Intelligence

Hi,

It’s the rainy season.  We’ve been having rain.  It comes in the afternoon, the evening, and overnight.  Nothing like the hurricane rains in other parts of the world.  Perspective has been gained, cannot complain about the rain.

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “Money” by Barrett Strong.  Time for a really ‘Easy Monday’ song.  “If you see me walking down the street, and I start to cry each time we meet.  __ __ __, __ __ __.  Make believe that you don’t see the tears, just let me grieve in private ‘cause each time I see you I break down and cry.  __ __ __(don’t stop)  __ __ __ (don’t stop) __ __ __.”  Hint:  ’64 recording by a woman with a long string of hits.  There are clues in the lyrics.

Saturday evening we went to 9 Art for the opening of an exhibit by the Mae Lao Artist Group.  There are about 14 artists who get together and have art outings.  The current exhibit is the result of them going to a village in Burma for 3 days and absorbing the surroundings and then presenting the results of their inspiration.  There were the usual disciplines represented: oil, acrylic, and pencil.  Several artists as well as guests told us we have to go to this village.  Based on the paintings, it looks like some place I’d like to see.  Our friend Sompong told us it’s like Chiang Rai used to be a very long time ago.  The modern era hasn’t arrived yet.

Sunday morning we learned that a dear friend of 24 years had passed.  It put a damper on the day, with memories flooding my mind at will.  After my morning meeting we went to The Wanderer with Cat.  When we got there we saw that the parking area was blocked off with ‘Reserved’ signs.  There was a special terrarium workshop being given to the BMW dealership.  Employees and family members had taken over the ‘Glass Room’ for the craft event, and the air/con room seemed to be where the execs were hanging out.  There were 6 brand new BMWs in the lot and we are still wondering who is buying these cars.  

During our lunch conversations we always learn little cultural things from Cat.  This time we learned that people in villages, like the one she is from, consider teachers to be the leaders, the ones with the answers.  They are highly regarded by the adults and children.  In the city, teachers are just teachers, without the same status.  In a village clinic, doctors and nurses are all considered ‘doctors’.  As Cat put it, anyone in a white uniform is a doctor.  

Even though our TV system is working, we recorded the US Open finals.  Most of our attention has been on the storms in the States. We don’t usually watch televised news so this has been an interesting experience.  

Natcha and Gong began a new enterprise this evening, selling food on the big road near our house.  They are selling BBQ chicken wings and spicy, green papaya salad.  They plan to do this every evening from 6:30-9:30.  We went by to see their stand and wish them well.  

I couldn’t post a photo of Gong and Natcha, and not post a current pic of Neechanon.  

We returned to Immigration this afternoon.  Without going into details, we have to go back yet again on Wednesday.  A few little changes in procedure can really mess up ones day.  Eventually, it will all be right and we’ll get a visa for another year.  After 10 years, what?

 

Have a Great Week.

                  Peace,

                            Danny

“Intelligence is the ability to 

adapt to change.”

~Stephen Hawking