Friday Funnies

Hi,

We had postcard weather again today.  The morning fog was a surprise.  It rolled in around 6:30am and burned off as the sun came up.  Looking forward to a dry weekend and probably next week as well.  The cold season is not in sight.

The ‘Zany Day’ curve ball was the tune “Itchycoo Park” by The Small Faces.  Here’s a link to the record:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3feplJn5ZHk   There’s nothing left this week except an ‘Old School Friday’ song that you may have heard before.  “__ __ __, she’s unable to lunch today, madam, __ __ __, she’s unable to lunch today.  She is sorry to be delayed, but last evening down in Lover’s Lane she strayed, madam, __ __ __, she’s unable to lunch today.”  Clue:  This song was written back in 1934 and has been ‘covered’ by hundreds of artists.  It’s about an apology of sorts.  

Chiang Rai planned an event of major proportions for this afternoon and evening.  The idea was to assemble thousands of people around the Clock Tower, have music, probably speeches, and then a candlelight photo-op.  This morning we talked to our friend Pete, who operates a stationary/art supply store with his parents just north of the traffic circle in question.  They were told to keep the street clear after 3pm.  Restaurants and food vendors were asked not to sell food, but give some away.  We’re not sure how this all worked out, but we were told that school children were being taken to the area to be a part of the crowd.  If I find any photos of the event, I’ll share them with you.

Our van was in serious need of a good cleaning, so we took it to the car wash next to the now-closed Doi Chaang Coffee Shop.  We walked over to peak inside, for one last visit and to say ‘Goodbye’.  It was sad to see it gutted of it’s charm.  For nine years it has been a source of coffee, a meeting place that was easy to find, and a late-night WiFi connection when ours didn’t work.  The car wash closes December 1 and that will change a few things a well.

Natcha and Gong put together a very colorful lunch today.  Natcha’s dear friend Lynette and her friend were the guests of honor, along with Natcha’s brother and his wife.  She made us a special plate of food we could eat while the rest of them enjoyed six spicy dishes that were mostly Akha recipes.  It was a great time, sharing stories about experiences in Chiang Rai and travel tales.

Most of the Krathongs that are placed in the river have a base of foam, which takes a long time to break down.  Every year efforts are made to change the way they are made.  Tradition wins, but there are those who keep trying to make a difference.  Today’s first photo shows basic Krathongs (on the right) made from dough that can be decorated and placed in the river.  They dissolve and are biodegradable.  The second photo is Lake Phayao and it’s Nagas.  At night, flood lights shine on them.

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd.     Time for the ‘Funnies’.

                   Peace,

                             Danny