Hi,
Today we had more high temps, and we also had clouds. If only they had dumped some needed water on us. The rivers are down, the grass is dry, and the air needs a wash.
The 'Easy Monday' song was "Woodstock" by Joni Mitchell, and made famous by Crosby, Stills & Nash. Now, on to crazier matters, and the 'Zany Day' song. "She keeps her Moet et Chandon in her pretty cabinet, 'Let them eat cake' she says, just like Marie Antoinette. A built-in remedy for Khrushchev and Kennedy, at anytime an invitation you can't decline. Caviar and cigarettes, well versed in etiquette, extraordinarily nice. She's a __ __, gunpowder, gelatine, dynamite with a laserbeam. Guaranteed to blow your mind...." Hint: Part of the title of this zany tune is also the name of the band. It came from across the pond.
This morning Daku got a bath before his exercise. When he spotted the washing materials he made a mad dash for other parts of the yard. The boy does not like baths. Once the process begins, he surrenders and just stands there with his most pitiful face. After it's over he races around the yard with extra energy.
We went into town to visit our friend Supalak, who is in the hospital recuperating from surgery. First we stopped at the Healthy Market for a floral basket and fish for dinner. The hospital is in the center of town and is run by the government. Thais can get an insurance card that gets them very low cost medical care. Walking through one of the outdoor corridors was unsettling. People on gurneys, beds set up in hallways, and loved ones standing watch. It was busy with visitors today since it's a holiday. When we asked where our friend was, it took several nurses to recognize the room, and then we were escorted to a building that was very different from the rest. We discovered that there is a VIP wing. On the 5th floor it was totally quiet. Upon entering Supalak's room, we felt as if we had been transported somewhere else. It was a little apartment, with a sitting area complete with a couch and soft chairs. There was a kitchen area as well. She was in very good spirits and we had a chance to spend some quality time with her. There was a friend of hers there to help her and she told us that having family and friends around made her happy. This is an important component of healing in Thai hospitals.
The streets of Chiang Rai were a lot less crowded today because of the holiday. We noticed many people dressed all in white, meaning they were participating in ceremonies at their temples. I even saw a bus full of young monks on their way to one of the larger temples. Today's photo was taken by a professional a few years ago at one of the major celebrations of Makka Bucha Day. The arrangement of the monks and the candles offers a very spiritual image.
Air quality in the north is becoming a news item again this year. The 'burn off', as it is called, is very bad and there are also wild fires in the forest areas. This time of year many farmers burn away old crop waste in preparation for the next planting. There is a belief that it will fortify the soil. As a result, there is a lot of smoke in the air. Today was cloudy and that seemed to hold everything in a static state. No breezes, just still, hot air. Tomorrow could be different, but March is the month that many people leave for coastal vacations or other countries. We stay and turn up the air cleaner. The adventure continues.
It's time for Wacky Wednesday.
Peace,
Danny
"You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire
universe, deserve your love and affection."
~Buddha
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
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