Worth

Hi,

It’s the one word that’s on everybody’s lips: Cold.  It was colder last night, like 45F, and it seemed to linger until it was time to take the dog out.  It finally warmed up, but not so warm that two shirts and a vest felt too hot.  Tonight is supposed to be somewhere between 42 and 47 degrees.  Living in thermal clothing.

It looks like the ‘Zany Day’ song is the first real easy one in a long time (555).  I know it’s one of the most popular holiday songs in Central Plaza Mall (cringe).  “…Then one foggy Christmas eve, Santa came to say, ‘__ with your nose so bright, won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?’  Then how the __ loved him, as they shouted out with glee.  __ __ __-__ __, you’ll go down in history.”  Hint:  Seriously? 

This morning we went up to Shong Cafe for coffee before tackling Makro, only to find them closed.  There was a note on the door in Thai, and due to the cold, we didn’t try to figure it out (555).  Next door is a place called ‘Harmony Cafe’ and I’ve been wondering about it for months.  Today we sampled this new little spot.  It’s got comfortable seating, like a living room or den, and a very mellow feel.  If only the coffee were hot and they had the little cookies and tea we might leave Shong forever.  Maybe it was a bad day.

Your first photo is a typical aisle at Makro.  I took this pic after I looked up and realized how much stuff is in there.

Our lunch with Cat was fun.  Of course, we talked about dealing with the cold and how much she didn’t like riding her motorbike in this weather.  She’s on a break from school until the 8th of next month.  Her substitute teaching is over so she’s working in the milk shop a lot.  Over New Years she is going camping with a bunch from her department at school.  They are going to Nan, where it is very cold.  I asked if they’re sleeping in tents and she said yes.  Oh my.  We got a ’Toon Update’ and he will be arriving in Chiang Rai on the 23rd, at her college at 7am.  She says it will be too cold and too early to go out and see him, but I’m betting she goes.  Everyone we talk to knows about Toon and the run to save the hospitals.  Cat told us that Chiang Rai Hospital, which is a government hospital, will be one of the units benefitting from the funds.  All Thai people are eligible for very inexpensive insurance that guarantees them some degree of medical care for a nominal fee.  It sometimes takes all day to see a doctor, and one may end up in the hall on a gurney, but they’re being served.  Toon’s efforts could change that a great deal. This guy is making history.

This evening we met Nukoon and Sutheera for dinner and had a good time.  We did some reminiscing and realized how long we’ve known them.  They told us about a duck that has taken residence in their pond.  It sleeps in a tree at night and flies down to the water every morning.  Nukoon acted like he didn’t like the duck, but then produced a movie clip on his phone.  He likes the duck (555).  

Today’s second photo is the centerpiece of the flower show.  The aroma is wonderful.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.  Tomorrow I’ll say goodnight/morning from Bangkok.

                    Peace,

                              Danny

“Nothing is worth more

than this day.”

~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe