Water

Hi,

Well, it was bound to happen.  The weather got hot.  Today’s forecast was 90F with a low of 57F.  Thinking about all the folks who are going through the minus stuff right now.

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “Abracadabra” by Steve Miller.  Only two readers remembered that, but now you all do.  Time for an ‘Easy Monday’ song that you can hum all day.  “I used to get mad at my school (no, I can’t complain), the teachers that taught me weren’t cool (no I can’t complain).  Holding me down, turning me ‘round, filling me up with their rules.  I’ve got to admit it’s __ __, a little __ all the time (can’t get no worse), to admit it’s __ __, it’s __ __ since you’ve been mine.” Hint:  It’s by those lads from across the pond.  Basically about the improvements in his life.

The streets of Chiang Rai are getting more crowded by the day.  I think a lot of it has to do with the build-up to the  Chinese New Year celebrations.  Saturday there were a few ‘test’ explosions of firecrackers.  Sunday there was a little more enthusiasm.  Today, there was some serious crackling going on.  In our neighborhood we heard a few strings (the firecrackers are tied together so they just keep popping).  On the way to downtown in front of the Chinese Cultural Center, we drove through a massive cloud of smoke, right after a couple of strings.  There is lots of red around town.  Everything from banners and lanterns to costumes and make-up, it’s going to be a very red New Year.  

Sunday lunch at The Wanderer was another unique experience.  Khun Noot has been creating and experimenting in the kitchen.  After we talked for a few minutes she ask us if we liked curry.  Lisa does, but I can’t eat it, so Noot brought out an Indian egg curry dish she created for her vegetarian friends.  Then she went to the kitchen and returned with a dish that was to be eaten after the curry as a palate cleanser.  It was made from green tea and apparently had pineapple inside.  I sampled an interesting tea that had foaming almond milk floating on top.  I liked it.  All of this burst of creativity was sparked by the fact that The Wanderer is one of the venues providing free snacks at the “Wheel & Flute” event on Valentine’s Day.

Sometimes it feels like we’re isolated from the other side of the world.  This weekend that feeling went away by way of several Skype calls.  Yesterday we had a long talk with Cousin Ellen, who was in New Hampshire, with snow outside.  Today we talked to Stephen and Claire who now live in Tasmania, Australia.  The contrast in weather was amazing.  From snow to warm and sunny.  While we were talking to Australia, we got a call from Sebastian in Culver City.  

It’s no secret that many humans like to feed their dogs human-like food and treats.  Today’s photo was taken at Browney’s Pet World.  The packages in the cooler are actually healthy meals with good ingredients, but with names that dog owners can relate to.  Interesting.  Our friend Lisa says her dog Diesel loves the Lean Cuisine.  There’s also ‘Beef in Paradise’ and ‘Tuna the Maguro’.  I wonder if the dogs care (555)

Tomorrow is the actual day of Chinese New Year.  In addition to firecrackers, there will be the Dragon Dancers and Drummers.  I can’t wait to hear the sounds from our neighbor across the street.  Every year he invites the crews in Chiang Rai to come to his house for a drum jam and then feeds them.  

Have a Great Week.

                      Peace,

                                Danny

“The grass isn’t greener on the other side,

it’s green where you water it.”

~Unknown