Joy

Hi,

Cold air from China rolled into town and we scrambled for warmth.  The weekend looked like it would be stormy, and it was mostly cold.  It was a little better today (Monday), but the evening is getting cold again.  I mean, we’re talking low 60s.  

The ‘Old School Friday’ had only one fan this week.  Cousin Trudye knew it was “There Is Something On Your Mind” by Big Jay McNeely.  Classic stuff.  So now you’d be wanting an ‘Easy Monday’ song that's easy.  “__ __ __ __ __, the rain is gone.  I can see all obstacles in my way.  Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind.  It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright) sun-shiny day.”  Hint: The rain stopped, vision improved (5).  Easy.

Well, it’s a little early in the year, but since the ‘cold snap’ arrived, we’ve been pulling out garments that seemed unbearable to wear during the ‘usual’ weather.  A week ago the thought of a long-sleeved warm shirt was unthinkable. Today it was welcomed.  The idea of putting the down comforter on the bed would have had us laughing at it’s absurdity.  The last two nights it felt right.  You get the idea.

We had another mellow Chiang Rai weekend.  Sunday we had lunch at The Wanderer with Cat and our friend Lisa and her dogs, ‘Black Betty and Daisy Dukes.  Cat had to leave early to teach two English classes to 15 year olds.    She was substituting for a friend and it was a first for her.  We had fun hanging out with Lisa.  We have some common cultural observations and experiences that always leave us in either deep discussion or wild laughter.  We learned about some new remedies for pets and humans.  Lisa's dogs are very small and they just hung out under her chair.  We were wishing we could take Daku to The Wanderer but, as we explained, he gets too excited and would want to visit with everybody.

In the evening we stayed at home.  Lisa made a wonderful omelet and after dinner she painted and I watched the final race of the F1 season.  

This morning we met our friend John at The Wanderer for coffee and roti.  John used to live in Bangkok and when I told him of our recent trips, it opened up a whole thread about getting around that busy, complex city.  We also compared notes on the music of Loy Krathong.  They heard thumping bass at their house, but we’re not sure if it was the same sounds that we heard.  At any rate, we heard loud music way too late (5).  It seems like every time we talk about immigration business with an expat friend, we learn something new and interesting.  Today was no exception.  

From The Wanderer we traveled to Big C for the regular shopping.  In the process, we went to the counter where they have chicken sausage.  One of the women has become buddies with Lisa and always gets us fresh stuff from the back.  Today she asked if there was a little child at the house.  That was her chance to give us some of the balloon art that they pass out to kids.  When we got home, Neechanon was in the yard with Gong and Natcha.  Her face lit up when we gave her the balloons.  She walked around singing and waving them and then had me hold one and we strolled and talked.  

Have a Great Week.

                 Peace,

                           Danny

“The noblest pleasure 

is the joy of understanding.”

~Leonardo da Vinci