Friday Funnies

Hi,

Today was markedly cooler than the rest of the week.  The temp was only 95°F (555).  We had an afternoon rain that really cooled things down.  At 8:30pm it is 84°.  The weekend will probably be the same.  

The ‘Zany Day’ tune was “She Came In Through The Bathroom Window” by The Beatles.  ‘Old School Friday’ is next:

“Deep down in Louisiana close to New Orleans, way back up in the woods among the evergreens, there stood a log cabin made of earth and wood, where lived a country boy named __ __ __, who never ever learned to read and write so well, but he could play a guitar just like a-ringin’ a bell…”  Hint:  This should be easy.  The second dash is an initial.  It’s from 1958 and the artist is legendary. 

This was a big day, the day of the ‘Play Date’.  First we took JaiDee out for a walk, just to mellow him a bit.  He was surprised that we didn’t go anywhere after the walk.  The watchdog in him sounded a big alarm when Lisa and Duke pulled into the driveway.  He was eager to meet his guest, but Duke, who is only 9 weeks old, was a little aloof.  Apparently this is how many Chows are.  They did what dogs do and then Duke gave JaiDee a little bark.  JaiDee barked back and then they nipped at each other.  We kept them on their leashes for the first half of the visit, there was no telling which way things were going.  In the end, they coexisted on the front porch while the humans sipped coffee.  The signs are good that they could be friends.  

Today’s photo is JaiDee and Duke getting acquainted.

The whole ordeal wore us all out.  After lunch, everybody took a nap.  Natcha watched JaiDee while we took a dip in the pool before another expected rain.  After dinner we exercised the dog, meaning we got him to run around in the front yard.  Natcha joined us and really got him going.  It makes him a little more docile at the walking place and when he comes home, he’s ready to crash.  We have decided that we really do need a second dog, for JaiDee to have a companion.  The hunt is on but for a smaller dog.

Tomorrow will be one of those busy days in the street, at least for the first half.  It’s all essential stuff, you know, food to eat, etc.  At The Mall I’ll drop off my computer for a much needed new battery.  Chiang Rai is coming alive and it’s interesting to watch.  

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

                          Peace,

                                    Danny

Think

Hi,

The weather was actually cooler today.  We woke up to a cloudy sky and the smell of moisture in the air.  In the afternoon we had a breezy rain shower that left a few small puddles in the yard.  More is expected later this week.

“She said she’d always been a dancer.  She worked at fifteen clubs a day.  And though she thought I knew the answer, well , I knew what I could not say.  And so I quit the police department, and got myself a steady job, and though she tried her best to help me, she could steal, but she could not rob.  Didn’t anybody tell her?….”  Clue: Apparently a relationship was formed between an intruder and the singer.

This morning we went to Overbrook Hospital for follow-up blood tests.  It had been months since the last ones since everything was delayed by the virus.  I had a full battery of tests and Lisa had the same as last time.  The good news is, my cholesterol numbers are much better as is my blood sugar.  We’ve been eating differently since the last tests and also since our encounter with Maw Dang.  There are still things to watch, but nothing that will change the quality of life.  Hmm, nobody said, ‘no pie’.  We spent part of the morning with the tests, and then went to The Wanderer for coffee and roti, minus the dog.  We had to go back to the hospital to see our doctor and discuss the results, so it was a nice break.  

We did take JaiDee for an abbreviated walk before we went to the hospital.  Today he found a bigger stick and paraded around with it until it became too much.  He set it down and looked for a lighter one.

Tomorrow is the ‘Play Date’ with Duke, the Chow puppy.  Duke will be anxious to play, since he lives with two dogs who don’t want to play with him.  JaiDee likes everybody, so it should be a fun time for all.  We have an expat friend who walks her dog in the evening on the same path as Lisa and JaiDee.  They will be having a date at the house in the near future.  We’re going to need an appointment book to keep up with our boy.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                                 Peace,

                                           Danny

“I’ve always believed that you can

think positive just as well as you can

think negative.”

~James Baldwin

Nice

Hi,

More hot weather was upon us today.  At The Big Brown House it reached 104° again.  Tomorrow is going to be just as hot, and then it’s supposed to drop into the mid 90’s through the weekend.  Oh boy, a real cooling spell.

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was “White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane.  This week’s ‘Zany Day’ song should be familiar to you all:  “__ __ __ __ __ __ __, protected by a silver spoon.  But now she sucks her thumb and wonders, by the banks of her own lagoon.  Didn’t anybody tell her?  Didn’t anybody see?  Sunday’s on the phone to Monday.  Tuesday’s on the phone to me.”  Hint:  It’s from 1969 by a group from across the pond.  Title refers to an odd method of entering a house. 

This mornings walk was a little different.  In the past, JaiDee has just walked around with his nose to the ground, enjoying the funky smells.  Today, he spotted a piece of bark and looks like a little log.  It became his companion for the rest of the time.  He even carried it to the van, letting us know that he wanted to take it home.  It’s in the back and we’ll give it to him in the morning.  What a kid.

Our coffee ‘date’ today was with our friend Lisa and her father Edwin.  We met at Chivit Thamma Da.  We had our usual iced-coffee but with a scone set as an extra treat.  Lisa and Edwin had breakfast, which arrived in gourmet style and was worthy of a photo (I didn’t take one).  Most of the breakfast items contain cheese in some form so we don’t get to partake.  There was a lot of ‘dog talk’ since Lisa and her family have a Chow puppy named Duke.  He will be JaiDee’s first ‘play-date’ at our house on Friday.  That should be very interesting.  

The curfew here has been changed.  It is now from 11pm to 4am, and the ‘State of Emergency’ has been extended to June 30.  With the easing of restrictions almost every week, life is slowly returning to ‘almost normal’.  The safety protocols will remain in place as far as we can tell, and people seem to be accepting that as necessary.  

I must admit, it feels a little strange watching the world, reading dramatic headlines about the virus, while we have relatively no cases here in the north and very little in the country.  I wish it would all just go away, but that’s not going to happen.  It’s going to take everybody working together, with a common thought.  Hmm, it could happen.

It feels like a Wacky Wednesday.   

                           Peace,

                                     Danny

“The world is filled with nice people,

if you can’t find one, be one.”

~Unknown

Green

Hi,

The high today was 104°F in the shade.  It was really, really hot.  It was so hot…

With ‘Easy Monday’ falling on a holiday for lots of you, it’s no wonder only a few responded to this very memorable song from 1967.  “When the men on the chessboard get up and tell you where to go, and you’ve just had some kind of mushroom, and your mind is moving slow.  Go ask  Alice, I think she’ll know…”  Clue:  The title of the song is not in the lyrics, but you should be able to see that we’re in a fantasy story and it’s one of the main characters.  Whose missing? 

This morning, ‘Alarm clock dog’ decided to wake us up at 5:45am.  I guess he wanted to get a head start on the heat of the morning.  We blindly complied since his bark is huge and can’t be ignored.  The relaxing on the front porch portion was short-lived when he began gardening.  The digging is his construction job, this recent pulling up plants that are healthy is a new thing.  It was so nice when he could just be set free to be a little puppy, investigating the world.  There are times when he can be a barrel of fun, teasing, running and leaping like a gazelle.  It’s just a phase, they said.

After a short walk in the park, we went to Chivit Thamma Da for the usual.  Today, JaiDee was the headliner.  It was his ‘show’.  His fans rushed to see him when we entered, and one of his favorite friends hung out with us most of the time we were there.  Another new member of the club joined her and they marveled at JaiDee’s trick of ‘shake a paw’.  He can do it with both paws.  He did a few more tricks, over and over to the delight of his ‘people’.  Tomorrow he’ll have a return engagement since we’re meeting our friend Lisa for coffee.

This afternoon we went to Makro for food for the dog.  Now they have a QR system at the front door, or an optional method just inside.  The importance of tracking who is in the store at what time is important because it helps prevent the silent spreading of the virus.  Some feel that it’s an invasion of privacy, but these are serious times and being able to contact those who might be infected is a real priority.  

While cruising through Makro, I spotted something new in the vegetable department:  Purple Carrots from Australia.  Maybe you know about these, but it’s new to me.

This evening Lisa and JaiDee went to the walking place and it was ‘show time’ once again.  He has figured out the art of sitting still and being adorable.  Yesterday a little boy of about 4 years old approached JaiDee.  JaiDee just put his nose to the little boys chest while he rubbed his head.  They met again on the next lap and this time the boy had more confidence and really petted JaiDee.  This evening he made friends with a woman who was afraid, but stood long enough to realize he was no threat.  Our little prince.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                           Peace,

                                     Danny

“The grass isn’t greener on the other side

It’s green where you water it.”

~Unknown

Change

Hi,

We are in the season of the sun.  At 9pm it was 86°F.  The low, which won’t come until 6am, will be 75°.  That should give you some idea of what hot is like here.  Tomorrow’s high is expected to be 100°.

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “All I Have To Do Is Dream” by the Everly Brothers.  It’s ‘Easy Monday’ time:

“One pill makes you larger and one pill makes you small, and the ones that mother gives you don’t do anything at all.  Go ask Alice, when she’s ten feet tall.  And when you go chasing rabbits and you know you’re going to fall.  Tell’em a hookah-smoking caterpillar has given you the call.  Call Alice when she was just small.”  Hint:  This should be a snap. 

Our basic pattern these days is to stay at home, or go to places where we’re outside, except for shopping trips.  Saturday we went to Big C and Central Plaza Mall.  The Mall was a trip because they have all these ways to keep track of everyone, just in case someone gets sick.  The big thing these days is the ‘QR code’.  You’ve probably used one for something, a square design with nonsensical patterns that your phone can read and/or transmit.  We used the old school method to enter, but at the Apple store, when we asked how it worked, the guy took us through the whole thing.  Some stores just take your temp and have you wash your hands with gel, others want to keep track of you.  Whatever helps prevent a ‘Second Wave’, as it’s being called.  There are reasons to fear this ‘wave’ since so many people are so happy to be able to do ‘normal’ things, they forget that there are still protocols and restrictions in place.  

Today’s photo was taken this weekend.  JaiDee has decided that there is one tree in the front yard that he has deemed his digging ‘project’.  We’re going to let him have his space since the tree has turned out to be a twig.  This is one of my best action shots in a long time.

Sunday morning we had coffee, scones and ice with our friend John.  We met at The Wanderer and had a very enjoyable time.  There was a lot of catching up to do.  With all the walks and visits to coffee shops, JaiDee has become a social animal, cordially greeting his admirers.  When we enter the entrance path to The Wanderer, JaiDee pulls toward the gate to the residence, knowing that’s where Mercy lives.  She stands on the top level, looking down with sad eyes.  Eventually, she will get to come into the ‘woods’ and visit her friends.

We’re feeling quite grateful that there hasn’t been an ‘outbreak’ here in Chiang Rai.  Now that the provincial borders have been opened, it’s time to be vigilant and do all the right things.  Life can actually be fun while following directions, sometimes (555).

Have a Great Week.   Stay safe, stay healthy, stay happy.

                             Peace,

                                       Danny

“You can’t go back and change

the beginning, but you can start

where you are and change the ending.”

~C.S. Lewis

Friday Funnies

Hi,

Hot day, no rain, no swim, not happy.  Yeah, that about sums it up.  Actually, the happy part wasn’t accurate, but it worked as almost half a haiku (555).

The ‘Zany Day’ song was “Yakety Yak” by The Coasters.  It’s that ‘Old School Friday’ time, and something you might remember:  “When I want you in my arms, when I want you, and all your charms.  Whenever I want you, __ __ __ __ __ __ __.”  Hint: It’s by a pair of brothers with many hits.  Sleeping is involved.

This morning we took Mr. JaiDee for his usual walk, and then to The Wanderer.  On the way, we stopped at Browney’s for a re-stock of treats.  As usual, there was a fuss made over the big puppy.  He’s totally cool with it and it’s fun to watch.

We got to The Wanderer later than yesterday and it was practically empty.  On the way in, I noticed the ‘Hand washing station’ that was built for guests.  Khun Noot explained that she and Khun Tomas, the ‘Green Thumb Man’ designed and built it.  The wind had knocked down some bamboo in the area, so she had him cut it up and the design was born.  

While we waited for our roti, we watched Noot and her grandson play.  He wanted her to make a rainbow.  She took a spray bottle of water and created a mist at just the right angle to the sun and little Khun had his rainbow.  He was so thrilled every time.  Something like that you just don’t do once for a four year old. 

 

Today we had three women come and work on the yard.  Gong hired them to weed the front lawn and clean out the dead palm stalks, etc. that border the rear of the house.  It was a major job and they did it quite efficiently.  Now we have ‘gaps’ that show us a view of the meditation center and other mood-breakers.  We will have to find some replacements to keep our environment intact.  

Because our yard was being ‘used’ this afternoon, we couldn’t go for a much needed swim.  We watched some snooker (the World Championship tournament) and Lisa worked on uploading another of my songs to Youtube.

https://www.facebook.com/danny.moses.520  If you go there, it would be great if you’d click on the like button.  See, now I’m totally part of the new generation (555).

This evening was a Friday, and that means lots of folks getting their exercise in before the weekend.  Now that restrictions have lessoned, people are doing more.  The ‘walking place’ at the government building was packed.  We have never seen so many people out walking.  I went out for about 15 minutes with Lisa and JaiDee.  The dog has another fan club of walkers.  People smiling at him, and some even know his name.  You’d think he had a TV show or something (555).  Everywhere we go, it’s the same thing.

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd.    It’s time for the ‘Funnies’.

                         Peace,

                                   Danny

Let It

Hi,

Yes, you guessed it.  Really hot day, but with a cooling wind in the afternoon and evening showers.  A rather nice combination.

The ‘Zany Day’ song still has ‘legs’ even though it came out in 1959.  The group is named for either something that rolls down a hill, or something one sets a drink on.  This is the last verse:  “Don’t you give me no dirty looks.  Your father’s hip, he knows what cooks.  Just tell your hoodlum friends outside, you ain’t got time to take a ride.  __ __, don’t talk back…”  Clue:  Two words describing the words that parents perceive are being spoken by a complaining kid.

Our morning ritual came about in part, because we wanted some place to have coffee and let JaiDee play.  The front porch was a bet we had missed for a long time.  Now we love it.  Below is a photo of part of our view of the front yard.

Today was the day The Wanderer re-opened.  We took JaiDee for his walk before going so he would be mellow.  The whole thing was timed so we would arrive when they opened.  To our surprise, when we rolled up to the entrance, the lot only had one space left.  Cat arrived early and told us that people were lined up before the gate was opened. The staff was not prepared for such a response, which meant we had to wait for coffee, etc.  JaiDee got his ice right away and then got to go for a walk.  Mercy, Joey and Sally had to stay at in their private yard, and were most upset when JaiDee got to stroll in.  He wanted to visit with Mercy but all she could do was bark.  The place looked great and could not have returned at a better time.  

Cat told us about some if the obstacles she’s facing while trying to teach English during school closures.  The idea of teaching young kids online has not worked for several reasons.  For one, they have a hard time staying focused, especially if they’re using a smart phone.  If the family has a computer, it’s difficult to maintain a good connection if others in the village are also online.  In one instance, there were older siblings who also wanted to either study or play games, leaving the younger child out.  She is doing personal visits, after discussion with the parents on safety issues.  Now she teaches 2 days a week until the ‘system’ gives new instructions.  Very interesting, seeing the ripples of this virus.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                        Peace,

                                   Danny

“If it comes, let it.

If it goes, let it.”

~Unknown

Word

Hi,

Well, of course it was hot.  What else would it be?  Another day of 100° in the shade on our balcony, and no rain in sight.  Oh, there were clouds, but they blew away.  

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor.  Time for a ‘Zany Day’ oldie I’m sure you know:

“Take out the papers and the trash, or you don’t get no spending cash.  If you don’t scrub that kitchen floor, you ain’t gonna rock and roll no more.  __ __, don’t talk back.”  Hint:  A parent laying down the law around the house.  It’s from the catalog of zany hits by a group famous for that sort of thing.

This morning, after the dog walk, we went to Chivit Thamma Da.  JaiDee got a lot of attention from his fan club.  As soon as we hit the front door they were all over him.  Then, when we got to our table, there was at least one who always spends extra time, and today there were two.  His very special lady friend said, ‘Today I don’t want to work’.  She just wanted to play with JaiDee.  Her work friend echoed her sentiment and they giggled and continued to play with the puppy.  

Today’s photos were taken at the riverside area where we walk JaiDee in the mornings.  The second photo is the stuff he loves to investigate.  He never tries to bite the giant seed pods, though I don’t know why.

One of the problems with this extremely hot weather is that it doesn’t allow for the running of the dog.  When the days cool off in the late afternoon or evening, we can get him running around the yard.  Tonight was so hot it would not have been healthy to do that.  He’s so high-strung and if he doesn’t get his run after the evening walk, he’s a nut case.  Tonight was such a night.  He wants to play, but it turns into a biting thing that can’t be turned off.  The energy has to go someplace.  To make matters worse, someone in the neighborhood decided to burn plastic this afternoon and evening, meaning the air was horrible.  Other than that, life is good.

Gong, Natcha and Nitchanan went on a little adventure this afternoon.  They started out for the waterfall, but ended up at a Doi Chaang that has a play area and lots of Akha (Hill Tribe) food.  It’s on a mountain, so there was a breeze that kept them cool.  We’ll have to check this out.

It really does feel like a Wacky Wednesday.

                        Peace,

                                  Danny

“If a word in the dictionary were 

misspelled, how would we know?

~Steven Wright

Life

Hi,

We had another hot day today.  This will be the message for the time being.  The rain turned out to be a light sprinkle.  So light that Lisa and JaiDee did the evening walk in it, with the aid of a rain poncho.  

The ‘Easy Monday’ song is about living through something and continuing.  “Go on now, go.  Walk out the door.  Just turn around now ‘cause you’re not welcome anymore.  Weren’t you the one who tried to hurt me with goodbye?  Did you think I’d crumble?  Did you think I’d lay down and die?  Oh, no, not I, __ __ __, oh as long as I know how to love I know I’ll stay alive.  I’ve got all my life to live, I’ve got all my love to give and __ __, __ __ __, hey, hey.”  Clue:  This tune is about remaining standing after a bad breakup.

Today’s photo is of Nitchanan as she was about to go to a double birthday party for two of her cousins.  All of the ‘jewelry’ she’s wearing was made by her.

This morning we took JaiDee down to the river, where they dock the long-tail boats.  There was a lot more sniffing around and I think it was better than the other side of the water where he usually takes us (555).  The boat operators have been shut down since the beginning of the whole virus thing.  Their main business was tourism, which has dried up for now.  A few haul ‘cargo’, but we haven’t heard many boats.  

After our ‘river walk’, we went to Work@Home.  Katai and Towan were both out, but JaiDee stood facing their house the whole time we were there.  He knew that’s where they came from, so they had to come out.  Just as we were leaving, Katai returned from yoga class and JaiDee went nuts.  He was so excited he could hardly control himself.  He got lots of vigorous petting and then snuggled up against Katai.  She said she thought he wanted to stay with her.  We’re calling her his second mom.  

The last time we visited at Work@Home, Towan told us that many shipments of goods Phrae is not receiving from outside the province.  Because of quarantines, the truck drivers would have to spend 14 days just sitting.  They can’t afford to do that, so they don’t make the run.  

The ‘Hero of the Day’ goes to Natcha, who baked a batch of her wonderful cacao cookies in the blistering heat.  Yum!

Have a Happy Tuesday.         Don’t believe the hype, it ain’t over.  Wash up, cover up!

                         Peace,

                                   Danny

“The life of the nation is secure

only while the nation is honest,

truthful, and virtuous.”

~Frederick Douglass

Lesson

Hi,

Chiang Rai is having more than a heatwave.  We’re having a Very Hot Wave.  It was 79° at 7am today.  The high was 101°F.  Right now it's a little after 9pm and it’s 82.  Tomorrow is to be cooler, only 95, but we are reminded that it’s just a guess, right?

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “Knock On Wood” by Eddie Floyd.  The ‘Easy Monday’ song was a huge disco hit.

“At first I was afraid, I was petrified.  Kept thinking I could never live without you by my side.  But then I spent so many nights thinking how you did me wrong, and I grew strong, and I learned how to get along.  And so you’re back from outer space, I just walked in to find you here with that sad look upon your face.  I should have changed that stupid lock, I should have made you leave the key, if I’d have known for just one second you’d be back to bother me.  Go on now, go.  Walk out the door….” (to be continued)  Hint:  This song became an anthem in 1979, for people who had been hurt by so-called lovers.  The big chorus comes tomorrow.

Saturday morning we met our friend Lisa at Chivit Thamma Da.  She hadn’t seen JaiDee in a long time and couldn’t believe how much he’d grown.  He got his usual celebrity treatment and stayed very mellow.  Sunday morning, the three of us went for a walk and then had coffee and ice at Singhakla House, the art gallery/coffee shop.  It’s a nice, mellow place that never seems to have any customers when we’re there.

The big news in our little world is the re-opening of The Wanderer on Thursday of this week.  Of course, we’re beyond excited.  It’s interesting to know, and have a preview of what owners go through in trying to plan a restart with all of the protocols, restrictions and safety measures that have to be in place.  Things must be worded just right to make sure the customers feel safe, yet you want it to seem exciting.  "Oh yes, come and sit a mile from your friends and enjoy yourself”.  We went to the mall this morning, after a trip to Big C.  The latest thing before entering is to leave your name and phone number on a master list, in case they have to contact people from a certain date and time.  At the mall, not only did they do this at the main entrance, but at some shops as well.  It’s a good thing that will take getting used to.  

Before we went into the mall to go to Top’s market, we stopped at Starbuck’s, someplace we hadn’t been to in months.  Today’s photo shows how they’re dealing with the ‘distancing’.  The iced-coffee was good even at that distance (555).

This afternoon we got a new water pump for the pool side of the house.  Now things are nice and quiet over there.  Later, we went for a ‘semi-swim’.  That’s when you move around a little, without a lot of exertion.  The water was just a few degrees cooler than the air.  It felt almost like a bath, but was still refreshing.  

Have a Great Week.

                       Peace,

                                 Danny

“The ultimate lesson all of us

have to learn is unconditional

love, which includes not only 

others, but ourselves as well.”

~Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Friday Funnies

Hi,

Today was another scorcher.  There was a forecast of rain, but we only had a few drops.  We have a hot weekend coming.

The ‘Zany Day’ song was “Along Comes Mary” by The Association.  Time for ‘Old School Friday’ from 1966.

“I don’t wanna lose this good thing, that I got.  If I do, I will surely, surely lose a lot.  ‘Cause your love is better than any love I know.  It’s like thunder, lightnin’.  The way you love me is frightening.  I’d better __, __ __, baby.”

Hint:  The title is based on a superstition.

This morning we took JaiDee for another ‘walk on the wild side’ to burn off some energy.  He loves stepping over old branches, seed pods and trash searching for that illusive something.  From there we went to Chivit Thamma Da, where he was the star of the show.  Everybody in the place was greeting and petting him.  Next thing you know, they’ll want to take selfies with him.  He has been much milder in his behavior lately.  He has stopped trying to eat the furniture, which is a big plus.  We will return tomorrow for a coffee date with our friend Lisa.

Gong sold his road bicycle to a person in Chiang Mai.  The common practice in cases like this is to mail the bike.  Gong started wrapping it in bubble-wrap in the back yard.  When we returned from coffee, Natcha told Lisa that he rode it to the post-office, wrapped it up, sent it and walked home.  That’s what I call a day’s work.  I’ve actually seen motorbikes at the big post-office, ready for mailing.

This photo of JaiDee makes it apparent that we really don’t have to buy any more toys from Browney Pet World.

If this message seems a little late, it’s because I started late.  I was in Darjeeling, India at a Recovery meeting via Zoom with about 70 new friends.

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd.         Time for the ‘Funnies’.    Have fun, but stay safe.

                          Peace,

                                    Danny

Suffering

Hi,

This one was just like the last one except the rain actually arrived.  We had a brief afternoon storm that cooled a hot day.  

This week’s ‘Zany Day’ song could be perceived as a downer, but when it came out, all they heard was ‘Mary’.

“When vague desire is the fire in the eyes of chicks whose sickness is the games they play.  And when the masquerade is played and neighbor folks make jokes as who is most to blame today.  And then __ __ __, and does she want to set them free, and let them see reality from where she got her name?  And will they struggle much when told that such a tender touch as hers will make them not the same?  When we met I was sure out to lunch, now my empty cup tastes as sweet as a punch.”  Clue:  A song of arrival, and possible release.

Today was a busy day for a doggie named JaiDee.  After our morning porch time, we went for a walk to the spot across the river with all the smelly ground cover (joy).  This guy has a thing for old, decaying vegetation.  From there we went to Work@Home for a play-date with Katai and Towan.  We got there before they were ready, but JaiDee knew where we were, and tried to pull Lisa to their house.  Towan drove up and got out of his car, making a welcoming sound.  JaiDee jumped to his feet and Lisa released his leash.  He tore across the parking lot into Towan’s arms and that’s the last we saw of JaiDee for about 20 minutes.  He got petting, rubbing and scratching to last at least a week.  Then Towan took him to the door of their house and he pushed inside to meet Katai.  The rest of the morning was Towan and JaiDee going for little walks, exploring the property, and sitting on the bench with his best buddies. Katai said that when he was in their house, he jumped up on their couch.  He started to bite a pillow but withdrew as if he knew it wasn’t his to bite.  Hmm, he’s learning something.  

This afternoon we drove up to Bangkok Hospital for a consultation with an orthopedic specialist.  One of JaiDee’s lunges pulled a muscle on Lisa and we wanted to get it checked out.  As is usual with things like this, time is the healer.  When we entered the hospital they not only took our temperatures, they asked a bunch of questions.  The place was relatively quiet and some units had been consolidated.  We met a youngish doctor with good English who we liked a lot.  

The virus news in Thailand is very good.  Yesterday, the Bangkok Post reported no new cases, The Nation said there were two. Today there was only one.  Either way, we seem to be winning this thing, so far.

After dinner it was time for JaiDee to get some more exercise.  Natcha has a way of playing with him that makes him want to run and play games.  They played for quite a while, running around the yard and playing hide-and-seek.

That was part one.  Part two was a short ride to the walking track, where he has many ‘friends’ who greet him by name, come up and pet him, and always give him smiles.  This evening a little boy was staring at him and they connected.  Lisa let JaiDee go to him and they had a moment.  When he got home he was really tired, which was the point.  He still ‘fights’ sleep, but finally crashes.

Today’s photo shows JaiDee and Towan adoring each other on ‘the bench’.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                           Peace,

                                     Danny

“Although the world is full of 

suffering, it is also full of the

overcoming of it.”

~Helen Keller

Felt

Hi,

We had another very hot, muggy day today.  There was a 100% chance of rain, but it didn’t happen.  Not that we need more, but it’s nice in steady doses.  We did get some strong wind for a brief time.  

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was “Long Tall Sally” by Little Richard.  I have some fond memories of Little Richard from when I was a teenager and he was just taking off as a star.  I’ll tell you about it later.  Now it’s time for a ‘Zany Day’ song: “Every time I think that I’m the only one who’s lonely someone calls on me.  And every now and then I spend my time in rhyme and verse and curse those faults in me.  And then __ __ __, and does she want to give me kicks, and be my steady chick and give me pick of memories.  Or maybe rather gather tales of all the fails and tribulations no one every sees.  When we met I was sure out to lunch.  Now my empty cup tastes as sweet as a punch.”  Hint:  Hmm, another three word title with a woman’s name in it.  It’s sung by a six man vocal group in suits.

This morning we hung out on the porch with JaiDee and watched him shred some palm tree husks.  He got a little upset with us when he realized he wasn’t going with us on our morning trip.  We were going to the bank and Big C and neither place is quite ready for him (555).  The heat makes it difficult to take JaiDee for walks during the daytime, and even evening walks are rather warm these days.  Tonight we took him to the walking place and Lisa walked him for about 10 minutes.  When we got home he wasn’t done with his exercise so he played on the front lawn.  Natcha came over later and took him back out and got him to run.  When he returned, he was ready for sleep.  Yea, Natcha.

Here is a link to an article sent to me by my brother Denny.  https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/little-richard-founding-father-rock-133000796.html  We saw Little Richard when he headlined an R&B Revue at the Shrine Auditorium in 1958.  Back then, there would be a ton of bands and vocal groups on the bill.  You really got your money’s worth.  It was Denny’s 10th birthday and after the show we went to Dolphin’s of Hollywood to see Huggy Boy, a disc jockey we heard on the radio at night.  There, on the corner of Vernon and Central in the heart of Los Angeles, this guy sat in a glass booth, spinning records and taking requests.  It was one of the biggest thrills of that era, to see him doing his thing.  Many years later, Lisa and I saw Little Richard in Las Vegas, in a tiny daytime show that was outrageous.  Occasionally, I’d see him in Hollywood during the 60’s either entering or exiting a limo someplace.  Let the good times roll.

Today’s photo is one of several benches scattered around Chivit Thamma Da.  Social distancing at it simplest.

It feels like a Wacky Wednesday.

                         Peace,

                                   Danny

“I did what I felt, and felt what I did, 

at all costs.”

~Little Richard

Promise

Hi,

Chiang Rai had quite a storm last night.  We got a lot of thunder, lightning and rain, but didn’t get the high winds that other parts of town felt.  There were a lot of uprooted trees, etc.  Today was a hot, dry day.

It was nice to see that some of you recognized the classic that is actually an ‘Old School Friday’ not ‘Easy Monday’.

“Well, __ __ __ she’s, really sweet she got everything and Uncle John need, o baby.  Yes, baby, oooh baby, havin’ me some fun tonight, yeah.”  Clue:  The first two words of the title are descriptive adjectives.  

This morning we took JaiDee to Work@Home for his morning cup of ice.  We didn’t take him for a walk first and it showed in his boisterous behavior.  He is a strong-willed teen who knows what he wants.  He’s slowly learning how to maintain his cool, but sometimes the excitement overwhelms him.  

One of JaiDee’s favorite things is playing with the water from the hose.  Lisa waves the hose and he chases it.  When he catches it he prances around, trying to get more in his face.  Today’s photo is what happens when you try to dry him off with a towel.  Somehow he got the towel wrapped around his face, and enjoyed it.

A few days ago Natcha took Nitchanan to Sabroso for lunch.  What fun for a little girl, going to a new place for lunch with mom.  It was one of many creative things Natcha thinks of to do with Nitchanan.  It’s nice to see.

There are some sports that are continuing during the pandemic.  They’ve found a way to do their thing without an audience.  We’ve been watching snooker and the Thai volleyball league with empty seats.  Auto racing of various forms are now showing virtual e-races with the real drivers driving the virtual cars.  Amazing what technology can do in a pinch.  Hmm, don’t look too far into the future, we might all be in a digital world.  

Have a Happy Tuesday.   Oh, take nothing for granted, wear your mask and wash your hands.

                       Peace,

                                 Danny

“Promise me you’ll always remember:

You’re braver than you believe,

stronger than you seem, and

smarter than you think.”

~A.A. Milne

Wander

Hi,

We had the hot weather that was predicted, and a fair amount of rain.  You know the air is hot when the pool stays warm even after rain every evening.  The afternoon cool-downs in the pool make it all bearable.

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “Maybe” by The Chantels.  ‘Easy Monday’ is a tribute to one of the earliest pioneers of Rock & Roll who recently passed.  “Gonna tell Aunt Mary ‘bout Uncle John, he claims he got the misery but he has a lot of fun.  Oh baby, yes baby, wooh baby, havin’ me some fun tonight, yeah.  Hint:  By another singer with the first name ‘Little’.  There is a woman’s name in the three word title.  

Saturday morning we took JaiDee to Work@Home again.  He had a great time, getting loads of attention from Katai.  He really enjoys riding in the van.  When we’re sitting still he gets restless.  When we start rolling again he is a happy dog.  Sunday morning we went back to Chivit Thamma Da.  This time Nam Kok (pronounced Coke), the house Golden, was there and they got to spend some time together.  ‘Kok’ as he’s called, was rescued from the Kok river about 4 years ago by Joakim, the owner of Chivit.  He thinks Kok is about 8 years old.  When JaiDee wanted to  play, Kok just brushed him off.  They did walk around a little and JaiDee learned a few lessons.  Today we went for a walk across the river, where they have the fairs on holidays.  We walked through branches and plant life, which gave his nose a real delight.  From there we went to a little art gallery coffee shop.  We sat outside and enjoyed our coffee while JaiDee had his ice.  This pattern has become the new normal for us.  There was still time to take him home and go to HomePro for light bulbs and a clock.  

Today’s photo shows JaiDee in his ‘Let’s Play’ pose.

Even though people are going into the streets, and more businesses are opening, there is still an air of caution being exercised.  The ‘entry ritual’ is still in place when entering most businesses.  The taking of the temperature, gel on the hands, and a sticker marking you as ‘screened’.  I saw an interesting comment about the low virus count in Thailand.  It was noted that as a ‘Wai’ culture there is not a lot of hugging and kissing when greeting.  We keep a distance on a regular basis.  Hmm.  I should also mention the we have not had a new case of the virus in Chiang Rai  for 40 days.  

Have a Great Week.   Believe the hype, wear a mask.

                          Peace,

                                    Danny

“You wander from room to room

hunting for the diamond necklace

that is already around your neck.”

~Rumi

Friday Funnies

Hi,

Today was another stifling hot day.  It felt like those days people refer to when they talk about frying an egg on the sidewalk.

The ‘Zany Day’ song was “Politician” by Cream.  From 1958 here’s one you may remember:  “__, if I pray every night you’ll come back to me.  __, If I cry every day, you’ll come back to stay.  Oh, __.”  Hint:  It’s by a girl group, and it’s kind of a ‘What if’ song.  

This morning we had to go to Big C, so we started thinking about somewhere ‘new’ to get coffee.  We were on our way to a repeat at Work@Home when I missed the turn.  It put us right in front of a little shop that supports a new art gallery space.  We got our iced-coffee and sat in the garden area listening to cool music.  It was perfect.

Big C was the busiest we’ve seen it in a long time.  We got there before 11am, which meant they weren’t selling liquor yet.  The lines in front of the bank branches were quite long since they’re still observing social distancing.  Since you can’t get into the store building without a mask, it was comforting to know we were protected.  Not that long ago it was hard to locate face masks, now there are many choices around the check-out stands.  Now we have a little selection at home.  What fun!

Have you noticed, every time you put your mask on and go out in public, someplace on your face starts to tickle?

It seems like no matter what time JaiDee goes to sleep, he seems to wake up at 6:15am.  I guess that's how it’s going to be.  

Today’s photo shows JaiDee standing on his hind legs at the kitchen sink with Natcha, bidding us goodbye.  It’s a little blotchy through the screen.

This afternoon we were getting ready to swim, hoping to beat the rain that was lurking.  Nitchanan was more than ready to join us, and we assured Natcha that it was OK.  With her ‘water wings’ in place, our resident mermaid slipped into the water and demonstrated everything she’s learned this week from Gong.  She can now hold her breath without holding her nose, and she can put her face in the water, kick her feet (like a frog) and move about 4 feet per breath.  She did the length of the pool, with a little help from Lisa and a paddle board.  Lisa asked her if she could use her arms and her quick answer was, ‘No’.  The thunder came and we had to go, but she didn’t fuss about it. Later, she and Gong returned to the water for a longer session.

A few minutes ago there was a volley of fireworks close by and it really freaked JaiDee out.  Maybe that’s not the right term, it was an intrusion on his serenity and he barked used his 'big dog voice’.  We get these fireworks outbursts when there’s a funeral in the neighborhood.

As life begins the attempt at a new normal, remember to act as if it’s still in outbreak mode.

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

                             Peace,

                                       Danny

Rainbow

Hi,

The weather was HOT.  This afternoon it was 102° in the shade.  We dealt with it gracefully, slipping into the water.

This week’s ‘Zany Day’ song doesn’t have the title in the lyrics.  If you really think about what he’s saying you will identify what he is.  “I support the left, tho’ I’m leanin’, leanin’ to the right.  I support the left, tho’ I’m leanin’ to the right.  But I’m just not there when it’s coming to a fight.  Hey now baby, get into my big black car….”  Clue:

There have been a ton of clues for this easy conclusion, even if you don’t know the song.

This morning we continued JaiDee’s tour of the coffee spots with a visit to Chivit Thamma Da.  We invited Cat to join us and this was an extra thrill for JaiDee.  After we went through the entry ritual we were able to sit at one of our favorite tables.  The staff gave JaiDee a warm welcome when we went in the front door.  It was a little like ‘Cheers’.  He got lots of petting throughout the whole visit.  The place has done a really good job of making customers feel safe.  Drinking glasses are wrapped, the menus are in plastic sleeves, and the staff all wear face shields.  When they brought the bill it was on a clipboard with a plastic bag for cash if that’s how you paid.  There was a minimum of touching.  

Cat was very excited to meet us at Chivit.  She hadn’t been anywhere except 7-11 for weeks.  She has been very conscientious about sticking to the protocols surrounding the virus.  She has begun teaching privately on a very limited basis.  After many discussions with the parents, she is going to their home for one-on-one tutoring.  She said it’s harder because of the need to keep everything clean.  It’s also hard to hold a youngsters attention when there has been no supervised learning for weeks.  When we asked about teaching him online she said there is no control.  Cat’s university is offering free online courses on how to teach online.  It covers the various software tools as well as how to manage older students.   

When we were at Work@Home yesterday, I asked about a tractor that was parked in the driveway.  Katai and Towan have a tractor franchise and this particular vehicle is very special.  It was designed by a Japanese designer who used to work in Europe.  One of the companies he worked for was Ferrari and when he returned to Japan, he put his ‘touch’ on this Yanmar tractor.

Thailand has had to cancel many holidays during this period of isolation.  Rather than having people flocking to temples in the usual manner, the monks are chanting on the internet, so worshipers can be a part of the ceremonies without leaving home.  Some holidays are more physical, like Songkran, which will be celebrated at a later date.  One just can’t throw water at the computer (555).

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                         Peace,

                                   Danny

“Try to be a rainbow 

in someone’s cloud.”

~Maya Angelou