Patience

Hi,

In spite of all the predictions of rain on a daily basis, we haven’t had any.  Now we’re told that there is a major system moving to Northern Thailand, bringing lots of rain.  We’ve been told we’ll have a thunderstorm ‘in the area’, ‘in spots, and ‘a stray one’ for good measure.  Hmm.

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “I Can’t Help Myself” by The Four Tops.  ‘Easy Monday should be just that.  The title is one word, and it’s from across the pond.  “Is there anybody going to listen to my story, all about the girl who came to stay.  She’s the kind of girl you want so much it makes you sorry.  Still, you don’t regret a single day.  Ah, __, Girl.”  Hint:  The title is sung in the verse.  How’s that for making it easy?

Saturday morning we braved the Talat (big market).  We were in search of material for a bed spread.  On our way to our favorite fabric shop we passed a store with a mascot.  You might say it’s ‘Fabric Dog’.  

We found some material for our spread and the owner of the shop took us through the maze that is the Talat and introduced us to a new tailor.  He will make shirts for me at a very reasonable rate.  Our new spread, made by the woman who sits in an alleyway, was ready to be picked up on Sunday morning. 

From the depths of the market we drove across the river to Chivit Tamma Da for coffee, tea, and a frappe.  Lisa had the coffee, I had tea, and Cat had a strawberry, white chocolate, ice cream frappe.  Teens on vacation can eat anything they want to in the morning (555).  One of the owners came by and visited with us since it wasn’t very busy.  Lisa mentioned that Cat would be looking for a part-time job at the end of the school term and our friend is going to keep a spot open for her.  It’s a great atmosphere, happy staff, and a chance to use her English.

The story about the internet ‘Firewall’ has created quite a stir in Thailand.  The powers-that-be have now announced that it was just an idea they were floating around and there is nothing officially happening.  The message from the people was received:  ‘Don’t mess with our internet’.

The carnival/concert thing across the river is just about half-way through.  While there are usually two bands per evening that are interesting, most of it feels like an assault.  To make matters worse, they play until midnight, instead of 11pm.  Cat has been there twice.  I asked her after the first night if she liked the music.  She said only a couple of songs.  She’s not into dance music, as she called it.  

The big news from the Big Brown House is that Natcha and Gong are going to have a little girl in February.  In minor news, our resident teenager got grounded for the first time.  Being home by 9pm means just that.  Tonight she had to stay at home, and no visits from the boyfriend.  It was accepted with dignity and no pouting.  There are lessons to be learned.

Have a Great Week.

               Peace,

                         Danny

“Have patience with all things,

but chiefly have patience with yourself.”

~St. Francis De Sales