' is next: 
"__ singing in the dead of night, take these broken wings and learn to fly.  All your life, you were only waiting for this moment to arise."  Hint:  Four lads from Liverpool, a flying creature, a metaphor.  

We had a rather mellow weekend.  There were trips into town, mainly to take Cat to her dance class and some light shopping.  I am still fascinated by the different ways people deal with the hot weather.  Some people wear light, loose clothing as a way to stay cool.  Others bundle up, especially on motorbikes and it puzzles me.  We saw several riders wearing quilted jackets in 90+ weather.  Still puzzled.

On Sunday we visited with our friends Cornelis and Anoi.  They live in what was once a grand, gated community that has become neglected.  There are several large homes that have been refurbished but many look like haunted houses.  They have 3 dogs, and just rescued a fourth.  Someone abandoned a very sweet Dalmatian that has become part of their family.  Their other dogs love her so that's a plus.  While we were talking they mentioned that they had been to the football match on Saturday night.  It turns out they're big fans of Chiang Rai United.  The team is ranked 9th in the country, which is pretty good for a fairly new club.  They draw 6 to 7 thousand loyal fans per match.  Someday we'll have to go and experience 'home town spirit'.

While riding down Clock Tower street, I noticed a bunch of guitars across the street in front of what is normally a motorbike dealer.  It was too good to pass up so we came back to get today's photo.  In the evenings the area becomes a sidewalk cafe where people can dine and watch the Clock Tower light show.  This guitar shop is a new thing.


I'll bet you didn't know that Chiang Rai has a huge disco or that there was even a 'club district'.  We have seen the roof of the building from far away, but recently we've had to make a detour to get to the mall.  The little road takes us right by the front of the disco and it's quite impressive.  I don't know how many people it holds, maybe we'll have to go some night and check it out (555).  

Since Boot is still recovering from her eye surgery, there are things she's not supposed to do around the house.  She spoke to one of the gardeners the other day and mentioned that we were looking for a part-time addition.  Today a young woman came to the house and Boot talked with her and then with Lisa.  She will start tomorrow morning and we couldn't be happier.  She is Akha and when Boot first began to talk with her, that's what she spoke.  Boot had to ask her to please speak Thai, and she did.  She also understands a bit of English.  This will be interesting.

Have a Great Week.

                Peace,
                          Danny

"Let gratitude be the pillow
upon which you kneel to say 
your nightly prayer."
Maya Angelou

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