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Hi,

The cold is here.  The ‘Hawk’ has landed.  We woke up to a brand new form of weather.  It almost warmed up during the day.  In the sun, when the wind stopped, it was nice and warm.  Daku got his bath and we all sat in the sun.

Only one person has responded to the ‘Easy Monday’ song.  I’m surprised, but oh well.  This is a busy time.

“Choirs will be singing ‘Silent Night’, Christmas carols, by candlelight.  __ __ __ __ __, __ __ __ __ __, if not for Christmas, by New Years night.  Friends and relations, send salutations, sure as the stars shine above.  But this is Christmas, yes, Christmas my dear.  The time of the year to be with the ones you love…”  The group that sang this also told you about a hotel in California. 

Countdown mode is in full effect.  In addition to making sure we have everything in place for the house to operate smoothly, meaning Daku’s needs will be met and Natcha has what she needs, there are also visits with close friends, things to take with us, things to order for delivery in California, and, oh yes, packing the suitcases.  Whew.  I know I missed something, and that’s the way it goes.  It always happens that I take too many shirts that never get worn because it’s too cold.  Not this time.  I’m not falling for that, ‘Oh, it’s just like the temps in Thailand’ routine.  It’s a different kind of cold and I’m coming prepared (555).

Yesterday afternoon our friend Atom came over.  We had a nice visit and got caught up on various things.  At her family’s building supply location they have installed a giant statue of two elephants hugging.  They are also having the finishing touches put on a very old Teak house that was disassembled up north and brought to Chiang Rai and put back together.  It will be a kind of Heritage display.  

A few weeks ago I told you about the Rock singer, Toon Bodyslam, who is running through Thailand.  He started in the south and is raising money for the small hospitals all over the country.  He’s on his approach to Chiang Rai and hopes to be in Mae Sai, at the border with Burma, by 25 December.  So far he has raised just under 900,000,000 Baht.  That’s 27.5 million US Dollars.  It boggles the mind.  I would imagine a little vacation will be in order after this heroic feat.

Last night Lisa got a call from our friends at The Wanderer, inviting us to a specially cooked dinner.  It is a very touching gesture.  When we get back from the States we will get our ’special meal’ from dear friends.

Thursday will be a busy day.  In addition to all the last minute ’stuff’, Cat will join us for lunch at the house.  In the evening we will have dinner with Nukoon and Sutheera, long-time good friends.  Every year we attend Nukoon’s birthday dinner as part of the family.  This year we leave on the night of the event, so we’re taking him to dinner.  Nukoon met us at the airport in 2001 and supplied us with a government van and driver for the three days we visited Chiang Rai.  When we moved here, Sutheera came to our hotel room and introduced herself.  Through the years we have kept a strong friendship.  

The first of today’s photos was taken at The Wanderer, from our table.  The second is Lisa and the ’Scarf Lady’ in the Night Bazaar.     

Neechanon has been visiting us and talking up a storm.  She now has words for Lisa, Daku and me.  Lisa is ‘Sa’, Daku is ‘Koo’ or ‘Too’, and I am ‘Nee’.  She seems to favor the second syllables at this time.  We’re gonna miss her for the three weeks.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                    Peace,

                              Danny

“At the center of your being

you have the answer; you know

who you are and you know what 

you want.”

~Lao Tzu