When...

Hi,

We stayed in town today. In fact, we stayed at home until the evening. It was another hot one and we could hear the shrieking voices across the street and down the road. Water play was a cooling factor. We didn't throw water, we just got in it.

I got a couple of responses to our 'Easy Monday' song. I thought I'd be hearing from a bunch of you, but no.
"Talkin' 'bout things about that special one. They may be stupid but they sure are fun. I'll give it to you while we're on the run because we ain't got time to get this thing together....And when we're through with you, we'll get me one too." Hint: Oh come on, if you know it, you know it. Let me know. They're off to find something/someone.

This morning we were going to drive up to Mae Sai to the immigration office but Boot told us they would probably be closed since today was the official first day of Songkran. After looking at several sites relating to closures, we determined that they'll probably be closed all week. We'll check in next Tuesday instead.

Thailand is having one of the hottest, driest years in a long time. We can only judge by comparing it to the previous seasons that we've been here. It seems so. Whatever the case, it can be oppressive at times, and then you just get in the zone and do what you need to do. There is a man taking care of one of the fields to the west of our house. Every day he's been out there working in the heat. We stand and look out from the upstairs window, in the comfort of the cool, and marvel at his determination. There are many people who work outside and have no choice.

We have one neighbor next door and one across the street and down a bit. We don't know the neighbor across the street, but today the children of his staff set up a water station in front of the house. All morning we could hear big cheers and laughter every time they doused a car or motorbike with water. This year, like the others, found us dreading the whole thing at first, and then being fascinated by the many levels of the experience. The little kids are so cute as they wind up to toss the water. You can see mischief in their eyes and a smile just starting to form. When the water hits, their faces project pure joy. There is also such a strong cultural vibe to be absorbed. The fact that there is no age limit as to who can participate, the fact that many people slow down to give the revelers a chance to hit them, and the happiness that seems to be present everywhere, are things that make Songkran such an amazing adventure.

Boot has some kind of bug and has been in her house for two days. Lisa made a great spaghetti lunch today. After lunch we did our usual relaxation/nap time and then went for a swim. It's nice to be back in that routine of afternoon swims. My body feels better and it definitely cools us off.

This evening we drove up to Ban Du, just north of us on the highway. We had dinner at Baron Art Kitchen. On our way there, we drove through a little neighborhood that seemed to really be in the party spirit. Water was flying, we (the car) got wet, and the spirit of the thing was apparent. On the highway we saw more of the same. We were the first customers of the evening at the restaurant and it was kind of special. Then, about half way through our meal, a large party started assembling. When we left Baron, we stopped off at Makro, which is like a CostCo in the States. We just strolled around without a cart at first. Then we started to see things. Not that much, but enough to warrant a shopping cart. Hmm. We did see something that we plan to investigate. It's a stand-alone air/con. It was pumping out some pretty cold air and just might be what we need for the living room.

Have a Happy Tuesday and Happy Songkran.

Peace,
Danny

"When special feelings come your way,
let them flow into your heart.
When miracles try to find you, don't hide.
When special people come along,
let them know what a blessing they are.
Let your smiles begin way down, deep inside."
~Collin McCarthy

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
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