Measure

Hi,

With less than a day left, there were more loose ends and errands to do. There were items to be packed and lists to be checked. Isn't this fun? Three weeks away from home is more than a camping trip or a getaway. It's almost like moving. Hmm.

As I expected, some of you knew this song. Silly me, I thought it was easy. Maybe today's lyrics will help out:
"Out for summer, out 'til fall. We might not come back at all. __ __ forever, __ __ for summer..." Hint: What happens this time of year? It makes teachers sigh. Some even smile.

This morning our friend Jenny and her sister Atom came over to see Lisa's art and discuss the progress on the translations they have been doing for the art show catalogue. There are some things that don't translate from English to Thai very well and they have been very helpful with our effort to communicate. Lisa explained one of the mediums that she uses called the 'cast acrylic print'. It was invented by her father, Joseph Zirker. We're hoping to have a description of the process at the show so people will understand this new process. This is probably the first time it's been seen in Thailand.

After lunch we went downtown to get the last bit of running done. Chiang Rai is the kind of town where you can become a 'local' in a short time by being a friendly, repeat customer at the shops you like. We started our 'run' at the car wash. It would be a shame to leave a dirty car in the car port for three weeks. After we left the car we walked down to 7-11 to pay a couple of bills. Then we crossed the street to the pharmacy warehouse for a few things and then up to Tops for a supply of cookies. Then we headed back in the direction of the car. Lisa stopped at the bookshop where she trades books, plus a small price. I walked up to the car and drove down near the bookshop. In the course of all that we saw many people we see every time we go downtown. A smile, a nod and warmth that can't be described. Oh, as soon as I got in the car, it started raining lightly. Oh well, it was clean.

When we got home Boot informed us that Kek would be coming over to show us the price-list of the plants and trees we'd ordered. We waited as long as we could and decided it was time for our last swim at home and just as Lisa got in the pool, Kek arrived. We handled the business and had a very nice swim.

Just after the swim, Johan arrived and we talked about the pool and how it's doing. He's going to Nigeria by way of Holland while we're gone. He'll be doing some consulting in four cities. Not a vacation at all.

The dogs have a sense that something is going on, what with the suitcases on the floor and all the walking in and out of the closet. They're being very affectionate and it's making it harder to think about being gone for so long.

Have a Happy Tuesday and I'll write you from an airport somewhere in Asia. (Ha)

Peace,
Danny

"The measure of our life is not whether others know our name,
but whether we have touched the lives of others."
~Unknown

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
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