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Hi,

The days are nice around here, but the nights decided to do the cold thing again.  We are now having lows in the 40s.  It’s back to layers of clothing at night, in the house.  

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “There Goes My Baby” by The Drifters.  ‘Easy Monday’ should be obvious.

“Very __, writings on the wall, very __, ladders ‘bout to fall.  Thirteen month old baby, broke the lookin’ glass.  Seven years of bad luck, the good things in your past.  When you believe in things that you don’t understand then you suffer.  __ ain’t the way.”  Hint:  Rabbit’s foot, amulets, magic oil, sidewalk cracks, hmm.  

Just when I was going to tell you that we’re having a quiet, explosion-free evening, a giant display was set off behind our house.  Maybe it was just something left over (555).  It turns out most people celebrated Chinese New Year on Sunday.  

The highlight of our weekend was two trips to The Wanderer.  If you recall, this is the river-front ‘forest’ being developed at a coffee shop, restaurant, bakery experience owned by the folks from Doi Chaang Coffee.  It’s finally near semi-completion and they invited us by to see the progress.  Khun Noot and her daughter Kwan took us on an updated tour and then we had rose petal tea, that was wonderful.  The trees and vines have filled in spaces nicely and we noticed lots of little touches everywhere.  Tiny wild flowers grow at the base of trees, stone pathways lead you to quiet spots, and it’s only a few minutes from our house.  Below are a couple of photos.  More about our visits tomorrow.

The Path to The Wanderer

A View of the Central area from Above

This weekend also saw the arrival of more friends and relatives to visit Natcha and Neetchanan.  Some, like Gong’s sister Fang worked hard both days.  The entire family is very sweet and loving and it’s a joy having them around.  We’re hoping one day to take a photo with everyone at The Big Brown House.

For some merchants in Chiang Rai, a major holiday like Chinese New Year means an infusion of cash by the many visitors.  For others, it’s business as usual.  Certain things mean more to visitors than others.  For instance, food and lodging are very important, but trinkets or local crafts may not be a priority.  Our friend at Sawadee Restaurant was doing big business last night, but another friend with a small souvenir shop was complaining that no one was buying anything.  And so it goes.  

Have a Great Week.

              Peace,

                        Danny

“You create your opportunities

by asking for them.”

~Shakti Gawain