Shake

Hi,

The weather today was very pleasant.  There were streaky white clouds against a blue sky, and not in my imagination.  Things are growing as a result of the rains, it’s time to cut the lawns.

“Young man, there’s a place you can go.  I said, young man, when you’re short on your dough.  You can stay there, and I’m sure you will find many ways to have a good time.  It’s fun to stay at the __.__.__.__., it’s fun to stay at the __.__.__.__.  They have everything for young men to enjoy, you can hang out with all the boys…”  Clue:  The title is the initials of a very old institution.  The group is a costumed collection of traditional professions.

The new rules have been published and it will take a while to really understand them.  It looks like starting Sunday, May 3, malls, some restaurants, and places large enough to practice ‘social distancing’ may be allowed to open.  Travel within the country is still restricted.  Now that other countries are allowing their citizens to return home, flights out of Thailand will get busier.  What's really interesting is the rule that no domestic flights can serve food or drink.  What?  Chiang Rai to Bangkok is about 1 hour, and the idea of no water is not going to sit well.  We can do without the box lunches they serve, but no drinks?

We spent another quiet day at home.  Most of the activity centered around the dog of the house.  JaiDee is pretty much under constant surveillance, so that’s our day, except when he’s sleeping.  There was a toy he didn’t get at first, but now really loves.  It’s a stuffed skunk on the end of a string that’s attached to a pole.  You wave it around in a circle (trying not to get dizzy) and he chases it.  He’s very good at it, sometimes tricking the operator and cutting across the circle to attack the skunk by surprise.  

Today’s photo shows JaiDee chasing the skunk.  

There is a new (to us) application for creating and posting videos called ‘Tik Tok’ and it appears to be taking the world by storm.  Nitchanan has some videos that Natcha made of her dancing to pre-recorded music that are just too cute.  People lip-sync to songs, spoken word, etc.  It produces some real silly stuff that’s perfect for those who have cabin fever. 

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                           Peace,

                                     Danny 

“In a gentle way, you can

shake the world.”

~Mahatma Gandhi

Memory

Hi,

We are definitely in ‘Rain Mode’ these days.  It rained a lot last night, and again this morning.  

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was “I’m Only Sleeping” by The Beatles.  It’s ‘Zany Day’ time and a song from 1978:

“Young man, there’s no need to feel down.  I said, young man, pick yourself off the ground.  I said, young man, ‘cause you’re in a new town there’s no need to be unhappy….”  Hint:  The title is four initials.  Too easy.

Today was a quiet day, letting it all sink in that there will be another month of this ‘Stay home’ business.  There are a lot of people on the streets, considering what the decree is supposed to mean, but I’m not runnin’ nothin’.  The number of motorcycle delivery riders is amazing.  People are really ordering by phone and online, leaving it to underpaid riders to deliver the goods.  A friend of Cat’s started doing it and they only get about $1 per delivery.  In addition, there is no gas money or insurance involved.  The idea of having a job is a big part of the motivation.  If you know the city well enough and don’t waste time, about 10 trips a day would approach minimum wage.

Tonight marked the ‘bloom’ of the so-called rain flies.  We just learned this local name for them this year.  We’ve battled them every year, calling them flying ants.  Anyway, tonight was their night to invade the kitchen.  Outside, they circle around any light that’s on, but inside they seem to be disoriented.  They are a delicacy for Thais, but it takes a lot of them.  In the past, we’ve seen people under street lights catching them in bags, or standing in front of a parked motorbike catching them in the headlight.  Yeah, we don’t do that (555).

Today’s photo is a rare shot of JaiDee on our bed.  It’s rare because he’s not wearing his hoodie.  He’s so taken with his ‘bone’ the he’s not thinking about his ‘problems’.  He’s about 9.5 months.

It feels like a Wacky Wednesday.

                          Peace,

                                    Danny

“A clear conscience is usually the sign

of a bad memory.”

~Steven Wright

Find Peace

Hi,

It was a beautiful day in the neighborhood.  The cloudy overcast thinned out and there was blue sky overhead.  What a wonderful sight.  Late in the afternoon the clouds moved back to their familiar place to prepare for tonight’s rain.  

The ‘Easy Monday’ song is by those four lads from across the pond.  “Everybody seems to think I’m lazy, I don’t mind, I think they’re crazy.  Running everywhere at such a speed, till they find, there’s no need (There’s no need).  Please, don’t spoil my day, I’m miles away, and after all __ __ __.”  Clue:  Singing the praises of closing one’s eyes and drifting off into dreamland.  

The days seem to blend together, the common question around here is, “What day is today?”  One way I keep track is remembering what stage of the song we’re in, as in ‘Easy Monday’ day 2, then it’s Tuesday.  Of course, there’s no guarantee that I’ll remember that much (555).  There’s always the calendar or the phone but that would be too easy.  Even before this stay at home business, I have started messages and then realized that I was on the wrong song day.  I saved it for the right day and went back to square one.  

My handyman skills were on fire today.  I sprayed WD-40 on the rails of the sliding front door and made it better and I changed batteries in a motion light for the downstairs hall.  Whew, what’s next?

The government powers had their big meeting today and decided that the ‘decree’ will continue until the end of May.  Not much changed and some travel going out of Thailand will still be permitted, but you can’t get a flight into the country.  One of the changes will be easing of the restrictions on some businesses.  Shopping malls and hair salons will be permitted to operate, along with others who don’t pose a high risk of spreading the virus.  Entertainment venues will remain closed.  Well, we didn’t go to the movies anyway.  They are trying to slowly revive the economy by letting some people get back to work.  This is the tricky part, all over the world.

With another month of isolation, many businesses will be in trouble.  Lisa brought up Chareon Gardens, our ‘pie place’ on the highway to Chiang Mai.  They had a large staff and a big following.  The place is very much out of the way, so there might not be much of a ‘take away’ market.  So many things to consider.  We have friends who normally go to doctors in Chiang Mai, but now technically, one would have to go into a 14 day quarantine when entering another province.  Hmm, I’m wondering if they’ll finish the road work while everyone is at home.  That would be great.

Today’s photo is the new plants by the pool.  The big-leafed one in the center is about to have a flower that we didn’t know it produced. 

Have a Happy Tuesday.  

                       Peace,

                                 Danny

Ego says: “Once everything falls into place,

       I will find peace.”

Spirit says:  “Find peace and everything will 

       fall into place.”  

~Unknown 

Kind

Hi,

We had a cool weekend with afternoon rain on Saturday and overnight rain on Sunday.  The air is in the ‘Good’ zone and spirits have been lifted.

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was The Temptations singing “The Way You Do The Things You Do”.  It’s ‘Easy Monday’ time:  “When I wake up early in the morning, lift my head, I’m still yawning.  When I’m in the middle of a dream, stay in bed, float upstream (float upstream).  Please don’t wake me, no don’t shake me, leave me where I am, __ __ __.”  Hint:  Something that’s easy to say these days.  What is a favorite thing to do in confinement? 

As we approach the end of the month, a new decree was issued for another month of isolation and restrictions.  There are some things that will be different, like flights leaving the Kingdom will begin again, and some travel within the country may be allowed in some provinces.  Gatherings are still prohibited, so that may put a damper on some businesses re-opening.  Some things are still a little unclear, but what it clear is another month of the same for us.

JaiDee is still wearing the ‘Hoodie’, as we like to call it.  He hasn’t let it dampen his fun in the yard.  He still zooms around, bites things that he’s not supposed to, and enjoys ‘his coconuts’.  They really bring out the beast in him.

Today’s photos show him attacking his favorite yard toy.

Today we went out into the world.  This morning we went to Big C and were surprised to see how empty it was.  There were signs of the times in a few places.  There was a tiny branch of S&P bakery across from the check-out at Big C and it was my favorite cookie spot before Natcha started making the best cookies ever.  Now it’s a lingerie shop.  Some shops on the lower level are gone, with no replacement.  The rents are probably much higher and it’s an uncertain time for a new venture.  Our friends at Connect Cafe on Bus Station street announced that they will soon be taking orders for lunch and dinner.  They will prepare for take-out as well as delivery.  Slowly, things will begin to return to the ‘new normal’.  

The cleaner air has allowed us to spend more time outside.  Our new ‘thing’ is walking or running JaiDee and then hanging out on the front porch with coffee (JaiDee doesn’t get any).  He seems to enjoy it, which is very cool.

Have a Great Week.  Wash your hands and be patient.

                            Peace,

                                      Danny

“Stay kind.  It makes you beautiful.”

~Najwa Zebian

Friday Funnies

Hi,

It was supposed to be cooler today but someone forgot to tell the weather.  It was very hot, and the rain that was predicted may still arrive, but so far it’s been dry.  The air was a bit better today so that’s a good thing.

The ‘Zany Day’ song was “Thank You (Faletinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” by Sly & The Family Stone, 1970.  That brings us to another edition of ‘Old School Friday’.  We’ll have to motor up to Detroit for this one:  “You got a smile so bright, you know you could have been a candle.  I’m holding you so tight, you know you could have been a handle.  The way you swept me off my feet, you know you could’ve been a broom.  And babe you smell so sweet, you know you could’ve been some perfume.  Well, you could’ve been anything that you wanted to and I can tell __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __.”

Hint:  This R&B hit was released in 1964, sung by a quintet, praising the talents of their heart’s desire.

We had a routine day, except for the two cups of coffee this morning.  The dog got walked, watered (where he chases the water), and taken for a ride.  The ride was to the nursery for new plants to go around part of the pool.  JaiDee and I stayed in the van with the air on while Lisa shopped at the drive-thru plant place.  When we got home, Gong unloaded the heavy stuff and, after instructions from Lisa, placed everything by early afternoon.  With all the wind these days, Gong does a lot of clean-up every day.  Working with the plants was probably a great break.

After our nap, we tried to slip past the sleeping dog and go for a swim, but he heard us out by the pool and let it be known that he wanted company.  He calmed down, we swam, and the wind began to blow.  After our swim JaiDee got his way for a while.  After dinner Natcha and Nitchanan went for a swim.  The pool is really being put to good use lately.

It’s mango season here in Thailand and our tree, though a little behind schedule, is on the way to a ‘bumper’ crop.  We’ve never had so many that look like they’ll reach maturity.  Today’s photo is just one portion of our tree.

Wherever you are in the world, try and stay patient and vigilant with the virus protocols.  It may seem unnecessary, but this isolation/distancing thing works.  

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

                         Peace,

                                   Danny

Time

Hi,

It was just another scorching hot day in Chiang Rai.  The temperature was well over 100°F.  There is supposed to be a cooling trend starting tomorrow.  It’s going down to 89° for the high, with rain and thunder symbols; like that means a lot.

The ‘Zany Day’ song wasn’t a mystery for many of you.  Here’s the third verse, it has lots of references to who sang it:  “Dance to the music, all night long.  Everyday people, sing a simple song.  Mama’s so happy, mama start to cry.    still singin’ you can make it if you try.  I want to __ __ (__ __ __ __ __)…”  Clue:  The title has some tricky spelling of words.  

We had a slow day around The Big Brown House.  Most activity was centered around JaiDee.  We’re still trying to find a solution to a problem he’s having.  This afternoon we went back to Dr. View for another exam and consultation.  We’re hoping that some calming therapies will give us all a break until things get back to normal.  

There was actual blue sky above us this afternoon.  The ‘app’ still said it was in the moderate territory, but the sky said, ‘cool’.  The other meter for the air, my nose, said we’re not out of the woods yet.  

Nitchanan was back in the pool this afternoon.  She has a new floatation device that is really efficient.  A foam ring goes around her chest and two small rings around each upper arm.  It holds her up and there’s no slipping out of it.  Yesterday she and Natcha were in the pool, playing and swimming.  Today, Natcha sat on the side and took photos.  It’s fun to hear their little conversations, even though we don’t know what they’re saying.  

All around town it’s quite apparent that we’re in a drought.  Fortunately, Gong has been watering the trees and bushes so our yard still has some life.  Today’s photo was shot while sitting on the front porch with Lisa and JaiDee.

Chiang Rai has gone 23 days without a new positive case of Covid-19.  Things are looking good in our part of the country.  On the whole, Thailand has a very low count, but also very low testing.  Time will tell.  Right now the ‘stay-at-home’ plan is working and will probably be extended.  They have extended the ban on the sale of liquor until the end of the month.  

Have a Thrilling Thursday.   You know what to do.

                            Peace,

                                      Danny

“I saw a bank that said, ’24 hour banking’, 

but I don’t have that much time.”

~Steven Wright

Question

Hi,

So there we were, hiding from the 100+ outside temp, resigned to the fact that the rain forecast said 10%, and BAM, a storm swept in with ferocious wind and rain.  Afterwards, we had to go around the yard and clean up all the things JaiDee would want to keep (555).  Then we swam.

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was “I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash.  Here’s a ‘Zany Day’ tune for ya:  “Lookin’ at the devil, grinnin’ at his gun.  Fingers start to shakin’, I begin to run.  Bullets start chasin’, I begin to stop.  We begin to wrestle, I was on the top.  I want to __ __ (__ __ __ __ __).  __ __ (__ __ __ __ __).”  Hint:  It’s by a family affair from the Bay area in California.  The title is expressing gratitude for being allowed to be true to oneself.  Whew.

On the days when the temps go above 90°, the heat begins rather early.  By the time we’re ready to take JaiDee out for his morning play, it’s already pretty hot.  He’s been waking up earlier, so maybe it’s a sign to get him out there earlier, like at dawn (555).  Today he got a little treat in the form of a van ride into town.  We needed to go to the pharmacy so we took him along.  He and I waited in the van with the air on while Lisa shopped.  He was pretty cool with that.  Maybe more rides might have a calming effect.  As I type he’s downstairs barking his head off.  Go to sleep.

We had take-out for dinner for the second time in our isolation.  Sabroso Mexican Restaurant was our choice again. This time we had chicken enchiladas and they were great.  

Today’s photo is this afternoon’s storm.  Next time it blows like this I’ll take a little video so you can see the energy that moves through the yard.  This one blew from west to east, which caused us to check certain parts of the house.  Everything is perfectly fine.

Thailand continues to stay focused on containing the virus, and it seems to be working.  I’ll be interested to see what the results are when wide-scale testing begins.

Feels Like a Wacky Wednesday.   Wear your mask and wash your hands.

                     Peace,

                               Danny

“Learn from yesterday, live for today,

hope for tomorrow.  The important thing

is not to stop questioning.”

~Albert Einstein

Leader

Hi,

The heatwave is in full effect.  It was over 100°F today and looks like it will climb even higher as the week goes on.    It was so hot that we went in the pool with masks on, since the air was at the high end of ‘Moderate’.  Relief.

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was pretty easy, but here’s the second verse just in case.  It looped in my head all day.

“I think I can make it now, the pain is gone.  All of the bad feelings have disappeared.  Here is the rainbow I’ve been prayin’ for.  It’s gonna be a bright, bright sun-shiny day.”  Clue:  Something one might say with a new pair of glasses.

Life in these ‘conditions’ has a way of tricking one into thinking that it’s so oppressive that we can’t go on.  Or, to quote an old spiritual: ‘Nobody knows the trouble I see…’, when the fact is, everybody knows.  It’s all a matter of degree and from where I sit, it’s really not so bad.  I have to think about those who don’t have water to wash their hands, or the folks that don’t know what’s happening to them when they get sick.  Hmm, something to think about.

We got mail from the immigration office today, our 90 day check-in was successful.  It’s the first time we’ve ever done it by mail.  The government just extended visas for another 3 months.  That part doesn’t really effect us, but it’s good to know that someone is looking out for the ‘foreigners’.  

A second delivery came to the house today in the form of freshly baked brownies, cookies and scones from The Wanderer.  It’s not the same as sitting in the woods, but the tastes can be a nice reminder.  

Today’s photo was taken in the front yard.  It’s a close-up of the blossoms on Blue’s Tree. 

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                       Peace,

                                 Danny

“No man will make a great

leader who wants to do it all

himself or get all the credit

for doing it.”

~Andrew Carnegie

Interrupt

Hi,

We survived an extremely hot weekend, and were rewarded with a double rain storm this afternoon.  Just as our swim was winding down, the rumblings of thunder could be heard in the distance.  Could it be?  About 30 minutes later the wind got very strong and then the rain came.  It rained those big, serious drops for a while and then stopped.  A little later a second wave came though and finished the job of watering the neighborhood.  It did little to improve the air quality, which should tell you something about how thick our smoke has been.

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “Tutti Frutti” by Little Richard, and covered by Pat Boone and Elvis.  The politics surrounding this song were very obvious to Mr. Penniman (Little Richard) as well as Mr. Boone and they both talked about it.  This was the era of ‘Race Music’ and radio was a giant factor.  If you’re interested, just type in “Tutti Frutti wiki” and read all about it.  Now, it’s time for ‘Easy Monday’.  For a while, we’re going back to the original format, one song that might be easy to remember:  “__ __ __ __ now, 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:  Could be about how things look after a rain, a virus or just a bad day.

We did some essential shopping on Saturday morning, hitting Makro and Big C.  The stores are really being conscientious about enforcing safeguards.  At Makro, a man ahead of us in line had a bandana instead of a face mask and they sent him to a special table so he could get a proper mask.  The dispensers for the alcohol gel are now foot-pedal operations, so nobody’s hands touch the bottles.  As a result of all of the little things, as well as the major things, Thailand is keeping the number of cases down and making a difference.  In Chiang Rai things are very quiet as far as the virus is concerned.  

JaiDee is 9 months old.  He weighs 57 lbs. and is still a real puppy, complete with moods to cover everything.  He loves to snuggle and be petted, as well as grab his leash and act like he’s auditioning for a monster movie.  During the isolation he’s been getting his 20 minute walks by doing laps with Lisa around the house.  Boundless energy is his  specialty.  

Have a Great Week.  Stay safe and wash those hands.

                     Peace,

                               Danny

“Interrupt anxiety with

gratitude.”

~Unknown

Friday Funnies

Hi,

The week’s weather ended on a high note, as in the temp.  I guess we’ve gotten used to the high 90’s ‘cause it was just another day.  Next week we’ll see more 100+ degree weather and maybe some rain weekend after this one.  Lisa finally figured out what the percentages mean:  It’s the percentage of the province that will get wet, so 20% means that much of the land will get wet.  That way they’re covered.  “Oh, it rained, just not where you live.”

The ‘Middle Song’ was “Proud Mary”, originally by Creedence Clearwater Revival and covered by Ike & Tina Turner.  That brings us to ‘Old School Friday’.  Remember this?:  “A-wop-bop-a-loom-op- a-wop-bop-boom.  __ __ au rutti, __ __ au rutti (repeats a few times).  I’ve got a gal, named Sue, she know just what to do.  I got a gal, named Sue, she knows just what to do.  She rocks to the east, she rolls to the west, she’s the gal that I love best, __ __ au rutti…”  Hint:  This song is early Rock & Roll by one of the most outrageous artists in show biz.  There were different versions of this song for different audiences.  This was ’55/’56 and the cover was by an artist with a softer presentation.  A very interesting part of music history in the U.S.  Oh, the title is Italian.  The artist is another with the first name ‘Little’.

Today we had our first ‘Take out’ meal.  We called Sabroso and placed our order and it was ready in about 25 minutes.  We ordered their soft tacos and they came in a box with all of the ingredients.  We got to assemble them in the proportions we liked.  Nice idea.  

There are days during ‘isolation’ when the only way to spice things up is to put on a pink party dress.  Nitchanan beat the boredom.

This afternoon we tried to get JaiDee to go into the pool.  The boy wasn’t having it.  Lisa actually pulled him in, but he clung to the side.  When he got out, he raced over and picked up a towel and set it down.  He knows the routine from his baths.  After we hosed him off he got to make use of the towels.  He doesn’t mind going to the edge, but just not into the water.  What's interesting is that he will chase the water from the hose, and doesn’t mind getting wet during that game.  

After JaiDee left the pool, Lisa and I went for a swim.  It was the first swim of the season and it felt great.  Nitchanan wanted to join us so it became a swimming party.  Paddle boards and a little kiddie tube made for a lot of creative water play.  At one point, when we were being especially silly, she told Natcha that she liked playing in the pool with me.  I’m flattered, can still act like a kid.

In an effort to boost the morale of health care workers here in Thailand, Toon Bodyslam, the lead singer of the group Bodyslam has created a challenge.  Artist's are to cover a popular song for the benefit of the workers, and the artist whose song they covered has to do the same with another song.  The idea is that every day doctors and nurses will be serenaded by rock and pop stars while bringing attention to what Toon calls the ‘Real heroes’.

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd.  Don’t go too far and remember to wash your hands.  Time for the ‘Funnies’.

                        Peace,

                                  Danny

Decide

Hi,

We had more rain last night.  Not a storm, just a short, steady downpour that cleaned things up a little.  The trees and birds liked it, and so did the people.  Of course, it was hot, on the way to hotter so we stayed inside until late afternoon.

The ‘Middle Song’ was instantly spotted as a favorite by many readers.  First version was by a band, then a duo.

“Cleaned a lot of plates in Memphis, pumped a lot of pane down in New Orleans.  But I never saw the good side of the city, ’til I hitched a ride on a river boat queen.  Big wheel keep on turnin’, __ __ keep on burnin’.  Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the river.”  Clue:  

Some days just seem to fly by, and others seem to drag along.  I guess routine is the key.  Then again, some days have a way of defying routine.  They say, ‘no, we’ve done that too many times, do it different’.  Those days are cool when the choices are limited.  All this is to say that it’s not simple staying at home.  It’s not easy staying away from the people you need, and it’s definitely not easy living with uncertainty.  Then the realization comes that the whole world is living like this and it begins to be OK, and that’s good enough.

Those of us who have enough to eat and shelter from the elements are very fortunate.  There are people who don't have enough of either, and that’s just basic stuff.  There will be sad consequences as a result of this ‘thing’.  The suggestion would be that we try to help those around us if and when we can.  That may be the whole point of this, to help each other.

This afternoon Natcha and Nitchanan went into the pool.  Lisa and JaiDee joined them at poolside and I came along later.  It was nice, just hanging out, feet in the water, cooling off a bit.  Tomorrow the plan is to actually get in the water and then try and coax JaiDee in as well.  He may end up being the only dry one in the yard, but it’s worth a try.  We have heard stories about dogs who liked it so much they went for regular morning swims.  Hmm.

Today’s ‘Flashback’ is from Songkran 2015.  I love this photo of Blue and Me.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                         Peace,

                                   Danny

“All we have to decide is what to do

with the time that is given us.”

~J.R.R. Tolkien

Memories

Hi,

The air today began in the ‘good' area and slowly moved to the ‘moderate’ for the evening.  It’s still way better than it was last week.  It was so nice to walk around the yard without a mask on.  We’re being subjected to another heatwave progression, this time it’s supposed to go up to 104 next week.  We’ll see.  As for rain, I think we’ve had our allotment for the month.

This week’s ‘Easy Monday’ song was The Beatles and “We Can Work It Out”, covered by Stevie Wonder.  It’s ‘Middle Song’ time, and this one may trip you up.  “Left a good job in the city, workin’ for the man ev’ry night and day, and I never lost one minute of sleepin’, worryin’ ‘bout the way things might have been.  Big wheel keep on turnin’, __ __ keep on burnin’.  Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the river.”  Hint:  Steamboats, rivers, and a woman’s name.  The original artist may surprise you.

Today I realized the age of this ‘Daily message’.  The blogspot portion began in 2007, when we were preparing to leave the U.S.  Since then I have ‘posted’ 3304 editions of the blog.  It actually began as a daily email in 2001, after  returning from our first visit to Thailand.  

This morning we went out into the street.  Our first trip was to take JaiDee to see the vet.  Now we’re treating an inflammation.  He has no infections, etc. which is good to know, but he still goes through moments of distress when he gets crazy.  Fourteen laps around the house and he was ready to go to sleep tonight.  That’s better than before.  

On our second trip out, we discovered that most of the pharmacies were closed.  I have no idea why this is happening.  Now we have a new mystery in town.  

In other news, the virus numbers in the north, where we are, are still low compared to the rest of the country.  It doesn’t mean that things will change as far as the isolation boogie, but at least people are not getting seriously ill.

The question of the day is:  What do people do if they usually take their clothes to a laundromat to wash them?  

Today’s photo is a recent memory.  Khun Noot, from The Wanderer is stacking rocks.  She looks like she knows what she’s doing.

I feel a Wacky Wednesday coming.

                              Peace,

                                        Danny

“Whenever I think of the past,

it brings back so many memories.”

~Steven Wright

Gratitude

Hi,

We woke up this morning to cleaner air than we’ve seen in a long time.  As the morning progressed, it got even better.  Our air was actually in the ‘Very Good’ range.  Sadly, tonight it’s back up to Moderate. 

This week’s ‘Easy Monday’ song has lots of friends.  See if this ‘bridge’ section rings a bell:  “Life is very short, and there’s no time for fussing and fighting, my friend.  I have always thought that it’s a crime so I will ask you once again.  Try to see it my way, only time will tell if I am right or I am wrong.  While you see it your way, there’s a chance that we may fall apart before too long.  __ __ __ __ __, __ __ __ __ __…”  Clue:  Making it clear that a solution must be found.

The rain last night was wonderful.  It wasn’t a long storm-like downpour, just a steady watering of sky and land.  It also cooled the air last night.  Today it was hot, but not as hot as before.  Tomorrow, back to hot (96°).

This morning we talked with Joe, Lisa’s dad.  I only got to enjoy half of the conversation because I went to an online meeting in the guest room.  That sounds funny when I say it like that, but I think you know what I mean.  It’s pretty amazing that I was sitting here in the morning in Chiang Rai, listening to a friend sharing in California the night before (555).

We had more morning adventures with Nitchanan.  Today she pulled out two large mixing bowls she likes and used them to identify the profession she was portraying.  The big green bowl, when worn like a hat, meant she was a fire-fighter.  The smaller red bowl was for the doctor.  As the doctor she would feel for a heartbeat, make a very convincing sound and then give an injection that would be covered with a bandage.  The colors started changing and we could even request our favorite if we wanted.  She also did the same thing JaiDee does, ‘Zoomies’.  She ran around the island in the kitchen at least a dozen times without stopping.  Whew.

This evening we were at a loss as to what to do to exercise JaiDee.  When we take him out to the front yard for a little running back and forth, he decides to rip a branch from a tree or bush as entertainment.  Then he goes into wild boy mode and it’s no fun any more.  Tonight we walked him around the house using his ‘gentle leader’ and it worked.  I almost lasted as long as Lisa and JaiDee, but 12 laps calmed him down and he was set for the evening.  Yea!

Today’s photo was taken in 2017, when we wondered if the rain was coming.  Big C had this display that left no doubt.  Hoping to see something like this again, soon.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                        Peace,

                                  Danny

“Gratitude makes sense of 

our past, brings peace for today,

and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

~Melody Beattie

Hope

Hi,

After a couple of false starts over the weekend, late this afternoon we got rain.  Enough to water the lawns and gardens, cool the air and wash away a bit of the smoke.  

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “Louie Louie” by Richard Berry & The Pharaohs.  It was released in 1957, and the cover by The Kingsmen came out in 1963.  You can easily find stories about all the controversy and stuff.  Right now, it’s time for another dose of ‘Easy Monday’.  “Try to see it my way, do I have to keep on talking till I can’t go on?  While you see it your way, run the risk of knowing that our love may soon be gone.  __ __ __ __ __, __ __ __ __ __.”  Hint:  This should be a snap.  Those four lads again, with an attempt at diplomacy.  The cover is by a musical master who made the song his own.

We had a relatively quiet weekend at The Big Brown House.  There were audio and video calls with family and friends in different parts of the world, as well as here in Thailand.  We spent a good deal of time babysitting JaiDee.  Sunday morning we took the hoodie off as planned.  It didn’t go as we’d hoped, and he got a little overzealous and slightly injured himself again, meaning the hoodie is back on his head.  This whole ordeal is taking a toll on all of us.  His bed time has gone from 7:30pm to after 9pm.  He can’t be left alone, except when he’s asleep, because sometimes he can reach around the cone.  Constant watching is not relaxing.  We’re contemplating coaxing him into the pool in hopes that the water will distract him and the salt will help promote healing.  That means we’ll have to go into the cold water too.  Hey, wait a minute.

Today would have been the first day of the Songkran celebrations.  The government has postponed the water throwing and partying until safer times.  Now it’s up to the citizens to do their part and stay home and be cool.  There have been many posts on Facebook about how people are ‘making merit’ at home and not trying to travel to their family homes.  

On the virus front, things seem to be going well in our province here in the north.  People testing positive are being treated at the hospital and most are recovering and going home.  There have been no deaths this month.  The government hospital seems to be the destination of most patients, mainly because it’s free and there is a lot of great equipment.  Our two hospital contacts said they hadn’t had any cases as of early last week.  Clamping down on travel is a real key to containing this virus.  More will certainly be revealed.

Today Nitchanan spent some time in the kitchen drawing.  She did some letters and numbers and then drew Lisa and me, in that wonderful, childlike, 4-year-old way.  We didn’t have noses, but she thought that was funny.  When she was writing alphabet letters, she would sing a phrase of the song and then draw the letters.  She’s very smart.  She also took pleasure in showing me how quickly she could unlock Natcha’s phone.  Once she did, she showed me some of her favorite videos.  One is called ‘Baby Shark’.  It must be some kind of sophisticated robotic shark that acts like a puppy.  She loves it and had me cracking up.  Not a bad way to spend part of the day.

Have a Great Week and don’t forget to wash your hands, and other stuff too.

                      Peace,

                                Danny

“Hope is important because it can

make the present moment less

difficult to bear.  If we believe that

tomorrow will be better, we can bear

the hardship of today.”

~Thich Nhat Hanh

Friday Funnies

Hi,

The rain never showed up, because it was less than a 60% chance.  Now we’re looking to Sunday and Monday with high percentage forecasts.  I noticed lots of discussion about the big Pink Moon that was showing this month.  Ours was orange, due to the smoke.  We have another hot weekend coming up, but that’s old news.

The ‘Middle Song’ was “On Broadway” by The Drifters, and covered by George Benson.  For ‘Old School Friday’ we’re goin’ way back: “__ __, oh, oh, me gotta go.  __ __, oh, oh, me gotta go.  Fine little girl, she waits for me.  Me catch the ship, for cross the sea.  Me sail the ship, all alone.  Me never think, me make it home.  __ __, oh, oh, me gotta go…”  Hint:  This R&B classic came out in 1957, title is a name repeated.  The cover in ’63 was an augmented version of the original that created heavy controversy.  

The cone we bought last night didn’t last long on the head of JaiDee the destroyer.  This morning we went to our vet and got what a better quality cone that is still in one piece.  Even with his plastic accessory, he’s still getting lots of exercise.  Sunday we will remove the cone and, based on his response, get our dog back (555).

Last night we took the little gekko out to the balcony in a small box and set him/her free.  This morning it was gone.  Off on an adventure, running the roof-tops of The Big Brown House, or dining on tiny bugs that can’t take the heat.  We’re gonna miss our little friend.  Maybe we’ll meet again.

I’m happy to tell you that in the entire province of Chiang Rai there were no new reported cases of the virus since April 1.  That’s the good news.  The ‘other’ news is that there isn’t a lot of testing going on.  We shall see.  At least the powers that be are tightening the possibility of it spreading by taking more and more precautions.  The biggest holiday of the year, Songkran, has been cancelled. It would have started on Monday. The sale of alcohol has been banned from April 12 to April 16 and no more than 5 people may congregate at a time.  This is a good thing.  Now the question is:  Will the little kids be out on the street trying to throw water on the van on Monday morning?

This afternoon we ran a few errands.  One of them was to The Wanderer to pick up more tasty chicken curry puffs.

We went to the kitchen entrance for our puffs, but on the way down the road I took this parting shot.  That gate was always opened in the past.  So sad.

A close friend related his visit to Bangkok Hospital in Chiang Mai, to see his specialist.  Not only did they take his temperature, they interviewed him about his travels and actions over the last few days.  Now that’s what I call security.  

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd and “Happy" whatever you celebrate.     Time for the ‘Funnies’.

                           Peace,

                                     Danny

Discontent

Hi,

That pitiful forecast for rain was just that.  My theory is that if it’s less than a 60% possibility, it’s not going to happen.  My bookie agrees (555).

The ‘Middle Song’ was easily recognized by a few readers.  I know that more of you know this tune.  Here’s the third verse:  “Ha!  They say that I won’t last too long __ __ (__ __).  I’ll catch a Greyhound bus for home, they all say (__ __).  But oh, they’re dead wrong, I know they are, ‘cause I can play this here guitar, and I won’t quit ’til I’m a star __ __ (__ __).  Clue:  We’ve gone from the roof to under the boardwalk with this group and they’ve never let us down.  The subject of this song is where we can see some musical theater.  

It occurred to me that since I wear a mask everywhere I go, there is no need to shave.  As long as it doesn’t become a beard that breaks the feeble seal the mask provides, who cares?  Actually, it gets uncomfortable after several days and I shave anyway, in desperation.  Lisa stopped putting on lipstick for the same reason, plus, it gets all over the inside of the mask.  I can’t recall the show, but I remember a recent sci-fi show that had a virtual mask that would protect the face, but was invisible.  Now that’s pretty cool.

Every 90 days we have to check in with the immigration office to confirm our residence.  The time was approaching,  and we were told that we’d have to do it using an ‘app’ provided by immigration.  The app wasn’t working so we found a form on the internet.  After a call to our local office, they told us to mail the form to the Mae Sai office.  We took the completed forms to the post office and discovered a drive-through service.  Great idea in these times.  After we got home, Lisa saw an alert in the Bangkok Post stating that they had extended the check-in period to the end of the month.  Oh well, it’s done.

In today’s photo I’d like to introduce you to another little friend.  He lives in our bathroom and seems to like it there, although I don’t think he can get out on his own.  He’s about 3 inches long.

This afternoon we went to Mae Chan to see Dr. Mark.  We were both moaning around the house with aches and things.  Most of it brought on by our lovable ‘puppy’.  We firmly believe that the outburst will cease once the cone is gone.  Anyway, we had some interesting conversations about life changes from a doctors perspective.  You can know something, like the tension that must be in a doctors life, but until you see it in the face and hear it in the voice, it doesn’t mean the same.  All health care workers are living in fear, even if they do manage to suppress it.  Much respect must be given to these heroes.

So, here we sit in isolation, caring, worrying about family and friends.  Multiply that around the world.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                       Peace,

                                 Danny

“Discontent is the first necessity

of progress.”

~Thomas A. Edison

Vision

Hi,

Our Wednesday was another one of those brutally hot days.  The air got a little better, meaning it moved to ‘Unhealthy’ from “Very Unhealthy."  We’re all getting a buzz just imagining that it will rain tomorrow.  There is an even greater chance for Sunday showers.  

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” by The Supremes, and covered by Vanilla Fudge among others.  This week’s ‘Middle Song’ may bring back memories:  “They say the neon lights are bright __ __ (__ __).

They say there’s always magic in the air.  (__ __).  But when you’re walkin’ down the street, and you ain’t had enough to eat, the glitter rubs right off, and you’re nowhere.  (__ __).”  Hint:  Song is about a famous street in a famous city.  It’s sung by a group with many hit tunes to their credit.  The cover was by a guitarist-turned-singer.

Things have really changed around here.  Our airport now has only 1 flight per day going to Bangkok and nowhere else.  The buses no longer run between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, and you have to have a very good reason to be on the highway in a private vehicle.  This morning we went to Top’s Market at the mall. They take your temperature then give you a cloth face mask if you don’t have one.  They also have a shallow box that you step into to disinfect the bottom of your shoes.  Hmm.  After we picked up a few things, we noticed the escalator was moving up towards the main floor of the mall.  Being adventurous, we got on, just to see what was happening.  It was mostly closed stores and counters.  A few restaurants were open, only for people picking up take-out orders.  The cell phone providers were open as well as Power Buy, a smaller version of Best Buy in the States.  

Today’s photo was taken at Centra Plaza Mall.  Say ‘Hello’ to my little friend, made from Spanish Moss.

Last night we talked with Cat.  She’s isolated in her new apartment.  There is a ‘7-11’ in front of her apartment building, and take-out nearby.  She spends a lot of time with Netflix and texting with her friends from school.  Her year of practice teaching has been postponed until it’s safe for Thailand to reopen schools, which means she doesn’t know.  The biggest problem with all of this is the delay of her graduation until the ‘practice’ year is done.  She told us that her sister is staying in her little house in the village, and that she likes to go into the forest and collect things to eat.  Everything from bamboo to greens to fish is available.  It’s very handy to know how to gather from the forest when your job is gone.

It feels like a Wacky Wednesday.

                            Peace,

                                      Danny

“Where there is no vision,

there is no hope.”

~George Washington Carver

Misery

Hi,

We made it the the triple digit temp today.  I hardly noticed since I stayed inside.  The latest forecast for rain is 40% on Thursday.  Hmm, not holding my breath, but remaining hopeful.

‘Easy Monday’ was a slow day.  A few of you knew it right away.  The song opens with a ‘Morse Code’ figure on guitar.  Today’s lines are from the second half of the second verse.  The last line is one of those ‘sing-along’ fun lines.

“You say although we broke up, you still just wanna be just friends.  But how can we still be friends, when seeing you only breaks my heart again?  And there ain’t nothin’ I can do about it.  Whoa-whoa-whoa, set me free, why don’t you, baby?….”  Clue:  Five words in the title implying that the ex is ‘stringing her along’.  

We had every intention of going to Top’s today, but got sidetracked babysitting JaiDee.  He was in a very loving mood, but didn’t want to take his usual morning nap.  If we just left him with Natcha, she would have been interrupted from her work.  These days, nothing is so pressing that it can’t be done the next day, he said (555).

An interesting thing is happening here in our area.  While there is no national 24 hour curfew as yet, rumors are flying that there is one in place.  Because some communities function with a certain autonomy, a village west of town has been put under a curfew because they had three positive tests for the virus.  The head of the village declared the shutdown, which seems to be the best way to stop the spreading.  It’s a pretty bold move, showing a lot of initiative.  We don’t know how long the village will be isolated.

We have two contacts at local hospitals that we stay in touch with and neither hospital has had any cases of covid-19.  The few cases reported in Chiang Rai province are all being treated at the government hospital downtown.  

Before things got serious with this pandemic, someone mentioned that money was something that no one talked about in terms of passing on the virus.  Before there was a virus, Gong was washing his money.  He is a very clean guy.  Now it has relevance.  Today’s photo is money drying on the kitchen faucet.

Have a Happy Tuesday.  

                          Peace,

                                    Danny

“When will our consciences grow so

tender that we will act to prevent

human misery rather than avenge it?"

~Eleanor Roosevelt