Life

Hi,
And, we're back. What a nice weekend. Hope you had the same. The weather here is wonderful. We're in that time of year when it's not too hot and not too cold.
Quite a few of you remembered the theme from "Shaft", by Issac Hayes. Here's another one from the same era:
"__ __ __ When you're not strong I'll be your friend I'll help you carry on..." Hint: This tune became a bit of an anthem, and even inspired a movie title. The singer was careful to avoid singing 'I know' on this one. (Ha)
We're kind of excited around here. Our friend Kristy arrives tomorrow afternoon for a five day visit. It's our first opportunity to play tour guide and show off our new country. We haven't done many touristy things since we've been here. So, we're going to hit some of the high points of Northern Thailand. There will, of course, be lots of pictures during the week.
I don't know if I mentioned it or not, but it's been like the 4th of July around here for several weeks. Fireworks of all kinds are being set off every night. Big ones, little ones, whistling ones and hissing ones. It's all a lead-up to the Loi Kratong Festival that begins on Wednesday. Remember the Friendship Festival banner (on Flickr)? Well, for a week, everyone will converge on a portion of the Mae Kok river, near the property we're looking at, to set little floral arrangements with candles, on the river. The purpose is to pay tribute to the water and ask forgiveness for harming the water. I suspect that the visual will be something to behold. Imagine a river, filled with flowers and flame, slowly moving along. Some put offerings of food on the arrangements, some put money. Boot told us that sometime kids wait downstream and take the money. Hmm. The tradition was to make the whole thing with a base made from a coconut shell, but now a lot are made with foam. (not good for the river) Anyway, we'll be there.
Today we went to Bangkok Bank and opened a new account. It was Monday morning and the place was full of people, patiently waiting for their place at one of the windows. We didn't have to wait as long since we were dealing with a new account, but it still took a while. Some, who had been there when we arrived, were still waiting when we left. No one was complaining. Amazing. The system works.
There's a flock of birds that come to the yard every evening, like clockwork, and create a chirping frenzy. And then it stops, and then it starts. After while they either leave, or go to sleep. We haven't figured that out yet. Boot thinks they stay here, leave for the day and then come home in the evening. That'll work. We all trip on it every day.
Have a Fantastic Week. Today's quote is from my dear friend Brenda.

Peace,
Danny

"Life is so short and it is all about grace and gratitude isn't it?"
~Brenda


Gettin' Funky, Thai Style

www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics