Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Wealth

Hi,

This morning it felt like a blast of cold air had come down from the North Pole.  It didn’t last long and we had another beautiful day.  I don’t know how long this pattern will last, but the jackets stay on the coat-rack for now.

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was “Lady Marmalade” by Patti LaBelle & The Blue Bells.  Time for a ‘Zany Day’ song.
“She comes on like a rose, but everybody knows, she’ll get you in Dutch, now you can look but you better not touch.  __ __, __ __.  Late at night when you’re sleepin’ __ __ comes a creepin’ around.”  Hint:  I think you know this one.  There’s a rash of clues that are too obvious (555).  It’s by something that rolls down a hill.

Tonight is the night of the Super Blue Blood Moon thing and the skies are clear over Chiang Rai.  Right now (7:40) it’s already being covered by the eclipse to the point that it looks like an upside down new moon.  It’s smokey outside so there will be no ‘moon gazing’.  Update: At about 7:50 most of the moon was a reddish color, and it appeared that the eclipse was over.  Don’t understand but that’s OK.

This morning we began our day ‘outside’ at The Wanderer.  The place was empty, which was weird and cool at the same time, and a nice way to start the adventure.  Today’s photo was taken by the front door.


Our ‘late arrival’ at Big C turned out to be not as bad as I feared.  When we first pulled in, a big group of school kids were also arriving.  Based on their uniforms, they were not from one of the local schools.  What an interesting thing, to go on an excursion to Big C.  As we rode the escalator to the main store, one of the students behind us had obviously never been on an escalator before.  The sound was a combination of fun and fear, but her classmates supported her.  We completed most of the list and moved across the highway to Central Plaza Mall.

The big question this morning was: Who are all these people roaming around the mall on a Wednesday morning?  After lunch we traveled up and down the length of the mall a couple of times, getting to the places we needed.  Of course, the thought of the consequences were not on our minds at the time.  When we finally finished and were walking to the van, we realized we had put out a bunch of energy.  Hmm.  Long nap followed.

This evening Natcha made us an Akha dish for dinner, minus the spicy.  It was basically a chicken and rice dish, with chopped veggies and seasoning.  Yum.

The ‘Music Season’ has begun.  That’s what I’m calling this time of year when the clubs by the river with their new sound-systems are giving us free, live music all evening.  We get to hear the band practice and then play all evening.  I’m slowly getting used to it, or is it numb to it.  Either way, somebody’s got a gig.  

Feels like a Wacky Wednesday.

                 Peace,
                           Danny

“The greatest wealth is 
to live content with little.”
~Plato

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Free

Hi,

We’re in that 30 degree range these days.  The high was 87F and the low is expected to be 57F.  For us it feels cold.  For some of you, 57F probably feels like a spring day.  

The ‘Easy Monday’ song had a few friends.  For those who vaguely remember, here’s the second verse and the phrase that made it famous:  “He stayed in her boudoir while she freshened up.  That boy drank all that Magnolia wine on her black satin sheets where he started to freak… Voulez-vous coucher avec moi, ce soir?  Voulez-vous coucher avec moi?”  Hint:  Now that you remember that line, think back to 1974, or a recent movie if you’re very young (555).

Daku got his bath this morning.  When he saw the shampoo he took off upstairs to be with Natcha.  It didn’t save him.  After it was all over he had a good ‘crazy run’ around the front, and did some lawn diving.  

Since all of our morning errands were north of us on the Super Highway, we began with coffee at Shong  Cafe.  Tuesday mornings are when we talk to Joe, so today it was from Shong.  Today’s visit was very interesting.  Joe is going to be interviewed by the Santa Clara University museum.  Years ago he had an exhibit there, and his manager donated some of his work to the school.  One of the things they will discuss is the relationship between his work and jazz.  That led us into a conversation about various things relating to the arts and struggles, etc.  It was very stimulating.  He has several projects he is working on and that always amazes and inspires.  

Arriving at Makro after 10am was interesting.  The place was really buzzing with activity.  I forgot the note about always going early (555).  Even with all the shoppers, it was a quick stop for us, and on to Browney’s Pet World.  

There never seems to be anyone shopping at Browney’s.  The tiny little parking lot has never been full when we’ve been there.  I think I figured it out though.  Their distribution is the key.  I’ve always known that they supplied smaller stores in the area, but this morning it hit me.  There are about 8 desks with computer stations.  All are not always working, but even with a few, it looks like a telethon or a boiler room.  

When we arrived back at the house, Neechanon, her little cousin from the party, Natcha, Gong, and Gong’s sister were all in the front.  The girls were running around and Natcha was holding Daku while we drove in.  Natcha told us that Neechanon was so happy to have her friend over to play.  Later I noticed that Neechanon had loosened her grip on her bike.  Her friend was riding around the driveway, having a great time.  Now that Neechanon is a little taller, it’s nothing for her to climb up on the running board of the family bike.  She was up there again today, with dreams of the open road in her head.  (got a little carried away)  I’m really understanding the cultural thing about motorbikes.  When we were told that kids grew up on them, it didn’t really sink in until now.  

Today’s photos are from the party.  



Have a Happy Tuesday,

                 Peace,
                           Danny

“Now I’ve been free, I know
what a dreadful condition
slavery is.  I have seen hundreds
of escaped slaves, but I never saw
one who was willing to go back and 
be a slave.”
~Harriet Tubman

Monday, January 29, 2018

Failure

Hi,

We never got any of the rain that was forecast for the weekend.  It has been cooling off a bit and now Thursday looks like a possible shower day.  Oops, those are words Daku doesn’t want to hear, but he’s also getting one anyway.

So, the ‘Old School Friday’ tune just slipped past most of you.  It was "Heartbreak Hotel” by Elvis Presley.  It’s OK, ‘Easy Monday’ is next and it real easy (5).  “Hey sister, go sister, soul sister, go sister, soul sister… He met __ down in Old New Orleans, strutting her stuff on the street.  She said, ‘Hello, hey Joe, you wanna give it a go?’ Hmm, hmm.
Gitchi, gitchi ya ya da da.  Gitchi gitchi ya ya here.  Mocha chocolata, ya ya, Creole __ __.”  

An interesting thing happens when a large number of people have the same illness:  They compare notes and find out how to deal with it.  This flu thing that we contracted while in California seems to be hanging on.  We suspected that it could go ‘quiet’ until one’s energy was depleted and then get ‘loud’ again.  This was confirmed by a friend, without us even asking.  The trick seems to be metering the exertion and not overdoing things.  

Saturday we did a little shopping for Neechanon’s birthday party.  A small dose of Big C is not so bad.  We stopped by Work@Home for coffee and spent the rest of the day at home.

Sunday was our busy day.  After my morning meeting downtown, we went to The Wanderer and had lunch with our friends Brenda and Eric.  We hadn’t seen them in a long time.  With their help, we got tickets for the Chiang Rai Jazz Festival next weekend.  During the course of our conversations, the acquisition of documents came up.  When we started talking about driver licenses, Lisa looked at her’s to see when it expired.  It ran out on her birthday.  That doesn’t appear to be a problem, except that we both have to go to that special place and renew.  Oh Joy.    

It’s amazing how much energy goes into a party for a toddler who doesn’t really understand what’s going on.  Natcha and Gong spent a lot of time preparing the ingredients for Neechanon’s party Sunday evening.  There was a lot of vegetable washing and soaking.  When we got up from our tiny nap, there were motorbikes in the driveway, boys playing football (soccer) on the front lawn, lots of babies being walked around, and two little girls having the time of their lives, running and screaming.  In the end, there were about 20 people, mostly related, having a wonderful time.  The eating part took a long time, sitting on the deck cooking over hot coals.  

Before dinner, Neechanon’s little friend, who is older, discovered the pink bike.  She had barely settled on the seat before Neechanon came charging up and pulled her off.  She can’t ride it yet, but she was keeping it for herself.  Later there was another attempt and Gong tried to interest Neechanon in riding on the back.  She decided she wanted to ride Gong’s motorbike instead.  Showing how grown she it (555).  Natcha brought out a cake and Neechanon actually blew out the candles, after many tries.  She and Natcha opened the gift we got her and apparently it became an instant hit.  It’s a little house made of netting material, with a window and a door.  Neechanon put her dolls and toys inside and was up until midnight playing.  Oh, what have we done.  Today it was in the kitchen.  Everyone is very happy and that’s what matters.

Today’s photo were taken at the party.  In the first pic we see the beginning of the cooking, with part of the family hanging out by the pool.  The second pic is pretty obvious.  



As a result of yesterday’s activities, today was a very slow day for us at The Big Brown House.  We have to pace ourselves a little more carefully.  

Have a Great Week.

                    Peace,
                              Danny

“Failure is success if we 
learn from it.”
~Malcolm Forbes

Friday, January 26, 2018

Friday Funnies

Hi,

Another beautiful day, with a twist.  This afternoon some clouds decided to visit.  There was even a 20% chance of rain forecast, but I just laughed.  Still, there were clouds in the sky and we could use some rain.  

This week’s ‘Zany Day’ song was “Dr. Funkenstein” by Parliament (George Clinton) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8U73DtXZ1zE  If you listen to the whole track you will discover many little hidden treasures.  It’s some very funny stuff.  Somebody stop me, I could go on and on, but it’s time for ‘Old School Friday’.  Here’s one I’ll bet you remember:  “Well, since my baby left me, well, I found a new place to dwell.  Well, it’s down at the end of Lonely 
Street at __ __.  Where I’ll be so lonely baby, well, I’m so lonely, I’ll be so lonely, I could die.”  Hint:  Really?  This could be an Easy Monday song.

This morning we were both wondering what happened with that vitamin injection we got yesterday.  The results were not as expected.  With most of our lists finished (5) there wasn’t a lot to do in town so we kept it simple.
Coffee/tea and roti at The Wanderer, then a short trip to Browney’s for doggie treats and a new toy.  

Today’s photo was taken at The Wanderer.  This little sculpture sits right by the cash register.  


Some days I take for granted the sights and sounds of a typical day.  This morning while we were out with Daku, a couple of bird families began to chatter in the trees on the west side of the house.  We couldn’t see them, but we could hear them.  There is a ‘bird couple’ that comes to the front lawn every morning.  They have become used to Daku and they will move off the lawn when he runs by, but return just as fast.  As we were leaving The Wanderer we were approached by three dogs running down the road with smiling faces, followed by a man on a motorbike.  At the corner, on a vacant lot, there were water buffalos grazing.  Just another day in Chiang Rai.

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

              Peace,
                        Danny


Thursday, January 25, 2018

Kindness

Hi,

Warm weather is the name of this season.  It’s hard to believe that a few weeks ago some people were covering themselves to stay warm and now they’re covering themselves to hide from the sun.  The nights are still cold, but who goes out in that?  Hmm.

Our ‘Zany Day’ song was identified by one reader, and one came very close.  See if you know this wild, zany, funk anthem:  “We love to funk you, __, your funk is the best (talk!)  Take my body, give it the mind to funk with the rest (kiss me on my ego).  Hit me with the one and then, if you like, hit me again.  We love to __ (Ohh, over).”  Clue:  There’s so much more, tomorrow you get the complete recording.  There is a spaceship involved and a strong reference to a monster who was chased by villagers.

This morning we left the house with a very ambitious list of things that needed to be done.  The first thing we did was refill Daku’s Thyroid prescription.  As we drove to the mall to tackle the rest of the list, we realized that even though the main flu symptoms were not present, there was a low energy, nagging cough thing happening.  We made arrangements to see Nurse Pay in the afternoon, for an appointment with our doctor.  We accomplished all of our mall ‘assignments’ and headed home.

Going to the hospital clinic in the afternoon is always better than in the morning.  There is still a wait, but it’s not bad at all.  We were hoping for something simple like a B-12 shot to perk us up.  Not being doctors, we had to accept what the doc concluded.  She did prescribe a vitamin shot, but also things to deal with the cough.  We came home feeling like we’d been drained of any remaining energy.  Hmm, was it a fiendish plot?  Time will tell.

When I went down for dinner, Neechanon was sitting in my chair with a big smile on her face.  She said my name perfectly, and decided she could stay in my chair.  She finally ended up in a chair of her own at the table, so she was OK.  She’s talking more and we’re understanding bits more.  I think she’s speaking a lot more in Thai and Akha, so our understanding doesn’t keep up.  Especially when you consider that it’s scattered within her baby talk.  Her parents understand most of it and she understands them.  She knows the word for pain now, so when something hurts she can point to it and let them know.  Communication.

Today’s photo is a simpler illustration of a protective tattoo in the ancient style.  Most monks will not put a tattoo on a woman because, at least here in Thailand, they are not allowed to touch women.  Non-ordained laymen do the ink work in these cases.  A piece of split bamboo with a needle on one end is the tool used to apply these tattoos.  We’ve been told that it is very painful and takes a lot longer than the modern methods.


After taking a closer look at the sign on the property across the road, it looks like they’re selling parcels of land, like lots for small houses.  Hmm, should I tell the perspective buyers about the clubs by the river and the loud music?  

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                    Peace,
                              Danny

“Kindness is the language
which the deaf can hear and
the blind can see.”
~Mark Twain

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Fear

Hi,

The inevitable is happening.  It’s getting hotter every day, or so it seems.  It was so hot that Neechanon was playing in the pond this afternoon, with her dad supervising.

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was “Girl” by The Beatles.  Now for a ‘Zany Day’ song that will blow your mind:  “Whoa!  They say the bigger the headache, the bigger the pill, baby.  Call me the big pill.  __ __, the disco fiend with the monster sound.  The cool ghoul with the bump transplant.  Hip bone connected to my thigh bone, my thigh bone connected to my leg bone, my leg bone connected to my ankle bone.  I get so hung up on bones.  __ __ here, preoccupied and dedicated to the preservation of the motion of the hips….”  Hint:  This man is not a doctor.  This artist has had a long, illustrious career as a zany character, secretly causing the evolution of musical forms.  It’s OK if you don’t know, but if you do, Extra Cool Points.

When we took Daku out for his morning exercise, he was obsessed with lying on the driveway, peaking under the gate.  Lisa finally looked across the street and saw two cows grazing in the field.  He wanted to know what he was smelling.  He probably would have tried to get them to play (555).  Oh yeah, today is Daku’s 9th birthday.

We had a lunch adventure at The Wanderer with our friend Katie and her twin daughters, Jaiyah and Taeyo, and Katie’s friend Donna.  Lisa got drawing materials for the girls and that pleased them a bunch.  We have known them since they were 2 days old.  Katie and the girls left Thailand a year and a half ago, so this visit was a nice reunion.  Five year old twins have lots to say and these two are grown beyond their years.  At one point, Katie gave the girls the task of counting butterflies.  A few minutes later they returned with their count.  It was only 3, but it gave us a few minutes for some ‘adult’ talk.  It was really good to spend time with Katie.  I was just thinking what a brave thing it is to travel from Florida to Thailand with 5 year old twins.  Amazing.

Today’s photos are from the tattoo exhibit at Rai Maefarluang.  In the first photo everything in the design has a meaning.  The second photo is an ancient tool that was used to embed the ink into the skin.  This was way before the days of electric motor driven tattoo guns.  There are some ancient methods still used by some monks.



I think it’s going to be a Wacky Wednesday.

                 Peace,
                           Danny

“Fear defeats more people
than any other one thing 
in the world.”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Education

Hi,

The weather today was the same as yesterday.  Clear skies mean perfect sunning temps after lunch.  A new pattern has been born.  

The ‘Easy Monday’ song has lots of fans out there.  “She’s the kind of girl who puts you down when friends are there, you feel a fool.  When you say she’s looking good she acts as if it’s understood.  She’s cool, ooh, ooh, ooh.  Ah, __, __, __.”  Clue:  Single word title is a diminutive term for female.  Easy.

This morning our coffee adventure was at The Wanderer.  We had our ‘Facetime’ call with Lisa’s dad, Joe.  This time he recognized the background.  Joe and Lisa updated each other on their latest artistic adventures.  This is always interesting from my perspective, listening to the unspoken language of understanding between two artists.  They are both risk-takers when it comes to their work.  At one point in the conversations, Mercy spotted us and came bounding over, talking away.  Joe got to see and hear her.  A few minutes later Gary, Jago’s dad, came over to say hello.  It was a busy morning at The Wanderer.

Today’s photo is another in the Chinese New Year series from Central Plaza Mall.  This time, a comical dragon.


This evening, just as we sat down for dinner, we heard a familiar voice from the carport door.  Daku jumped up and ran through the kitchen.  It was Cat.  We hadn’t seen her in a month.  She brought Lisa a geranium for repelling  mosquitos.  Her schedule is very busy these days since she has started teaching English part-time.  Between school work, preparing lesson plans and teaching, her days are full.  We had a great visit and it ended with her interviewing Lisa for a homework assignment.  

The large piece of land across the road from us that has been used for growing corn, is now on the market.  There are several large signs with phone numbers to a land agency.  This has been attempted before.  Maybe the price has come down (555).  The lot next to us is still vacant.  The coffee shop has yet to materialize, and the house-building project to the rear of us hasn’t started.  I’m perfectly fine with it.  We’re loving the peace and quiet.  

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                     Peace,
                               Danny

“Education is what remains
after one has forgotten what
one has learned in school.”
~Albert Einstein

Monday, January 22, 2018

Feed

Hi,

Our weather has been very warm days and cooler nights than expected.  It feels like the nights are getting colder, even though the days are hot.  It requires dressing in layers when leaving the house.  Today (1-22) was Lisa’s birthday here in Thailand.  

The ‘Old School Friday’ tune was “Memphis, Tennessee” by Chuck Berry.  Here’s an ‘Easy Monday’ song that's sure to bring back a memory:  “Is there anybody going to listen to my story, all about the girl who came to stay?  She’s the kind of girl you want so much it makes you sorry, still, you don’t regret a single day.  Ah, __, __, __.  When I think of all the times I tried so hard to leave her, she will turn to me and start to cry.  And she promises the earth to me and I believe her, after all this time I don’t know why.  Ah, __, __, __.”  Hint:  1964, from across the pond.

Saturday morning we were feeling strong and adventurous so we went ahead with the plan to go to Big C and stock up on provisions.  It went well and we continued across the highway to the mall.  Forgetting that it was Saturday meant that we forgot the mall opened at 10am.  Why are there so many cars in the lot?  Because their owners are shopping.  This allowed us to get our coffee and sit inside the mall and relax while watching the movement of the mall.  All signs of the mini flower show were gone.  The gardens had been replaced with giant sale tables for one of the prominent regional clothing lines.  We had just enough energy to look from a distance.  

Today’s photo was taken at Central Plaza Mall.  It’s part of the decorations for Chinese New Year, which is February 16 this year.  It’s the Year of the Dog.  


In the evening, when we arrived at Rai Maefarluang for the annual exhibit/party, we had no idea what the theme was.  The first clue should have been the young men who did a dance that displayed the extensive tattoo work on their backs.  When the ‘show’ was over we met up with our friends Aey and John.  That’s when we got the whole explanation.  The exhibit was about the history of the traditional/religious tattoos.  Aey was a big help in understanding some of the purpose and mythology.  Through numerous photos and banners explaining things in Thai, we learned more detail about the sometimes mysterious world of the ‘old school’ tattoo.  They all serve a purpose, and were not done for the sake of adornment.  Some are for protection, others are for the attraction of others, and there are legends about tattoos with tigers that allow the wearer to leap over their enemy when in battle.  There are rules that must be abided by for the symbols to work.  Fascinating stuff.  Later in the week I’ll share some photos.

Enthusiasm can sometimes make one forget things, like the fact that you’re still ill and running on reserve energy.  Our Saturday left us with low batteries on Sunday.  Not knowing where the flu exits and the cold enters is another thing that gets confusing.  Day to day symptoms change, shift, and often overwhelm.  We think Mr. Lag is gone, but there are evening bouts of nodding that seem like his signature move.  

Have a Great Week.

                  Peace,
                            Danny

“If you can’t feed a hundred
people, then feed just one.”
~Mother Teresa

Friday, January 19, 2018

Friday Funnies

Hi,

It was another beautiful day in Chiang Rai.  All of the weather services agreed on a high of 85F.  I think we may have reached that.  

The ‘Zany Day’ song was “I Need A New Drug” by Huey Lewis & The News.  Since you’ve had the luxury of 2 songs from the 80s this week, we’re definitely going deep with ‘Old School Friday’ (555).  “Long distance information, give me __, __.  Help me find the party trying to get in touch with me.  She could not leave her number, but I know who placed the call, ‘cause my uncle took the message and he wrote in on the wall.”  Clue: The title is the name of a city and state.  It’s written and sung by the master of R&R story telling.  Touching song.

This morning we got ourselves together and went to The Wanderer for coffee and roti.  We were meeting our friend Atom, who had some titles for Lisa’s new artwork.  It was my first time behind the wheel, and our first time in the street since our return.  After a warm greeting from Kwan and the staff, she gave them a test.  Rather than have them hear our order, she simple said (in Thai), ‘The usual’.  They got it absolutely right.  While we were waiting, Khun Noot came out from the kitchen and gave us big hugs.  She had a new creation and wanted to share with us.  It’s a pastry stuffed with Japanese sweet potato.  I call it ‘Purple Pie’.


When Atom arrived we found out about New Years in Chiang Rai and also about her recent travels to Hong Kong.  We got an extra bit of entertainment when the resident grandchild came into the main room.  He’s a little younger than Neechanon and is a bold ‘walker’.  He spotted Lisa, one of his favorite people, and turned on the charm.  The entire staff is more than willing to babysit this little guy.  

This afternoon we began working on our trip to Australia in March.  We’re going to visit Claire and Stephen in Perth.  We had just figured out the airplane part when Claire wrote and reminded us that we have to get visas.  The government site explaining the various visas was confusing.  We can do it, it will just take some time.  

Tomorrow we’re going to make an attempt to tackle Big C.  In the evening we will attend the big party at Rai Maefarluang.  This will be one of those affairs where we have to eat before we go.  Most of the food in the past has been traditional Northern Thai, which means there’s lots of pork and it’s all spicy.  

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd.      On to the ‘Funnies’.

                    Peace,
                              Danny


Thursday, January 18, 2018

Why?

Hi,

The warm weather is here.  Time to approach the pool warming project once again.    

No one has remembered the ‘Zany Day’ song.  I guess one man’s hit is another mans ‘Hmm’.  Oh, but when I tell you...
“__ __ __ __ __, one that does what it should, one that won’t make me feel too bad, one that won’t make me feel too good… One that won’t make me nervous, wondering what to do.  One that makes me feel like I feel when I’m with you, when I’m alone with you, I’m alone with you.”  Clue:  This tune is from 1983.  A man in search of a more manageable high.

Today I’m feeling better.  I took Daku out for a walk on two occasions this afternoon.  In the morning I walked around the house with Lisa and Daku and it felt pretty good.  I think Mr. Lag is tired of the flu because he seems to have left the building.  I have not felt compelled to put my head down today.  This is progress.  Looks like we’ll be going out on Saturday night.  

There has been a new twist to the ambient sounds of our neighborhood.  There is some construction going on, now far away, and the workers like to play the radio in the afternoon.  What fun.  It’s temporary, so I can let it go.  Still no activity behind us or next door.  I guess the new year brought a change of plans.  

On the 28th of this month Neechanon will be 2 years old.  Lately she has been asserting a new found independence. I don’t want to label it with the obvious, but she is finding joy in doing her own ‘thing’.  Natcha is very good at reeling her in with gentle distractions.  Today’s photo is from a recent trip to the arcade, and the ball pit.


As we slowly move towards wellness, our little world looks brighter.  The idea of a semi-busy schedule doesn’t seem so overwhelming.  Bring it on!

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                   Peace,
                             Danny

“Millions saw the apple fall,
but Newton was the one who 
asked why.”
~Bernard Baruch

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Enemy

Hi,

The daytime weather in Chiang Rai keeps getting better.  We sat in the healing warmth of the sun after lunch, and it felt wonderful.

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was “Smooth Operator” by Sade https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TYv2PhG89A  
I was glad to see that a lot more of you remembered this song.  Now it’s time for a ‘Zany Day’ song.  We’ll start with a little more than last time (555).  “__ __ __ __ __, one that won’t make me sick, one that won’t make me crash my car or make me feel three feet thick.  __ __ __ __ __, one that won’t hurt my head, one that won’t make my mouth too dry, or make my eyes too red.”  Hint:  Singer is looking for an alternative way to alter himself without too many side effects.  Good luck with that.  

While we were sunning on the porch, Neechanon paid us a visit.  She is very entertaining.  We are learning that she knows a lot more Thai than we realized.  Today she made a point of stating who was sitting down, and another time, when Gong closed the kitchen door, Neechanon mentioned it.  This means it’s time to pay closer attention, it’s not just baby talk anymore.  Natcha took her home, hoping it was nap time.  A few minutes later Neechanon came running out to the front with a big smile on her face, and all by herself.  I went back to the little house to let Natcha know and just as I got there she was calling her daughter.  It appears that she will have to be watched more closely as well.  She decided that being in the front with us was more fun than being at home.  

Today’s photo is a second men’s grooming item that caused me to scratch my head in wonder.  Still shaking my head.


Every day I feel a little better, but not well yet.  Tomorrow may be a day to test the ‘wings’ and check out my stamina.  These things can trick you into thinking everything is all better and then leave you stranded.  A few laps around the house should tell the tale.

Feels like a Wacky Wednesday.

                    Peace,
                              Danny

“It is certain, in any case,
that ignorance, allied with power
is the most ferocious enemy
justice can have.”
~James A. Baldwin

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Nothing

Hi,

Things seem to be warming up in Chiang Rai.  The nights are still cool, but not cold, and the days are getting warm.  

One person has named the song and artist.  Surely you remember this very cool song.  Here’s more:
“Coast to coast, LA to Chicago, western male.  Across the north and south, to Key Largo, love for sale.  __ __, __ __, __ __.”  Clue:  Sultry voice over a mellow Pop/Jazz track.  Mid 80s.

So, not much to tell.  We spent most of the day in bed.  Natcha took care of us and Daku.  We had a visit from Neechanon that brightened up the morning.  My symptoms are waning as Lisa’s get worse.  Underneath it all is Mr. Lag. 
 
Before we left for the States I snapped some picks at Top’s Market.  This product caught my eye, not because I wanted to buy it, but because of the name.  For the next time I’m feeling dull…..


We have to get well soon.  Invitations to parties and events are coming up.  This Saturday is the annual exhibit and reception at Rai MaeFarluang.  This is a park that is part of the Chiang Rai historical something.  They have a permanent exhibit on the history of Teak and its uses in northern Thailand.  Ajarn Nakorn invites us every year and it’s a big event on the Chiang Rai social calendar.  Hmm, I’d better check to see if I’m dull (555).

We sat in the sun after lunch.  The warmth felt good.  It was good to hear the familiar sounds of our surroundings, just to let me know I was really here.  The Greater Coucals and their hooting, the roosters, and the sounds from the river are all things you don’t hear in Culver City (5).  

As Mr. Lag draws the curtain on another day, I bid you good night (morning in the case of those across the pond).  

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                      Peace,
                                Danny

“Nothing in all the world is
more dangerous than sincere
ignorance and conscientious
stupidity.”
~Martin Luther King, Jr.